Apparatus for controlling the torque on a power train and method of operating the same
AssigneeCaterpillar Inc.
InventorsSteven V. Christensen, Andrew O. Fonkalsrud
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus and method for controlling the torque on the power train of a machine is disclosed. The power train includes an engine and a torque converter. The machine includes a work implement that is moveable in response to the actuation of a plurality of hydraulic cylinders. An electronic controller determines an optimal engine speed based on the actual engine speed, torque converter output speed, and the fluid pressure associated with the hydraulic cylinders. The optimal engine speed is used to govern the speed of the engine to control the power train torque.
Claims14
A method for controlling the torque on the power train of a machine, the power train including an engine and a torque converter, the method comprising the steps of:
- sensing the output speed of the torque converter and responsively producing a torque converter speed signal;
- sensing the speed of the engine and responsively producing an engine speed signal;
- receiving the torque converter and engine speed signals, determining the ratio of the torque converter output speed to the engine speed, and determining a TC engine speed which represents a desired engine speed based on the torque converter speed ratio;
- and
- determining an optimal engine speed in response to the torque converter speed ratio, and regulating the speed of the engine at the optimal speed to control the power train torque.
A method for controlling the torque on the power train of a machine, the power train including an engine and a torque converter, the machine including a work implement that is moveable in response to the actuation of a plurality of hydraulic cylinders, the method comprising the steps of:
- determining whether the machine is digging;
- sensing the hydraulic pressure associated with respective hydraulic cylinders and responsively producing respective pressure signals;
- sensing the output speed of the torque converter and responsively producing a torque converter speed signal;
- sensing the speed of the engine and responsively producing an engine speed signal;
- and
- receiving the pressure, torque converter and engine speed signals, determining an optimal engine speed and regulating the speed of the engine at the optimal speed to control the power train torque in response to the machine digging.
An apparatus for controlling the torque on the power train of a machine, the power train including an engine and a torque converter, the machine including a work implement that is moveable in response to the actuation of a plurality of hydraulic cylinders, comprising:
- a plurality of pressure sensors for sensing the hydraulic pressure associated with respective hydraulic cylinders and responsively producing respective pressure signals;
- a torque converter speed sensor for sensing the output speed of the torque converter and responsively producing a torque converter speed signal;
- an engine speed sensor for sensing the speed of the engine and responsively producing an engine speed signal;
- an electronic controller for receiving the pressure, torque converter and engine speed signals, determining an optimal engine speed, and regulating the speed of the engine at the optimal speed to control the power train torque.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.