Continuously Variable Friction Transmission Patents (Class 477/37)
  • Patent number: 11694490
    Abstract: A diagnostic apparatus for a vehicle provided with a continuously-variable transmission including a primary pulley, a secondary pulley and a belt looped over the primary and secondary pulleys, such that each of the primary and secondary pulleys includes a hydraulic actuator to which a working fluid is to be supplied. The diagnostic apparatus is configured, in event of occurrence of slippage of the belt on at least one of the primary and secondary pulleys, to infer a factor causing the slippage of the belt, based on at least one of a hydraulic pressure of the working fluid supplied to the hydraulic actuator of the primary pulley and a hydraulic pressure of the working fluid supplied to the hydraulic actuator of the secondary pulley, upon the occurrence of the slippage of the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kenji Matsuo, Yuji Hattori, Akihide Itoh, Hideaki Bunazawa
  • Patent number: 11525423
    Abstract: A cleaning system for removal of contaminants from a surface of a vehicle component exposed to a gas or fluid flow, the cleaning system comprising: an excitation device adapted to be attached to the vehicle component in the vicinity of the surface exposed to contaminants, wherein the excitation device is configured to cause the surface to mechanically vibrate by transferring a vibrational excitation to the surface; wherein the frequency of the vibrational excitation is controllable to be based on the configuration of the vehicle component as well as other modelled/measured parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventor: Raik Orbay
  • Patent number: 11421780
    Abstract: A system and method are presented that measure the temperature of a component in a continuously variable transmission (CVT) system. An infrared temperature sensor is mounted in a thermally insulating sensor housing such that the sensor is located within the interior of a CVT housing and aimed at the component. The component can be a belt in the CVT system or a stationary sheave in one of the two clutches of the CVT system. The sensor housing can have a cup and a stem with the sensor being positioned within that portion of the sensor housing positioned within the interior of the CVT housing. When the stem is in the interior of the CVT housing, a nut can be used to secure the sensor housing to the CVT housing while protecting the infrared sensor from damage. An air temperature sensor in the exhaust port can provide supplemental temperature readings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: High Performance Harry's Inc.
    Inventor: Harold Desautel
  • Patent number: 11161417
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a body holding device configured to hold the body of a seated driver; a travel control unit configured to drive the vehicle body so that it travels; and a maximum vehicle speed setting unit configured to set a set maximum vehicle speed. The travel control unit controls an output from the driving unit based on the operation amount of an accelerator device if the vehicle speed is lower than the set maximum vehicle speed, and restricts the output from the driving unit irrespective of the operation amount of the accelerator device if the vehicle speed is equal to or higher than the set maximum vehicle speed. The maximum vehicle speed setting unit sets, if it is detected that the body holding device is worn, a first vehicle speed as the set maximum vehicle speed, and sets, if it is detected that the body holding device is not worn, a second vehicle speed lower than the first vehicle speed as the set maximum vehicle speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroki Bessho, Takeshi Satozono, Noriyasu Honjo
  • Patent number: 10933823
    Abstract: An electric power source system for a vehicle includes: a high-voltage battery; a first electric power source arrangement; a second electric power source arrangement; and a third electric power source arrangement, wherein the first electric power source arrangement includes a first DCDC converter and a first battery and is configured to supply the electric power to a first load including at least an automatic driving system, the second electric power source arrangement includes a second DCDC converter and a second battery and is configured to supply the electric power to a second load including at least a steering ECU, a brake ECU, and an information communication unit, and the third electric power source arrangement includes a connection controller and a third battery and is configured to supply the electric power to a third load including at least the steering ECU, the brake ECU, and the information communication unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Ken Akuzawa
  • Patent number: 10920882
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission capable of operating in a forward direction or reverse direction may be controlled in the reverse direction by providing an initial skew angle in a first skew direction, followed by a set or sequence of skew angle adjustments in an opposite direction to prevent runaway or other unintended consequences. A continuously variable transmission may include a timing plate to maintain all planets at an angle or within a range of an angle in forward and reverse operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventors: Fernand A. Thomassy, Charles B. Lohr, Brad P. Pohl, David Brian Jackson
  • Patent number: 10641384
    Abstract: A transmission control method has a normal stepless manner transmission mode and a pseudo-stepped downshift mode for controlling a continuously variable transmission connected to an input side of an engine. A downshift target rotational speed and a lower-limit target rotational speed used for the pseudo-stepped downshift are set to values in an engine rotational speed region in which an engine output becomes greater than or equal to a prescribed value. When a mode transition condition is satisfied during deceleration by selecting the normal transmission mode, the mode is shifted to the pseudo-stepped downshift mode to start the pseudo-stepped downshift. When the pseudo-stepped downshift is initiated, an increase to the downshift target rotational speed and a decrease to the lower-limit target rotational speed of the primary rotational speed are repeated, until the mode cancellation condition, including the re-acceleration request, is satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Daigo Kishi
  • Patent number: 10641383
    Abstract: A control apparatus includes a shifting delay control portion configured to delay a moment of generation of a shift-down command to implement a power-on shift-down action of the step-variable transmission, with respect to a moment of determination to implement the power-on shift-down action, for thereby reducing a shifting shock of the step-variable transmission in the process of the power-on shift-down action. The shifting delay control portion adjusts a delay time from the moment of determination to implement the power-on shift-down action to the moment of generation of the shift-down command, on the basis of at least one of an output state of the drive power source; an inertia power required in the process of the power-on shift-down action; a consumption power to be consumed by the coupling devices; and a state of a battery to and from which an electric power is respectively supplied from and to the motor/generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shun Sato, Masato Yoshikawa, Nobufusa Kobayashi, Daisuke Suyama, Kazuomi Okasaka, Atsushi Kayukawa, Mitsuru Maeda
  • Patent number: 10408338
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a stepped automatic transmission in which one of a plurality of shift speeds is established by selectively engaging a plurality of frictional engagement elements, the stepped automatic transmission mounted on a vehicle, the control apparatus includes: an electronic control unit configured to perform a control of prohibiting a plurality of shift that is transitioning from an upshift speed change to a downshift speed change, for a predetermined period, when a downshift speed change requirement is requested by an occurrence of an accelerator depression operation during an inertia phase of the upshift speed change in a driven state of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Keisuke Ota, Norihiro Tsukamoto, Masami Kondo
  • Patent number: 10385967
    Abstract: Controlling a powertrain system including a continuously variable transmission (CVT) includes determining, employing a first controller, a first desired speed ratio in response to an output torque request. The first desired speed ratio is evaluated to determine if it is valid and achievable. A second controller is employed to determine a second desired speed ratio, and a final desired speed ratio is determined based upon the first and second desired speed ratios. The final desired speed ratio is evaluated, and the CVT is controlled based upon the final desired speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Artin Farahani
  • Patent number: 10336333
    Abstract: Methods and systems for improving operation of a vehicle driveline that includes an engine and an automatic transmission with a torque converter are presented. In one non-limiting example, the engine may be stopped while a vehicle in which the engine operates is rolling. A transmission coupled to the engine may be shifted as the vehicle rolls so that vehicle response may be improved if a driver requests an increase of engine torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander O'Connor Gibson, Steven Anatole Frait, Matthew John Shelton, Kirk Pebley, Hong Jiang
  • Patent number: 10260628
    Abstract: A method of controlling a pulley ratio of a continuously variable transmission vehicle, includes: sensing, by a controller, whether or not the position of a shift lever switches to a manual range, fixing, by the controller, a pulley ratio of a continuously variable transmission, when the position of the shift lever switches to the manual range, as a result of sensing, re-adjusting, by the controller, set pulley ratios of a plurality of manual shift positions based on the fixed pulley ratio of the continuously variable transmission, after the fixation, and controlling, by the controller, the continuously variable transmission at the re-adjusted pulley ratio of a target manual shift position, when manual shifting is required, after re-adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Jun Sung Park, Ho Young Kim, Chan Hee Won, Kyung Eup Kim
  • Patent number: 10203279
    Abstract: An optical measuring device including a measuring head, an inner shell including a light transmitter and a light receiver, an outer shell including a measurement orifice in one end and a fastening flange part in another end, the inner shell is arranged at least partially in the outer shell, the measuring head is arranged in the outer shell and attached to the measurement orifice from its first end and to an end of the inner shell from its second end, a gasket is arranged between the measuring head and the measurement orifice, and inside the outer shell is arranged a fluid flow path extending from the gasket towards the fastening flange part, wherein to the outer shell is formed a leak detection port having one end opening into the fluid flow path and another end opening into a side surface of the outer wall in the fastening flange part wherein a fastening flange protrudes between the opening into the side surface and the measurement orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: JANESKO OY
    Inventors: Juha Jääskeläinen, Harri Salo, Ville Lyyra, Tuomo Lautamäki
  • Patent number: 10124811
    Abstract: A machine may include an engine, a traction device, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) connecting the engine to the traction device, an operator input device outputting engine output command signals input by an operator, an engine speed sensor monitoring an engine output speed, and an electronic control module (ECM). The ECM controls a machine output of the machine by executing a transmission output control routine using transmission output parameters as feedback when transmission output parameter sensor signals are reliable. The ECM controls the machine output by executing a target engine speed control routine using an engine output speed sensor signals as feedback when the transmission output parameter sensor signals are nor reliable. In the target engine speed control routine, the ECM determines a CVT transmission ratio that will cause the CVT to apply a load to the engine that will cause the engine to run at the target engine speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Lister
  • Patent number: 10071651
    Abstract: A torque control method for a drive motor includes detecting, by a controller, an amount an accelerator pedal is pressed. The method also includes calculating a rate of change of the accelerator pedal based on the detected amount the accelerator pedal is pressed. Further, the method also includes determining a time constant of a drive motor corresponding to the calculated rate of change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Jae Won Jung, Kyu II Lee, Kang Sik Jeon
  • Patent number: 10071720
    Abstract: A method of selectively controlling a power take-off (PTO) assembly includes positioning a clutch assembly radially between a shaft and a PTO gear, operably controlling the clutch assembly with a controller, and selectively engaging the clutch assembly with the controller. The controller monitors signals received from a plurality of sensors and compares the monitored signals with respective signal thresholds. The clutch assembly is engaged when the compared monitored signals are within the signal thresholds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Foster, Douglas Burchett
  • Patent number: 10047861
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission capable of operating in a forward direction or reverse direction maybe controlled in the reverse direction by providing an initial skew angle in a first skew direction, followed by a set or sequence of skew angle adjustments in an opposite direction to prevent runaway or other unintended consequences. A continuously variable transmission may include a timing plate to maintain all planets at an angle or within a range of an angle in forward and reverse operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventors: Fernand A. Thomassy, Charles B. Lohr, Brad P. Pohl, David Brian Jackson
  • Patent number: 10018234
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling a coasting operation in a hybrid vehicle are provided. The apparatus includes: a coasting operation control mode entrance time point determination unit to determine a time point at which a subject vehicle enters a coasting operation control mode; a target vehicle speed reach time point calculation unit to calculate a target vehicle speed of the subject vehicle and a time point, at which the subject vehicle reaches the target vehicle speed, when the subject vehicle enters the coasting operation control mode; and a creep torque variation control unit to control creep torque of the subject vehicle using a difference between the target vehicle speed and a present vehicle speed of the subject vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jee Wook Huh, Do Hee Kim, Gwang Il Du, Chun Hyuk Lee
  • Patent number: 10011273
    Abstract: A control unit in a work vehicle executes an automatic downshift for shifting a transmission from a current speed range to a speed range that is lower than the current speed range when at least a first condition, a second condition, a third condition, and a fourth condition are satisfied. The first condition is that an operating amount of an accelerator operating member of the work vehicle is equal to or greater than a predetermined accelerator threshold. The second condition is that a vehicle speed of the work vehicle is less than a predetermined speed threshold. The third condition is that a vehicle acceleration of the work vehicle is equal to or less than a predetermined acceleration threshold. The fourth condition is that that the hydraulic pressure of a hydraulic fluid supplied to a brake device of the work vehicle is less than a predetermined brake threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Kenichi Yamada, Shunsuke Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 9707958
    Abstract: A control unit in a work vehicle executes an automatic downshift for shifting a speed range of a transmission to the speed range at a lower speed than a current speed range. The control unit determines the execution of the automatic downshift on the basis of automatic downshift conditions. The automatic downshift conditions include whether the operating amount of the accelerator operating member is equal to or greater than a predetermined accelerator threshold, whether the vehicle speed is less than a predetermined speed threshold, and whether the acceleration is equal to or less than a predetermined acceleration threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Kenichi Yamada, Shunsuke Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 9586587
    Abstract: A controller is configured to obtain a speed ratio equivalent value that is determined by a speed ratio set in a transmission unit, and is configured to control an engine by setting an operating point of the engine such that the operating point in the case where a lockup clutch is engaged and the speed ratio equivalent value is large is lower in an output rotation speed for a predetermined output torque than the operating point in the case where the lockup clutch is engaged and the speed ratio equivalent value is smaller than the large speed ratio equivalent value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Amano, Yu Miyahara, Yuji Suzuki, Hiroki Kondo, Tadashi Sekiguchi, Fusahiro Tsukano, Atsushi Honda
  • Patent number: 9485139
    Abstract: A communication node includes a transmission and receipt setting part configured to perform a transmission setting or a receipt setting for each information based on a transmission request or a receipt request included in a transmission and receipt request information corresponding to a second communication node detected by a communication node detector among the transmission and receipt request information stored in a memory part, a communication part configured to transmit information representing the transmission setting or the receipt setting set by the transmission and receipt setting part and to receive information representing the transmission setting or the receipt setting from another first communication node, and a consistency determining part configured to determine consistency of the transmission setting or the receipt setting set by the transmission and receipt setting part and the transmission setting or the receipt setting received by the communication part from another first communication node
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroya Ando
  • Patent number: 9334823
    Abstract: A controller for an injection system having a plurality of fuel injectors includes a map controller. From a desired injection value, the map controller generates a control value for actuating a fuel injector with reference to a specified map. A determination unit determines the actual injection value for at least one injection made, and an adaption unit uses results from the determination unit in order to adapt actuation of the fuel injectors. The adaption unit determines an adaption value for injector actuation from the at least one actual injection value. In engine operation, the adaption unit receives the control values generated by the map controller as input. From this input, the adaption unit generates adapted actuation values as output by applying a mathematical function to the control values generated by the map controller. The at least one adaption value is included in the first mathematical function as parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Liebherr Machines Bulle SA
    Inventors: Konrad Christ, Francois Masson, Richard Pirkl
  • Patent number: 9211883
    Abstract: Disclosed is a control apparatus of a vehicle which can control an internal combustion engine and a continuously variable transmission. The control apparatus is partly constituted by an ECU adapted to calculate a required drive force and a fuel consumption amount G. The ECU then calculates a time required for the speed change operation with reference to a speed change time map when a variation amount of the accelerator opening degree and a change speed of the accelerator opening degree are calculated. The ECU then calculates the speed change speed, and calculates a transmission efficiency ? of a CVT. The ECU then calculate the ratio G/? of the transmission efficiency ? and the fuel consumption amount G, thereby setting the engine rotational speed at which the above ratio is at the smallest level as a target engine rotational speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Toshiki Tachibana
  • 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: 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: 8972135
    Abstract: A control device of an FR hybrid vehicle is provided with: a drive source that contains at least an engine (Eng); and a second brake (B2) that is fastened when a D range is selected. In the range of starting of fastening control of the second brake (B2), when the parameters (rate of input rotational frequency change and amount of motor torque change) that change along with the rotational fluctuation of the engine (Eng) become at least a predetermined threshold, it is judged that the second brake (B2) has started fastening. When in a state wherein the rotational fluctuations of the engine (Eng) can be determined to be large, the absolute value of the predetermined threshold is set to a value that is larger than when in a state wherein the rotational fluctuations of the engine (Eng) can be determined to be small.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignees: JATCO Ltd, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiromichi Akebono, Hiroki Matsui
  • Patent number: 8958963
    Abstract: A method for controlling the pressure of hydraulic fluid supplied within a transmission of a work vehicle. The method may generally include receiving a signal associated with a load condition of the work vehicle, determining a desired pressure for the hydraulic fluid supplied within the transmission based on the load condition and controlling a valve such that hydraulic fluid is supplied within the transmission at the desired pressure, wherein the transmission includes an input shaft, a counter shaft and at least two driven shafts extending parallel to the input and counter shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Yanming Hou
  • Publication number: 20150045183
    Abstract: In a vehicle including a continuously variable transmission, an ECU sets an accelerator opening degree for shift control in accordance with an actual accelerator opening degree and controls shifting of the continuously variable transmission by using accelerator opening degree for shift control. The ECU updates accelerator opening degree for shift control whenever an amount of increase in actual accelerator opening degree with respect to accelerator opening degree for shift control reaches a prescribed value or whenever an amount of decrease in actual accelerator opening degree with respect to accelerator opening degree for shift control reaches a prescribed value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masahiko Aichi, Taichi Washio
  • Patent number: 8944956
    Abstract: When a through speed ratio, which is an overall speed ratio of a variator and a subtransmission mechanism, varies from a larger speed ratio than a mode switch speed ratio to a smaller speed ratio than the mode switch speed ratio, a gear position of the subtransmission mechanism is changed from a first gear position to a second gear position. The mode switch speed ratio is set at a through speed ratio obtained when the speed ratio of the variator is a Highest speed ratio and the gear position of the subtransmission mechanism is the first gear position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignees: JATCO Ltd, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideaki Suzuki, Ryousuke Nonomura, Hiroyasu Tanaka, Takuichiro Inoue, Mamiko Inoue
  • Publication number: 20150005135
    Abstract: A transmission system for a vehicle has a first transmission module with at least one speed transforming gear and at least one coupling. The system may further include a second transmission module with at least one speed transforming gear and at least one coupling, wherein an input shaft of the first transmission module is connected to a drive source and an output shaft of the second transmission module iss connected to an end drive. An electromotor may be coupled to the first transmission module and/or the second transmission module, via a mount point. The first transmission module and the second transmission module may be arranged in series with an output shaft of the first transmission module being connected to an input shaft of the second transmission module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Marie Roell Van Druten, Alexander Franciscus Anita Serrarens, Bas Gerard Vroemen
  • Patent number: 8924111
    Abstract: The invention concerns an electronic controller for a continuously variable transmission of the type having a variator (10) with a rotary variator input (17) coupled to a first variator race (14a) and a rotary variator output (29) coupled to a second variator race (16a). At least one roller (20) runs upon the said races to transfer drive from one to the other. The roller is movable to steplessly vary the variator ratio. The variator further comprises at least one hydraulic actuator (36), (38) which acts upon the roller and through which net torque acting on the variator races is referred via the roller to the variator's casing. A hydraulic arrangement is provided for applying to the actuator at least one hydraulic control pressure which determines force applied’ by the actuator and thus determines the reaction torque. The variator is coupled between a rotary transmission input (17) and a rotary transmission output (714) such that the transmission ratio is a function of the variator ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Torotrak (Development) Limited
    Inventor: John William Edward Fuller
  • Patent number: 8903615
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (4) comprises an endless torque transmission member (13) looped around a pair of pulleys (11, 12). At least one of the pulleys changes a winding radius of the endless torque transmission member (13) in accordance with an applied pulley thrust. A controller (22) estimates a stretch amount of the endless torque transmission member (13) based on an operating state of the continuously variable transmission (4), sets a slip limit thrust based on the stretch amount, and controls the pulley thrusts based on the slip limit thrust. In this manner, appropriate pulley thrust control in accordance with whether or not the endless torque transmission member (13) stretches is realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keita Okudaira, Masato Koga
  • Patent number: 8897976
    Abstract: A transmission includes a transmission output speed (TOS) sensor providing a signal indicative of an output speed of the transmission. A controller estimates an actual torque output of the transmission and determines, in real time, a first TOS acceleration based on the signal provided by the transmission output speed sensor and a second TOS acceleration based on the actual torque estimation. The first and second accelerations are compared and a torque transient trigger is activated when the divergence exceeds a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Lister, Christopher Rhoades, Michael Beyer, Michael Barngrover
  • Patent number: 8870711
    Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable accessory drives (CVAD). In one embodiment, a skew-based control system is adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of a CVAD. In another embodiment, a skew-based control system includes a skew actuator coupled to a carrier member. In some embodiments, the skew actuator is configured to rotate a carrier member of a CVT. Various inventive traction planet assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. In some embodiments, the traction planet assemblies include legs configured to cooperate with the carrier members. In some embodiments, a traction planet assembly is operably coupled to the carrier members. Embodiments of a shift cam and traction sun are adapted to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces for a CVT are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventors: Brad P. Pohl, Fernand A. Thomassy, Charles B. Lohr, Scott T. McBroom
  • Patent number: 8868252
    Abstract: A microprocessor driven two dimensional search engine examines transmission operating points within a plurality of search range spaces and assists in determining properties associated with the driveline at various operating points within the space. The size of the space is reduced by rearrangement of data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Kee Yong Kim, Bin Wu
  • Patent number: 8849527
    Abstract: A machine may include a continuously variable transmission (CVT) operatively coupled to a power source. A virtual gear ratio may be selected from a plurality of virtual gear ratios associated with the CVT. A power source speed may be locked between a minimum power source limit and a maximum power source limit that are associated with the selected virtual gear ratio. If the virtual gear ratio is changed, a controller including one or more control maps may compare the power source speed as locked to the minimum power source limit and the maximum power source limit as they relate to the newly selected virtual gear ratio. If power source speed is outside the minimum or maximum power source limits, the method may limit the power source speed. In some embodiments, the minimum and/or maximum power source limits may vary with respect to the plurality of virtual gear ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Davis, Adam Nackers, Steven Ott
  • Patent number: 8838348
    Abstract: In a working vehicle, there is dissolved a risk that a black smoke is discharged, a knocking is generated and an engine stall is caused, if a lot of load is applied to a rotary tiller during various works while traveling at a low speed. In the working vehicle provided with an engine which is mounted to a travel machine body, a common rail type fuel injection device which injects fuel to the engine, and a continuously variable transmission which shifts power from the engine, an engine driving point Q (Q1?Q2) relating to a rotating speed N and a torque T of the engine is changed in such a manner that the rotation speed come to a high speed side rotating speed N2 dissolving an overload, and a change gear ratio of the continuously variable transmission is modified and regulates in such a manner that a vehicle speed V of the travel machine body does not change in the case that the overload acts on the engine of having a low speed N1 in the rotating speed N.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Oouchida, Keiichirou Yuzaki, Akifumi Kuroda, Tadao Hirai, Koji Iwaki, Koji Sakata, Minoru Kamada
  • Patent number: 8818657
    Abstract: The shift control unit shifts the sub-transmission mechanism while changing the speed ratio of the variator in response to a change in the speed ratio of the sub-transmission mechanism so that the through speed ratio does not change after the through speed ratio is caused to reach the final through speed ratio by changing only the speed ratio of the variator if the speed ratio corresponding to the shift instruction from the driver is between a first speed ratio at which the sub-transmission mechanism is in the second gear position at the high speed side and the speed ratio of the variator is lowest and a second speed ratio at which the sub-transmission mechanism is in the first gear position at the low speed side and the speed ratio of the variator is highest when the manual mode is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Jatco Ltd
    Inventors: Hiroyasu Tanaka, Masahide Ito, Masato Mori, Takashi Eguchi, Ryousuke Nonomura, Seiichiro Takahashi, Mamiko Inoue
  • Patent number: 8812201
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for an automatic transmission. The hydraulic control system is applied to an automatic transmission adapted to vary a torque capacity of a transmission member by an actuator. The hydraulic control system includes: a discharging device configured to discharge compressible gas entrained in the hydraulic fluid in the actuator; an interrupting device that interrupts power transmission; and a controller configured to determine an entrainment of the compressible gas in the hydraulic fluid, disconnect the power transmission via the interrupting device in a case that an entrained compressible gas is determined, and cause the entrained compressible gas to be removed from the hydraulic fluid by rotating the actuator while interrupting the power transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenta Kimura, Yuji Hattori, Tomokazu Inagawa, Takafumi Inagaki
  • Publication number: 20140214289
    Abstract: A machine includes an engine and an engine cooling system, which is associated with and configured to remove heat from the engine. A transmission is connected to the engine and configured to transmit engine power from the engine to a driven load. The transmission controls an amount of engine power transmitted to the driven load in response to a transmission command signal. A controller associated with the engine and the transmission provides the transmission control signal. The controller is disposed to determine an engine operating condition, determine a transmission operating condition, and adjust the transmission command signal to reduce the amount of engine power transmitted to the driven load when the engine operating condition indicates that the engine cooling system removes insufficient heat from the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Steven Ott, Adam Nackers, Kevin Davis
  • Publication number: 20140200112
    Abstract: Disclosed is a control apparatus for a vehicle including: a belt continuously variable transmission capable of continuously changing a gear ratio; and a forward/reverse switching mechanism capable of controlling a state of power transmission between an engine and the belt continuously variable transmission. The control apparatus is configured to, at re-acceleration following deceleration, perform an input clutch slip control to place a forward clutch of the forward/reverse switching mechanism in a slipping engagement position and thus increase an engine revolution speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takaaki TOKURA, Motonori KIMURA
  • Patent number: 8781674
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicular power transmitting apparatus includes a first valve that controls the supply of hydraulic fluid to a running clutch in connection with the switching of the operating state of a first solenoid valve; a second valve that controls the supply of hydraulic fluid to a lockup clutch in connection with the switching of the operating state of a second solenoid valve; and a linear solenoid valve that selectively controls the apply force of the running clutch and the lockup clutch according to the supply of control pressure to the first valve and the second valve. The control apparatus detects a failure state of a part related to the operation of the power transmitting apparatus by the operating state of the running clutch and the operating state of the lockup clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Taira Iraha, Kunio Hattori
  • Patent number: 8731751
    Abstract: A hybrid controller for controlling a hybrid vehicle is set forth. The hybrid vehicle has an engine, an electric motor and an engine controller determining a crankshaft torque. The hybrid controller includes an optimization module determining an electric motor torque, determining an engine torque and communicating the engine torque from the hybrid controller to the engine controller. The hybrid controller also includes a motor control module controlling the electric motor based on the electric motor torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventors: Robert C. Simon, Jr., Christopher E. Whitney, William R. Cawthorne, John L. Lahti, Douglas J. Babcock, Vivek Mehta, Anthony H. Heap, Todd R. Shupe, Cheryl A. Williams, Leonard G. Wozniak, Ning Jin, Birendra P. Bhattarai, James L. Worthing
  • Publication number: 20140121917
    Abstract: A machine may include a continuously variable transmission (CVT) operatively coupled to a power source. A virtual gear ratio may be selected from a plurality of virtual gear ratios associated with the CVT. A power source speed may be locked between a minimum power source limit and a maximum power source limit that are associated with the selected virtual gear ratio. If the virtual gear ratio is changed, a controller including one or more control maps may compare the power source speed as locked to the minimum power source limit and the maximum power source limit as they relate to the newly selected virtual gear ratio. If power source speed is outside the minimum or maximum power source limits, the method may limit the power source speed. In some embodiments, the minimum and/or maximum power source limits may vary with respect to the plurality of virtual gear ratios.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Kevin Davis, Adam Nackers, Steven Ott
  • Patent number: 8712649
    Abstract: A transmission controller permits a 2-1 shift, in which a gear position of a subtransmission mechanism is changed from a second speed to a first speed, when an accelerator pedal has been depressed to or above a predetermined opening. The gear position of the subtransmission mechanism is changed from the second speed to the first speed when an actual through speed ratio passes a mode switch line from a High side to a Low side while the 2-1 shift is permitted in the subtransmission mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignees: Jatco Ltd, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tateki Jozaki, Hideaki Suzuki, Ryousuke Nonomura, Mamiko Inoue, Seiichiro Takahashi, Tatsuo Ochiai, Masato Koga, Masaaki Uchida, Ryoji Kadono
  • Patent number: 8663066
    Abstract: A powertrain/driveline warm-up system includes a vehicle controller, an electrical power source interfacing with the vehicle controller, at least one heater interfacing with the vehicle controller and at least a portion of a vehicle powertrain provided in thermal contact with the at least one heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Thomas, John Edward Brevick
  • Patent number: 8647233
    Abstract: A method for controlling a drive system includes driveably connecting an engine to a variator, using a pulley to transmit rotating power from an electric machine through a gearset that increases speed of an input of the variator relative to a speed of the pulley, controlling a speed ratio of the variator, and transmitting power through the gearset and variator to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Donald E. Hoffman, David A. Janson
  • Patent number: 8617029
    Abstract: A shift control apparatus for continuously variable transmission includes: a pseudo accelerator opening degree generating section configured to generate a pseudo accelerator opening degree larger than the actual accelerator opening degree when the actual accelerator opening degree is decreased when the judging section judges that the vehicle runs the uphill; the target transmission gear ratio setting section being configured to set the target transmission gear ratio by the pseudo accelerator opening degree when the pseudo accelerator opening degree is inputted, and the shift control section being configured to control the shift toward the target transmission gear ratio set based on the pseudo accelerator opening degree and the vehicle speed when the pseudo accelerator opening degree is generated, and to control the shift toward the target transmission gear ratio set based on the actual accelerator opening degree and the vehicle speed when the pseudo accelerator opening degree is not generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Jatco Ltd
    Inventors: Tomoaki Kabe, Nobuhiko Morifuji, Keisuke Ichikawa, Nobuhide Kato, Yuki Ono, Hiromu Ogino, Yukinobu Sakakibara, Hisao Nakanishi, Takahiro Nakata, Mitsuki Ishizuka
  • Patent number: 8585551
    Abstract: An automobile comprising a continuously variable transmission (“CVT”) system including an acceleration input device, a CVT, and a processor. The acceleration input device generates acceleration input data indicating an amount of change in the acceleration input device, and a rate of change in the acceleration input device. The CVT includes a power source and a transmission output system. The power source operates at a transmission input speed, while the transmission output system operates at a transmission output speed. The transmission input speed over the transmission output speed comprises a gear ratio. The processor analyzes the acceleration input data to determine a target gear ratio. The processor can instruct the CVT to change the gear ratio to the target gear ratio at a rate corresponding to the rate of change in the acceleration input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Jordan Choby