Pressure Regulation Patents (Class 475/127)
  • Patent number: 11052904
    Abstract: When starting a skip downshift, a controller for an automatic transmission disengages two or more engagement elements that are in an engaged state. The disengaging two or more engagement elements includes setting a first engagement element, which is one of the two or more engagement elements that are disengaged and is used to form an intermediate gear stage having a lower transmission ratio than a post-shifting gear stage, to an engagement preparation state that maintains a state immediately before the engaged state. Subsequently, the controller engages a second engagement element, which is used to form both the intermediate gear stage and the post-shifting gear stage, and temporarily increases engagement pressure of the first engagement element. The controller disengages the first engagement element and engages a third engagement element, which is used to form the post-shifting gear stage, to form the post-shifting gear stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Chimbe, Keisuke Ota, Yuji Kajiyama, Daiki Fukuda, Kazuki Imanishi, Takuma Sugino
  • Patent number: 10670142
    Abstract: A hybrid module configured for arrangement in the torque path upstream from a transmission and downstream from an internal combustion engine includes an electric motor including a stator and a rotor rotatable within the stator, and a torque converter including a cover, an impeller and a turbine. The cover includes a pump drive configured for driving a fluid pump of the transmission. The torque converter includes a bypass clutch configured for frictionally drivingly connecting the cover to the impeller in an engaged orientation and for frictionally drivingly disconnecting the cover from the impeller in a disengaged orientation, the cover being non-rotatably fixed to rotor. The hybrid module also includes a connect/disconnect clutch having a clutch output non-rotatably fixed to the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Matthew Payne
  • Patent number: 10302193
    Abstract: A method of controlling an automatic transmission is provided. The automatic transmission includes a piston having first and second surfaces opposite from each other, friction plates, engaging and disengaging hydraulic pressure chambers for supplying/discharging hydraulic pressure and directing the piston to push the friction plates to be engaged and disengaged, a hydraulic pressure control valve for supplying/discharging hydraulic pressure to/from the chambers, and first and second oil paths communicating the valve with the chambers. The second surface has a larger area for receiving hydraulic pressure than the first surface. The method includes controlling the disengaged friction plates to be engaged by adjusting the hydraulic pressure to a first pressure in a first period in response to a gear shift command and adjusting the hydraulic pressure to a second pressure in a second period. The first pressure is changed depending on a state of the automatic transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Yutaro Fukuda, Manabu Sasahara, Tadashi Saito, Tomohiro Kubo
  • Patent number: 10267411
    Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for a transmission includes a friction element that engages or disengages an operating element of the transmission, a pump that pumps oil to form preliminary pressure that allows the friction element to be maintained in a standby state in which the friction element is ready to operate, and a direct control valve that receives the oil that has passed through the pump and adjusts the preliminary pressure to form operating pressure that allows the friction element to operate, when operating the friction element. The friction element includes a hydraulic chamber into which the oil is introduced, a first supply hole through which the oil that has passed through the pump is supplied to the hydraulic chamber, and a second supply hole through which the oil that has passed through the direct control valve is supplied to the hydraulic chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: June Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 10260621
    Abstract: When an input torque becomes greater by a predetermined value or more due to an operation of increasing an amount of accelerator depression amount or the like during a gear shift, a controller for an automatic transmission updates a target gear shift characteristic value to a target gear shift characteristic value which is set when the gear shift is started with the input torque based on the input torque at the updating time, and performs gear shift control from a degree of progress in gear shift at the updating time based on the updated target gear shift characteristic value. Since the target gear shift characteristic value can be changed with respect to an increase in the input torque during the gear shift by this control, it is possible to prevent a decrease in durability of frictional engagement elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Keisuke Ota, Ayumu Sagawa, Tomoya Iwami
  • Patent number: 10221943
    Abstract: When a power-on downshift via an intermediate shift stage accompanied by input switching control is required and a predetermined shift stage is a shift stage lower than the intermediate shift stage, an electronic control unit performs torque phase control in a torque phase control time shorter than the torque phase control time that is set when the predetermined shift stage is a shift stage higher than the intermediate shift stage. Accordingly, it is possible to complete disengagement of a disengagement-side element early and to suppress a rapid increase of an input shaft rotation speed due to a clutch torque remaining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Keisuke Ota, Ayumu Sagawa, Tomoya Iwami
  • Patent number: 10077833
    Abstract: A fluid pressure control circuit for a transmission, includes plural electromagnetic valves each switching one of engagement elements between an engaged state and a disengaged state, plural passages configured to connect the engagement elements to a fluid pressure source, a first electromagnetic valve corresponding to one of the electromagnetic valves and switching one of the engagement elements between the engaged and disengaged states, a second electromagnetic valve corresponding to another of the electromagnetic valves and switching another of the engagement elements between the engaged and disengaged states, and a shut-off valve, when the first electromagnetic valve and the second electromagnetic valve are open, closing the passages among the first electromagnetic valve, the engagement elements switched by the first electromagnetic valve and the fluid pressure source with the use of the fluid pressure to establish a closed state, and maintaining the closed state with the use of the fluid pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Eiji Sugiura, Noriyoshi Kondoh
  • Patent number: 9796477
    Abstract: An air compressing system is provided that includes a compressor configured to compressor air. An engine is operatively connected to the compressor. Further, an infinitely variable transmission is operatively connected between the engine and the compressor. A first shaft operatively connects the engine to the infinitely variable transmission and is configured to rotate at a first speed and a second shaft operatively connects the infinitely variable transmission to the compressor and is configured to rotate at a second speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Harold W. Hipsky, Gregory L. DeFrancesco
  • Patent number: 9677655
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle driving device includes: a first differential mechanism connected to an engine and transmitting a rotation of the engine; a second differential mechanism connecting the first differential mechanism and a drive wheel; engagement devices changing a speed of the first differential mechanism; and a valve arranged in a hydraulic circuit and regulating the engagement devices from simultaneously engaging. The second differential mechanism includes a first rotation element connected to an output element of the first differential mechanism, a second rotation element connected to a first rotating machine, and a third rotation element connected to a second rotating machine and the drive wheel. The valve regulates the engagement devices from simultaneously engaging at a time of traveling with the engine, and tolerates the engagement devices from simultaneously engaging at a time of traveling with the first rotating machine and the second rotating machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tooru Matsubara, Kenta Kumazaki, Tatsuya Imamura, Takeshi Kitahata, Yasuhiro Hiasa, Atsushi Tabata
  • Patent number: 9631720
    Abstract: A method is provided for reducing the reaction time of an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle, the vehicle having a hydraulic control unit with a pressure regulator, from an engine stop of an automatic start-stop mechanism. The oil volume that is still present in the hydraulic control unit (HCU) of the transmission prior to the stopping of the internal combustion engine is used for the supply of oil for the actuation of the shifting elements of the transmission upon an engine start.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Michael Sohler, Thilo Schmidt, Thomas Raab
  • Patent number: 9546730
    Abstract: A hydraulic control device is provided with a solenoid valve, a pressure regulating valve, a switching valve, and a control unit. The control unit, when shifting from a first shift speed to a second shift speed, causes a first signal pressure to be input to an oil chamber of the switching valve with the pressure regulating valve, and presses a valving element to a first input port side to be locked at a blocking position at which communication between the first input port and an output port is blocked at least until a third engagement element is brought into an engaged state from a disengaged state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kutsubo, Kazuki Kojima, Koji Makino, Yoshimitsu Hyodo, Kenichi Tsuchida
  • Patent number: 9482338
    Abstract: When a user performs an operation to switch from a forward range to a reverse range, an ECU switches an oil passage (referred to hereafter as a “B2 pressure supply source oil passage”), through which oil pressure is supplied to a brake, from a first oil passage to a second oil passage while engaging the same brake. At this time, in consideration of a response delay in the oil pressure in the second oil passage, the ECU switches the B2 pressure supply source oil passage from the first oil passage to the second oil passage after a predetermined time ? elapses from the point at which the user performs the forward-reverse switch operation (in other words, after waiting for the oil pressure in the second oil passage to reach a threshold pressure) rather than at the point at which the user performs the forward-reverse switch operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hideharu Nohara, Toshio Sugimura, Tooru Matsubara, Koichi Okuda, Kota Fujii, Kazuyuki Noda, Kousuke Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9200705
    Abstract: In an automotive servo-assisted mechanical transmission, an electro-hydraulic actuation group has an actuation unit, a power unit able to provide hydraulic pressure to the actuation unit and an electronic control unit, the actuation and power units being equipped with respective components that are all mounted on a hydraulic casing of the actuation unit so as to define with one another a single assembly structurally separated from the electronic control unit, at least part of the components being equipped with respective electrical connectors that are arranged in a manner such that they can all be engaged by a same multiple electrical connector device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: C.R.F. Società Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Marco Garabello, Andrea Piazza
  • Patent number: 9140312
    Abstract: A hydraulic control device configured with a source pressure generation section, a hydraulic servo for a clutch provided between an engine and a motor, a control solenoid valve that outputs a regulated source pressure to the hydraulic servo, and a switching section that switches a hydraulic passage, which extends between the source pressure generation section and the hydraulic servo to supply the engagement pressure, between a first and second state in which the hydraulic passage has a high conduit resistance compared to the first state at least until the clutch is engaged. The switching section switches the hydraulic passage into the second state during a failure in which the control solenoid valve is de-energized and the source pressure is directly supplied to the hydraulic servo as the engagement pressure, and switches the hydraulic passage into the first state during normal times when the failure does not occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignees: AISIN AW CO., LTD., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kensuke Wada, Yuhei Yoshioka, Tetsuya Yamaguchi, Daiki Suyama, Yuji Inoue, Yukihiko Ideshio, Toshihiko Kamiya
  • Patent number: 9028355
    Abstract: A control apparatus for an automatic transmission including three frictional engagement elements is configured to set engagement pressures of first and second frictional engagement elements at the time when a predetermined shift speed is established such that a torque capacity of a third frictional engagement element becomes smaller than torque capacities of the first and second frictional engagement elements in the case where an engagement pressure is generated in the third frictional engagement element at the time when the predetermined shift speed is established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masakazu Owatari, Nobutada Saitou, Shinei Takata
  • Patent number: 9020740
    Abstract: A system includes a sump, a pump having a steady-state speed, a fluid component that receives the fluid from the fluid pump, and a controller. The controller detects a soak condition of the system in which the pump load is low as fluid is moved into vacated fluid passages. The steady-state speed of the pump is temporarily increased by adding a calibrated overspeed value to the steady-state speed, for a calibrated duration. The controller reduces the pump speed to the steady-state speed after the calibrated duration has elapsed. A method includes detecting the soak condition and temporarily increasing the steady-state speed via the controller by adding the calibrated overspeed value to the steady-state speed, for a calibrated duration, when the soak condition is detected. A control system includes a processor and storage medium having instructions embodying the method, with detection of the soak condition provided via measurement of fluid temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: John J. Koenig, Terry S Johnecheck, Robert E. Rhein
  • Patent number: 9009941
    Abstract: It is intended to make it possible to, even in a situation where a program and/or data to be written to a memory device of an electronic control unit provided in an automatic transmission become different in content, depending on a specification of a vehicle to be mounted with the automatic transmission, manage the electronic control unit while distinguishing only by a difference in hardware configurations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiro Mitani, Keiichiro Sueshige, Tsuyoshi Kiyooka
  • Patent number: 8989970
    Abstract: There is disclosed a continuously variable ratio transmission assembly (“variator”) comprising a roller which transmits drive between a pair of races, the roller being movable in accordance with changes in variator ratio, a hydraulic actuator which applies a biasing force to the roller, at least one valve connected to the actuator through a hydraulic line to control pressure applied to the actuator and so to control the biasing force, and an electronic control which determines the required biasing force and sets the valve accordingly, wherein the valve setting is additionally dependent upon a rate of flow in the hydraulic line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Torotrak (Development) Limited
    Inventor: Stephen William Murray
  • Patent number: 8960232
    Abstract: A latch valve includes a first port containing line pressure, a second port containing control pressure, a third port located between the first and second ports, alternately connecting the first and second ports to a transmission control element, and a fourth port containing control pressure that tends to close the second port and open the first port in opposition to a spring force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Robert O. Burkhart, John Butwin, Derek Kinch, Hrudaya Mahapatro, Wei Zhuang, Anthony Koenings
  • Publication number: 20150038276
    Abstract: A transmission system for a transfer case can change a high range mode to a low range mode without a shifting shock even while a vehicle is traveling at a constant speed. The transmission system includes a hydraulic system including a hydraulic circuit and a hydraulic cylinder connected to the hydraulic circuit and receiving a hydraulic pressure from a hydraulic pressure source. The transmission system further includes a clutch piston apparatus mounted on a housing of the transfer case and including a clutch piston receiving a hydraulic pressure from the hydraulic pressure source. An operating rod of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to a shift sleeve, and the clutch piston of the clutch piston apparatus is connected to the ring gear of the planetary gear assembly to make the ring gear not rotate according to the operation of the clutch piston supplied with the hydraulic pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: Kyu Won Lee
  • Patent number: 8932167
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a transmission of a motor vehicle includes a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid that communicates with an analog electronic transmission range selection (ETRS) subsystem or a manual valve. The ETRS subsystem includes an ETRS valve, a park servo, a park mechanism, a mode valve, and a plurality of solenoids. The ETRS and manual valve communicate with a clutch actuator subsystem that engages a one-way clutch and six clutches/brakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Todd R. Berger, Christopher G. Benson, John E. Marano
  • Patent number: 8840505
    Abstract: A system for controlling a transmission fluid circuit includes a lube circuit, a source of control pressure, a first valve for engaging and disengaging a control element whose engagement produces desired forward gears, and a control valve, responsive to control pressure, that alternately connects the lube circuit to a sump and disconnects fluid feed to the first valve, and disconnects the lube circuit from the sump and feeds fluid to the first valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Steven A. Frait
  • Patent number: 8795119
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body having an input in selective communication with an output, a latching piston disposed within the valve body, a balance spring disposed between the latching piston and the valve body, and a valve piston disposed within the valve body. The input communicates with the output when the valve piston is in a first position and the input does not communicate with the output when the valve piston is in a second position. A diaphragm spring is disposed between the latching piston and the valve piston. A holding spring is disposed between the valve piston and the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Paul G. Otanez, Craig S. Ross
  • Patent number: 8771121
    Abstract: An assembly includes a valve body having an inlet in selective communication with an outlet and having an unlatch port, a latching piston disposed within the valve body, a balance spring disposed between the latching piston and the valve body, and a valve piston disposed within the valve body. The inlet communicates with the outlet when the valve piston is in a first position and the inlet does not communicate with the outlet when the valve piston is in a second position. A diaphragm spring is disposed between the latching piston and the valve piston. A holding spring is disposed between the valve piston and the valve body. An unlatching mechanism is in communication with the unlatch port of the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Paul G. Otanez, Craig S. Ross
  • Patent number: 8734282
    Abstract: A method of operating at least one form-locking shifting element of an automatic transmission integrated in a drivetrain which comprises an oil pump that can be driven mechanically by an internal combustion engine and an auxiliary oil pump that can be electrically driven, before start-up of the internal combustion engine. The method including the steps of recognizing the start-up of the combustion engine and, when a start-up of the combustion engine is recognized, controlling the electrically driven auxiliary oil pump and the at least one form-locking shifting element such that, directly after the generation of a defined rotational speed difference of the at least one form-locking shifting element by the internal combustion engine, the at least one form-locking shifting element is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Ruben Cuppers, Thilo Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8651990
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for actuating at least one torque transmitting device in a transmission includes a sump, a pump in communication with the sump, and an accumulator. A first control device and a second control device control the communication of hydraulic fluid between the pump, the accumulator, and the torque transmitting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Steven P. Moorman, Peter Donald Bock
  • Patent number: 8636614
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for actuating at least one torque transmitting device in a transmission includes a sump, a pump in communication with the sump, and an accumulator. A first control device and a second control device control the communication of hydraulic fluid between the pump, the accumulator, and the torque transmitting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Steven P. Moorman, Peter Donald Bock
  • Patent number: 8613681
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system in a transmission includes a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid and a compensator valve in communication with the source of pressurized hydraulic fluid and a torque transmitting device. The compensator valve is operable to allow communication of the hydraulic fluid from the source of pressurized hydraulic fluid to the torque transmitting device to release the torque transmitting device. A regulation valve is in communication with the source of pressurized hydraulic fluid and the torque transmitting device. The regulation valve is moveable between a first position that prevents the hydraulic fluid from communicating with the torque transmitting device and a second position that allows the hydraulic fluid to communicate with the torque transmitting device to engage the torque transmitting device. An override feature is operable to prevent the compensator valve from communicating the hydraulic fluid to the torque transmitting device when the torque transmitting device is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Sowards, Brian W. Whitmarsh
  • Patent number: 8591366
    Abstract: An automatic transmission damper mechanism provided between a first hydraulic passage (23) to which an oil (L) is supplied and a second hydraulic passage (24) from which the oil (L) is supplied to a friction element (18) has: a container (8) provided between the first and second hydraulic passages (23, 24); a slide member (11) provided in the container (8) such that it can slide therein; and an elastic member (9) provided between an inner face of the container (8) and the slide member (11). The container (8) has a pressure chamber (28) defined by an inner face of the container (8) and the slide member (11) and communicating with a branch hydraulic passage (25) branching from the first hydraulic passage (23), and the slide member (11) has a communication hole (15) through which the first and second hydraulic passages (23, 24) are placed in communication by the elastic member (9) contracting under the pressure of the oil (L) supplied into the pressure chamber (28) through the branch hydraulic passage (25).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshikazu Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20130296092
    Abstract: A rotating clutch operably disposed between two rotating components includes a hydraulic operator having a piston and, on one side of the piston, an apply chamber or cavity and, on the opposite side of the piston, a balance chamber or cavity. The apply chamber is selectively provided with pressurized hydraulic fluid to engage and release the clutch to couple and de-couple the two rotating components. The balance chamber is provided with a flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid from the transmission lubrication system that flows through the transmission main shaft and flow restricting passages to the balance chamber. An exhaust port downstream of the balance chamber releases excess hydraulic fluid flow. Thus, whether, the clutch is rotating or not, hydraulic pressure is maintained in the balance chamber and proper clutch operation is assured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Kevin C. Beckner, Michael D. Foster
  • Publication number: 20130296093
    Abstract: A clutch latching system is provided for latching and draining a torque transmitting mechanism. The latching clutch control system may include a latching valve, a release valve, and an accumulator. The clutch latching system may include a clutch feed channel configured to provide hydraulic fluid from a pressurized source to a torque transmitting device when the torque transmitting device is engaged and the engine is running. A latching valve connects the clutch feed channel to the torque transmitting device. The latching valve is configured to selectively trap pressurized hydraulic fluid within the torque transmitting device. A hydraulic pressure storage circuit configured to selectively provide pressurized hydraulic fluid to the latching valve to unlatch the latching valve. A multiple speed transmission is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Craig S. Ross, Paul G. Otanez
  • Patent number: 8522946
    Abstract: A hydraulic control device that controls a hydraulic pressure to be supplied to a hydraulic servo for a hydraulically driven friction engagement element in an automatic transmission that changes between shift speeds by switching an engagement state of the friction engagement element. The control device configured with a switching mechanism that allows communication between oil passage for a first pressure regulation mechanism and the oil passage for a hydraulic servo and blocking communication between an oil passage for the second pressure regulation mechanism and the oil passage for the hydraulic servo when the signal pressure is not input to the signal pressure input oil passage, and blocking communication between the oil passage for the first pressure regulation mechanism and the oil passage for the hydraulic servo and allowing communication between the oil passage for the second pressure regulation mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Shimizu, Masamichi Yamaguchi, Kenichi Tsuchida, Naoyuki Fukaya, Kazunori Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 8517877
    Abstract: A hydraulic control apparatus including a gain switch section switching a gain of a line pressure adjustment valve between a first range gain that is less than 1 and a second range gain that is greater than or equal to 1, and a source pressure switching valve switching a source pressure for a working pressure adjustment valve that outputs the control pressure for the line pressure adjustment valve between the line pressure and a modulator pressure is disclosed. The source pressure switching valve switches the source pressure for the working pressure adjustment valve to the line pressure when the gain switching section switches the gain of the line pressure adjustment valve to the first range gain, and switches the source pressure for the working pressure adjustment valve to the modulator pressure when the gain switching section switches the gain of the line pressure adjustment valve to the second range gain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomomi Ishikawa, Tetsuya Shimizu, Kazunori Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 8515635
    Abstract: A method and system provides a Brake Transmission Shift Interlock Override mode in a vehicle including a shift-by-wire transmission. With power applied and ignition on, a driver will press and hold an override switch for a calibrated time. While the override switch is pressed, the driver presses a non-Park button for another calibrated time. The result will be that the vehicle is placed in the selected range wherein the transmission will not automatically shift to Park upon detecting a triggering event. The driver is able to shift the vehicle from Park, even if an electrical failure prevents the transmission from shifting out of Park. As such the vehicle can be driven until the failure is serviced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Todd Curtis Spaulding, Brian J Deurloo, Mark Edward Zyskowski, Richard Reynolds Hathaway, Jeffrey James Turnavitch, Christopher Lee Danks, David Spuller, Charles C Poon, Matthew Luke Fyie
  • Patent number: 8449422
    Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle with a clutch and/or a brake which is hydraulically actuated by a cylinder and a piston actuator. A pressure chamber is located between the cylinder and the piston and a hydraulic pressure medium flows into the pressure chamber via an inlet. The pressure medium is supplied to the pressure chamber via a component fixed on the housing, a rotary passage between the fixed component and the rotatable component and then via the rotatable component. The radial distance of the radial middle of the rotary passage is larger than the smallest radial distance and smaller than the largest radial distance of the pressure chamber from the rotation axis of a central shaft of the automatic transmission. The radial arrangement of the rotary passage, between the radially smallest and largest diameters of the pressure chamber, neutralizes centrifugally generated forces on the pressure medium in the pressure chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Horst Roegner, Gabor Diosi
  • Patent number: 8435148
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a transmission includes a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid that communicates with an electronic transmission range selection (ETRS) subsystem. The ETRS subsystem includes an ETRS valve, a park mechanism, first and second mode valve assemblies, a latch valve assembly, and a plurality of solenoids. The ETRS subsystem is configured to provide desired operating conditions during a plurality of potential failure conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Steven P. Moorman
  • Patent number: 8348797
    Abstract: A transmission includes two blocking valves that control fluid pressure to a plurality of clutches. The blocking valves are characterized by a plurality of states that result in at least three transmission operating conditions. Each of the three operating conditions is characterized by fluid pressure being unavailable to a respective one of the plurality of clutches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Foster, Jy-Jen F. Sah, Peter E. Wu
  • Patent number: 8308612
    Abstract: A drive unit that includes a solenoid device that includes: a solenoid section having a movable portion that abuts on a case to arrive at an initial state when de-energized; a pump section axially sliding in association with a movement of the movable portion by an electromagnetic force of the solenoid section and pumping a hydraulic fluid by reciprocation; and an elastic member biasing the pump section in a direction counter to the electromagnetic force of the solenoid section; and a control unit that controls the solenoid device so that a current applied to the solenoid section is repeatedly increased and decreased between an upper limit value and a lower limit value that is greater than 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Aisin Aw Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Shimizu, Kenichi Tsuchida, Akitomo Suzuki, Kazunori Ishikawa, Kazuhiko Kato
  • Patent number: 8292771
    Abstract: A hydraulic control apparatus of an automatic transmission including a switching portion which, at the same time as a reverse range pressure oil passage and a discharge delay oil passage which delays an oil pressure output are connected, causes the reverse range pressure oil passage and discharge delay oil passage, by switching between the two, in order to communicate with a hydraulic servo. The switching portion causes the hydraulic servo and discharge delay oil passage to communicate when a manual valve is switched to an N range, and causes the hydraulic servo and reverse range pressure oil passage to communicate when the manual valve (MV) is switched to a D range or an R range. Because of this arrangement, it is difficult for oil, when discharged from the hydraulic servo, to drain at an R-N switching time, and it is easy for oil to drain in the D range or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Shimizu, Yoshimitsu Hyodo, Satoshi Nishio, Kazuki Kojima, Kazunori Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 8210976
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a automatic transmission includes a plurality of solenoids and valves in fluid communication with a plurality of shift actuators. The shift actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Selective activation of combinations of the solenoids allows for a pressurized fluid to activate at least one of the shift actuators. The solenoids are configured to provide a forward gear ratio and a reverse gear ratio when the solenoids are deengerized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Zhe Xie, Bret M. Olson, Robert L. Moses, Vijay A. Neelakantan
  • Patent number: 8192326
    Abstract: Rotation-stop determining portion queries as to whether the first rotary element is lowered in a rotation speed to be stopped during an engine drive mode. If the answer is YES and differential-portion rotation speed determining portion makes a positive determination, then engaging-element control-executing portion executes engaging element control. This allows a third rotary element of the differential portion, connected to drive wheels via an engaging element of an automatic shifting portion, to approach a state available to freewheel. This prevents a second rotary element and a first electric motor from reaching high-speed rotations caused by a decrease in rotation speed of the first rotary element in a stop direction and a differential action of the differential portion. This enables the prevention of a durability decrease of a power distributing mechanism and the first electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenta Kumazaki, Tooru Matsubara, Atsushi Tabata, Masakazu Kaifuku
  • Patent number: 8192318
    Abstract: An automatic transmission is disclosed that includes a clutch pressure control module housing having therein: (1) a plurality of solenoid valves, each of the solenoid valves configured to receive an input of the pressurized hydraulic fluid and to provide a variable output pressure of pressurized hydraulic fluid in response to an electric control signal; (2) means for sensing output pressure from each of the solenoid valves of the plurality of solenoid valves; and (3) electronic control means configured to generate electric control signals to one or more of the solenoid valves of the plurality of solenoid valves in response to (i) a clutch pressure command signal or a solenoid pressure command signal, and (ii) a solenoid output pressure signal from the means for sensing output pressure. The solenoid valves provide hydraulic control signals to clutch hydraulic pressure control valves, which in turn provide hydraulic power to clutch actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Duane Z. Collins, Andrew D. Herman, Michael A. Kozan, Quan Zheng
  • Patent number: 8100803
    Abstract: An electrically variable transmission (EVT) selectively establishes various EVT modes and a neutral mode. The EVT includes a source of pressurized fluid, fluid-actuated clutches, various solenoid-actuated valves including trim valves and blocking valves adapted to control a flow of pressurized fluid to the clutches to establish the transmission operating modes, and an electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU actuates different combinations of the solenoid-actuated valves to establish the different transmission modes. The solenoid-actuated valves are configured in such a manner as to provide the EVT with one or more default operating modes in the event the ECU temporarily loses electrical power. Depending on the particular configuration, the default modes can be the neutral mode alone, or the neutral mode combined with one or more of the EVT modes, with the EVT modes enabled by providing one or both of the blocking valves with a latching feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Foster, Jy-Jen F. Sah, Peter E. Wu
  • Patent number: 8033956
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system of a friction device where fail-safe is required is provided with one oil pressure switch and one pressure changeover valve. The pressure changeover valve is switched by auxiliary oil pressure based on an operation of the oil pressure control valve. When an auxiliary port communicates with an input port and the pressure changeover valve is switched to the filling determination side, the oil pressure switch is turned on and “filling determination” can be carried out. When the auxiliary port is disconnected from the input port, the pressure changeover valve is switched to the fail-safe determination side. The oil pressure switch is supplied with the same driving oil pressure as of the friction device and “fail-safe determination” can be carried out from the on/off state of the oil pressure switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Kyohei Takahashi, Akira Takagi
  • Patent number: 7993231
    Abstract: A hydraulic control device for an automatic transmission includes a first solenoid valve, a second solenoid valve, a third solenoid valve, a preliminary shift speed switching valve, and a hydraulic pressure supply switching valve. A second friction engagement element is engaged at high speed side shift speeds, a low speed that is one of low speed side shift speeds is achieved by engagement of a first friction engagement element and a third friction engagement element, and a high speed that is one of the high speed side shift speeds is achieved by engagement of a second friction engagement element and the third friction engagement element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Shimizu, Kenichi Tsuchida, Akitomo Suzuki, Kazunori Ishikawa, Masamichi Yamaguchi, Satoshi Nishio
  • Patent number: 7987956
    Abstract: A transmission ECU calculates a differential rotation, which is the rotational speed difference between a friction plate and a separator plate, when it is determined that a second brake is not engaged. If it is determined that the differential rotation is equal to or above a predetermined value, the transmission ECU narrows the pack clearance of the second brake. If it is determined that the differential rotation is less than the predetermined value, the transmission ECU widens the pack clearance of the second brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kohei Dodo
  • Publication number: 20110136608
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hydraulic control system of a power train for a hybrid vehicle that allows the power train of a hybrid vehicle to implement all of two or more EV modes, two or more power split modes, and at least three or more fixed-stage modes, with a relatively simple configuration, and achieves satisfactory power performance of the power train and fuel efficiency and reduce the cost of the valve body, remove possibility of malfunction, and implements a limp home function when a controller is broken.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Youngchul Kim, Gwangseob Shin, Jonghyun Kim, Yeonho Kim, Jaeshin Yi
  • Publication number: 20110130237
    Abstract: A manual valve control for a multi-speed vehicle transmission is provided. Electronic and hydraulic components are provided, including trim valve systems that are multiplexed by a shift valve and a manual valve. The trim valves and shift valve are self-diagnosing via a plurality of multiplexed pressure switches. The control enables single and double range shifts among the multiple forward speed ratios, including shifts to and from sixth and higher forward ratios, reverse and neutral. The control also includes a reduced engine load at stop feature. In addition, a power off/limp home feature provides a plurality of failure modes, including a failure mode for sixth and higher forward speed ratios.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, Charles T. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7925407
    Abstract: The adjustment method includes an estimation step in which valve characteristics of the linear solenoid valves fitted to the hydraulic control circuit are measured, and estimated linear valve characteristics of the linear solenoid valves in isolation state are estimated based on the measured valve characteristics using predetermined correlations; and a correction value output step in which estimated linear piston-end pressures of the hydraulically-driven friction engagement elements immediately before the hydraulically-driven friction engagement elements are engaged are calculated based on the estimated linear valve characteristics, and the correction values that are applied to the control command values to adjust the drive currents supplied from the valve control unit to the linear solenoid valves are calculated based on differences between the estimated linear piston-end pressures and nominal piston-end pressures, and then output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masami Kondo, Masaharu Tanaka, Takayuki Kawakami, Naoto Moriya
  • Patent number: 7909729
    Abstract: A control unit for an electric oil pump of the present invention includes: a one-way valve that permits circulation of operating fluid from the electric oil pump to the friction engagement device and blocks circulation in the opposite direction; an accumulator that is connected to a fluid supply path joining the one-way valve to the friction engagement device and accumulates hydraulic pressure required for operating the friction engagement device; a hydraulic pressure measuring device that measures hydraulic pressure inside the fluid supply path; a vehicle speed measuring device that measures a vehicle speed of the vehicle; and a pressure setting device that sets a first predetermined pressure based on the vehicle speed measured by the vehicle speed measuring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masashi Tanaka, Ryo Nishikawa, Hisayoshi Arai