Method for adapting a clutch for a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for adapting a clutch (2) for a vehicle (4), having the steps of: outputting (S2) a parameter to the clutch (2) in order to operate the clutch (2) using the parameter; receiving (S3) an operating parameter which corresponds to the operation of the clutch (2); determining (S4) a clutch temperature by means of a neural network which is designed to determine the clutch temperature on the basis of a learned relationship between the clutch temperature and the received operating parameter; determining (S5) whether the determined clutch temperature corresponds to a target temperature; and if it has been determined that the determined clutch temperature corresponds to the target temperature, outputting (S6) the parameter to the clutch (2) in order to adapt the clutch (2) using the parameter. The invention additionally relates to a computing unit (6) which is designed to carry out such a method and to a vehicle (4) with a clutch (2) which is adapted by means of a computing unit (6) that carries out the method.

Description

[0001] Method for adapting a clutch for a vehicle

[0002] Technical area

[0003] The present invention relates to a method for adapting a clutch for a vehicle. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a computing unit configured to execute steps of the method for adapting a clutch. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a vehicle with a clutch, wherein the clutch has a control unit configured to control an adapted clutch.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] It is known from the prior art that the adaptation of a clutch for a vehicle is performed manually by a user. The adaptation is performed iteratively, with clutch parameters being specified by the user and iteratively improved.

[0006] Description of the invention

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method for adapting a clutch for a vehicle. Adapting a clutch may comprise adjusting or parameterizing the clutch. One or more adaptations may be performed, for example, an adaptation for a standstill, an adaptation for a gearshift, an adaptation for constant travel, and alternatively or additionally, an adaptation for a repair. After adaptation, the clutch can be used in the vehicle for operating the clutch, as previously described, for example. The clutch may be a multi-plate clutch, for example. The clutch may be modularly usable in a test bench and may be usable or installed in a vehicle. The vehicle may be a passenger car, a truck, or a work machine, such as a construction machine. A computing unit may be configured to execute steps of the method, as described below.The method comprises outputting a parameter to the clutch for operating the clutch with the parameter. Outputting a parameter for operating the clutch with the output parameter can comprise an operating output. The output can comprise sending a signal with data comprising the parameter. One parameter or alternatively several parameters can be output to the clutch. Parameters can, for example, relate to a kiss point of the clutch, a hydraulic pressure or a torque transfer of the clutch. Different parameters can be output for different operating modes, for example for a standstill, a gear shift, constant travel, a repair or an end-off-line operating mode, i.e. an operating mode after a production process. The operation can be a test operation.The clutch can be operated in a test bench, or alternatively, it can be operated in the field while installed in a vehicle. Output can be made, for example, via a data interface of the processing unit.

[0008] The method further comprises receiving an operating parameter associated with the operation of the clutch. The operating parameter associated with the operation of the clutch can be measured during operation of the clutch with the output parameter. The operating parameter can be, for example, a sump temperature of the clutch, which is present when the clutch has been operated with the output parameter(s). Receiving can comprise reading in data comprising the operating parameter. Alternatively or additionally, receiving can comprise measuring the operating parameter. One or more operating parameters can be received.

[0009] The method further comprises determining a clutch temperature using a neural network. The neural network is configured to determine the clutch temperature based on a learned relationship between the clutch temperature and the received operating parameter. The relationship can be learned through training, and the training can be validated or verified or have been verified through validation. For this purpose, training data comprising the clutch temperature as output data and the operating parameter as input data can be used. One or, alternatively, multiple operating parameters can be included as input data in the training data.

[0010] The method further comprises determining whether the determined clutch temperature corresponds to a target temperature. The target temperature may be an absolute target temperature. The target temperature may be a relative target temperature. An absolute target temperature may be predetermined in degrees Celsius or Kelvin. For a relative target temperature, the target temperature may be predetermined, for example, as a specific quantile of a set of temperatures, such as clutch temperatures. The quantile may be, for example, a median, a tercile, a quartile, or a decile.

[0011] If it has been determined that the specific clutch temperature corresponds to the target temperature, the parameter is output to the clutch so that the clutch can be adapted using the parameter. Outputting the parameter to the clutch so that the clutch can be adapted can comprise an adaptation output. One or, alternatively, several parameters can be output to the clutch for adaptation. Outputting for adaptation can comprise data inputting the clutch with the parameter(s). The parameter(s) for which a clutch temperature corresponds to the target temperature can be output. Alternatively, if it has been determined that the specific clutch temperature does not correspond to the target temperature, another parameter can be output to the clutch so that the clutch can be operated using the other parameter, wherein the other parameter is different from the first output parameter for operating the clutch.Further steps of the process up to determining whether the specific clutch temperature corresponds to a target temperature can also be carried out in a loop until a specific clutch temperature corresponds to the target temperature.

[0012] For adapting a clutch for a vehicle, or for adapting a clutch of a vehicle, a rule-based model for temperature prediction can thus be dispensed with. Using a neural network to determine the clutch temperature can be less complex than a rule-based model for temperature prediction. Temperature prediction for a parameter for the operation and adaptation of the clutch can be necessary and relevant, as clutch wear in a vehicle can depend on temperature behavior. The temperature behavior can depend on the parameters used for adaptation.

[0013] A further embodiment of the method can be characterized in that the output for operating the clutch can comprise a plurality of combinations of parameters. In this case, the output for operating the clutch can comprise outputting a plurality of parameters, and several, or alternatively all, combinations of these parameters can be output for operating the clutch. Thus, different parameter sets can be output to the clutch, wherein in each case one parameter set can be provided for operating the clutch. A parameter set can be composed of a specific combination of specific parameters. Furthermore, for several of the combinations, an operating parameter of a respective combination can be received. For all of the combinations that have been output for operating the clutch, an operating parameter, or alternatively several operating parameters, of a respective combination can be received.A respective clutch temperature can be determined depending on the respective received operating parameter, or alternatively on the respective received operating parameters, for several, or alternatively for all, of the received operating parameters. Whether the determined clutch temperature corresponds to a target temperature can be determined for several, or alternatively for all, of the determined clutch temperatures. One of several, or alternatively several, or all, combinations of parameters can be output for adapting the clutch, whose respective determined clutch temperature corresponds to the target temperature.

[0014] By outputting multiple combinations of parameters for operating the clutch, the method can implement a brute-force approach. Thus, different parameters and different combinations of different parameters can be used to cause the clutch to operate with a specific combination of parameters, and thus to receive one or more operating parameters associated with the operation of the clutch. This eliminates the need for a more complex, iterative process, which may take a long time. The clutch temperatures can be determined jointly in a common step of determining the clutch temperatures for the respective received operating parameters from each combination of parameters for the operation of the clutch.Furthermore, when determining whether the respective determined clutch temperature corresponds to a target temperature, a comparison of clutch temperatures with a target temperature can be performed in a time-saving manner. Output for clutch adaptation can be performed using one of several combinations of parameters whose respective determined clutch temperature corresponds to the target temperature and can thus provide operation with an adapted clutch, which can ensure optimal temperature input. The method can be used to determine the parameter(s) in a time-saving manner to enable such a clutch adaptation.

[0015] A further embodiment relates to a method, characterized in that the target temperature can be a minimum relative temperature, and a determination can be made as to which of the determined clutch temperatures is minimal compared to several, or alternatively to all, determined clutch temperatures. The combination of parameters for adapting the clutch whose determined clutch temperature has been determined to be minimal can be output. In this case, one, or alternatively several, combinations of parameters for adapting the clutch whose determined clutch temperature has been determined to be minimal can be output.

[0016] Thus, the method can be used to ensure temperature-optimized coupling adaptation, i.e., optimized for a minimum coupling temperature during operation or use after coupling adaptation. This, in combination with the described brute-force approach, can provide a particularly time-saving method for coupling adaptation.

[0017] According to a further embodiment, a method is shown, characterized in that receiving one, or alternatively several, parameters with a set of possible associated parameter values ​​can occur. The receiving can comprise reading in and alternatively or additionally receiving data with the parameter(s) and alternatively or additionally parameter values. Associated parameter values ​​can comprise different values ​​of a parameter. For example, different associated parameter values ​​of a hydraulic pressure can comprise, as parameters, discrete or alternatively or additionally continuous values ​​of the pressure in, for example, Pascal. Furthermore, a selection of a subset of the received parameter values ​​can occur, and furthermore, the output of the parameters for operating the clutch can occur depending on the selection of the subset of parameter values. The selection can be made by a computing unit or alternatively by a user.The selection can be made manually, rule-based, or alternatively or additionally by a neural network. The subset can represent a true subset of the received parameter values, and not all received parameters with their corresponding parameter values ​​can be output to the clutch for clutch operation.

[0018] This allows a limited number of parameters and parameter values ​​output to the clutch for clutch operation. This allows for more resource-efficient operation, as well as receiving operating parameters, determining clutch temperatures, and, if necessary, outputting parameters for adaptation, since the process steps do not have to be performed for all received parameters and associated parameter values. The selection can be based on clutch functionality, for example. For example, a functionality can reflect a driving characteristic. The driving characteristic can be sporty, economical, or comfortable.Thus, different parameter values, such as a specific clutch pressure or hydraulic pressure, which will lead to a sporty or alternatively a comfortable driving style, can be used depending on the respective desired functionality in order to output these to the clutch for operation.

[0019] According to a further embodiment, a method is shown, characterized in that a subset of the combinations of the received parameters can be selected. The subset can be a true subset, wherein certain combinations that would be possible according to combinatorics and the set of received parameters and the associated parameter values ​​can be omitted. The output of the parameters for operating the clutch can be dependent on the selection of the subset of the combinations of the parameters. In this case, when outputting the parameters for operating the clutch, it is possible to omit a certain first subset of combinations of the received parameters to the clutch for operating the clutch. A second subset, which can be disjoint to the first subset, can be output to the clutch for operating the clutch.Thus, the combination of parameters and parameter values ​​can be further restricted and, comparable to the previous embodiment, a resource-saving option of the method can be implemented.

[0020] According to a further embodiment, a method is shown, characterized in that at least one of the selection of the subset of parameter values ​​and the selection of the subset of parameter combinations can be performed by a user. The user can be a user, such as a developer of the coupling adaptation. The selection of the subset of parameter values ​​and, alternatively or additionally, the selection of the subset of parameter combinations can be performed by the user with user support, i.e., partially manually, or alternatively, completely manually.

[0021] This allows a user, such as a developer of a driving function, to contribute their experience to the adaptation of the clutch. The brute-force approach can thus be combined with the experience of the developer, the user. This provides a resource-saving yet efficient method for adapting the clutch.

[0022] According to a further embodiment, a method is shown, characterized in that the output of the adaptation parameter can occur for an initial adaptation of the clutch. The initial adaptation of the clutch can occur after a production process and before delivery of a vehicle with such a clutch. The initial adaptation of the clutch can also occur, for example, in a test bench. The initial adaptation can represent a first adaptation of the clutch in the clutch's life cycle.

[0023] Such a process can be used to respond to production fluctuations of the clutch and of its components. For example, hydraulic valves that may be installed in the clutch can exhibit production fluctuations. Such an initial adaptation can be used to respond to production fluctuations of such hydraulic valves, and possibly other elements of the clutch. Thus, a comparable adaptation and thus parameterization of clutch behavior can be achieved for a wide range of clutches using the process.

[0024] According to a further embodiment, a method is shown, characterized in that the output of the adaptation parameter can be performed for an ongoing adaptation of the clutch. The ongoing adaptation of the clutch can, for example, be an adaptation of the clutch in a test bench that has already been initially adapted. Alternatively, the ongoing adaptation of the clutch can be an adaptation of a clutch in the field, for example, a clutch installed in a test vehicle or in a vehicle of an end user.

[0025] By means of such adaptation and such output of the adaptation parameter for ongoing adaptation of the clutch, it is possible to react to clutch-specific wear. For example, a first driver with a first vehicle and a first clutch installed therein can drive in a particularly sporty manner and lead to different wear of friction elements in the clutch than a second driver with a second vehicle and a second clutch installed therein, who has a more defensive driving style. By outputting the parameter, or the parameters or parameter values, for adaptation, it is possible to react to different wear processes in different clutches of different vehicles in such a way that each clutch can be adapted in such a way that the driving behavior of all clutches, even after different wear influences, is kept as comparable as possible. A second aspect of the present invention relates to a computing unit.The computing unit can, for example, be set up and installed in a vehicle, for example in a test vehicle or in an end-user vehicle. The computing unit can be provided in a test bench. The computing unit can alternatively or additionally be provided locally or in a cloud. The computing unit can have interfaces for receiving and reading in data, such as parameters and operating parameters, and for outputting data relating to the operation and, alternatively or additionally, to the adaptation of the clutch. The computing unit can be set up to carry out steps of the method for adapting the clutch for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention. The computing unit can be designed to carry out at least one, some, or all steps of the method. If the computing unit does not carry out all steps of the method for adapting a clutch, a user can carry out the remaining steps.The clutch for a vehicle can be the clutch of a specific vehicle, for example the clutch can be installed in a specific vehicle.

[0026] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a vehicle with a clutch. The vehicle can be a passenger car, a truck, or a work machine, such as an agricultural or construction machine. The clutch can be a multi-plate clutch. The clutch can have a control unit and a storage medium. The control unit can be a control device of the vehicle, and the storage medium can be a non-volatile memory. The control unit can be configured to control the clutch. The control unit and the clutch can be electrically and, alternatively or additionally, electronically connected to one another. Adaptation of the clutch by means of a computing unit executing the method according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention can be carried out or have already been carried out. The output of the parameter for adapting the clutch can be carried out on the storage medium or can already have been carried out.Multiple parameters for adapting the clutch can also be output to the storage medium. The storage medium can store the output parameter(s), and the control unit can use the parameters stored on the storage medium to control the clutch. This enables control of an adapted clutch. Brief description of the figures.

[0027] Fig. 1 schematically shows a computing unit and a vehicle according to embodiments of the invention.

[0028] Fig. 2 shows schematically steps of a method for adapting a clutch for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0029] Detailed description of embodiments

[0030] Fig. 1 schematically shows a computing unit 6 according to an embodiment of the invention. The computing unit 6 is configured to execute steps of a method, which are schematically illustrated in Fig. 2, for adapting a coupling 2 for a vehicle 4. The computing unit 6 and the vehicle 4 are data-connected to each other via a data transmission device 8, in this case a wireless connection.

[0031] The method comprises, as shown in Fig. 2, receiving S1 a parameter with a set of possible associated parameter values. In this case, several parameters, each with several associated parameter values, are received. These are received by the computing unit 6 via an interface. A user selects S1.1 a subset of the received parameter values. Furthermore, the user selects S1.2 a subset of combinations of the received parameters. Parameters here include, for example, a kiss point, a slip point, a torque or a torque transfer of a clutch 2. By selecting S1.1, S1.2 the user focuses on parameters and parameter values ​​and thus on possible combinations of these parameters and parameter values ​​that are of interest to the user.

[0032] The received parameter and thus several parameters and parameter values ​​are output S2 to the clutch 2, whereby this occurs from the computing unit 6 via the data transmission device 8 and interfaces (not shown) of the clutch 2 and the computing unit 6. The output S2 comprises sending data with the parameters to the clutch 2. Operating parameters for associated combinations of parameters during operation of the clutch 2 are then measured. These measured operating parameters are sent from the clutch 2 via the data transmission device 8 to the computing unit 6, and the operating parameters of the respective combinations of parameters for operating the clutch are received S3. Data sets are then available, with one or more specific operating parameters being assigned to each specific combination of parameters and parameter values.

[0033] Using the received operating parameters, a neural network determines S4 a respective clutch temperature of a respective combination. Furthermore, a determination S5 is made as to whether the clutch temperature corresponds to a target temperature. In this case, a minimum clutch temperature is determined S5.1, i.e., which of the determined clutch temperatures is the minimum compared to all determined clutch temperatures. The lowest clutch temperature is determined. For this purpose, the associated operating parameters and parameter values ​​that were output for operating clutch 2 with this minimum clutch temperature are determined. The respective parameter with the minimum clutch temperature, or the parameter of the combination of parameters with the minimum clutch temperature, is then output S6 to clutch 2 for the final adaptation of clutch 2.Outputting S6 comprises sending data via the data transmission device 8 to the clutch 2, wherein the output parameters are stored on a storage medium (not shown) of the vehicle 2. This completes the adaptation of the clutch 2 and thus the method. A control unit (not shown) is provided for controlling the adapted clutch 2 with the parameters stored on the storage medium. Reference numerals.

[0034] 2 clutch

[0035] 4 vehicle

[0036] 6 Computing unit

[0037] 8 Data transmission device

[0038] 51 (Step) Receiving a parameter with a set of parameter values

[0039] 51 .1 (Step) Selecting a subset of the received parameter values

[0040] 51 .2 (Step) Selecting a subset of combinations of the received parameters

[0041] 52 (Step) Output of the parameter to the clutch for operation

[0042] 53 (Step) Receiving an operating parameter

[0043] 54 (Step) Determining a clutch temperature

[0044] 55 (Step) Determine whether clutch temperature corresponds to target temperature

[0045] S5.1 (Step) Determining a minimum coupling temperature

[0046] 56 (Step) Output of the parameter to the coupling for adaptation

Claims

Patent claims 1 . Method for adapting a clutch (2) for a vehicle (4), comprising the steps of: outputting (S2) a parameter to the clutch (2) for operating the clutch (2) with the parameter; receiving (S3) an operating parameter associated with the operation of the clutch (2); determining (S4) a clutch temperature by a neural network which is configured to determine the clutch temperature based on a learned relationship between the clutch temperature and the received operating parameter; determining (S5) whether the determined clutch temperature corresponds to a target temperature; and if it has been determined that the determined clutch temperature corresponds to the target temperature, outputting (S6) the parameter to the clutch (2) for adapting the clutch (2) with the parameter.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the output (S2) for operating the clutch (2) comprises a plurality of combinations of parameters, and wherein the receiving (S3) of an operating parameter of a respective combination takes place for a plurality of the combinations, and wherein the determination (S4) of a respective clutch temperature takes place as a function of the respective received operating parameter for a plurality of the received operating parameters, and wherein the determination (S5) of whether the determined clutch temperature corresponds to a target temperature takes place in each case for a plurality of the determined clutch temperatures, and wherein the output (S6) for adapting the clutch (2) takes place of one of a plurality of combinations of parameters whose respective determined clutch temperature corresponds to the target temperature.

3. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the target temperature is a minimum relative temperature, and wherein a determination (S5.1) is made as to which of the determined clutch temperatures is minimal in comparison to a plurality of determined clutch temperatures, and wherein the output (S6) of the combination of parameters for adapting the clutch (2) is made, the determined clutch temperature of which has been determined to be minimal.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a receiving (S1) of a parameter with a set of possible associated parameter values ​​takes place, and wherein a selection (S1.1) of a subset of the received parameter values ​​takes place, and wherein the output (S2) of the parameters for operating the clutch (2) takes place depending on the selection (S1.1) of the subset of the parameter values.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a selection (S1.2) of a subset of the combinations of the received parameters is made, and wherein the output (S2) of the parameters for operating the clutch (2) is made as a function of the selection (S1.2) of the subset of the combinations of the parameters.

6. Method according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that at least one of the selection (S1.1) of the subset of the parameter values ​​and the selection (S1.2) of the subset of the combinations of the parameters is carried out by a user.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the output (S6) of the parameter for adaptation takes place for an initial adaptation of the clutch (2).

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the output (S6) of the parameter for adaptation takes place for an ongoing adaptation of the clutch (2).

9. A computing unit (6) which is configured to carry out steps of the method for adapting a clutch (2) for a vehicle (4) according to one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Vehicle (4) with a clutch (2), wherein the clutch (2) has a control unit and a storage medium, wherein the control unit is designed to control the clutch (2), and wherein an adaptation of the clutch (2) by means of a Method according to one of claims 1 to 8 executing a computing unit (6), and the output (S6) of the parameter for adapting the coupling (2) to the storage medium takes place.

Images