Interrelated power delivery controls – including engine control – Transmission control – Control by sensed ambient condition – pattern indicia,...
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-26
2001-04-24
Marmor, Charles A (Department: 3681)
Interrelated power delivery controls, including engine control
Transmission control
Control by sensed ambient condition, pattern indicia,...
C477S110000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06220987
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention is directed to a system and method for controlling an automatic transmission including scheduling ratio changes based on desired or requested powertrain output.
BACKGROUND ART
Mechanical throttle control systems use airflow as the primary control parameter in controlling engine or powertrain output. The airflow is controlled by a throttle valve in the intake which is mechanically linked to a throttle pedal. As such, many powertrain control parameters, including automatic transmission shift scheduling, were traditionally based on, or indexed by, the throttle valve position.
Electronic airflow control systems, such as variable cam timing systems and electronic throttle control systems, replace the traditional mechanical throttle cable system with an “electronic linkage” provided by sensors and actuators in communication with an electronic controller. This increases the control authority of the electronic controller and allows the throttle valve to be controlled independently of the pedal position. As such, the throttle valve position is no longer necessarily indicative of the requested or desired powertrain output.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a system and method for controlling a powertrain including an internal combustion engine with electronic airflow control and an automatic transmission which controls the ratio changes (gear shifts and converter clutch locks/unlocks) of the automatic transmission based on a final requested powertrain output.
In carrying out the above object and other objects, advantages, and features of the present invention, a system and method for controlling a vehicular powertrain including an automatic transmission having a plurality of selectable input to output ratios, include determining a requested powertrain output, determining a current vehicle speed, determining a vehicle speed ratio changing threshold based on the requested output torque, comparing the current vehicle speed to the vehicle speed ratio changing threshold, and generating a command to select a different input to output ratio when the current vehicle speed crosses the vehicle speed ratio changing threshold.
The present invention provides a number of advantages over prior art control strategies. For example, the present invention provides a modular control structure where automatic transmission ratio selection is based on powertrain output rather than throttle position. As such, the control strategy of the present invention may be easily adapted to new engine technologies such as lean burn, variable cam timing, and direct injection. Ratio selection which is independent of throttle valve position allows increased authority of control of the throttle valve such that it can be nearly wide open without causing a ratio change. This facilitates stable ratio changes at lower speeds without degrading performance feel.
The above advantages and other advantages, objects, and features of the present invention, will be readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best mode for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
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Pallett Tobias John
Robichaux Jerry Dean
Webster Gary Bruce
Ford Global Technologies Inc.
Ho Ha
Marmor Charles A
McKenzie Frank G.
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