Fluid Pressure Control Patents (Class 477/45)
  • Patent number: 8753248
    Abstract: A vehicle and a method for controlling the vehicle are capable of preventing slip of a belt of a continuously variable transmission at an appropriate timing. A control unit included in the vehicle includes a state information obtaining unit that obtains information indicating a state of a torque damping mechanism provided on a torque transmission path between a second pulley of a continuously variable transmission and a drive wheel, and a clamping force changing processing unit that changes the clamping forces of the first pulley of the continuously variable transmission and the second pulley, based on the state of the torque damping mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideyuki Fujita
  • Patent number: 8753247
    Abstract: A motorcycle capable of reducing and minimizing a period of time in which air that is immixed into hydraulic oil due to a vehicle body being inclined in a left-right direction stays in the hydraulic oil, includes an oil pump to feed hydraulic oil to an oil chamber of a primary pulley and an oil chamber of a secondary pulley, and a first control valve. The first control valve includes a discharge port to discharge the hydraulic oil from a first oil passage continuously from the oil pump to the oil chamber. Under normal control, the controller operates the first control valve based on the driving state of the motorcycle. Further, the controller determines whether or not the inclination of the motorcycle exceeds a predetermined threshold, and when the inclination of the motorcycle exceeds the predetermined threshold, the controller operates the first control valve such that the discharge port is prevented from being closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasunori Mano
  • Patent number: 8744708
    Abstract: Surplus pressure is obtained from a difference between a hydraulic pressure value detected by a hydraulic pressure sensor and a target supplied hydraulic pressure. A determination is made about whether or not a possible hydraulic pressure in a prescribed time will become lower than a minimum required hydraulic pressure based on a current surplus pressure and a changing rate of the surplus pressure. If the possible hydraulic pressure is lower than the minimum required hydraulic pressure, correction is conducted to increase supplied hydraulic pressure. Accordingly, control is conducted so that the regularly required surplus pressure can be reduced to a minimum required amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirohiko Totsuka, Hitoshi Takayama
  • Patent number: 8594898
    Abstract: In an apparatus for controlling a belt type CVT connected to an engine (prime mover) mounted on a vehicle through a forward clutch to change power of the engine in speed and transmit the power to a driven wheel of the vehicle, it is configured to determine whether it is in a predetermined operating condition where an operator is likely to apply a panic brake or the like, set a first value as a friction coefficient ? of the clutch to calculate and control a desired supply hydraulic pressure based on the first value when the determination result is negative, and set a second value greater than the first value to calculate and control the desired supply hydraulic pressure based on the second value when the determination result is affirmative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hirohiko Totsuka
  • Patent number: 8585544
    Abstract: A drive force control system includes a shifting demand judging means that judges whether or not a torque capacity of the clutch is relatively high, and a condition for changing the speed change ratio of the continuously variable transmission stepwise is satisfied; and a first shifting means that reduces the torque capacity of the clutch before changing the speed change ratio of the continuously variable transmission, to synchronize a rotational speed of the internal combustion engine with an input speed of the continuously variable transmission to be attained after changing the speed change ratio thereof while changing the speed change ratio of the continuously variable transmission, and to increase the torque capacity of the clutch after changing the speed change ratio of the continuously variable transmission, when changing the speed change ratio of the continuously variable transmission stepwise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tomoyuki Honda
  • Publication number: 20130260960
    Abstract: A control device for continuously variable transmission is composed of a continuously variable transmission mechanism and friction engagement elements, and includes a control unit for decreasing, during a coast stop control to stop a driving power source in a traveling state of a vehicle, a transmission torque capacity transmittable by the friction engagement elements to fall under a belt capacity being torque transmittable by a belt using a holding force of pulleys.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: JATCO LTD
    Inventors: Noritaka AOYAMA, Hideshi WAKAYAMA, Naohiro YAMADA, Keichi TATEWAKI, Kousuke WAKU
  • Patent number: 8532889
    Abstract: A variator torque control system adjusts a variator output so that the actual output torque of the variator closely matches an expected output torque. In an example, pressure values of an existing torque control map are supplemented in real time with calculated pressure supplement values based on the current operation of the variator. The pressure supplement value for each mapped pressure value may be derived based on a prior application of the same or another map value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Frank A. Demarco, Brian D. Kuras
  • Patent number: 8504262
    Abstract: A control apparatus for an automatic transmission includes a torque calculator configured to calculate a torque required during a speed change for a hydraulic clutch at a target speed stage based on an output torque of an engine. A supply fluid pressure calculator is configured to obtain, from the calculated torque, a supply fluid pressure to be supplied to the hydraulic clutch by using a clutch friction coefficient. A fluid supplier is configured to supply the obtained supply fluid pressure to the hydraulic clutch to perform the speed change for an output of the engine through a gear corresponding to the target speed stage. A clutch plate temperature estimating device is configured to estimate a plate temperature of the hydraulic clutch. A fluid pressure correcting device is configured to correct the supply fluid pressure based on the estimated plate temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuma Sasahara, Takashi Maehara, Makoto Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8478474
    Abstract: A diagnostic apparatus and a diagnostic method are provided for a belt squeezing force adjusting mechanism of a continuously variable transmission in which a belt is wound around a primary sheave that receives driving force and a secondary sheave that outputs force to a drive line, and which continuously changes the output rotation speed by adjusting the width of the groove the primary sheave and the secondary sheave by shift control. This diagnostic determines, as a precondition, whether a target control value calculated in shift control is in a low region, and performs a diagnostic on the belt squeezing force adjusting mechanism based on the relationship between an actual control value and the target control value during control to reduce a control value when it is determined that the precondition is satisfied. According to this diagnostic apparatus and diagnostic method, an erroneous diagnosis can be prevented so the diagnostic can be performed accurately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasunari Matsui, Akira Hino, Shinya Toyoda, Naoto Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8439798
    Abstract: In a hydraulic apparatus for an automatic transmission having a torque converter with a lockup clutch and CVT, there are provided a first control valve for controlling hydraulic pressure supply to the lockup clutch oil chamber, a first electromagnetic solenoid valve for controlling operation of the first control valve, a second control valve for controlling hydraulic pressure supply to the CVT pulleys, a second electromagnetic solenoid valve for controlling operation of the second control valve, a switching valve interposed between the oil chamber and the first control valve. In the apparatus, when detecting that the first control valve or first electromagnetic solenoid valve is failed and the lockup clutch is locked in engaged condition, current supply to the second electromagnetic solenoid valve is stopped so that it operates the switching valve to disengage the lockup clutch, thereby enabling to forcibly release the engagement without manipulation by the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motors Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Keiichi Hanyu, Genso Igari, Akihira Aoki
  • Patent number: 8414452
    Abstract: A power transmission device is installed in a vehicle and connected to a power generation source that is capable of outputting power for driving. The power transmission device includes a belt-type continuously variable transmission; a working fluid accumulation portion; a friction engagement element; a first pump; a pressure regulating valve; a friction engagement element pressure regulating valve; a second pump; and a switching valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruki Shirasaka, Masahiro Ito, Tetsuya Shimizu, Kazunori Ishikawa, Kazuhiko Kato, Kenichi Tsuchida, Nobuo Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8414453
    Abstract: An inertia torque input into the continuously variable speed change mechanism from the subtransmission mechanism is estimated during the shift in the subtransmission mechanism. During the shift in the subtransmission mechanism, a required oil pressure, which is an oil pressure required to maintain a contact frictional force between the respective pulleys and the wrapped member, is calculated on the basis of an input torque into the continuously variable speed change mechanism and the inertia torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Jatco Ltd
    Inventors: Ryousuke Nonomura, Takashi Eguchi, Tomohiro Utagawa, Keita Okudaira
  • Patent number: 8403810
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling the torque transferable by a mechanical drive between an engine and a shaft of a vehicle includes a first actuator which acts on a variable-speed drive, a second actuator which acts on a clutch to determine the degree of engagement/release of the clutch; and a measuring device for measuring the torque to or from the variable-speed drive. The first and second actuators and the measuring device are controlled by an electronic central control unit to protect the variable-speed drive and/or the clutch from mechanical overloading of the mechanical drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Massimo Baroni, Francesco Roli, Eugenio Sereni
  • Patent number: 8392077
    Abstract: A linear solenoid is configured with an electromagnetic coil and a label resistor that are integrated with each other; the label resistor has a resistance value corresponding to a correction coefficient based on the difference between the actual characteristic of the supply current vs. adjusted hydraulic pressure output of the electromagnetic coil and a standard characteristic; and data for correcting a characteristic variation in the command current vs. output current characteristic of an electromagnetic coil is preliminarily stored in a control module by use of an adjustment tool. When the operation is started, the resistance value of the label resistor is read and an output current corresponding to a utilized linear solenoid is supplied, so that a target adjusted hydraulic pressure is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Shozo Kanzaki, Fumiaki Arimai, Hiroyoshi Nishizaki
  • Patent number: 8353805
    Abstract: A hydraulic supply system for a hydraulically actuated automatic transmission, in particular for a belt-driven conical-pulley transmission. The system includes a primary pump driven by a primary drive system to provide pressure in a supply line connected to a regulating valve. The supply line is connected through a pilot valve to a control line in which a control valve is situated, with which the pressure that determines the setting of a transmission ratio adjusting valve is set. An auxiliary pump driven by an auxiliary drive system that is separate from the primary drive system includes an outlet line connected to the control line through a first valve that opens in the direction of the control line, and is connected to the supply line through a second valve that opens in the direction of the supply line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jochen Pfister, Reinhard Stehr, Eric Müller, Roshan Willeke
  • Patent number: 8311691
    Abstract: An HV-ECU performs a step of detecting an atmospheric pressure, a step of calculating a maximum value of a boost voltage corresponding to the atmospheric pressure by using a map, and a step of setting the maximum value as a system voltage value and controlling a DC/DC converter. Moreover, the HV-ECU may calculate a resistance value of a gate resistance of a switching element corresponding to the atmospheric pressure by using the map and control the gate resistance to achieve the set resistance value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Katsunari Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 8306708
    Abstract: A control device for a vehicular automatic transmission which can realize a shifting with quickened response with suppressing a turbine blow-up during the shifting is provided. When a response in hydraulic pressure control by a hydraulic pressure control circuit 42 fails to satisfy a preset predetermined determining criterion, a shifting response is prevented from improving, in comparison to a case where the determining criterion is satisfied. Under a relatively low response of the hydraulic pressure control by the hydraulic pressure control circuit 42 due to air mixture to working oil, a control to inhibit a high-response shifting or the like is performed, so that a turbine blow-up caused by a delayed response of hydraulic pressure can be prevented. Thus, the control device for the vehicular automatic transmission can be provided, which can realize the shifting with quickened response, with suppressing the turbine blow-up during the shifting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keisuke Ota, Hitoshi Matsunaga, Koji Oshima
  • Patent number: 8306707
    Abstract: A system and method of dithering speed and/or torque for shifting a transmission of a vehicle having an engine, a reversible, variable displacement hydraulic motor/pump which can be driven by the engine, a hydraulic accumulator supplied by said motor/pump, and at least one reversible hydraulic driving motor for propelling the vehicle supplied with fluid by the hydraulic accumulator and/or by said motor/pump operating as a pump. A transmission unit connects the engine with the variable displacement hydraulic motor/pump during a first mode of operation (city mode) and connects the engine to a vehicle drive wheel during a second mode of operation. The system utilizes stored hydraulic energy to dither the output of the driving motor in order to achieve quick and smooth shifts between city and highway mode, or between various ranges within the city mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Yisheng Zhang, John Loeffler
  • Patent number: 8292782
    Abstract: A belt continuously-variable transmission control apparatus includes: a belt continuously-variable transmission including; a primary pulley arranged to receive a torque from a driving source; a secondary pulley arranged to output the torque to driving wheels; a belt wound around the primary pulley and the secondary pulley; a hydraulic pressure control section configured to control a hydraulic pressure of one of the primary pulley and the secondary pulley which is a capacity side, and thereby to bring the belt, the primary pulley and the secondary pulley to a slip state; and a torque control section configured to control the torque of the driving source, and thereby to bring the slip state to a predetermined slip state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignees: Jatco Ltd, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Yamanaka, Shigeru Ishii, Shigeki Shimanaka
  • Patent number: 8287409
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system of continuously variable transmission includes: a first sheave pressure regulating valve (17) that regulates a line pressure (Pl), which is used for hydraulic control as a source pressure, to obtain a first sheave pressure (Pin); a fail-safe valve (19) that selects and outputs any one of the first sheave pressure (Pin) or a fail-safe hydraulic pressure (second sheave pressure Pout) that is applied to a drive pulley (21) at the time of a failure due to an excessive first sheave pressure (Pin) to the drive pulley (21); and a first regulator valve (12) and a second regulator valve (13) that regulate the line pressure (Pl). An output pressure (Psf) of the fail-safe valve (19) is supplied to the first and second regulator valves (12 and 13) in a feedback manner as a drive pulley (21) side hydraulic pressure to thereby regulate the line pressure (Pl).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yusuke Ogata, Toshihiro Aoyama
  • Patent number: 8285463
    Abstract: A method and control system for operating a transmission includes a transmission control module determining a transmission sensor signal and a transmission pressure sensor offset prior to starting a vehicle engine and an engine start initiator starting the vehicle engine. The transmission control module controls a transmission function in response the transmission pressure sensor offset and the pressure sensor signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventors: Robert L. Moses, Ronald F. Lochocki, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8275510
    Abstract: An ECU executes a program including the steps of determining that a change speed solenoid is abnormal when a target speed ratio falls within a predetermined range, an upshift is recognized and the change speed solenoid is abnormal; determining that the change speed solenoid is normal when the change speed solenoid is not abnormal; determining that a belt pinch pressure solenoid is abnormal when the target speed ratio is substantially equal to a speed ratio ?min on a maximum speed-increase side and the target speed ratio is not substantially equal to an actual speed ratio; and determining that the belt pinch pressure solenoid is normal when the target speed ratio is substantially equal to the actual speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naoto Tanaka, Shinya Toyoda, Naoya Inoue, Tadashi Tamura, Akira Hino, Yasunari Matsui
  • Patent number: 8226529
    Abstract: A sensor is placed in proximity to a chain of a continuously variable transmission, and a pulse is output by detecting pins. Moreover, there is provided a control section that determines theoretical speed of the chain from numbers of input and output rotations of the continuously variable transmission; that determines actual speed of the chain from an output from the sensor; that determines slippage from the speeds; and that controls clamping force of the continuously variable transmission so as to make slippage close to a reference value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Yves Rothenbuhler, Shigeo Kamamoto
  • Patent number: 8195369
    Abstract: An ECU executes a program that includes a step of increasing belt squeezing pressure to a value P (ON) greater than a normal value P (OFF) that is set as the belt squeezing pressure when a footbrake switch is off, when the footbrake switch is on and the time elapsed after the footbrake switch was turned on is less than a threshold value T (0); and a step of gradually reducing the belt squeezing pressure to the normal value P (OFF) when the time elapsed after the footbrake switch was turned on is equal to or greater than the threshold value. As a result, a decrease in fuel efficiency of a vehicle in which a continuously variable transmission is mounted, as well as a reduction in the durability of a belt of this continuously variable transmission, can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Daisuke Inoue, Tadashi Tamura
  • Publication number: 20120135837
    Abstract: A time required until the friction element is completely engaged is delayed when a switch from a non-driving position to a driving position is detected or when the engine automatic stop condition no longer holds until the differential rotation of the friction element disappears after the engine automatic stop condition holds as compared with the case where the switch from the non-driving position to the driving position is detected or the engine automatic stop condition no longer holds after the differential rotation of the friction element disappears.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventors: Kousuke Waku, Masayuki Miyazono, Hideshi Wakayama
  • Patent number: 8185283
    Abstract: First target torque of an engine is set based on a driver's operation, a vehicle behavior, and a request for shifting gears of an automatic transmission. The engine is controlled such that the difference between the first target torque and the actual output torque of the engine is reduced. Detection torque is calculated from an operation state of the engine. In consideration of dead time in control of the engine, calculation torque is calculated from the first target torque. In addition, first lookahead torque with the dead time in the engine being removed is calculated by feedback-correcting the first target torque according to an error e between the detection torque and the calculation torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Seiji Kuwahara, Toshiya Oishi, Shogo Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 8170762
    Abstract: A method for controlling a hydraulic flow within a powertrain comprising an electromechanical transmission mechanically-operatively coupled to an engine adapted to selectively transmit power to an output, wherein the transmission utilizes a hydraulic control system serving a number of hydraulic oil consuming functions includes monitoring minimum hydraulic pressure requirements for each of the functions, determining a requested hydraulic pressure based upon the monitoring minimum hydraulic pressure requirements and physical limits of the hydraulic control system including a maximum pressure, determining a desired flow utilizing a hydraulic control system flow model based upon the requested hydraulic pressure, and utilizing the desired flow to control an auxiliary hydraulic pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael D. Foster, Eric S. Tryon, Jy-Jen F. Sah, Ali K Naqvi
  • Patent number: 8165772
    Abstract: A method of managing slip in a transmission that is driven by a prime mover includes determining whether a slip condition of the transmission is present based on a slip value and reducing a torque output of the prime mover based on a torque reduction value when the slip condition is present. The method further includes storing the torque reduction value in an array if the slip condition is resolved as a result of the step of reducing and identifying a faulty component within the transmission based on the array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Todd J. Thor
  • Patent number: 8118697
    Abstract: A simplified continuously variable transmission system control provides a variable clamping force and a differential cylinder pressure manipulation to change sheave ratios. The system control uses two pumps. The first pump provides the variable clamping force. The second pump provides pressure changes to effect ratio changes. The clamping force can be varied based upon operator demand on an associated engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Albert W. Brown
  • Patent number: 8105191
    Abstract: The line hydraulic pressure setting portion sets the line hydraulic pressure PL, which is the base pressure for the required shift control pressure Pin and the required belt clamping pressure Pd, based on the higher of the required pressures Pin and Pd. At this time, if the continuously variable transmission is to be shifted up, the required Pin calculating portion calculates the required shift control pressure Pin based on one of the target speed ratio ?* and the actual speed ratio ? with which the required shift pressure Pv is calculated to be higher than with the other. As such, the required shift control pressure Pin is set to the minimum necessary level for shifting up the continuously variable transmission and the line hydraulic pressure PL is appropriately set to a level for obtaining the required shift control pressure Pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinya Toyoda, Hiroji Taniguchi, Yoshinobu Soga
  • Patent number: 8096906
    Abstract: When a vehicle decelerates rapidly, a lower limit secondary pulley pressure (Plmt) is calculated on the basis of a primary pulley rotation speed (Npri) detected by a primary pulley rotation sensor. When a deceleration speed (Gdata) is greater than a predetermined deceleration speed (G1) and a secondary pulley pressure (Psec) detected by a secondary pulley pressure sensor is lower than the lower limit secondary pulley pressure (Plmt), it is determined that slippage is about to occur in a V-belt 4 on a primary pulley side in particular, and therefore speed ratio fixing control is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Jatco Ltd
    Inventors: Takuichiro Inoue, Hiroki Iwasa, Hiroyasu Tanaka, Yoshihisa Kodama
  • Patent number: 8092341
    Abstract: A method of controlling a transmission (e.g., CVT) comprises dividing the entire range of an input torque to a transmission from an engine into a plurality of partial torque ranges; setting the maximum torque of the respective partial torque ranges as a representative torque of the respective partial torque ranges; and setting a target hydraulic pressure, which is to be provided to the transmission, according to the representative torque and a predetermined target speed ratio. The method allows a target hydraulic pressure for controlling a transmission to be maintained constant even though an input torque from an engine is changed, and allows the transmission to maintain a speed ratio constant, thereby ensure a stable and smooth ride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignees: Kia Motors Corporation, Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Howook Lee
  • Patent number: 8088036
    Abstract: A vehicle drive control device includes a continuously variable transmission mechanism (hereinafter referred to as CVT (6) of a torque control type capable of continuously varying a transmission gear ratio, and a controller (34) which controls operations of the CVT (6) and an engine (2). The controller (34) includes a first control section (43; 43A) which controls a torque of the CVT (6) based on a target transmission input torque (TTRN,T), and a second control section (44) which controls a torque of the engine (2) based on a target engine rotation speed (?e,T).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Fuchs, Yasuhiko Hasuda
  • Patent number: 8066595
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a vehicular drive system including a hydraulically operated belt-and-pulley type continuously variable transmission and a hydraulically operated frictional coupling device engaged for running of a vehicle, the hydraulic control system including: a first solenoid valve for regulating a belt-tensioning hydraulic pressure for tensioning a belt of the transmission, a second solenoid valve for regulating a transient coupling hydraulic pressure to be applied to the frictional coupling device in the process of an engaging action, a line-pressure regulating valve for regulating a line pressure used for hydraulically operated devices of the mechanism, and a hydraulic-circuit switching device operable to apply a control pressure of the second solenoid-operated valve to the line-pressure regulating valve after the frictional coupling device has been placed in a fully engaged state, and to apply a first control pressure of the first solenoid-operated valve to the line-pressure regulating va
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yusuke Ogata, Yoshinobu Soga, Ryoji Habuchi
  • Patent number: 8057354
    Abstract: Systems and methods for efficiently and effectively controlling the rate of change of ratio, not simply the ratio, in a CVT. By controlling the rate of change of ratio, the acceleration or deceleration of a vehicle can be controlled in an efficient manner. Furthermore, the rate of change of ratio can be controlled by controlling the clamping pressure of the pulleys and/or differential pressure between the pulleys with minimal slip by using a servo control mechanism adapted for control by a system controller based on equilibrium mapping and other control parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Andrew A. Frank, Thomas Dreumont
  • Patent number: 7998006
    Abstract: In a speed ratio control device for a belt continuously variable transmission according to this invention, when a speed ratio is subjected to feedback control on the basis of a difference between an actual speed ratio and a target speed ratio, pressure supplied to a primary pulley is corrected through feedforward (S17, S18) in order to suppress variation in the groove width of the primary pulley caused by a rapid variation in an input torque into the primary pulley (S17) while traveling in a fixed speed ratio mode (S14) in which the target speed ratio is held at a fixed value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Jatco Ltd
    Inventors: Hironori Nihei, Tetsuya Izumi, Seonjae Kim, Fumito Shinohara, Kiyotaka Sawano, Takuya Numata
  • Patent number: 7922610
    Abstract: In a line pressure control device for a belt type continuously variable transmission according to this invention, when a line pressure is feedback-controlled to equal a target line pressure which is equal to or greater than the larger of oil pressures supplied to a primary pulley and a secondary pulley (S1), and it is determined that the target line pressure has fallen below a first low pressure, leading to a divergence between the target line pressure and the actual line pressure (S6), the target line pressure is restricted such that the target line pressure does not fall below a lower limit value (S7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: JATCO Ltd
    Inventors: Hironori Nihei, Tetsuya Izumi, Seonjae Kim, Fumito Shinohara, Toshiyuki Shibuya, Toshiji Iida
  • Patent number: 7920949
    Abstract: A variator torque control system and method utilize a hydraulic actuator to control the variator output via a torque control map, wherein the values of the torque control map are evaluated and modified during use of the map to improve map accuracy. In an example, errors in the map are evaluated to determine whether a system fault has occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D Kuras, Frank A DeMarco, Adam J Vaccari, Tyler Bowan
  • Patent number: 7908069
    Abstract: A method of operating a clutch during vehicle launch including increasing a first hydraulic pressure in an inner chamber from a first to a second level; decreasing a second hydraulic pressure in an outer chamber from a third to a fourth level in response to engine speed and throttle position for the vehicle; and slipping the clutch in response to increasing and decreasing the first and second pressures, respectively. The first hydraulic pressure urges a clutch disposed between the engine and an impeller for a vehicle torque converter to an engaged position. The second hydraulic pressure opposes the first hydraulic pressure. In some aspects, the method includes determining a temperature for oil in a transmission in the vehicle. Then, decreasing the second hydraulic pressure includes decreasing the second pressure in response to the determined temperature. In some aspects, the clutch and the chambers are located in the torque converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Jeremy Whitmer
  • Patent number: 7892141
    Abstract: A speed ratio change control device for a belt type continuously variable transmission calculates a maximum thrust that can be generated by the primary pulley on the basis of an upper limit value of the line pressure, calculates an upper limit value of a shift speed on the basis of the maximum thrust, and sets the target speed ratio on the basis of the upper limit value of the shift speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Jatco Ltd
    Inventors: Midori Yamaguchi, Fumito Shinohara, Yoshihisa Kodama
  • Patent number: 7819764
    Abstract: A speed change control device for a belt type continuously variable transmission has a speed change control unit (32) which controls an oil pressure for determining a speed ratio of the continuously variable transmission (10) by operating a step motor (40), and detects a rotation speed of a primary pulley or a secondary pulley. A driving speed of the step motor (40) is limited using two or more of a temperature of a working oil of the speed change control unit (32), the speed ratio of the continuously variable transmission (10), and the detected rotation speed as parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: JATCO Ltd
    Inventors: Yusuke Kimura, Tatsuo Ochiai
  • Patent number: 7811188
    Abstract: A simplified continuously variable transmission system control provides a variable clamping force and a differential cylinder pressure manipulation to change sheave ratios. The system control uses two pumps. The first pump provides the variable clamping force. The second pump provides pressure changes to effect ratio changes. The clamping force can be varied based upon operator demand on an associated engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Albert W. Brown
  • Patent number: 7806790
    Abstract: A slippage detection system for a continuously variable transmission capable of continuously changing a ratio between a speed of rotation of an input member and a speed of rotation of an output member is provided. The slippage detection system calculates a correlation coefficient relating to the input rotation speed and the output rotation speed, based on a plurality of measurement values of the input rotation speed and a plurality of measurement values of the output rotation speed, and determines slippage of the torque transmitting member in the continuously variable transmission based on the calculated correlation coefficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kunihiro Iwatsuki, Kazumi Hoshiya, Yasuhiro Oshiumi, Yasunori Nakawaki, Masataka Osawa, Hiroyuki Nishizawa, Hiroyuki Yamaguchi, Hideyuki Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20100210414
    Abstract: A discharge capacity reduction device that, while neutral control is performed, reduces the discharge capacity of an oil pump that is driven by the engine is provided, so that the load applied to the oil pump is reduced. Thus, the load applied to the engine is reduced and it is possible to further reduce the engine output, so that it is possible to further improve fuel economy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naoto Tanaka, Shinya Toyoda
  • Patent number: 7768530
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for verifying operation of process variable transmitters in process control or monitoring systems is provided. A process variable is measured with a process variable transmitter to verify operation of the process variable transmitter by comparing the process variable with a reference. A data entry is placed in a database which indicates operation of the process variable transmitter has been verified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter H. Sigtermans, Patrick M. Dobrowski
  • Publication number: 20100167872
    Abstract: A vehicle drive apparatus for supplying oil pressure to a hydraulic servo at restart of an engine. The vehicle drive apparatus includes an accumulator that accumulates the oil pressure, an electromagnetic switching valve that retains oil pressure of the accumulator when an oil pump is stopped, a switching valve control unit that controls opening and closing of the electromagnetic switching valve, and a restart determining unit that determines whether or not to restart the vehicle drive source from a stopped state. When it is determined by the restart determining unit to restart the vehicle drive source, the switching valve control unit is started so as to supply the oil pressure accumulated in the accumulator to the hydraulic servo. As a result, engine friction engagement elements are quickly engaged to enable starting of a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Haruki SHIRASAKA, Noriyuki Tani, Yuji Iwatsuru, Masayoshi Kato, Takuji Akiyama, Shuichi Takeda, Masahiro Ito
  • Publication number: 20100160111
    Abstract: A belt continuously-variable transmission control apparatus includes: a belt continuously-variable transmission including; a primary pulley arranged to receive a torque from a driving source; a secondary pulley arranged to output the torque to driving wheels; a belt wound around the primary pulley and the secondary pulley; a hydraulic pressure control section configured to control a hydraulic pressure of one of the primary pulley and the secondary pulley which is a capacity side, and thereby to bring the belt, the primary pulley and the secondary pulley to a slip state; and a torque control section configured to control the torque of the driving source, and thereby to bring the slip state to a predetermined slip state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi YAMANAKA, Shigeru Ishii, Shigeki Shimanaka
  • Patent number: 7739019
    Abstract: A rough road detection system for a vehicle comprises a first acceleration sensor that measures vertical acceleration of a component of the vehicle. An adaptive acceleration limits module determines a first acceleration limit based upon a speed of the vehicle. A limit comparison module generates a rough road signal based on a comparison of the first acceleration limit from the adaptive acceleration limits module and the measured acceleration from the first acceleration sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Dominique Robert, Herve Scelers, Pascal Tissot
  • Patent number: 7713166
    Abstract: Systems and methods for efficiently and effectively controlling the rate of change of ratio, not simply the ratio, in a CVT. By controlling the rate of change of ratio, the acceleration or deceleration of a vehicle can be controlled in an efficient manner. Furthermore, the rate of change of ratio can be controlled by controlling the clamping pressure of the pulleys and/or differential pressure between the pulleys with minimal slip by using a servo control mechanism adapted for control by a system controller based on equilibrium mapping and other control parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Andrew A. Frank, Thomas Dreumont
  • Patent number: 7713165
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a continuously variable transmission for a hybrid electric vehicle enhances operability as speed changes are made based on input torques and engine rotational speeds since pressure of a primary pulley is controlled based on engine rotational speeds; applies a wide pressure range for solenoids in normal operation by deciding a limp home mode only when a secondary control solenoid valve (SCSV) and a ratio control solenoid valve (RCSV) are under maximum pressure at the same time; reuses flux discharged under reduced pressure from a secondary regulator valve in a lubrication control valve, thus saving energy; controls the lubrication pressure actively using PWM; and generates a pilot pressure for clutch control using a single valve when the transmission control unit fails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Hyun Suk Kim