Method for particulate filter regeneration in vehicles having an automatically controlled transmission
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorsIlya V. Kolmanovsky, Davorin David Hrovat
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system is described for minimizing engine torque disturbances that would otherwise cause degraded drive feel by a vehicle driver. The system utilizes multiple torque transmission paths of a transaxle unit mounted to the engine. The system manipulates the torque transmitted by adjusting the clutches of multiple torque transmission paths so that the torque disturbance in the engine results in relatively constant vehicle drive torque. In particular, during particulate filter regeneration, a potential torque increase is transmitted through multiple torque paths of the transmission to maintain output torque relatively constant.
Claims12
A method for controlling output of a vehicle powertrain having an engine coupled to a particulate filter and a torque transmitting unit with multiple transmission paths including multiple clutches, the vehicle also having a electronic control unit, the method comprising:
- determining whether particulate filter regeneration should be commenced;
- increasing engine output torque based on said determination to raise exhaust gas temperature;
- and
- during said increased engine output, transmitting torque through said torque transmitting unit via at least two paths, and adjusting a clutch parameter of at least one of the clutches of said torque transmitting unit.
A method for controlling output of a vehicle powertrain having an engine coupled to a particulate filter and a torque transmitting unit with multiple transmission paths including multiple clutches, the vehicle also having a electronic control unit, the method comprising:
- operating the torque transmitting unit to have a preselected gear ratio;
- adjusting an engine operating parameter to increase engine output in response to a request for particulate filter regeneration and providing an indication of said regeneration;
- in response to said indication, transmitting torque through said torque transmitting unit via at least two paths, and adjusting a clutch parameter of at least one of the clutches of said torque transmitting unit;
- and
- after said torque disturbance ends, operating the torque transmitting unit to have said preselected gear ratio.
A system, comprising:
- an engine;
- a particulate filter coupled to said engine;
- a torque transmitting unit having at least a first and second torque transmission path coupled to said engine, with said at least two torque transmission paths having a clutch that affects torque of said respective path;
- and
- a control unit for determining whether particulate filter regeneration should be commenced, increasing engine output torque based on said determination to raise exhaust gas temperature, and during said increased engine output, transmitting torque through said torque transmitting unit via at least two paths, and adjusting a clutch parameter of at least one of said clutches of said torque transmitting unit.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.