US4621545A — Method and apparatus for controlling an automotiv…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 291 words

In an automotive vehicle, an automotive drive system having a drive train including an engine (E) and free-wheeling means (10, 11, 12) for interrupting positive drive connection between the engine and a gear transmission (T) to permit free-wheeling operation of the vehicle; vehicle acceleration signal generating means (15, 16) for generating a vehicle acceleration signal; vehicle retardation signal generating means (17) for generating a vehicle retardation signal; free-wheeling control means (13, 14) operatively connected to said free-wheeling means (10, 12), responsive to said vehicle acceleration signal and to said vehicle retardation signal, respectively. (a) for enabling the free-wheeling means in the drive train of the vehicle, in response to a vehicle acceleration signal, and (b) disabling the free-wheeling means in the drive train of the vehicle and reestablishing positive drive connection between the engine and the transmission of the vehicle in response to a vehicle retardation signal generated by said vehicle retardation signal generating means; engine torque control means (23) controlling output torque of the engine; engine output speed sensing means (20) providing an engine speed signal; transmission speed sensing means (21) providing a transmission speed signal, means (22) for sensing a predetermined relationship of the engine speed signal and the transmission speed signal to determine when the engine speed, represented by said engine speed signal, approaches the transmission speed, represented by the transmission speed signal and resulting in a predetermined relationship approaching synchronism between said speeds, and wherein the engine torque control means (23) are connected to and controlled by the vehicle retardation signal generating means (17) and operative for controlling torque output of the engine to reduce engine torque during disabling of the free-wheeling means to provide for "soft" transition from free-wheeling to positive drive of the drive train.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 291 words

In an automotive vehicle, an automotive drive system having a drive train including an engine (E) and free-wheeling means (10, 11, 12) for interrupting positive drive connection between the engine and a gear transmission (T) to permit free-wheeling operation of the vehicle; vehicle acceleration signal generating means (15, 16) for generating a vehicle acceleration signal; vehicle retardation signal generating means (17) for generating a vehicle retardation signal; free-wheeling control means (13, 14) operatively connected to said free-wheeling means (10, 12), responsive to said vehicle acceleration signal and to said vehicle retardation signal, respectively. (a) for enabling the free-wheeling means in the drive train of the vehicle, in response to a vehicle acceleration signal, and (b) disabling the free-wheeling means in the drive train of the vehicle and reestablishing positive drive connection between the engine and the transmission of the vehicle in response to a vehicle retardation signal generated by said vehicle retardation signal generating means; engine torque control means (23) controlling output torque of the engine; engine output speed sensing means (20) providing an engine speed signal; transmission speed sensing means (21) providing a transmission speed signal, means (22) for sensing a predetermined relationship of the engine speed signal and the transmission speed signal to determine when the engine speed, represented by said engine speed signal, approaches the transmission speed, represented by the transmission speed signal and resulting in a predetermined relationship approaching synchronism between said speeds, and wherein the engine torque control means (23) are connected to and controlled by the vehicle retardation signal generating means (17) and operative for controlling torque output of the engine to reduce engine torque during disabling of the free-wheeling means to provide for "soft" transition from free-wheeling to positive drive of the drive train.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 115 words

System according to claim 1, wherein said relationship sensing means comprises synchronism sensing means (22) coupled to said engine speed sensing means (20) and to said transmission speed sensing means (21) and responsive respectively to said engine speed signal and to the transmission speed signal, said synchronism sensing means sensing when the engine output speed, as represented by the engine speed signal, approaches the transmission speed, as represented by the transmission speed signal and said signals have a predetermined relationship indicative of at least approximate synchronism of said speeds. the vehicle retardation signal means controlling the engine torque control means to reduce engine torque just prior to synchronism between the engine speed and the transmission.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 59 words

System according to claim 1, including timing means (19, 19') connected between said vehicle acceleration signal generating means and the free-wheeling control means and, respectively, vehicle retardation signal generating means (17) and the free-wheeling control means to reduce spurious engagement and disengagement of the free-wheeling means (10, 11, 12) upon momentary occurrence of either vehicle acceleration, or retardation signals.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 36 words

System according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle retardation signal generating means comprises a brake light switch (17); and said engine torque control means (23) is connected to and controlled by said brake light switch (17).

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 33 words

System according to claim 1, wherein the engine torque controller controls an ignition system (24) of the engine, and engine torque is reduced by retarding the ignition as controlled by the ignition system.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 30 words

System according to claim 1, wherein the engine torque controller controls a fuel supply system (25), and engine torque is reduced by reducing the supply of fuel to the engine.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 290 words

In an automotive vehicle, an automotive drive system having a drive train including an engine (E) and free-wheeling means (10, 11, 12) for interrupting positive drive connection between the engine and a gear transmission (T) to permit free-wheeling operation of the vehicle; vehicle acceleration signal generating means (15, 16) for generating a vehicle acceleration signal; vehicle retardation signal generating means (17) for generating a vehicle retardation signal; free-wheeling control means (13, 14) operatively connected to said free-wheeling means (10, 12), responsive to said vehicle acceleration signal and to said vehicle retardation signal, respectively. (a) for enabling the free-wheeling means in the drive train of the vehicle, in response to a vehicle acceleration signal, and (b) disabling the free-wheeling means in the drive train of the vehicle and reestablishing positive drive connection between the engine and the transmission of the vehicle in response to a vehicle retardation signal generated by said vehicle retardation signal generating means; engine torque control means (23) controlling output torque of the engine; engine output speed sensing means (20) providing an engine speed signal; transmission speed sensing means (21) providing a transmission speed signal, means (22) for sensing a predetermined relationship of the engine speed signal and the transmission speed signal to determine when the engine speed, represented by said engine speed signal, approaches the transmission speed, represented by the transmission speed signal and resulting in a predetermined relationship approaching synchronism between said speeds, and wherein the engine torque control means (23) are operative for controlling torque output of the engine to reduce engine torque during reestablishment of positive drive connection between the engine (E) and the gear transmission (T) of the vehicle to provide for "soft" transition from free-wheeling to positive drive of the drive train.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 290 words

In an automotive vehicle, an automotive drive system having a drive train including an engine (E) and free-wheeling means (10, 11, 12) for interrupting positive drive connection between the engine and a gear transmission (T) to permit free-wheeling operation of the vehicle; vehicle acceleration signal generating means (15, 16) for generating a vehicle acceleration signal; vehicle retardation signal generating means (17) for generating a vehicle retardation signal; free-wheeling control means (13, 14) operatively connected to said free-wheeling means (10, 12), responsive to said vehicle acceleration signal and to said vehicle retardation signal, respectively. (a) for enabling the free-wheeling means in the drive train of the vehicle, in response to a vehicle acceleration signal, and (b) disabling the free-wheeling means in the drive train of the vehicle and reestablishing positive drive connection between the engine and the transmission of the vehicle in response to a vehicle retardation signal generated by said vehicle retardation signal generating means; engine torque control means (23) controlling output torque of the engine; engine output speed sensing means (20) providing an engine speed signal; transmission speed sensing means (21) providing a transmission speed signal, means (22) for sensing a predetermined relationship of the engine speed signal and the transmission speed signal to determine when the engine speed, represented by said engine speed signal, approaches the transmission speed, represented by the transmission speed signal and resulting in a predetermined relationship approaching synchronism between said speeds, and wherein the engine torque control means (23) are operative for controlling torque output of the engine to reduce engine torque during reestablishment of positive drive connection between the engine (E) and the gear transmission (T) of the vehicle to provide for "soft" transition from free-wheeling to positive drive of the drive train.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 115 words

System according to claim 7, wherein said relationship sensing means comprises synchronism sensing means (22) coupled to said engine speed sensing means (20) and to said transmission speed sensing means (21) and responsive respectively to said engine speed signal and to the transmission speed signal, said synchronism sensing means sensing when the engine output speed, as represented by the engine speed signal, approaches the transmission speed, as represented by the transmission speed signal and said signals have a predetermined relationship indicative of at least approximate synchronism of said speeds, the vehicle retardation signal means controlling the engine torque control means to reduce engine torque just prior to synchronism between the engine speed and the transmission.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 269 words

In an automotive vehicle having a drive train including an engine (E) and free-wheeling means (10, 11, 12) for interrupting positive drive connection between the engine and a gear transmission (T) to permit free-wheeling operation of the vehicle; vehicle acceleration signal generating means (15, 16) for generating a vehicle acceleration signal; vehicle retardation signal generating means (17) for generating a vehicle retardation signal; free-wheeling control means (13, 14) operatively connected to said free-wheeling means (10, 12), responsive to said vehicle acceleration signal and to said vehicle retardation signal, respectively, (a) for enabling the free-wheeling means in the drive train of the vehicle, in response to a vehicle acceleration signal, and (b) disabling the free-wheeling means in the drive train of the vehicle and reestablishing positive drive connection between the engine and the transmission of the vehicle in response to a vehicle retardation signal; engine speed sensing means (20) providing an engine speed signal; transmission speed sensing means (21) providing a transmission signal, and comprising, in accordance with the invention a method to reduce operating jolt of the vehicle upon transition from operation in which the free-wheeling means is enabled to operation in which the free-wheeling means is disabled and while the operation of the engine changes from accelerating to engine braking conditions, including the steps of sensing transition of operation of the vehicle from freewheeling to disabled or positive drive connection; and controlling torque output of the engine (E) to reduce engine torque during disabling of the free-wheeling means and when the engine speed, upon acceleration approaches the transmission speed and has a predetermined relationship close to synchronism therewith.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 269 words

In an automotive vehicle having a drive train including an engine (E) and free-wheeling means (10, 11, 12) for interrupting positive drive connection between the engine and a gear transmission (T) to permit free-wheeling operation of the vehicle; vehicle acceleration signal generating means (15, 16) for generating a vehicle acceleration signal; vehicle retardation signal generating means (17) for generating a vehicle retardation signal; free-wheeling control means (13, 14) operatively connected to said free-wheeling means (10, 12), responsive to said vehicle acceleration signal and to said vehicle retardation signal, respectively, (a) for enabling the free-wheeling means in the drive train of the vehicle, in response to a vehicle acceleration signal, and (b) disabling the free-wheeling means in the drive train of the vehicle and reestablishing positive drive connection between the engine and the transmission of the vehicle in response to a vehicle retardation signal; engine speed sensing means (20) providing an engine speed signal; transmission speed sensing means (21) providing a transmission signal, and comprising, in accordance with the invention a method to reduce operating jolt of the vehicle upon transition from operation in which the free-wheeling means is enabled to operation in which the free-wheeling means is disabled and while the operation of the engine changes from accelerating to engine braking conditions, including the steps of sensing transition of operation of the vehicle from freewheeling to disabled or positive drive connection; and controlling torque output of the engine (E) to reduce engine torque during disabling of the free-wheeling means and when the engine speed, upon acceleration approaches the transmission speed and has a predetermined relationship close to synchronism therewith.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 22 words

Method according to claim 9, wherein said step of sensing disabling of free-wheeling operation comprises sensing generation of the vehicle retardation signal.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 35 words

Method according to claim 9, wherein the step of sensing vehicle retardation comprises sensing the state of operation of a brake light switch (17), said brake light switch forming the vehicle retardation signal generating means.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 41 words

Method according to claim 9, including the step of determining approach of engine speed to synchronism with transmission speed; and wherein said step of controlling torque output of the engine is carried out shortly before synchronism between said speeds is determined.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 70 words

Method according to claim 9, wherein the step of determining approach of said speeds to synchronism comprises determining, in a synchronizing stage (22) having said engine speed signal and said transmission speed signal applied thereto, if said speeds differ by a given and small percentage and the step of controlling engine torque comprises reducing torque output of the engine upon occurrence of said given and small percent difference in speeds.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 30 words

Method according to claim 9, wherein the step of controlling torque output of the engine in a direction to reduce engine torque comprises retarding an ignition instant of engine ignition.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 32 words

Method according to claim 9, wherein the step of controlling torque output of the engine in a direction to reduce engine torque comprises reducing the amount of fuel supplied to the engine.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 268 words

In an automotive vehicle having a drive train including an engine (E) and free-wheeling means (10, 11, 12) for interrupting positive drive connection between the engine and a gear transmission (T) to permit free-wheeling operation of the vehicle; vehicle acceleration signal generating means (15, 16) for generating a vehicle acceleration signal; vehicle retardation signal generating means (17) for generating a vehicle retardation signal; free-wheeling control means (13, 14) operatively connected to said free-wheeling means (10, 12), responsive to said vehicle acceleration signal and to said vehicle retardation signal, respectively, (a) for enabling the free-wheeling means in the drive train of the vehicle, in response to a vehicle acceleration signal, and (b) disabling the free-wheeling means in the drive train of the vehicle and reestablishing positive drive connection between the engine and the transmission of the vehicle in response to a vehicle retardation signal; engine speed sensing means (20) providing an engine speed signal; transmission speed sensing means (21) providing a transmission signal, and comprising, in accordance with the invention a method to reduce operating jolt of the vehicle upon transition from operation in which the free-wheeling means is enabled to operation in which the free-wheeling means is while disabled and/the operation of the engine changes from accelerating to engine braking conditions, including the steps of sensing transition of operation of the vehicle from free-wheeling to disabled or positive drive connection; and controlling torque output of the engine (E) to reduce engine torque during disabling of the free-wheeling means and when the engine speed, upon acceleration approaches the transmission speed and has a predetermined relationship close to synchronism therewith.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 268 words

In an automotive vehicle having a drive train including an engine (E) and free-wheeling means (10, 11, 12) for interrupting positive drive connection between the engine and a gear transmission (T) to permit free-wheeling operation of the vehicle; vehicle acceleration signal generating means (15, 16) for generating a vehicle acceleration signal; vehicle retardation signal generating means (17) for generating a vehicle retardation signal; free-wheeling control means (13, 14) operatively connected to said free-wheeling means (10, 12), responsive to said vehicle acceleration signal and to said vehicle retardation signal, respectively, (a) for enabling the free-wheeling means in the drive train of the vehicle, in response to a vehicle acceleration signal, and (b) disabling the free-wheeling means in the drive train of the vehicle and reestablishing positive drive connection between the engine and the transmission of the vehicle in response to a vehicle retardation signal; engine speed sensing means (20) providing an engine speed signal; transmission speed sensing means (21) providing a transmission signal, and comprising, in accordance with the invention a method to reduce operating jolt of the vehicle upon transition from operation in which the free-wheeling means is enabled to operation in which the free-wheeling means is while disabled and/the operation of the engine changes from accelerating to engine braking conditions, including the steps of sensing transition of operation of the vehicle from free-wheeling to disabled or positive drive connection; and controlling torque output of the engine (E) to reduce engine torque during disabling of the free-wheeling means and when the engine speed, upon acceleration approaches the transmission speed and has a predetermined relationship close to synchronism therewith.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 41 words

Method according to claim 16, including the step of determining approach of engine speed to synchronism with transmission speed; and wherein said step of controlling torque output of the engine is carried out shortly before synchronism between said speeds is determined.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 70 words

Method according to claim 16, wherein the step of determining approach of said speeds to synchronism comprises determining, in a synchronizing stage (22) having said engine speed signal and said transmission speed signal applied thereto, if said speeds differ by a given and small percentage and the step of controlling engine toreque comprises reducing torque output of the engine upon occurrence of said given and small percent difference in speeds.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1989-11-10	1990-05-12	1990-11-11	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	1993-11-10	1994-05-12	1994-11-11	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	1997-11-10	1998-05-12	1998-11-11	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Method and apparatus for controlling an automotive drive system with free-wheeling

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