DE10200991A1 - Clutch device for drive train of motor vehicle allows reactivation of creep-process switch-off device when presence of driver is detected - Google Patents

Abstract

The clutch device effects a creeping process in which a substantially reduced torque can be transmitted from the drive shaft to the driven shaft. The creep function is de-activatable and re-activatable. A creep-process switch-off device is connected and/or programmed so that it can only transmit a re-activation signal if the presence of the driver in the vehicle is detected. Independent claims are also included for: (a) a clutch device (b) the use of the clutch device in or for manufacturing a motor vehicle (c) a method of operating a clutch device

Description

The invention relates to a coupling device which egg in the drive train Nes motor vehicle with automated or non-automated Schaltge drives arranged between an input shaft and an output shaft which can and which can be switched to different switching positions and has at least one control device, which at least partially can send out output signals given under predetermined conditions units cause the coupling device according to a predetermined Characteristic is switched to a predetermined switching position in which an im substantially small moment can be transmitted (crawling process) where in the control device in particular the output signals at least partially generated taking into account predetermined driving characteristics. Furthermore, the coupling device contains at least one creep process. Switch-off device, which under predetermined conditions an on transmission signal to the control device, which causes that the control device regardless of the predetermined Fahrbe drive characteristics such output signals that cause a creep as long as it is no longer generated (deactivation) until the creep Switch-off device transmits a signal to the control device, wel ches indicates that the control device again such output signals may generate (reactivation signal).  

Such a coupling device is from the published patent application DE 100 29 618 A1 known, which by express reference as part of the This registration should apply.

For the purposes of the present invention, a coupling device ins in particular to understand a device that performs a crawling process can.

A creep in the sense of the invention is given when the clutch direction can transmit a substantially small moment. Such one Creep is initiated in particular when a motor vehicle is invented coupling device according to the invention when the gear is engaged and the engine is running and the brake device not actuated is at least slowly moving can set, the coupling device transmit a small moment can, which corresponds to the drive torque or part of the drive mo mentes is. Here, in particular, under predetermined conditions There may be slippage in the coupling device. The moment which is rend a creep from the coupling device can or is transmitted, is in the sense of the present invention as Creeping moment.

A coupling device in the sense of the present invention can in particular special start-up procedure. Under a starting process is too understand that a motor vehicle with clutch device when the force is actuated substance metering device, in particular when the accelerator pedal is actuated, with a Engine speed is operated, which is essentially above idle speed is, the motor vehicle at least slightly closed ner coupling device starts at least slowly.

The control device can be switched off by the crawling process receive an input signal under predetermined conditions. The tax erungseinrichtung can also send out an output signal, which a  Actuation of the clutch device according to a predetermined characteristic tik can cause in a predetermined switching position.

These output signals can in particular cause the clutch Direction in an essentially open switch position, in which you do not Mo ment can transmit, or in a substantially closed switching point where it can transmit a moment that is greater than a past is the right moment and which in particular that of a drive Direction corresponds to the moment introduced into the coupling device is tested. Furthermore, the output signal of the control device in particular others cause the coupling device only a predetermined creep moment can be transmitted if predetermined initiation conditions exist ben are.

In particular, a creep process is initiated or carried out when a Transmission device of a motor vehicle, which one of the above Has coupling device, is switched into a gear stage and one of Motor vehicle included drive device is in operation, for example the Engine is running, and the speed of the motor vehicle is less than one past is agreed speed limit and a fuel metering device like an accelerator or accelerator pedal is not operated. It is preferred that the Ge speed of the motor vehicle, which is less than a predetermined limit speed is substantially zero so that the vehicle is stationary or is moved at low speed.

In the context of the present invention, a drive device is in particular an engine, an internal combustion engine or the like.

For the purposes of the present invention, a transmission device is in particular a device which is stepped or stepless in different switching positions lungs can be switched in which they have a different translation generated ratio between two waves. The gear device can as a change-speed gearbox or conical pulley belt gearbox or  the like. Gear unit switching operations between Different switching levels can be automatic or manual or semi-automatic or automated with additional intervention options from Run by hand. When switching from a first switching position to one second switching position, there may or may not be an interruption in the tractive force be given.

The transmission device is in particular an automatic transmission or an auto matised manual gearbox.

An automatic transmission in the sense of the present invention is in particular a transmission device in which switching operations are automated without a train power interruption can be controlled and which one in particular Planetary gear has.

Under an automated manual transmission in the sense of the present invention dung is to be understood in particular a gear device in the shift processes can be controlled automatically with traction interruption. The automated manual transmission can be at least one electric motor have switching operations.

A gear stage or shift stage in the sense of the present invention is a Switch position in which a predetermined translation is switched, the The term gear step applies both to a stepped transmission device and to an egg ne continuously variable transmission device.

The control device, which output signals for actuating the clutch generated device, these output signals can at least partially generate taking into account predetermined driving characteristics.

For the purposes of the present invention, a driving characteristic is ins in particular to understand a characteristic value, which changes during operation Nes motor vehicle or its components, such as transmission device or Coupling device, can change.  

The creep-off device can be given predetermined conditions transmit an input signal to the control device. If the Control device a predetermined input signal from the creep receives gear switch-off, this causes the control tion device, the coupling device is no longer in predetermined switching positions switches or a predetermined time sequence of show positions gene prevents. In particular, the control device can be received a predetermined input signal from the creep Switch-off device such off at least for a predetermined period of time no longer generate output signals which cause the clutch to creep would effect device.

An electronically controlled clutch device is in particular one Coupling device, which by the applicant under the name "Electronic clutch management (EKM)" described or offered becomes.

For this purpose, DE 40 11 850 A1 discloses a method for controlling an intermediate effective automated drive and transmission Friction clutch for at least one of the operating states such as starting, Shifting, driving, accelerating, braking, reversing, parking or the like, or of transitions between individual operating states.

Furthermore, DE 44 26 620 A1 discloses an electronically controlled, automatic based coupling device for a motor vehicle, which is interconnected or per It is grammed that when the gear is engaged, the engine is running and the engine is at a standstill or practically stationary vehicle and accelerator pedal not operated (Fuel supply gauge) the clutch are closed as far that a small moment can be transmitted from the engine to the transmission can, causing a creeping of the motor vehicle.

EP 1 018 606 A2 also discloses an electronically controlled clutch Device for a motor vehicle, in which a safety device with warning  information in the event that an unsuitable gear is used, imp is lemented.

Coupling devices, such as electronically controlled coupling devices, which electronically controlled crawl a motor vehicle have proven themselves on the market and have proven to be a good opportunity pointed to assist the driver of a motor vehicle when parking.

However, the known coupling devices have the following disadvantage: the creep function introduces a certain amount of energy into the coupling device causes the creep function to be deactivated if a clutch overtemperature is detected, be it by direct temperature measurement or indirectly via a underlying calculation model. The deactivation changes that Behavior of the motor vehicle. In particular, the driver is no longer auto "warned" by crawling the vehicle when he is standing Leaves motor vehicle with the gear engaged. Usually it starts Vehicle due to the setting (programming) of the clutch electronics immediately with a crawl movement to warn the driver. When deactivated Creep function is no longer the case. It can now be relatively easy for the driver happen that he the motor vehicle in gear and running Mon leaves the gate without being made aware of this condition.

Then it can happen that the creep function due to the cooling of the Clutch is reactivated, and the motor vehicle independently in loading movement sets.

Another reason for a possible independent start-up - even with deak activated creep function - is a defect (leakage, breakage) in the release system of the Clutch.

The invention was therefore the object of a coupling device be to sit back, which does not have these disadvantages.  

This object is achieved by a coupling device solved type mentioned, which is characterized in that the creep process shutdown device is connected and / or programmed so that it can only send out the reactivation signal when the presence of the Driver in the motor vehicle is detected.

This task is further ge by a coupling device named type with automated manual transmission, which characterized thereby is that the crawl shutdown device is connected or It is programmed that in the event of deactivation, the neutral gear is automatically activated is inserted.

The task is also determined by the use and process claims solved.

The object of the invention is therefore a coupling device, which in the Powertrain of a motor vehicle with automated or non-automated tem manual transmission between an input shaft and an output shaft can be arranged and which ge in different switching positions can be switched with at least one control device which is at least partially off can send out output signals that cause under predetermined conditions ken, class the clutch device according to a predetermined characteristic is switched into a predetermined switching position in which a substantially low torque can be transmitted (crawling process), the control tion device in particular at least partially under the output signals Taking into account predetermined driving characteristic values; and at least one crawl-shutdown device, which passes under conditions matched an input signal to the control device can transmit, which causes the control device to be independent from the predetermined driving characteristic values such output signals, wel cause a creep process as long as it is no longer generated (deactivation), until the crawl stop device sends a signal to the controller  Direction transmitted, which indicates that the control device again may generate such output signals (reactivation signal), characterized, that the crawl-shutdown device is connected and / or program Miert is that it can only send the reactivation signal when the An presence of the driver in the motor vehicle is detected.

The invention further relates to a coupling device, which in An Powertrain of a motor vehicle between an input shaft and an off gear shaft can be arranged and which by means of an automated Manual transmission can be switched to different switching positions with at least one control device which is at least partially off can send out output signals that cause under predetermined conditions ken, class the clutch device according to a predetermined characteristic is switched into a predetermined switching position in which a substantially low torque can be transmitted (crawling process), the control tion device in particular at least partially under the output signals Taking into account predetermined driving operation parameters; and at least one crawl-shutdown device, which passes under conditions matched an input signal to the control device can transmit, which causes the control device to be independent from the predetermined driving characteristic values such output signals, wel cause a creep process as long as it is no longer generated (deactivation), until the crawl stop device sends a signal to the controller Direction transmitted, which indicates that the control device again may generate such output signals (reactivation signal), characterized, that the crawl-shutdown device is wired or programmed is that in the fold of a deactivation the neutral gear is automatically engaged becomes.  

Preferred configurations are disclosed in the dependent claims. It can also open one or more of the dependent claims barten features either individually or in any combination with inventive features of the or each independent claim solutions of the problem underlying the invention.

In a first preferred embodiment of the clutch device according to the invention, the presence of the driver is based on the detection of the actuation of the accelerator pedal and / or the foot brake and / or the hand brake and / or the shift lever and / or a gear shift device, in each case with or without a shift operation, detectable. For this purpose, sensors can be attached to these actuating means, which can transmit electrical signals to the electronic control device of the coupling device when actuating one or more of these actuating means (see, for example, DE 40 11 850 A1 Fig. 1 and EP 1 018 606 A2 Fig . 1).

In a second preferred embodiment, the creep process is Switch-off device is connected and / or programmed so that the neutral gear can only be inserted when it is detected that the driver Motor vehicle has left. It is advantageous to leave via the Operation of the door switch on the driver's side of the motor vehicle is detected. In a third preferred embodiment, the creep process is Switch-off device connected or programmed so that when the Neutral gear it is only possible to re-engage a gear when the An presence of the driver in the motor vehicle is detected.

In a fourth preferred embodiment, the creep process is Switch-off device connected or programmed so that the reactivation signal can only be sent when the vehicle is in motion has set, especially if the speed of the motor vehicle increases is greater than or equal to 5 km / h.  

More preferably, the reactivation signal can only be sent out when the accelerator pedal is actuated and / or the handbrake is released was tect.

In a further preferred embodiment, the creep process is Switch-off device interconnected or programmed so that when Deacti The driver is warned when opening the driver's door, preferably a beep is given.

In the single figure, the clutch torque is shown according to a ramp function over the clutch temperature. For this purpose, a strategy is implemented in the control software for the electronic clutch management (EKM) / automated gearbox (ASG), according to which the clutch wear is limited if the clutch temperature is too high. For this purpose, the clutch torque MR _is reduced according to the ramp function shown in the figure above the clutch temperature. For example, the ramp is parameterized so that the dismantling begins at 200 ° C and the clutch torque at 300 ° C is limited to 0 Nm. The following situation may arise: The vehicle is parked with a clutch temperature of over 300 ° C. As a result of the limitation of the clutch torque, the creep function is principally switched off, ie according to the theory the driver can leave the vehicle with the gear engaged and the service brake not applied. The vehicle should not crawl away. If the clutch cools down and the clutch temperature falls below the limit of 300 ° C, a creep torque is built up for 6 seconds, for example. This clutch torque is limited according to the specified limiting function, so that after 6 seconds there is a clutch torque of 1.6 Nm, for example. If the clutch's grip point is not set exactly, this clutch torque of 1.6 Nm can cause the vehicle to roll away.

The above-mentioned solution to the problem can follow in particular such are realized: If the clutch temperature exceeds one certain, selectable value, e.g. B. 300 ° C, this will be within the tax tion software stored, for example, by setting a bit. is this bit set, to stay in the example, no clutch torque be built up more. The bit is only deleted again by the software, when the driver's presence is detected.

A further solution to this problem can be achieved in particular in the following way done: In the control software of the coupling device, a stra Strategy implemented, according to which the transferable clutch torque to ei a maximum value is limited. To prevent the clutch from wearing if it is too high Not to let the temperature get too high, the maximum value can increase the temperature can be reduced, for example by being in the temperature range from a lower limit temperature (e.g. 200 ° C) to an upper one Limit temperature (e.g. 300 ° C) linear or non-linear from a preset th value is reduced to zero at the upper limit temperature. about If the clutch temperature now rises to the lower limit temperature, this becomes stored within the control software, for example in that a Bit is set. If this bit is set to remain in the example, the ma The maximum clutch torque can only be reduced by the software. An increase the maximum clutch torque is not possible if the bit is set. The Bit can be deleted after a clear detection of the driver, so that then an increase in the maximum clutch torque is possible again.

The claims submitted with the application are drafted strikes without prejudice for obtaining further patent protection. The The applicant reserves the right to open more, so far only in the description beard combinations of features or any other combination of in the Description disclosed to claim.

Relationships used in subclaims point to further details formation of the subject of the main claim; they are not as a ver  not to achieve independent, objective protection for the To understand the combination of features of the related subclaims.

It should be noted that when linking features by "or" this "or" each on the one hand as a mathematical "or" and on the other hand as the each other is to be understood as excluding "or".

It should also be noted that the comments on all known Orders in the first place that do not relate to specific publications Line are known to the applicant or the inventor, so that the applicant or inventor reserves protection for these, unless they are also available to the public are known.

It should also be noted that the concept of tax as well as of it derived terms are to be understood broadly within the meaning of the invention. He includes in particular rules and / or taxes in the sense of DIN.

The claims submitted with the application are drafted strikes without prejudice for obtaining further patent protection. The An notifier reserves the right to add more, so far only in the description and / or To claim drawings disclosed combination of features.

Relationships used in subclaims point to further training the subject of the main claim by the features of the respective towards subclaim; they are not considered a waiver of achieving one independent, objective protection for the combinations of features of to understand related subclaims.

Since the subjects of the subclaims with regard to the prior art reserves the right to make its own independent inventions on the priority date Applicant before becoming the subject of independent claims or part to make statements of compliance. You can also continue to invent independently  containing one of the subjects of the preceding subclaims have independent design.

The exemplary embodiments are not to be understood as a limitation of the invention hen. Rather, there are numerous variations within the scope of the present disclosure Rations and modifications possible, especially such variants, elements and combinations and / or materials, for example by combination or modification of individual in connection with that in the general Be writing and embodiments and the claims described and in the features or elements contained in the drawings or procedural step ten for the expert with regard to the solution of the task are removed and through combinable features to a new item or new ones Lead process steps or process step sequences, also insofar as they Test and work procedures concern.

Claims (19)

1. Coupling device, which can be arranged in the drive train of a motor vehicle with an automated or non-automated manual transmission between an input shaft and an output shaft and which can be switched into different switching positions, with at least one control device which can at least partially emit output signals, which are under predetermined conditions cause that the clutch device is switched according to a predetermined characteristic in a predetermined switching position in which a substantially low torque can be transmitted (creeping), wherein the control device in particular generates the output signals at least partially taking into account predetermined driving characteristics; and at least one crawling process shutdown device, which can transmit an input signal to the control device under certain conditions, which causes the control device to act independently of the predetermined driving characteristics such output signals which cause a crawling process as long as no longer produces (deactivation) until the crawling process shutdown device transmits a signal to the control device which indicates that the control device may again generate such output signals (reactivation signal), characterized in that the crawl process shutdown device is interconnected and / or programmed in such a way that it only sends out the reactivation signal can if the presence of the driver in the motor vehicle is detected. 2. Coupling device according to claim 1, wherein the presence of the driver by detecting the actuation of the accelerator pedal and / or the foot brake and / or the handbrake and / or the shift lever and / or a Ge drive switching device is detectable. 3. Coupling device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the creep process- Switch-off device is connected or programmed so that in the event of a Deactivation automatically engages the neutral gear. 4. Coupling device, which in the drive train of a motor vehicle between be arranged between an input shaft and an output shaft can and which in various ways by means of an automated gearbox whose switch positions can be switched, with at least one control tion device, which at least partially emit output signals can, under certain circumstances, cause the clutch a device according to a predetermined characteristic in a prep tuned switching position is switched in which is essentially small Moment can be transferred (crawl), the control device in particular at least partially under the output signals Taking into account predetermined driving operation parameters; and we at least one crawl process shutdown device, which is under conditions matched an input signal to the control device can transmit, which causes the control device to be independent gig of the predetermined driving characteristics such output signal nale, which cause a creep process, as long as no longer generated  (Deactivation) until the creep switch-off device sends a signal to the Control device transmitted, which indicates that the control is direction may generate such output signals again (reactivation sig nal), characterized in that the creeping shutdown device is connected or programmed so that in the event of deactivation the neutral gear is automatically engaged. 5. Coupling device according to claim 4, wherein the creep process Switch-off device is connected and / or programmed so that it Reactivation signal can only send out when the presence of the Fah rers is detected in the motor vehicle. 6. Coupling device according to one or more of claims 3 to 5, wherein the crawl process shutdown device is connected and / or pro is grammed that the neutral gear can only be engaged when de is tect that the driver has left the motor vehicle. 7. Coupling device according to claim 6, wherein leaving via the loading Detection of actuation of the door switch on the driver's side of the motor vehicle is cash. 8. Coupling device according to one or more of claims 3 to 7, wherein the crawl-shutdown device is interconnected or program Mated is that when a neutral gear is engaged, the reinsertion of a Gan is only possible if the driver is present in the motor vehicle is detected. 9. Coupling device according to claim 8, wherein the presence of the driver by detecting the actuation of the accelerator pedal and / or the foot brake and / or the handbrake and / or the shift lever and / or a Ge drive switching device is detectable.   10. Coupling device according to at least one of the preceding claims, the reactivation signal can only be sent out when has started the vehicle. 11. Coupling device according to claim 10, wherein the reactivation signal can only be sent out when the speed of the motor vehicle stuff is greater than or equal to 5 km / h. 12. Coupling device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the reactivity signal can only be sent out when the drive is actuated pedals and or the release of the handbrake was detected. 13. Coupling device according to one or more of the preceding An say, wherein the crawl shutdown device or so is programmed to deactivate the driver when opening the driver's door is given a warning signal. 14. Use of coupling devices according to one or more of the preceding claims in or for the manufacture of motor vehicles. 15. A method of operating a coupling device, which vorbe conditions in a motor vehicle a crawling process can cause, in which this creeping process is deactivated and reactivated can be characterized in that the reactivation only by can be performed if the driver is present in the motor vehicle was detected. 16. A method of operating a clutch device, which vorbe agreed conditions in a motor vehicle with an automated Manual gearbox can cause a crawl in which this Creep process can be deactivated and reactivated, characterized shows that the neutral gear is automatically switched on when deactivated is laid.   17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the neutral gear is only engaged, when it is detected that the driver has left the motor vehicle. 18. The method according to one or more of claims 15 to 17, wherein the Reactivation can only be carried out when the presence of the Driver in the motor vehicle was detected. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the presence of the driver by Detect the actuation of the accelerator pedal and / or the foot brake and / or the handbrake and / or the gear lever and / or a gearbox Switching device is detected.