Engine Controlled By Clutch Control Patents (Class 477/181)
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Patent number: 7291095Abstract: An automatic start control apparatus of a vehicle having a function to automatically start the vehicle and not performing switching of a starting mode to a manual starting mode only by depression of a clutch pedal, but switching the starting mode to the manual starting mode upon operation of an accelerator pedal together with the clutch pedal thereby enhancing operability of automatic starting of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2005Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Nissan Diesel Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshio Kitamura, Yuuichi Ichikawa, Akihisa Hayashi, Isao Okamoto, Osamu Isobe
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Publication number: 20070254776Abstract: A drive control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle which has an engine selectively set in one of a normal fuel-consumption operation mode and a low fuel-consumption operation mode for obtaining a lower fuel consumption; a generator selectively used for one of being driven by the engine and assisting driving of the engine; a motor for generating a driving force of the vehicle by electric power supplied by the generator or a battery device; and a clutch between the generator and wheels of the vehicle. The drive control apparatus has a control part for performing a low fuel-consumption driving assistance mode when the engine is set in the low fuel-consumption operation mode. In the low fuel-consumption driving assistance mode, the clutch is connected, and driving of the vehicle is assisted using one of the generator and the motor, which is selected in accordance with an operation state of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2007Publication date: November 1, 2007Inventors: Teruo Wakashiro, Yutaka Tamagawa, Naohisa Morishita, Tetsuya Hasebe
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Publication number: 20070213177Abstract: A powertrain control apparatus that controls a powertrain including a lock-up clutch, which connects an engine, in which fuel supply may be cut off, directly to an automatic transmission. The control apparatus includes an output unit, a control unit, and a setting unit. The output unit outputs an instruction to lower engagement pressure for the lock-up clutch from a value at which the lock-up clutch is engaged to a value at which the lock-up clutch is disengaged. The control unit resumes the fuel supply to the engine when a predetermined lag time has elapsed since the instruction is output. The setting unit sets the lag time so that the lag time is shorter when a temperature of a combustion chamber of the engine is a first temperature than when the temperature of the combustion chamber of the engine is a second temperature which is higher than the first temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2007Publication date: September 13, 2007Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tadashi Tamura, Akira Hino, Takashi Yumoto
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Patent number: 7247123Abstract: A system for controlling an idle-stop vehicle includes an ECU which carries out idle stop when the idle-stop permission conditions are established, and engine restart and engagement of a forward clutch when the idle-stop release conditions are established after engine stop. The ECU is so programmed as to estimate a heat generation amount of the forward clutch at engine restart after idle stop, permit next idle stop when the heat generation amount is smaller than a first set value, permit next idle stop, after a lapse of a predetermined time, when the heat generation amount is equal to or greater than the first set value and equal to or smaller than a second set value which is greater than the first set value, and prohibit next idle stop when the heat generation amount is greater than the second set value.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2005Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Jatco, LtdInventors: Isamu Ohtake, Yoshiaki Katou
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Patent number: 7226383Abstract: A hybrid vehicle is driven by one or both of an engine and a drive motor. The engine is started by a power generating motor, and power generated by the engine is supplied to a battery. An engine-power transmission path is provided with a coupling for being shifted to a connection state of transmitting engine power to drive wheels and a disconnection state of cutting off the transmission. In connecting the coupling while the drive motor is driven and transmitting engine torque, a revolution speed of the power generating motor is controlled based on that of the drive motor. After a revolution speed of an input-side shaft of the coupling is synchronized with that of an output-side shaft, the coupling is connected. After the coupling is connected, torque of the drive motor and engine is controlled based on required torque of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2004Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Atsushi Namba
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Patent number: 7192385Abstract: The upshift control method of an automatic transmission for vehicles includes determining whether a start condition of a damper clutch control operation is satisfied during an upshift under a power-off. The method also includes executing the damper clutch control operation depending on predetermined control intervals and control duties in order to enhance a shift feel, the predetermined control intervals and control duties being set on the basis of a shift speed, a turbine RPM, and a transmission oil temperature, when the start condition of the damper clutch operation control is satisfied. The method further includes executing a fuel cut control after a damper clutch is engaged by the damper clutch control operation.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2004Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Pyung Hwan Yu
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Patent number: 7179199Abstract: A control system for a vehicle includes an engine switch control unit for switching the operating condition of the engine between the all-cylinder operating condition and the partial-cylinder operating condition, a failure determining unit for determining the failure of the lockup clutch control device, and a coupling capacity change inhibiting unit for inhibiting a change in coupling capacity of the lockup clutch accompanied by the switch control of the operating condition of the engine by the engine switch control unit during the failure determination by the failure determining unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Kushiyama, Shinichi Nishio, Takehiro Katakura, Kenji Nakajima
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Patent number: 7179197Abstract: If a user presses a clutch pedal to perform gear-shifting operation while a vehicle is traveling, a clutch disc, which has been engaged with a flywheel rotating with an engine, is brought to partial clutch engagement and slides on an end surface of the flywheel to generate friction. Thus, a first phenomenon in which a decreasing rate of the engine rotation speed rapidly increases occurs. Then, a second phenomenon in which the clutch disc is completely disengaged from the flywheel to eliminate the friction and the decreasing rate of the engine rotation speed returns to an original state occurs. If the first and second phenomena are detected successively when neither an engine side nor a power transmission system side transmits power for varying an engine rotation speed, it is determined that the clutch disc is disengaged.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Masahiro Asano, Eiji Takemoto
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Patent number: 7171942Abstract: A device that controls the engine speed of an internal combustion engine of a hand-held power tool has a protective control unit. The engine has an ignition control unit for controlling the ignition timing relative to a crank angle of a crankshaft based on the crankshaft speed and also has a centrifugal clutch driven by the crankshaft that begins to engage when a first engine speed is surpassed and is fully engaged when a second engine speed is reached. The protective control unit is activated within an engine speed range between the first and second engine speeds and monitors a dwell time of the actual engine speed within the engine speed range. When a predetermined dwell time of the actual engine speed is surpassed, the protective control unit intervenes in the combustion process and corrects the engine speed to a value that is outside of the engine speed range.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2005Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KGInventor: Hans Nickel
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Patent number: 7169081Abstract: A method for clutch actuation at low temperatures for a motor vehicle having a hydraulically actuatable clutch, below a predetermined temperature a situation-dependent pre-opening of the clutch is executed when a braking is probable.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2002Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Matthias Winkel, Otto Ebner, Klaus Schweiger, Christoph Rüchardt, Andreas Schwenger, Marcus Gansohr, Thomas Knoblauch
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Patent number: 7169082Abstract: A method for altering the coupling torque of a coupling in the drive train of a vehicle with an automatic gearbox and/or automatic coupling in a creep drive mode of a vehicle. According to the invention, the coupling torque is altered according to at least one variable, the parameter of the vehicle describing the creep drive mode thereof.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2006Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Luk Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KGInventors: Christian Rieger, Juergen Gerhart, Mario Jung, Martin Vornehm
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Patent number: 7156771Abstract: In a clutch unit, an engagement of a dog clutch can be restricted until a revolution of an input shaft and the revolution of an output shaft correspond to each other so as to be suitable for the engagement. The engagement can be effected when the revolution of the input shaft and the revolution of the output shaft have corresponded so as to be suitable for the engagement. Accordingly, the revolution of the input shaft and the revolution of the output shaft are speedily synchronized, and engagement shocks of the dog clutch can be accurately suppressed. Hence, it is possible to reliably transmit the torque to be transmitted from the driving source to the wheel side through the reduction mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2004Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: Tochigi Fuji Sangyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Masao Teraoka
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Patent number: 7131933Abstract: A control apparatus for an automotive vehicle having an automatic transmission and an engine capable of controlling a resistance to its rotary motion. The control apparatus is adapted to change an output torque of the engine temporarily during a shifting action of the automatic transmission. The control apparatus includes inertia-phase torque changing means for changing an inertia torque of the engine during the shifting action, by controlling the resistance of the rotary motion of the engine. This inertia-phase torque changing means may be adapted to change the inertia torque during a switching of an operating state of a lock-up clutch which is provided in a fluid-operated power transmitting device interposed between the automatic transmission and the engine.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2002Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Atsushi Tabata
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Patent number: 7108634Abstract: The present invention aims at providing an apparatus and method for controlling a clutch of a mechanical automatic transmission which enables smoother start of movement. To this end, range setting means sets an engine speed range in which engine output torque achieved at an accelerator position detected by accelerator position detection means defines a predetermined range including the maximum value. Clutch control means throws in a clutch while controlling a connected state of a clutch such that the engine speed detected by engine speed detection falls within the engine speed range set by the range setting means.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2004Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus CorporationInventor: Atsushi Kumazawa
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Patent number: 7077785Abstract: To detect with high accuracy the connection/disconnection of a clutch intermediately provided between a crankshaft of a single-cylinder engine and a power transmission for transmitting the output of the crankshaft. The rotation variation coefficient of a crankshaft is detected by a rotation variation coefficient detection mechanism and a decision mechanism decides the connection/disconnection of a clutch by comparing the rotation variation coefficient detected by the rotation variation detection mechanism with a preliminarily determined threshold.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2003Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroshi Tanaka
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Patent number: 7070538Abstract: A vehicle having an engine and an automated manual transmission (AMT) includes an electronically controlled clutch (ECC) that selectively couples the engine and the AMT to transfer drive torque to the AMT. A controller communicates with the ECC and the engine and generates a load signal based on an anticipated engine load. The controller adjusts spark timing of the engine based on the load signal prior to engagement of the ECC. The controller adjusts spark timing of the engine based on a rate of change of engine speed after engagement of the ECC.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2004Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventor: Douglas J. Babcock
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Patent number: 7059998Abstract: An engine control system transitions between activated and deactivated modes in a vehicle equipped with a manual transmission. The engine control system includes a clutch plate position sensor and a shifter shaft position sensor in communication with a controller. The controller determines if conditions to increase or reduce the number of active cylinders based on data collected from the position sensors, engine speed, and manifold absolute pressure. Prediction of the driver's next movements is the basis of the control. The sensors provide the history, averages, acceleration data, and velocity data, which lead to the driver's intent.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2004Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Thomas E. Bolander, Gregory P. Matthews, Alexander J. Roberts, Jeffrey J. Allen
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Patent number: 7056264Abstract: In a parallel manual transmission, an upshifting under power is executed based upon preset operating conditions, for example with a fully depressed accelerator pedal, without an electronically controlled, load-reducing ignition retard. When shifting to a higher gear, the engine output is used for increasing the speed of the engine and for the propulsion of the vehicle, based upon the operating condition of the drive train.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2004Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KGInventors: Klaus Kupper, Georg Schneider
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Patent number: 7048671Abstract: The invention relates to a control device for an engine able to control at least one of an intake valve and an exhaust valve via a driving mechanism actuated without a torque from an output shaft of the engine, and a transmission connected to the engine. The control device includes a torque transmitting device for reducing the torque from the engine while that torque is being transmitted to an output shaft of the transmission, and control means for controlling the torque transmitting device so as to reduce the torque transmitted from the engine to the output shaft of the transmission during an upshift, controlling a engine speed to a target speed after shifting during the unshift, and controlling the torque transmitting device so as to increase the torque transmitted to the output shaft of the transmission after the engine speed is synchronized with the speed after shifting.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2002Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kunio Morisawa, Toshinari Ogawa, Naoki Moriguchi, Tadashi Tamura, Tadayuki Nagai, Makoto Ogiso, Keiji Yoeda, Hideyuki Nishida
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Patent number: 6994654Abstract: System and method for controlling idle speed for a vehicle including an internal combustion engine coupled to an automatic transmission which has a torque converter. The system includes a sensor operative to detect a parameter based on a torque converter speed ratio and generate a signal indicative of the parameter detected, and a controller programmed to determine basic idle speed, determine a target idle speed by correcting the basic idle speed based on the signal when the automatic transmission is in a drive range in engine idling condition. The method includes determining basic idle speed when the automatic transmission is in a drive range in engine idling condition, detecting a parameter based on a torque converter speed ratio, and determining a target idle speed by correcting the basic idle speed based on the parameter.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2003Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shigeyuki Sakaguchi, Hirofumi Yano, Tomohiko Takahashi
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Patent number: 6984192Abstract: A system and method for controlling a throttle ramp rate of a vehicle. According to an embodiment of the invention, the controlling of a throttle ramp rate of a vehicle is accomplished by determining the target engine speed for a vehicle during a vehicle launch. If it is determined that there is a high throttle demand upon the engine of the vehicle, a throttle ramp rate offset amount is determined, which is based upon an estimated weight of the vehicle. A default high throttle ramp rate may then be adjusted based upon the determined throttle ramp rate offset.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2002Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Ronald K. Markyvech
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Patent number: 6953417Abstract: A method of controlling the hydraulic actuation of the clutches and the synchronizers in a dual clutch transmission in the event of a clutch or synchronizer fault. The method includes the steps of determining which clutch is faulted when a clutch-on fault is detected, then commanding an interruption of engine torque to the faulted clutch and a neutralization of all synchronizers of the same axis shaft as the faulted clutch. The method further senses if a synchronizer actuator-on fault has occurred, then determines which synchronizer is faulted if an actuator-on fault has is detected. The method steps further include preventing the further actuation of the other synchronizers on the same axis shaft as the faulted actuator.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2003Date of Patent: October 11, 2005Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.Inventor: Melissa Koenig
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Patent number: 6945906Abstract: There is provided a control system for a vehicle, which is capable of increasing the service life of a transmission belt while preventing slippage thereof, and at the same time improving fuel economy and drivability. The control system for a vehicle sets a transmission transfer torque to be transmitted from a drive pulley of a continuously variable transmission to a driven pulley of the same, and a clutch transfer torque to be transferred by a clutch. When it is determined that the vehicle is traveling on a bad road, the clutch transfer torque is reduced, and the transmission transfer torque is set to a larger value as the clutch transfer torque is larger.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2004Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takahiro Eguchi, Hirohiko Totsuka, Eiji Suzuki, Satoru Miyata
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Patent number: 6942598Abstract: A drive control apparatus for a vehicle including an engine which generates power using combustion of fuel; a hydrodynamic power transmission device which transmits an output of the engine via fluid, includes an input side and an output side which can be directly coupled; a lock-up engagement device which engages the lock-up clutch when a predetermined lock-up engagement condition is satisfied; and a lock-up restriction device which stops engagement control performed by the lock-up engagement device so as to disengage the lock-up clutch if there is a possibility that knocking will occur in the engine when the lock-up clutch is engaged by the lock-up engagement device. A shock at the time of tip-in acceleration is suppressed irrespective of knocking prevention control so as to improve riding comfort. In addition, occurrence of a droning noise is suppressed.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2003Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroki Kondo, Ryoji Habuchi
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Patent number: 6942597Abstract: An engaging force of a pump impeller (1a) connected to an engine (21) and a turbine runner (1b) connected to an automatic transmission (23) is controlled by a controller (5). The controller (5) determines a target relative rotation speed of the pump impeller (1a) and the turbine runner (1b), and performs feedback control of the engaging force such that the difference between the target relative rotation speed and the real relative rotation speed is decreased. The controller (5) also performs feedforward control of the engaging force in a increasing direction. When the engine (21) is in a predetermined engine-stall prevention condition, the controller (5) prohibits the feedforward control so as to prevent an interference between feedback control and feedforward control.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2004Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Satoshi Segawa, Kazutaka Adachi
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Patent number: 6939265Abstract: A method of controlling a motor vehicle with an automated clutch is provided and includes the steps of: (a) detecting the vehicle speed, (b) detecting if the brake and/or the gas pedal is actuated, (c) detecting whether or not the engine is running, (d) disengaging the clutch if the engine is found to be running while the vehicle is found to be moving faster than a threshold speed, and if at the same time neither the brake nor the gas pedal is found to be actuated, and (e) subsequently re-engaging the clutch if the brake and/or gas pedal is found to be actuated. Prior to re-engaging the clutch, a transmission input rpm-rate is determined, and an engine rpm-rate is controlled in such a manner that that the respective rpm-rates of the engine and the transmission are brought towards a closer agreement.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2003Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KGInventors: Carsten Rustige, Klaus Küpper, Martin Zimmermann, Martin Vornehm
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Patent number: 6926640Abstract: A transmission control system, includes: 1) a high speed side friction element for establishing a high speed side change gear; and 2) a low speed side friction element for establishing a low speed side change gear. After a disengagement of the high speed side friction element, the low speed side friction element makes an engagement for carrying out a downshift from the high speed side change gear to the low speed side change gear. When the downshift is carried out with an accelerator turned off, a stepping on the accelerator sensed in a period between the following times: i) a time for commanding a start of a transmission, and ii) a time for the low speed side friction element to start a conveyance of a torque, prevents a changeover to the low speed side change gear, thus keeping the high speed side change gear.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2003Date of Patent: August 9, 2005Assignee: JATCO LTDInventors: Ikuhiro Iwamoto, Masahiro Hamano, Katsutoshi Usuki, Yoichi Furuichi, Nobuhiro Yamanaka
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Patent number: 6916271Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling an amount of engagement of a clutch with a transmission. The method and apparatus includes selecting an engagement parameter, determining a desired operating parameter associated with the engagement parameter, and calibrating a control system to generate an engagement control signal to achieve the engagement parameter based on the desired operating parameter.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2003Date of Patent: July 12, 2005Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Timothy A. Booth, David L. Zwetz, Gregory S. Hasler
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Patent number: 6887184Abstract: A method of controlling the clutches of a dual clutch transmission during a two-gear positive downshift, wherein the first clutch drives an initial gear and the final gear and the second clutch drives an intermediate gear. The torque transfer across each clutch is controlled so that the torque output of the transmission will be linearly changed over from the first clutch to the second clutch to cause the engine to track a target engine speed profile. The method changes over the gears driven by the first clutch from the initial gear to the final gear as the engine continues to tracks the target speed. The torque transfer across each clutch is controlled so that the torque output will be linearly changed back from the second clutch to the first clutch in an inversely proportional rate to continue to cause the engine to track the target engine speed profile.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2003Date of Patent: May 3, 2005Assignee: BorgWarner, Inc.Inventors: Mark Buchanan, Melissa Koenig
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Patent number: 6881172Abstract: A method and an arrangement automatically restarts a drive unit (1) when there is an unintended stalling of the drive unit (1). In the case of stalling, checks are made as to whether the drive unit (1) was already in a steady-state condition directly before the stalling, as to whether the stalling took place because of an operator input, especially at an input unit (5) and as to whether a force-tight connection between the drive unit (1) and a transmission (25 or 80) is present. A restart of the drive unit (1) is automatically initiated when: the drive unit (1) was already in a steady-state condition directly before the stalling; when the stalling took place in a departure from the operator input; and, when the force-tight connection between the transmission (25 or 80) and the drive unit (1) is interrupted.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2003Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Holger Huelser, Frank Bickendorf, Thorsten Juenemann
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Patent number: 6869382Abstract: A method of double-downshifting from a first gear ratio to a second gear ratio includes the steps of first reducing torque transfer from a first clutch to a first driven gear. Engine speed then increases. Next, torque transfer from a second clutch to a third driven gear is increased while simultaneously the first clutch is disengaged from the first driven gear. Torque transfer from the second clutch to the third driven gear is then reduced. Torque transfer from the second clutch to the third driven gear is next increased. The first clutch is engaged to the second driven gear. Then, torque transfer from the first clutch to the second driven gear is increased while simultaneously the torque transfer from the second clutch to the third driven gear is reduced. Finally, the second clutch is disengaged from the third driven gear.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2003Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventors: Maurice B Leising, Hussein A Dourra
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Patent number: 6855090Abstract: An integrated vehicle engine/transmission control apparatus for an automotive vehicle having an engine capable of changing an operating speed thereof by itself, and an automatic transmission operatively connected to the engine and including a lock-up clutch, the apparatus including a lock-up clutch control device operable to control an engaging force of the lock-up clutch, during a shifting action of the transmission, for reducing a shifting shock of said automatic transmission, and a engine speed control device operable to control the engine so as to reduce its operating speed, during the shifting action of the transmission, such that reduction of the engine speed is initiated after a moment of initiation of reduction of the engaging force of the lock-up clutch by the lock-up clutch control means.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2002Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Atsushi Tabata, Shuji Nagano, Makoto Ogiso, Masato Kaigawa
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Patent number: 6852066Abstract: A drive unit for a vehicle including at least one drive wheel is provided, the drive unit having an internal combustion engine, and, between the internal combustion engine and the at least one drive wheel, a clutch for transmitting a torque between the internal combustion engine and the drive wheel, as well as a vehicle control for controlling or regulating the internal combustion engine as a function of the speed of the clutch on the side of the internal combustion engine and/or as a function of the speed of the clutch on the side of the drive wheel.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2001Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Karl-Heinz Senger, Peter Baeuerle, Bram Veenhuizen, Engbert Spijker, Gert-Jan Van Spijk
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Patent number: 6832978Abstract: A method of controlling the torque transferred across each clutches of a dual clutch transmission during a gear shift. The method includes the steps including determining when a shift has been commanded, sensing the speed of the driven member of the off-going clutch, determining the desired clutch torque and slip profile for the changeover of the clutches, and sensing the speed of the driven member of the on-coming clutch to determine a target engine speed profile. The method simultaneously controls the torque transfer across each clutch by linearly decreasing the torque transferred across the off-going clutch while linearly increasing the torque transferred across the on-coming clutch in an inversely proportional rate. Finally, the pressure applied to the on-coming clutch is varied, to cause the engine to continue to track the target engine speed profile so that vehicle speed is maintained.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2003Date of Patent: December 21, 2004Assignee: BorgWarner, Inc.Inventors: Mark Buchanan, Russell Lemon, Melissa Koenig
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Publication number: 20040192507Abstract: This invention will therefore provide a tool to assist the rig operator in perfecting his/her rig operation skills. Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for minimizing slippage on the drum clutch of a well service rig. A detector senses the motion of the compound when the clutch is initially engaged. If the momentum is above an acceptable level, an alarm sounds, notifying the operator to be smoother with the clutch. A tracking mechanism is disclosed so that a rig supervisor or safety person can critique the operator on the smoothness of the rig operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2004Publication date: September 30, 2004Inventors: Frederic M. Newman, Kevin Northcutt
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Patent number: 6799108Abstract: A control system and method maintains a constant engine idle speed during a garage shift of an automatic transmission-equipped vehicle with a torque converter. An engine control module or other processor identifies when transmission input clutch fill occurs. The engine control module increases engine output based on the transmission input clutch fill and before a decrease in engine idle speed occurs. The engine control module latches a turbine speed and a speed ratio (turbine speed/engine speed). The engine control module declares transmission input clutch fill if the latched turbine speed minus a current turbine speed is greater than the first calibration constant or if the latched speed ratio minus a current speed ratio is greater than the second calibration constant. The engine control module increases the engine output after waiting a first time delay after the transmission clutch fill.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2002Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: William Leonard Aldrich, III, Glenn P. O'Connell, Klaus J. Stutzer, Michael Lee Velliky
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Patent number: 6790161Abstract: A coupling means is provided to act to apply a thrust force generated on a helical gear to a stopper for first transmission members and second transmission members to thereby suppress looseness in the stopper.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2002Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Masaru Yamasaki, Kenichiro Tokuo, Hiroshi Kuroiwa, Naoyuki Ozaki
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Patent number: 6785602Abstract: In a method for setting torque in the operation of a motor vehicle, especially in the case of a small engine torque change in the lower to medium load range, the driver-selected torque is magnified dynamically in time, and the enhancement component is then correspondingly reduced down to an enhancement component of zero as the actual value of the torque approaches the driver-selected torque. An increase in responsiveness and a better response behavior are achieved in response to small accelerator pedal movements.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2001Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventors: Michael Gröne, Hartmut Weckenmann
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Publication number: 20040166992Abstract: A method of controlling the torque transferred across the engaged clutch of a vehicle having a dual clutch transmission to provide predetermined engine acceleration for each gear based on the engine throttle position and subsequent changes of clutch speed that are in response to operatively varying the torque transferred across the engaged clutch as the engine accelerates to a predetermined speed based on the throttle position. The method includes the steps of determining the engine throttle position, determining the currently engaged gear of the transmission, and sensing the speed of the driven member of the engaged clutch. Then, a target engine speed is determined based on the engine throttle position, the currently engaged gear, and the clutch speed. The torque transferred across the engaged clutch is then continuously varied to cause the engine to accelerate toward the target engine speed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2003Publication date: August 26, 2004Inventors: Mark Buchanan, Russell Lemon, Melissa Koenig
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Publication number: 20040072650Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle having a first clutch mounted between an engine and a gear drive transmission, and dog clutch type torque transmission means disposed between an input shaft and an output shaft of the gear drive transmission, and wherein the first clutch is controlled at starting the vehicle or at gear shifting, comprising the steps of controlling a transmission torque of the first clutch based on a difference between the engine speed/revolution speed of the input shaft at starting the vehicle so as to control a quantity of increase in a transmission torque of the first clutch in accordance with the value of the difference; and controlling the engine torque based on the transmission torque of the first clutch so as to increase the engine torque according to an increase in the transmission torque of the first clutch.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2003Publication date: April 15, 2004Inventors: Tetsuo Matsumura, Hiroshi Sakamoto, Mitsuo Kayano, Tatsuya Ochi
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Patent number: 6719664Abstract: When a deceleration slip executing minimum gear stage is not established in a state of continuously executing a deceleration slip control at a target slip amount, it is judged whether or not an input shaft rotational speed of a transmission becomes a down shift judging rotational speed. When it becomes equal to or less than a predetermined down shift judging rotational speed, a down shift is executed, and a clutch pressure is controlled such that an engine rotational speed becomes a target engine rotational speed.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2002Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takuya Ito, Hiroaki Takeuchi
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Patent number: 6716136Abstract: A system is described for minimizing engine torque disturbances that would otherwise cause degraded drive feel by a vehicle driver. The system utilizes multiple torque transmission paths of a transaxle unit mounted to the engine. The system manipulates the torque transmitted by adjusting the clutches of multiple torque transmission paths so that the torque disturbance in the engine results in relatively constant vehicle drive torque. In one example, a potential torque increase due to a change in engine air-fuel ratio is minimized by transmitted torque through multiple transmission paths.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Davorin David Hrovat, Ilya V. Kolmanovsky
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Patent number: 6695744Abstract: A transmission comprises an engine, which is controllable to stop under a predetermined condition, and a speed change mechanism TM, which transmits the output rotation of the engine at different speed ratios. The speed change mechanism TM has a plurality of transmission paths (the LOW ratio, the SECOND speed ratio, etc.) disposed in parallel, a plurality of ratio-setting clutches (the LOW clutch 11, the SECOND speed clutch 12, etc.), each clutch for selecting a predetermined transmission path, and a speed change control system for selectively supplying a hydraulic pressure to any of the ratio-setting clutches to bring it into engagement. Engagement-initiation time is calculated for each ratio-setting clutch, so that the ratio-setting clutch requiring a minimum engagement-initiation time is selected as the clutch for the start-up speed ratio. When the engine is restarted from stopped state, this clutch for the start-up speed ratio is supplied with oil.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Eijiro Shimabukuro, Naohisa Morishita, Takamichi Shimada
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Patent number: 6679807Abstract: An improved vehicle driving control device controls a vehicle without giving vehicle occupants a feeling of abnormality during acceleration and deceleration and optimally controls the operating torque of the engine. A vehicle driving control procedure sets the target operation torque of the vehicle and determines a target engine torque and a target engine speed from the target operation torque. Engine control is performed according to the target parameters. To compute each target parameter of the engine, the target output torque of a torque converter is first computed from the target operation torque, to determine the condition of a lockup clutch. Furthermore, each target parameter is computed in accordance with a control law set in accordance with the condition of the lockup clutch.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2002Date of Patent: January 20, 2004Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Yoshifumi Kato, Tsumotu Tashiro
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Patent number: 6676568Abstract: Method for reclosure of the clutch during a change of gear, wherein the clutch is closed in order to adjust the angular speed of the drive shaft to match the angular speed of the primary shaft of the gearbox; the power supply to the engine is stopped, so as not to generate useful torque, the clutch is quickly disposed in a predetermined position, such as to transmit constant torque, which is substantially equal to the drive torque supplied by the engine immediately before the change of gear, and the clutch is kept in the predetermined position, until synchronization of the drive shaft and the primary shaft takes place.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2001Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: Magneti Marelli Powertrain, S.p.A.Inventors: Gabriele Serra, Alessandro Palma
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Patent number: 6656088Abstract: A computer-implemented method for initiating forward motion in a vehicle equipped with a manual transmission. The method includes the steps of providing a sensor for determining clutch status; providing a sensor for determining when a transmission of a vehicle is in first gear; providing a throttle actuator calibrated to raise engine revolutions per minute from idle to a predetermined elevated level upon receipt of a throttle-up signal; and providing a control unit to receive inputs from the clutch and gear status sensors. The control unit is programmed to deliver the throttle-up signal to the throttle actuator when the sensor of clutch status indicates that a change in clutch status from engaged to non-engaged, and the gear sensor indicates that the vehicle is in first gear.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Inventor: Gary Nealey
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Publication number: 20030199361Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a lock-up clutch disposed in a drive system of an automotive vehicle which includes a lean-burn engine provided with a turbocharger. The apparatus is arranged to place the lock-up clutch in a fully engaged state and/or a slip control state while a running condition of the automotive vehicle is in a predetermined engaging area or slip control area of the lock-up clutch. The apparatus includes an engaging-area changing device operable to change the engaging area of the lock-up clutch, on the basis of a turbocharging pressure established by the turbocharger, and/or slip-control-area changing means for changing the slip control area, on the basis of the turbocharging pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2003Publication date: October 23, 2003Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Atsushi Tabata
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Patent number: 6634984Abstract: A method of controlling engine idle speed in a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine and multi-ratio transmission when launched from a neutral idle rest condition. At neutral idle, the transmission is controlled such that the input and output members are decoupled. During vehicle launch from neutral idle operation, two different strategies may be employed to control engine idle speed. One preferred method is to determine a feedforward or predicted torque converter load as a function of time. Another preferred method is to determine the feedforward or predicted torque converter load by comparing a maximum engine brake torque and the torque capacity of the forward clutch at any given time. Irrespective of the particular method used, other engine torque loads are added to the feedforward or predicted torque converter load to determine the engine output torque required to control engine idle speed and provide a smooth between transmission operating modes throughout the launch period.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Bradley Dean Riedle, Ronald Thomas Cowan
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Publication number: 20030125162Abstract: Drive unit for a vehicle including at least one drive wheel, the drive unit having an internal combustion engine, and, between the internal combustion engine and the at least one drive wheel, a clutch for transmitting a torque between the internal combustion engine and the drive wheel, as well as a vehicle control for controlling or regulating the internal combustion engine as a function of the speed of the clutch on the side of the internal combustion engine and/or as a function of the speed of the clutch on the side of the drive wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2002Publication date: July 3, 2003Inventors: Karl-Heinz Senger, Peter Baeuerle, Bram Veenhuizen, Engbert Spijker, Gert-Jan Van Spijk
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Patent number: 6582341Abstract: In a method for magnifying torque during driveaway of a motor vehicle using a clutch, the driver-selected torque is dynamically magnified in time, and the enhancement component then is reduced down to 0 at increasing vehicle speed as a function of the latter. The driveaway behavior of a vehicle may be perceptibly improved, and an unintended shutoff of the internal combustion engine may be largely prevented when the accelerator pedal is operated too weakly or the clutch is engaged too fast.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventors: Michael Groene, Thomas Kreischer, Eberhard Leider, Hartmut Weckenmann