With Clutch Control Patents (Class 477/70)
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Patent number: 8116956Abstract: A method of engaging a clutch within a drive train may include detecting a fault in a clutch engagement data link, selecting an alternative clutch control logic, detecting a value indicative of a rotational speed of a first portion of the clutch and moving a second portion of the clutch based upon the detected value.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2008Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Thomas R. Connolly, Mark E. Hope
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Patent number: 8065063Abstract: A shift-by-speech transmission system with intelligent shifting algorithm allows a driver or a motorcyclist to choose a desired gear by voice command. An intuitive and engaging shift-by-speech technology disclosed in the present invention, called “VoiceShift”, allows the driver or the motorcyclist to switch gears by voice commands. VoiceShift also allows the driver or the motorcyclist to skip-shift gears in non-sequential manner, thereby giving the driver a sense of freedom and excitement similar to a stick-shift manual transmission vehicle. A novel intelligent shifting algorithm of the shift-by-speech transmission system is capable of auto-correcting the driver's judgment error in skip-shifting by engaging a closest mechanically-safe gear to the driver's desired gear issued via voice command.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2008Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Inventor: Samuel Seungmin Cho
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Patent number: 8041489Abstract: A method for controlling a transmission in a motor vehicle during acceleration from an idle condition begins when the vehicle is stationary, the engine is at idle, and the transmission is in the first gear range or ratio. When the vehicle begins to accelerate, the method includes the steps of monitoring the rate of vehicle acceleration and comparing the rate of vehicle acceleration to a rate of vehicle acceleration threshold. If the rate of vehicle acceleration is less than the acceleration threshold, then the transmission allows one of the currently engaged clutches to slip. This clutch slip reduces the torque load on the engine. The method then monitors the engine output speed. If the engine output speed exceeds an engine output speed threshold, then the clutch is fully applied.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2008Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: William J. Wegeng, Peter Edwin Swingler, Edmond M. Etchason, Barry Lewis Ladd
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Patent number: 8041488Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a motion transmission value that provides security of motion transmission between two components that transfer motion through frictional engagement. The motion transmission value provides security of motion transmission through the reaction of the motion transmitted to a change in the contact force between the components that are frictionally engaged. The contact force is modulated in a predetermined frequency range during the motion transmission, and the change in the motion transmitted during the modulation of the contact force is detected. The change in the motion transmitted is evaluated using a filtering process, and the motion transmission value is determined as the result of the evaluation.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2005Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Betelligungs KGInventor: Michael Reuschel
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Publication number: 20110245035Abstract: A normally-engaged clutch is provided having a friction-element with a first side and an opposing second side, a first plate configured for pressing against the friction-element on the first side, and a second plate configured for pressing against the friction-element on the second side. The clutch also includes a biasing device configured to apply a first force to the second plate for pressing the second plate against the friction-element to engage the clutch. Additionally, the clutch includes an apply piston for applying a second force to the first plate, and a release piston for applying a third force to the second plate. The clutch is disengaged when the second plate is pushed away from the friction-element by the third force in the absence of the second force, and is engaged when the first plate is pressed against the friction-element by the second force.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2010Publication date: October 6, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Gary L. Jones, Farzad Samie, Chunhao J. Lee, Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale, Andrew L. Bartos, John I. Manole
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Patent number: 7933707Abstract: A method is proposed for triggering the clutch moment of a clutch of an automated gear in the power train of a vehicle with the creep function activated, where the clutch moment is triggered as a function of the slippage on the clutch and/or as a function of the speed of the vehicle. Furthermore, a device is proposed for triggering the clutch moment of a clutch of an automated gear, in particular, to implement the abovementioned method where at least one control device is provided which triggers the clutch moment as a function of the slippage on the clutch and/or as a function of the speed of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2005Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Reinhard Berger, Thomas Weber
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Method to determine an optimized shift point, in particular upshift point, for a manual transmission
Patent number: 7917267Abstract: In order to determine an optimized upshift point, it is proposed that a control circuit, on the basis of a current engine operating point (TQCUR;N) calculates a new engine operating point (TQNEW; NNEW) produced when shifting up at approximately the same vehicle speed, wherein the current engine operating point is determined as the optimized upshift point if the calculated new engine operating point is below a preset upper torque limit (TQ_MAX_LIM) and is at the same time above a preset lower engine speed limit (N_MIN_x+1) for the higher gear.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2008Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Stefan Aigner, Laurent Bailliard, Gerhard Schopp -
Patent number: 7894969Abstract: A control apparatus includes a torque-boost control portion that boosts torque output from the engine, and corrects the operation amount of an adjustment mechanism that adjusts the amount of air taken into the engine to increase the amount of air during a torque phase when the automatic transmission upshifts; and an inertia-phase determination portion that determines whether an inertia phase has started. The torque-boost control portion includes a torque-boost end control portion that executes a torque-boost end control that gradually decreases a correction amount, by which the operation amount is corrected, to zero when the inertia-phase determination portion determines that the inertia phase has started.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2007Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tomohiro Asami, Toshio Sugimura, Takaaki Tokura, Nobufusa Kobayashi
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Patent number: 7885749Abstract: In a drive system, where power from a motor is transmitted to a drive shaft and a transmission ratio is changed by a transmission, if the absolute value of the difference between the reference torque Tm2r0, which is the drive shaft side torque Tm2r at the onset of a change in the shift speed of the transmission, and the driving shaft side torque Tm2r during the change is less than the threshold value ? until the end of the change (S280), the application state of a brake in the transmission during the change and the state of the hydraulic pressure supplied to the brake are learned (S290). During the change, and actuator of the transmission is controlled using those learned results. Accordingly, any deviations that may have occurred due to changes over time in the transmission, etc. are corrected and the shift speed of the transmission is changed more appropriately.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2006Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin AW Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kensuke Kamichi, Kiyoshiro Ueoka, Masaya Yamamoto, Kazuomi Okasaka, Yoichi Tajima
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Publication number: 20110015034Abstract: A multi-ratio rotorcraft drive system and a method of changing gear ratios thereof are disclosed. According to one embodiment, the multi-ratio rotorcraft drive system comprises a rotor system comprising one or more rotors and one or more engines. Each engine of the one or more engines is coupled to the rotor system through a multi-ratio transmission. The multi-ratio transmission comprises an output shaft coupled to the rotor system, an input shaft coupled to a respective engine of the one or more engines, a high speed clutch integrated into a high speed gear train, and a low speed clutch integrated into a low speed gear train. The high speed clutch and the low speed clutch are freewheeling clutches without a friction plate and are capable of disconnecting the output shaft and the input shaft in an overrunning condition when the output shaft spins faster than the input shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2009Publication date: January 20, 2011Inventors: RYAN T. EHINGER, CARLOS A. FENNY, CHARLES J. KILMAIN, ERIC A. SINUSAS, KEVIN WORRELL
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Patent number: 7873452Abstract: A method and system for controlling an engine controller in response to actual vehicle load.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2007Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: Detroit Diesel CorporationInventors: Jeffery Scott Hawkins, Charles Chapin Blake
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Publication number: 20100304927Abstract: An automatic transmission includes a control system for controlling a clutch of the transmission. The control system includes a first variable flow solenoid and a second variable flow solenoid, each in selective fluid communication with the clutch. The first variable force solenoid provides hydraulic fluid within a first pressure range of 0 and 1,000 kPa. The second variable force solenoid provides hydraulic fluid within a second pressure range of 0 and 2,000 kPa. A transmission controller sends an electrical signal having a current between the range of 0 and 1 amp to one of the first and second variable flow solenoids. The pressure output of each of the first and second variable force solenoids is a function of, within their respective first and second pressure ranges, the amplitude of the current of the electrical signal to provide two distinct power gains to the single clutch.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2009Publication date: December 2, 2010Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Vijay A. Neelakantan, Todd C. Schanz, Robert L. Moses, Bret M. Olson
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Publication number: 20100298091Abstract: A power transmission in which a driven body and a drive body for driving the driven body are rotated in the same direction and are coupled through a coupling portion, transmission of torque from the drive body is interrupted when the driving load of the driven body exceeds a predetermined level, and the coupling portion is constituted by combining members different from each other of a positive torque transmission member for transmitting torque in the direction of forward rotation and interrupting transmission of torque from the drive body by its own fracture when the driving load of the driven body exceeds the predetermined level and a negative torque transmission member capable of transmitting torque in the direction of reverse rotation. At a contact portion between the positive torque transmission member and the negative torque transmission member, interposed is a surface layer composed of a different kind of material from a material composing the positive and negative torque transmission members.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2008Publication date: November 25, 2010Applicant: SANDEN CORPORATIONInventors: Kazuhiko Takai, Sueji Hirawatari, Toshiki Fukasawa
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Patent number: 7819037Abstract: A shift control device is provided for reducing a shock generated at a clutch engagement moment in a gearshift operation in a straddle type vehicle having a shift control device that makes the clutch operation and the gearshift operation using the power of an actuator. The actuator is controlled based upon a rotational position and a speed of a shift shaft. When the rotational position of the shift shaft is located between a first position and a second position, the shift shaft is rotated at a speed slower than a rotational speed at which the shift shaft is rotated before reaching the first position to engage a gearshift clutch at a low speed. The first position and the second position are set in such a manner that the gearshift clutch is in a halfway engaged state when the shift shaft is located at a rotational position between the first position and the second position.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2007Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazutaka Hiroi, Shigeo Morisugi, Masao Sugita
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Patent number: 7811199Abstract: A method for operating a multi-speed automatic transmission of a motor vehicle. The automatic transmission has multiple shift elements for transmitting torque and/or power. When in forward and reverse gears, a first number of shift elements are engaged, and a second number of shift elements are disengaged. To improve the shift speed of successive upshifts and/or successive downshifts which are implemented in an overlapped manner, during a first upshift and/or downshift, at least one shift element, necessary for a successive second upshift and/or downshift, is prepared during the first upshift and/or downshift such that when the first upshift and/or downshift reaches a synchronous point, immediate implementation of the successive second upshift and/or downshift is possible. Depending on a gear change to be implemented, the first upshift and/or downshift from a current gear to a desired gear is preferably implemented as a multiple shift rather than a single shift.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2007Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Christian Popp, Klaus Steinhauser, Gerald Klein
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Publication number: 20100210415Abstract: When initial control ends, an ECU executes a program that includes the steps of: calculating a return control progression degree; calculating a target amount of change in turbine speed; calculating a feedback gain; calculating a target turbine speed; calculating a deviation between the target turbine speed and turbine speed NT; determining a hydraulic pressure command value; outputting the hydraulic pressure command; and when the turbine speed is synchronized with a first gear synchronization speed, outputting the maximum hydraulic pressure command.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2008Publication date: August 19, 2010Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shingo Eto, Yoshio Hasegawa
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Patent number: 7769517Abstract: A lock-up clutch control apparatus for controlling a lock-up clutch (6) provided in a torque converter (5) installed between an engine (3) and a transmission (4), is disclosed. The lock-up clutch control apparatus has a differential pressure generator (7,8) which engages, causes a slip of or disengages the lock-up clutch by adjusting the differential pressure supplied to the lock-up clutch (6); a sensor (11/15) for detecting a rotational speed of the engine; a sensor (16) for detecting an input rotational speed to the transmission; and a controller (1). The controller (1) conducts proportional integration control by using a command signal to the differential pressure generator (7,8), so that an actual slip rotational speed, which is the difference between the engine rotational speed (Np) and input rotational speed (Ni) to the transmission, becomes a target slip rotational speed (Nt).Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2005Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: JATCO LtdInventors: Satoshi Segawa, Hiroshi Sekiya, Tatsuya Imamura, Koji Dohi, Kouji Saitou, Masayuki Kobayashi, Masayoshi Nakasaki
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Publication number: 20100190604Abstract: A motor vehicle transmission includes a power splitter connected with the vehicle engine and having two outputs. A differential and a clutch are connected with the outputs of the splitter. Separate gearboxes including alternating sequential gear mechanisms are connected with the differential and clutch. The differential and clutch are independently operated under control of an electronic control unit to provide continuous flow of power from the engine to the gearboxes which may be simultaneously operated.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2010Publication date: July 29, 2010Inventor: T. Towles Lawson, JR.
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Patent number: 7699748Abstract: An ECU executes a program that includes the steps of setting a line pressure to a line pressure (1) that is appropriate for improving fuel efficiency, if an automatic transmission is not shifting, and a deceleration slip control for a lock-up clutch is not being executed; setting the line pressure to a line pressure (2) that is equal to or lower than a line pressure (3) that is appropriate when the automatic transmission is shifting, if it is determined that the automatic transmission is not shifting, and the deceleration slip control is being executed; and setting the line pressure to the line pressure (3), if it is determined that the automatic transmission is shifting. The line pressure (1) is lower than the line pressure (2). The line pressure (2) is equal to or lower than the line pressure (3).Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2006Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tatsuya Kawamura, Toshio Sugimura, Satoshi Ishida
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Patent number: 7662063Abstract: In a method of operating a drive train of a motor vehicle including a drive motor with a multi-unit transmission including an unsynchronized main transmission and a synchronized output drive unit, wherein, for performing a shift in the unsynchronized main transmission, a speed synchronization is carried out by means of the drive motor for the engagement of a target gear and, in an emergency mode of the drive motor, a clutch arranged between the drive motor and the main transmission is disengaged, the output gear unit is placed into neutral, the target gear is engaged, the output drive unit is placed into a drive position and the clutch is at least partially engaged.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2007Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: Daimler AGInventor: Detlef Schnitzer
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Publication number: 20100016119Abstract: A clutch system for producing and interrupting a force flow between the engine and transmission of a motor vehicle, with a clutch, which is disengaged unless actuated, and one or more valves, which regulate the flow of pressure medium and which are electrically actuated by a control and regulation unit. If there is electrical failure while driving and when a gear is engaged or when the vehicle is stationary, the engine is running and a transmission gear is engaged, unintended clutch engagement is prevented. The valves are designed such that if there is a failure of the voltage supply and consequently also of the actuation of the valves by the electronic control and regulation system, the operating condition of the clutch existing at the time of failure, namely the disengaged or engaged operating condition, remains as it is.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2007Publication date: January 21, 2010Inventors: Rainer Petzold, Martin Miller, Mario Steinborn, Peter Herter, Franz Bitzer
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Patent number: 7632210Abstract: A control device for an automatic transmission includes: a control portion that executes a neutral control to release the friction engagement element if a progressing position of the automatic transmission is selected, and a state of the vehicle satisfies a certain condition; a detection portion that detects degree of deceleration of the vehicle before the neutral control is executed; and a releasing portion for releasing the friction engagement element to be in a released or semi-released state in accordance with a shift of the automatic transmission if the degree of deceleration is greater than a predetermined degree.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2007Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Naotaka Kakisaka, Mitsuharu Ito
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Publication number: 20090286648Abstract: A method is proposed for controlling a bridging clutch in a hydrodynamic torque transmission device of a vehicle, such that with reference to a predetermined load status of the vehicle the bridging clutch is closed in a predetermined gear (x) of the transmission, and the gear (x, x1, x2) in which the bridging clutch is closed, is selected as a function of the load status of the vehicle at the time.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2009Publication date: November 19, 2009Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventor: Andelko Vesenjak
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Patent number: 7604567Abstract: A control apparatus of a vehicle includes: an internal combustion engine; a transmission, including a group of gears made to mesh with synchronizing mechanisms for attaining a predetermined change of gear; an internal combustion engine controller stopping the internal combustion engine when receiving a first control stop signal; a transmission controller, controlling the synchronizing mechanisms via an actuator actuated by a power source driven by the internal combustion engine, when a shift lever is in a drive force cut-off position, the transmission controller releasing the meshing of the synchronizing mechanism when receiving a second control stop signal; and a control stop signal controller, transmitting the second control stop signal to the transmission controller when detecting that an ignition switch of the vehicle is switched off, and transmitting the first control stop signal to the internal combustion engine controller after the transmission controller has released the meshing of the synchronizing mType: GrantFiled: March 19, 2008Date of Patent: October 20, 2009Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takashi Sasakura, Takao Kimura, Junji Takekoshi, Yukari Takahashi, Kunishige Hayashi, Ryo Ogasawara
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Patent number: 7591756Abstract: A method of regulating operation of an automatic transmission includes identifying a tie-up condition of the automatic transmission, adjusting a pressure of a transmission element in response to the tie-up condition and determining whether a first gear ratio of the automatic transmission holds. The pressure is set to zero if the gear ratio does not hold and a faulty transmission element is identified as one associated with a second gear ratio that is lower than said first gear ratio.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2007Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventor: Todd J. Thor
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Patent number: 7584040Abstract: The following steps are performed in the control method: determining a mode of operation from amongst a permanent mode and a transient mode, as a function of a set of variables comprising said estimated values; correcting the value of the speed of rotation of the outlet shaft in such a manner that: if the mode has been determined as being the permanent mode, then the moving average (L?) of the gear ratio (L) over a period (T) of a plurality of unit time intervals lies between a first threshold value (S1) that is negative and a second threshold value (S2) that is positive; and if the mode has been determined as being the transient mode, then said moving average (L?) of the gear ratio (L) lies outside the range of values defined by the first and second threshold value (S1, S2).Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2004Date of Patent: September 1, 2009Assignee: Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SAInventor: Stéphane Rimaux
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Patent number: 7584039Abstract: A method and a device for controlling starting, driving and shifting processes of a motor vehicle with a drive motor (2) and a gearshift (6), which can be brought into effective drive connection with one another using a starting and shifting clutch (4), with a clutch actuation device (25, 26) as well as with a control apparatus (13) which stands in connection with a power element of the same for controlling the power of the drive motor (2), and which is connected using signal engineering with sensors (14, 17, 19, 21) which ascertain an accelerator deflection angle (A), a motor rotational speed (C) and a transmission input shaft rotational speed (E).Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2005Date of Patent: September 1, 2009Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Bernd Döbele, Norbert Wiencek
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Publication number: 20090197736Abstract: A method is provided for calibrating an automatic transmission with a torque converter clutch. In order to avoid that the torque converter clutch still has capacity even if the pressure is commanded to be zero without modifying the behavior of the torque converter clutch behavior of all the production, the torque converter clutch minimum offset transmissions are detected and only on these transmissions the torque converter minimum clamp pressure is decreased by a pressure step and the torque converter clutch coast adapt reference cell is increased.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2009Publication date: August 6, 2009Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: David WRIGHT, Pascal TISSOT, Vincent HOLTZ, Nicolas DISS, Patrick DROMARD
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Patent number: 7509203Abstract: A lock-up clutch control device which controls a lock-up clutch provided in a torque converter installed between an engine and a transmission, is disclosed. The lock-up clutch control device changes over between a converter state and a lock-up state of the torque converter according to a differential pressure command value (LUprs) relating to a differential pressure supplied to the lock-up clutch. The lock-up clutch control device includes a differential pressure generating device (7, 8) which generates the differential pressure supplied to the lock-up clutch; input torque detection means (2, 14, 15) which detects an input torque (Te) to the torque converter; and a controller (1).Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2005Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignees: Jatco Ltd, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tatsuya Imamura, Hiroshi Sekiya, Toshiji Iida, Koji Dohi, Satoshi Segawa
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Patent number: 7509202Abstract: A neutral idle hill detection system for a vehicle with an automatic transmission comprises a range selection input device that receives an operating range of a transmission. A throttle position input device receives a throttle position signal. A transmission output speed input device receives a transmission output speed signal. A transmission temperature input device receives a temperature signal. A brake status input device receives a brake signal. A control module receives the range, the throttle position signal, the transmission output speed signal, the temperature signal, and the brake signal, detects a hill condition based on the received signals, and controls a first clutch of the transmission based on the hill condition.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2006Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventor: Herve Scelers
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Controller, control method and control system for controlling a motor vehicle gear-type transmission
Patent number: 7507182Abstract: A controller, control method, and control system for a motor vehicle gear-type transmission enable a friction transmission unit to be controlled to an optimum position according to a particular motor vehicle state or the like. A transmission control unit changes, via at least one parameter that indicates a state of the gear-type transmission or of the vehicle, a position or pressure load at which the pressure member is caused to stand by while the driving shaft of the vehicle is in a stopped state or during changeover of the mesh unit that connects to one of the gear pairs.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2006Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Tetsuo Matsumura, Yoshiyuki Yoshida, Kentaro Shishido, Tatsuya Ochi -
Publication number: 20090075780Abstract: Monitoring operation of an electromechanical transmission having a hydraulic circuit with flow management valves and pressure control solenoids to actuate clutches and pressure monitoring devices to monitor the hydraulic circuit is provided. The transmission operates in fixed gear and continuously variable operating range states. The method comprises controlling position of one of the flow management valves to control operation in one of the operating range states. A fault is detected in the one of the flow management valves based upon outputs of the pressure monitoring devices during steady state operation in one of the continuously variable operating range states. A fault is detected in the one of the flow management valves based upon the output of one of the pressure monitoring devices during a transition in the flow management valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2007Publication date: March 19, 2009Inventors: Ryan D. Martini, Charles J. Van Horn, Peter E. Wu, Andrew M. Zettel, Thomas E. Mathews, Jy-Jen F. Sah, Syed Naqi, Darren Crewes
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Publication number: 20090076689Abstract: An automatic transmission controller system and method are disclosed. In particular, disclosed is a system and method for controlling solenoid pressure control valves associated with an automatic transmission. The automatic transmission controller system comprises a controller which is configured to receive one or more electrical signal inputs for attributing each solenoid pressure control valve with one of a set of I-P calibration curves.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2007Publication date: March 19, 2009Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Michael T. Dickinson, Chris Hopp
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Patent number: 7467038Abstract: A method for detecting a rotational direction of the secondary side of a starting clutch in a motor vehicle string comprising the steps of determination of the primary speed of rotation of the primary side and of the secondary speed of rotation of the starting clutch. If the secondary speed of rotation is greater than the primary speed of rotation, an actuator operates in a closing direction, whereby the degree of closure of the starting clutch is adjusted to be dependent upon the acceleration of the secondary speed of rotation. A specified value for a rotational speed of the driving motor is produced which represents the secondary speed of rotation. To the extent that this value exceeds the value of the primary rotational speed, the rotational speed of the motor is regulated to the specified value. If the primary and secondary rotational speeds are equivalent within a preselected period of time, then detecting the same rotational direction for the primary and secondary sides of the starting clutch.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2005Date of Patent: December 16, 2008Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Bernd Doebele, Norbert Wiencek
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Publication number: 20080277239Abstract: A motor vehicle hydraulic pump (1) is provided comprising a gerotor rotor set or planetary rotor set and at least two output stages. A first output stage (10) of the hydraulic plump (1) is connected to a lubricant, in particular, a clutch lubricant. A second output stage (11) of the hydraulic pump (1) is connected to at least one clutch (2) of the actuation thereof. The invention also provides a method for actuating at least one clutch which is arranged in the motor vehicle by means of a motor vehicle hydraulic pump, whereby an inter-connection of a volume flow outlet of the first step (10) and the second step (11) of the hydraulic pump (1) takes place according to requirements for actuating the clutch.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2007Publication date: November 13, 2008Inventors: Theodor Gassmann, Josef Bachmann, Bernhard Terfloth, Rolf Schwarze
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Patent number: 7445582Abstract: A method for the control of an actuator of a starting clutch of a motor vehicle. The actuator is so regulated by a control apparatus that the starting clutch is closed upon the presence of a desire for starting, as well as closed by an adjusted, transmission ratio, and the clutch is opened upon the termination of the starting procedure. For the freeing of a vehicle from a roadway obstruction by way of a rocking process of the vehicle, it is proposed that the starting clutch, during a starting procedure and by way of control of the actuation actuator, is operated in a fully automatic manner in such a way, that the torque (M_K) periodically varies.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2004Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventor: Wilhelm Härdtle
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Publication number: 20080257084Abstract: An embodiment provides a method shifting a multispeed transmission. The multispeed transmission includes multiple gear paths having alternating speed ratios and a plurality of shift members. Each shift member is selectively moveable to engage a speed ratio of the transmission. The method includes directing a shift finger to contact a first shift member, moving the first shift member generally in a first generally orthogonal direction to engage a first gear, and moving the shift finger in a second generally orthogonal direction to an intermediate configuration. The shift finger will not contact a selector rail when moved in the first direction when the shift finger is in the intermediate configuration. The method also includes moving the shift finger generally in the second generally orthogonal direction to a second engaged configuration. The shift finger will contact a second shift member when moved in the first direction when the shift finger is in the second engaged configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2007Publication date: October 23, 2008Inventor: David J. Coxon
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Patent number: 7440833Abstract: A transmission control system for a transmission including a first gear engagement element that receives a fluid and engages a first gear. The system includes an electromagnetic actuator that receives a control signal and that selectively interrupts flow of the fluid to the first gear engagement element based on a value of the control signal. The system also includes a control module that generates the control signal and that adjusts the value of the control signal so that the first gear engagement element produces a first torque sufficient to hold the first gear. The control module detects a target volume of the fluid when the first gear engagement element produces the first torque. Also, the control module extrapolates a current fill volume (i.e., the volume at which the first gear engagement element begins to produce torque during a shift) of the first gear engagement element from the target volume.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2006Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Chrysler LLCInventor: Gang Chen
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Publication number: 20080254938Abstract: A clutch engagement control system for a vehicle transmission. The system comprises an automatic transmission gearset and at least one hydraulic clutch coupled to the gearset. A hydraulic pressure controller is coupled to the clutch. A clutch engagement controller is coupled to the pressure controller, and an altitude sensor is coupled to the clutch engagement controller. The clutch engagement controller is configured to receive from the altitude sensor an altitude signal corresponding to the altitude of the vehicle. The clutch engagement controller adjusts a hydraulic pressure request of the pressure controller in accordance with the altitude signal, such that the clutch engages with at least one of a rate and pressure corresponding to the sensed altitude. A method employs the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2007Publication date: October 16, 2008Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Thomas Sladek
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Patent number: 7431678Abstract: There is provided a hydraulic pressure control device for an automatic transmission having a fail-safe mechanism to cope with an operation malfunction of electromagnetic valves. A first changeover valve that can be switched between a normal state where a drain port EX of each electromagnetic valve communicates with a predetermined drain destination and a failure state where the drain port EX and a predetermined hydraulic oil supply passage is disposed in a drain oil passage of clutches C1 and C2, and a second changeover valve that can be switched between a normal state where a supply port IN of each electromagnetic valve communicates with a predetermined hydraulic oil supply passage and a failure state where the supply port IN communicates with a predetermined drain destination is disposed in a supply oil passage of the other engaging elements.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2006Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kiyoharu Takagi
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Publication number: 20080220936Abstract: An automatic transmission assembly having a transmission unit including a plurality of gear pairs, a shift drum, a pair of clutches; and a controller. The controller performs a preliminary upshifting action in advance for angularly moving the shift drum depending on a next gear position in an upshifting direction while rotary drive power is being maintained at a given gear position, and when an upshifting command is output, the controller engages one of the clutches simultaneously with the command. When a downshifting command is output, the controller performs a preliminary downshifting action in advance based on the downshifting command. The partially neutral positions are provided between predetermined angular positions on the shift drum for temporarily reducing the angular speed of the shift drum when the shift drum is being angularly rotated.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2008Publication date: September 11, 2008Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masaki Kobayashi, Seiji Hamaoka, Kinya Mizuno, Eiji Kittaka, Yusuke Funayose
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Patent number: 7416511Abstract: In a hybrid-drive electric vehicle, upon request of gear shifting of a transmission (2), a clutch (3) is first disconnected and the transmission (2) is set to a neutral position. The rotating electric generator 4 is then operated in a motor mode or a power generating mode so that a rotational speed of an input shaft of the transmission (2) reaches a region of a synchronizing rotational speed in accordance with a requested gear position. When the rotational speed of the input shaft of the transmission (2) reaches the region of the synchronizing rotational speed, the gear position of the transmission (2) is changed over from the neutral position to the requested gear position. Thus the rotation synchronizing time for the gear shifting in the transmission (2) is reduced, making it possible to perform the gear shifting for a short period of time.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2003Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: Nissan Diesel Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mitsuhiro Nishina, Yuji Suzuki, Hideaki Gouda
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Patent number: 7402123Abstract: In an automatic transmission control system and method, an electronic control unit is programmed to output a command to establish another gear stage different from the gear stage at the time of occurrence of fault-induced disengagement by combination of engagements of the friction elements other than the friction elements to be engaged at the time of occurrence of fault-induced disengagement, and simultaneously output a plurality of commands to establish a plurality of gear stages corresponding to combination of engagements of the friction elements to be engaged and disengaged, respectively, at the gear stage at the time of occurrence of fault-induced disengagement, when the gear stage at the time of occurrence of the fault-induced disengagement is a predetermined gear stage and the friction element undergoing the fault-induced disengagement is not determined.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2006Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: Jatco LtdInventors: Hiroyuki Kobayashi, Hajime Tasaka, Hirofumi Michioka
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Patent number: 7356400Abstract: A clutch control apparatus for a power transmission system including an input rotating member and an output rotating member. The clutch control apparatus includes a friction clutch, and a control unit. The control unit sets a first desired clutch torque setting in accordance with a clutch slip indicator; sets a second desired clutch torque setting to an amount of torque input from the input rotating member to the friction clutch; controls the clutch torque to be the first desired clutch torque setting during a starting stage of the friction clutch; controls the clutch torque to be the second desired clutch torque setting during a steady-state stage of the friction clutch; and controls the clutch torque to gradually change from the first desired clutch torque setting to the second desired clutch torque setting during a transition stage between the starting stage and the steady-state stage.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2006Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: JATCO LtdInventors: Tomoaki Honma, Masaaki Uchida, Shusaku Katakura, Yoshinobu Kawamoto
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Publication number: 20080076631Abstract: Method for determining the filling pressure for a clutch that comprises clutch linings, a clutch release spring, and a hydraulic pressure system for closing the clutch against the force of the clutch release spring. By several method steps iteratively a set-filling-pressure is determined that allows an optimum pressure to bring the clutch linings quickly into an abutting position at an engagement point, but avoiding such high pressure that would press the clutch linings against each other in a manner that would cause the clutch to transmit torque.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2007Publication date: March 27, 2008Inventor: Manfred Henning
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Patent number: 7349785Abstract: A method is provided for controlling engagement of a clutch which carries torque before, during and after a shifting event in a transmission which is connected to a throttle-controlled engine. The method includes providing a feed forward input command which increases as the engine torque increases and decreases as the engine torque decreases. A feed-back input command is provided as a function of the error between measured clutch slip and a reference slip profile. The feed-forward input command and feed-back input command are summed to provide a clutch control command for controlling engagement of the clutch before, during and after the shifting event to allow a desired amount of clutch slip to damp excitation of the transmission.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2004Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Chunhao J. Lee, Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale, Chi-Kuan Kao, Farzad Samie, Richard W. Carlson
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Publication number: 20080071450Abstract: A method controls a friction clutch disposed between an internal combustion engine and a change speed transmission. The friction clutch is controlled in such a way that it transmits an average coupling torque of the internal combustion engine and does not transmit periodically occurring peak values of the coupling torque. In addition, a control unit is programmed to carry out the method.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2007Publication date: March 20, 2008Applicant: DR. ING. H.C. F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Frank Kurrle, Katja Treutner, Peter Baur
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Publication number: 20080039280Abstract: A method for controlling or regulating torque of a startup clutch of a motor vehicle. The method reliably prevents unintentional rolling of the motor vehicle down a grade and enables a comfortable maneuvering mode, which requires no separate actuation of an operating element for activating the maneuvering mode and enables a precisely dosed speed definition, while on a grade. Adjustment of the speed is substantially independent from the surface grade and the load of the motor vehicle. A startup and maneuvering control device acquires driving resistance data, determines a driving resistance value and, with that, determines a base value of the clutch torque of the automated startup clutch, with the base value being adjusted depending upon the accelerator pedal.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2007Publication date: February 14, 2008Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Rainer Petzold, Mario Steinborn, Peter Herter, Franz Bitzer
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Patent number: 7316283Abstract: An automatic transmission controller for a hybrid vehicle of the present invention is used for the hybrid vehicle being a four-wheel drive vehicle and including an engine and a generator motor on a front wheel side of the hybrid vehicle and a traction motor on a rear wheel side of the hybrid vehicle. The automatic transmission controller for a hybrid vehicle includes: an automatic transmission for transmitting a driving force from the engine to an output shaft of the hybrid vehicle; and an oil pump for supplying a speed-shifting clutch of the automatic transmission with pre-pressure to eliminate play of the speed-shifting clutch, when the hybrid vehicle is driven by a driving force from the traction motor.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2005Date of Patent: January 8, 2008Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Akihiro Yamamoto, Kazuhisa Yamamoto
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Publication number: 20070249463Abstract: A vehicle including a transmission having a plurality of clutches for providing a plurality of speed ratios. A control module of the vehicle detects a possible tie-up of at least two of the clutches. Based on the detecting, the control module releases one of the possibly tied-up clutches. After the release, the control module determines whether a tie-up condition occurred. Based on the determining, the control module reapplies pressure to the released clutch. Loss of driver control of the vehicle thus can be prevented in the event of clutch tie-up.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2006Publication date: October 25, 2007Inventors: Todd J. Thor, David W. Wright, Brian J. Pellerito, Craig A. Brunstetter