Clutch Control Patents (Class 701/67)
  • Patent number: 8321105
    Abstract: One disclosed embodiment relates to a propulsion system for a machine. The propulsion system may include a prime mover operatively connected through a continuously variable transmission to a propulsion device. The propulsion system may also include propulsion-system controls that control an operating parameter of the continuously variable transmission, which may include adjusting the operating parameter based on operator input. Controlling the operating parameter may also include determining an adjustment limit for the operating parameter based on one or more operating conditions and applying the adjustment limit to the operating parameter to modify at least one of acceleration and jerk of the machine based on the one or more operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kristofor Lee Dahl, Brian Douglas Hoff, Richard George Ingram, Michael Anthony Spielman, Jr., Benjamin B. Schmuck, Alberto Martinez, Jr., Yaang Zhao
  • Patent number: 8321106
    Abstract: A method for determining an error in engine torque, wherein at least before and after a predetermined change in the engine torque the change in engine speed is registered, and this is compared with the engine torque before and after the change in the engine torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Marian Preisner, Juergen Benz
  • Publication number: 20120290167
    Abstract: A method to control a clutch in a transmission includes monitoring a frequency response of the clutch including monitoring a response repeating one time per revolution of the clutch a response repeating more than one time per revolution of the clutch. A ratio of the response repeating more than one time per revolution of the clutch to the response repeating one time per revolution of the clutch is determined and compared to a first threshold ratio. A likely shudder condition is indicated based upon the comparing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Mordukhovich, Michael B. Viola
  • Publication number: 20120290181
    Abstract: A method for determining initial or starting temperatures for a dry dual clutch mechanism at vehicle start-up includes as determining a time lapse from shut-down to start-up. The method determines a housing air start temperature of the housing air within a bell housing case of the dry dual clutch mechanism at vehicle start-up, reads a first clutch stop temperature of a first clutch at vehicle shut-down, reads a housing air stop temperature of the housing air at vehicle shut-down, and determines a heat transfer coefficient between the first clutch and the housing air. The method includes determining a first clutch start temperature from, at least: the heat transfer coefficient between the first clutch and the housing air; a temperature differential between the first clutch stop temperature and the housing air stop temperature; and the housing air start temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale, Farzad Samie
  • Patent number: 8311717
    Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle drive train, whereby the drive train comprises a drive unit, a transmission, and an all-wheel splitter having an automatically operating clutch, positioned between the transmission and the output. The clutch is operated in a continuous slip mode and in such a way that the all-wheel splitter splits the transmission output torque for variable torque distribution to driven axles. The splitting of the output torque to the driven axles is performed by a control unit, implemented into the all-wheel drive strategy, so that the output torque, less a predetermined nominal torque, is transferred to a first axle, and the nominal torque is transferred to a second axle. When defined operating conditions are met, a limiting of the torque, set by the drive unit, and/or the nominal torque, set by the all-wheel strategy, occurs to avoid a thermal overloading of the clutch of the all-wheel splitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Wilfrid Eberhard, Gerhard Hermann Martin
  • Patent number: 8306714
    Abstract: A start permission decision section issues a start permission when an engine speed and a throttle valve opening become higher than predetermined values. A clutch-torque capacity storage section stores a clutch-torque capacity reference map in which a clutch-torque capacity is set as a function of at least the engine speed or as a function of the engine speed and the throttle valve opening. A clutch-torque capacity correction section corrects the clutch-torque capacity reference map so that the clutch-torque capacity is proportionally reduced in response to the difference between the engine speed and a start permission speed when a start permission is issued. An oil pressure controlling section connects the clutch with the clutch-torque capacity obtained in accordance with the corrected clutch-torque capacity map to start the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Nedachi, Hiroyuki Kojima, Kazuyuki Fukaya, Takashi Ozeki, Taito Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20120277964
    Abstract: A control system for controlling clutches of a dual clutch transmission includes an internal model based force control algorithm that converts a desired clutch force to a pressure control signal, a pressure control valve that receives the pressure control signal, a hydraulic actuator to which the pressure control valve applies a pressure related to the pressure control signal, and a clutch assembly with a spring lever and a plurality of clutch plates. The hydraulic actuator applies a desired force corresponding to the pressure control signal to a distal end of the spring lever such that the desired force to the distal end of the spring lever imparts an actual clutch force to the clutch plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Shushan Bai, Vijay A. Neelakantan, Paul G. Otanez
  • Patent number: 8301348
    Abstract: In vehicular control method and apparatus for a shift-by-wire device, a selected shift position is modified to at least one of a vehicular parking position, a neutral position, and a traveling position, the selected shift position is modified to the vehicular parking position when a power switch is switched to an OFF position, and the modification of the shift position to the vehicular parking position is inhibited when an operation pattern of an operation input section while the power switch is in the ON position is made coincident with the operation pattern prescribed as a cipher code which inhibits the shift position modification to the vehicular parking position, the operation patterns being constituted by a combination of operation patterns which would not be carried out in the operation section during an ordinary traveling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: JATCO Ltd
    Inventors: Fumitaka Nagashima, Yoshiaki Ueda, Ryusuke Oshiro, Tomoyuki Suwabe
  • Patent number: 8296026
    Abstract: In a control apparatus for a powertrain that includes an automatic transmission, occurrence of slip in a one-way clutch is determined when one gear is formed if a first rotation member and a second rotation member of the one-way clutch rotate relatively. If slip in the one-way clutch is detected, it is determined whether the rotational speed difference between the first rotation member and the second rotation member has increased. If the rotational speed difference between the first rotation member and the second rotation member has increased when slip is detected in the one-way clutch, a control is executed to engage a predetermined frictional engagement element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Maeda, Hideharu Nohara, Toshinari Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8296028
    Abstract: If the a rotational speed difference (Ne?Nt) between an engine speed (Ne) and a turbine speed (Nt) when it is determined that a lock-up ON condition (OFF?ON) is satisfied is large, the lock-up clutch is not engaged but torque reduction control is executed to reduce the engine speed (Ne), thus reducing the rotational speed difference (Ne?Nt) (steps ST13 and ST14). Then, once the rotational speed difference (Ne?Nt) has been reduced to the target rotational speed difference (Nslp), the lock-up clutch is engaged (steps ST15 and ST16). In this manner, excessive heating of the friction material of the lock-up clutch is suppressed which increases the longevity of the friction material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hitoshi Matsunaga, Koji Oshima
  • Patent number: 8296027
    Abstract: A method for controlling an electro-mechanical transmission through an unlocking state of a clutch, the transmission mechanically-operatively coupled to an internal combustion engine and an electric machine adapted to selectively transmit mechanical power to an output member includes decreasing a reactive torque acting upon the clutch, including overriding torque commands to the engine and to the electric machine, and simultaneously decreasing a clutch torque capacity, including, during a lead period selected according to an engine command reaction time, commanding an intermediate clutch torque command maintaining sufficient clutch torque capacity to exceed an initial reactive torque calculated at an initiation of the unlocking state, and following the lead period, decreasing through a ramp down the clutch torque capacity, maintaining sufficient clutch torque capacity to exceed the decreasing reactive torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Lawrence A. Kaminsky, Jy-Jen F. Sah
  • Publication number: 20120265383
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a motor, and a gearbox. A clutch is configured to engage to transfer a reactive torque to at least one of the engine, the motor, and the gearbox. The clutch is configured to disengage during a transition from a present operating mode to a target operating mode. A controller is configured to determine an expected slip direction of the clutch, define a non-zero value based at least in part on the expected slip direction, and command the reactive torque to the non-zero value to control the clutch to induce slip during the transition from the present operating mode to the target operating mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Kaminsky, Jy-Jen F. Sah
  • Publication number: 20120265415
    Abstract: A clutch control process for a motor vehicle transmission during brake lift-out monitors a time rate of change of a brake pedal position and torque to detect a lift-out condition with rapidly changing torque. When the process detects a brake lift-out condition, the process limits the minimum scheduled clutch pressure as well as modifies the clutch pressure to torque relationship.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Brian M. PORTO, Brian H. FIORE
  • Patent number: 8290673
    Abstract: A system includes a friction element having a driving mechanism and a driven mechanism. At least one of the driving mechanism and the driven mechanism is configured to rotate. A drive unit is configured to provide a torque to at least one of the driving mechanism and the driven mechanism. A control processor is configured to diagnose a friction element failure based on a slip speed, which is the difference between rotational speeds of the driving mechanism and the driven mechanism. The control processor is further configured to induce a slip condition as part of a shift process and diagnose the friction element failure if the derived slip speed is substantially zero after inducing the slip condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Syed Naqi, Ali K. Naqvi, Lawrence A. Kaminsky, Jy-Jen F. Sah, James R. Bartshe, Peter E. Wu
  • Patent number: 8290672
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a vehicle, including receiving an operator input indicative of a desired power for at least one predetermined function, and variably controlling at least one pressure-actuated friction slip clutch in a vehicle powertrain in response to the received operator input in order to control a torque transmitted via the friction slip clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventors: Björn Brattberg, Daniel Jansson
  • Patent number: 8290668
    Abstract: A control apparatus includes a shift-pressure learning correction controlling section configured to perform a shift-pressure learning correction in which a physical quantity representing a progress of shift is measured at a time of a current downshift, and in which an engagement command pressure for a friction element is corrected at a time of a next downshift on the basis of a divergence between the measured physical quantity and a target physical quantity; a shift-torque increase controlling section configured to perform a torque increase control in which a command for temporarily increasing torque of a drive source starts to be outputted when a start estimation timing of torque phase has just come during a transition period given between start and end of the downshift; and a learning convergence judging section configured to judge whether the shift-pressure learning correction has converged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Jatco Ltd
    Inventors: Kazuki Hirasako, Masami Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8285464
    Abstract: The half-clutch state decision device of the present invention extracts a high-frequency component and a low-frequency component of an engine rotation speed through filtering when the engine rotation speed has dropped while a vehicle is stopped, and calculates a locus length of the high-frequency component and a locus length of the low-frequency component through accumulation thereof. Furthermore, it is decided whether a half-clutch state exists from a relationship between the calculated locus lengths of the high-frequency and low-frequency components. Specifically, it uses a two-dimensional map (FIG. 5) having the locus length of the high-frequency component and the locus length of the low-frequency component as parameters and wherein a half-clutch decision region is set, plots the locus length of each component on that two-dimensional map, and decides whether a half-clutch state exists based on whether that plot point is inside the half-clutch decision region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tatsuya Tahara
  • Patent number: 8285462
    Abstract: A hybrid transmission is operative to transfer torque between an input member and torque machines and an output member in one of a plurality of fixed gear and continuously variable operating range states through selective application of torque transfer clutches. The torque machines are operative to transfer power from an energy storage device. A method for controlling the hybrid transmission includes operating the hybrid transmission in one of the operating range states, determining a first set of internal system constraints on output torque transferred to the output member, determining a second set of internal system constraints on the output torque transferred to the output member, and determining an allowable output torque range that is achievable within the first set of internal system constraints and the second set of internal system constraints on the output torque transferred to the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Tung-Ming Hsieh, Bin Wu
  • Patent number: 8280599
    Abstract: A vehicle control device where, the transmission apparatus is provided with a state in which the rotational driving force is not transmitted from the output member to the input member when a first engaging element is engaged; the vehicle control device is provided with a control unit that controls the transmission apparatus to engage the first engaging element by a hydraulic pressure from the electric pump for implementing the state in an idle stop state in which the vehicle is in a moving state and the engine is stopped; in a case where a travel speed of the vehicle is not greater than a predetermined release threshold value, the first engaging element is engaged by the hydraulic pressure from the electric pump; and in a case where the travel speed of the vehicle is greater than the predetermined release threshold value, all of the engaging elements are released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Aisin Aw Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takehiko Suzuki, Kyosuke Komizo, Takahiro Sekii, Yasuhiko Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8280600
    Abstract: A method is provided for calibrating an automatic transmission with a torque converter clutch. In order to avoid that the torque converter clutch still has capacity even if the pressure is commanded to be zero without modifying the behavior of the torque converter clutch behavior of all the production, the torque converter clutch minimum offset transmissions are detected and only on these transmissions the torque converter minimum clamp pressure is decreased by a pressure step and the torque converter clutch coast adapt reference cell is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: David Wright, Pascal Tissot, Vincent Holtz, Nicolas Diss, Patrick Dromard
  • Publication number: 20120245813
    Abstract: A method for actuating a clutch in the drive train of a motor vehicle, including: generating a respective position setpoint for each predetermined target interval to actuate the clutch; in each predetermined target interval, actuating the clutch in a plurality of predetermined controller sampling intervals; discretizing a respective position setpoint change into a plurality of intermediate position setpoints; determining a number of intermediate position setpoints in the plurality of intermediate position setpoint depending on the ratio of the target interval to the controller sampling interval; and specifying the respective position setpoint changes in steps to actuate the clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Michael Schuhen
  • Patent number: 8271170
    Abstract: In a clutch control system for a vehicle having a hydraulic type clutch in the course of power transmission between an engine and a drive wheel the operational response of the clutch is enhanced and the influence of a hysteresis present in oil pressure-stroke characteristic is suppressed. When the clutch is disconnected, a control oil pressure thereof is maintained at a predetermined stand-by oil pressure (allowance compensating oil pressure) P1. At the time of connecting the clutch, the control oil pressure is increased to a predetermined connection oil pressure P2. In bringing the clutch from the connected state into the disconnected state, the control oil pressure is lowered to an oil pressure P3 being below the stand-by oil pressure P1 and being near 0, and is thereafter increased again to the stand-by oil pressure P1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Fukaya, Yoshiaki Tsukada, Takashi Ozeki, Hiroyuki Kojima, Yoshiaki Nedachi
  • Publication number: 20120232766
    Abstract: A clutch pressure control device includes a request filter unit that calculates a target clutch pressure value from a requested clutch pressure value input in the request filter unit. A feedforward clutch pressure control model unit calculates, from the target clutch pressure value input by the request filter unit, a feedforward current value. A PID control unit calculates a feedback current value from a valve pressure target value for a hydraulic proportional valve controlling the clutch pressure and a feedback actual pressure value. A first calculation unit calculates a hydraulic proportional valve target current value from the input feedforward current value and the feedback current value. The device utilizes measurement methods to find values for a kisspoint pressure of the clutch, a preload pressure of the clutch, and a fill volume of the clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventor: Olivier Einfinger
  • Publication number: 20120232767
    Abstract: A method for operating a clutch includes operating the clutch with increased slip during a green phase and operating the clutch with normal slip during a post-green phase. In some example embodiments, increased slip consists of slip speeds greater than 40 revolutions per minute. In an example embodiment, increased slip consists of a slip speed of approximately 50 revolutions per minute.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventors: Loyal George MacMillian, Ekkehard Reibold, Georg Göppert, George Herr
  • Patent number: 8265842
    Abstract: A method for controlling a clutch of an electronic locking differential for a vehicle includes determining either that a speed of the vehicle is less than a reference speed or that a desired state of the clutch is a disengaged state, determining that an angular displacement of a steering wheel from a centered position is less than a first reference angle, and disengaging the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jacob M. Povirk, John R. Saieg, Gary M. Pietrzyk
  • Patent number: 8265843
    Abstract: A control system and method for an electromagnetic clutch brake, including an electromagnetic clutch brake actuator coil surrounding a power input shaft for a multiple-ratio transmission in a vehicle powertrain. A protective circuit of the control system normally monitors data inputs from a databus that may indicate conditions that are not favorable for clutch brake actuation. The protective circuit prevents actuation of the clutch brake under such conditions. In the event the data inputs are not available from the databus, the protective circuit permits operation in a fall-back mode in which a brake ON timer is checked prior to clutch brake actuation. A primary counter is incremented with each normal clutch brake actuation and a secondary counter is incremented with each fall-back clutch brake actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Hornbrook, Yeidei Wang
  • Patent number: 8260512
    Abstract: A torque converter has a pump that is rotatably driven by an internal combustion engine and that is fluidly coupled to a turbine, and a lockup clutch connected between pump and the turbine. Controlling engagement of the lockup clutch may include controlling the lockup clutch to an initial lockup clutch activation value, determining rotational speed of the pump, determining rotational speed of the turbine, and if the rotational speed of the turbine is greater than the rotational speed of the pump, increasing rotational speed of the engine until the rotational speed of the pump is within a threshold value of the rotational speed of the turbine followed by controlling the lockup clutch to full engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Kluemper, John Kresse
  • Patent number: 8255115
    Abstract: In a method for controlling an external control type fan coupling device 3, arithmetic processing to determine the rotation speed of fan 4 with a quick acceleration detection signal used as a parameter is carried out at a high frequency than that in arithmetic processing to determine the rotation speed of fan 4 using signals other than the quick acceleration detection signal as a parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Usui Kokusai Sangyo Kaisha, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazunori Takikawa
  • Patent number: 8255135
    Abstract: A control method of shifting gear in an automatic manual transmission having a twin-clutch gearbox to pass from a current gear to a successive gear, the control method including the steps of receiving a command of gear shifting, opening a first clutch associated with current gear, closing a second clutch which is associated with successive gear and starts transmitting a torque after a delay time interval from the start of the closing, and starting the opening of first clutch, thus decreasing the torque transmitted by first clutch itself before second clutch starts transmitting a torque, such that first clutch decreases the torque transmitted to the driving wheels before the second clutch starts transmitting a torque to the driving wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Ferrari S.p.A.
    Inventors: Francesco Marcigliano, Davide Montosi
  • Patent number: 8251873
    Abstract: A method for actuating a continuously variable clutch such that the torque to be transmitted by the clutch is continuously adjusted either electromechanically via an electromotive drive, hydraulically via a pressure actuator, or electromagnetically via an electromagnetic actuator. The torque transmitted by the clutch is adjusted by utilizing a position-dependent clutch torque specification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Robert Zdych, Michael Gromus, Claus Granzow
  • Publication number: 20120203403
    Abstract: A powertrain includes a plurality of torque generative devices and a transmission having an output shaft, a plurality of planetary gear sets connecting the torque generative devices to the output shaft, and a selectable one-way clutch connected to a first of the planetary gear sets. A method to control the powertrain includes monitoring a desired transmission setting selection comprising one of a low range continuously variable gear mode, a high range continuously variable gear mode, and a fixed gear mode, determining a desired state for the selectable one-way clutch based upon the desired transmission setting selection, and actuating the selectable one-way clutch to effect the desired state for the selectable one-way clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Chunhao J. Lee, Farzad Samie, Alan G. Holmes
  • Patent number: 8239107
    Abstract: In order to achieve a comfortable starting process with low wear, a braking torque, set by the driver by way of a brake pedal, an acceleration torque, requested by the driver via the accelerator pedal, and a holding torque, required for holding a motor vehicle on a gradient, are determined, and the engagement of the starting clutch, as well as the release of the service brake, are coordinated such that during the release of the service brake, the sum of the clutch torque and braking torque corresponds to the holding torque, and the clutch torque of the starting clutch is increased by the acceleration torque only when the service brake has been largely released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Roland Mair
  • Patent number: 8234050
    Abstract: A method for controlling slip across a torque limiting clutch includes determining a driveline slip threshold. A cut-off temperature is determined based on at least one of a clutch temperature, a steering wheel input and a vehicle speed. A driveline slip is determined. At least of a spark retardation and a throttle cut-off is initiated when the clutch temperature is greater than the cut-off temperature and the driveline slip is greater than the driveline slip threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy M. Burns, Sankar K. Mohan, Anupam Sharma
  • Patent number: 8229638
    Abstract: A method is described for classifying a clutch unit for a drivetrain of a motor vehicle, wherein the clutch unit has at least one friction clutch for the controllable transmission of a torque from an input element to an output element and has an actuator for actuating the friction clutch. Here, the clutch unit is controlled on the basis of a predefined characteristic curve which describes a predefined dependency of the clutch torque to be transmitted on an actuator control variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: MAGNA Powertrain AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Raphael Biancale, Gernot Maier, Martin Kiessner-Haiden, Martin Parigger
  • Patent number: 8224544
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to control an electro-mechanical transmission is provided, selectively operative in a plurality of fixed gear modes and continuously variable modes, and comprising first and second electrical machines and hydraulically-actuated clutches. Included is launching a vehicle so equipped, comprising operating the electro-mechanical transmission in a continuously variable mode to transmit motive torque from the first electrical machine to the driveline, and, selectively increasing an operating speed of the engine and selectively actuating a second clutch to transmit motive torque generated by the second electrical machine when an operator torque request exceeds a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jy-Jen F. Sah, Anthony H. Heap, Gregory A. Hubbard
  • Patent number: 8219294
    Abstract: A method for actuating a clutch (6) of a drivetrain of a motor vehicle such that, when the motor vehicle is rolling downhill with the accelerator pedal not being actuated and when the motor vehicle is coasting on level ground with the accelerator pedal not being actuated, a clutch position of the clutch (6) is determined as a function of a rotational speed difference between an input speed of a transmission (2) of the drivetrain and an idling speed of a power engine (1) of the drivetrain. The method includes the steps of determining the clutch position from the rotational speed difference between the transmission input speed and the power engine idling speed and correcting the clutch position using at least one parameter that depends on acceleration of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Peter Herter, Joachim Staudinger, Rainer Petzold, Franz Bitzer
  • Publication number: 20120173103
    Abstract: A mobile machine includes a propulsion system. The propulsion system may include a prime mover, a traction device, and a clutch operable to transmit power produced by the prime mover to the traction device. The propulsion system may also include propulsion-system controls operable to control the clutch. The propulsion-system controls may include at least one information processor configured to estimate a temperature of the clutch based at least in part on an estimated slippage of the clutch and a fluid temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: Mirko V. Barbir, Stacy Linn Grove, Yun Liu, Gerry Owen McCann, John Dewey Gates
  • Publication number: 20120166027
    Abstract: In a method for operating a motor vehicle, an actuation speed of a power input element, e.g., an accelerator pedal, is detected and evaluated, and a drag torque is influenced as a function of the detected actuation variable. At least one measure which influences the drag torque is carried out if the following conditions are all satisfied: (i) an actuation speed is less than a limiting value, (ii) a position of the input element is greater than zero, and (iii) the power input element is actuated in the direction of a power reduction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: Joachim SCHENK, Matthias BINDSEIL
  • Publication number: 20120158264
    Abstract: A calibration system for calibrating a transmission provides a calibrated clutch fill time for an oncoming clutch by activating a parking brake of a machine associated with the transmission and calibrating each clutch by setting a transmission characteristic parameter to an initial value, and then activating a clutch solenoid associated with the clutch. The transmission characteristic is periodically measured, and when the measured value of the transmission characteristic exceeds the initial value for a predetermined number of consecutive periods, the fill time for the clutch is set equal to the time elapsed during the total number of measurement periods minus one less than the predetermined number of consecutive periods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Brian D. Kuras, Michael J. Barngrover, Brian E. Lister, Michael Beyer, Ligang Zhang
  • Patent number: 8202200
    Abstract: A clutch control device providing an engagement feeling which conforms to a state of a vehicle without requiring a correction of an engagement position even when a clutch is worn. A clutch control device includes a vehicle state detection part for detecting a state of a vehicle, an actuator control part for controlling the actuator, a target torque decision part for deciding a target friction torque value Tt to be generated by the clutch in response to a time which elapses from a point in time that the engagement of the clutch starts as well as in response to a state of the vehicle, and a target oil pressure decision part for deciding a target oil pressure value Pt corresponding to the target friction torque value Tt. The actuator control part controls the actuator so as to set an oil pressure value to the target oil pressure value Pt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akihiko Tomoda
  • Patent number: 8204659
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Kouno, Tomoyuki Kodawara
  • Patent number: 8204669
    Abstract: The present device relates to a method for regulating the driving dynamics of a vehicle, in which at least one wheel of the vehicle is acted upon by a torque on the basis of control of a clutch transmitting a torque to the wheel and/or on the basis of control of a differential distributing torque to the wheel and at least to one other wheel. The method is characterized in that a value of the torque is determined as a function of a first and a second value of a yaw moment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. OHG
    Inventors: Ulrich Lüders, Rainer Oehler, Thomas Raste, Hubertus Raitz von Frentz
  • Publication number: 20120150382
    Abstract: A starter relay structure for a vehicle, where an electronic control unit of the vehicle controls the starter relay structure. The starter relay structure comprises a first relay and a second relay activated by an ignition signal from the electronic control unit. The starter relay structure further include a third relay activated by an output of the second relay, where an output of the first relay is provided as an input to the third relay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventors: Andrew M. Bucci, Toshio Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20120150403
    Abstract: A method for determining the contact point for a clutch in a vehicle comprising an engine, a clutch, powered wheels and a gearbox. The gearbox has a first gearbox component which is connected to the clutch and disconnectable from the powered wheels. The method steps include estimating (405) a friction torque for the first gearbox component, whereby the torque transmitted by the clutch is a function of estimated friction torque, closing (407) the clutch, whereby a representation of a torque transmitted by the clutch is determined for a plurality of positions for the clutch, determining (409) the contact point by means of the determined representation of torque transmitted, and the further step (402), before the closure of the clutch, of accelerating the first gearbox component if its rotation speed is below a certain value. Also a system and a vehicle for performing the method are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventor: Peter Juhlin-Dannfelt
  • Publication number: 20120150402
    Abstract: A method for control of an automatically controlled clutch when setting a vehicle (100) in motion on a running surface: the vehicle includes a combustion engine for generating driving force intended for transmission to at least one powered wheel, and a throttle control for demanding driving force from the engine. The magnitude of the driving force demanded from the engine is controlled by a driver of the vehicle by means of the throttle control. The method comprises the step, when a first criterion for a representation of the grip of the powered wheels on the running surface is fulfilled, of opening the automatically controlled clutch if the driver uses the throttle control to reduce the demand for driving force from the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventors: Peter Juhlin-Dannfelt, Mikael Öun
  • Patent number: 8200402
    Abstract: A method for shifting gears of an automatic transmission of a vehicle, by way of primarily form-locking shifting elements, while driving with or without utilization of a clutch depending on a decision made by a decision device which, in the presence of certain basic conditions, causes disengagement of a starting gear without disengaging the clutch, and subsequently reads in data about the size and the progression of a quantity correlating closely with the rotational speed of an output shaft of the automatic transmission and, with inclusion of this data, determines the shifting mode for engagement of the target gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Bernd Doebele, Norbert Wiencek
  • Publication number: 20120143452
    Abstract: A method for controlling an automated friction clutch that is located between a drive motor and a transmission in a motor vehicle that is equipped with fraction control and driving condition recognition for detecting current driving conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Mario Jung, Olaf Werner
  • Patent number: 8190343
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Inventors: Yue-Ming Chen, Vijay A. Neelakantan
  • Patent number: 8190317
    Abstract: The present invention provides a mode change control method of a hybrid vehicle, which can improve driving performance and power performance and provide a more stable vehicle behavior control during a mode change from an EV mode to a HEV mode. For this purpose, a transmission input speed is compared with an engine idle speed. If the transmission input speed is lower than the engine idle speed, the pressure of a clutch is open-loop controlled so that an optimal engine torque of operation point determination circuit can be transferred to the clutch. On the other hand, if the transmission input speed is equal to or higher than the engine idle speed, the clutch pressure is feedback-controlled so that a delta RPM follows a target delta RPM profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Sang Joon Kim, Joon Young Park
  • Patent number: 8185283
    Abstract: First target torque of an engine is set based on a driver's operation, a vehicle behavior, and a request for shifting gears of an automatic transmission. The engine is controlled such that the difference between the first target torque and the actual output torque of the engine is reduced. Detection torque is calculated from an operation state of the engine. In consideration of dead time in control of the engine, calculation torque is calculated from the first target torque. In addition, first lookahead torque with the dead time in the engine being removed is calculated by feedback-correcting the first target torque according to an error e between the detection torque and the calculation torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Seiji Kuwahara, Toshiya Oishi, Shogo Matsumoto