Method and code for controlling powertrain with lockup torque converter

US8374759B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Chrysler Group LLC · US

Inventors

• Paul R. Arlauskas · Gaylord, US
• P. Brian McGrath · Chelsea, US
• Zhong Li · Nanhu, CN
• Chad Dalberg · Tipton, US
• Iqbal A. Chowdhury · Ann Arbor, US
• Jeremy Smith · Farmington, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 1, 2009
• Grant date: Feb 12, 2013
• Expiry date: Sep 10, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16H2059/186
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A method of controlling a vehicle powertrain having an automatic transmission coupled to an engine through a lock-up torque converter includes determining when a torque converter unlock is imminent during a deceleration fuel shut-off event, and delaying the resumption of fuel flow to the engine for a calibratable time period to reduce the likelihood of an undesirable increase in engine output torque when the torque converter has not fully transitioned to an unlocked state. The method also includes determining whether one or more breakout conditions exist that require enabling fuel flow to the engine and, perhaps, triggering an active unlocking of the lock-up torque converter.