Apparatus and method for diagnosing automatic transmission

Abstract

An apparatus for diagnosing an automatic transmission for detecting an abnormality during travel of a vehicle, the apparatus including a G sensor configured to measure a vibration signal including a longitudinal vibration signal, a state detection unit configured to obtain the vibration signal of the G sensor and state data of a transmission sensor and an engine sensor of the vehicle, and a controller configured to check an operating element for each shift operation by using a current gear, a target gear, and a shift time detected as the state data, measure the longitudinal vibration signal of the G sensor to calculate a fluctuation level of the longitudinal vibration signal for each operating element, and determine a shift shock event when a longitudinal vibration signal value exceeds a reference value after adjustment based on a travel acceleration of the vehicle.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0072833, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on June 4, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to apparatus and methods for diagnosing automatic transmissions. Background Technology

[0004] Typically, a vehicle's automatic transmission (A / T) automatically switches gear ratios based on engine speed (e.g., RPM), vehicle speed, and vehicle load.

[0005] An automatic transmission includes a torque converter and operating elements for multi-gear shifting, and is hydraulically operated under the control of a transmission control unit (TCU).

[0006] In cases of abnormal operation such as shift shock, the automatic transmission may need to be replaced, leading to excessively high maintenance costs. Therefore, partial repairs are necessary to reduce maintenance costs, i.e., partially replacing the components causing the failure.

[0007] However, for example, due to the lack of technical skills among mechanics, it is difficult to identify the components causing the failure, and due to the lack of standards for judging abnormalities (i.e., malfunctions) in automatic transmissions, the difficulty of maintenance services is increased.

[0008] For example, it is difficult to check the current gear and shift cycle while the vehicle is in motion, and it is difficult to identify the operating elements of the hydraulic system for each shift operation.

[0009] Furthermore, there are no standards for determining whether a transmission is malfunctioning (e.g., shift shock or vibration), making it difficult to identify operational abnormalities or pinpoint the components causing the malfunction.

[0010] The information disclosed in this background section is only intended to enhance the understanding of the background of this invention, and therefore may contain information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus and method for diagnosing automatic transmissions, which can determine abnormal operation of the automatic transmission and the components causing the abnormality during vehicle operation by using state data from a G sensor and a transmission / engine sensor.

[0012] The apparatus for diagnosing an automatic transmission according to an embodiment is an attachmentable device for detecting abnormalities in the operating elements of the automatic transmission during vehicle operation. The apparatus includes: a G-sensor configured to measure a vibration signal including a longitudinal vibration signal; a state detection unit configured to, during vehicle operation, acquire, via diagnostic communication, the vibration signal of the G-sensor over time and state data of the vehicle's transmission and engine sensors over time; and a controller configured to examine the operating elements of the automatic transmission for each shift operation using the current gear, target gear, and shift time detected by the state data of the transmission sensors, measure the longitudinal vibration signal of the G-sensor during vehicle operation to calculate the fluctuation level of the longitudinal vibration signal over time for each operating element, and determine a shift shock event when the value of the longitudinal vibration signal of the G-sensor exceeds a reference value after adjustment based on the vehicle's driving acceleration.

[0013] The controller is further configured to identify the shift range of each shift operation by using the current gear, the target gear, and the shift time.

[0014] The controller is further configured to identify the shift start time and shift end time based on the shift interval, and to check the operating element corresponding to each shift operation at each time point.

[0015] The controller is further configured to identify the solenoid valve and valve body of the gear corresponding to the shift interval identified as a shift shock event as parts that need to be replaced.

[0016] The controller is further configured to determine a shift delay event when the shift time from the start of the shift to the end of the shift exceeds a preset value.

[0017] The controller is further configured to filter the longitudinal vibration signal so that the signal can be excluded when a shift shock event is identified.

[0018] The controller is further configured to identify the operating state of the damping clutch by comparing the difference between the engine speed and the turbine speed based on state data, and to determine a damping clutch impact event when the damping clutch enters a locked state and an impact exceeding a reference value occurs.

[0019] The controller is further configured to identify the operating element at the corresponding time point as a component that needs to be replaced when at least one of a shift shock event, a shift delay event, and a damped clutch shock event is determined.

[0020] The controller is further configured to display the determined event and the replacement part that caused the determined event via a display unit.

[0021] A method for diagnosing an automatic transmission for a vehicle, according to an embodiment, includes the following steps: during vehicle operation, detecting vibration signals from a G-sensor; detecting state data of a transmission sensor and an engine sensor over time via diagnostic communication with the vehicle; examining the operating elements of the automatic transmission for each shift operation using the current gear, target gear, and shift time detected as state data from the transmission sensor; measuring the longitudinal vibration signal of the G-sensor during vehicle operation to calculate the fluctuation level of the longitudinal vibration signal over time for each operating element; and determining a shift shock event when the longitudinal vibration signal value of the G-sensor exceeds a reference value after adjustment based on the vehicle's driving acceleration.

[0022] The steps for inspecting the operating elements may include identifying the shift range for each shift operation by using the current gear, target gear, and shift time.

[0023] The steps for inspecting the operating elements may include identifying the shift start time and shift end time based on the shift interval, and inspecting the operating elements corresponding to each shift operation at each time point.

[0024] The method for diagnosing an automatic transmission in a vehicle according to an embodiment may further include the following steps between measuring the longitudinal vibration signal and determining whether a shift shock event has occurred: measuring the vertical vibration signal of a G sensor and filtering the longitudinal vibration signal such that the longitudinal vibration signal generated immediately after a road impact is detected based on the vertical vibration signal is excluded.

[0025] The steps for determining a shift shock event may include determining a shift delay event when the shift time elapsed from the start of the shift to the end of the shift exceeds a preset value.

[0026] The steps for determining a shift shock event may include comparing the difference between engine speed and turbine speed based on state data to identify the operating state of the damped clutch, and determining a damped clutch shock event when the damped clutch enters a locked state and an impact exceeding a reference value occurs.

[0027] The method for diagnosing a vehicle automatic transmission according to an embodiment may further include the following steps after the step of determining a shift shock event: when at least one of a shift shock event, a shift delay event, and a damping clutch shock event is determined, an operating element at the corresponding time point is identified as a component that needs to be replaced, and the determined event and the component that needs to be replaced causing the determined event are displayed by a display unit.

[0028] An apparatus for diagnosing an automatic transmission according to an embodiment can be installed in a vehicle to detect abnormalities in the operating elements of the automatic transmission during vehicle operation. The apparatus includes: a G-sensor configured to measure vertical and longitudinal vibration signals during vehicle operation; a transmission sensor configured to measure state data of the automatic transmission; and a controller configured to examine the operating elements of the automatic transmission using the current gear, target gear, and shift time detected as state data from the transmission sensor. The controller measures the longitudinal vibration signal of the G-sensor during vehicle operation to calculate the fluctuation level of the longitudinal vibration signal over time for each operating element, and determines a shift shock event when the longitudinal vibration signal value of the G-sensor exceeds a reference value after adjustment based on vehicle acceleration.

[0029] According to an embodiment, abnormal operation of the automatic transmission can be determined by using state data from the G sensor and the transmission / engine sensor while the vehicle is in motion, such as shift shock, shift delay, and damped clutch shock in each shift interval.

[0030] In addition, the operating elements that cause abnormalities can be identified as parts that need to be replaced. Therefore, quality maintenance costs can be reduced by partially repairing the identified parts that need to be replaced.

[0031] In addition, customer complaints about automatic transmissions, as well as various sensor data and event results collected through automatic transmission diagnostics, can be accumulated to form a database, and the database can be used to reproduce assessments to improve maintenance reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 The vehicle and the apparatus for diagnosing an automatic transmission are illustrated schematically according to an embodiment.

[0033] Figure 2 This illustrates an overall scenario for explaining a method for diagnosing an automatic transmission according to an embodiment.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for diagnosing an automatic transmission according to an embodiment.

[0035] Figure 4 A driving example for diagnosing an automatic transmission is shown according to an embodiment.

[0036] Figure 5 A method for determining shift shock according to an embodiment is shown.

[0037] Figure 6 A method for determining shift delay according to an embodiment is shown.

[0038] Figure 7A method for determining damped clutch impact according to an embodiment is shown.

[0039] Figure 8 An apparatus for diagnosing an automatic transmission in a vehicle is illustrated schematically according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0040] In the following detailed description, certain embodiments of the invention are shown and described by way of illustration only.

[0041] The terminology used herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, the singular forms are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that, when used in this specification, the words “comprising” and / or “including” specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the word “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0042] It should be understood that the terms “vehicle,” “of a vehicle,” “automobile,” or other similar terms as used herein include motor vehicles in general, such as passenger vehicles including SUVs, buses, trucks, and various commercial vehicles, watercraft including boats and ships, and aircraft, etc.

[0043] Throughout this specification, terms such as first, second, "A", "B", "(a)", "(b)", etc., may be used to describe various components and should not be construed as limiting those components. These terms are used only to distinguish component elements from other component elements, and the characteristics or order of component elements are not limited by these terms.

[0044] In this specification, it should be understood that when a component is referred to as "connected" or "joined" to another component, it can be directly connected or joined to the other component, or it can be connected or joined to the other component with another component inserted in between. In this specification, it should be understood that when a component is referred to as "directly connected or joined" to another component, it can be connected or joined to the other component without any other component intervening.

[0045] Furthermore, it should be understood that one or more of the methods below, or aspects thereof, can be performed by at least one controller. The term "controller" can refer to a hardware device including a memory and a processor. The memory is configured to store program instructions, and the processor is specifically programmed to execute the program instructions to perform one or more processes further described below. As described herein, a controller can control the operation of a control unit, module, component, device, etc. Furthermore, it should be understood that, as those skilled in the art will recognize, the methods below can be performed by an apparatus including a controller combined with one or more other components.

[0046] Furthermore, the control logic of the present invention can be embodied on a non-transitory computer-readable medium containing executable program instructions that are executed by a processor. Examples of computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, ROM, RAM, optical disc (CD)-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash drive, smart card, and optical data storage device. The computer-readable medium can also be distributed across a network-connected computer system, enabling the computer-readable medium to be stored and executed in a distributed manner, for example, via a telematics server or a controller area network (CAN).

[0047] The apparatus and method for diagnosing an automatic transmission according to embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0048] Figure 1 The vehicle and the apparatus for diagnosing an automatic transmission are illustrated schematically according to an embodiment.

[0049] Reference Figure 1 A device 20 for diagnosing the automatic transmission is attached to the vehicle 10. The device 20 is used to detect abnormalities (i.e., malfunctions) in the operating elements of the automatic transmission during vehicle operation.

[0050] Vehicle 10 includes engine sensor 11, transmission sensor 12 and OBD-II 13, which are known in the art.

[0051] The engine sensor 11 measures status data, including engine speed, while the vehicle 10 is in motion and transmits the measured data to the OBD-II 13.

[0052] The transmission sensor 12 measures the status data of the current gear and the target gear based on the automatic transmission's shift measurements, and transmits the measured data to the OBD-II 13. Automatic transmissions are widely used in transmissions that include those with operating elements (which are operated for shifting and can be the subject of diagnostics), such as automated manual transmissions (AMT), dual-clutch transmissions (DCT), etc.

[0053] In addition, the transmission sensor 12 detects the turbine speed (hereinafter referred to as turbine speed) of the automatic transmission as status data and transmits the detected data to the OBD-II 13.

[0054] The OBD-II 13 is connected via diagnostic communication to the automatic transmission diagnostic device 20 used for vehicle 10 maintenance or driving assessment. Furthermore, during vehicle 10 operation, status data measured by the engine sensor 11 and transmission sensor 12 is transmitted via diagnostic communication to the device 20 used for diagnosing the automatic transmission.

[0055] Diagnostic communication can be dedicated or general communication between OBD-II 13 and device 20 using wired or wireless communication schemes.

[0056] According to the embodiment, the device 20 for diagnosing an automatic transmission can be temporarily attached to the vehicle 10 to detect abnormal operation (i.e., abnormal conditions) of the automatic transmission and / or abnormal conditions of the operating elements of the automatic transmission during the driving of the vehicle 10.

[0057] According to the embodiments, the diagnostic operating elements may include operating elements for shifting gears in an automatic transmission and a damping clutch disposed in the automatic transmission.

[0058] Abnormalities in automatic transmissions can include shift delays.

[0059] The device 20 for diagnosing automatic transmissions includes a G sensor 21, a status detection unit 22, a display unit 23, and a controller 24. The device 20 for diagnosing automatic transmissions can, for example, be implemented using a portable diagnostic terminal or portable information communication terminal (e.g., a tablet computer) used for vehicle maintenance in vehicle manufacturing plants, repair shops, etc.

[0060] G sensor 21 is configured to measure vibration signals based on the acceleration of vehicle 10 during vehicle operation. The vibration signals of G sensor 21 include a vertical vibration signal Z based on the vertical vibration of vehicle 10 and a longitudinal vibration signal Y based on the front-to-back vibration.

[0061] The status detection unit 22 is configured to detect the vibration signal of the G sensor 21 over time and the status data of the transmission sensor 12 and the engine sensor 11 via diagnostic communication connected to the vehicle 10 during vehicle operation.

[0062] Display unit 23 displays information about the operation of the device 20 used for diagnosing the automatic transmission to the user, such as menus and result data. Display unit 23 can display to the user various events determined by the controller 24 in the diagnosis of the automatic transmission, the causes of the events, and the parts that need to be replaced that caused the events.

[0063] The controller 24 can store various programs and data for diagnosing the overall operation of the device 20 for the automatic transmission, and also stores data generated by the operation of the device 20.

[0064] The controller 24 is configured to check the operating elements of the automatic transmission for each shift operation by using the current gear, target gear, and shift time detected as state data of the transmission sensor 12, to measure the longitudinal vibration signal Y of the G sensor 21 during driving to calculate the fluctuation level of the longitudinal vibration signal over time for each operating element, and to determine a shift shock event when the value of the longitudinal vibration signal Y of the G sensor 21 exceeds a reference value after adjustment based on the vehicle's driving acceleration.

[0065] Given that the average vibration level may depend on vehicle acceleration, the adjustment of the vibration signal of G sensor 21 can refer to the scaling of the direct measurement value relative to the reference vehicle acceleration.

[0066] The controller 24 is configured to detect anomalies, such as shift shocks, shift delays, and damped clutch shocks, by using the G sensor 21, transmission and engine status data during the driving of the vehicle 10, identify the operating elements causing the anomalies, and recommend replacement parts.

[0067] For this purpose, the controller 24 may be implemented as at least one processor operated by a predetermined program, and the predetermined program may be programmed to perform each step of the method for diagnosing an automatic transmission according to the embodiment.

[0068] The methods for diagnosing automatic transmissions are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0069] Figure 2 This illustrates an overall scenario for explaining a method for diagnosing an automatic transmission according to an embodiment.

[0070] Reference Figure 2 According to the method for diagnosing an automatic transmission according to the embodiment, when a vehicle 10 is received at a factory or repair shop for inspection / diagnosis of its automatic transmission, a device 20 for diagnosing the automatic transmission is attached to the vehicle 10. The embodiment is illustrated in the scenario of diagnosing abnormalities in the operating elements of the automatic transmission through driving evaluation during vehicle operation. In this case, the device 20 for diagnosing the automatic transmission can be attached to the vehicle 10 at a horizontally positionable location (e.g., fastened to the floor under the passenger seat via Velcro) to measure the vertical vibration signal Z and longitudinal vibration signal Y of the G sensor 21.

[0071] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for diagnosing an automatic transmission according to an embodiment.

[0072] Specifically, Figure 3 A method for diagnosing an automatic transmission is shown, which is performed during the driving of vehicle 10 by means of a device 20 for diagnosing an automatic transmission attached to the vehicle, to detect abnormalities in the operating elements of the automatic transmission.

[0073] During the driving of vehicle 10, in step S10, controller 24 detects the vibration signals Z and Y of vehicle G sensor 21 according to time, and detects the status data of transmission sensor 12 and engine sensor 11 through status detection unit 22 which communicates with OBD-II 13 for diagnostics.

[0074] For example, Figure 4 A driving example for diagnosing an automatic transmission is shown according to an embodiment.

[0075] Reference Figure 4 The test driver changed the gear of vehicle 10 according to a preset strategy for driving evaluation when driving vehicle 10 at various speeds and driving conditions, so that the automatic transmission automatically switched gears according to driving conditions, such as low-to-medium speed acceleration, low-to-medium speed deceleration, high-speed acceleration, and high-speed deceleration.

[0076] For example, when the vehicle is stationary, the test driver shifts the automatic transmission between Park (P), Reverse (R), Neutral (N), and Drive (D) according to the indicated sequence P, R, N, D, N, R, P.

[0077] When driving the vehicle at low to medium speeds, the test driver switched the automatic transmission between relatively low and medium gears. For example, by accelerating when the accelerator position sensor value was between 3% and 35%, the automatic transmission automatically upshifted from first gear D1 to sixth gear D6, and by decelerating under light braking conditions, it automatically downshifted from sixth gear D6 to first gear D1.

[0078] When driving the vehicle at high speeds, the test driver shifted the automatic transmission between relatively high gears. For example, by accelerating with accelerator position sensor values ​​between 3% and 35%, the automatic transmission automatically upshifted from sixth gear (D6) to eighth gear (D8), and by decelerating under light braking conditions, it automatically downshifted from eighth gear (D8) to sixth gear (D6).

[0079] The details and / or ranges of low and medium vehicle speeds, high vehicle speeds, low and medium gears, and high gears can be preset according to design factors, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0080] like Figure 4As shown, driving a vehicle includes switching the automatic transmission when the vehicle is stationary. Therefore, it should be understood that "driving" a vehicle in this invention does not necessarily mean that the vehicle is moving, but can mean that the vehicle (specifically, the automatic transmission) is operating.

[0081] In step S20, the controller 24 checks the operating elements of the automatic transmission for each shift operation using the detected current gear, target gear, and shift time as state data from the transmission sensor 12. At this time, when a test driver drives the vehicle 10 under various driving conditions, the automatic transmission is diagnosed based on the current gear, target gear, and shift time, and any abnormalities occurring during each shift operation of the automatic transmission are diagnosed.

[0082] Furthermore, the controller 24 identifies the shift interval for each shift operation by using the current gear, the target gear, and the shift time. Additionally, the controller 24 is configured to identify the shift start time and shift end time based on the shift interval, and to check the operating element corresponding to each shift operation at each time point. The shift interval refers to the shift operation of the automatic transmission from the current gear to the target gear, such as from first gear to second gear, from second gear to third gear, etc.

[0083] In addition, the occurrence of abnormalities in each operating element can be detected, and the occurrence of shift shock events, shift delay events, and damped clutch shock events can be determined as follows.

[0084] For example, Figure 5 A method for determining shift shock according to an embodiment is shown.

[0085] In step S30, the controller 24 determines whether a shift shock event has occurred. (Refer to...) Figure 5 In step S30, when the value of the longitudinal vibration signal Y of the G sensor 21 exceeds the reference value after adjustment based on the vehicle 10's driving acceleration, the controller 24 determines that a shift impact event has occurred. At this time, the controller 24 measures the vertical vibration signal Z of the G sensor 21 and filters the longitudinal vibration signal Y, so that when determining the shift impact event, the longitudinal vibration signal Y generated immediately after the road impact is detected based on the vertical vibration signal Z can be excluded.

[0086] In step S40, the controller 24 checks the corresponding operating element that caused the shift shock event and identifies the parts that need to be replaced. For example, the controller 24 may identify the solenoid valve and valve body of the engagement element and disengagement element corresponding to the shift interval determined to be the shift shock event as parts that need to be replaced.

[0087] at the same time, Figure 6 A method for determining shift delay according to an embodiment is shown.

[0088] In step S50, the controller 24 determines whether a shift delay event has occurred. (Refer to...) Figure 6 In step S50, when the shift time from the start of the shift to the end of the shift exceeds a preset value, the controller 24 determines that a shift delay event has occurred. In step S60, the controller 24 identifies the shift delay interval (i.e., the shift interval in which the shift delay occurs) and the corresponding operating element (i.e., the operating element that caused the shift delay). Here, shift time refers to the time period during which the current gear differs from the target gear.

[0089] For example, controller 24 can identify the solenoid valve and valve body of the engagement and disengagement elements corresponding to the shift interval determined to be a shift delay event as parts that need to be replaced.

[0090] at the same time, Figure 7 A method for determining damped clutch impact according to an embodiment is shown.

[0091] In step S70, the controller 24 determines whether a damping clutch impact event has occurred. (Refer to...) Figure 7 In step S70, the controller 24 compares the difference between the engine speed and the turbine speed based on state data to identify the operating state of the damping clutch. In step S80, the controller 24 identifies the damping clutch impact range (i.e., the shift range in which a damping clutch impact event occurs) and the corresponding operating element (i.e., the operating element that caused the damping clutch impact event). Here, the lock-up range is the range in which the engine speed and turbine speed are the same.

[0092] For example, controller 24 can identify the solenoid valve and valve body of the engagement and disengagement elements corresponding to the shift interval determined to be a damping clutch impact event as parts that need to be replaced.

[0093] Thus, when at least one of a shift shock event, a shift delay event, and a damped clutch shock event is detected, the controller 24 can determine the operating element of the corresponding range as a component that needs to be replaced.

[0094] In addition, in step S90, the controller 24 identifies the determined event and the component that needs to be replaced that caused the determined event, and displays the information to the user through the display unit 23.

[0095] For example, such as Figure 5 As shown, when this event occurs when shifting from fourth to fifth gear, it is recommended to replace the fifth gear engagement solenoid valve and the fourth gear disengagement solenoid valve. Similarly, when this event occurs when shifting from fifth to sixth gear, it is recommended to replace the sixth gear engagement solenoid valve and the fourth gear disengagement solenoid valve.

[0096] In addition, if this event occurs while the damping clutch is being operated to lock up, it is advisable to replace the corresponding valve body assembly.

[0097] Thus, according to the embodiments, anomalies in the automatic transmission can be determined by using state data from the G sensor and the transmission / engine sensor while the vehicle is in motion, such as shift shocks, shift delays, and damped clutch shocks in each shift interval.

[0098] In addition, the operating elements that cause abnormalities can be identified as parts that need to be replaced. Therefore, quality maintenance costs can be reduced by performing partial repairs on the identified parts that need to be replaced.

[0099] In addition, customer complaints about automatic transmissions, as well as various sensor data and event results collected through automatic transmission diagnostics, can be accumulated to form a database, and maintenance reliability can be improved by reproducing assessments using the database.

[0100] It is understood that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and various modifications can be made.

[0101] For example, in Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, it has been described that the device 20 for diagnosing the automatic transmission is initially detached and then attached for real-time evaluation. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and the device for diagnosing the automatic transmission can be permanently mounted to the vehicle for self-diagnosis.

[0102] For example, Figure 8 An apparatus for diagnosing an automatic transmission in a vehicle is illustrated schematically according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0103] Specifically, Figure 8 A device 30 for diagnosing an automatic transmission in a vehicle is shown, configured to diagnose abnormalities in the operating elements of the automatic transmission via self-diagnosis during vehicle operation, and a telematics server (TMS) 40 connected to the device 30 via a wireless network.

[0104] The device 30 for diagnosing an automatic transmission in a vehicle includes: a G-sensor 31 configured to measure vertical vibration signals Z and longitudinal vibration signals Y during vehicle operation; a transmission sensor 32 configured to measure automatic transmission status data; an engine sensor 33 configured to measure engine status data; and a controller 35 configured to examine the operating elements of the automatic transmission by using the current gear, target gear, and shift time detected as status data from the transmission sensor 32. During vehicle operation, the controller measures the longitudinal vibration signal Y of the G-sensor 31 to calculate the fluctuation level of the vibration signal over time for each operating element, and determines a shift shock event when the value of the longitudinal vibration signal Y of the G-sensor 31 exceeds a reference value after adjustment based on vehicle acceleration. The device 20 for diagnosing the automatic transmission may also include a display unit 34 and a wireless antenna 36, ​​wherein the display unit 34 displays information such as menus and result data for the operation of the device 20 for diagnosing the automatic transmission to a user.

[0105] In the following description, the device 30 for diagnosing the automatic transmission of a vehicle focuses on the differences from the device 20 for diagnosing the automatic transmission.

[0106] The device 30 for diagnosing the automatic transmission of a vehicle can be implemented, for example, by implementing corresponding functions on an information communication terminal such as an audio-visual navigation (AVN) system or instrument cluster in the vehicle. Since it is installed in the vehicle, the status detection unit 22 for diagnostic communication described in the above embodiments for connection can be omitted.

[0107] G sensor 31 can be implemented as a sensor to support advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) functions in existing vehicles.

[0108] The device 30 for diagnosing the automatic transmission of a vehicle can detect at least one abnormal event among shift shock events, shift delay events, and damped clutch shock events during normal vehicle operation through self-diagnosis. Furthermore, the device 30 can identify the operating element causing the abnormal event and can inform the identified element through the AVN or the display unit 34 of the instrument cluster.

[0109] In addition, the device 30 for diagnosing the automatic transmission of a vehicle can transmit identified events and the parts that need to be replaced that caused the identified events to the TMS40 via the wireless antenna 36.

[0110] Therefore, TMS40 can accumulate customer complaints about automatic transmissions, as well as various sensor data and event results collected from automatic transmission diagnostics, to form a database, and use this database to manage customer vehicles and reproduce evaluations.

[0111] The embodiments of the present invention described above can be implemented not only by apparatus and method, but also by a program for implementing functions corresponding to the configuration of the embodiments of the present invention or a recording medium containing such program.

[0112] While the invention has been described in conjunction with embodiments now considered practical, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Rather, it is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for diagnosing an automatic transmission of a vehicle, the apparatus being attachable to the vehicle to detect abnormalities in operating elements of the hydraulic system of the automatic transmission during vehicle operation, the apparatus comprising: The G sensor is configured to measure vibration signals, including longitudinal vibration signals, based on the vehicle's acceleration. The status detection unit is configured to: during the driving of the vehicle, obtain, via diagnostic communication, the vibration signal of the G sensor based on time and the status data of the vehicle's transmission sensor and engine sensor based on time. as well as The controller is configured to: examine the operating element of the hydraulic system for each shift operation by using the current gear, target gear, and shift time detected as state data of the transmission sensor; measure the longitudinal vibration signal of the G sensor during vehicle travel to calculate the fluctuation level of the longitudinal vibration signal of the operating element over time; and determine a shift shock event when the longitudinal vibration signal value of the G sensor exceeds a reference value after adjustment based on the vehicle's travel acceleration.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to identify the shift interval of each shift operation by using the current gear, the target gear, and the shift time.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the controller is further configured to identify a shift start time point and a shift end time point according to the shift interval, and to check the operating element corresponding to each shift operation at each time point.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the controller is further configured to identify the solenoid valve and valve body of the gear corresponding to the gear shift interval determined to be the shift shock event as replacement components.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the controller is further configured to determine a shift delay event when the shift time elapsed from the shift start time to the shift end time exceeds a preset value.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to filter the longitudinal vibration signal to exclude the longitudinal vibration signal when the shift impact event is determined.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the controller is further configured to identify the operating state of the damping clutch by comparing the difference between the engine speed and the turbine speed based on the state data, and to determine a damping clutch impact event when the damping clutch is locked and the longitudinal vibration signal value of the G sensor exceeds the reference value.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the controller is further configured to, during operation of the operating element, determine the operating element as a component requiring replacement when at least one of a shift shock event, a shift delay event, and a damped clutch shock event is identified.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the controller is further configured to display, via a display unit, the determined event and the replacement component that caused the determined event.

10. A method for diagnosing an automatic transmission in a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: During the vehicle's operation, vibration signals from the G-sensor are detected based on the vehicle's acceleration, and status data from the transmission and engine sensors are detected over time via diagnostic communication with the vehicle. By using the current gear, target gear, and shift time detected as state data from the transmission sensors, the operating elements of the hydraulic system of the automatic transmission are examined for each shift operation. The longitudinal vibration signal of the G sensor is measured during the vehicle's operation to calculate the fluctuation level of the longitudinal vibration signal over time for the operating element. as well as When the longitudinal vibration signal value of the G sensor exceeds the reference value after adjustment based on the vehicle's driving acceleration, a shift shock event is determined.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the step of checking the operating element comprises: The shift range for each shift operation is identified by using the current gear, target gear, and shift time.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of checking the operating element comprises: The shift start time and shift end time are identified based on the shift interval, and the operating element corresponding to each shift operation at each time point is checked.

13. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of measuring the longitudinal vibration signal and determining whether a shift shock event has occurred between the steps of: Measure the vertical vibration signal of the G sensor; and The longitudinal vibration signal is filtered to exclude vertical vibration signals that occur immediately after a road impact is detected.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of determining the shift shock event comprises: When the shift time from the shift start time to the shift end time exceeds a preset value, a shift delay event is determined.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of determining the shift shock event comprises: The operating state of the damping clutch is identified by comparing the difference between the engine speed and the turbine speed based on the state data. as well as A damping clutch impact event is determined when the damping clutch enters a locked state and the longitudinal vibration signal value of the G sensor exceeds the reference value.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of determining the shift shock event after the step of: During the operation of the operating element, if at least one of a shift shock event, a shift delay event, and a damped clutch shock event is identified, the operating element is determined to be a component requiring replacement; and The display unit shows the identified event and the component that needs to be replaced, which caused the identified event.

17. An apparatus for diagnosing an automatic transmission, the apparatus being installed in a vehicle to detect abnormalities in operating elements of the hydraulic system of the automatic transmission during vehicle operation, the apparatus comprising: A G-sensor is configured to measure vertical and longitudinal vibration signals based on the vehicle's acceleration during the vehicle's operation. A transmission sensor configured to measure state data of the automatic transmission; as well as The controller is configured to check the operating element of the hydraulic system by using the current gear, target gear, and shift time detected as state data from the transmission sensor, measure the longitudinal vibration signal of the G sensor during the vehicle's operation to calculate the fluctuation level of the longitudinal vibration signal of the operating element over time, and determine a shift shock event when the longitudinal vibration signal value of the G sensor exceeds a reference value after adjustment based on the vehicle's driving acceleration.

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