192 clutches and power-stop control – Clutches
Utility Patent
1997-12-10
2001-01-02
Marmor, Charles A (Department: 3681)
192 clutches and power-stop control
Clutches
Utility Patent
active
06167996
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention generally relates to control methods useful with heavy duty vehicle transmissions that allow a driver to manually select an automatically implemented shift.
Heavy duty vehicles such as trucks typically include a multi-speed transmission that is manually controlled by the driver. The driver utilizes a manual stick shift and clutch to select one of several transmission gears depending upon the driving conditions, for example. The manual stick shift allows the driver to select from the various transmission gears, which vary the ratio between the input speeds of the transmission from the engine and the output speed of the transmission.
More recently, systems have been proposed to simplify the task of shifting the transmission. Such systems allow a driver to move a shift lever in one of two directions or to push buttons to indicate a desired shift. An electronic controller determines the desired gear ratio and operates an automatic shifting module to change the transmission into the desired gear ratio. Such systems have advantages in that they can simplify the task of driving a heavy duty vehicle.
The nature of a transmission associated with a heavy duty vehicle requires a variety of controlling strategies that must be implemented by the electronic controller to effect appropriate transmission operation. One situation where this is true is providing appropriate feedback to the driver of the vehicle regarding the status or condition of the transmission. This invention includes a method of providing the driver an indication of when the transmission is engaged into a desired gear after the vehicle has been at rest.
Another issue presented by attempting to automate portions of heavy duty vehicle transmissions is the possibility for introducing a relatively large number of electronic components and associated wiring. This invention includes a control method for determining the status of the master clutch associated with the transmission. The method of this invention provides the advantage of eliminating electronic components that would otherwise be associated with such a transmission by utilizing information regarding other portions of the transmission that are already available.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention includes methods of controlling a semi-automatic vehicle transmission. The disclosed implementations of the methods of this invention are especially useful for controlling the vehicle transmission after the vehicle has been stopped.
One aspect of this invention includes determining the status of the clutch associated with the transmission. The clutch can be in an open condition or a closed condition where the engine output shaft is coupled to the transmission input shaft. The clutch status is determined by comparing the rotational speeds of the engine output shaft and the transmission input shaft. If the difference between those speeds is greater than a predetermined value, then the determination is made that the clutch is open and that information is used appropriately for engaging the next desired gear, for example.
Another aspect of this invention includes providing the driver an indication of when a desired gear is engaged after the vehicle has been stopped. The driver makes a selection for the next desired gear using the shift lever. The electronic controller automatically determines what the next desired gear is. The controller then determines whether that gear is engaged and, if not, provides the driver with an indication that the desired gear is not yet engaged. The controller then causes a shifting module to move the transmission toward engagement of the desired gear. The indication is provided to the driver that the desired gear is not engaged until such engagement is accomplished. In one embodiment, the indication to the driver is a flashing light. The light begins flashing once the driver selects the next desired gear and remains flashing until that gear is engaged. Once the chosen gear engagement is accomplished, the flashing light is turned off, which indicates that the desired gear is engaged.
The various features and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be described as follows.
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Operator's manual for the Mercedes Actros, pp. 20-23, May 1996.
European Patent Search Report—Feb. 28, 2000, Application EP19980122536, filed Nov. 30, 1998.
Bockmann Gerhard
Bohm Andreas
Huber Jon M.
Carlson & Gaskey & Olds
Marmor Charles A
Parekh Ankur
ZF Meritor LLC
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