Method and apparatus for control of engine compression brakes before during and after an electronically controlled gear shift
An engine compression brake control device is disclosed. The control device is electronic and prevents activation of the engine compression brakes during operating states wherein undesirable conditions will result if the engine brakes are active. The electronic control device monitors various conditions and activates the engine brakes only if all of the following conditions are simultaneously detected: a valid gear ratio is detected; the driver has requested or enabled engine compression brake operation; the clutch pedal is out; the throttle is at a minimum engine speed position; and the electronic controller is not presently attempting to execute an electronically controlled final drive gear shift.
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Claims
3. The device of claim 2 wherein said means for sensing vehicle speed and said means for sensing engine speed are magnetic sensors.
4. The device of claim 3 wherein said means for sensing a closed throttle, said means for enabling engine compression brake operation and said means for sensing engagement of said clutch are switches.
5. The device of claim 4 wherein said means for sensing an automatic shift state and said means for activating the compression brake are components of an engine control module including a microcomputer, RAM, ROM, analog I/O and digital I/O.
8. The device of claim 7 wherein said transmission includes an electromechanical actuator for automatically changing gear ratios and said electronic cruise control device provides a shift signal to said electromechanical actuator to shift from a low gear to a high gear ratio.
9. The device of claim 7 wherein said transmission includes a first and a second electromechanical actuator, wherein said electronic cruise control device provides a first signal to said first actuator to actuate a first automatically selectable gear ratio, said cruise control device also providing a second signal to said second actuator to actuate a second automatically selectable gear ratio.
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Type: Grant
Filed: Nov 21, 1996
Date of Patent: Dec 22, 1998
Assignee: Cummins Engine Company, Inc. (Columbus, IN)
Inventors: Gregory R. White (Columbus, IN), Larry R. Webber (Fredericksburg, IN), Dean S. Anderson (Cedar Falls, IA), Jon A. Steeby (Schoolcraft, MI)
Primary Examiner: Richard M. Lorence
Law Firm: Beck, Michael & Beck, P.C.
Application Number: 8/749,373
International Classification: B60K 4128;
