Abstract: A hydraulic control circuit for a transmission is provided including a source of pressurized fluid and at least one selectively engageable torque transmitting mechanism. At least one latching valve is provided in communication with the source and is operable to selectively communicate the pressurized fluid to effect engagement of the at least one torque transmitting mechanism. The at least one latching valve is operable to maintain engagement the at least one torque transmitting mechanism irrespective of the presence of the pressurized fluid. A valve is in fluid communication with the source. A lubrication circuit is provided and is operable to lubricate the transmission. The valve is operable to variably communicate the pressurized fluid to the lubrication circuit. A transmission incorporating the hydraulic control circuit is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for varying automatic-transmission clutch-pressure duration by determining the clutch-pressure duration at least in part as a function of atmospheric pressure to account for a slower hydraulic fill rate associated with automatic-transmission hydraulic clutches at high altitudes.

Abstract: The system includes an engine, a sensor, and a controller. The engine provides a driving motion for the vehicle. The sensor unit is configured to determine a range of a leading vehicle. The controller is in communication with the engine and the sensor unit, such that the controller may shut down the engine based on the range of the lead vehicle as determined by the sensor unit.

Abstract: In performing a down-shift based on a driver's intention of deceleration, an engine output increasing control is started at a time when a transfer torque capacity of the releasing clutch becomes small or zero and the actual oil pressure decreases to an initial oil pressure, not causing an acceleration feeling even upon the engine output increase. For estimating a time when which the real pressure of the releasing clutch decreases to a level of not higher than the initial pressure, the response of the real pressure relative to an oil pressure command value for the releasing clutch is approximated using a transfer characteristic of “first order lag+time delay.” An estimated real oil pressure obtained based on the transfer characteristic is compared with the initial pressure. It is determined a start timing of the engine output increasing control has been reached upon decrease of the estimated pressure to the initial pressure.

Abstract: A vehicle powertrain modelling system includes a powertrain model (20), a vehicle model (30), a seat model (55), a driver model (60) and a correlation element (50) comprising a neural network. As a result vehicle development is enhanced, using the neural network (50) to correlate modelled shift aspects with previous subjectively obtained ratings.

Abstract: A vehicle has a vehicle body, a seat, an engine, an ECU, a throttle body, a throttle valve, a throttle valve actuator, a throttle operator, and a throttle operator position sensor. A shifter is disposed on the vehicle in proximity to the seat for selecting a vehicle operation direction between a forward direction and a reverse direction. A vehicle operation direction sensor senses the vehicle operation direction. The ECU limits a maximum speed of the vehicle when it operates in the reverse direction. In another aspect, the ECU limits the degree of opening of the throttle valve when it operates in the reverse direction. Methods of controlling an engine are also disclosed.

Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle includes a first gear set and a second gear set. A first plurality of elements are operable in an applied state and a released state and a second plurality of elements are operable in an applied state and a released state. A controller toggles the first and second plurality of elements between the applied state and the released state to achieve a desired gear ratio. The controller times entry of at least one of the first and second plurality of elements into: the released state with entry of at least another of the first and second plurality of elements into the applied state by controlling a hold pressure applied to the at least one element entering the released state. The controller determines the hold pressure by referencing current operating conditions of the transmission in a lookup table stored in a memory of the controller.

Abstract: The present invention intends to provide a control device for controlling a vehicle automatic transmission which can prevents a feeling of sudden starting of a vehicle, even if a special mode running control prohibiting a shifting to a shifting position less than a predetermined shifting position is started during a fixed gear ratio running control fixing a gear ratio of the automatic transmission. For the above purpose, when control by special mode running control means (106) is executed during control by fixed gear ratio running control means (104), the special mode running control to be executed by a special mode set switch (114) operated by a driver is exclusively preferentially executed over the fixed gear ratio running control. Thus, occurrence of the vehicle sudden starting responsive to the accelerator operation can be suitably suppressed.

Abstract: In a speed change control system of an automatic transmission incorporated with an engine, there are provided a speed change mechanism that is able to establish a forward speed or a reverse by engaging a hydraulically operated friction element upon switching of the transmission from a non-travel range to a travel range; and a control unit that controls the hydraulically operated friction element in such a manner that a hydraulic pressure applied to the friction element is feedback controlled in such a manner that when the engine is under a lower load condition, a rate of speed change of rotation of an input shaft of the transmission has a first target rate.

Abstract: In shift control apparatus and method for an automatic transmission in which an engine speed is inputted, and a shift change in a shift stage of the automatic transmission is performed to make a gear shift, a shift revolution synchronization control in synchronization with the engine speed is performed and, in a case where the gear shift is made under a driving state in which there is a possibility of an occurrence of a shift shock, an engagement section which performs a power transmission under a presently selected shift stage is gradually released and another engagement section which enables a power transmission through the next selection scheduled shift stage is gradually engaged without an execution of the shift revolution synchronization control.

Abstract: A powertrain includes an engine with an engine output member and a transmission with two motor/generators and a transmission input member operatively connected to the engine output member. A control unit is configured to selectively cause a device to resist or prevent rotation of the input member in response to the existence of certain conditions, such as the engine not supplying torque to the transmission and the transmission being in reverse operating mode. Resisting or preventing rotation of the input member improves transmission performance when only the motor/generators are supplying torque to propel the vehicle. A corresponding method is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a method for the control of a gear engagement mechanism of an automated multiple-ratio transmission having at least one drive shaft and at least one output shaft, including assigning a synchronizer to at least one gear step, applying a load to the synchronizer in order to engage or disengage a gear step of the transmission, and varying the load that is applied to the synchronizer as a function of the service life of the transmission system.

Abstract: In an engine control apparatus, a target engine torque after an environment correction is calculated by interpolating it between an environmentally corrected maximum engine torque and an environmentally corrected minimum engine torque according to a target torque ratio which is a ratio of the target engine torque between the maximum engine torque and the minimum engine torque under a predetermined environmental condition. The maximum engine torque and the minimum engine torque are set based on a smoothed maximum engine torque and a smoothed minimum engine torque obtained by smoothing out a change over time in an estimated maximum engine torque and an estimated minimum engine torque currently able to be output according to a change in the environmental condition.

Abstract: A method for controlling a drive train (40) of a motor vehicle (42), to a method for controlling a clutch device (46), and to a drive train of a motor vehicle (42), said drive train (40) being operated in a first operating mode, the normal load operation, in which the internal combustion engine (44) moves the motor vehicle (42) against the resistances opposing the movement of a motor vehicle (42), the play in the load direction pre-determined by the rotary direction of the motor output shaft (78) being closed. The drive train (40) operating outside said normal load operation is operated under pre-determined conditions in a second operating mode in which a first load is introduced into a drive train section, causing the play at the drive-end of said load introduction point to be closed or to remain closed, said first load being such that it would not be sufficient to overcome the resistances opposing the movement of the motor vehicle (42) in the plane.

Abstract: A method and a system for automatic freewheeling of a vehicle, where in the vehicle is arranged a speed-lowering arrangement, including an engine, a wheel driven by the engine via an automated stage-geared gearbox, a gas pedal for regulating the driving torque of the engine, and a control unit. The control unit is arranged to, when the freewheel function is activated and in the presence of an input signal indicating that a predetermined vehicle speed limit is exceeded, to automatically deactivate the freewheel function and brake the vehicle with the speed lowering arrangement. The control unit is arranged to reactivate the freewheel function in the presence of an input signal indicating that the vehicle speed has fallen to close to the predetermined vehicle speed limit. The future progression of the vehicle may be simulated with a view to optimizing the freewheel function in terms of good fuel economy and/or increased comfort.

Abstract: A method for controlling the drive unit of a vehicle considers several desired input quantities of different priority in the formation of a desired value. At least one output quantity of the drive unit is adjusted in dependence upon the desired value input quantities. For adjustment, a desired value is formed which considers the desired value input quantities in the sequence of their priority.

Abstract: A power train for a motor vehicle is configured with a control unit operable to increase or decrease the flow of operating fluid as a function of the instantaneous demand for the supply of the operating fluid to at least one of multiple clutch arrangements in such a way that the control unit decreases or interrupts the flow of operating fluid when the supply demand is low and increases the flow of operating fluid unit when the supply demand is high.

Abstract: A vehicle having an engine that drives a transmission includes a pump that provides fluid to the transmission and a temperature sensor that monitors a temperature of the fluid. The temperature sensor generates a temperature signal. A control module receives the temperature signal and operates the pump to provide the fluid at a first pressure when the temperature signal is below an upper temperature limit. The control module operates the pump to provide the fluid at a second pressure when the temperature signal is above the upper temperature limit.

Abstract: An interlock for a vehicle platform lift meets the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS 403) effective in late 2004 with minimum modification of vehicle electronic control arrangements. The interlock prevents forward and rearward mobility of vehicles unless the platform lift is stowed. The interlock operates to prevent accidental release but does not affect vehicle movement when the platform lift is stowed. Operation of the lift is allowed by placing the transmission in park or by placing the transmission in neutral and actuating the parking brake. A vehicle body computer controls operation when the vehicle is running. A bypass enable relay allows use when the vehicle's engine is not running.

Abstract: A predictive load management system is provided. A power source is operable to generate a power output and has a desired operating range. A transmission has a drive member operably engaged with the power source and a driven member. A control system is operable to receive at least one input indicative of a load on the transmission and to identify a desired load of the transmission based on the at least one input. The control system is also operable to receive at least one input indicative of current power output of the power source. The control system limits the desired transmission load applied to the driven member of the transmission based on the current power output of the power source to thereby prevent the power source from operating outside of the desired operating range.

Abstract: The power train (1) includes a controlled drive source (3), a clutch (6), an automatically shifting transmission (7) and a data transmission device (2). The power train contains an additional drive source (12) and is fitted with a control system by means of which a correction value (K pid) for the drive source torque is generated on the basis of the comparison of the actual behavior of the drive train with a modeled behavior of a drive train fitted with a hydrodynamic torque converter. The behavior of a torque converter is simulated by a regulating circuit (21–27).

Abstract: A drive control for controlling a gear system which is connected to a motor. The drive control comprises one or several sensors for detecting operationally specific parameters of the gear system, and a decentralized sensor evaluation unit. The sensor or each sensor is connected to the decentralized sensor evaluation unit for separate evaluation of information provided by the sensor or sensors.

Abstract: In the method for kick-down switching speed optimization in a motor vehicle with an automatic transmission, the kick-down upshift point is determined as a function of the load conditions and the road inclination in each case.

Abstract: A method and device for operating a clutch between an internal combustion engine and at least one driven wheel of a vehicle, a torque being transmitted between the internal combustion engine and the driven wheel by pressing the clutch together via an application force or an application pressure, and the application force or the application pressure being controlled or regulated as a function of the temperature of the clutch.

Abstract: In a transfer drive mode switching control system employing a shift actuator that switches from one of a plurality of drive mode positions of a transfer to the other, a drive mode position sensor is provided to detect the drive mode position switched by the shift actuator and to generate information regarding the drive mode position. A transfer control unit outputs a control command signal based on the drive mode position information to the shift actuator for controlling switching between the drive mode positions responsively to a driver-selected drive mode. The transfer control unit allows only a switching operation between predetermined two different drive mode positions corresponding to both ends of a working range of the shift actuator at which motion of the shift actuator is stopped mechanically, in presence of a failure in the drive mode position sensor.

Abstract: A shift control system that controls gear shifts in a vehicle includes a transmission and a controller. The controller detects driving conditions of the vehicle, estimates a traction load of the vehicle and determines a current traction load of the vehicle. The controller shifts the transmission based on the current traction load and the estimated traction load if the driving conditions are met. The current traction load is based on a lateral acceleration signal and a longitudinal acceleration signal. The estimated traction load is based on a curb weight of the vehicle, a weight transfer gain and an acceleration signal.

Abstract: An accelerator pedal device includes a pedal reaction force providing device for providing a reaction force to an accelerator pedal according to an amount of depression of the accelerator pedal operated by a driver. The reaction force to be provided from the pedal reaction force providing device to the pedal is controlled based on the depression amount of the accelerator pedal. This reaction force control allows precise agreement between throttle opening timing and pedal reaction force timing to produce a predetermined pedal reaction force at a desired degree of throttle opening.

Abstract: An automatic shift control is executed in an automatic transmission with 5 shift speeds of range hold type in the highest gear stage of a shift range at the manual shift mode. Upon selection of a shift mode from the automatic shift mode to the manual shift mode, the shift range at the manual shift mode is selected in accordance with the vehicle speed detected at the automatic shift mode. If the vehicle speed is in the low-speed range, the shift range 3 is selected. If the vehicle speed is in the medium-speed range, the shift range 4 is selected. If the vehicle speed is in t he high-speed range, the shift range 5 is selected.

Abstract: A sensor generates a continuous signal in response to operation of a shift lever, and a range is determined for each of the various control operations by comparing the output value of the signal with a range determination pattern set arbitrarily for each of the control operations. Accordingly, each of the control operations can be performed appropriately by using optimal range information.

Abstract: A regeneration device for the diesel particulate filter (11) which traps particulates in exhaust gas discharged from a vehicle diesel engine (20) has a condition detecting sensor (12) which detects a condition of the diesel particulate filter, a vehicle speed sensor (27) which detects a vehicle speed, and a controller (40) which stores a map defining a predetermined running region of a diesel engine (20) in which regeneration of the filter (11) is possible. The controller (40) is programmed to modify the diesel engine running point to a running point which maintains the vehicle speed and lies within the predetermined running region.

Abstract: A power train for a motor vehicle includes a drive unit, a gearbox having first and second input shafts, and a clutch having first and second multi-disk clutch arrangements assigned to respective input shafts for transferring torque between the drive unit and the gearbox. An operating fluid, especially a cooling oil, is supplied to the clutch arrangements for operation under action of the fluid. An actuator arrangement is assigned to the gearbox for engaging and disengaging gears assigned to the first and second input shafts, and a control unit controls the actuator arrangement so that at least one gear is automatically engaged when the clutch is released.

Abstract: A driving force control apparatus for a vehicle includes an accelerator opening sensor that detects an accelerator opening for a vehicle, and an automatic transmission control device that controls an automatic transmission based on road information and the accelerator opening. The automatic transmission control device, in an interval prior to a deceleration required interval, controls an automatic transmission so as to ease a shifting operation that corresponds to a decrease in the accelerator opening.

Abstract: An engine stop and start control system for securing a normal line pressure in a hydraulic circuit of the transmission. The system has an engine as a power source for driving the vehicle; a transmission; a mechanical oil pump, operated by the power produced by the engine, for supplying oil pressure to the transmission; an automatic engine stopping and starting section for automatically stopping the engine under predetermined stopping conditions and automatically starting the engine under predetermined starting conditions; and an electric oil pump operated when the predetermined stopping conditions are satisfied, so as to supply the oil pressure to the transmission. The automatic engine stopping and starting section has a control section for prohibiting the automatic engine stop when the line pressure in a hydraulic circuit for supplying oil pressure to the transmission is equal to or lower than a predetermined value while the engine is operated.

Abstract: Within the framework of the method for increasing brake efficiency of a vehicle with a hydrodynamic retarder, the rotational speed of the motor is increased by command for downshifting, in such a manner, that the increased cooling fluid circulation flow, due to the higher rotational speed of the motor speed, the necessary retarder braking power is made available, whereby a downshift command is issued, if this is necessary due to the actual retarder braking power.

Abstract: A shift control apparatus of a transmission for a vehicle having an input shaft driven by an engine and an output shaft connecting with a drive wheel for automatically changing a speed ratio between the input shaft and the output shaft, comprises accelerator pedal operating amount detecting means for detecting an operating amount of an accelerator pedal, road gradient detecting means for detecting a gradient of a road on which the vehicle travels, vehicle speed detecting means for detecting a vehicle speed, kick-down mode establishing means for establishing a kick-down mode when the operating amount of the accelerator pedal exceeds a threshold value and control means for changing the threshold value based on the road gradient and the vehicle speed.

Abstract: When it has been determined that control for a predetermined upshift has been started while an accelerator pedal was not being depressed, and that a factor that changes an input torque of an automatic transmission has been generated, an engaging pressure of a predetermined hydraulic frictional engagement device is corrected by a correction amount in accordance with the factor that changes the input torque. As a result, undershooting of an engine speed, as well as shift shock which results from that undershooting, is able to be preferably suppressed.

Abstract: At the time of the change-speed, by correcting the torque reducing portion of an output shaft during the change-speed, the revolution number of an input shaft is controlled on the basis of the corrected torque reduction correcting value. Also, the torque of said input shaft is adjusted at the end of the change-speed on the basis of said torque correcting value.

Abstract: A judging section judges whether or not ranges detected, respectively, by a first range detection section consisting of a first detection section and a position detecting sensor, and a second range detection section consisting of a second detection section; a C1 detecting sensor and a B1 detecting sensor are in mutual agreement, and when the detected ranges are not in mutual agreement, a failure judging section judges a failure of the first range detection section.

Abstract: A method of controlling an automated transmission of a motor vehicle, wherein the degree of accelerator-pedal depression is expressed as a pedal-depression value and a gear-shifting strategy is determined based on one or more shift characteristics, includes the steps of: determining the pedal-depression value and/or the amount of torque demanded by the driver, evaluating the shift characteristics by taking the pedal-depression value and/or driver-demanded torque into account as input quantities for the evaluation, and determining the gear-shifting strategy based on the evaluation.

Abstract: A transmission control apparatus includes transmission lines disposed between a pair of transmission shafts and a hydraulic multiple disc transmission clutch disposed on one side of the transmission lines. Power from an engine is transmitted via one of the transmission lines to a traveling unit. Each of the transmission lines has a friction clutch. A first gear mechanism operated by a first actuator is disposed between one of the transmission shafts and the first transmission line. A second gear mechanism operated by a second actuator is disposed between one of the transmission shafts and the second transmission line. When the first transmission line is powered, a first system operates the second gear mechanism into a speed position; the first clutch to a non-transmitting state and the second clutch to a transmitting state, thereby providing a progressive shifting of the transmission clutch from a transmitting state to a semi-transmitting state.

Abstract: A control apparatus and method for a hybrid vehicle that judges whether the vehicle is running on a congested road based on an output from a sensor, causes a take-off from a first state where a gear ratio of an automatic transmission is large at a time of taking-off when running on a congested road, causes the take-off from a second state where the gear ratio of the automatic transmission is small at the time of taking-off when not running on the congested road and replenishes, by driving a motor/generator, a part of an under torque of the driving source created by taking-off from a state where the gear ratio of the automatic transmission is large, when a temporary high acceleration take-off request is made while a judgment of congested road running is maintained.

Abstract: The comfort level gear shift motor vehicle with an automated gear-shifting transmission is determined by shift parameters, which are dependent on driving parameters and on a shift program mode. The shift program mode identified through a characteristic parameter, which can vary a range of parameter values corresponding to a range of shift program modes. The method has the steps of detecting current values the driving parameters, detecting a current value of the characteristic parameter, determining respective minimum and maximum values that each of said shift parameters can assume within the range of characteristic parameter values as a function of the current driving parameter values, calculating actual shift parameter values as intermediate values between said maximum and minimum values for each of said shift parameters based on said current value of the characteristic parameter, and performing the gear shift with the actual shift parameter values.

Abstract: The improved CVT control apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed. By using the CVT control apparatus, it becomes possible that the drive feeling is constant independently of a running state, the vehicle is accelerated as the driver's intention if accelerated due to the actuation of an accelerator pedal, and the run of the vehicle is performed so as to improve the fuel consumption rate if the acceleration is not required. By always calculating a correct driving torque, the transmission gear ratio is calculated to obtain the target driving torque set based on the amount of actuation of an accelerator pedal, and the obtained target driving torque is corrected by the gradient of a road obtained from the calculated driving torque. Further, the gear ratio which aims at the improvement of acceleration and the gear ratio which aims at the improvement of the rate of fuel consumption are weighted and combined with each other, and the optimum gear ratio is obtained by using fuzzy inference.

Abstract: A drive control for controlling a gear system which is connected to a motor. The drive control comprises one or several sensors for detecting operationally specific parameters of the gear system, and a decentralized sensor evaluation unit. The sensor or each sensor is connected to the decentralized sensor evaluation unit for separate evaluation of information provided by the sensor or sensors.

Abstract: A control system of an automatic transmission comprises a slip detecting mechanism for detecting a vehicle wheel slippage, an up-shifting mechanism for up-shifting a shift stage when vehicle wheel slippage is detected, and a down-shift line setting mechanism for setting a first down-shift line at a lower vehicle speed side than that of a second down-shift line which had been set before performing the up-shift operation. The first down-shift line is newly set only when the vehicle wheel slippage has been eliminated by the up-shifting operation.

Abstract: An electric oil pump capable of suppressing wear of an electric oil pump used as auxiliary to a main oil pump to thereby prolong the life of the pump and avoid any need to provide a larger pump. An electric oil pump (40) is operated only for a predetermined acceptable operation time, and the engine (12) is thereafter activated to cause the mechanical oil pump (36) to supply oil pressure. This arrangement can limit successive operating time for the electric oil pump (40), suppressing wear of the electric oil pump (40) and thus prolonging its life. Provision of a larger electric oil pump (40) can also be avoided.

Abstract: A judging section judges whether or not ranges detected, respectively, by a first range detection section consisting of a first detection section and a position detecting sensor, and a second range detection section consisting of a second detection section; a C1 detecting sensor and a B1 detecting sensor are in mutual agreement, and when the detected ranges are not in mutual agreement, a failure judging section judges a failure of the first range detection section.

Abstract: Method of aiding shifting operations in motor vehicles with automated manual or automatic transmissions. The current operating conditions are detected and analyzed in an analyzing unit. In the event of an operation of the motor vehicle which indicates an imminent shifting operation, a precontact switch, which is arranged in an operating device for the gear selection, switches into an active mode. This precontact switch emits a signal when the driver approaches to grip the operating device for the gear shifting. In the event of the occurrence of the precontact switch signal, the shifting operation is initiated by a reduction of the engine torque while the driver has not yet gripped the operating device. This clearly shortens the shifting time.

Abstract: A transmission system including a shift mechanism for operating and controlling the transmission system. To automatically detect geometric characteristic values of the transmission system or of the shifting device a selector motor and a shift motor actuate a selector finger that is displaceably mounted in a selection-shift-passageway layout. Starting from an initial position whose coordinates within the selection-shift-passageway layout are unknown, the selector finger is displaced in the directions of shifting and in the directions of selection in order to detect paths of movement in the direction of selection or shifting. The selector finger is repeatedly displaced to establish the maximum paths of movement until the predetermined transmission geometric characteristic values are completely detected. Also disclosed are a control device for controlling a transmission system that includes a shift mechanism, and a method for controlling such a transmission system.

Abstract: A method and a device for protecting a torque converter of an automatic transmission from overheating during standing-start of a motor vehicle, a slipping wheel being decelerated by a traction control system by a braking intervention. To improve the protective function of the traction control system, the energy loss converted in the torque converter or a value proportional to it is calculated and the engine torque is reduced if a specified threshold value is exceeded.