Including Fluid Drive Patents (Class 477/52)
  • Patent number: 7860631
    Abstract: A method of operating a transmission of a vehicle. The method includes determining an open loop ratio percentage from an engine RPM input signal and a brake input signal using a first algorithm. Determining a closed loop ratio percentage from the engine RPM input signal, a vehicle RPM input signal and a throttle input signal using a second algorithm. Summing the open loop percentage and closed loop ratio percentage to calculate a ratio command percentage that is used to sum with a swashplate input to actuate a swashplate positioner and operate the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Sauer-Danfoss, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith R. Williams
  • Publication number: 20100317486
    Abstract: A first motor 3 and a second motor 4 of variable displacement type are in parallel to each other connected to a hydraulic pump 2 in a closed circuit, through which the output torque from the first motor 3 is transmitted to an output shaft 6. A clutch control unit 10 controls a clutch device 15 as: when the engine speed is N1, which is the case where the accelerator pedal is fully depressed, the clutch is disengaged at the vehicle speed v1. When the engine speed is N3(<N1), which is the case where the accelerator pedal is half depressed, the clutch is disengaged at the vehicle speed v3(<v1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicants: TCM CORPORATION, HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Koji Hyodo, Nobuhiro Suzuki, Koji Takano, Genichiro Ishimaru, Kazuo Ishida, Kazuo Chonan
  • Publication number: 20100311538
    Abstract: A hydraulic pressure supply device of an automatic transmission which supplies working oil to the automatic transmission capable of utilizing the oil pressure to make any of a plurality of frictional engagement devices selectively engaged, thereby performing gear shift to transmit the power from an engine to driving wheels of a vehicle is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tomohiro MIYABE, Ryoichi HIBINO, Shinobu NAKAMURA, Masahiro TOMIDA
  • Publication number: 20100234176
    Abstract: A hydraulic control device for an automatic transmission that prevents the introduction of foreign materials from a starter into the lubricant path and also reduces duct resistance at a non-lockup time when the oil temperature is low. Oil is provided to an oil cooler for cooling the oil, and is also provided to the automatic transmission for lubricating the transmission. The device includes a switching valve that is switched between a lockup state and a non-lockup state of the clutch. In the lockup state, the switching valve is switched to a first position at which a first input pressure is supplied to the starter and a second input pressure is supplied through the oil cooler to the transmission. In the non-lockup state, the switching valve is switched to a second position at which the first input pressure is discharged through the starter and the oil cooler to an oil pan, and the second input pressure is supplied to the transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi TANAKA, Teruaki Naito
  • Publication number: 20100093488
    Abstract: A vehicle powertrain includes an engine capable of being selectively turned on and turned off, a transmission operatively connected to the engine, and a hydraulic control system including a pump in fluid communication with the transmission. The pump is operatively connected to the engine for supplying fluid to the transmission when the engine is on, wherein the pump is idle when the engine is off. The hydraulic control system additionally includes an accumulator arranged to accumulate the fluid when the engine is on. The accumulator is also controlled to accumulate fluid when the engine is on, to retain the fluid when the engine is turned off, and to discharge the fluid to the transmission when the engine is restarted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS , INC.
    Inventors: MICHEAL P. PORTELL, DARYL A. WILTON, CARLOS E. MARIN, LEONID BASIN, AJIT S. GREWAL
  • Publication number: 20100056315
    Abstract: A fluidic system mechanically coupled to a mechanical component is provided. The fluidic system comprises a first pump of a first type coupled to the mechanical component and a second pump of a second type in fluid communication with the first pump. The fluidic system can operate in a pumping mode in which at least the first pump feeds a fluid through the fluidic system. The fluidic system can further operate in an actuating mode in which the second pump feeds the fluid through the fluidic system and the first pump extracts energy from the fluid flow. Further, a drive train for a wind turbine and method for actuating a mechanical component are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventor: Hartmut Scholte-Wassink
  • Publication number: 20100056330
    Abstract: The temperature of a stationary machine component is controlled by transferring heat generated by a torque converter under restricted conditions to the component. The machine, such as a petroleum drilling or well service machine, includes a circulating fluid system configured to transfer heat from the torque converter to the remotely positioned machine component. Heat generated by the torque converter under the restricted condition is transferred through the circulating fluid system to the remote component, such as the machine power source, to control the temperature thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Schuh
  • Publication number: 20100022348
    Abstract: A method for adapting a drive train based upon a PTO load is provided. The method includes continually during vehicle driving determining a torque magnitude indicative of said power take off unit's torque consumption by sensing a fluid pressure produced by a power take off fluid pump. The sensed power take off unit torque consumption is continually compared with an output torque produced by a prime mover. Using the difference from said output torque expected value and the measured PTO torque consumption, a control unit adjusts transmission shifting (if automatic) of a transmission and/or prime mover control because the PTO will cause the prime mover to lose some of its available torque. Based on the PTO load, the engine control will selected the appropriate prime mover torque production and the transmission control unit will select the appropriate start gear, upshift gears, and downshift gears.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventor: Johan Jonsson
  • Publication number: 20100009806
    Abstract: A construction vehicle includes an engine, a hydraulic pump driven by the engine, a travel hydraulic motor driven by pressure oil discharged from the hydraulic pump, travel wheels driven by the drive force of the travel hydraulic motor, and a controller. The controller is configured to control an engine speed, displacement of the hydraulic pump, and displacement of the travel hydraulic motor in order to control a vehicle speed and the traction force. The controller is further configured to increase a maximum displacement of the travel hydraulic motor as the vehicle speed decreases within a low speed range in which the vehicle speed is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Shirao, Minoru Wada, Yuuya Kusumoto
  • Publication number: 20090247355
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a multi-mode hybrid-type power transmission is provided, including an engine-driven main pump in fluid communication with a main regulator valve, and an electrically driven auxiliary pump in fluid communication with an auxiliary regulator valve. A first pressure control solenoid is configured to provide boost pressure to the main regulator valve and thereby boost output of the main pump. A second pressure control solenoid is configured to provide boost pressure to the auxiliary regulator valve and thereby boost output of the auxiliary pump. The distribution of boost pressure from the pressure control solenoids is selectively modified such that at least one of the flows of pressurized fluid from the pumps is equal to the current line pressure requirements of the transmission during engine auto-start and auto-stop, and transitions thereto. An improved method for regulating the hydraulic control system is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Eric S. Tryon, Michael D. Foster
  • Publication number: 20090186743
    Abstract: A method for controlling a transmission input clutch during a vehicle launch includes selecting a subject device that transmits torque between an input and an output, a providing a mathematical model of the subject device, such that the model employing only static relationships of engine speed and transmission input speed to a desired magnitude of torque produced by the subject device, using the model, the current engine speed and the current engine speed to determine the desired torque produced by the subject device, and adjusting the torque capacity of the clutch to the desired torque of the subject device determined from the model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventors: Michael G. Fodor, Davor D. Hrovat, Jahan Asgari, Hong Jiang, Ian Oldknow
  • Publication number: 20090062067
    Abstract: An excessive oil temperature increase prevention device for a torque converter of an automatic transmission is provided wherein, if the per-unit-time heating value of the torque converter becomes greater than or equal to an upper limit value, then the automatic transmission is downshifted and an upshift is inhibited. An expected input shaft speed and an expected input torque after the upshift are calculated. An expected speed ratio and an expected capacity coefficient are also calculated. A per-unit-time expected heating value after the upshift is calculated using the expected input shaft speed, the expected speed ratio, and the expected capacity coefficient. When the per-unit-time expected heating value becomes less than or equal to a lower limit value, the inhibition of the upshift is cancelled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: AISIN AW CO., LTD
    Inventors: Masakatsu IWASE, Shin-ichirou MURAKAMI, Hiroshi TSUTSUI, Masahiko NISHIKAWA
  • Publication number: 20080318730
    Abstract: The technique of the invention is applied to a motor vehicle where an engine and a first motor are linked to a driveshaft via a planetary gear mechanism, a second motor is linked to the driveshaft via a transmission, and a battery is arranged to receive and transmit electric power from and to the first motor and the second motor. In response to a deviation of the charge-discharge state of the battery from an allowable control range set as an allowable charge state range of the battery during an upshift, gear change control of the invention sets a gearshift condition change flag F1 to 1 (step S360) and sets a value N2 having a smaller absolute value than a value N1 to a target rotation speed change ?Nm2* of the second motor (step S380). The gear change control then sets a hydraulic pressure command Pb1* of a brake B1 included in the transmission to make an actual rotation speed change ?Nm2 of the second motor approach to the target rotation speed change ?Nm2* (step S400).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroatsu Endo
  • Publication number: 20080280726
    Abstract: A powertrain is provided with an input clutch that is disengagable to allow a transmission input member to rotate independently of engine speed under power of a motor and provide an alternative way to power vehicle accessories otherwise driven by engine torque, while still allowing the motor to start the engine. A powertrain having a parallel combination of input clutches including a friction input clutch and a selectable one-way clutch is provided, as well as a method of control of such a powertrain. Another method of controlling a hybrid vehicle powertrain includes starting the engine via torque from a motor with the input clutch biased in an engaged position. If vehicle operating conditions are more efficiently met without operating the engine, the input clutch is disengaged to so that torque is provided only by the motor to the output member and to vehicle accessories operatively connected to the input member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Alan G. Holmes, Michael R. Schmidt, Donald Klemen, Gregory A. Hubbard, Anthony H. Heap
  • Publication number: 20080227596
    Abstract: A method is provided for limiting a torque output associated with a power conversion unit. The method may include receiving data related to a pressure associated with an implement system hydraulic cylinder, determining, based on the data, a preferred torque value, wherein the preferred torque value is below a predetermined threshold value associated with one or more drive train components, and modifying a torque output associated with a power conversion unit to approximate the preferred torque value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Andrew N. Schifferer
  • Patent number: 7416513
    Abstract: The invention refers to a self-propelled working machine comprising ground engaging means that are in drive connection with an engine for propelling the working machine, a desired speed input means having a range of movement for inputting a desired speed, a control unit receiving a desired speed signal from the desired speed input means and controlling an actuator that is influencing the speed of the ground engaging means based upon the desired speed signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Craig Amann, Daniel Marc Heim
  • Publication number: 20080167783
    Abstract: A method for monitoring frictional engagement in an automatic or automated motor vehicle transmission having a hydrodynamic starter element when the transmission is in a preset neutral or parking position and the automatic or automated motor vehicle transmission controlled by this method. When the motor vehicle is at or close to a standstill in a preset neutral or parking position, the current transmission rotational input speed and a current engine rotational speed of the drive motor are determined and based on the speed ratio between the current transmission rotational input speed and the current engine rotational speed an error is found to be present if the speed ratio is less than a predefined threshold value, which is less than/equal to 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Georg GIERER, Christian Popp, Thilo Schmidt, Klaus Steinhauser
  • Patent number: 7381150
    Abstract: The hydraulic regenerative drive system for a vehicle includes an electronic controller, a hydraulic control circuit that receives control signals from the electronic controller, a reservoir in fluid communication with the hydraulic control circuit, a pump/motor unit having a controlled-angle swash plate element providing variable displacement, an accumulator in fluid communication with the hydraulic control circuit and a pump/motor unit speed sensor and pump/motor unit pressure sensor providing measured speed and measured pressure signals to the electronic controller. The electronic controller generates a torque signal and a modified engine throttle signal on the basis of a mathematical model, converts the torque signal to a swash plate angle, and controls a controlled-torque retard mode of operation and a controlled torque propulsion mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Permo-Drive Research & Development Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Christopher Scott Marshall, Bradley James Cooke, Michael James Kearsey
  • Patent number: 7344473
    Abstract: A hydraulic transmission (21) has an electric actuator (86) for changing its output/input rotation speed ratio. A controller (90) of the actuator memorizes a command current value to the actuator supposing that load is not applied on the hydraulic transmission, and calculates a value of load applied on the hydraulic transmission by calculating a difference between an actual command current value to the actuator and the memorized command current value. A command current value is compensated based on the value of load, and the actuator receives feedback to be controlled. A vehicle may have a differential mechanism (10), which combines rotation powers on input side and output side of the hydraulic transmission. A detector (82) detects rotation speed of a main speed change output shaft (27) serving as an output shaft of the differential mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignees: Yanmar Agricultural Equipment Co., Ltd., Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fumio Ishibashi, Yukio Kubota, Yasuo Noma, Akifumi Kuroda
  • Publication number: 20080051251
    Abstract: A first orifice is provided in a first fluid passage upstream of a cooler, and a second orifice is provided in a second fluid passage. The flowrates of hydraulic fluid flowing through the first and second fluid passages are regulated by the first and second orifices, respectively, and are thus suppressed from becoming excessive. Also, the downstream side of the second fluid passage is connected to the first fluid passage between the first orifice and the cooler, and a lubrication passage is connected to the first fluid passage downstream of the cooler. Accordingly, the lubrication passage is a single passage and the cooler and the lubrication passage are arranged in series so the cooler flowrate and the lubrication flowrate are the same. As a result, the flowrate of hydraulic fluid that flows out from a secondary regulator valve to the upstream side of an oil pump can be increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yusuke Ogata, Ryuji Chida, Yoshinobu Soga
  • Publication number: 20080020894
    Abstract: A hydro-mechanical transmission for an agriculture vehicle, such as a tractor. The transmission includes an input shaft, a hydrostatic unit driven by the input shaft, a mechanical transmission driven by the hydrostatic unit and/or the input shaft, and a valve assembly having a pressure control valve assembly to control an output speed of the hydrostatic unit. A mechanical shift control valve assembly is coupled with the mechanical transmission to selectively engage one of the gear sets of the mechanical transmission and adjust the hydrostatic unit speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventor: Douglas R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7288046
    Abstract: Prior to transitioning a multiple-displacement engine from a full-displacement engine operating mode to a partial-displacement engine operating mode, a base slip rate of a torque converter coupled to the engine engine is increased by a predetermined slip rate offset. The engine is then transitioned to partial-displacement mode upon the earlier of either achieving the desired offset slip rate, or once a maximum time delay has occurred since the slip rate offset was enabled. An offset slip rate is maintained throughout partial-displacement engine operation, and through a transition back to a full-displacement mode. The slip rate offset is removed or disenabled once the engine is again operating in the full-displacement mode. The slip rate offset is either a calibratable constant or is determined as a function of one or more suitable engine or vehicle operating parameters affecting vehicle NVH levels, such as engine speed and vehicle speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Chrysler LLC
    Inventors: Michael A Boone, Mark J Duty, John S Mitchell, Gregory M Pannone, Michael J Prucka, Marc H Sullivan
  • Patent number: 7201702
    Abstract: A drive mechanism for a mobile vehicle having two motors, the torque of which is added up on a common output shaft (30), one motor being connectable with the output shaft (30) via a first reduction gear step (28) or a second reduction gear step (29) and at the maximum rotational speed of the output shaft (30), one motor (12) has zero displacement and is separated from a common high-pressure line (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Jürgen Legner
  • Patent number: 7037236
    Abstract: A hydraulic transmission (21) has an electric actuator (86) for changing its output/input rotation speed ratio. A controller 90 of the actuator memorizes a command current value to the actuator supposing that load is not applied on the hydraulic transmission, and calculates a value of load applied on the hydraulic transmission by calculating a difference between an actual command current value to the actuator and the memorized command current value. A command current value is compensated based on the value of load, and the actuator receives feedback to be controlled. A vehicle may have a differential mechanism (10), which combines rotation powers on input side and output side of the hydraulic transmission. A detector (82) detects rotation speed of a main speed change output shaft (27) serving as an output shaft of the differential mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignees: Yanmar Agricultural Equipment Co., Ltd., Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fumio Ishibashi, Yukio Kubota, Yasuo Noma, Akifumi Kuroda
  • Patent number: 6942596
    Abstract: An electronic transmission control system that can achieve a transmission ratio based on the operator inputs and the current vehicle operating conditions. The transmission constantly connects the engine to the load, and the transmission ratio is only varied by a change in command from the present invention. The transmission's mechanical function is solely to vary the ratio between its input and output. In using the present invention, an operator must select an operating mode, either automatic or manual, using a two-position switch. While in the automatic mode, the present invention determines the vehicle speed by considering the position of the throttle and the operator's use of brakes. In the manual mode, the present invention further considers the operator's selection of a gear condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Sauer-Danfoss, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan R. Carlson, Manfred Maiers, Steven H. Gluck
  • Patent number: 6852064
    Abstract: An electronic transmission control system that can achieve a transmission ratio based on the operator inputs and the current vehicle operating conditions. The transmission constantly connects the engine to the load, and the transmission ratio is only varied by a change in command from the present invention. The transmission's mechanical function is solely to vary the ratio between its input and output. In using the present invention, an operator must select an operating mode, either automatic or manual, using a two-position switch. While in the automatic mode, the present invention determines the vehicle speed by considering the position of the throttle and the operator's use of brakes. In the manual mode, the present invention further considers the operator's selection of a gear condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Sauer-Danfoss, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan R. Carlson, Manfred Maiers, Steven H. Gluck
  • Patent number: 6849028
    Abstract: A propelling transmission control apparatus for a working vehicle having a hydrostatic stepless transmission comprises a variable displacement type hydraulic pump (35), a change speed control mechanism (80) for converting a displacement of a control device (55) to a control displacement for varying a swash plate angle of the hydraulic pump, a fixed displacement main hydraulic motor (36) and a variable displacement auxiliary hydraulic motor (37) connected in series to the hydraulic pump. A common output shaft receives rotational output from both motors. A control piston (35) varies the swash plate angle of the auxiliary hydraulic motor, is connected to a pressure oil supply line (39) for supplying both hydraulic motors with pressure oil, and is operable to vary the swash plate angle of the auxiliary hydraulic motor (37) such that the auxiliary hydraulic motor (37) has an increased volume with a pressure increase applied to the control piston (38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Yasunobu Nakatani, Yoshifumi Horiuchi
  • Patent number: 6632156
    Abstract: A static hydraulic continuously variable transmission includes a fixed capacity swash type hydraulic pump and a variable capacity swash type hydraulic motor, connected by a hydraulic closed circuit. A control system and method controls hydraulic pressure in the variable transmission, and thereby reduces the likelihood of noise in the variable transmission under certain driving conditions. The hydraulic pressure is controlled by changing the inclination angle of a movable swash plate. The driving conditions which prompt the control system may include: (1) A signal voltage of a throttle sensor indicates the throttle opening is lower than a first threshold value; (2) A vehicle speed is over a second threshold value; (3) An acceleration is over a third threshold value; (4) An engine speed is below a fourth threshold value; and (5) Conditions (1) through (4) last for a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takehiko Nanri, Kazuhiro Yasuda
  • Patent number: 6471619
    Abstract: A variable transmission system includes a continuously variable transmission, a shiftable sub-transmission in series with an output of the continuously variable transmission, and controller. A sensor senses a position of a driver's shift lever, and another sensor senses a gear position of the shiftable sub-transmission. The sensors report to the controller. If both sensors detect reverse drive conditions, the controller adjusts an angle of a swash plate of the continuously variable transmission for the reverse driving direction. If only one of the sensors indicates a rear drive condition, the controller compares an engine speed to a threshold value. If the engine speed exceeds the threshold value, the controller curbs the engine speed by cutting off the ignition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takehiko Nanri, Kunihiko Fukui
  • Patent number: 6435999
    Abstract: A continuously variable hydrostatic transmission in which a fixed displacement hydraulic pump and a variable displacement hydraulic motor are disposed on a drive axle, and connected via a closed hydraulic circuit. The continuously variable hydrostatic transmission shifts gears by changing the inclination angle of a movable swashplate provided for the variable displacement the hydraulic motor. The continuously variable hydrostatic transmission may perform a correction control, where the movable swashplate is moved to the TOP side, and the maximum value of the shift amount is obtained. Then, the movable swashplate is moved to the LOW side, and the minimum value is obtained. By storing the maximum and minimum values, correction data is derived. After that, the TOP and LOW transmission gear ratios are determined on the basis of the correction data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takehiko Nanri, Yoshihiro Yoshida, Atsuo Ota
  • Publication number: 20020094909
    Abstract: A method to provide a smooth shift during mode changes of an HMT when using mechanical clutches by reducing the power into the transmission momentarily when a shift is initiated by cutting fuel to the engine, and also reducing power in the hydrostatic transmission by crossporting the fluid circuit, and then reapplying power to both the engine and the transmission after the clutch has been shifted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Applicant: Sauer-Danfoss Inc.
    Inventors: Steven H. Gluck, Frederic W. Pollman
  • Patent number: 6402660
    Abstract: A transmission assembly driven by an engine is disclosed. The transmission assembly includes a hydrostatic transmission having a variable displacement hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor, a mechanical transmission coupled to the hydrostatic transmission for selecting a first gear range and a second gear range, and a controller for receiving operator inputs and generating a displacement command operable to control a displacement of the variable displacement pump. The controller determines the actual displacement. The controller determines a displacement shift level from the actual displacement. The controller executes a shift from the first gear range to the second gear range when the actual displacement reaches displacement shift level. A method of controlling a transmission assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael G. Cronin, Brian D. Kuras
  • Publication number: 20010049317
    Abstract: A method of diminishing shift shock in a stepped shift mode in a continuously variable transmission. A continuously variable transmission having an automatic shift mode and a stepped shift mode possesses a shift shock diminishing control function. In this control, when shift-down is made in the stepped shift mode (S.1), a timer is allowed to start counting (S.2) and the magnitude of deceleration G during change of the change gear ratio by a control motor is compared with a threshold value (S.4), and if the deceleration magnitude is larger than the threshold value, the supply of electric power to the control motor is stopped for only a very short time to decrease the deceleration G, thereby diminishing the shift shock (S.5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventor: Takehiko Nanri
  • Publication number: 20010049318
    Abstract: In a direct drive type hydraulic pump, the displacement of the hydraulic pump is forcedly changed to a desired displacement according to an instruction of a channel different from a usual instruction, thereby changing to a desired displacement quickly with good responsivity. When an emergency brake switch is turned on, an emergency brake signal is entered an emergency brake control valve. Thus, an emergency brake signal pressure is entered a piston through an emergency brake signal oil passage, and a piston is forcedly positioned in a neutral position. In other words, the piston can be forcedly positioned in the neutral position according to the emergency brake signal regardless of the entry of a usual brake signal. Therefore, the displacement of the hydraulic pump can be forcedly changed to the neutral position (minimum displacement).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: Shinobu Nagura, Seita Hayashi
  • Patent number: 6278926
    Abstract: An adaptive electronic transmission control for an automatic transmission having multiple-ratio gearing establishing plural torque flow paths between a torque input member and a driven member, the relative motion of the elements of the gearing being controlled by a friction torque establishing member and an overrunning coupling connection between two gear elements of the gearing. A ratio shift is achieved by establishing a driving connection between a selected gearing element and a torque delivery shaft. The shift is achieved by controlling the capacity of the friction element using a fluid pressure actuator. Shift quality is optimized by establishing a bias pressure on a friction element accumulator and by using a feedback control system to control the rate of change of transmission ratio during the shift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Pramod K. Jain, Howard Cecil Kuhn, Ronald James Vodicka
  • Patent number: 6250180
    Abstract: A traveling mechanism having a driving motor (24) which drives a feed pump (25) and a hydrostatic variable displacement pump (2), a zero fluctuating hydrostatic variable displacement motor (1) which forms with the hydrostatic variable displacement pump (2) a hydrostatic circuit and a hydrostatically driven 2-speed gear mechanism (11) which is engaged when the torque to be transmitted is minimal and the hydrostatic variable displacement motor (1) is at zero displacement capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Jürgen Legner, Egon Mann, Siegfried Stützle
  • Patent number: 5505113
    Abstract: In a transmission unit (1) for arrangement between a drive motor (47) and a consuming device (48), including a hydrostatic transmission (2), adjustable by means of an adjusting device (15a, 15b), a mechanical shift transmission (4), functionally arranged downstream of the hydrostatic transmission, having a plurality of gears (5, 6), and a control device for adjusting the hydrostatic transmission (2) by means of the adjusting device (15a, 15b) for a shifting process.The shift transmission (4) is a synchronous transmission with synchronization devices (7) for the gears (5, 6), includinga device (U, V2) for the measuring or monitoring of the output drive torque (M) of the hydrostatic transmission (2) is associated with the control device (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Brueninghaus Hydromatik GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Wiest
  • Patent number: 5337629
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission for use in a vehicle which enables smooth starting of the vehicle with a good response. The transmission is intended to eliminate a particular phenomenon in both low-speed and high-speed vehicles provided with the transmission at the time of starting, that is, delay in response and subsequent abrupt rushing out of the vehicles. To this end, the transmission is provided with a variable speed hydraulic transmitting system connected to a hydraulic pump/motor of a variable displacement type acting as a pump and a hydraulic pump/motor of a variable displacement type acting as a motor, and to change the displacement of the hydraulic pump/motor acting as a pump, there are additionally provided a control cylinder, a servo valve, a circuit for detecting the differential pressure of the hydraulic transmitting system, a potentiometer and the like, and a duty control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuo Kita