Common Control Patents (Class 192/3.54)
  • Patent number: 11746893
    Abstract: A transmission is subject to thermal management to prevent damage or failure due to overheating. Sensors can be employed to capture characteristics of a transmission, such as fluid temperature or pressure. Further, a predictive model can be invoked to predict characteristics based on current and future conditions. Characteristics can be compared with a threshold for intervention. A thermal mitigation strategy can be generated and initiated when characteristics satisfy the threshold. The thermal mitigation strategy can specify various actions to dissipate heat, including altering shift control logic and triggering mechanical devices that can increase airflow, reduce air temperature, or both surrounding the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Eaton Cummins Automated Transmission Technologies
    Inventors: Adam C. Maurer, Graeme A. Jackson
  • Patent number: 11173908
    Abstract: A method to control a road vehicle provided with a dual-clutch, servo-assisted transmission and standing still with the internal combustion engine turned on; the control method generally includes, when the road vehicle is standing still with the internal combustion engine turned on, the steps of: engaging a forward gear associated with a first clutch; engaging a reverse gear associated with a second clutch, which is different from and independent of the first clutch; closing the first clutch so as to cause the first clutch to transmit a first torque; and closing the second clutch so as to cause the second clutch to transmit a second torque, which is equal to the first torque multiplied by the quotient between a gear ratio of the reverse gear and a gear ratio of the forward gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: FERRARI S.p.A.
    Inventors: Alessandro Barone, Andrea Nannini, Giacomo Senserini, Stefano Marconi
  • Patent number: 11137049
    Abstract: A transmission 20 includes gears 421 through 426 and 441 through 446, sliders 451 through 453, an electric motor 58, a shift drum 50, shift forks 491 through 493, and a control unit 83. The sliders 451 through 453 are members different from the gears 421 through 426 and 441 through 446. The shift drum 50 includes guide grooves 61 through 63 each including a linear portion 64 and a tilt portion 65. An end of each of the shift forks 491 through 493 is located in a corresponding one of the guide grooves 61 through 63. The control unit 83 controls the electric motor 58 to rotate the shift drum 50 in such a manner that a gear-shift rotation angle is less than 60 degrees. With rotation of the shift drum 50 by the gear-shift rotation angle, the shift forks 491 through 493 move the sliders 451 through 453 in the axial direction of the shaft 21 or 22.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yoshihiko Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 11125313
    Abstract: A transmission housing (2) of the type including two housing elements (9) that can be positioned to press against each other and that in the assembled-together state define: a cavity (13); a shaft (6) projecting at least in part from the housing (2); a motion transmission mechanism (30) for transmitting motion to said shaft (6), the motion transmission mechanism (30) being housed at least in part inside the cavity (13) of the housing (2); and sealing means (15) arranged in the zone where the housing elements (9) are pressed together and referred to as a join plane (10), the sealing means (15) surrounding said cavity (13). The housing (2) comprises means (17) for connecting the housing elements (9) together by snap-fastening in order to hold the housing elements (9) pressed against each other and the sealing means (15) comprise adhesive connection means (16) for connecting said housing elements (9) together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: FRANCE REDUCTEURS
    Inventor: Emmanuel Teillet
  • Patent number: 10431175
    Abstract: Provided are a gate driver and a control method thereof. The gate driver receives a power down control signal corresponding to a power down mode, controls an operation of a gate signal processor using the power down control signal which is activated in response to the power down mode, and provides a gate high voltage or gate low voltage for a display panel in response to the power down control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: SILICON WORKS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jeung Hie Choi
  • Patent number: 9945462
    Abstract: A hydrostatic assembly employing a 1st hydraulic piston drive unit is described in which the output is increased without using additional servo assemblies by incorporating a 2nd hydraulic piston drive unit, coupling the drive shafts of both drive units together, and employing a common means to simultaneously adjust displacement of both the 1st and 2nd hydraulic piston drive units. In such embodiments, coupling the drive shafts together such that the 1st hydraulic piston drive unit is rotationally offset with respect to the 2nd hydraulic piston drive allows for a reduction in the amplitude of pressure pulsations associated with the hydrostatic assembly output, thereby smoothing out operation and improving durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignees: Parker-Hannifin Corporation, Kinetics Drive Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Per-Ola Vallebrant, Stefan Haellgren, John Czepak, Gerald Dyck
  • Patent number: 9688266
    Abstract: A torque-generating system includes one or more torque-generating devices, a transmission having an output member, and a controller. The controller executes a method to control an operation of the system when the output member is operating at zero output speed. The controller is programmed to determine a torque request level and an actual speed of the output member, and an effective speed of the output member, as a calibrated non-zero value, using the torque request level when the determined actual speed is zero. The controller calculates an effective power of the powertrain using the effective speed and torque request level. A control action is executed with respect to the powertrain using the calculated effective power, including transmitting powertrain control signals to the torque-generating device(s) to select an appropriate powertrain operating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: John J. Janczak, Eric Piper, Jeffrey J. Waldner
  • Patent number: 9476486
    Abstract: A CVT pulley includes a shaft having disposed thereon, a first and second sheave, and a spider. A spring biases the sheaves away from one another. The axially moveable second sheave is disposed axially between the axially fixed spider and the first sheave. A plurality of centrifugal weights, connected to either the spider or the second sheave, have a portion that moves radially outward with rotation of the shaft. The axial distance between the spider and the second sheave depends at least in part on the radial position of the portion which depends on the rotational speed. At least one cylinder is adapted to receive fluid. At least one piston, rotatable with the shaft, is adapted to move in the at least one cylinder in response to fluid being received therein, thereby selectively exerting force on one of the sheaves towards the other. CVTs and vehicles are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: BRP-POWERTRAIN GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Markus Hochmayr, Norbert Korenjak, Johann Wilflinger, Thomas Hindinger, Roger Rioux
  • Patent number: 9080662
    Abstract: A vehicle incorporating an engine, an automatic, robotic, or continuously variable transmission mechanically coupled to the engine, a vehicle control system coupled to the engine and the transmission, a braking system, a gas pedal for controlling the operation of the engine, a brake pedal for controlling the operation of the braking system, the gas pedal and the brake pedal being disposed in the vehicle for control by a right foot of the driver, the vehicle further comprising an additional pedal being disposed in the vehicle for control by a left foot of the driver and coupled to the vehicle control system. The additional pedal may be configured to control the gear shifting of the automatic, robotic, or continuously variable transmission of the vehicle. Upon an activation of the additional pedal, the automatic, robotic, or continuously variable transmission of the vehicle may be configured to downshift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Inventor: Leonid Despotuli
  • Patent number: 8996263
    Abstract: An electronic controller for a variable ratio transmission and an electronically controllable variable ratio transmission including a variator or other CVT are described herein. The electronic controller can be configured to receive input signals indicative of parameters associated with an engine coupled to the transmission. The electronic controller can also receive one or more control inputs. The electronic controller can determine an active range and an active variator mode based on the input signals and control inputs. The electronic controller can control a final drive ratio of the variable ratio transmission by controlling one or more electronic solenoids that control the ratios of one or more portions of the variable ratio transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventors: Stanley B. Quinn, Jr., Alan L. Miller, Scott R. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8915343
    Abstract: A method of controlling a hydraulic control system for a dual clutch transmission includes controlling a plurality of pressure and flow control devices in fluid communication with a plurality of clutch actuators and with a plurality of synchronizer actuators. The clutch actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of torque transmitting devices and the synchronizer actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of synchronizer assemblies. Selective activation of combinations of the pressure control solenoids and the flow control solenoids allows for a pressurized fluid to activate at least one of the clutch actuators and synchronizer actuators in order to shift the transmission into a desired gear ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Steven P. Moorman, Philip C. Lundberg, John R. Czoykowski, Bret M. Olson, Chinar S. Ghike, James D. Hendrickson, Christopher Jay Weingartz
  • Patent number: 8752444
    Abstract: An electro-hydraulic control apparatus for a motor-vehicle transmission having at least five forward gears and one reverse gear, including first, second and third shift forks, each movable in at least one engagement position to engage a respective gear, first, second and third hydraulic actuators each arranged to control the movement of a respective shift fork in the respective at least one engagement position, and a slide valve selectively movable into one of at least three operating positions in each of which the slide valve selects a respective hydraulic actuator, wherein a first operating position is an end-of-travel position and corresponds to the selection of the first hydraulic actuator, and wherein a second operating position is also an end-of-travel position and corresponds to the selection of the second hydraulic actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: C.R.F. Societa Consortile Per Azioni
    Inventors: Marco Garabello, Giancarlo Osella, Attilio Porta, Gianluigi Pregnolato, Sara Sottano
  • Publication number: 20130240315
    Abstract: A method of cooling a multi-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) that is paired with an internal combustion engine in a vehicle includes detecting operation of the vehicle. The method also includes sensing an increase in temperature of a subsystem of the DCT while the vehicle is operating. The method also includes selecting a remedial action in response to the sensed temperature. The method aditionally includes activating the selected remedial action such that the temperature of the subsystem is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: XUEFENG TIM TAO, JOHN WILLIAM BOUGHNER, ALFONSO G. HYSKO, JONATHAN P. KISH, MATTHEW D. WHITTON, FEI AN, STEVEN P. MOORMAN
  • Publication number: 20130153353
    Abstract: A multiple ratio transmission having an input shaft, an output shaft and oncoming clutch and off-going clutch for effecting ratio upshifts is provided. The transmission also includes a transmission controller configured for controlling shifts. During the torque phase of a ratio upshift, the controller increases input torque. Next, the controller estimates an oncoming clutch target torque. The controller controls a torque input to ensure the off-going clutch remains locked. The controller measures an actual transmission value for a torque transmitting element of the transmission and corrects the oncoming clutch target torque using the actual transmission value whereby an increasing torque for the oncoming friction element is achieved with minimal torque transients along the output shaft during the upshift.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher John Teslak, Gregory Michael Pietron, Hongtei Eric Tseng, Yuji Fujii, Michael Glenn Fodor, Diana Yanakiev, Seung-Hoon Lee
  • Publication number: 20130118850
    Abstract: A method of controlling shifts in a multi-speed transmission includes beginning an initial shift, which changes the transmission from a starting gear to an initial target gear, and executing an adjusted shift, which changes the transmission to an adjusted target gear having higher speed ratio than the initial target gear, when transition conditions are satisfied. The transition conditions include a threshold increase in torque request, which is sufficient to require the transmission to be placed into the adjusted target gear. The transition conditions also include a common controlling clutch, which is an off-going clutch to place the transmission in the adjusted target gear. Executing the adjusted shift does not include placing the transmission in a neutral mode. Furthermore, executing the adjusted shift does not include completing the initial shift.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Harinath Atmaram, William R. Mayhew
  • Patent number: 8429993
    Abstract: The control apparatus comprises, in its version intended for a double-clutch transmission with six or seven forward gears and one reverse gear, a first shift fork for engaging the first gear or the third gear, respectively, a second shift fork for engaging the reverse gear or the fifth gear, respectively, a first hydraulic actuator arranged to control the movement of the first shift fork, a second hydraulic actuator arranged to control the movement of the second shift fork, a selection slide valve which can be moved into a first operating position in which the first hydraulic actuator is selected and a second operating position in which the second hydraulic actuator is selected, a pilot solenoid valve for controlling the movement of the slide valve between the first and second operating positions, and first and second gear shift solenoid valves for controlling the supply of fluid to the hydraulic actuator each time selected by the slide valve or the connection of said actuator with a tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: C.R.F. Societa Consortile Per Azioni
    Inventors: Marco Garabello, Giancarlo Osella, Attillio Porta, Gianluigi Pregnolato, Sara Sottano
  • Publication number: 20130008754
    Abstract: A control system for an automatic transmission includes a double transition shift detection module and first and second clutch control modules. The double transition shift detection module detects whether a double transition shift operation is requested. The first clutch control module controls two of four transitioning clutches of the transmission during an inertia phase of the double transition shift operation. The second clutch control module controls each of the four transitioning clutches of the transmission during a torque phase of the double transition shift operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Nathaniel E. Wilke, John E. Marano, Andrew W. Phillips
  • Publication number: 20120312652
    Abstract: A method of controlling a transmission of a vehicle may include generating a first synchronization force between a shift gear of a target gear and an output shaft to shift gears from a current gear to a lower gear set as the target gear in response to deceleration of the vehicle, so as to form a first synchronization, removing the first synchronization force between the shift gear and the output shaft after the generating of the first synchronization force, and generating a second synchronization force between the shift gear of the target gear and the output shaft after the removing of the first synchronization force, so as to form a second synchronization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Sung Yeol Kim, Seung Min Lee, Choung Wan Son, Seok Young Shin, Ju Hyun Nam, Sung Yop Lee, Kwang Min Won
  • Publication number: 20120145501
    Abstract: A transmission between a driving primary shaft and an outlet shaft of a self-propelled machine, includes a housing within which there are housed, at least in part: a stepdown mechanism; two clutch mechanisms, one being progressive and the other being non-progressive with a movable dog; and a clutch control device including first and second clutch control elements. The second clutch control elements include at least one spring blade extending along the outlet shaft, the spring blade being mounted to move axially on the outlet shaft during axial movement of the dog from the unclutched extreme position towards a clutched position as a result of the movable dog bearing thereagainst, the spring blade being drivable axially on the shaft and being elastically deformable between an active position in which the dog comes into abutment against the spring blade, and an inactive position in which the dog slides along the spring blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: France Reducteurs
    Inventor: Robert Blanchard
  • Publication number: 20120138405
    Abstract: A method for changing a drive unit's mechanical coupling to a motor vehicle power train, which has at least two drive units, in which at least one first drive unit of the two drive units is coupled via various mechanical couplings, including mechanical transmission ratios, during the travel of the motor vehicle, a power or torque influence of the two drive units occurring if there is a change of the mechanical coupling. To ensure a change of the mechanical coupling without the vehicle occupants perceiving it, the change of the mechanical coupling of the first drive unit of the two drive units occurs in at least two operating modes, a first operating mode causing a slower operating point change with respect to time of the two drive units, while a more rapid operating point change as to time of the two drive units is provided in a second operating mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Jens-Werner FALKENSTEIN
  • Publication number: 20120123654
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling double transition shifts in an automatic transmission having multiple gear sections. During a double transition shift, the system performs simultaneous closed loop control of the primary oncoming clutch in the primary gear section and the secondary off-going clutch of the secondary gear section. Before the input shaft of the secondary gear section is fully pulled down or the secondary off-going clutch becomes overheated, the system switches closed loop control of the input shaft to the secondary on-coming clutch of the secondary gear section. The system utilizes model-based calculations to determine the initial clutch pressure settings when a clutch enters closed loop control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: John Andrew BYERLY, John P. KRESSE, Mark A. RAINS, Jeffrey K. RUNDE
  • Publication number: 20120017724
    Abstract: An ECU executes a program including the steps of: starting monitoring the turbine revolution speed and the output shaft revolution speed when a direct shift is started (YES in S100) (S102); performing complete disengagement control on a disengagement element (1) (S106), lowering control pressure of a disengagement element (2) to preliminarily fixed control pressure (S110); starting engagement control on an engagement element (1) when a set time period Is (1) passes (YES in S112) (S114); performing complete disengagement control on the disengagement element (2) when a set time period Is (2) passes (YES in S118) (S120); and starting the engagement control on an engagement element (2) when turbine revolution speed NT is equal to or larger than (the synchronous revolution speed of a gear after a shift—a set value Ns) (YES in. S 122) (S 124).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Eiji FUKUSHIRO, Keisuke Ota, Koji Oshima
  • Publication number: 20110315499
    Abstract: An ECU executes a program including the steps of: starting monitoring the turbine revolution speed and the output shaft revolution speed when a direct shift is started; performing complete disengagement control on a disengagement element; lowering control pressure of a disengagement element to preliminarily fixed control pressure; starting engagement control on an engagement element when a set time period Ts passes; performing complete disengagement control on the disengagement element when a set time period Ts passes; and starting the engagement control on an engagement element when turbine revolution speed NT is equal to or larger than (the synchronous revolution speed of a gear after a shift—a set value Ns).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Eiji Fukushiro, Keisuke Ota, Koji Oshima
  • Publication number: 20110139563
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of operating a triple-clutch transmission. The transmission includes a main clutch and first and second clutches. The method includes shifting to first gear in such a way that the main clutch enters an engaged state while the first clutch is in a pre-engaged state and a second clutch is in a disengaged state. The method further includes shifting to second or higher gear in such a way that the main clutch maintains the engaged state and the first clutch and the second clutch alternately enter an engaged state and a disengaged state. The method further includes shifting to reverse gear in such a way that the main clutch enters the engaged state from the disengaged state while the second clutch is in a pre-engaged state and the first clutch is in the disengaged state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: Myungkoo KANG
  • Publication number: 20100185369
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to an automatic transmission, and more particularly, to an automatic transmission which alleviates a gear shifting shock generated during a forward/reverse gear shifting operation by controlling a clutch actuator to operate a clutch and interrupting a transmission of power generated from an engine during the forward/reverse gear shifting operation of a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventors: Jung-Woong Choi, Sang-Heon Lee, Sang-Hyun Kim
  • Patent number: 7736269
    Abstract: An electro-hydraulic control system is provided for a transmission, which is preferably a countershaft transmission, that has a three-position dog clutch actuator valve to control the position of a three-position dog clutch. At least one of the positions of the dog clutch actuator valve is established by pressurized fluid directed to the dog clutch actuator valve by two logic valves, both of which are controlled to direct pressurized fluid elsewhere in the hydraulic control system, as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, Bryan H. Hagelskamp
  • Publication number: 20100140034
    Abstract: The invention concerns a simple mechanical arrangement for controlling a multi-regime continuously variable transmission. The transmission in question comprises a variator (10) and a gearing arrangement including a low regime clutch (CL) and a high regime clutch (CH). Engaging the low regime clutch places the transmission in the low regime. Engaging the high regime clutch places it in the high regime. The control system comprises a control part (such as a lever) which is movable by the user along a control path from a low ratio end to a high ratio end. The position of the control part dictates variator ratio and transmission ratio. The system further incorporates a low regime clutch control device which engages the low regime clutch when the control part is between the low ratio end of its path and a low clutch transition point, and which releases the low regime clutch when the control part is between the low clutch transition point and the high ratio end of its path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Christopher John Greenwood, Robert Andrew Oliver
  • Patent number: 7681703
    Abstract: The invention concerns a procedure and a control apparatus for the control of a drivetrain, which comprises at least one automatic clutch, at least one automatic shifting transmission, one control apparatus for the control of the at least one automatic clutch and of at least one automatic shifting transmission as well as at least two transmission idling positions in the drivetrain. In order to avoid dangerous situations, which could arise from an improper automatic input of a neutral position of a transmission and a thereto connected automatic closure of the clutch. The proposal is, that the control apparatus, by way of the shifting of an automatized shifting transmission into a neutral position, to at least two transmission idling positions, the neutral position is put into action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Volker Bachmann, Mario Steinborn, Rudolf Kalthoff
  • Patent number: 7417401
    Abstract: A method for operating a drive mechanism comprising bringing a mobile element into a predetermined reference position with the help of an engine and setting an absolute position signal to a reference value allocated to a reference position; changing the position of the mobile element with the help of the engine and creating an incremental position measurement signal, depending on the change in position, for the mobile element; controlling the incremental position measurement signal and following the absolute position signal when a change in the incremental position measurement signal occurs; repositioning the mobile element in the reference position with assistance of the engine and determining the position value indicated by the absolute position signal in the reference position; determining a difference value from the position value and the reference value and saving the difference value in a data storage; and, repeating steps b) through e) are performed at least once.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Luk Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Alexander Schweizer, Martin Zimmerman, Jens Martin, Joachim Hirt, Martin Fuss, Matthias Ehrlich, Frank Stengel
  • Publication number: 20080000746
    Abstract: A vehicular parallel hybrid drivetrain contains a combustion engine, electric motor and drive output and a method of operating the drivetrain. A respective shift element device (6, 7) with continuously variable transmission capacity is provided, between the combustion engine and the electric motor and between the electric motor and the drive. The shift element device (6), between the combustion engine and electric motor, comprises a speed-dependent hydraulic coupling element and a frictional shift element in a parallel power branch. The shift element device (6) has continuously adjustable transmission capacity and is bridged, via the hydraulic coupling element. The hydraulic coupling element actively couples with the electric motor, via a free-wheel overrunning connection (8). This coupling disengages when the speed of the coupling element side of the coupling element is lower than the speed of the electric motor in the area of the free-wheel overrunning connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Peter Schiele, Georg Gierer, Christian Popp
  • Patent number: 7306539
    Abstract: A method of controlling at least a fifth characteristic operating value of a motor vehicle power train includes the step of performing an emergency adaptation of at least one of the stored clutch-disengagement thresholds during an operating phase of the motor vehicle, if predetermined third conditions are present. The method also includes the step of performing a nonemergency adaptation of at least one of the stored clutch-disengagement thresholds at the end of the operating phase if predetermined fourth conditions are present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Luk Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Oliver Amendt, Peter Buhrle, Mario Jung, Jurgen Gerhart, Johannes Moosheimer
  • Publication number: 20070240955
    Abstract: In a clutch engaging and disengaging operation at the time of a shift change, a state in which the clutch position of the clutch is at a specific value between a first clutch position at which a half clutch state finishes and a second clutch position at which the clutch is in a mechanical maximum disengaged state is maintained until completion of a gear change is detected by a gear position sensor. Therefore, even if a dog abutment state occurs between first gears with engaging projections and second gears with engaging recesses, the dog abutment can be resolved properly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Publication date: October 18, 2007
    Inventor: Tooru Zenno
  • Publication number: 20070184936
    Abstract: A vehicle having, in a power transmission path, a continuously variable transmission mechanism and a clutch mechanism, whose torque capacity is smaller than that of the continuously variable transmission mechanism. The vehicle also has a control system to prevent a large torque capacity difference with the continuously variable transmission mechanism and clutch mechanism and to prevent an unnecessary slip of the clutch mechanism by setting an engagement force of the clutch mechanism based on the torque capacity of the continuously variable transmission mechanism. There is also avoided a decline of the learning accuracy of the clutch mechanism by prohibiting a learning control of the clutch mechanism when an engagement force of the clutch mechanism is set based on the torque capacity of the continuously variable transmission mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Inventor: Jun Nakayama
  • Patent number: 7189188
    Abstract: In an automatic transmission including a forward clutch and a lockup clutch of a torque converter which are provided on a driving-power transmitting path between an engine and a driving wheel, a vehicle driving condition is classified into a plurality of regions and an associated slip control between the forward clutch and the lockup clutch is executed. Accordingly, both of improvements of gas mileage and drivability can be attained at a high level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Nobumoto, Tatsuya Uesugi
  • Patent number: 7172523
    Abstract: A continuously-variable-ratio drive, having an input shaft; a flywheel integral with the input shaft; a drive pulley idle with respect to the input shaft and defined by two half-pulleys defining a groove of variable size for a V belt; and a centrifugal control assembly. The control assembly has a centrifugal actuating device which intervenes above a first threshold value of the angular speed of the input shaft to connect the drive pulley angularly to the flywheel by means of a friction clutch; and a speed adjusting device which is active over a second threshold value of the angular speed of the input shaft to adjust the size of the groove of the drive pulley and therefore the work diameter of the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Lombardini S.R.L. A Socio Unico
    Inventor: Gianni Borghi
  • Patent number: 6961647
    Abstract: Friction clutches 203, 204 and engaging clutches 19, 20, 21 are arranged between an input shaft and an output shaft of a gear type transmission having a plurality of gear trains. A power train unit 100 controls an output shaft torque and an input rotation speed of the transmission during changing speed by estimating or detecting input a torque to the transmission, and detecting an output rotation speed of the transmission, and setting a target shift torque during shifting gear, and setting a command value to the friction clutches 203 and 204 from the target shift torque and the input torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuo Matsumura, Naoyuki Ozaki, Kinya Fujimoto, Hiroshi Kuroiwa, Takashi Okada, Toshimichi Minowa
  • Patent number: 6871128
    Abstract: A speed change control method of controlling a speed change ratio of a continuously variable transmission mechanism including a traction continuously variable transmission, includes: estimating a tilt angle of a power roller included in the continuously variable transmission based on an input rotating speed and an output rotating speed of the continuously-variable transmission mechanism; estimating a position of the power roller based on an estimated tilt angle obtained by the tilt angle estimating step and a command signal given to a driving device of adjusting the tilt angle of the power roller; and executing a feedback control operation based on an estimated position of the power roller obtained by the position estimating step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yukinobu Kouno, Masaaki Uenishi, Kenichi Nakashima, Tatsuhiko Goi, Koji Kawakami
  • Publication number: 20040040810
    Abstract: This system comprises an engine 1, a transmission device 4, a clutch 3 for engaging/disengaging the engine 1 with/from the transmission device 4, a rotational electric device 2, a power transmission mechanism 5 for inputting the rotation of the rotational electric device 2 to the transmission device, and an accumulator element 7 for accumulating electrical power supplied by the rotational electric device 2. A control unit 20 determines a gear change instruction for the transmission device 4, and if gear change instruction is determined, it disengages the clutch 3, and controls the rotation of the rotational electric device 2 in such a manner that the rotational speed of the input shaft of the transmission device becomes a target rotational speed required for a gear changing operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventors: Ikurou Notsu, Akihito Okazaki, Masakazu Sasaki, Shougo Nishikawa, Mistuhiro Nishina, Hideaki Gouda
  • Patent number: 6659902
    Abstract: A multi-gear, manual transmission, especially for utility vehicles, with at least partially automatized gear shifting or with a manual gear shift, in which the gear synchronization is carried out by motor guidance and wherein the transmission possesses a forward shift-group, a main-shift-group and a post shift-group, whereby the pre-shift-group is designed as a planetary gear set (2P) and a support member of the planetary gear set is constructed as a friction brake, which is active in the slow gear-shift position and thereby assumes the function of a start-up clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Friedrich J. Ehrlinger
  • Patent number: 6647332
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling the pressure of an actuating fluid flowing through an inching clutch. The invention includes the steps of determining an actual pressure of the actuating fluid, establishing an inching pressure threshold, comparing the actual pressure with the threshold, and controlling the actual pressure in response to the comparison. In one embodiment, the pressure is controlled using a first control algorithm in response to the fluid pressure being less than an inching threshold, and using a second control algorithm in response to the pressure being greater than or equal to the inching threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: James D. Esterby, Jeffrey T. Ryan, Douglas L. Sloan
  • Patent number: 6553857
    Abstract: A method of controlling a hydraulic actuation system for an automated transmission system including, a hydraulic clutch actuator for controlling engagement of a clutch, a gear engagement actuator for controlling engagement of a gear, the gear engagement actuator being in the form of a double acting ram having first and second working chambers acting on opposite sides of a piston, a main control valve, the main control valve selectively connecting the clutch actuator and/or the gear engagement actuator to an accumulator or to a reservoir; a gear engagement control valve selectively connecting the first and second working chambers of the gear engagement actuator to the main control valve or to the reservoir; an electrically driven pump being provided to charge the spring accumulator, the pressure of fluid in the system being controlled by switching of the pump and connection of the clutch actuator to the accumulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventor: Christian Spörl
  • Patent number: 6478702
    Abstract: The drive assembly has: an input member and an intermediate shaft; an axial clutch device for connecting the input member and the intermediate shaft in rotary manner; and a pulley connected in rotary manner to the intermediate shaft and defined by two half-pulleys movable axially with respect to each other and engaging a drive belt, the distance between the half-pulleys determining the winding radius of the belt. A push member, movable axially, along the intermediate shaft, between two limit positions, exerts thrust on the two half-pulleys to determine, in direct relation with its own axial position, the axial distance between the two half-pulleys, and alternatively exerts thrust on the clutch device to release the clutch device when moved axially in the direction increasing the distance between the half-pulleys. A control device is also provided to vary, on command, the axial position of the push member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Lombardini S.r.l.
    Inventors: Gianni Borghi, Giorgio Bordini
  • Publication number: 20020017440
    Abstract: The drive assembly has: an input member and an intermediate shaft; an axial clutch device for connecting the input member and the intermediate shaft in rotary manner; and a pulley connected in rotary manner to the intermediate shaft and defined by two half-pulleys movable axially with respect to each other and engaging a drive belt, the distance between the half-pulleys determining the winding radius of the belt. A push member, movable axially, along the intermediate shaft, between two limit positions, exerts thrust on the two half-pulleys to determine, in direct relation with its own axial position, the axial distance between the two half-pulleys, and alternatively exerts thrust on the clutch device to release the clutch device when moved axially in the direction increasing the distance between the half-pulleys. A control device is also provided to vary, on command, the axial position of the push member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Applicant: LOMBARDINI S.R.L.
    Inventors: Gianni Borghi, Giorgio Bordini
  • Publication number: 20010042363
    Abstract: An interlock system for use with a cutting assembly of a lawn tractor is disclosed. The interlock system automatically disengages the cutting assembly when the lawn tractor is shifted into a reverse mode and automatically re-engages the cutter assembly when the lawn tractor is subsequently shifted into a non-reverse mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Applicant: White Consolidated Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Tracy Walters
  • Publication number: 20010020565
    Abstract: The invention relates to a transmission for a self-propelled engine of the type comprising an endless transmission (1) with a belt (2) between a driving pulley (3) and a driven pulley (4) carried by the input shaft (5) of a clutch engaging mechanism (7) whose output shaft (6) is coupled to the wheels (20) of the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Publication date: September 13, 2001
    Inventor: Robert Blanchard
  • Patent number: 6224506
    Abstract: The present invention is a control apparatus for an implement transmission. The transmission is operably coupled to a plurality of driven mechanisms for providing a driving power from a prime mover to the plurality of driven mechanisms. A shift assembly has a first and a second actuator apparatus. The first actuator apparatus is operably coupled to the transmission for selectively controlling the transmission of a driving power to at least a first driven mechanism, and the second actuator apparatus is operably coupled to the transmission for selectively controlling the transmission of a driving power to at least a second driven mechanism. The second actuator apparatus has a biasing apparatus for exerting a variable, selective bias on the transmission. A clutch for selectively engaging and disengaging a prime mover and the transmission has a rotatable stop member and an idler-stop assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: H & S Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Peeters, Arthur G. Erdman
  • Patent number: 6196367
    Abstract: A power transmission apparatus of a working machine transmits power of an engine to a drive wheel through a drive pulley, a belt, a driven pulley, an input shaft and a clutch. The driven pulley has a movable sheave fitted to the input shaft so as to rotate and move in the axial direction, and a fixed sheave fixed to the input shaft. When the clutch disconnects the movable sheave moves away from the fixed sheave, and when the clutch connects the movable sheave moves toward the fixed sheave. The engine power can be transmitted gradually avoiding abrupt transmission when the clutch connects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Jitsumi Hanabusa, Yoshitaka Ohta
  • Patent number: 6188943
    Abstract: An integrated control system for both an electronically-controlled engine and a steplessly variable automatic transmission, comprises a speed-change ratio arithmetic processing section for calculating the speed-change ratio as a ratio of the transmission input speed to the transmission output speed, a target driving torque arithmetic processing section for retrieving a target driving torque, based on both the accelerator operating amount and the vehicle speed, from a first predetermined characteristic map, and a target speed-change ratio arithmetic processing section for retrieving a target speed-change ratio, based on both the accelerator operating amount and the vehicle speed, from a second predetermined characteristic map. Also provided is a target engine output torque arithmetic processing section for calculating a target engine output torque, based on all of the target driving torque, the speed-change ratio, and a speed ratio of the transmission input speed to the engine speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaaki Uchida, Shusaku Katakura, Katsuhiko Tsuchiya, Hideaki Watanabe