Control method for a vehicle having an engine and an accessory device
First Claim
1. A control method for use with an internal combustion engine and an accessory device, the engine and device coupled to a vehicle, the method comprising:
- determining when the device is cycling between an engaged state where the engine is coupled to the device and a disengaged state where the engine is de-coupled from the device;
engaging the device based at least on an operating condition when the device is disengaged; and
wherein said engine operating condition is a speed ratio across a torque converter coupled to the engine.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method for controlling cycling of an air conditioning compressor coupled to an internal combustion engine interrupts normal cycling based on operation conditions. In addition, normal engaged and disengaged cycling durations are adaptively estimated in real-time. The method of the present invention achieves improved fuel economy and improved drive feel. As an example, improved fuel economy is achieved by engaging the compressor during braking or when the engine is being driven by the vehicle. As another example, improved drive feel is achieved by engaging the compressor during transient conditions when drive feel is unaffected.
-
Citations
13 Claims
-
1. A control method for use with an internal combustion engine and an accessory device, the engine and device coupled to a vehicle, the method comprising:
-
determining when the device is cycling between an engaged state where the engine is coupled to the device and a disengaged state where the engine is de-coupled from the device;
engaging the device based at least on an operating condition when the device is disengaged; and
wherein said engine operating condition is a speed ratio across a torque converter coupled to the engine. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
-
-
6. A control method for use with an internal combustion engine and an air conditioning compressor, the engine and compressor coupled to a vehicle, the method comprising:
-
indicating when vehicle fuel economy can be increased by engaging the compressor based on an operating condition;
engaging the compressor in response to said indication when the compressor is disengaged greater than a predetermined duration; and
wherein said operating condition is when brakes coupled to the vehicle are activated. - View Dependent Claims (7)
-
-
8. A control method for use with an internal combustion engine coupled to a torque converter and an air conditioning compressor, the engine and compressor coupled to a vehicle, the method comprising:
-
indicating when the compressor can be engaged with minimal driver perception based on operating conditions; and
engaging the compressor in response to said indication when the compressor is disengaged greater than a predetermined value and when the torque converter is unlocked. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11)
-
-
12. A control method for use with an internal combustion engine coupled to a clutch and an air conditioning compressor, the engine and compressor coupled to a vehicle, the method comprising:
-
indicating when the compressor can be engaged with minimal driver perception based on operating conditions when the clutch is disengaged; and
engaging the compressor in response to said indication when the compressor is disengaged greater than a predetermined value.
-
-
13. An article of manufacture comprising:
a computer storage medium having a computer program encoded therein for use with an internal combustion engine and an air conditioning compressor, the engine and device coupled to a vehicle having brakes, said computer storage medium comprising;
code for determining when the compressor is cycling between an engaged state where the engine is coupled to the compressor and a disengaged state where the engine is de-coupled from the compressor;
code for indicating when the brakes are actuated;
code for estimating a percentage disengaged duration of a cycle in which the compressor is engaged and disengaged due to an air conditioning system parameter; and
code engaging the compressor based at least on said indication when said percentage disengaged duration is greater than a predetermined value.
Specification