Interrelated power delivery controls – including engine control – Transmission control – With clutch control
Reexamination Certificate
2001-11-27
2004-01-13
Parekh, Ankur (Department: 3681)
Interrelated power delivery controls, including engine control
Transmission control
With clutch control
C477S901000, C477S174000, C701S067000, C701S094000, C123S339160
Reexamination Certificate
active
06676561
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a torque transfer system for a motor vehicle, a method of operating the torque transfer system, and a method of operating the motor vehicle that comprises utilizing the torque transfer system.
A torque transfer system in the particular context of the present invention means an arrangement or system that includes a clutch device and/or a torque converter device and/or a transmission. The torque transfer system has at least one input shaft and one output shaft, where the rotary transfer quantities carried through the input shaft and the output shaft may be equal or different in magnitude.
A rotary transfer quantity within the present context means a torque or a rate of rotation (rpm rate, for short). A torque transfer system of the kind that the present invention aims to improve is preferably configured so that it can at least part of the time uncouple at least one input shaft and at least one output shaft from each other.
As a matter of terminology, it should be noted that the term “torque-transmitting device”, which will also be used herein, has a different meaning from “torque transfer system”. The torque transfer system proposed by the present invention preferably includes a torque-transmitting device as a component.
The term “clutch device” as used herein refers to a device that includes a clutch that can be engaged and disengaged, such as a friction clutch and/or a start-up clutch and/or a reverse-gear clutch and/or a laminar disc clutch and/or a magnet powder clutch and/or a converter bypass clutch. With particular preference, the clutch device is configured as an automated clutch device of the kind which the assignee of the present invention describes and offers for sale under the name “Electronic Clutch Management” (ECM).
A transmission device in the particular context of the present invention means a device by which different transmission ratios can be set. The selection of transmission ratios may be either continuous, i.e., without steps, or it may have a finite number of discrete levels or steps. Examples of transmission devices envisaged here include manual shift transmissions, multi-step transmissions, cone-pulley transmissions and the like. In particular, the transmission device consists of an automatic transmission, preferably of the type that uses a planetary gear mechanism and can be shifted without interrupting wheel traction. As an alternative, the transmission device may also be an automated shift transmission. The term “automated shift transmission” as used herein means a transmission with a gear layout analogous to a manual transmission with the addition of automated controls for at least a part of the shift movements, and in particular for all of the shift movements. An actuating device is provided for the automated controlling of the shift movements, including in particular a hydraulic device with a piston/cylinder arrangement and/or at least one electric motor.
In the context of the present invention, the terms “torque transfer system”, “clutch device” as well as “transmission device” also include combinations of the aforementioned representative embodiments of the different devices.
The known state of the art already includes torque transfer systems with an automated clutch device and a transmission device in which the respective shift movements of the clutch device and the transmission device are performed in coordination with each other. Devices of this kind are known in particular for the automated movement of the clutch. Although these known devices are already proven in practical use, it would seem desirable to develop them further to make them more adaptable and more flexible for certain operating states and traction load states of a motor vehicle.
The terms “traction load” and “traction load state” in the context of the present invention refers in particular to extraneous factors of the vehicle, e.g., the position and orientation of the vehicle on a road surface, which may increase the driving resistance in relation to a predetermined reference resistance in at least one driving direction. Of particular interest in the present context are situations that lead to an increase in driving resistance dependent on the direction of travel.
A reference resistance in the present context means a specific amount of driving resistance encountered by the motor vehicle when traveling on a level surface at normal atmospheric pressure, with a normal air drag coefficient (C
d
) of the vehicle without accessory structures such as a rooftop carrier or a trailer or the like, and at a specified total weight defined specifically as 75 kilograms above the weight of the empty vehicle.
Some traction load states considered in the context of the present invention relate to conditions where the driving resistance is higher than under the aforementioned normal reference conditions. An increased driving resistance may be due to the fact that the vehicle is traveling up an incline or that the vehicle is pulling a trailer.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
The invention therefore has the object of providing a torque transfer system for a motor vehicle as well as a method of operating the torque transfer system, offering a cost-effective and technically simple solution for performing rapid and precise shift movements adapted to traction load conditions of the vehicle, leading to a higher level of driving comfort.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The proposed solution according to the invention is to provide a torque transfer system for a motor vehicle with a control device that is at least part of the time connected to a traction-load detecting device with at least one sensor device to determine the traction load of the vehicle.
The torque transfer system, which specifically includes a clutch device and a transmission device, is appropriately configured so that it can be arranged in the power train of a motor vehicle between an input shaft and an output shaft.
The term “drive source” in the present context means in particular a motor or a combustion engine or the like. The terms “downstream side” or “output side” refer to a shaft that is arranged in the power train between the transmission device and the wheels of the vehicle. It should be noted that a vehicle with a torque transfer system according to the invention may also be set in motion with a torque flowing in the upstream direction of the power train. This can particularly be the case, if a vehicle parked on an incline is set into motion by disengaging the transmission lock and/or the clutch without depressing the accelerator pedal, i.e., by using the downhill component of the gravity force.
The torque transfer system can be shifted between different operating states that affect the ratio between the rotary transfer quantities. In particular, a clutch device that is part of the torque transfer system may be taken out of engagement, so that the input shaft and the output shaft are essentially uncoupled from each other. On the other hand, the clutch device may also be shifted into complete engagement so that, with the transmission in gear, the input shaft and the output shaft are positively coupled to each other. Further according to the invention, the clutch device is designed so that it can operate in a state where a predetermined amount of torque is transmitted through the clutch device.
In particular, the transmission device is designed to operate with two or more different transmission ratios.
The control device can set the torque transfer system into the different operating states according to a predetermined characteristic relationship.
A control device in the sense of the present invention specifically has the capability to engage the clutch device to a degree where the vehicle is moved in a crawl mode.
A crawl mode in the present context means that the vehicle is moving at a slow speed with a gear engaged, with the engine running, and without applying the brakes. The amount of torque transmitted through the clutch device in this operating state is small. In particular, according
Bitzer Franz
Eidloth Rainer
Fritzer Anton
Jager Thomas
Renk Hans-Jürgen
Darby & Darby
LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
Parekh Ankur
LandOfFree
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