JP4422131B2 - Clutch slip amount estimation device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a clutch slip amount estimation device for estimating a slip amount of a friction clutch provided in a vehicle.

Vehicles such as motorcycles and automobiles are usually provided with a clutch for intermittently transmitting power from the engine to the drive system. Such clutches are mainly classified into friction clutches, fluid clutches, and electromagnetic clutches according to their structures and forms. Among these clutches, friction clutches wear and cause slipping in the course of use, and power is interrupted well. Therefore, when a predetermined torque transmission capability (amount of wear, etc.) is exceeded, replacement is necessary (for example, see Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 06-221345

  However, since the driver knows the friction clutch replacement time by sensibly recognizing slippage of the friction clutch, it is objective to determine whether the torque transmission capability of the friction clutch exceeds an allowable range. There was a problem that it was not possible to grasp. However, it is conceivable to directly monitor the friction clutch with a non-contact sensor and detect its torque transmission capability, but in that case, it is necessary to newly install sensors, which increases the manufacturing cost. There's a problem.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances. By estimating the slip amount of the friction clutch using various existing sensors provided in the vehicle, the replacement timing of the friction clutch can be objectively grasped. In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide a clutch slippage amount estimation device capable of suppressing an increase in manufacturing cost.

The invention according to claim 1 is a clutch slip amount estimating device for estimating a slip amount of a friction clutch disposed in a vehicle, wherein the slip amount is estimated from the engine of the vehicle at both engine positive torque and deceleration. A detection value of an input side sensor that is provided in an input system between the friction clutch and obtains a parameter relating to the rotation speed of the input system, and an output system that is provided in an output system between the friction clutch and the wheel. And an estimation means for calculating the rotational difference of the friction clutch and estimating the slip amount from the detected value of the output side sensor for obtaining a parameter relating to the rotational speed of the engine , and estimating by the estimation means at the time of engine positive torque of friction clutch slip and graphs showing the relationship between the clutch shaft torque, and slip of the friction clutch is estimated by the estimating means during deceleration Based on the graph showing the relationship between the engine rotational speed, comprising a determining means that the torque transmission capability of the friction clutch exceeds an allowable value, and the determination by the determination means, the clutch shaft torque prescribed It is performed only when the lower detection limit is exceeded.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the slip amount estimating device of a clutch according to claim 1, on condition that the torque transmitting capability of the friction clutch is determined to have exceeded the allowable value by the determination means, the driver by warning means It is characterized by being able to warn against.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a clutch slippage amount estimating device according to the first or second aspect of the invention, on the condition that the determination means determines that the torque transmission capability of the friction clutch exceeds an allowable value. The determination is stored by means.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the detection value of the input side sensor disposed in the input system from the vehicle engine to the friction clutch and the output system from the friction clutch to the wheel are disposed. Since the estimation means for calculating the rotational difference of the friction clutch and estimating the slip amount from the detected value of the output side sensor is used, the existing one that the vehicle has the input side sensor and the output side sensor is used. Thus, the slip amount of the friction clutch can be estimated.

  Accordingly, by estimating the slip amount of the friction clutch with various existing sensors provided in the vehicle, it is possible to objectively grasp the replacement timing of the friction clutch and to monitor the torque transmission capability of the friction clutch. It is possible to suppress the increase in manufacturing cost.

Further , since the friction clutch slipping amount estimated by the estimation means and a graph showing the relationship between the clutch shaft torque and the determination means for determining that the torque transmission capacity of the friction clutch exceeds an allowable value, Even if it is impossible to grasp whether or not the friction clutch should be replaced only by the driver's feeling, it is possible to reliably grasp the necessity of replacing the friction clutch.

According to the invention of claim 2 , the warning means can warn the driver on the condition that the torque transmission capability of the friction clutch exceeds the allowable value by the determination means. The necessity can be grasped more reliably and early.

According to the invention of claim 3 , since the determination is stored by the storage means on the condition that the determination means determines that the torque transmission capability of the friction clutch has exceeded the allowable value, the friction clutch can be used during vehicle maintenance. Can easily grasp the necessity of replacement.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
A clutch slippage amount estimation device according to this embodiment is for estimating the slippage amount of a friction clutch in a two-wheeled vehicle equipped with a multi-plate manual type friction clutch, for example, as shown in FIG. The estimation unit 4 and the determination unit 5 formed in the unit), the input side sensor 2, the output side sensor 3, the warning lamp 6 as the warning unit, and the storage unit 8 formed in the ECU 1 are mainly used. It is configured.

  The input side sensor 2 is composed of various existing sensors that are disposed in an input system between the engine of the vehicle and the friction clutch 12 (see FIG. 2) and obtain parameters relating to the rotational speed of the input system. It consists of an engine speed (Ne) detection sensor and the like. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the input side sensor 2 is a system including an engine 9, a crankshaft 10, and a driving side friction material disposed on the engine side (input system) with respect to the friction clutch 12 of the vehicle. A desired parameter related to the rotational speed such as 11 is detected, and the detected value can be output to the ECU 1.

  The output side sensor 3 is provided in an output system between the friction clutch 12 and the wheels, and includes various existing sensors for obtaining parameters relating to the rotational speed of the output system. For example, the counter shaft rotational speed (Nc), It consists of sensors that detect various parameters such as wheel rotation speed (Nt). That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the output side sensor 3 includes a transmission gear 13 disposed on the wheel side (output system) with respect to the vehicle friction clutch 12, a main shaft 13 a constituting the transmission gear 13, and a counter. Desired parameters relating to the rotational speed of the shaft 13b, the chain 14, the wheels 15 and the like are detected, and the detected values can be output to the ECU 1.

  Note that the ECU 1 includes parameters (throttle opening (θ) detected by other existing sensors (various sensors installed in the engine and the vehicle body), intake manifold negative pressure (inmani negative pressure)), and suction. (Various parameters such as air amount or gear position) are also output.

  The estimation means 4 calculates the rotational difference of the friction clutch 12 (the friction material on the driving side and the driven side of the friction clutch) from the detection value of the input side sensor 2 and the detection value of the output side sensor 3 input to the ECU 1. The difference in rotation from the friction material is calculated to estimate the slip amount. For example, engine speed (Ne), counter shaft speed (Nc), main shaft axis (clutch output shaft) speed (No), wheel speed (Nt), mission ratio (Rm), primary ratio (gear ratio) (Rp) When the secondary deceleration ratio (chain) (R2) is detected as a parameter, the rotational difference (slip amount) of the friction clutch 12 is calculated by the following arithmetic expression. However, the mission ratio (Rm), primary ratio (gear ratio) (Rp), and secondary deceleration ratio (chain) (R2) are known parameters, and other parameters are input to the ECU 1 in real time. .

Clutch input rotation speed = Ne / Rp
Clutch output speed = No = Nc × Rm = Nt × R2 × Rm
Therefore, the rotation difference (slip amount) of the friction material 12 is calculated by any of the following arithmetic expressions.
Rotational difference (slip amount) of the friction clutch 12 = (clutch input rotational speed−clutch output rotational speed) = Ne / Rp−No = Ne / Rp−Nc × Rm = Ne / Rp−Nt × R2 × Rm (1)

The slip amount of the friction clutch 12 obtained by the above calculation formula is when the vehicle is accelerating. During deceleration, the rotational difference (slip amount) of the friction clutch 12 is calculated by the following calculation formula. be able to.
Rotational difference (slip amount) of the friction clutch 12 = (clutch output rotational speed−clutch input rotational speed) = No−Ne / Rp = Nc × Rm−Ne / Rp = Nt × R2 × Rm−Ne / Rp (2)

  Based on the slip amount of the friction clutch 12 estimated by the estimation means 4, the determination means 5 determines that the torque transmission capacity of the friction clutch 12 has exceeded an allowable value (torque transmission capacity that will be a service life). . For example, in the case where there is no clutch switch, as shown in FIG. 3, based on a graph in which the horizontal axis is the clutch shaft torque (Tc) and the vertical axis is the slip amount (rotational difference) estimated by the estimating means 4, If the clutch slipping region continues, it is determined that the torque transmission capability of the friction clutch 12 has exceeded the allowable value, and in the half clutch region, the torque transmission capability of the friction clutch 12 has not exceeded the allowable value (half The clutch state is determined.

  If there is a clutch switch, the clutch is always engaged in the detection region. Therefore, based on the graph as shown in FIG. Is determined to exceed the allowable value. Further, during deceleration, based on the graph with the horizontal axis as shown in FIG. 5 where the engine rotational speed (Ne) is used, the torque transmission capacity of the wear clutch 12 is an allowable value when the clutch slipping region is continued. Is determined to have exceeded Note that the detection area lines shown in the graph of FIG.

  The warning light 6 is composed of, for example, an LED or the like disposed on the meter panel. The warning light 6 lights up or flashes on the condition that the torque transmission capability of the friction clutch 12 is determined to exceed an allowable value by the determination means 5 and is lit or flashed. Can be warned against. Instead of the warning lamp 6, other forms (such as a warning by sounding a buzzer or the like, or a warning by displaying characters or symbols) may be used. Thereby, the necessity of replacement | exchange of a friction clutch can be grasped | ascertained more reliably and at an early stage.

  The failure diagnosing machine 7 is connected to the ECU 1 at the time of maintenance or the like, and is used for grasping what kind of failure has occurred. In the connected state, the type of failure is stored as a code in the storage means 8 in the ECU 1. Can be read and displayed. Therefore, on the condition that the determination means 5 determines that the torque transmission capability of the friction clutch 12 exceeds the allowable value, the determination can be stored in the storage means 8 as a code. Thereby, the necessity of replacement | exchange of the friction clutch 12 can be grasped | ascertained easily at the time of the maintenance of a vehicle, etc.

Next, control in the clutch slippage amount estimation apparatus according to the above embodiment will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.
First, it is determined whether or not a deceleration fuel cut is in progress (deceleration during fuel cut with the throttle fully closed) (S1). If the deceleration fuel is not being cut (that is, the engine is positive torque), the clutch shaft torque is estimated. (S2). The estimation of the clutch shaft torque can be obtained based on a three-dimensional graph (three-dimensional map) as shown in FIG.

  That is, characteristic values are measured in advance with the X axis as the engine speed (rpm), the Y axis as the throttle opening (deg), and the Z axis as the engine estimated shaft torque (Nm). Get it. Note that, instead of the throttle opening on the Y axis in the graph of FIG. 7, intake manifold negative pressure or intake air amount may be used.

As a result, the engine estimated shaft torque (Te) can be estimated. Therefore, when the transmission efficiency (ε) and the primary ratio (Rp) from the engine 9 to the friction clutch 12 are used, the clutch shaft torque is expressed by the following equation. It is calculated by. The transmission efficiency (ε) and primary ratio (Rp) are known parameters.
Clutch shaft torque (Tc) = Te × Rp × ε

  Next, it is determined whether or not the engine positive torque detection appropriate condition is satisfied (that is, whether or not it is a preferable condition for estimating the slip amount of the clutch) (S3). If not, the process returns to S1. The detection condition at this time is a condition for accurately estimating the slip amount of the friction clutch 12, and examples thereof include the following conditions.

  Engine speed is 2000 to 5000 (rpm), vehicle speed is 50 km / h or less, throttle opening is greater than 5 deg and fully open, engine water temperature is 50 ° C. or more, elapsed time after engine start is 200 seconds or more, and intake air temperature is 0 Each condition that the clutch switch is in the clutch engaged state, the clutch input rotation speed is 3000 rpm or more, the intake manifold negative pressure is within the predetermined range, and the intake air amount is within the predetermined range. All conditions are met.

  In S4, the clutch slip amount in the friction clutch 12 is estimated using the arithmetic expression (1) already described in the estimation means 4, and the determination means 5 determines the clutch slip amount of the friction clutch 12 based on the estimated clutch slip amount. It is determined that the torque transmission capacity exceeds an allowable value (S5). If it is determined in S5 that the torque transmission capacity of the friction clutch 12 exceeds the allowable value, the process proceeds to S6, where a warning by the warning lamp 6 or a failure code (degradation of torque transmission capacity) is written to the storage means 8. Will be made.

  On the other hand, if the deceleration fuel cut is in progress in S1 (that is, the engine is negative torque), the process proceeds to S7, where it is determined whether or not the deceleration appropriate detection condition is satisfied, and if it is the detection condition, the process proceeds to S8. If it is not the detection condition, the process returns to S1. The detection condition at this time is a condition under which the slip amount of the friction clutch 12 should be accurately estimated as in the case of the engine positive torque detection appropriate condition, and examples thereof include the following conditions.

  Engine speed is 2000 to 5000 (rpm), vehicle speed is 30 km / h or more, throttle opening is fully closed, engine water temperature is 50 ° C. or more, elapsed time after engine start is 200 sec or more, intake air temperature is 0 ° C. or more, ( (With a clutch switch) The condition is that the clutch switch is in the clutch engaged state and all the conditions that the atmospheric pressure (atmospheric pressure) is 460 mmHg or more are satisfied.

  In S8, the clutch slip amount in the friction clutch 12 is estimated using the arithmetic expression (2) described above in the estimation means 4, and the determination means 5 determines the clutch slip amount of the friction clutch 12 based on the estimated clutch slip amount. It is determined that the torque transmission capability exceeds an allowable value (S9). If it is determined in S9 that the torque transmission capability of the wear clutch 12 has exceeded the allowable value, the process proceeds to S6, where a warning by the warning lamp 6 or a failure code (friction clutch life) is written to the storage means 8. The Rukoto.

  According to the present embodiment as described above, the slip amount of the friction clutch 12 can be estimated using the existing sensor provided in the vehicle with the input side sensor 2 and the output side sensor 3. The replacement time can be objectively grasped, and a separate sensor for monitoring the torque transmission capability of the friction clutch 12 is not required, thereby preventing an increase in manufacturing cost. That is, according to the present embodiment, the slip amount of the wear clutch 12 can be estimated by simply rewriting the program of the ECU 1 in the existing vehicle.

  Further, since the judging means 5 for judging that the torque transmission capacity of the friction clutch 12 exceeds the allowable value based on the slip amount of the friction clutch 12 estimated by the estimating means 4 is provided, the friction clutch only with the slip amount. Even a user who cannot grasp whether or not to replace 12 can surely grasp the necessity of replacing the friction clutch 12.

  By the way, during deceleration (during fuel cut), in the above embodiment, the friction clutch 12 is based on the graph shown in FIG. 5 in which the horizontal axis is the engine speed (Ne) and the vertical axis is the slip amount of the friction clutch 12. It is determined whether or not the torque transmission capacity exceeds an allowable value. Instead, after obtaining the engine shaft torque (Te) from the engine speed (Ne), the clutch shaft torque (Tc) is calculated. The slip amount may be estimated from the clutch shaft torque (Tc).

  More specifically, the following control is exemplified. That is, if it is determined in S1 in the flowchart of FIG. 6 that the deceleration fuel is being cut, for example, the engine speed is 2000 to 5000 (rpm), the vehicle speed is 30 km / h or more, and the throttle opening is fully closed. The engine water temperature is 50 ° C. or higher, the elapsed time after engine start is 200 seconds or longer, the intake air temperature is 0 ° C. or higher, the clutch switch is in the clutch engaged state, and the atmospheric pressure (atmospheric pressure) is 460 mmHg or higher. It is determined whether or not all the conditions are satisfied.

  If it is determined that all of the above conditions are satisfied, the detected engine is based on a graph in which the horizontal axis shown in FIG. 8 is the engine speed (Ne) and the vertical axis is the engine shaft torque (Te). An engine shaft torque (Te) is obtained from the rotational speed (Ne). However, although the engine shaft torque (Te) is a positive value for convenience in the graph, the engine shaft torque (Te) is actually opposite to the torque generated during acceleration (that is, a negative value).

  From the engine shaft torque (Te) obtained as described above, the clutch shaft torque (Tc) is calculated from an arithmetic expression of clutch shaft torque (Tc) = Te × Rp × ε as in S2 in the flowchart of the above embodiment. Then, based on a graph in which the horizontal axis shown in FIG. 4 is the clutch shaft torque (Tc) and the vertical axis is the slip amount of the friction clutch 12, it is determined whether or not the clutch slip region.

  Although the present embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be applied to a vehicle having a centrifugal (CVT) type power transmission path as shown in FIG. 9, for example. In the same figure, the codes | symbols 16 and 17 have shown the V belt and the reduction gear. In this case, the clutch slip amount can be estimated using the belt ratio (Rv) of the V-belt 16 as one of the parameters.

  For example, when clutch input speed (Ni), clutch output speed (No), wheel speed (Nt), and reduction gear ratio (Rg) are detected, clutch input speed (Ni) = Ne / Rv, clutch output speed Since the number (No) = Nt × Rg, the rotational difference (slip amount) of the friction clutch 12 = (clutch input rotational speed−clutch output rotational speed) = Ne / Rv−Nt × Rg. it can.

  Further, the clutch slip amount estimated by the estimating means 4 may be displayed on a predetermined display means (for example, a display means formed on a meter panel or the like). Moreover, in this embodiment, although applied to a two-wheeled vehicle, you may apply to other vehicles, such as a motor vehicle. Furthermore, the parameters detected by the input side sensor 2 and the output side sensor 3 are not limited to those of the present embodiment, and parameters detected from various existing sensors can be used.

The detection value of the input side sensor that is disposed in the input system between the engine of the vehicle and the friction clutch and obtains a parameter relating to the rotational speed of the input system at both the engine positive torque and the deceleration, and the friction clutch Estimating means for calculating the rotational difference of the friction clutch and estimating the slip amount from the detected value of the output side sensor that is disposed in the output system up to the wheel and obtains a parameter relating to the rotational speed of the output system And a graph showing the relationship between the slip amount of the friction clutch estimated by the estimating means and the clutch shaft torque at the time of engine positive torque, and the slip amount of the friction clutch estimated by the estimating means at the time of deceleration. based on the graph showing the relationship between the engine speed, it determines the hand determines that the torque transmission capability of the friction clutch exceeds an allowable value And the determination by the determination means is various if the clutch slippage amount estimation device is performed only when the clutch shaft torque exceeds a predetermined detection lower limit, etc. Applicable to forms.

The block diagram which shows the whole structure of the slip amount estimation apparatus of the clutch which concerns on embodiment of this invention. Schematic diagram of a vehicle to which the clutch slippage estimation device is applied Graph for reference by the judging means in the slip amount estimating device for the clutch Graph for reference by the judging means in the slippage estimation device for the clutch (with clutch switch) Graph for reference by the judging means in the slip amount estimating device for the clutch (when the deceleration fuel is cut) Flow chart showing control of slippage estimation device for the clutch The graph which shows the relationship of the engine estimated shaft torque which should be referred by the slip amount estimation apparatus of the clutch, an engine speed, and the throttle opening degree Graph for reference by judgment means in another form of slip amount estimating device (when deceleration fuel cut is in progress) Schematic of still another form of vehicle to which the clutch slippage estimation device is applied

Explanation of symbols

1 ECU
2 Input side sensor 3 Output side sensor 4 Estimating means 5 Judging means 6 Warning light (warning means)
7 Failure diagnosis machine 8 Storage means 9 Engine 10 Crankshaft 11 System including friction material on driving side 12 Friction clutch 13 Transmission gear 14 Chain 15 Wheel 16 V belt 17 Reduction gear

Claims (3)

A slip amount estimation device for a clutch for estimating a slip amount of a friction clutch disposed in a vehicle,
A detection value of an input side sensor that is disposed in an input system between the engine of the vehicle and the friction clutch and obtains a parameter relating to the rotational speed of the input system, both at the time of engine positive torque and during deceleration, and the friction clutch An estimation means for calculating a rotational difference of the friction clutch and estimating a slip amount thereof from a detection value of an output side sensor which is disposed in an output system from a wheel to a wheel and obtains a parameter relating to a rotation speed of the output system And a graph showing the relationship between the friction clutch slippage estimated by the estimation means and the clutch shaft torque when the engine is positive torque, and the friction clutch slippage estimated by the estimation means during deceleration. -size determining that the basis of the graph showing the relationship between the engine speed, the torque transmission capability of the friction clutch exceeds an allowable value Comprising means, and, the determination by the determination means, slip amount estimating device of a clutch, wherein the clutch shaft torque is performed only if it exceeds a predetermined detection limit.   The clutch slip amount estimation according to claim 1, wherein the warning means can warn the driver on condition that the determination means determines that the torque transmission capability of the friction clutch exceeds an allowable value. apparatus.   The clutch slip amount according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the determination is stored by the storage means on condition that the determination means determines that the torque transmission capability of the friction clutch exceeds an allowable value. Estimating device.

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