Interrelated power delivery controls – including engine control – Plural engines – Electric engine
Reexamination Certificate
2000-06-20
2001-11-27
Wright, Dirk (Department: 3681)
Interrelated power delivery controls, including engine control
Plural engines
Electric engine
C477S005000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06322476
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to internal combustion engines for automotive vehicles, and more specifically, to an automotive vehicle having a starter/alternator coupled to the engine.
BACKGROUND
Automotive vehicles with internal combustion engines are typically provided with both a starter motor and alternator. In recent years, a combined alternator and starter motor has been proposed. Such systems have a rotor mounted directly to the crankshaft of the engine and a stator sandwiched between the engine block and the bell housing of the transmission. During initial startup of the vehicle, the starter/alternator functions as a starter. While functioning as a starter, the starter/alternator provides a sufficient amount of starting torque to rotate the crankshaft of the engine before the cylinders are fired. After the engine is fired, an amount of engine torque is provided to the crankshaft from the combustion process in the cylinders. After the engine is started, the starter/alternator is used as a generator to charge the electrical system of the vehicle.
As the vehicle is traveling, the transmission changes gears to prove a predetermined ratio between the engine and powered wheels of the vehicle. Also, when quick acceleration is desired, engine speed (RPMs) typically increase slowly and thus power output increases slowly. Thus, during gear change to obtain a desired quick acceleration, the engine torque may not be sufficient to provide desired acceleration. Because the power output is slow to match the desired power, noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) increases during such times. Automakers are constantly striving to reduce undesirable NVH.
It would therefore be desirable to provide increased power or decreased power to control speed and reduce the NVH during gear shifts.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore one object of the invention to provide increased power during gearshifts to provide smoother acceleration, and power assist to the engine.
In one aspect of the invention, an internal combustion engine has a starter/alternator coupled to the crankshaft of the engine. A method of controlling the starter/alternator comprises the steps of:
sensing a gear shift change;
rotating the crankshaft of the engine with the starter/alternator in response to the gear shift change;
increasing or decreasing a torque of the starter to a predetermined torque; and
thereby, increasing or decreasing an engine torque.
In a further aspect of the invention, a system for an automotive vehicle has an internal combustion engine having a crankshaft and a starter/alternator coupled to the crankshaft. A transmission is coupled to the starter/alternator. A gear position sensor coupled to the transmission generates a gear change signal. A controller is coupled to the starter/alternator and the gear position sensor and receives the gear change signal. The controller initiates the operation of the starter/alternator as a motor or generator to provide a predetermined torque.
One advantage of the present invention is that a higher torque during a gear shift is generated so that more rapid acceleration may be obtained. Another advantage of the invention is that clutch wear during a gear change may be reduced because both sides of the clutch are being powered. Yet another advantage of the invention is that the size of the engine may be reduced while still providing desirable acceleration or deceleration.
Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent when viewed in light of the detailed description of the preferred embodiment when taken in conjunction with the attached drawings and appended claims.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4533011 (1985-08-01), Heidemeyer et al.
patent: 5337848 (1994-08-01), Bader
patent: 6090007 (2000-07-01), Nakajima et al.
Kahlon Gurinder S.
Liu Ning
Mohan Robert
Mollon Mark L.
Visteon Global Technologies Inc.
Wright Dirk
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