Abstract: A clutch assembly controller monitors initiation points for torque transfer and clutch lockup to determine a clutch engagement rate. Engine output shaft and transmission input shaft speeds are monitored to determine the points at which the torque transfer and clutch lockup begin. These points are stored as reference points and are updated as the clutch wears over time. The clutch engagement rate is also modified over time as the reference points change. Further, the controller utilizes the reference points to approach the desired clutch engagement and disengagement points at a higher rate of speed to optimize responsiveness while automatically changing to a lower rate of speed once operating in the desired region of interest to optimize clutch operating performance and comfort.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission system includes a transmission component that has an engaged condition where torque can be transferred from a vehicle engine to a drive component, and a non-engaged condition where torque is prohibited from being transferred to the drive component. A controller generates control signals to control whether the transmission component is in the engaged or non-engaged condition. The controller also identifies when a vehicle start maneuver is a coast start based on vehicle conditions existing just prior to or during the vehicle start maneuver. When a coast start is identified, the controller generates a control signal to either disengage the transmission component or to maintain the transmission component in the non-engaged condition until engine speed generally matches transmission component speed. The controller can directly control engagement by automatically actuating a movable transmission member or can indirectly control engagement by controlling engine speed.

Abstract: A normally open clutch assembly includes a device holding a centrifugal weight in a position causing axial movement of pressure plates and thereby a clamping force between pressure plates and the friction disks. The clamping force holds the friction disks in a desired aligned position during assembly.

Abstract: A centrifugal clutch assembly includes movable centrifugal weight reaction surfaces that provide for actuation at varying rotational speeds. A radially movable front plate with a ramped surface changes the radial position at which the centrifugal weight begins moving the front plate axially to compress a clamp spring and begin clutch actuation. An axially movable back plate moves axially to change the magnitude of compression caused by axial movement of the front plate. The changes to clamping force corresponding to movement of the reaction surfaces of the centrifugal weight change the rotational speed required to beginning and maintain actuation of the clutch assembly.

Abstract: A transmission system which relates the relative movement of vehicle components to determine the onset of zero relative torque to permit a shift change to be effected at approximately zero relative torque. When a predetermined signature is identified which relates to the onset of zero relative torque the transmission shift controller initiates a shift.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission system includes a transmission component that has an engaged condition where torque can be transferred from a vehicle engine to a drive component, and a non-engaged condition where torque is prohibited from being transferred to the drive component. A controller generates control signals to control whether the transmission component is in the engaged or non-engaged condition. The controller also identifies when a vehicle start maneuver is a coast start based on vehicle conditions existing just prior to or during the vehicle start maneuver. When a coast start is identified, the controller generates a control signal to either disengage the transmission component or to maintain the transmission component in the non-engaged condition until engine speed generally matches transmission component speed. The controller can directly control engagement by automatically actuating a movable transmission member or can indirectly control engagement by controlling engine speed.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission (2) includes a transmission housing (4), a clutch bell housing (6), and lines (20, 22, 36, 38) for a liquid cooling medium and is connected at a junction point to a vehicle engine (26). In the area of the junction point two, first coupling flanges (16, 18) are provided on the clutch bell housing (6), and two second coupling flanges (30, 32) are provided on the vehicle engine (6), which flanges can be joined for the purpose of transferring the cooling medium between the vehicle engine (26) and the vehicle transmission (2).

Abstract: In a shifting device (2) for a multi-step transmission, several shift couplings are arranged one behind another, each with a shifting sleeve, can alternately be engaged in each case, via a shift rocker arm (4, 6, 8, 10), in that first form enclosed elements (30, 32, 34, 36) are arranged on a swivelling and axially movable selector and gearshift shaft (24) in such manner that at predetermined swivel angles of the selector and gearshift shaft (24) in each case only one first form enclosed element (30, 32, 34, 36) cooperates with one second form enclosing element (38, 40, 42, 44) which is arranged on a shift rocker arm (4, 6, 8, 10), and in that via an axial displacement of the selector and gearshift shaft (24), the appropriate shift rocker arm (4) is actuated while during its actuation, the other shift rocker arms (6, 8, 10) are locked in their neutral position by a locking device, the locking device comprises a locking sleeve (66, 74, 82, 86) which is provided on the selector and gearshift shaft (24) for respe

Abstract: In a system for shifting an automatic or automated variable transmission (2) of a vehicle with a voice command device (20) by the driver in which the voice commands given by the driver are compared with reference voice commands stored in a memory (22) and therefrom control signals are formed, in a transmission control (6) the control signals formed form the driver's voice commands are superimposed onto the shift signals calculated by the transmission control (6) in order therefrom to form a shift command of the variable transmission (2) of the vehicle appropriate for the driving situation.