Engine Controlled By Clutch Control Patents (Class 477/181)
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Patent number: 8702565Abstract: A vehicle having engine stop-start functionality includes a transmission, engine, and controller. The transmission includes a clutch, and the engine includes a crankshaft. The controller is in communication with the engine and the transmission, and is configured for detecting a commanded shut down of the engine, and then engaging the clutch to control a rate of deceleration of the crankshaft and stop the crankshaft within a calibrated range of a target stop position at the end of engine shut down. A method for controlling engine stop position includes detecting a commanded shut down of the engine, and engaging the clutch after detecting the commanded shut down to thereby control the rate of deceleration of the crankshaft and stop the crankshaft within a calibrated range of a target stop position at the end of shut down of the engine. The transmission may be automatic or it may be a dual-clutch transmission.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2011Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Amin Abboud, Ronald F. Lochocki, Jr., Kenneth K. Lang
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Publication number: 20140100082Abstract: A method and a system for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, a disconnect clutch is operated in response to an engine stop request to adjust an engine stopping position during an engine shutdown. The approach may reduce engine starting time after the engine stop.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2012Publication date: April 10, 2014Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, David Oshinsky, Seung-Hoon Lee, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Dennis Craig Reed
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Patent number: 8668624Abstract: A motor control device for a working vehicle includes: a travel drive device that transmits rotation of a motor to wheels through a torque converter; a first selection device to be operated so as to select one of a power mode and an economy mode; a second selection device that is different from the first selection device; a mode switching device that switches from the economy mode to the power mode if the second selection device is operated in a state where the economy mode has been selected by the first selection device; and a speed restriction device that, when the economy mode is set, restricts a maximum rotational speed of the motor to a lower speed side than that when the power mode is set.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2010Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventors: Koji Hyodo, Masaki Yoshikawa, Kazuo Chounan
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Patent number: 8660765Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 25, 2010Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Masayuki Tomura, Takashi Senda
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Patent number: 8660764Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 11, 2011Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: GETRAG Getriebe- und Zahnradfabrik Hermann Hagenmeyer GmbH & Cie KGInventors: Thomas Gorius, Joerg Meissner
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Patent number: 8651998Abstract: A method is for controlling a hybrid drive of a vehicle, which includes at least one internal combustion engine and at least one electric machine, having a first clutch situated between the electric machine and the drive train of the vehicle and a second clutch situated between the electric machine and the internal combustion engine. In the method, a predefinable clutch torque is applied to the second clutch for a start of the internal combustion engine by the operating electric machine, the rotational speed of the internal combustion engine is monitored, and the clutch torque is incremented to a higher value if the rotational speed of the internal combustion engine is less than a predefinable threshold value within a predefinable time interval.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2007Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Rene Schenk, Oliver Kaefer, Thorsten Juenemann
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Patent number: 8647237Abstract: A method for selectively coupling a motor to a drive train of a motor vehicle using a clutch having a first clutch part driven by the motor, a second clutch part associated with the drive train and an actuator, the method includes the steps of: accelerating the first clutch part while simultaneously activating the actuator during a first actuation phase without engaging the first and second clutch parts; suspending activation of the actuator until a predefined rotational speed difference is reached between the first and second clutch parts; and engaging the first and second clutch parts during a second actuation phase upon reaching the predefined speed difference.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2011Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: MAGNA Powertrain AG & Co KGInventors: Daniel Prix, Rene Scheucher
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Patent number: 8647231Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle powertrain includes driving first wheels using an electric machine, starting an engine, using a second electric machine driven by the engine to produce synchronous speed at a input of a transmission having a desired gear engaged, engaging a clutch that connects said input and the engine, and using the engine and the transmission to drive second wheels.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2010Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ihab S. Soliman, Fazal U. Syed, Mark S. Yamazaki
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Patent number: 8622872Abstract: A system and method for selectively opening a drivetrain of a vehicle is described. In one example, an electrically operated clutch is opened during selected driving conditions to conserve kinetic energy of the vehicle. The method may reduce fuel consumption during selected conditions.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2011Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Chris Edward Pedlar, Urs Christen, Rainer Busch, Chris Connelly, Ingo Lenz, Harry Cho
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Publication number: 20130331231Abstract: A method concerning determining of a contact point for a clutch (106) of a vehicle (100), such that the clutch (106) to transmit driving power between a first power source in the form of an engine (101) and at least one powered wheel (113, 114), by opening of the clutch (106), and when the contact point is being determined and the vehicle (100) is in motion controlling the speed of the first power source (101) towards a first speed (?1) which is higher than an idling speed of the first power source (101).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2012Publication date: December 12, 2013Inventors: Karl Redbrandt, Andreas Laghamn
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Patent number: 8574126Abstract: A vehicle including an engine coupled to a transmission via a clutch, includes a fuel feed stop controller configured to stop fuel feeding to the engine when a first fuel feed stop condition is satisfied, and a clutch state detector configured to detect whether the clutch is engaged or disengaged, wherein the fuel feed stop controller is configured to resume the fuel feeding to the engine, when a second fuel feed stop condition continues to be satisfied and the clutch continues to be disengaged for a predetermined delay time from a time point when the first fuel feed stop condition is satisfied and the clutch state detector starts to detect that the clutch is disengaged.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2009Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takeru Oshima, Takuya Sakamoto, Kozo Suzuki, Makoto Furukawa
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Patent number: 8574127Abstract: A vehicle engine control device stopping fuel injection if a predetermined fuel cut condition is satisfied, is provided, during running with the fuel injection stopped, when inertia of a power transmission system rotating with the engine has a smaller rate of inertia of the power transmission system acting on rotation of an output shaft of the engine, the fuel injection being started at a lower engine rotation speed as compared to the case of a larger rate of inertia of the power transmission system acting on rotation of the output shaft of the engine, a clutch capable of connecting and interrupting power transmission between the engine and the power transmission system being interposed between the engine and the power transmission system, a rate of inertia of the power transmission system acting on rotation of the output shaft of the engine being configured to decrease as a clutch stroke of the clutch that is an operation amount of a clutch pedal increases, and an engine rotation speed for starting the fuelType: GrantFiled: August 20, 2010Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Ryo Suzuki, Akiyoshi Negishi, Shinichi Takeuchi, Takeshi Kaino, Katsuya Kobayashi
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Patent number: 8556775Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 26, 2011Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Michael Thomas Dickinson, Christopher Irwin Hopp
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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: 8550959Abstract: A vehicle drive system is provided with an engine, a manual transmission capable of changing a gear position, a clutch arranged between the engine and the transmission, and a control device that performs drive control of the engine. During an inertia running in which torque transmission between the engine and an axle is blocked, when the clutch is opened and the gear position of the transmission is changed to a forward position, if the gear position after the change is lower than an optimal gear position corresponding to a vehicle speed, the control device executes fuel cutoff for the engine.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2010Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Nobukazu Ueki
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Patent number: 8540606Abstract: An engine control system for a vehicle includes a power request determination module, a desired speed determination module, and a torque control module. The power request determination module determines a power request for an engine based on a request from a driver of the vehicle and a speed of the vehicle. The desired speed determination module determines a desired speed of the engine based on a speed of a turbine in a torque converter of the engine, a state of a clutch in the torque converter, and one of the power request, a first amount of clutch slip, and a second amount of clutch slip. The torque control module determines a desired engine torque based on the desired engine speed and the power request and controls torque output of the engine based on the desired engine torque.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2009Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Inventors: Michael Livshiz, Jeffrey M. Kaiser, Ronald W. Van Diepen
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Publication number: 20130225368Abstract: Provided is a control device for a vehicle including an engine, a manual transmission, a clutch disposed between the engine and the manual transmission, and a clutch manipulation unit with which a driver controls the state of the clutch. In the control device for the vehicle, an engine revolution increasing control to increase an engine revolution is started at a predetermined start timing when the clutch is switched from a disengaged state to an engaged state by manipulation of the clutch manipulation unit at the time of starting the vehicle in an accelerator-off state, and in a case where the engine revolution is largely degrading in a predetermined period around start of the engine revolution increasing control, the start timing of the engine revolution increasing control is advanced for a next starting of the vehicle in the accelerator-off state.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2012Publication date: August 29, 2013Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hideo Watanabe, Masaaki Otsubo
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Publication number: 20130196820Abstract: A vehicle engine control device stopping fuel injection if a predetermined fuel cut condition is satisfied, is provided, during running with the fuel injection stopped, when inertia of a power transmission system rotating with the engine has a smaller rate of inertia of the power transmission system acting on rotation of an output shaft of the engine, the fuel injection being started at a lower engine rotation speed as compared to the case of a larger rate of inertia of the power transmission system acting on rotation of the output shaft of the engine, a clutch capable of connecting and interrupting power transmission between the engine and the power transmission system being interposed between the engine and the power transmission system, a rate of inertia of the power transmission system acting on rotation of the output shaft of the engine being configured to decrease as a clutch stroke of the clutch that is an operation amount of a clutch pedal increases, and an engine rotation speed for starting the fuelType: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2010Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Ryo Suzuki, Akiyoshi Negishi, Shinichi Takeuchi, Takeshi Kaino, Katsuya Kobayashi
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Patent number: 8490610Abstract: An EG-ECU suspends fuel cutoff when the fuel cutoff is being carried out and the engine speed NE becomes lower than or equal to the resumption engine speed NErtn. The EG-ECU forcibly opens and closes an EGR valve when the fuel cutoff is being carried out, and performs abnormality diagnosis for an EGR device based on a change amount of pressure in an intake pipe caused by opening and closing the EGR valve. The EG-ECU suspends the diagnosis when the diagnosis is being carried out and the engine speed NE becomes lower than or equal to a forcible suspension engine speed NEoff. When the diagnosis is being performed, the EG-ECU sets the forcible suspension engine speed NEoff to a smaller value when the EGR valve is not in a forcibly opened state than when the EGR valve is in the forcibly opened state.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2009Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Toshihiro Kato
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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: 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: 20130137548Abstract: A machine powertrain includes an engine operably connected to a torque converter and a transmission. A switch associated with the torque converter provides a locking signal indicative of a locked or unlocked condition of the torque converter. A throttle sensor associated with the throttle provides a throttle signal. An electronic controller receives the locking signal and the throttle signal, and controls operation of the engine at least partially based on the throttle signal and the locking signal. The electronic controller determines whether a locked or unlocked condition of the torque converter is present based on the locking signal, determines whether a part throttle operating condition or a full throttle operating condition is present based on the throttle signal, and selects a load-control power curve when the part throttle operating condition is present and when the torque converter switches from the unlocked to the locked condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2011Publication date: May 30, 2013Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventors: Sairam Velamakanni, Aaron Ho, Catrina Swan, Warren Pepper, Douglas Carlson
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Publication number: 20130137547Abstract: A machine powertrain includes an engine operably connected to a torque converter and a transmission. A switch associated with the torque converter provides a locking signal indicative of a locked or unlocked condition of the torque converter. A throttle sensor associated with the throttle provides a throttle signal. An electronic controller receives the locking signal and the throttle signal, and controls operation of the engine at least partially based on the throttle signal and the locking signal. The electronic controller determines whether a locked or unlocked condition of the torque converter is present based on the locking signal, determines whether a part throttle operating condition or a full throttle operating condition is present based on the throttle signal, and selects a derated power curve when the part throttle operating condition is present and when the torque converter switches from the unlocked to the locked condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2011Publication date: May 30, 2013Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventors: AARON HO, CATRINA SWAN, WARREN PEPPER, DOUGLAS CARLSON, SAIRAM VELAMAKANNI
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Patent number: 8449434Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling an automated friction clutch arranged in a drive train of a motor vehicle between an internal combustion engine and a transmission, and is operated in a travel-controlled manner by means of an actuator controlled by a control unit and transmits a maximum clutch torque while the friction clutch is closed, where an engine's torque provided by the internal combustion engine is reduced when the maximum clutch torque is exceeded and is increased when the maximum clutch torque rises. The engine torque is reduced which corresponds to a reduced transmittable clutch torque when the reduced transmittable clutch torque is detected and is increased to the engine torque corresponding to the maximum transmittable clutch torque after a first time interval expires, where the engine torque is limited by means of a second, longer time interval when a reduced transmittable clutch torque is detected.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2012Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Mario Jung, Cedric Kieffer, Bjoern Stehle
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Publication number: 20130116906Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for operating a motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine in a coasting operating mode in which the motor vehicle rolls essentially in a propulsionless fashion and essentially without a perceptible engine drag torque on an essentially level road if there is no propulsion request or braking request from a driver of the motor vehicle. According to the invention, the coasting operating mode is not brought about by automatically opening the drivetrain but rather is simulated with the clutch closed in that so much air/fuel mixture is fed to the internal combustion engine that the engine drag torque is largely but not completely compensated.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2012Publication date: May 9, 2013Inventors: Urs Christen, Andreas R. Schamel, Goetz-Philipp Wegner, Uwe Gussen
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Patent number: 8419592Abstract: An engine automatic-stop/restart system resumes injection of fuel when an engine restart condition is satisfied, and energizes the starter motor when, after injection of the fuel has resumed, starting of the engine is not completed. The system can also control the coupling degree of a forward clutch under certain conditions, and energize a solenoid to engage a starter pinion with a crankshaft ring gear when their relative speeds are close to each other. The system then releases the forward clutch after the pinion and the ring gear have engaged.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2011Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventor: Michitaka Fujiwara
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Patent number: 8398526Abstract: A method for controlling a transmission input clutch during a vehicle launch includes determining a desired clutch torque, a desired engine torque, a desired vehicle acceleration and a desired engine speed, determining a change in clutch torque and a change in engine torque with reference to the first and second errors and current operating conditions, applying to the clutch an updated clutch torque capacity whose magnitude is the sum of the desired clutch torque and the change in engine torque, and producing an updated engine torque whose magnitude is the sum of the desired engine torque and the change in engine torque.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2010Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Davor D. Hrovat, Michael G. Fodor, Hong Jiang, Ian Oldknow, Jahan Asgari
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Patent number: 8376908Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus that controls a vehicle having a torque converter provided on a power transmission path between an internal combustion engine and a transmission is provided. The torque converter includes a pump impeller, to which rotational power from the internal combustion engine is input to rotate, a turbine runner that receives oil from the rotating pump impeller and transmits the rotational power toward the transmission, and an impeller clutch that is configured to connect and disconnect the rotational power transmission from the internal combustion engine to the pump impeller. The vehicle control apparatus controls the internal combustion engine and the impeller clutch, such that, when a throttle opening degree is equal to or larger than a first threshold value during control of the impeller clutch from a non-engaged state to a completely engaged state, lowers an output torque of the internal combustion engine.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2010Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yukihisa Tsuzuki, Yosuke Makino, Tomoko Yamamoto, Tomoyuki Kitagawa
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Patent number: 8360932Abstract: In a vehicle mounting an engine equipped with an exhaust turbocharger and a fluid transmission device as the power transmission device, occurrence of surging in the exhaust turbocharger is prevented at the time of connecting a lockup clutch in the fluid transmission device. When a condition for connecting the lockup clutch is held to lock up the fluid transmission device coupled to the engine 1 equipped with the exhaust turbocharger, the operation is executed by lowering a target engine rotational speed for a predetermined period of time prior to the locking up to avoid the occurrence of surging caused by a decrease in the engine rotational speed due to the lockup. A lockup clutch control device 50 includes first timer means 51 for setting a time for executing the operation by decreasing the target engine rotational speed, and second timer means 52 for setting a time for waiting for the start of lockup.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2007Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Isuzu Motors LimitedInventors: Nobuyuki Iwao, Shuuji Taguchi
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Publication number: 20130023381Abstract: A vehicle having engine stop-start functionality includes a transmission, engine, and controller. The transmission includes a clutch, and the engine includes a crankshaft. The controller is in communication with the engine and the transmission, and is configured for detecting a commanded shut down of the engine, and then engaging the clutch to control a rate of deceleration of the crankshaft and stop the crankshaft within a calibrated range of a target stop position at the end of engine shut down. A method for controlling engine stop position includes detecting a commanded shut down of the engine, and engaging the clutch after detecting the commanded shut down to thereby control the rate of deceleration of the crankshaft and stop the crankshaft within a calibrated range of a target stop position at the end of shut down of the engine. The transmission may be automatic or it may be a dual-clutch transmission.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2011Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Amin Abboud, Ronald F. Lochocki, JR., Kenneth K. Lang
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Publication number: 20120316033Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling an automated friction clutch arranged in a drive train of a motor vehicle between an internal combustion engine and a transmission, and is operated in a travel-controlled manner by means of an actuator controlled by a control unit and transmits a maximum clutch torque while the friction clutch is closed, where an engine's torque provided by the internal combustion engine is reduced when the maximum clutch torque is exceeded and is increased when the maximum clutch torque rises. The engine torque is reduced which corresponds to a reduced transmittable clutch torque when the reduced transmittable clutch torque is detected and is increased to the engine torque corresponding to the maximum transmittable clutch torque after a first time interval expires, where the engine torque is limited by means of a second, longer time interval when a reduced transmittable clutch torque is detected.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2012Publication date: December 13, 2012Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KGInventors: Mario Jung, Cedric Kieffer, Bjoern Stehle
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Patent number: 8326510Abstract: A method and an apparatus for controlling output torque of a motor for an electric vehicle in downhill mode comprises following steps: detecting a tilt angle value ?, a current vehicle speed value V and an accelerator-pedal travel value Gain of the vehicle, determining whether the vehicle is in downhill mode or not, and if the result is positive, then calculating a downhill slip torque T1 of the vehicle under the tilt angle value ?, obtaining a maximum output torque T2, calculating an output torque T of the motor based on T1, T2, Gain and a given vehicle speed delimitative value Vref, and controlling the motor to output the calculated output torque T. The present invention ensures the vehicle speed not too high by controlling the output torque of an electric vehicle in downhill mode, even if the brake-pedal travel is zero.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2007Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: BYD Co. Ltd.Inventors: Xiaohua Tang, Xuguang Zhou, Yingwu Xu, Jian Gong, Nan Liu, Guangming Yang
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Patent number: 8321107Abstract: In a method and a control unit for controlling the position of an automatic disc clutch in a vehicle, which disc clutch is arranged to transmit motive force from an internal combustion engine to an input shaft of a stagegeared gearbox in the vehicle, the control unit is arranged to position the clutch in a first position, preparing the vehicle for take off, with the gearbox having a starting gear engaged, and where the clutch in the first position transmits a smaller torque, characterized in that the control unit being further arranged to position the clutch in a second more disengaged position compared to the first position, if a driver of the vehicle does not demand vehicle take off torque by activating a throttle control within a predetermined time.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2006Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar ABInventors: Svante Karlsson, Erik Lauri
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Patent number: 8298117Abstract: A method for operating a hybrid drive system, in particular of a motor vehicle, having at least one electric machine and one internal combustion engine, a disconnecting clutch being provided between the electric machine and the internal combustion engine and a torque converter having a turbine wheel being provided between the electric machine and a hybrid drive output, the disconnecting clutch being engaged for starting the internal combustion engine. It is provided that, as a function of the rotational speed of the turbine wheel of the torque converter, a rotational speed is predefined for the electric machine such that no sudden torque change occurs at the hybrid drive output when the internal combustion engine is started.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2007Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Andreas Seel, Rene Schenk, Oliver Kaefer, Thorsten Juenemann
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Patent number: 8287433Abstract: A work vehicle includes an engine, a travel mechanism, a clutch, an inching operation member, and a controller. The travel mechanism is configured to cause the vehicle to travel. The clutch is configured to selectively transmit drive force from the engine to the travel mechanism. The inching operation member is configured to be operated to create slippage in the clutch to reduce vehicle speed. The controller is configured to calculate load of the clutch during inching, and to reduce a rotational speed of the engine when the calculated load of the clutch during the inching exceeds a predetermined threshold.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2008Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.Inventor: Kenichi Kishii
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Patent number: 8282526Abstract: A method for controlling a powertrain comprising an electro-mechanical transmission mechanically-operatively coupled to an engine and an electric machine adapted to selectively transmit mechanical power to an output member through selective application of a plurality of torque-transfer clutches includes monitoring a clutch slip speed, synchronizing an oncoming clutch, and constraining reactive clutch torque limits for the oncoming clutch to achieve a reactive clutch torque that is less than an estimated clutch torque capacity.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2008Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Anthony H. Heap, Lawrence A. Kaminsky, Jy-Jen F. Sah
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Patent number: 8257224Abstract: A method for controlling an inching procedure of a motor vehicle, which has at least one friction clutch arranged between a drive unit and a transmission. The torque of the clutch is specified by a control unit and set by a clutch actuator. If the brake and load lever are not actuated, a multi-stage is started by an torque set by the clutch. To perform the process, the torque is increased up to a specified maximum limit to reach a specified speed in a first stage. A specified time period is waited in a second stage if the specified speed does not reached the maximum limit. The torque is increased by a specified value in a third phase if the specified speed is not reached, and the torque is reduced in a fourth stage and a driver warning is output if the specified speed again is not reached.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2012Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventor: Michael Reuschel
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Patent number: 8246520Abstract: A method for controlling the axle coupling clutch of an all wheel drive vehicle is provided. A determination is made to confirm that a coupling clutch operating property is at a predetermined entrance value. If the determination concludes that the coupling clutch operational property is at a predetermined entrance value, a signal is sent to an engine controller to modify engine torque output.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2007Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.Inventor: Brian B. Ginther
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Patent number: 8221285Abstract: A powertrain includes an electromechanical transmission mechanically-operatively coupled to an internal combustion engine and an electric machine adapted to selectively transmit mechanical power to an output member. A method for controlling the powertrain includes commanding a shift from a first operating range state to a second operating range state, identifying an off-going clutch, controlling torque output from said electric machine to offload reactive torque transmitted through said off-going clutch, selectively applying an oncoming clutch to offload reactive torque transmitted through said off-going clutch, and reducing a clutch torque capacity of said off-going clutch when said reactive torque transmitted through said off-going clutch is substantially zero.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2008Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Anthony H. Heap, Jy-Jen F. Sah
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Publication number: 20120165146Abstract: A powertrain for a vehicle includes an engine, a transmission with an input member driven by the engine, and an output member. An electric motor is operable to drive the input member. The transmission has an electrically-actuated one-way clutch with a neutral mode in which the clutch freewheels in both directions of rotation, and a locked mode in which the clutch is locked in one direction of rotation. The transmission also has a hydraulically-actuated dual-piston clutch with a spring that biases the dual-piston clutch to an engaged state. The one-way clutch is in the neutral mode and the spring biases the dual-piston clutch to the engaged state prior to a key start of the engine. The one-way clutch is actuated to the locked state following ignition of the engine after a key start, and remains in the locked state during an autostop of the engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2010Publication date: June 28, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Farzad Samie, Chunhao J. Lee, Chi-Kuan Kao, Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale, Robert K. Saley
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Patent number: 8204659Abstract: An engine start control system for starting the engine of a hybrid vehicle operated in an EV drive mode. The system responds quickly to an acceleration request while limiting unpleasant deceleration sensations. The hybrid vehicle has a first clutch disposed between the engine and motor/generator. An electric drive mode exists in which the first clutch is disengaged and the driving torque is provided only by the motor/generator, and a hybrid drive mode exists in which the first clutch is engaged and the driving torque is provided by both the engine and motor/generator. The system uses an engine start shift pattern that is high-geared as compared with a normal shift pattern. Shift control of the transmission is performed using the engine start shift pattern when an engine start request arises. The engine is started by controlling the engagement of the first clutch after performing the shift control.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2008Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuyuki Kouno, Tomoyuki Kodawara
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Publication number: 20120142495Abstract: A method of operating a friction plate clutch includes activating a clutch control mechanism to engage the friction plate clutch, and engaging a holding clutch. The clutch control mechanism is then deactivated, rendering it unable to maintain engagement of the friction plate clutch. The holding clutch is used to retain engagement of the friction plate clutch. One embodiment of the method uses a wedge clutch as the holding clutch. A latching clutch assembly includes a friction plate clutch movable between an engaged and a disengaged position.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2012Publication date: June 7, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Chi-Kuan Kao
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Patent number: 8187144Abstract: The present invention provides a clutch torque control system of a hybrid electric vehicle, which performs an engine rotational speed control in a power generation system including an engine, a motor-generator, and a clutch for controlling connection and disconnection between the engine and the motor-generator.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2008Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Hyundai Kia Motor Japan R&D Center Inc.Inventor: Keiji Kadota
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Patent number: 8190343Abstract: A control system for a dual clutch transmission (DCT) of a vehicle comprises a difference module, a summer module, and a position control module. The difference module determines a difference between a desired position for a gear actuator and a measurement of a current position of the gear actuator. The summer module determines a sum of a derivative of the difference and a product of the difference and a predetermined gain. The position control module controls the current position of the gear actuator based on the sum. The current position of the gear actuator controls a position of a gear synchronizer that slides along an output shaft of the DCT. The position of the gear synchronizer controls coupling of a gear ratio with the output shaft.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2009Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Inventors: Yue-Ming Chen, Vijay A. Neelakantan
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Patent number: 8177687Abstract: A power transmission device that can reliably prevent engine stall from occurring. The power transmission device includes a transmission clutch 3 interposed between an engine E and a transmission T/M, and control 22 for controlling connection and disconnection of the transmission clutch 3. The power transmission device also includes first engine stall risk determination 22 for determining based on an engine operation state whether there is an engine stall risk when the transmission clutch 3 is connected. The control 22 disconnects the transmission clutch 3 and controls the engine E to a predetermined rotation speed for a predetermined time when the determination by the first engine stall risk determination 22 is affirmed.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2007Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Isuzu Motors LimitedInventors: Tasuhiko Ebara, Hidetoshi Uji
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Patent number: 8177685Abstract: A method for shifting gears in a dual clutch transmission within a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle implementing said method are suggested providing a smooth transition between gears particularly in the starting phase. The dual clutch transmission comprises a first clutch and a second clutch as well as a first partial transmission having a first and other gears and a second partial transmission having a second and other gears. The clutches are controlled to a) decrease a torque transmitting capacity of the first clutch; b) increase a torque transmitting capacity of the second clutch; c) adapt the rotational speed of the motor in direction of a rotational speed of an input shaft of the second partial transmission via increasing the torque transmitting capacity of the second clutch; and d) control the torque transmitting capacity of the second clutch to a final torque value.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2008Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Getrag Ford Transmissions GmbHInventors: Martin Leibbrandt, Harald Schmitz, Marco Siebigteroth
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Publication number: 20120100960Abstract: A system and method for selectively opening a drivetrain of a vehicle is described. In one example, an electrically operated clutch is opened during selected driving conditions to conserve kinetic energy of the vehicle. The method may reduce fuel consumption during selected conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2011Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Chris Edward Pedlar, Urs Christen, Rainer Busch, Chris Connelly, Ingo Lenz, Harry Cho
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Publication number: 20120094801Abstract: A motor control device for a working vehicle includes: a travel drive device that transmits rotation of a motor to wheels through a torque converter; a first selection device to be operated so as to select one of a power mode and an economy mode; a second selection device that is different from the first selection device; a mode switching device that switches from the economy mode to the power mode if the second selection device is operated in a state where the economy mode has been selected by the first selection device; and a speed restriction device that, when the economy mode is set, restricts a maximum rotational speed of the motor to a lower speed side than that when the power mode is set.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2010Publication date: April 19, 2012Applicant: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventors: Koji Hyodo, Masaki Yoshikawa, Kazuo Chounan
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Patent number: 8157704Abstract: A method controls a drivetrain of a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine, an automatic transmission with at least two discrete transmission stages, and a clutch which is controlled automatically. The method is characterized in that when there is a transmission output speed at which the transmission input speed in an n-th transmission stage would be above a minimum rotational speed of the internal combustion engine and a transmission input speed in an (n+1)-th transmission stage would be below the minimum rotational speed, the drivetrain is operated in the (n+1)-th transmission stage with a slipping clutch and a rotational speed of the internal combustion engine which is above the minimum rotational speed. A control unit is configured to carry out such a method.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2009Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AkteingesellschaftInventor: Joachim Esser
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Patent number: 8155814Abstract: A vehicle includes a powertrain system and a friction braking system, the powertrain system including a hybrid transmission operative in one of a fixed gear operating range state and a continuously variable operating range state to transmit torque between an input member and a torque machine and an output member coupled to a driveline.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2008Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesekkschaftInventors: Goro Tamai, Thomas S. Miller, Scott J Thompson, Lawrence A. Kaminsky, Jy-Jen F. Sah, Anthony H. Heap