Clutch Control Patents (Class 701/67)
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Patent number: 8185283Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 24, 2009Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Seiji Kuwahara, Toshiya Oishi, Shogo Matsumoto
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Patent number: 8182391Abstract: An electric torque converter has a torque converter input member connected to the first node of a differential gear set representable by a lever diagram having first, second, and third nodes. A motor/generator is connected to the second node. The third node is connected to an input member of a transmission gearing arrangement. A brake is selectively engagable to ground the first node to a stationary member. Engagement of the brake provides a regenerative braking mode and an electric-only driving mode, with the motor/generator connected to the transmission gearing arrangement through the differential gear set. Various clutches may be provided for lock-up or selective connection of the engine, including arrangements which reduce motor/generator torque required for engine starting while in electric-only driving. A method of operating a vehicle maintains the engine speed at an optimum level to the extent possible given battery charge levels and operator commands.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2008Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Donald Klemen, Alan G. Holmes, Brendan M. Conlon, James D. Hendrickson, Norman K. Bucknor, Michael R. Schmidt
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Patent number: 8185282Abstract: A method for the operation of a drivetrain comprising an automatic transmission, a motor and at least five shift elements in which two shift elements are engaged and three shift elements are disengaged. When carrying out an upshift or downshift, a first shift element is either disengaged or engaged, and a second shift element is engaged or disengaged. While the first upshift or downshift is being carried out, a second shift element is prepared for disengaging or engaging and a third shift element is prepared for engaging or disengaging. Actuation of the second shift element occurs by virtue of a minimum selection of a first alternative or a maximum selection a second alternative. While the first upshift or downshift is being carried out and while the second upshift or downshift is being carried out, at least one fourth shift element is kept engaged or nearly engaged.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2011Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Klaus Steinhauser, Christian Popp
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Patent number: 8180536Abstract: During control of a shift of a first friction engagement element from an engaged state into a disengaged state and a shift of a second friction engagement element from a disengaged state into an engaged state for a gear shift to a first target gear from a second target gear, a desired torque capacity of the first friction engagement element is set based on an actual transmission gear ratio by interpolation from values of the desired torque capacity corresponding to at least first and second reference transmission gear ratios, wherein the first reference transmission gear ratio is a transmission gear ratio at start of an inertia phase of the shift control. When the first reference transmission gear ratio is between the actual transmission gear ratio and the second reference transmission gear ratio, the desired torque capacity is set to the value corresponding to the first reference transmission gear ratio.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2009Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Jatco LtdInventors: Masami Suzuki, Goh Endo
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Patent number: 8180549Abstract: A method of controlling a clutch in a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle adapted to perform this method are suggested, in particular resulting in a good starting phase action for supercharged diesel motors. The method comprises the method steps of: setting a clutch torque that is transmitted by a clutch by a plurality of clutch characteristics; determining by a respective clutch characteristic the clutch torque for a particular motor load depending on the rotational speed of the motor; dividing the clutch characteristics into a low speed range and into a full load range; increasing within the low speed range at a constant rotational speed of the motor the transmitted clutch torque with increasing the motor load; and transmitting in the full load range in comparison to the low speed range lower clutch torques at the same rotational speed of the motor.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2008Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Getrag Ford Transmissions GmbHInventors: Martin Leibbrandt, Harald Schmitz
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Patent number: 8180511Abstract: A hybrid vehicle has an internal combustion engine 2 and a flywheel 9. Storage and release of energy by the flywheel 9 is enabled by a continuously variable transmission 10 and clutch 11 under the control of an electronic module 14. The amount of energy transferred from the vehicle one to the flywheel 9 during a deceleration manoeuvre is maximized by increasing the engine speed. As a result, the engine does more work against the braking force of the accelerating flywheel and causes the flywheel to spin up to a higher rotational speed.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2010Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Tim James Bowman, Robert Helle-Lorentzen, Don Andreas Josephine Kees
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Patent number: 8180537Abstract: An engine control apparatus controls an engine rotational speed to a target rotational speed by using a detected input side transmission rotational speed of a manual transmission as the target rotational speed upon detecting a clutch pedal depression amount during shifting being equal to or larger than a first prescribed depression amount, which is equal to or larger than a depression amount corresponding to a clutch disconnect position. The engine rotational speed is controlled to the target rotational speed by using the smaller of a computed transmission rotational speed (based on vehicle speed and gear ratio using a shift position) and the detected input side transmission rotational speed, upon detecting the clutch pedal depression amount during shifting being smaller than the first prescribed depression amount and larger than a second prescribed depression amount, which is smaller than the depression amount corresponding to the clutch disconnect position.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2008Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masami Murayama, Masahiro Iriyama
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Publication number: 20120116639Abstract: The embodiments herein provide an automatic clutch system for automobiles. The system comprises a mechanical section and an electronic section. The mechanical section comprises a rail support base with a rail-shaped ridge installed, dynamic parts installed on the rail-shaped ridge, supporting arms, an elevator mechanism connected to the clutch pedal and a clutch pedal lever. The electronic section comprises an input section for placing the elevator mechanism in due place and a keyboard for regulation, a sensor circuit, a command circuit including microcontroller, an exit section for changing a position of the elevator mechanism, a feedback circuit including a rotary encoder and monitors. The command circuit processes an instruction data from the input resources based on the regulations set by the user and transmits a command to the output section to position the elevator mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2011Publication date: May 10, 2012Inventor: Mehdi Zaerin
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Publication number: 20120116638Abstract: One embodiment includes a coupling device system for use in a motor vehicle is provided including a coupling device and a memory chip. The coupling device has an input member, an output member, and at least one modulating clutch assembly selectively coupling the input member to the output member. The modulating clutch assembly includes an electrical clutch operator and clutch plates. The clutch plates include at least one first clutch plate coupled to the input member and at least one second clutch plate coupled to the output member. The second clutch plate is disposed adjacent the first clutch plate. The memory chip is integrated with the coupling device and is configured to store data related to a measured characteristic of the coupling device. The memory chip is also configured to communicate with a vehicle controller. A method of providing a calibration curve of the coupling device to the vehicle controller is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2010Publication date: May 10, 2012Applicant: BorgWarner Inc.Inventors: Brian E. Leising, Phillip Wood, Ryan M. True
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Patent number: 8167774Abstract: A process for controlling a twin clutch transmission with two partial drive trains with respectively a friction clutch interposed between an internal combustion engine and the partial drive train is provided. If the transmission capacity of a friction clutch falls below the engine torque, engine intervention takes place. If the clutch temperature rises further above a default value, an emergency operation is initiated, in which the affected partial drive train is deactivated by opening the affected friction clutch, a preselection strategy used in the other partial drive train is changed and the other partial drive train is activated.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2009Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Gerd Jaeggle, Juergen Eich
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Patent number: 8165772Abstract: A method of managing slip in a transmission that is driven by a prime mover includes determining whether a slip condition of the transmission is present based on a slip value and reducing a torque output of the prime mover based on a torque reduction value when the slip condition is present. The method further includes storing the torque reduction value in an array if the slip condition is resolved as a result of the step of reducing and identifying a faulty component within the transmission based on the array.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2007Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Inventor: Todd J. Thor
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Patent number: 8160792Abstract: A failure detection system for accurately detecting a failure of a clutch. A clutch actuation mechanism changes the relative positions of drive-side and driven-side members of the clutch. A position detector detects a position of the clutch actuation mechanism as a clutch position. A control unit obtains torque transmitted from the drive-side member to the driven-side member as actual transmission torque. The control unit detects a failure of the clutch based on the actual transmission torque and the clutch position.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2008Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kengo Minami
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Patent number: 8155849Abstract: A hydraulic actuating device (10) for an automotive friction clutch (12), has a master cylinder (14) whose master piston (16) can be impinged upon with a master force (FG) via an actuating mechanism (18) and can be displaced by a master travel (SG), and a slave cylinder (20) with a slave piston (22) which is hydraulically connected in series to the master piston via a liquid column and is functionally linked with a clutch-release member (24) of the automotive friction clutch. The actuating device may be provided with an adjusting unit (26) may have an adjusting piston (28). The adjusting piston is hydraulically connected in series to the master piston and can be impinged upon with a force and displaced via a transmission (30) that is driven by an electric motor. The actuating device further has a control unit (C) which is used to control the adjusting unit especially subject to a master variable (FG; SG).Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2005Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: FTE automotive GmbHInventors: Rainer Porzel, Otto Kadlac, Norbert Oberlack, Karl Peuker, Geza Zsari
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Patent number: 8155850Abstract: A system for controlling a flow of hydraulic fluid between a hydraulic actuator and a torque transmitting device includes a position sensor in communication with the hydraulic actuator and operable to detect a position of the hydraulic actuator, a temperature sensor in communication with the hydraulic fluid and operable to detect a temperature of the hydraulic fluid, and a flow control device. The flow control devices includes a housing defining a first passage and a second passage, the first passage in communication with the hydraulic actuator and the second passage in communication with the torque transmitting device. An electronic actuator is located between the first passage and the second passage and is operable to selectively control a flow of the hydraulic fluid between the first passage and the second passage. A controller is in communication with the position sensor, the temperature sensor, and the electronic actuator of the flow control device.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2009Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Andrew R Greenwood-Smith
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Patent number: 8150589Abstract: A dynamic model that is configured to produce a lockup clutch command as a function of a plurality of torque converter operating parameters is continually solved and the lockup clutch command is asserted to control engagement of the lockup clutch. A profile of one of the plurality of torque converter operating parameters is selected and is configured, when inserted into the model in place of an actual value thereof, to result in an intersection of rotational speeds of the pump and the turbine over time. Deceleration of the pump is monitored after asserting the lockup clutch command and a maximum deceleration of the pump is determined therefrom. The selected profile is temporarily held constant if the monitored deceleration of the pump rises at least a threshold value above the maximum deceleration of the pump.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2009Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey K. Runde
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Patent number: 8147381Abstract: A grip force of a driving wheel is maintained by identifying an actual condition of a motorcycle and controlling a clutch in a timely manner. A clutch control system includes a clutch, an actuator unit causing the clutch to engage or disengage, a rear wheel speed sensor, a front wheel speed sensor, a clutch lever sensor and a controller controlling a control motor based on a rear wheel speed and a front wheel speed. When the rear wheel speed is lower than the front wheel speed and an absolute value of a difference between the rear wheel speed and the front wheel speed is greater than a threshold value, the control motor is driven so as to reduce a transmission force of the clutch. When an operational amount of the clutch lever is greater than a threshold value, processing to reduce the transmission force of the clutch is suspended.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2008Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kanau Iwashita, Akihiko Tomoda
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Patent number: 8150587Abstract: An ECU is configured to disengage a clutch by driving a motor upon detection of starting of a shift operation, and to engage the clutch upon detection of completion of the shift change. The shift operation starting detection is detected upon determination that an operational force given to a shift pedal is equal to or more than a predetermined operational force, and the shift change completion detection is detected upon determination that a rotational angle of a shift drum from a shift gear position before a shift gear operation becomes equal to or more than a first predetermined angle. The shift operation starting detection is also detected upon determination that the rotational angle of the shift drum from a shift gear position before a shift gear operation is a second predetermined angle or more which is smaller than the first predetermined angle.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2009Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ahihiko Tomoda, Kanau Iwashita, Yoshihisa Ieda, Koshi Hayakawa
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Patent number: 8145400Abstract: A method of controlling a hydraulic actuator of a friction coupling that includes a pump, which is driven by an electric motor, a pressure line, which contains a non-return valve and which runs from the pump to an actuator cylinder with an actuator piston that acts on the friction coupling. A rapid drain valve has a flow connection to the actuator cylinder and contains a slide that responds to the pressure prevailing on the side of the pump that faces the slide. To optimize the dynamic and static control behavior of the actuator, a control variable is determined for the electric motor from the target pressure and the actual pressure in the actuator cylinder. At least two different control algorithms are executed, depending on whether the difference between the target pressure and the actual pressure is positive or negative.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2005Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: MAGNA Powertrain AG & Co KGInventors: Albert Kusej, Johannes Quehenberger, Anton Hofer
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Publication number: 20120065852Abstract: A method and device for controlling an automatic freewheeling function in a vehicle where a freewheeling function is active due to a prevailing freewheeling condition and where a control unit is programmed to: predict that the vehicle soon will travel in a steep downhill slope that is steeper compared to a prevailing downhill slope; simulate if less fuel will be consumed if the freewheeling function is inactivated in a a further position before the vehicle enters the steeper downhill slope, compared to if the vehicle enters the steeper downhill slope with the freewheeling function active; and inactivate the freewheeling function in the further position, that is, before the vehicle enters the steeper downhill slope if the simulation shows that less fuel will be consumed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2009Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: VOLVO LASTVAGNAR ABInventors: Anders Eriksson, Niklas Öberg
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Publication number: 20120065855Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2011Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Syed Naqi, Ali K. Naqvi, Lawrence A. Kaminsky, Jy-Jen F. Sah, James R. Bartshe, Peter E. Wu
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Publication number: 20120065856Abstract: A method for optimizing a shift event in a vehicle includes designating a clutch to be used as an oncoming clutch or an offgoing clutch in the shift event before executing the shift event, and processing a plurality of input values through a state observer to thereby determine, as an output value of the state observer, an estimated slip speed of the designated clutch. The method includes using a proportional-integral control module for the designated clutch (a clutch PI) to close the control loop on the estimated slip speed from the state observer, thereby smoothing a switching between state space equations in the state observer, and executing the shift event. A vehicle includes a transmission, an engine, at least one traction motor, and a control system configured for executing the above method.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2011Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: R. Anthony Hansen, Robert L. Morris
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Publication number: 20120053801Abstract: A method is provided for estimating a transmissibility of a clutch in a vehicle powertrain, which includes, but is not limited to cutting off fuel supply of an engine driving a first side of the clutch, setting a clutch pressure between first and second sides of the clutch to a positive value at which there is a non-zero difference between angular accelerations at the first and second sides of the clutch, and deriving the estimated transmissibility from a deviation between the angular acceleration difference and an angular acceleration caused by a drag torque of the engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2010Publication date: March 1, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Goetz Hangen
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Patent number: 8118626Abstract: In an apparatus for controlling operation of an outboard motor mounted on a boat and having a torque converter equipped with a lockup clutch, it is configured to calculate a speed ratio of the torque converter based on an input rotation speed and output rotation speed of the torque converter, detect manifold absolute pressure of the engine, control the lockup clutch to ON when the calculated speed ratio has been equal to or greater than a reference value, and control the lockup clutch to OFF when the manifold absolute pressure has been decreased by a first predetermined value or more. With this, it becomes possible to prevent the boat speed from decreasing even when the resistance of water flow acting on the boat increases due to the influence of a wave etc., thereby maintaining the maximum speed.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2010Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Koji Kuriyagawa, Hajime Yoshimura
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Patent number: 8118697Abstract: A simplified continuously variable transmission system control provides a variable clamping force and a differential cylinder pressure manipulation to change sheave ratios. The system control uses two pumps. The first pump provides the variable clamping force. The second pump provides pressure changes to effect ratio changes. The clamping force can be varied based upon operator demand on an associated engine.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2010Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Inventor: Albert W. Brown
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Publication number: 20120041654Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for controlling transmission clutch system output pressures is provided. A transmission control unit and a pressure control device including an electro-hydraulic valve and a pressure switch cooperate to provide self-calibrating clutch pressure control systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2011Publication date: February 16, 2012Inventors: Thomas H. Wilson, Charles F. Long, Travis A. Brown
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Publication number: 20120041657Abstract: A method for detecting the clutch condition in engine-powered vehicles. To ensure a reliable detection of the clutch condition even in extreme driving situations, the engine torque of at least one vehicle engine is increased or reduced automatically by pulses and the response of the engine to the torque pulse is evaluated.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2011Publication date: February 16, 2012Inventors: Ulrich Goennenwein, Muhammad Rauf Hameed, Ruediger Poggenburg
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Patent number: 8116956Abstract: A method of engaging a clutch within a drive train may include detecting a fault in a clutch engagement data link, selecting an alternative clutch control logic, detecting a value indicative of a rotational speed of a first portion of the clutch and moving a second portion of the clutch based upon the detected value.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2008Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Thomas R. Connolly, Mark E. Hope
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Patent number: 8116957Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for controlling clutch engagement in a hybrid vehicle, in which an appropriate clutch engagement mode is selected based on vehicle state, and the like, and a speed difference between both sections of a clutch and a torque transmitted to the vehicle during the clutch engagement process are controlled by reflecting a parameter changed by the clutch engagement mode, thus improving acceleration performance and driving performance, reducing engagement impact, and simply providing various clutch engagement modes.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2008Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Jong Han Oh, Sang Hee Shin
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Publication number: 20120035794Abstract: A vehicle includes a clutch set, a tank with fluid, an auxiliary battery, an electric fuel pump, and a controller. The electric fluid pump delivers some of the fluid from the tank to a designated oncoming clutch of the clutch set. The controller calculates a predicted flow value for the oncoming clutch during the shift event, and selectively controls the speed of the pump using the predicted flow value during the shift event. The controller controls the pump using an actual flow value when the vehicle is not executing a shift event, i.e., when holding torque. The speed of the electric fluid pump is increased to a first calculated speed determined using the predicted flow value when the shift event is initiated and before filling of the oncoming clutch commences, and is reduced to a second calculated speed determined using the actual flow value when the shift event is complete.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2010Publication date: February 9, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Ali K. Naqvi, Jy-Jen F. Sah
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Patent number: 8109855Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the coupling and the decoupling of the first motor and of the second motor of a parallel hybrid motive power group comprising a first motor (11) driving an input shaft (4) at the entrance of a gear box (15), a second motor (12) and a coupling/decoupling means (13) of the second motor and of the first motor, maneuverable between an open position and a closed position, for enabling a change with regard to the gearbox when the motor group operates in hybrid mode, according to which the motive power group is controlled for decoupling the second motor and the first motor then changing the ratio of the gear box, and recoupling the second motor and the first motor.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2006Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SAInventors: Yvan Le Neindre, Gaetan Rocq
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Patent number: 8108114Abstract: A clutch controller that improves riding comfort when a clutch is engaged. A target torque obtaining section obtains torque that is supposed to be transmitted from a drive-side member of the clutch to a downstream mechanism in a torque transmission path as target transmission torque, the downstream mechanism including a driven-side member of the clutch. An clutch actuator control section actuates a clutch actuator based on the target transmission torque. The target torque obtaining section estimates torque to be transmitted from the drive-side member to the downstream mechanism after the drive-side member and the driven-side member are completely engaged, and obtains the estimated torque as the target transmission torque.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2008Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kengo Minami
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Patent number: 8108111Abstract: A variable transmission comprises a first fluid working machine (1) for connection to a prime mover (2), a second fluid working machine (5) for connection to a mechanical load (6) and a fluid system linking the first and second working machines, the fluid system having a high-pressure side (3) and a low-pressure side (4) each connected to both said first and said second fluid working machines (1, 5), a fluid accumulator (7) on the high-pressure side, a means to admit fluid from the reservoir to the low-pressure side and a pressure control valve to maintain the correct pressure in the low-pressure side, wherein the second fluid working machine (5) includes chambers of variable volume having electronically controllable valves such that each of said chambers has pumping, motoring and idling modes of operation, and the second fluid working machine (5) is operable to both source fluid to and sink fluid from each of said high-pressure side (3) and said low-pressure side (4).Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2007Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Artemis Intelligent Power LimitedInventors: Uwe Bernhard Pascal Stein, Michael Richard Fielding
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Patent number: 8108115Abstract: A vehicle control device including an input member drive-connected to a power source; a mechanical pump; an electric pump assisting the mechanical pump; a drive mechanism transmitting the rotational driving force of the input member to an output member; a fluid coupling between the input member and the drive transmission mechanism and including a lock-up engagement element which receives hydraulic oil discharged from the mechanical pump and the electric pump to operate; a state detection unit that detects the state of the one or more factors that the discharge of the electric pump; and a control unit which executes a first or second control mode, wherein the first control mode permits engagement of the lock-up engagement element if a first condition is satisfied based on the one or more factors, and wherein a second control mode inhibits engagement of the lock-up engagement element if the first condition is not satisfied.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2008Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasuhiko Kobayashi, Yasuo Yamaguchi, Shinichi Nomura
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Patent number: 8105205Abstract: A method for adjusting the friction coefficient of a friction clutch situated in a hybrid power train between an electric machine and a combustion engine, actuated by a clutch actuator, the friction coefficient is adjusted by a torque transmitted by the friction clutch, which is determined when starting the combustion engine by the electric machine.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2008Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Michael Reuschel
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Publication number: 20120016560Abstract: A method for operating a drive device for adjusting an automated clutch in a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle has a control device by which at least one control of the drive device and one capture of measurement data of a clutch travel sensor takes place for determining the setting of the automated clutch. The drive device has a drive motor with a drive connection to a displaceable element to be positioned. A travel range of the displaceable element is monitored and a referencing procedure is performed cyclically after a prescribed time and is followed by a plausibility check if referencing is permitted at the point in time.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2011Publication date: January 19, 2012Inventors: Michael SCHINDLER, Matthias PANZER
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Patent number: 8092343Abstract: A method for determining the filling pressure for a clutch and a hydraulic clutch adapted to conduct said method are suggested where clutch linings are brought into engagement against the force of a clutch release spring by a hydraulic pressure system. The hydraulic pressure is controlled such that an engagement point where the clutch linings abut against each other but without establishing a torque transmitting capacity in the clutch can be reached quickly and precisely. The purpose is to achieve a short gear shifting time, but at the same time avoid impacts due to premature torque transmittal capacity in the clutch during gear shifting. A precision shifting mode or a fast shifting mode can be established, compromising speed and torque transmitting capacity depending on the preferred driving mode.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2008Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Getrag Ford Transmissions GmbHInventors: Martin Leibbrandt, Stefan Kirschstein, Manfred Henning
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Patent number: 8095288Abstract: A method for reducing oscillations in a vehicle driveline includes transmitting torque to secondary wheels of the vehicle, determining a first rate of change in speed between the secondary wheels and primary wheels, if a second rate of change in speed between secondary wheels and primary wheels is greater than the first rate of change, reducing torque transmitted to the secondary wheels proportional to a ratio of the first rate of change and the second rate of change, and if the second rate of change is less than the first rate of change, using differential and proportional control to change said torque.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2009Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Richard D. Bruns, Ashok Rodrigues, Syun K. Lee, Peter J. Barrette
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Patent number: 8090499Abstract: A vehicle control system reduces vehicle rollback upon brake release. The control system includes a brake system, a vehicle grade measurement device and a controller that modulates applied brake pressure of the brake system based on a grade measurement of the grade measurement device. The controller actuates brake-hold device communicating with the brake system based on the grade measurement through pulse width modulation. The control system communicates with a motor generator and an engine to provide a start power to the engine upon brake release based on the grade measurement. Fuel injectors of the engine are enabled upon brake release based on the grade measurement. The control system further communicates with a transmission forward clutch to provide selective rotational communication between the transmission and the engine based on the grade measurement.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2004Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Inventor: Goro Tamai
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Patent number: 8090512Abstract: A method optimizes a fill event of an apply chamber of a fluid-actuated clutch, and includes determining input values describing the fill event, and then estimating a fill time using the input values. The method includes filling the apply chamber using the estimated fill time (EFT) or within an allowable range of the EFT. The input values can include a command line pressure, command fill stroke pressure, and an estimated viscosity of the fluid, although other values can be used. The input values are processed through a neural network having an input layer, an optional hidden layer, and an output layer. An assembly includes a fluid-actuated clutch having an apply chamber and a controller operable for estimating the fill time required for filling the apply chamber, and for controlling the fill of the apply chamber within the EFT.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2008Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Ming Cao, Chi-Kuan Kao, Chunhao J. Lee
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Patent number: 8090513Abstract: A method of controlling an automated friction clutch in a drivetrain of a motor vehicle between a drive motor and a manual transmission. During clutch actuation, at least one operating parameter of the friction clutch is detected by a sensor and from variation of the operating parameter at least one adaptation parameter is derived for correcting a control parameter of the associated clutch control element. To obtain information about variation of the clutch release force and to improve the control of an associated clutch control element, the friction clutch is fully disengaged with constant control or actuation of the clutch control element. During the disengagement process, the release travel path is determined as a function of release time, and from the time variation of the release travel path, a characteristic value is determined which is used to determine an adaptation parameter for correcting the control parameter of the clutch control element.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2009Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Rainer Petzold, Peter Herter, Franz Bitzer, Roland Mair
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Publication number: 20110307153Abstract: A method and device are provided for controlling disengagement of an automated vehicle master clutch arranged in a vehicle drivetrain between a vehicle propulsion unit and a step geared transmission. The method includes the steps of determining a first output torque of the propulsion unit prior to initiation of a master clutch disengagement procedure, computing a second output torque of the propulsion unit in dependence of at least the first output torque, and where the second output torque is closer to zero torque than the first output torque, initiating the master clutch disengagement procedure by initiating an oscillation in drive shafts by abruptly altering propulsion unit output torque from the first to the second output torque, and disengaging the master clutch when the oscillation has reached a first oscillation turning point. Benefits can include faster gear shifting and better comfort with maintained transmission durability.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2008Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: Volvo Lastvagnar ABInventors: Behrooz Razaznejad, Henrik Ryberg
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Publication number: 20110301820Abstract: The invention relates to an electrically actuatable assembly of a motor vehicle having at least one component comprising a non-volatile memory. The component has base functionality characteristic for the component and required for the operation of the assembly. The memory comprises a memory region not utilized for realizing the base functionality of the component, in said memory region is stored a characteristic value that identifies the assembly with a predetermined probability. Furthermore, the characteristic value can be read out from the memory region of the component. Finally, the invention describes a method for identifying such an electrically actuatable assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2009Publication date: December 8, 2011Applicants: AUDI AG, Magna Powertrain AG & Co. KGInventors: Gerhard Müllner, Karl Reisinger, Ralf Schwarz, Tim Christopher Meissner, Maik Hofmann, Thomas Ferstl
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Patent number: 8073602Abstract: A method for controlling an electro-mechanical transmission mechanically coupled to first and second electric machines to transmit power to an output member includes determining motor torque constraints and battery power constraints. A preferred output torque to an output member is determined that is achievable within the motor torque constraints, within a range for an additional torque input and based upon the battery power constraints.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2008Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Tung-Ming Hsieh, Anthony H. Heap
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Patent number: 8073604Abstract: A method protects a starting clutch. The method generates an estimated equivalent temperature of the starting clutch and performs an operation for protecting the starting clutch if the estimated temperature exceeds critical temperature, in order to prevent the burnout of the starting clutch caused by excessive slip under severe conditions. A system implementing the method is also described.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2008Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Donghwan Hwang, Youngmin Yoon
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Publication number: 20110295476Abstract: A system and method of detecting clutch engagement of a manual transmission of a motor vehicle is disclosed. The system and method include a clutch switch for detecting clutch engagement and a backup method for detecting clutch engagement. The backup method includes varying a target speed of an engine drive shaft of the motor vehicle and comparing the speed of the engine drive shaft with the speed of a mainshaft of the motor vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2010Publication date: December 1, 2011Inventor: Nathaniel Ellis
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Publication number: 20110287891Abstract: An overspeed system for a vehicle is disclosed. The overspeed system may have a power source, a transmission unit, and a torque converter assembly operatively coupling the power source to the transmission unit. The overspeed system may also have a travel speed sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a vehicle speed, and a controller in communication with the torque converter assembly and the travel speed sensor. The controller may be configured to prevent a decoupling of the torque converter assembly in response to the signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2011Publication date: November 24, 2011Inventor: Hong-Chin Lin
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Patent number: 8065064Abstract: An automatic transmission calculates a current thermal load state of the frictional element, predicts (S24, 531), prior to the start of the shift, a heat generation amount of the frictional element during the shift, predicts (S25, S32) a thermal load state of the frictional element upon shift completion on the basis of the current thermal load state and the predicted heat generation amount, and when the predicted thermal load state upon shift completion is inside a predetermined region, either performs (S28, S38) the shift after modifying a shift mode such that the heat generation amount of the frictional element is smaller than that of a case in which the predicted thermal load state upon shift completion is outside the predetermined region, or prohibits (S39) the shift, wherein the predetermined region is set at a different region depending on whether the shift is an upshift or a downshift.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2008Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Jatco LtdInventors: Tomomasa Ikeda, Hiroki Kawakami
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Patent number: 8060273Abstract: A method for diagnosing a component of a vehicle, which presents the steps of: identifying a series of classes, each of which is associated to a given mode of operation of the component; identifying at least one control signal of the component; providing a mathematical model of the component designed to classify an evolution in time of the control signal, assigning a respective class to the evolution in time of the control signal itself; detecting a number of evolutions in time of the control signal; classifying each evolution in time of the control signal by the mathematical model of the component; and determining a diagnosis of the component on the basis of the classification of the evolutions in time of the control signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2008Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: S.A.T.E.—Systems and Advanced Technologies Engineering S.r.l.Inventor: Attilio Brighenti
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Patent number: 8058834Abstract: A control device for an automatic transmission includes a current detecting unit for detecting motor current. The current detecting unit has a counter for counting variation number of a rotational position signal output from a rotational position detecting unit for detecting the rotational position of a motor, and an electrical angle 180° judging unit for judging rotation of electrical angle 180° of the motor. A voltage occurring in a current detecting resistor is sampled at a timing of each integral multiple of the electrical angle of 180° judged in the electrical angle 180° judging unit, and rotation of the motor is controlled in accordance with the difference between motor target current calculated in the motor target current calculating unit and motor current.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2009Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Takeru Okabe, Shiro Yonezawa, Nozomu Kamioka, Tomohisa Shoda, Masaki Horii, Yasufumi Ogawa, Osamu Ishikawa
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Patent number: 8060286Abstract: A clutch control system comprises a clutch torque determination module and a clutch pressure control module. The clutch torque determination module determines a desired torque value for a torque converter clutch (TCC) based on a torque output of an engine, a pump torque value for a pump integrated with a torque converter, a desired engine acceleration, and an inertia value of the engine. The clutch pressure control module selectively controls pressure applied to the TCC based on the desired torque value.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2009Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Inventors: Kevin L. Kluemper, Jeffrey K. Runde, Robert M. Merrion