DECREASE DEGREE ESTIMATE DEVICE, DECREASE DEGREE ESTIMATE METHOD AND NON-TRANSITORY STORAGE MEDIUM

Abstract

Deterioration degree estimation device installed in a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission having either a clutch or a brake or both as an engagement element, and configured to estimate a deterioration degree of a sealing element attached to the engagement element of the automatic transmission, the deterioration degree estimation device comprising: a storage device (94) configured to store map data defining a map that outputs a variable indicating the deterioration degree of the sealing element when an input variable is entered, the map containing a thermal profile variable and a load profile variable as the input variable, the thermal profile variable being a variable indicating a period of time.during which the sealing element was exposed to a temperature within a predetermined temperature range, and the load profile variable is a variable indicating the number of times a load acted on the sealing element; and an execution device (91, 93) configured to perform a detection process and a calculation process, wherein the detection process is a process for detecting the input variables and the calculation process is a process for outputting a value of the output variables by inputting the input variables detected in the detection process into the characteristic map.

Description

Background of the invention 1. Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to deterioration degree estimation devices, deterioration degree estimation methods and non-transient storage media. 2. State of the art

[0002] JP 2011-169810A describes a deterioration-degree estimator that estimates the degree of deterioration of a resin material. This deterioration-degree estimator records the temperature to which the resin material has been exposed and the duration of that exposure. Based on the recorded temperature and duration, the deterioration-degree estimator predicts the degree of deterioration of the resin material. Summary of the invention

[0003] Sometimes a resin material is used as a sealing element for engagement elements such as clutches in automatic vehicle transmissions. Since the force acting on such a sealing element changes according to the operating conditions of the automatic transmission, the degree of deterioration of the sealing element also changes accordingly. Therefore, the deterioration estimation device specified in JP 2011-169 810 A may not be able to guarantee the accuracy of estimating the degree of deterioration of the sealing element.

[0004] A deterioration-degree estimation device of a first aspect of the invention is used in a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission having either a clutch or a brake, or both, as an engagement element. The device is configured to estimate the deterioration of a sealing element attached to the engagement element of the automatic transmission. The deterioration-degree estimation device comprises a storage device and an execution device. The storage device is configured to store characteristic map data that defines a map which outputs a variable indicating the deterioration of the sealing element when an input variable is applied. The map includes a thermal profile variable and a load profile variable as input variables.The thermal profile variable is a variable that indicates the period during which the sealing element was exposed to a temperature within a predetermined temperature range. The load profile variable is a variable that indicates how often a load acted on the sealing element. The device is configured to perform a data acquisition process and a calculation process, wherein the data acquisition process is a process for acquiring the input variables, and the calculation process is a process for outputting a value of the output variables by inputting the input variables acquired in the data acquisition process into the characteristic map.

[0005] According to the deterioration estimation device of the first aspect of the invention, the characteristic map outputs the degree of deterioration of the sealing element as an output variable, taking into account not only the period during which the sealing element was exposed to a temperature within the predetermined temperature range, but also the number of times a load acted upon the sealing element. Accordingly, even if the deterioration of the sealing element has progressed due to repeated actuation of the engagement element, the characteristic map outputs the variable representing the number of actuations of the engagement element. Consequently, the output variable can represent the deterioration of the sealing element more accurately than in the case where the degree of deterioration of the sealing element is estimated without considering the number of actuations of the engagement element.

[0006] In the deterioration-degree estimation device of the first aspect of the invention, if the predetermined temperature range is a first temperature range and the thermal profile variable is a first thermal profile variable, the characteristic map can include a second thermal profile variable as the input variable. The second thermal profile variable can be a variable indicating a period during which the sealing element was exposed to a temperature within a second temperature range, wherein the second temperature range is a predetermined temperature range that differs from the first temperature range.

[0007] According to the deterioration-degree estimation device of the first aspect of the invention, at least two variables are input into the characteristic map as the thermal profile variables. Accordingly, even if the way in which the deterioration of the sealing element progresses changes significantly depending on the temperature, the probability increases that a value accurately representing the deterioration of the sealing element can be obtained as an output variable.

[0008] In the deterioration estimation device of the first aspect of the invention, if the predetermined temperature range is a first temperature range, the implementing device can be configured to calculate a corrected period and to capture as the thermal profile variable a variable that represents the sum of a period during which the sealing element was exposed to a temperature within the first temperature range and the corrected period in the detection process. The corrected period can be calculated by correcting a period during which the sealing element was exposed to a temperature within a second temperature range by a predetermined value, wherein the second temperature range is a predetermined temperature range that differs from the first temperature range.

[0009] According to the deterioration-degree estimation device of the first aspect of the invention, an increase in the number of input variables to be entered into the characteristic map can be prevented, taking into account the period during which the sealing element was exposed to a temperature within the second temperature range, which differs from the first temperature range. This avoids complicating the characteristic map data.

[0010] In the deterioration-degree estimation device of the first aspect of the invention, the load profile variable can be the number of engagements, where the number of engagements is the number of times the engagement element has been brought into engagement since the sealing element was attached to the engagement element. According to the deterioration-degree estimation device of the first aspect of the invention, the number of engagements of the engagement element, which has a value that exhibits a high correlation with the deterioration degree of the sealing element, is input into the characteristic map as an input variable. Accordingly, a value that accurately reflects the deterioration of the sealing element can be obtained as an output variable.

[0011] In the deterioration-degree estimation device of the first aspect of the invention, the engagement element can comprise a first component and a second component. The first component and the second component can be configured to move relative to each other when the engagement element switches between an engaged state and a disengaged state. The sealing element can be arranged in a space between the first component and the second component. The sealing element can be configured to slide along the second component when the first component moves relative to the second component.The load distribution variable can be the corrected number of engagements, where the corrected number of engagements is obtained by correcting the number of engagements by a value that specifies the sliding resistance of the sealing element along the second component, where the number of engagements is the number of times the engagement element has been brought into engagement since the sealing element was attached to the engagement element.

[0012] According to the deterioration-degree estimation device of the first aspect of the invention, the sliding resistance of the sealing element, which can influence the deterioration degree of the sealing element, is represented in the load profile variable. Accordingly, a value that accurately represents the deterioration of the sealing element corresponding to the sliding resistance can be obtained as an output variable.

[0013] In the deterioration estimation device of the first aspect of the invention, the load profile variable can be the distance traveled by the vehicle since the sealing element was attached to the engagement element. According to the device for estimating the deterioration of the first aspect of the invention, the distance traveled by the vehicle, which exhibits a high correlation with the deterioration of the sealing element and is easily detectable in the vehicle, is input as the input variable. Accordingly, the output variable, which accurately reflects the deterioration of the sealing element, can be obtained without the need to add new sensors, etc., to implement the above technique.

[0014] In the deterioration-degree estimation device of the first aspect of the invention, the characteristic map can include as an input variable a vehicle speed variable, which indicates the average vehicle speed since the sealing element was attached to the engagement element. In the above embodiment, there is a certain correlation between the average vehicle speed and the frequency with which the automatic transmission shifts into each gear used in the vehicle. If the frequency with which the automatic transmission shifts into a particular gear is known, it is possible to estimate which engagement element was engaged or disengaged, and with what frequency, in order to achieve that gear.

[0015] According to the deterioration-degree estimation device of the first aspect of the invention, the average vehicle speed is input as the input variable. The frequency with which the engagement element with the sealing element, whose deterioration degree is to be estimated, was engaged or disengaged is represented in the output variable.

[0016] In the deterioration-degree estimation device of the first aspect of the invention, the engagement element can comprise a first component and a second component that are separate from each other, and the sealing element can be arranged in a gap between the first component and the second component. The characteristic map can include a gap variable as an input variable, which specifies a dimension of the gap.

[0017] According to the deterioration-degree estimation device of the first aspect of the invention, the output variable, which represents a variance in the gap between the first component and the second component due to manufacturing variations, etc., can be obtained. Accordingly, an accurate deterioration degree of the sealing element can be obtained for each vehicle.

[0018] In the deterioration-degree estimation device of the first aspect of the invention, the engagement element can comprise a first component and a second component that are separate from each other. The sealing element can be arranged in a compressed state in a space between the first component and the second component. The characteristic curve can include, as an input variable, a compression variable that specifies the difference between an uncompressed dimension of a portion of the sealing element intended to be arranged in the space and a dimension of the space itself.

[0019] According to the deterioration-degree estimation device of the first aspect of the invention, the output variable can be obtained which indicates the degree of compression of the sealing element. Accordingly, an accurate deterioration degree of the sealing element can be obtained, even if there is a variation in dimensions among the sealing elements.

[0020] In the deterioration-degree estimation device of the first aspect of the invention, the output variable can be a variable indicating the hardness of the sealing element. According to the deterioration-degree estimation device of the first aspect of the invention, it is easy not only to objectively know whether the sealing element has deteriorated, but also to determine the degree of deterioration of the sealing element by comparing the output variable or the hardness derived from the output variable with a standard value, etc.

[0021] A deterioration-degree estimation method of a second aspect of the invention is applied to a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission having either a clutch or a brake, or both, as an engagement element, in order to estimate the deterioration of a sealing element attached to the engagement element of the automatic transmission. The method comprises: causing a deterioration-degree estimation device to calculate a value of an output variable by inputting a thermal profile variable and a load profile variable as input variables into the deterioration-degree estimation device. The thermal profile variable is a variable indicating a period of time during which the sealing element was exposed to a temperature within a predetermined temperature range. The load profile variable is a variable indicating how often a load acted upon the sealing element.The deterioration assessment device stores characteristic map data. This data defines a characteristic curve that outputs a variable indicating the deterioration level of the sealing element when the input variable is entered.

[0022] According to the deterioration estimation method of the second aspect of the invention, the characteristic map outputs the deterioration degree of the sealing element as an output variable, taking into account not only the period during which the sealing element was exposed to a temperature within the predetermined temperature range, but also the number of times a load acted upon the sealing element. Accordingly, even if the deterioration of the sealing element has progressed due to repeated actuation of the engagement element, the characteristic map outputs the variable representing the number of actuations of the engagement element. As a result, the output variable, which more accurately reflects the deterioration of the sealing element, can be obtained compared to the case where the deterioration degree of the sealing element is estimated without considering the number of actuations of the engagement element.

[0023] A non-transitory storage medium of a third aspect of the invention serves as a deterioration-degree estimation device used in a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission having either a clutch or a brake, or both, as an engagement element. This device is configured to estimate the deterioration degree of a sealing element attached to the engagement element of the automatic transmission. The non-transitory storage medium contains characteristic map data that defines a map which outputs a variable indicating the deterioration degree of the sealing element when an input variable is applied.The non-transitory storage medium stores instructions executable by one or more processors, causing the one or more processors to perform functions that include: acquiring the input variables, wherein the input variable contains at least either a thermal profile variable or a load profile variable, where the thermal profile variable is a variable indicating a period of time during which the sealing element was exposed to a temperature within a predetermined temperature range, and the load profile variable is a variable indicating the number of times a load has acted upon the sealing element; and calculating a value of the output variables by inputting the acquired input variables into the characteristic map.

[0024] According to the non-transient storage medium of the third aspect of the invention, the characteristic map outputs the degree of deterioration of the sealing element as an output variable, taking into account not only the period during which the sealing element was exposed to a temperature within the predetermined temperature range, but also the number of times a load acted upon the sealing element. Accordingly, even if the deterioration of the sealing element has progressed due to repeated actuation of the engagement element, the characteristic map outputs the variable representing the number of actuations of the engagement element. Consequently, the output variable that more accurately reflects the deterioration of the sealing element can be obtained compared to the case where the degree of deterioration of the sealing element is estimated without considering the number of actuations of the engagement element. List of characters

[0025] Features, advantages and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying figures, in which the same reference numerals denote the same elements, and wherein: Fig. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a vehicle; Fig. 2. A table showing the relationship between gears and engagement elements in an automatic transmission; Fig. 3 is a partial sectional view of a first coupling; and Fig. 4 is a flowchart of the estimation control. Detailed description of the embodiments

[0026] One embodiment of the invention is described with reference to the Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 described. First, the general configuration of a vehicle 100 will be described. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle 100 has an internal combustion engine 10, a power splitting device 20, an automatic transmission 30, drive wheels 69, a hydraulic device 65, a first motor generator 61 and a second motor generator 62.

[0027] The power split device 20 is coupled to a crankshaft 11, which is an output shaft of the internal combustion engine 10. The power split device 20 is a planetary gear mechanism with a sun gear S, a ring gear R, and a carrier C. The crankshaft 11 is coupled to the carrier C of the power split device 20. A drive shaft 61A of the first motor-generator 61 is coupled to the sun gear S. A drive shaft 62A of the second motor-generator 62 is coupled to a ring gear shaft RA, which is an output shaft of the ring gear R. An input shaft 41 of the automatic transmission 30 is also coupled to the ring gear shaft RA. The right and left drive gears 69 are coupled to an output shaft 42 of the automatic transmission 30 via a differential (not shown).

[0028] When the internal combustion engine 10 is driven and torque is applied from the crankshaft 11 to the carrier C of the power split device 20, the torque is split between the sun gear side S and the ring gear side R. When the first motor-generator 61 operates as a motor and torque is applied to the sun gear S of the power split device 20, the torque is split between the carrier side C and the ring gear side R.

[0029] When the second motor-generator 62 operates as a motor and a torque is applied to the ring gear shaft RA, the torque is transmitted to the automatic transmission 30. When a torque is applied from the drive wheel side 69 via the ring gear shaft RA to the second motor-generator 62, the second motor-generator 62 operates as a generator and produces a regenerative braking force in the vehicle 100.

[0030] The automatic transmission 30 has a first planetary gear mechanism 30A, a second planetary gear mechanism 30B, a first clutch C1, a second clutch C2, a first brake mechanism B1, a second brake mechanism B2 and a one-way clutch F1.

[0031] The first planetary gear mechanism 30A comprises a sun gear 31, a ring gear 32, a pinion 33, and a carrier 34. The ring gear 32 is coupled to the sun gear 31 via the pinion 33. The pinion 33 is supported by the carrier 34.

[0032] The sun gear 31 is coupled to the first brake mechanism B1. The first brake mechanism B1 can switch between an engaged and a disengaged state according to the pressure of the oil supplied to it. When the pressure of the oil supplied to the first brake mechanism B1 increases, the first brake mechanism B1 switches from the disengaged to the engaged state. The rotation of the sun gear 31 is slowed or stopped when the first brake mechanism B1 is engaged.

[0033] The one-way coupling F1 is coupled to the carrier 34. The one-way coupling F1 restricts the rotation of the carrier 34 in one direction while allowing its rotation in the other direction. That is, the one-way coupling F1 switches between a restrictive state, in which it limits the rotation of the carrier 34, and a permissive state, in which it allows the rotation of the carrier 34. The carrier 34 is coupled to the second brake mechanism B2. Like the first brake mechanism B1, the second brake mechanism B2 can also switch between an engaged and a disengaged state depending on the pressure of the oil supplied to it. When the second brake mechanism B2 is engaged, the rotation of the carrier 34 is slowed down or stopped.

[0034] The second planetary gear mechanism 30B comprises a sun gear 36, a ring gear 37, a pinion 38, and a carrier 39. The ring gear 37 is coupled to the sun gear 36 via the pinion 38. The pinion 38 is supported by the carrier 39. The output shaft 42 is coupled to the carrier 39.

[0035] In each planetary gear set configured as described above, the carrier 34 of the first planetary gear set 30A is coupled to the ring gear 37 of the second planetary gear set 30B. The ring gear 32 of the first planetary gear set 30A is coupled to the carrier 39 of the second planetary gear set 30B.

[0036] The sun gear 36 of the second planetary gear set 30B is coupled to the input shaft 41 via the first clutch C1. The first clutch C1 can switch between an engaged and a disengaged state according to the pressure of the oil supplied to the first clutch C1. When the pressure of the oil supplied to the first clutch C1 increases, the first clutch C1 switches from the disengaged state to the engaged state. When the first clutch C1 is in the engaged state, the sun gear 36 of the second planetary gear set 30B rotates with the input shaft 41.

[0037] The carrier 34 of the first planetary gear set 30A is coupled to the input shaft 41 via the second clutch C2. Like the first clutch C1, the second clutch C2 can switch between an engaged and a disengaged state according to the pressure of the oil supplied to the second clutch C2. When the second clutch C2 is engaged, the carrier 34 of the first planetary gear set 30A rotates with the input shaft 41. In the present embodiment, each of the first clutch C1, the second clutch C2, the first brake mechanism B1, and the second brake mechanism B2 is an engagement element.

[0038] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the gear of the automatic transmission 30 is changed according to the combination of the engaged and disengaged states of the first clutch C1, the second clutch C2, the first brake mechanism B1, and the second brake mechanism B2, and the restricting or allowing state of the one-way clutch F1. The automatic transmission 30 can achieve a total of five gears: four forward gears “1.” to “4.” and one reverse gear “R.”

[0039] In Fig. 2 indicates “O” that the engagement element, such as the first clutch C1, is engaged and that the one-way clutch F1 is in the restricting state, and “(O)” indicates that the second brake mechanism B2 is engaged or disengaged. A blank indicates that the engagement element, such as the first clutch C1, is disengaged and that the one-way clutch F1 is in the allowing state. For example, when the automatic transmission 30 is in second gear, the first clutch C1 and the first brake mechanism B1 are engaged, while the second clutch C2 and the second brake mechanism B2 are disengaged and the one-way clutch F1 is in the allowing state.

[0040] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle 100 is equipped with the hydraulic device 65. The hydraulic device 65 comprises an oil pump 66 and a hydraulic circuit 67 through which oil flows from the oil pump 66. The oil pump 66 is a so-called mechanical oil pump, which is operated by the torque received from the crankshaft 11. The hydraulic circuit 67 has a plurality of solenoid valves, which are not shown. The hydraulic circuit 67 regulates the pressure of the oil supplied to the first clutch C1, the second clutch C2, the first brake mechanism B1, and the second brake mechanism B2 by controlling the solenoid valves. That is, in the present embodiment, the engagement elements, such as the first clutch C1, are controlled by the oil pressures in the engaged or disengaged state by controlling the solenoid valves of the hydraulic circuit 67.

[0041] Next, a specific configuration of the engagement element is described. The first coupling, C1, is described here as an example. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the first clutch C1 has a hub 51, a plurality of first friction discs 52, a drum 53, a cover 54, a plurality of second friction discs 55, an end plate 56, a piston mechanism 57, an inner circumferential sealing element 58 and an outer circumferential sealing element 59.

[0042] The input shaft 41 of the automatic transmission 30 is coupled to the sun gear 36 via a connecting shaft 36A. The connecting shaft 36A is fixedly connected to the sun gear 36 and rotates with the sun gear 36. The connecting shaft 36A is arranged coaxially with the input shaft 41.

[0043] The hub 51 is attached to the end on the side of the connecting shaft 36A of the input shaft 41. The hub 51 has a hollow cylindrical shape with a base. An opening of the hub 51 faces the connecting shaft 36A. The first friction discs 52, which generally have the shape of an annular plate, are attached to the outer circumferential surface of the hub 51. The first friction discs 52 extend radially outwards from the outer circumferential surface of the hub 51. The first friction discs 52 are movable in the axial direction with respect to the hub 51. The first friction discs 52 are spaced at intervals in the axial direction. Fig. 3 is only one of the first friction discs 52 marked with a symbol.

[0044] The drum 53, which has a hollow cylindrical shape with a base, is attached to the connecting shaft 36A. The connecting shaft 36A extends through the base of the drum 53. An opening in the drum 53 faces the input shaft 41. The hub 51 and the first friction discs 52 are housed inside the drum 53. The cover 54 is attached to the opening edge of the drum 53, so that it covers the hub 51 and the first friction discs 52 located inside the drum 53.

[0045] The second friction discs 55, which generally have the form of an annular plate, are attached to the inner circumferential surface of the drum 53. The second friction discs 55 extend radially inwards from the inner circumferential surface of the drum 53. The second friction discs 55 are movable axially with respect to the drum 53. The second friction discs 55 are arranged at intervals axially. The first friction discs 52 and the second friction discs 55 are arranged alternately. Fig. 3 is only one of the second friction discs 55 with a reference mark.

[0046] The end plate 56, which generally has the shape of an annular plate, is attached to the inner circumferential surface of the drum 53. The end plate 56 is positioned closer to the cover 54 than the first friction discs 52 and the second friction discs 55. The end plate 56 is fixedly attached to the drum 53.

[0047] The piston mechanism 57, which is driven by the pressure of the supplied oil, is housed inside the drum 53. The piston mechanism 57 is located between the bottom of the drum 53 and the hub 51. The piston mechanism 57 comprises a fixed section 57A, a spring 57B, and a piston 57C. The fixed section 57A is attached to a section of the connecting shaft 36A located between the bottom of the drum 53 and the hub 51, and away from the bottom of the drum 53. The fixed section 57A generally has the shape of an annular plate and extends radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the connecting shaft 36A.

[0048] The piston 57C is arranged between the fixed section 57A and the bottom of the drum 53. The piston 57C is movable in the axial direction with respect to the connecting shaft 36A. The piston 57C has a base surface 57Ca, which generally has the shape of an annular plate, and a contact section 57Cb that projects from the base surface 57Ca. The inner diameter of the base surface 57Ca is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the connecting shaft 36A. The base surface 57Ca is supported by the outer circumferential surface of the connecting shaft 36A via the inner circumferential sealing element 58, which will be described later. That is, the base surface 57Ca of the piston 57C and the connecting shaft 36A are separated from each other. The outer diameter of the base surface 57Ca is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the drum 53. The base surface 57Ca is supported on the inner circumferential surface of the drum 53 via the outer circumferential sealing element 59, which will be described later.This means that the base surface 57Ca of the piston 57C and the inner circumferential surface of the drum 53 are separated from each other. The contact section 57Cb projects from the radially outer end of the base surface 57Ca towards the opening of the drum 53. The contact section 57Cb faces the first friction discs 52 and the second friction discs 55 in the axial direction.

[0049] The spring 57B is arranged between the piston 57C and the fixed section 57A. The spring 57B pushes the piston 57C in the direction from the fixed section 57A towards the bottom of the drum 53. A plurality of springs 57B are arranged at intervals around the circumference.

[0050] The base 57Ca has an inner circumferential groove 57Cc in its inner circumferential surface. The inner circumferential groove 57Cc extends radially outwards. The inner circumferential groove 57Cc extends along the entire inner circumference of the base 57Ca and has an annular shape. The inner circumferential sealing element 58, also with an annular shape, is fitted into the inner circumferential groove 57Cc. The inner circumferential sealing element 58 is located in a compressed state in the space between the base of the inner circumferential groove 57Cc and the outer circumferential surface of the connecting shaft 36A.

[0051] As used herein, an uncompressed deviation ZA refers to the deviation of a portion of the uncompressed inner circumferential sealing element 58 that is to be located in the space between the bottom of the inner circumferential groove 57Cc and the outer circumferential surface of the connecting shaft 36A. That is to say, in the present embodiment, the uncompressed deviation ZA is the difference between the inner and outer diameters of the inner circumferential sealing element 58, which has a generally annular shape. The uncompressed deviation ZA is larger than a space deviation ZB. The space deviation ZB is the deviation of the space between the bottom of the inner circumferential groove 57Cc and the outer circumferential surface of the connecting shaft 36A. The inner circumferential sealing element 58 is an example of a sealing element. For the inner circumferential sealing element 58, the piston 57C is the first component and the connecting shaft 36A is the second component.

[0052] The base 57Ca has an outer circumferential groove 57Cd in its outer circumferential surface. The outer circumferential groove 57Cd extends radially inwards. The outer circumferential groove 57Cd extends along the entire outer circumference of the base 57Ca and has an annular shape. The outer circumferential sealing element 59, also with an annular shape, is fitted into the outer circumferential groove 57Cd. The outer circumferential sealing element 59 is located in a compressed state in the space between the base of the outer circumferential groove 57Cd and the inner circumferential surface of the drum 53.

[0053] When oil from the hydraulic device 65 is supplied to the space between the piston 57C and the bottom of the drum 53 in the first clutch C1, the piston 57C is moved against the preload force of the springs 57B towards the opening of the drum 53, i.e. to the left. Fig. 3. The first friction discs 52 and the second friction discs 55 are thus clamped between the contact section 57Cb of the piston 57C and the end plate 56 and are in frictional engagement with each other. This switches the first clutch C1 from the disengaged state to the engaged state.

[0054] On the other hand, in the first clutch C1, if no oil is supplied by the hydraulic device 65 into the space between the piston 57C and the bottom of the drum 53, the piston 57C is moved by the preload force of the springs 57B towards the bottom of the drum 53, i.e. to the right. Fig. 3. Moved. The first friction discs 52 and the second friction discs 55 are therefore no longer frictionally connected to each other. This switches the first clutch C1 from the engaged state to the disengaged state.

[0055] The inner circumferential sealing element 58 moves with the piston 57C when the first clutch C1 switches between the disengaged and engaged states as described above. Accordingly, the inner circumferential sealing element 58 slides along the outer circumferential surface of the connecting shaft 36A as the piston 57C moves relative to the connecting shaft 36A. The outer circumferential sealing element 59 also moves with the piston 57C when the first clutch C1 switches between the disengaged and engaged states. Accordingly, the outer circumferential sealing element 59 slides along the inner circumferential surface of the drum 53 as the piston 57C moves relative to the drum 53. Since the second clutch C2 has a similar configuration to the first clutch C1, a description of the specific configuration of the second clutch C2 is omitted.

[0056] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle 100 is equipped with a crank angle sensor 71, an accelerator pedal position sensor 72, a vehicle speed sensor 73, a temperature sensor 74, a display 76, and an accelerator pedal 77. The crank angle sensor 71 detects a crank angle SC. The crank angle SC is the angle of rotation of the crankshaft 11. The accelerator pedal position sensor 72 detects an accelerator pedal actuation amount ACC. The accelerator pedal actuation amount ACC is the amount of actuation of the accelerator pedal 77 by a driver. The vehicle speed sensor 73 detects a vehicle speed SP. The vehicle speed SP is the speed of the vehicle 100. The temperature sensor 74 detects an oil temperature TH. The oil temperature TH is the temperature of the oil flowing from the oil pump 66 to the hydraulic circuit 67. In the present embodiment, the temperature sensor 74 is mounted on an oil passage between the oil pump 66 and the hydraulic circuit 67.Display 76 shows the driver of the vehicle 100 visual pieces of information, etc. An example of display 76 is a warning light.

[0057] The vehicle 100 has a control device 90. A signal indicating the crankshaft angle SC is input to the control device 90 from the crankshaft angle sensor 71. A signal indicating the accelerator pedal actuation amount ACC is input to the control device 90 from the accelerator pedal position sensor 72. A signal indicating the vehicle speed SP is input to the control device 90 from the vehicle speed sensor 73. A signal indicating the oil temperature TH is input to the control device 90 from the temperature sensor 74. The control device 90 calculates an engine speed NE based on the crankshaft angle SC. The engine speed NE is the rotational speed of the crankshaft 11 per unit of time.

[0058] The control device 90 also calculates, based on the oil temperature TH, a period during which the oil temperature TH lies within a predetermined temperature range. The temperature range is defined as the range from the lower to the upper limit of the oil temperature TH and is subdivided into a plurality of temperature ranges. That is, a multitude of temperature ranges are predefined in predetermined increments. For example, if the possible range of oil temperature TH is 0°C to 200°C and the predetermined increment is 10°C, there are a total of 20 temperature ranges, from the first to the twentieth.As a specific example, if the control device 90 records the oil temperature TH for a total of 100 hours, and a period during which the oil temperature TH is within the first temperature range is one hour, then the first temperature period T1, which is the period during which the oil temperature TH is within the first temperature range, is one hour. Similarly, if, for example, a period during which the oil temperature TH is within the second temperature range is three hours, then the second temperature period T2, which is the period during which the oil temperature TH is within the second temperature range, is three hours. If, for example, a period during which the oil temperature TH is within the 20th temperature range is one hour, then the 20th temperature period T20, which is the period during which the oil temperature TH is within the 20th temperature range, is three hours.The temperature range is one hour.

[0059] As described above, the oil temperature TH is the temperature of the oil flowing from the oil pump 66 to the hydraulic circuit 67. Oil at oil temperature TH is therefore supplied to the engagement element, and the inner circumferential sealing element 58 and the outer circumferential sealing element 59 are exposed to the oil at oil temperature TH. Accordingly, the first temperature period T1 is a period during which the inner circumferential sealing element 58 was exposed to oil at a temperature within the first temperature range. Similarly, the second temperature period T2 is a period during which the inner circumferential sealing element 58 was exposed to oil at a temperature within the second temperature range.

[0060] The control device 90 comprises a central processing unit (CPU) 91, a peripheral circuit 92, a read-only memory (ROM) 93, and a storage device 94. The CPU 91, the peripheral circuit 92, the ROM 93, and the storage device 94 are connected by a bus 95, enabling them to communicate with each other. Various programs are pre-stored in the ROM 93 so that the CPU 91 can perform different control operations. Characteristic map data 94A is pre-stored in the storage device 94. A characteristic map M, defined by the characteristic map data 94A, outputs a variable indicating the degree of deterioration of the inner circumferential sealing element 58 when an input variable is applied. The characteristic map M will be described in more detail later.The storage device 94 stores data input into the control device 90, including the accelerator pedal actuation amount ACC, vehicle speeds SP, and engine speed NE, over a specific period. The storage device 94 also stores a total of 20 time periods, from the first temperature period T1 to the 20th temperature period T20. The peripheral circuit 92 includes a circuit that generates clock signals defining internal operation, a power supply circuit, a reset circuit, etc. In the present embodiment, the CPU 91 and the ROM 93 constitute the execution device. The storage device 94 is the memory device. The control device 90 functions as a deterioration estimator, estimating the degree of deterioration of the inner circumferential sealing element 58.

[0061] The CPU 91 controls the internal combustion engine 10, the first motor-generator 61, the second motor-generator 62, the automatic transmission 30, etc., by executing the various programs stored in ROM 93. Specifically, the CPU 91 calculates the requested vehicle power, which is the required power value for moving the vehicle 100, based on the accelerator pedal input (ACC) and the vehicle speed (SP). The CPU 91 determines the torque distribution between the internal combustion engine 10, the first motor-generator 61, and the second motor-generator 62 based on the requested vehicle power. The CPU 91 controls the power output of the internal combustion engine 10 and the power operation and regeneration of the first motor-generator 61 and the second motor-generator 62, based on the torque distribution between the internal combustion engine 10, the first motor-generator 61, and the second motor-generator 62.

[0062] The CPU 91 calculates the desired gear, namely the gear into which the automatic transmission 30 is to be engaged, based on the vehicle speed SP and the desired vehicle power. The CPU 91 calculates the desired pressures, specifically the desired values ​​of the oil pressure supplied to the first clutch C1, the second clutch C2, the first brake mechanism B1, and the second brake mechanism B2, based on the desired gear. The CPU 91 then outputs a control signal S1 to the hydraulic device 65 based on the desired pressures. The hydraulic device 65 changes the pressures of the oil supplied to the first clutch C1, the second clutch C2, the first brake mechanism B1, and the second brake mechanism B2 based on the control signal S1. For example, if the automatic transmission 30 is engaged, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, before shifting into second gear, the first clutch C1 and the first brake mechanism B1 are engaged, while the second clutch C2 and the second brake mechanism B2 are disengaged, and the one-way clutch F1 is in the allowing state. When the desired gear of the automatic transmission 30 is set to third gear, the pressure of the oil supplied by the hydraulic device 65 to the second clutch C2 gradually increases in response to the control signal S1, which is issued based on the desired pressure for the second clutch C2. This switches the second clutch C2 from the disengaged state to the engaged state.On the other hand, the pressure of the oil supplied by the hydraulic device 65 to the first brake mechanism B1 gradually decreases in response to the control signal S1, which is issued based on the desired pressure for the first brake mechanism B1. As a result, the first brake mechanism B1 switches from the engaged state to the disengaged state. The automatic transmission 30 is thus shifted from second gear to third gear.

[0063] Next, the estimation control is described, in which the CPU 91 estimates the degree of deterioration of the inner circumferential sealing element 58. The CPU 91 performs the estimation control for the inner circumferential sealing element 58 in the first clutch C1 once each time the first clutch C1 switches from the disengaged state to the engaged state during the shifting of the automatic transmission 30. The CPU 91 performs the estimation control for the inner circumferential sealing element 58 in the second clutch C2 once each time the second clutch C2 switches from the disengaged state to the engaged state during the shifting of the automatic transmission 30. An estimation program, which is a program for executing the estimation control, is pre-stored in ROM 93. The CPU 91 executes the estimation control by running the estimation program stored in ROM 93.

[0064] As in Fig.As shown in Figure 4, when the CPU 91 starts the estimation control, it acquires various values ​​by accessing the memory device 94 in step S11. In particular, the CPU 91 acquires a total of 20 time periods from the first temperature period T1 to the twentieth temperature period T20.

[0065] The CPU 91 records the number of engagements EN, i.e., how often the engagement element, which switches from the disengaged state to the engaged state, was engaged during the shifting of the automatic transmission 30 immediately before the estimation control was completed. As used here, the number of engagements EN is the number of times the engagement element was engaged during the period from the installation of the automatic transmission 30 in the vehicle 100 during its manufacture until the execution of step S11. The number of engagements EN for each engagement element is stored in the memory device 94. For example, if the inner circumferential sealing element 58 of a particular engagement element is replaced for maintenance of the automatic transmission 30, etc., the number of engagements EN for that engagement element is reset.

[0066] The CPU 91 calculates a corrected number of engagements CVN by multiplying the number of engagements EN by a sliding correction value CVA. A predetermined sliding correction value CVA is stored in the memory device 94. The sliding correction value CVA is defined as follows. The sliding resistance of the inner circumferential sealing element 58 along the outer circumferential surface of the connecting shaft 36A can deviate from a design value of the sliding resistance due to manufacturing variations of the connecting shaft 36A and the inner circumferential sealing element 58. A force acting on the inner circumferential sealing element 58 when the engagement element is operating varies depending on the magnitude of the sliding resistance. Accordingly, the degree of deterioration of the inner circumferential sealing element 58 varies depending on the magnitude of the sliding resistance, even if the number of engagements EN is the same.The sliding correction value CVA is therefore determined as a value to correct the deviation between the actual sliding resistance and the design value of the sliding resistance. If the actual sliding resistance is less than the design value of the sliding resistance, the sliding correction value CVA is less than 1. Conversely, if the actual sliding resistance is greater than the design value of the sliding resistance, the sliding correction value CVA is greater than 1. As an example of the sliding correction value CVA setting process, the actual sliding resistance for a given engagement element in each of the 30 automatic transmissions manufactured in the same batch is measured, and the sliding correction value CVA is set by comparing the average of the measured sliding resistances with the design value of the sliding resistance.

[0067] The CPU 91 detects a compression dimension Z of the inner circumferential sealing element 58. Specifically, for the detection of the compression dimension Z, the actual uncompressed deviation ZA is measured in advance, taking into account manufacturing variations, etc., and considering the deviation between the actual uncompressed deviation ZA and a design value of the uncompressed deviation ZA. The actual gap deviation ZB is also measured in advance, taking into account manufacturing variations, etc., and considering the deviation between the actual gap deviation ZB and a design value of the gap deviation ZB. The compression dimension Z of the inner circumferential sealing element 58, which results from the actual uncompressed deviation ZA minus the actual gap deviation ZB (i.e., the difference between the uncompressed deviation ZA and the gap deviation ZB), is stored in advance in the storage device 94.The CPU 91 records the compression deviation Z of the inner circumferential sealing element 58 by accessing the storage device 94. As an example of the process of storing the uncompressed deviation ZA, the deviation of a portion of the inner circumferential sealing element 58, which is to be located in the space between the bottom of the inner circumferential groove 57Cc and the outer circumferential surface of the connecting shaft 36A, is measured in an uncompressed state for a specific engagement element in each of the automatic transmissions 30 manufactured in the same batch. The mean of the measured deviations is stored as the uncompressed deviation ZA in the storage device 94. The gap deviation ZB is also stored in the storage device 94 in a similar manner to the uncompressed deviation ZA.

[0068] The CPU 91 determines an average vehicle speed SPA. The average vehicle speed SPA is the average of the vehicle speeds SP. Specifically, the CPU 91 records the vehicle speeds SP for the period from when the automatic transmission 30 was installed in the vehicle 100 during its manufacture until step S11 is executed. The CPU 91 calculates the average vehicle speed SPA based on the recorded vehicle speeds SP. In the present embodiment, step S11 is the data acquisition process. The program then proceeds to step S12.

[0069] In step S12, the CPU 91 generates the various values ​​recorded in step S11 as input variables x(1) to x(23) for the characteristic map M to estimate the degree of deterioration of the inner circumferential sealing element 58.

[0070] The CPU 91 substitutes the first temperature period T1 to the 20th temperature period T20 for the input variables x(1) to x(20). In particular, the CPU 91 replaces the first temperature period T1 for the input variable x(1), replaces the second temperature period T2 for the input variable x(2), and replaces the 20th temperature period T20 with the input variable x(20).

[0071] The CPU 91 replaces the input variable x(21) with the corrected number of interventions CVN, the input variable x(22) with the compression dimension Z, and the input variable x(23) with the average vehicle speed SPA. The program then continues with step S13.

[0072] In the present embodiment, the input variable x(1) is a first thermal profile variable, which indicates the period during which the sealing element was exposed to temperatures within a predetermined first temperature range. The input variable x(2) is a second thermal profile variable, which indicates the period during which the sealing element was exposed to temperatures within a predetermined second temperature range. The input variable x(21) is a load profile variable, which indicates how often a load acted on the sealing element. The input variable x(22) is a compression variable, which indicates the difference between the uncompressed dimension of a portion of the sealing element intended to be located in the gap and the dimension of the gap itself.

[0073] In step S13, the CPU 91 calculates the value of an output variable y(i) by inputting the input variables x(1) to x(23) generated in step S12 and an input variable x(0), which is a bias parameter for the characteristic map M, defined by the characteristic map data 94A stored in advance in the memory device 94. The program then proceeds to step S14.

[0074] An example of the characteristic map M, defined by characteristic map data 94A, is a function approximator and is a fully connected neural feedforward network with an intermediate layer. Specifically, in characteristic map M defined by characteristic map data 94A, the values ​​of the intermediate layer nodes are determined when each of "m" values, obtained by transforming the input variables x(1) to x(23) and the input variable x(0), which is a bias parameter, is replaced by a linear characteristic map defined by a coefficient wFjk (j = 1 to m, k = 0 to 23) for an activation function f. The output variable y(1) is determined when each of the values ​​obtained by transforming the intermediate layer node values ​​by a linear characteristic map defined by a coefficient wSij (i = 1) is replaced by an activation function g.The larger the output variable y(1), the higher the hardness of the inner circumferential sealing element 58. In the present embodiment, steps S12 and S13 are the calculation process. In the present embodiment, an example of the activation function f is a ReLU function, and an example of the activation function g is a sigmoid function.

[0075] For example, the map M defined by the map data 94A is generated as follows. First, before delivery of vehicle 100 from a factory, prototype vehicles equipped with the automatic transmission 30 are driven under various conditions to degrade the inner circumferential sealing element 58, and various values ​​relating to the inner circumferential sealing element 58 and its hardness are recorded. Next, a learned map M is generated, using the various values ​​relating to the inner circumferential sealing element 58 and its hardness as teacher data.

[0076] In step S14, the CPU 91 determines whether the output variable y(1) is greater than a predetermined threshold A. The hardness of the inner circumferential sealing element 58 tends to increase as the inner circumferential sealing element 58 deteriorates. Accordingly, the threshold A is set as a value to determine whether the hardness of the inner circumferential sealing element 58 is within a predetermined specified range. If the CPU 91 determines in step S14 that the output variable y(1) is greater than the threshold A (S14: YES), the program proceeds to step S21.

[0077] In step S21, CPU 91 determines that the inner circumferential sealing element 58 must be replaced by a new inner circumferential sealing element 58. The program then proceeds to step S22. In step S22, CPU 91 outputs a signal to display 76 to indicate that the inner circumferential sealing element 58 must be replaced by a new inner circumferential sealing element 58. CPU 91 then terminates the current estimation control.

[0078] On the other hand, if the CPU 91 determines in step S14 that the output variable y(1) is equal to or less than the threshold A (S14: NO), the program proceeds to step S31. In step S31, the CPU 91 determines that it is not necessary to replace the inner circumferential sealing element 58 with a new inner circumferential sealing element 58. The CPU 91 then terminates the current estimation control.

[0079] The functions and effects of the present embodiment are described below. (1) For example, when the first clutch C1 is switched from the disengaged state to the engaged state or vice versa during the shifting of the automatic transmission 30, a load acts on the inner circumferential sealing element 58 in the first clutch C1 due to the operation of the first clutch C1. For example, when the piston 57C moves relative to the connecting shaft 36A, the inner circumferential sealing element 58 slides along the outer circumferential surface of the connecting shaft 36A, and a load due to this sliding movement acts on the inner circumferential sealing element 58. The oil pressure exerted on the inner circumferential sealing element 58 changes when the pressure of the oil supplied between the piston 57C and the bottom of the drum 53 changes. Accordingly, a load due to this change in oil pressure acts on the inner circumferential sealing element 58.As a result, the deterioration of the inner circumferential sealing element 58 progresses each time a load acts on the inner circumferential sealing element 58.

[0080] In the present embodiment, the characteristic map M defined by the characteristic map data 94A outputs a variable indicating the degree of deterioration of the inner circumferential sealing element 58, taking into account not only the first temperature period T1, etc., but also the load profile variable, which indicates the number of times a load has acted on the inner circumferential sealing element 58. Accordingly, the characteristic map M can output a variable indicating the number of times a load has acted on the inner circumferential sealing element 58, even if the number of times a load has acted on the inner circumferential sealing element 58 increases with the number of times the first clutch C1 has been actuated, and the deterioration of the inner circumferential sealing element 58 has progressed accordingly.This allows an output variable to be obtained that more accurately reflects the deterioration of the inner circumferential sealing element 58 than in the configuration where the number of times a load has acted on the inner circumferential sealing element 58 is not taken into account. (2) The way in which the deterioration of the inner circumferential sealing element 58 progresses changes considerably depending on the temperature of the oil to which the inner circumferential sealing element 58 is exposed. Accordingly, there is a limit to the improvement in estimation accuracy if the period is not divided by the temperature range of the oil to which the inner circumferential sealing element 58 is exposed and the degree of deterioration of the inner circumferential sealing element 58 is estimated solely on the basis of the period during which the inner circumferential sealing element 58 was exposed to oil within a temperature range.

[0081] In the present embodiment, the temperature range is divided into a total of 20 temperature ranges, from the first to the 20th, and a plurality of time periods are calculated from the first temperature period T1 to the 20th temperature period T20, during which the inner circumferential sealing element 58 was exposed to oil within each temperature range. A variable indicating the time period from the first temperature period T1 to the 20th temperature period T20 is entered as the thermal profile variable into the characteristic map M defined by the characteristic map data 94A.Accordingly, the probability that a value accurately reflecting the deterioration of the inner circumferential sealing element 58 can be obtained as an output variable is also increased if the nature of the deterioration of the inner circumferential sealing element 58 changes due to a change in the temperature of the oil to which the inner circumferential sealing element 58 is exposed. (3) The deterioration of the inner circumferential sealing element 58 in the first coupling C1 tends to progress with an increasing number of engagements EN of the first coupling C1. However, even if the number of engagements EN is the same, the degree of deterioration of the inner circumferential sealing element 58 varies depending on the sliding resistance of the inner circumferential sealing element 58 along the outer circumferential surface of the connecting shaft 36A.

[0082] A variable indicating the corrected number of engagements CVN, namely the number of engagements EN corrected taking into account the sliding resistance of the inner circumferential sealing element 58 along the outer circumferential surface of the connecting shaft 36A, is entered as a load profile variable into the characteristic map M, which is defined by the characteristic map data 94A of the present embodiment. That is, a load profile variable representing the sliding resistance, which can influence the degree of deterioration of the inner circumferential sealing element 58, can be entered into the characteristic map M. Accordingly, even if the sliding resistance of the inner circumferential sealing element 58 varies along the outer circumferential surface of the connecting shaft 36A, a value accurately representing the deterioration of the inner circumferential sealing element 58 can be obtained as an output variable. (4) The higher the vehicle speed SP in vehicle 100, the more the automatic transmission 30 tends to shift into a higher gear. If the vehicle speed SP remains high, the automatic transmission 30 tends to shift into a higher gear more frequently than into a lower gear. Accordingly, there is a certain correlation between the average vehicle speed SPA and the frequency with which the automatic transmission 30 of vehicle 100 shifts into each gear. If the frequency with which the automatic transmission 30 shifts into a particular gear is known, it is possible to estimate which engagement element was switched to the engaged or disengaged state and with what frequency in order to achieve that gear.

[0083] A variable indicating the average vehicle speed SPA is entered as an input variable into the characteristic map M, which is defined by the characteristic map data 94A of the present embodiment. Accordingly, the estimated degree of deterioration of the inner circumferential sealing element 58 in a specific engagement element, for example, represents the frequency with which this engagement element has been switched to the engaged state or the disengaged state. (5) The actual uncompressed dimension ZA may deviate from its design value, or the actual gap dimension ZB may deviate from its design value due to, for example, manufacturing variations of the inner circumferential sealing element 58 of the piston 57C, etc. Since the inner circumferential sealing element 58 is arranged in a compressed state in the gap between the bottom of the inner circumferential groove 57Cc and the outer circumferential surface of the connecting shaft 36A, a load acting on the inner circumferential sealing element 58 may vary depending on the compressed state of the inner circumferential sealing element 58.For example, the smaller the gap dimension ZB is than the uncompressed dimension ZA, the more the inner circumferential sealing element 58 is compressed between the bottom of the inner circumferential groove 57Cc and the outer circumferential surface of the connecting shaft 36A, and the greater the load acting on the inner circumferential sealing element 58 tends to be.

[0084] A variable representing the compression dimension Z of the inner circumferential sealing element 58, which is the difference between the uncompressed dimension ZA and the gap dimension ZB, is input into the characteristic map M as an input variable, defined by the characteristic map data 94A of the present embodiment. Accordingly, taking the compression dimension Z into account, an output variable can be obtained indicating the degree of compression of the inner circumferential sealing element 58. Consequently, even if the uncompressed dimension ZA and the gap dimension ZB vary due to, for example, manufacturing variations, an accurate degree of deterioration of the inner circumferential sealing element 58 can be obtained. (6) The characteristic map M defined by the characteristic map data 94A outputs as its output variable a variable that indicates the hardness of the inner circumferential sealing element 58. Accordingly, it is easy to objectively determine the degree of deterioration of the inner circumferential sealing element 58 by referring to the output variable of the characteristic map M. Other embodiments

[0085] The above embodiment can be modified as described below. The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined, provided they are not technically contradictory. Thermal profile variable

[0086] In the embodiment described above, the thermal profile variable entered into the characteristic map M is not limited to the example of the embodiment described above. For instance, the total of 20 temperature ranges, from the first to the 20th temperature range, do not necessarily have to be defined as temperature ranges, and the number of temperature ranges to be defined can be changed. The number of temperature ranges does not necessarily have to be two or more. For example, only one temperature range can be set, which can influence the deterioration of the sealing element. In this case, only one thermal profile variable is entered into the characteristic map M.

[0087] Even when multiple temperature ranges are set, it is also possible to input only one thermal profile variable into the characteristic map M, representing the period during which the inner circumferential sealing element 58 was exposed to temperatures within each temperature range. For example, it is assumed here that a first temperature range and a second temperature range are set, and that the inner circumferential sealing element 58 deteriorates twice as fast in the second temperature range as in the first. In this case, the period during which the inner circumferential sealing element 58 was exposed to temperatures within the second temperature range is corrected by multiplying it by a predetermined value, e.g., "2". The corrected period calculated in this way is added to the period during which the inner circumferential sealing element 58 was exposed to temperatures within the first temperature range.The calculated value is entered into the characteristic curve M as a thermal profile variable.

[0088] This modification prevents an increase in the number of input variables to be entered into the characteristic map M, taking into account that the inner circumferential sealing element 58 was exposed to temperatures within the second temperature range, in which the deterioration of the inner circumferential sealing element 58 is more likely to progress. This prevents the characteristic map data from becoming overly complex. The value for the period correction can be calculated in advance by testing or simulating how the deterioration of the sealing element progresses in each temperature range, or it can be approximated using a rule of thumb regarding the rate of a chemical reaction, such as the "10°C rule," etc. Load profile variable

[0089] In the above embodiment, the load profile variable entered into the characteristic map M is not limited to the example of the above embodiment. For example, the load profile variable entered into the characteristic map M can be the number of engagements EN instead of the corrected number of engagements CVN.

[0090] The greater the distance traveled by vehicle 100 since the automatic transmission 30 was installed in vehicle 100 during its manufacture, the greater the number of interventions EN tends to be. Accordingly, the load profile variable inputted to the characteristic map M can be the distance traveled by vehicle 100 since the inner circumferential sealing element 58 was installed in the automatic transmission 30. In this configuration, the input variable is the distance traveled, which exhibits a high correlation with the degree of deterioration of the inner circumferential sealing element 58 and is easily observable in vehicle 100. In this way, an output variable can be obtained that accurately reflects the deterioration of the inner circumferential sealing element 58 without the need to add new sensors, etc., to implement the above procedure.

[0091] The greater the number of shift operations of the automatic transmission 30 since it was installed in vehicle 100 during the manufacturing process, the greater the number of interventions EN tends to be. Accordingly, the load profile variable entered into the characteristic map M can be the number of times the automatic transmission has shifted since the inner circumferential sealing element 58 was installed in the automatic transmission 30.

[0092] Not only when the engagement element switches from the disengaged state to the engaged state, but also when the engagement element switches from the engaged state to the disengaged state, the deterioration of the inner circumferential sealing element 58 tends to progress due to the load acting on the inner circumferential sealing element 58. Accordingly, the load profile variable entered into the characteristic map M can be the number of disengagements, i.e., the number of times the engagement element has switched from the engaged state to the disengaged state, in addition to or instead of the number of engagements EN, i.e., the number of times the engagement element has switched from the disengaged state to the engaged state.

[0093] It is not necessary to use all of the corrected number of interventions CVN, the number of interventions EN, the distance traveled by the vehicle 100, the number of shift operations of the automatic transmission 30 and the number of disengagements as the load profile variables that are entered into the map M. Other input variables

[0094] In the embodiment described above, the input variable that specifies the degree of compression of the inner circumferential sealing element 58 can be a different variable than the compression dimension Z. For example, the smaller the gap dimension ZB is compared to the uncompressed dimension ZA, the more the inner circumferential sealing element 58 is compressed between the bottom of the inner circumferential groove 57Cc and the outer circumferential surface of the connecting shaft 36A, and the greater the load acting on the inner circumferential sealing element 58 tends to be. Therefore, the load acting on the inner circumferential sealing element 58 tends to be greater the smaller the gap dimension ZB is, even if the uncompressed dimension ZA is the same. Accordingly, the input variable that is entered into the characteristic map M can be the gap dimension ZB in addition to or instead of the compression dimension Z.According to this configuration, an output variable representing the variance of the gap dimension ZB can be obtained even if the gap dimension ZB, which is the dimension of the gap between the bottom of the inner circumferential groove 57Cc and the outer circumferential surface of the connecting shaft 36A, varies due to manufacturing variations, etc. Therefore, a precise degree of deterioration of the inner circumferential sealing element 58 can be determined by taking the gap dimension ZB into account.

[0095] For example, even with the same gap dimension ZB, the load acting on the inner circumferential sealing element 58 tends to be greater the larger the uncompressed dimension ZA is. Accordingly, the input variable that is entered into the characteristic map M can be the gap dimension ZB in addition to or instead of the compression dimension Z.

[0096] The load acting on the inner circumferential sealing element 58 can differ even if the compression deviation Z, which is the difference between the uncompressed deviation ZA and the gap deviation ZB, is the same. For example, the further the ratio between the uncompressed deviation of the inner circumferential sealing element 58 and the compression deviation of the inner circumferential sealing element 58 is from "1", the greater the load acting on the inner circumferential sealing element 58 and the faster the inner circumferential sealing element 58 can deteriorate. Accordingly, the input variable entered into the characteristic map M can be, in addition to or instead of the compression deviation Z, the uncompressed deviation ZA and the gap deviation ZB corresponding to the compression deviation of the inner circumferential sealing element 58, or the ratio between the uncompressed deviation ZA and the gap deviation ZB.

[0097] Of the input variables entered into the characteristic map M, the compression ratio Z, the average vehicle speed SPA, etc., are not essential and can be omitted if necessary. That is, the input variables entered into the characteristic map M only need to include at least the thermal curve variable and the load curve variable. Output variable

[0098] In the embodiment described above, the output variable M of the characteristic map is not limited to the example of the embodiment described above. For example, with progressive deterioration of the inner circumferential sealing element 58, not only does the hardness of the inner circumferential sealing element 58 tend to increase, but the tensile strength of the inner circumferential sealing element 58 also tends to decrease. Accordingly, the output variable M of the characteristic map can be the tensile strength of the inner circumferential sealing element 58 in addition to or instead of its hardness. In this configuration, if the tensile strength of the inner circumferential sealing element 58 is lower than a predetermined tensile strength threshold, it is determined that the inner circumferential sealing element 58 must be replaced by a new inner circumferential sealing element 58.

[0099] As the inner circumferential sealing element 58 deteriorates, it becomes increasingly difficult for it to stretch. Accordingly, the output variable M of the characteristic map can be a value that specifies the extensibility of the inner circumferential sealing element 58 in addition to, or instead of, its hardness.

[0100] Since the inner circumferential sealing element 58 slides along the outer circumferential surface of the connecting shaft 36A, the inner circumferential sealing element 58 tends to wear gradually. Accordingly, the output variable of the characteristic map M can be the extent of wear of the inner circumferential sealing element 58 in addition to or instead of the hardness of the inner circumferential sealing element 58.

[0101] The output variable of the characteristic map M can be the degree of deterioration, indicating a comprehensively assessed deterioration of the inner circumferential sealing element 58, rather than a variable that specifies a numerical value such as hardness. In this case, the output variable indicating the degree of deterioration can, for example, be a value that varies between "0" and "1", where "0" indicates the state immediately after manufacturing, in which deterioration has not progressed at all, and "1" indicates the state in which deterioration has progressed and the inner circumferential sealing element 58 must be replaced.

[0102] The output variable M of the characteristic map can be a value indicating the period until the inner circumferential sealing element 58 needs to be replaced, i.e., a value indicating the remaining service life of the inner circumferential sealing element 58. In this case, if the CPU 91 determines that the value indicating the remaining service life of the inner circumferential sealing element 58 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold for the remaining service life, the CPU 91 determines that the inner circumferential sealing element 58 must be replaced with a new one. The remaining service life of the inner circumferential sealing element 58 decreases as the inner circumferential sealing element 58 deteriorates. Accordingly, it can be said that the remaining service life of the inner circumferential sealing element 58 is one of the output variables that indicates the degree of deterioration of the inner circumferential sealing element 58. Estimation control

[0103] In the embodiment described above, the timing of the estimation control is not limited to the example given above. For example, the estimation control can be performed in predetermined cycles. Creating characteristic maps

[0104] In the embodiment described above, the activation functions of the characteristic map M are shown by way of example and are not limited to the example of the embodiment described above. For example, the activation functions of the characteristic map M could be a softmax function, etc.

[0105] In the embodiment above, the neural network is shown with one intermediate layer. However, the neural network can have two or more intermediate layers. In the embodiment above, the fully connected neural feedforward network is shown. However, the neural network is not limited to the fully connected neural feedforward network. For example, the neural network can be a recurrent neural network.

[0106] In the above embodiment, the function approximator, which serves as the characteristic field M, is not limited to the neural network. For example, the function approximator can be a regression equation that has no intermediate layer. Sealing element

[0107] In the embodiment described above, the sealing element whose degree of deterioration is to be estimated is not limited to the example of the embodiment described above. For example, the sealing element whose degree of deterioration is to be estimated can be the outer circumferential sealing element 59 in addition to or instead of the inner circumferential sealing element 58.

[0108] The sealing element whose deterioration is to be estimated can be, in addition to or instead of the inner circumferential sealing element 58 and the outer peripheral sealing element 59 in the first clutch C1 and the second clutch C2, various sealing elements in the first brake mechanism B1 and the second brake mechanism B2. In the case where the deterioration of other sealing elements is estimated in addition to the inner circumferential sealing element 58, a characteristic map for other sealing elements is defined separately from the characteristic map for the inner circumferential sealing element 58 in the characteristic map data 94A.

[0109] In the embodiment described above, the sealing element is not limited to the example shown. For instance, the sealing element need not necessarily be attached to the piston 57C. The sealing element can be any sealing element that is subjected to a load when the engagement element switches from the disengaged state to the engaged state, or vice versa. As a specific example, in the case of a sealing element that reduces the possibility of oil leakage from the inside to the outside of the engagement element, the pressure of the oil supplied to the engagement element changes when the engagement element switches from the disengaged state to the engaged state, or vice versa. At this time, the oil pressure acting on the sealing element also changes accordingly.This results in a load acting on the sealing element corresponding to the actuation of the engagement element. The deterioration of the sealing element therefore progresses with an increasing number of actuations of the engagement element. Accordingly, the method according to the invention can be used to estimate the degree of deterioration of this sealing element in the case where a load acts on the sealing element corresponding to the actuation of the engagement element, as described above. Sensors

[0110] In the embodiment described above, the positions where the various sensors are mounted are not limited to the example given. For instance, since the temperature of the oil supplied to the engagement element by the hydraulic device 65 may differ between the engagement elements, the temperature of the oil exposed to the inner circumferential sealing element 58 is not always the same among the engagement elements. In this case, the temperature sensor 74 can be installed for each engagement element. Deterioration degree estimation device

[0111] The deterioration-degree estimator installed in the vehicle 100 is described in the embodiment above. However, the deterioration-degree estimator need not necessarily be installed in the vehicle 100. For example, the deterioration-degree estimator could be installed in a car dealership, etc., that performs vehicle maintenance. In this case, various values, including at least the thermal profile variables and the load profile variables, are stored in the vehicle's memory device 94. The deterioration-degree estimator installed in the car dealership, etc., acquires various values ​​stored in the vehicle's memory device 94 during the vehicle's maintenance, etc. The deterioration-degree estimator then estimates the deterioration of the inner circumferential sealing element 58 by inputting the various acquired values ​​into the characteristic map M and calculating the output variable.The deterioration assessment device can also be viewed as a computer-readable, non-transient storage medium containing programs stored within it. Execution device

[0112] In the embodiment above, the execution device is not limited to a device containing the CPU 91 and the ROM 93 that performs the processing by software. As a specific example, the execution device can include a dedicated hardware circuit, such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), which performs at least some of the processing, which in the embodiment above is performed by software, by hardware. That is to say, the execution device need only have one of the following configurations (a) to (c). (a) The execution device comprises a processing device that performs all of the above-mentioned processing according to programs and a program storage device, such as a ROM, that stores the programs. (b) The execution device comprises a processing device that performs part of the above processing according to programs, a program storage device and a special hardware circuit that performs the remainder of the processing. (c) The execution device includes a dedicated hardware circuit that performs all of the processing described above. There can be multiple software execution devices, each comprising the processing device and the program storage device, as well as multiple dedicated hardware circuits. vehicles

[0113] In the embodiment described above, a so-called series-parallel hybrid vehicle is shown as an example. However, the vehicle is not limited to a series-parallel hybrid vehicle. For example, the vehicle could be a series hybrid vehicle or a parallel hybrid vehicle.

[0114] In the above embodiment, the vehicle is not limited to the vehicle with the internal combustion engine and the motor-generator. For example, the vehicle can be a vehicle that has an internal combustion engine but no motor-generator, or it can be a vehicle that has a motor-generator but no internal combustion engine. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2011169810 A [0002, 0003]

Claims

[1] A deterioration degree estimating device installed in a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission having either a clutch or a brake or both as an engaging element, and adapted to estimate a deterioration degree of a sealing member attached to the engaging element of the automatic transmission, the deterioration degree estimating device comprising: a storage device (94) configured to store map data defining a map that outputs an output variable indicative of the degree of deterioration of the sealing member when an input variable is input, the map including a thermal history variable and a load history variable as the input variable, the thermal history variable being a variable indicative of a period of time during which the sealing member was exposed to a temperature within a predetermined temperature range, and the load history variable being a variable indicative of the number of times a load was applied to the sealing member; and an execution device (91, 93) configured to perform a detection process and a calculation process, wherein the detection process is a process of detecting the input variables and the calculation process is a process of outputting a value of the output variable by inputting the input variables detected in the detection process into the map. [2] The deterioration degree estimating device according to claim 1, wherein, when the predetermined temperature range is a first temperature range and the thermal history variable is a first thermal history variable, the map includes a second thermal history variable as the input variable, and the second thermal history variable is a variable indicating a period of time during which the sealing member was exposed to a temperature within a second temperature range, the second temperature range being a predetermined temperature range different from the first temperature range. [3] The deterioration degree estimating device according to claim 1, wherein, when the predetermined temperature range is a first temperature range, the executing device (91, 93) is configured to calculate a corrected period of time and detect, as the thermal history variable, a variable indicative of a sum of a period of time during which the sealing member was exposed to a temperature within the first temperature range and the corrected period of time in the detecting process, and the corrected period of time is calculated by correcting a period of time during which the sealing member was exposed to a temperature within a second temperature range by a predetermined value, the second temperature range being a predetermined temperature range different from the first temperature range. [4] The deterioration degree estimating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the load history variable is the number of engagements, the number of engagements being the number of times the engagement member has been engaged since the sealing member was attached to the engagement member. [5] A deterioration degree estimating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the engagement element comprises a first component and a second component, wherein the first component and the second component are configured to move relative to each other when the engagement element switches between an engaged state and a disengaged state; the sealing element is arranged in a space between the first component and the second component and is adapted to slide along the second component when the first component moves relative to the second component; and the load history variable is the corrected number of engagements, wherein the corrected number of engagements is obtained by correcting the number of engagements by a value indicative of the sliding resistance of the sealing element along the second component, wherein the number of engagements is the number of times the engagement element has been engaged since the sealing element was attached to the engagement element. [6] The deterioration degree estimating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the load history variable is a distance traveled by the vehicle since the sealing member was attached to the engaging member. [7] The deterioration degree estimating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the map includes, as an input variable, a vehicle speed variable indicating an average vehicle speed of the vehicle since the sealing member was attached to the engaging member. [8] A deterioration degree estimating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the engagement element has a first component and a second component that are separate from each other; the sealing element is arranged in a space between the first component and the second component; and the characteristic map contains a gap variable as an input variable that specifies a dimension of the gap. [9] A deterioration degree estimating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the engagement element has a first component and a second component that are separate from each other; the sealing element is arranged in a compressed state in the space between the first component and the second component; and the characteristic map contains as input variable a compression variable which indicates a difference between an uncompressed dimension of a part of the sealing element which is to be arranged in the gap and a dimension of the gap. [10] A deterioration degree estimating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the output variable is a variable indicative of the hardness of the sealing member. [11] A deterioration estimation method applied to a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission having either a clutch or a brake or both as an engaging element, for estimating a deterioration degree of a sealing member attached to the engaging element of the automatic transmission, the method comprising causing a deterioration degree estimator to calculate a value of an output variable by inputting a thermal history variable and a load history variable as an input variable to the deterioration degree estimator, wherein the thermal history variable is a variable that indicates a period of time during which the sealing element was exposed to a temperature within a predetermined temperature range, the load history variable is a variable that indicates how often a load has acted on the sealing element, the deterioration degree estimation device stores map data and the map data defines a map that outputs the output variable indicating the degree of deterioration of the sealing element when the input variable is input. [12] A non-transitory storage medium serving as a deterioration degree estimating device installed in a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission having either a clutch or a brake or both as an engagement element, and configured to estimate a deterioration degree of a sealing element attached to the engagement element of the automatic transmission, containing map data defining a map that outputs an output variable indicative of the deterioration degree of the sealing element when an input variable is input, and storing instructions executable by at least one processor and causing the at least one processor to perform functions comprising: detecting the input variable, wherein the input variable includes at least one of a thermal history variable and a load history variable, wherein the thermal history variable is a variable indicating a period of time during which the sealing element was exposed to a temperature within a predetermined temperature range, and the load history variable is a variable indicating the number of times a load was applied to the sealing element; and Calculate a value of the output variable by entering the acquired input variables into the map.

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