By Changing Shift Map, Schedule, Or Pattern Patents (Class 701/55)
  • Patent number: 9874278
    Abstract: A control device for an automatic transmission disposed in a vehicle driving system, the automatic transmission having an engaging clutch as shift element, has a shift controller that performs a shift control of the automatic transmission. The shift controller is configured such that, during a shift control to release the engaging clutch in response to a first shift request and after determination of a releasing start of the engaging clutch, when a second shift request to engage the engaging cutch is generated, the shift control in response to the first shift request will be continued.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ryohey Toyota, Atsushi Tsukizaki, Toshifumi Hibi, Yutaka Kaneko
  • Patent number: 9765880
    Abstract: A hydraulic control device that includes a solenoid valve capable of supplying a first engagement pressure to the first engagement element; and a first cut valve that is interposed in an oil passage from the solenoid valve to the first engagement element and is capable of cutting off supply of a hydraulic pressure to the first engagement element, wherein only the first engagement pressure and a second engagement pressure serve as hydraulic pressures that act such that the first cut valve cuts off the supply of the hydraulic pressure to the first engagement element, and the first cut valve is switched so as to cut off the supply of the hydraulic pressure to the first engagement element when the first engagement pressure and the second engagement pressure are simultaneously supplied to the first engagement element and the second engagement element, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Maeda, Nobuyuki Hirai, Masamichi Yamaguchi, Yoshimitsu Hyodo, Kenichi Tsuchida, Hiroyuki Kutsubo
  • Patent number: 9726277
    Abstract: A hydraulic control device that includes a solenoid valve capable of supplying a first engagement pressure to the first engagement element; and a first cut valve that is interposed in an oil passage from the solenoid valve to the first engagement element and is capable of cutting off supply of a hydraulic pressure to the first engagement element, wherein only the first engagement pressure and a second engagement pressure serve as hydraulic pressures that act such that the first cut valve cuts off the supply of the hydraulic pressure to the first engagement element, and the first cut valve is switched so as to cut off the supply of the hydraulic pressure to the first engagement element when the first engagement pressure and the second engagement pressure are simultaneously supplied to the first engagement element and the second engagement element, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Maeda, Nobuyuki Hirai, Masamichi Yamaguchi, Yoshimitsu Hyodo, Kenichi Tsuchida, Hiroyuki Kutsubo
  • Patent number: 9701401
    Abstract: A system and method for objectively evaluating an airport runway condition, where conditions pertaining to aircraft landing factors are compiled and used to determine a runway braking condition. One set of conditions pertains to aircraft landing factors, including brake metered pressure, wheel speed, and aircraft deceleration, and a second set of factors relate to pilot controlled parameters. A condition report is generated and made available to pilots of subsequently landing aircrafts prior to landing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Hydro-Aire, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Raby, John Gowan, Gregg Duane Butterfield
  • Patent number: 9702453
    Abstract: A system and method for automatically shifting a vehicle based upon monitored conditions. The system includes a sensor assembly configured to detect a tilt of the vehicle, an acceleration sensor configured to detect whether the vehicle is accelerating, and a throttle sensor configured to detect whether the throttle is activated. The system further includes a computer configured to automatically shift the transmission of the vehicle to neutral when all of the monitored conditions are satisfied. In one embodiment, if one of the conditions ceases to be satisfied, then the logic causes the transmission of the vehicle to shift back from neutral to the prior gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Inventor: Lam Dinh
  • Patent number: 9611934
    Abstract: A shift control apparatus for an automatic transmission includes a controller. The controller is configured to control the automatic transmission. The automatic transmission includes a first input shaft, a second input shaft, an output shaft, a first clutch, a second clutch, and gear trains. In a case where a standby shift stage does not lie between a predetermined current shift stage and a target shift stage, the controller controls the first clutch to be disengaged and the second clutch to be engaged, and then controls a synchronizing device among synchronizing devices for the predetermined current shift stage to be disengaged and a synchronizing device among the synchronizing devices for the target shift stage to be engaged during a disengagement of the first clutch, and then controls the second clutch to be disengaged and the first clutch to be engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masashi Eto, Yoshiharu Saito, Hiroki Endo
  • Patent number: 9464712
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a motor, a resolver which detects a rotation angle of the motor, an automatic transmission which shifts rotation of the motor and transmits the shifted rotation to a drive shaft, and an ECU which performs learning control for correcting an error of the resolver and shift control of the automatic transmission. The ECU controls the automatic transmission such that, when the learning control is performed, a gear ratio becomes higher at a prescribed vehicle speed, than that when the learning control is not performed. By controlling the automatic transmission as described above, even when the vehicle is traveling at a low speed, a rotation speed of the motor easily reaches a rotation speed at and above which the learning control of the resolver can be performed. Accordingly, an opportunity to perform the learning control of the resolver can be obtained early.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenji Uchida, Ryoji Sato
  • Patent number: 9403532
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of reducing the output speed of a transmission in a vehicle, whereby the transmission includes a speed sensor and a controller and the vehicle includes a proximity sensor. The method includes measuring the output speed with the speed sensor and comparing the measured output speed to an output speed threshold. The controller receives throttle percentage and compares the throttle percentage to a throttle threshold. The method further includes receiving an input signal from the proximity sensor and comparing the input signal to a signal threshold. The output speed of the transmission can be controlled based on the values of the measured output speed, throttle percentage, and input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall S. Conn, Mark A. Rains
  • Patent number: 9347557
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a vehicle with a transmission. In one example approach, a method for a vehicle comprises, during a transmission shift having a first engine speed profile, adjusting a transmission shift indication provided to a vehicle operator based on a desired perceived shift time and a desired engine deceleration rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Davor Hrovat
  • Patent number: 9333911
    Abstract: In a vehicle equipped with a vehicle sound system, determining a virtual fixed gear ratio; determining a virtual RPM based on the virtual fixed gear ratio; generating a set of harmonic signals based on the virtual RPM, the harmonic signals being sine-wave signals proportional to harmonics of the virtual RPM; processing the harmonic signals to produce a set of processed harmonic signals; and in the vehicle sound system, transducing the processed harmonic signals to acoustic energy thereby to produce an engine sound within a passenger cabin of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: Cristian M. Hera, Ben J. Feng
  • Patent number: 9297455
    Abstract: A method for modifying a default transmission shift schedule for a vehicle includes monitoring current vehicle parameters and determining future roadway information at a predetermined distance in front of the vehicle. Future vehicle parameters are predicted based on the determined future roadway information. The default transmission shift schedule is modified based on the current vehicle parameters and the predicted future vehicle parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Dongxu Li
  • Patent number: 9279495
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method and a control system are described for controlling the shifting of a vehicle, at least in part, according to its pitch. The method includes using a pitch-detection mechanism to determine one or more indicators of the pitch of the vehicle. The method includes receiving, at one or more computing devices, a signal associated with the pitch indicators and determining a pitch value for shifting. The method further includes determining, by the one or more computing devices, a shift procedure based upon, at least in part, the determined pitch value and implementing the shift procedure to effect a shift operation for the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: William J. Vande Haar, Jeffery M. Finley
  • Patent number: 9273777
    Abstract: In a manual transmission mode, a downshift instruction signal is outputted by a position sensor, and a shift range is lowered by one gear, as a result of an operation of a shift lever by the driver. The driving force of the vehicle is increased through downshifting. The number of times of downshifting within a predefined time is limited to a predefined number of times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Tanaka, Masaya Amano, Shunsuke Oyama, Shoji Nagata
  • Patent number: 9272700
    Abstract: A disconnect mechanism is configured to disconnect a predetermined rotating element from an engine and an auxiliary drive wheels while the vehicle is traveling in a two-wheel drive mode. The predetermined rotating element is configured to transmit power to the auxiliary drive wheels while the vehicle is traveling in a four-wheel drive mode. An electronic control unit is configured to: execute shift control when a shift condition of an automatic transmission is satisfied; selectively engage or release the disconnect mechanism based on a traveling state of the vehicle and a driver's predetermined operation; and control at least one of the automatic transmission or the disconnect mechanism such that a shift period based on the shift condition of the automatic transmission and an engagement-release period of the disconnect mechanism at least partially overlap with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideki Tamoto, Masayuki Arai, Yoshiro Obayashi, Kunihiro Iwatsuki
  • Patent number: 9109693
    Abstract: A method of controlling the shifting of gears in a TMED-type hybrid vehicle may include a stage in which, in a case where it is required that a power-on upshift operation is performed simultaneously when engagement of an engine clutch is carried out in order to convert the driving mode from an electric vehicle (EV) driving mode to hybrid-electric vehicle (HEV) driving mode, simultaneously performs the engagement of the engine clutch and the shift operation, thereby improving acceleration and shifting performances and providing a quick driving response for a driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Soo Bang Lee, Tai Jin Jung
  • Patent number: 9080669
    Abstract: A system and method of selecting optimum gear of automobile is provided. The system includes a data processor; a running vehicle data collection module; an output module; and a memory. The memory is stored with universal characteristic curve of an engine, gear ratios of a gearbox, speed reduction ratios, and a tire radius. The running vehicle data collection module collects and sends a current vehicle speed, revolutions of the engine, and an output torque of the engine to the data processor. The data processor processes the universal characteristic curve of the engine, the gear ratios of the gearbox, the speed reduction ratios, and the tire radius to determine a current gear and an optimum gear. The data processor outputs the optimum gear to the output module if the current gear is not the optimum gear. The system can select optimum gear in real time and lower fuel consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Xiamen King Long Motor Vehicle Inspection Co., LTD.
    Inventors: Yifan Xu, Xiaobing Chen, Weihong Ye, Fangming Zhou, Qiangsheng Liu
  • Patent number: 9073533
    Abstract: A system for improving performance of a hybrid vehicle at higher elevations. The system includes a plurality of wheels, an engine, an altitude sensor, a transmission, a memory for storing target engine speeds, and a processor. The engine provides a torque to the plurality of wheels through the transmission, based on gear ratios limited by a wide open throttle (WOT) guard. The altitude sensor determines an elevation of the vehicle. Above a certain threshold elevation, the processor changes the WOT guard to improve performance at lower gears, such as standing start performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher T. Gauthier
  • Patent number: 9067579
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling a powertrain in a vehicle includes steps including registering a road condition. If the registered road condition corresponds to normal road conditions then a first gear selection control algorithm is used intended for driving the vehicle in a normal mode corresponding to the conditions on an ordinary road. If the registered road condition corresponds to soft surface road conditions then a second gear selection control algorithm is used intended for driving the vehicle in a soft surface mode corresponding to the conditions on an soft surface road. In this way, a vehicle can be adapted to be provided with an AMT to work in a satisfactorily way under an increased diversity of conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Anders Eriksson, Niklas Öberg
  • Patent number: 9043102
    Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle having a transmission system, an engine system, and a braking system includes detecting a braking condition of the braking system. The braking condition is at least one of a brake temperature being above a predetermined brake temperature limit and a braking load being above a predetermined braking load limit. The method also includes detecting a second condition of at least one of the transmission system and the engine system. The method also includes determining whether the second condition satisfies predetermined criteria. Furthermore, the method includes detecting an absolute vehicle acceleration that is below a predetermined acceleration limit. Moreover, the method includes downshifting from a current gear to a lower gear to thereby cause engine braking when the braking condition is satisfied, the second condition satisfies the predetermined criteria, and the absolute vehicle acceleration is below the predetermined acceleration limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Frederic J. Boissinot, Yi Zhu, Zachary C. Rogalski
  • Patent number: 9037367
    Abstract: A control system having at least one sensor collecting data from a vehicle component such as a steering wheel. A processor determines if the data collected from the sensor is above or equal to a predetermined level. If the processor determines that the data is above a predetermined level, the processor indicates to the controller that the data is above that predetermined level and requires a prevention of upshifting of the transmission. A method of including controlling the transmission of a vehicle by a control system, sensing at least one vehicle property by a sensor in acquiring data relating to that property, storing the data in a data storage unit, determining if the data is above a predetermined level and sending a signal to a transmission of the vehicle if the data is above a predetermined level thereby preventing upshift of the transmission to the top two gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Tai J. Ly
  • Publication number: 20150127231
    Abstract: Method for executing a gearshift in an automatic transmission (1) with several shifting elements, whereas, upon the execution of the gearshift, a first frictional-locking shifting element (B, C, D, E) is open or switched off and a second positive-locking shifting element (A, F) is closed or switched on, whereas, if, upon the execution of the gearshift, an input torque of the automatic transmission is then smaller than a threshold value, in particular upon the execution of a coast downshift, after at least the partial opening of the frictional-locking shifting element (B, C, D, E) and after the release of the positive-locking shifting element (A, F), there is a monitoring of whether the positive-locking shifting element (A, F) is transferred into its end position, whereas, if it is then determined that the positive-locking shifting element (A, F) has not been transferred into its end position, a torque transferred by the previously at least partially open frictional-locking shifting element (B, C, D, E) initia
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Markus Maurer, Christian Villing
  • Patent number: 9026414
    Abstract: Methods and devices for determining speed control management settings are provided. A vehicle configuration is obtained, specifying at least a transmission, including a number of gears present in the transmission. One or more speed control management modules, such as progressive shift and/or gear down protection modules, are selected by a customer. One or more default progressive shift limits and a default gear down protection limit are calculated, along with gears for which they are active. Performance of the vehicle using the default speed control management settings is simulated and compared to typical vehicle performance. The customer may alter the speed control management settings within dynamically determined valid ranges. The speed control management settings are used in the manufacture or other configuration of the vehicle for the customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: PACCAR Inc
    Inventors: Erik S. Johnson, Richard Hampson, Zachary Slaton
  • Patent number: 9020716
    Abstract: A control device for a vehicle drive device that includes a drive source that outputs a drive force for running and an automatic transmission that has multiple speeds, the control device includes: a blipping control device that performs blipping control in which an output torque of the drive source is changed irrespective of an accelerator operation when a manual downshift of the automatic transmission is performed, and that changes a timing to perform next blipping control in a learning manner on the basis of an undershoot amount of a turbine speed at start of shifting of the automatic transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keisuke Ota, Hitoshi Matsunaga
  • Patent number: 9014931
    Abstract: A system for selecting shift schedules of a transmission of a vehicle configured to change gears according to two or more shift schedules includes a controller. The controller is configured to estimate mass of the vehicle based on a plurality of accelerations of the vehicle from a standstill, and estimate a road load of the vehicle based on the estimated mass. The controller is also configured to estimate a grade of terrain over which the vehicle is travelling based on the estimated mass of the vehicle. The controller is further configured to select between at least a first shift schedule and a second shift schedule based on at least one of the estimated mass of the vehicle, characteristics of the terrain over which the vehicle is travelling, the estimated grade of the terrain over which the vehicle is travelling, and functions capable of being performed by the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Palmer, James H. DeVore
  • Patent number: 9008930
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicular automatic transmission configured to selectively establish a plurality of shift positions by respective combinations of frictional coupling devices of a plurality of frictional coupling devices in an engaged state thereof, with output hydraulic pressures of respective ones of a plurality of solenoid valves provided in a hydraulic control circuit, includes a fail-safe control portion configured to perform a predetermined fail-safe function when shifting direction values requiring a shifting control of said vehicular automatic transmission and shifting output values respectively generated according to said shifting direction values are not coincident with each other, said shifting output values being represented by respective electric signals for driving said plurality of solenoid valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hidenori Saito, Toshio Sugimura
  • Patent number: 9008931
    Abstract: A bicycle gear shift control system capable of avoiding frequent gear shifting includes: a power module; a microcomputer electrically connected to the power module for allowing a cyclist to switch between the automatic gear shifting mode and a manual gear shifting mode; a gear shifting driver electrically connected to the microcomputer, substantially connected to a derailleur, and instructed by the microcomputer to drive the derailleur to perform gear shift control; and a manual shifting controller electrically connected to the microcomputer. The microcomputer has an automatic gear shifting logic whereby the microcomputer determines the timing of automatic gear shifting and performs gear shifting. The microcomputer further has a gear shifting delay logic that involves delaying for a delay time interval from commencement of gear shifting according to a gear shifting criterion and ruling out all other gear shifting commands during the delay time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: J.D. Components Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chi-Chang Cheng
  • Patent number: 9002595
    Abstract: A method regulates the torque output and/or speed output of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) in a manner that may simulate a clutch. The CVT may be incorporated in a machine and maybe operatively coupled to a power source and to a propulsion device. The method utilizes an unaltered torque-to-speed curve that relates the torque output to the speed output of the CVT. The method may receive an operator input signal indicating a desire to change operation of the machine. The torque-to-speed curve may be shifted in response to the operator input signal to limit the torque output available. In an aspect, an under-run curve may be applied to the torque-to-speed curve, the under-run curve corresponding to a target speed. The operator input signal may also shift the under-run curve to reduce the target speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Davis, Adam Nackers, Michael Barngrover, Brian D. Kuras
  • Patent number: 8996214
    Abstract: A hybrid working vehicle comprises an engine, a drive wheel, a power take-off (PTO) shaft, and a power transmission system for transmitting power from the engine to the drive wheel and the PTO shaft. The power transmission system is bifurcated at a bifurcating point into a traveling drive train for driving the drive wheel and a PTO drive train for driving the PTO shaft. A continuously variable transmission is provided on the traveling drive train, and a motor generator is provided on the power transmission system between the engine and the bifurcating point. The motor generator functions as a generator by power of the engine and functions as an electric motor for driving the power transmission system. The hybrid working vehicle includes a controller for controlling an output rotary speed of the motor generator functioning as the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Norihiro Ishii
  • Patent number: 8996263
    Abstract: An electronic controller for a variable ratio transmission and an electronically controllable variable ratio transmission including a variator or other CVT are described herein. The electronic controller can be configured to receive input signals indicative of parameters associated with an engine coupled to the transmission. The electronic controller can also receive one or more control inputs. The electronic controller can determine an active range and an active variator mode based on the input signals and control inputs. The electronic controller can control a final drive ratio of the variable ratio transmission by controlling one or more electronic solenoids that control the ratios of one or more portions of the variable ratio transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventors: Stanley B. Quinn, Jr., Alan L. Miller, Scott R. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8989940
    Abstract: A powertrain system is configured to transfer torque to an output member. A method for controlling the powertrain system includes prioritizing a plurality of system torque constraint parameters. The system torque constraint parameters are sequentially applied in an order of descending priority. A feasible state for each of the sequentially applied system torque constraint parameters is determined. A solution set including the feasible states for all the sequentially applied system torque constraint parameters is determined, and employed to control operation of the powertrain system in response to an output torque request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Sean W. McGrogan
  • 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: 8989974
    Abstract: When a request is made to change gears, the form-fitting shifting element being disengaged, for the requested gear change, is disengaged at a predefined target disengagement moment following the target disengagement moment. When the gear is actually changed, an actual disengagement moment is determined based on when the form-fitting shifting element begins disengaging and a transmission operating state variable. If there is a deviation between the actual moment and the target moment of disengagement, then the target disengagement moment is modified by a time value, and the moment when the form-fitting shifting element begins to be actuated is shifted in time in relation to the target moment of disengagement and/or actuation of the shifting element to be connected is adjusted to a determined characteristic of the operating state of the form-fitting shifting element to be disconnected such that it is disengaged approximately at the target disengagement moment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Jörg Arnold, Valentine Herbeth, Georg Mihatsch
  • Patent number: 8983742
    Abstract: A control apparatus for controlling a vehicle having an automatic transmission arranged to transmit a vehicle drive force from a drive power source of the vehicle to drive wheels of the vehicle, such that a shift-down operation of the automatic transmission is performed as a result of a kick-down operation, the control apparatus includes a shift-down operation permitting/inhibiting portion configured to restrict the shift-down operation of the automatic transmission as a result of the kick-down operation, if a running speed of the vehicle upon detection of the kick-down operation is lower than a lower limit predetermined for a presently established gear positions or speed ratio of the automatic transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takaaki Tokura, Hiroyuki Sawada, Naoto Moriya
  • Patent number: 8983678
    Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes a speed determination module, a buffer module, and a speed prediction module. The speed determination module determines changes in measured vehicle speed. The buffer module stores the determined changes in measured vehicle speed. The speed prediction module predicts a speed of the vehicle when the measured vehicle speed is less than a predetermined threshold, wherein the predicted vehicle speed is based on an average of the stored changes in measured vehicle speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Justin Louie, Xuefeng Tim Tao
  • Patent number: 8977415
    Abstract: A system includes a grade estimation module that receives an accelerometer value and generates a grade estimate based on the accelerometer value, wherein the accelerometer value corresponds to acceleration of a vehicle and the grade estimate corresponds to a grade of the vehicle. A mass estimation module receives the accelerometer value and generates a mass estimate based on the accelerometer value, wherein the mass estimate corresponds to a mass of the vehicle. A shift control module at least one of selects and adjusts one of a plurality of shift schedules based on at least one of the grade estimate and the mass estimate and controls a transmission of the vehicle based on the one of the plurality of shift schedules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Richard L. Tiberg
  • Patent number: 8977450
    Abstract: An automatic gear-shifting bicycle includes: a bicycle body provided with two cranks, two pedals and a derailleur, a power supply module, a microcomputer, a gear shifting control driver, and a pedal position sensor module installed in the bicycle body corresponding to the cranks and electrically coupled to the microcomputer for enabling the microcomputer to determine the angular position and forward/backward pedaling of the cranks. The microcomputer calculates the optimal shift timing subject to the time point the crank to be moved over the pedaling dead point in the next time, the pedaling speed to be below a predetermined speed value or the cranks are been pedaling backwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: J.D. Components Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chi-Chang Cheng
  • Patent number: 8972127
    Abstract: The control system for an automatic transmission may include, a detecting portion of driving information adapted to detect the driving information including a temperature of an engine coolant, temperature of a transmission oil, a positional change of an accelerator pedal, a current shift-speed, and driving speed. a control portion adapted to determine a virtual positional change of the accelerator pedal based on an actual positional change of the accelerator pedal and a tip-in speed transmitted from the detecting portion of driving information, to determine a target shift-speed according to the actual positional change of the accelerator pedal or the virtual positional change of the accelerator pedal and the driving speed, and to control a shift to the target shift-speed. an actuator adapted to engage the target shift-speed according to a control signal received from the control portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Sung Hwan Jang
  • Patent number: 8972130
    Abstract: An ECU determines whether or not there is an abnormality (shift pattern abnormality) in a combination of shift signals provided from a shift position sensor. After occurrence of the shift pattern abnormality is determined, ECU determines whether or not a first condition that a shift pattern has changed into a normal pattern of a drive range, a second condition that a brake is ON and a vehicle is in a stop state is satisfied, and a third condition that an accelerator is OFF are satisfied. When occurrence of the shift pattern abnormality is determined, ECU stops generation of driving force of the vehicle and prohibits switching to the drive range. When ECU determines that the above-mentioned first to third conditions are satisfied after occurrence of the shift pattern abnormality is determined, ECU switches the shift range to the drive range indicated by the shift pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keiji Kaita, Masaya Amano, Takeshi Hoshiba, Koji Hokoi, Takahiko Hirasawa
  • Publication number: 20150051801
    Abstract: An electronic controller for a variable ratio transmission and an electronically controllable variable ratio transmission including a variator or other CVT are described herein. The electronic controller can be configured to receive input signals indicative of parameters associated with an engine coupled to the transmission. The electronic controller can also receive one or more control inputs. The electronic controller can determine an active range and an active variator mode based on the input signals and control inputs. The electronic controller can control a final drive ratio of the variable ratio transmission by controlling one or more electronic solenoids that control the ratios of one or more portions of the variable ratio transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Stanley B. Quinn, Jr., Alan L. Miller, Scott R. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8954246
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an automatic transmission and a set of sensor inputs providing values indicating a current operational status of the vehicle pertinent to controlling the automatic transmission. The set of sensor inputs include: engine speed, engine torque, current transmission gear; and vehicle speed. The vehicle includes a programmed processor configured to iteratively and co-dependently generate a vehicle mass parameter value and a grade of incline parameter value. The programmed processor, when generating the vehicle mass parameter value and the grade of incline parameter value, uses a set of parameters including: a propulsive force driving the vehicle; a set of forces acting on the vehicle resisting forward movement, and an observed rate of change of a speed of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan T. Siegel, Evan E. Jacobson, Yanchai Zhang
  • Patent number: 8954244
    Abstract: A method for actuating an automated transmission, in particular an automated transmission of a commercial vehicle, which is coupled to a drive motor, where data and/or signals are supplied to a controller of the automated transmission via an interface. When a defined event occurs, a temporally predictive non-steady profile of the drive motor torque for this event is transmitted to the controller of the automated transmission. The transmission controller ascertains and/or specifies a transmission shifting strategy on the basis of the transmitted data. There is also provided an apparatus for actuating an automated transmission, and also a test bench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: MAN Truck & Bus AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Hudelmaier, Wolfgang Zieglmaier, Claus Hellberg, Martin Weiner, Georg Greppmeier, Maximilian Huber
  • Patent number: 8954245
    Abstract: A method for controlling a gear ratio rate of change in a machine having a continuously variable transmission includes moving an operator input device to a changed position, receiving electronic data indicative of the changed position, and determining a non-limited desired gear ratio based on the changed position. A maximum gear ratio rate of change corresponding to the non-limited desired gear ratio and an actual gear ratio of the continuously variable transmission is selected from an electronically stored gear ratio rate map. A current desired gear ratio is determined based on a previous desired gear ratio and the maximum gear ratio rate of change. A commanded gear ratio of the continuously variable transmission is changed to the current desired gear ratio using electronic signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Randall Todd Anderson, Bradley John Will
  • Patent number: 8948982
    Abstract: A manner of managing operation of a machine is described for preventing damage/wear to movable machine components arising from operation of the machine/parts at excessive speed while the machine is traveling down a steep incline. The managing of the machine operation includes determining a downhill slope value in a machine direction of travel and then establishing a maximum commanded transmission output speed in accordance with the determined downhill slope value. Thereafter a maximum commanded gear ratio is established, for a transmission having a variable gear ratio, based upon the maximum commanded transmission output speed and a current engine speed. A controller compares the maximum commanded variable gear ratio to an operator requested gear ratio, and a target gear ratio is established for the variable gear ratio of the transmission based upon a minimum of the compared commanded variable gear ratio and the operator requested gear ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Elliott
  • Patent number: 8942883
    Abstract: A pressure sensor module for a vehicle includes a sensing element module, a sampling module, a filtering module, and a monitoring module. The sensing element module measures a pressure of a fluid and outputs a pressure signal based on the pressure. The sampling module samples the pressure signal. The filtering module receives at least one filter coefficient from a control module and determines a filtered pressure based on at least one of the samples. The monitoring module receives a condition monitoring request from the control module, receives a predetermined value from the control module, and notifies the control module when a condition is satisfied based on a comparison of the predetermined value and one of the filtered pressure and a parameter determined based on the pressure signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventors: Randall B. Dlugoss, Paul G. Otanez
  • Patent number: 8936532
    Abstract: A method and device for operating a dual clutch transmission connectable to an internal combustion engine provided in a vehicle includes providing a control unit for managing at least the internal combustion engine and the transmission, providing a prediction model including at least one simulated shift sequence for the transmission, predicting the time between a first power upshift/downshift and a second power upshift/downshift for the transmission by using the at least one prediction model, modifying at least one parameter for operating the transmission if the predicted time between the first power upshift/downshift and the second power upshift/downshift for the transmission is shorter than a predetermined time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Behrooz Razaznejad, Anders Eriksson, Johan Bjernetun
  • Patent number: 8935064
    Abstract: A control device of a vehicular automatic transmission determines, during shifting to a first target gear position, whether the transmission should be shifted to a second target gear position that is remote from the current gear position than the first target gear position, and determines whether a gearshift to the first target gear position was executed during shifting to a third target gear position. If it is determined that the transmission should be shifted to the second target gear position during a multiple gearshift to the first target gear position which is started during shifting to the third target gear position, a multiple gearshift to the second target gear position is inhibited. If it is determined that the transmission should be shifted to the second target gear position during a single gearshift to the first target gear position, the multiple gearshift to the second target gear position is permitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nobufusa Kobayashi, Yoshio Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 8930101
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle provided with an electrically operated continuously-variable transmitting portion and a step-variable transmitting portion, which control apparatus permits an adequate control of a shifting action of the step-variable transmitting portion, while reducing deterioration of fuel economy of the hybrid vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideaki Otsubo, Naoki Ishikawa, Hideharu Nohara
  • Patent number: 8924106
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicle includes an automatic transmission configured to attain a predetermined shift-stage by releasing an engaged friction-engagement element and by engaging a released friction-engagement element; a variation-start detecting section configured to detect that a parameter which varies with a progress of inertia phase has varied; a memorizing section configured to sequentially memorize a state of the vehicle; and a learning section configured to correct a control quantity for a next-time shift of the transmission on the basis of the state of vehicle memorized at a timing earlier by a given time interval than a timing when the variation-start detecting section detects that the parameter has varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignees: JATCO Ltd, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukiyoshi Inuta, Aki Hayakawa
  • Patent number: 8897974
    Abstract: A gear selector assembly for selecting a gear position of a transmission includes an internal mode switch having detent lever, a plurality of magnetic field sensors, a control module, a first power supply and a second power supply. The detent lever has a plurality of detents and a magnetized track, where the magnetized track includes a plurality of magnetized elements that are indicative a particular gear selector position. The magnetic field sensors are associated with each of the magnetized elements for sensing changes in a magnetic field of the magnetized track. The control module is in communication with each of the field sensors. Each of the field sensors sends an output current to the control module and the value of the output current is variable. The value of the output current is indicative of at least one of the following: the direction of the magnetic field from the corresponding magnetic track, a short circuit, and an open circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Peter E. Wu, Richard E. Robinette, Mark A. Vernacchia, Jack P. Koski
  • Patent number: 8892318
    Abstract: A control device controls a belt type continuously variable transmission including a primary pulley, a secondary pulley, and a belt, and controls a gear ratio based on a primary oil pressure and a secondary oil pressure. The control device includes a belt slip controller which oscillates the secondary oil pressure and monitors a phase difference between an oscillation component included in an actual secondary oil pressure and an oscillation component included in an actual gear ratio to estimate a belt slip state. The controller controls the actual secondary oil pressure to decrease based on the estimation to maintain a predetermined belt slip state. An oscillation amplitude setter sets an oscillation amplitude of the secondary hydraulic pressure small when the gear ratio is high compared with when the gear ratio is low, in a case of oscillating the secondary hydraulic pressure in the belt slip control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignees: Jatco Ltd, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsumi Doihara, Yoshihisa Kodama, Yasuaki Yoshikawa, Masahiro Nishi, Keisuke Koyama, Kenta Nakamura, Kiyotaka Sawano, Hidemasa Kawaguchi