IP Library Granted Patent US 7,247,125
Granted Patent B2
US 7,247,125 · App. 10/836,893 · Granted Jul 24, 2007

Torque converter controller stuck-on test in a multiplex device

View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,247,125
App. No.
10/836,893
Granted
Jul 24, 2007
Kind
B2
Abstract

A device and method for fluid delivery in a continuously variable transmission that includes a valve assembly, configured to distribute a fluid, having a first position and a second position. A forward clutch, a reverse clutch, and a torque converter are connected to the valve assembly. The valve assembly in the first position regulates either the forward clutch or the reverse clutch and opens the torque converter. In the second position, the valve assembly closes the forward clutch or the reverse clutch and regulates the torque converter. A controller commands the valve assembly to the first position and detects if the valve assembly is stuck in the second position. The controller is able to detect the valve assembly stuck in the second position and attempt to unstuck it while the continuously variable transmission is in drive.

Claims (45)

1. A system for fluid delivery in a continuously variable transmission comprising:

a valve assembly having a first position and a second position, said valve assembly configured to distribute a fluid;

one of a forward clutch and a reverse clutch in fluid communication with said valve assembly, wherein said valve assembly in said first position regulates one of said forward clutch and said reverse clutch and in said second position closes one of said forward clutch and said reverse clutch;

a torque converter in fluid communication with said valve assembly, wherein said valve assembly in said first position opens the torque converter and in said second position regulates said torque converter; and

a controller monitoring a transmission range, operating said valve assembly based on said transmission range, detecting said valve assembly stuck in said second position based on said transmission range, and pulsing said valve assembly when stuck in said second position.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein said valve assembly in said first position regulates one of said forward clutch and said reverse clutch between an open position, a closed position, and a plurality of positions therebetween.

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein said valve assembly in said second position regulates said torque converter between an open position, a closed position, and a plurality of positions therebetween.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein said controller detects slippage of said torque converter to determine if said valve assembly is stuck in said second position.

5. A system for fluid delivery in a continuously variable transmission comprising:

a valve assembly having a first position and a second position, said valve assembly configured to distribute a fluid;

one of a forward clutch and a reverse clutch connected to said valve assembly, wherein said valve assembly in said first position regulates one of said forward clutch and said reverse clutch and in said second position closes one of said forward clutch and said reverse clutch;

a torque converter connected to said valve assembly, wherein said valve assembly in said first position opens the torque converter and in said second position regulates said torque converter; and

a controller monitoring a transmission range, operating said valve assembly based on said transmission range, detecting said valve assembly stuck in said second position based on said transmission range, wherein said controller pulses said valve assembly in said second position to unstuck said valve assembly.

6. A method of controlling a multiplex device in a continuously variable transmission comprising:

supplying fluid pressure to the multiplex device having a first position and a second position;

regulating one of a forward clutch and a reverse clutch when the multiplex device is in said first position, wherein said one of said forward clutch and said reverse clutch is maintained at a constant fluid pressure when the multiplexing device is in said second position;

regulating a torque converter clutch when the multiplex device is in said second position, wherein said torque converter is maintained at a constant fluid pressure when the multiplex device is in said first position;

monitoring a transmission range;

operating the multiplex device based on said transmission range;

detecting the multiplex device stuck in said second position based on said transmission range; and

pulsing the multiplex device when stuck in said second position.

7. The method of claim 6 further comprising detecting slippage from the torque converter to determine if the multiplex device is stuck in said second position.

8. The method of claim 7 further comprising detecting slippage from the torque converter to determine if the multiplex device is stuck in said second position in about six seconds.

9. A method of controlling a multiplex device in a continuously variable transmission comprising:

supplying fluid pressure to the multiplex device having a first position and a second position;

regulating one of a forward clutch and a reverse clutch when the multiplex device is in said first position, wherein said one of said forward clutch and said reverse clutch is maintained at a constant fluid pressure when the multiplexing device is in said second position;

regulating a torque converter clutch when the multiplex device is in said second position, wherein said torque converter is maintained at a constant fluid pressure when the multiplex device is in said first position;

monitoring a transmission range;

operating the multiplex device based on said transmission range;

detecting the multiplex device stuck in said second position based on said transmission range; and

pulsing the multiplex device stuck in said second position to unstuck the multiplex device.

10. A method of controlling a valve assembly in a transmission comprising:

supplying fluid pressure to a first valve assembly, wherein the first valve assembly has a first position and a second position;

monitoring a transmission range;

operating the first valve assembly to said first position based on said transmission range;

commanding a maximum pressure to a second valve assembly;

detecting the first valve assembly stuck in said second position based on a torque converter slip.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein said detecting the first valve assembly stuck in said second position is performed when said transmission range is one of park and neutral.

12. The method of claim 10 wherein a transmission fluid temperature is above eighty degrees Celsius.

13. The method of claim 10 further comprising:

monitoring operating parameters for stability;

detecting the first valve assembly stuck in said second position when said operating parameters are stable; and

pulsing the first valve assembly to unstuck the valve assembly.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein said monitoring operating parameters for stability further comprises monitoring at least one of gear ratio, torque converter slip, throttle position, and engine torque.

15. The method of claim 13 wherein said detecting the first valve assembly stuck in said second position when said operating parameters are stable is performed when said transmission range is one of drive and low.

Assignments (13)
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Nov 7, 2014
From: WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY
To: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
Reel/Frame 034371/0676 →
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Feb 10, 2011
From: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
To: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
Reel/Frame 025780/0902 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Nov 8, 2010
From: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
To: WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY
Reel/Frame 025327/0001 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Nov 4, 2010
From: UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
To: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
Reel/Frame 025245/0442 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Nov 4, 2010
From: UAW RETIREE MEDICAL BENEFITS TRUST
To: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
Reel/Frame 025311/0770 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Aug 28, 2009
From: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
To: UAW RETIREE MEDICAL BENEFITS TRUST
Reel/Frame 023162/0001 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Aug 27, 2009
From: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
To: UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Reel/Frame 023156/0052 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Aug 21, 2009
From: CITICORP USA, INC. AS AGENT FOR BANK PRIORITY SECURED PARTIES; CITICORP USA, INC. AS AGENT FOR HEDGE PRIORITY SECURED PARTIES
To: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
Reel/Frame 023127/0468 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Aug 20, 2009
From: UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
To: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
Reel/Frame 023124/0429 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Apr 16, 2009
From: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
To: CITICORP USA, INC. AS AGENT FOR BANK PRIORITY SECURED PARTIES; CITICORP USA, INC. AS AGENT FOR HEDGE PRIORITY SECURED PARTIES
Reel/Frame 022553/0446 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Feb 4, 2009
From: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
To: UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Reel/Frame 022201/0610 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jan 13, 2009
From: GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION
To: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
Reel/Frame 022092/0755 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jul 28, 2004
From: SCELERS, HERVE
To: GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 014909/0844 →