Speed Responsive Patents (Class 477/64)
  • Patent number: 11754176
    Abstract: In one aspect, a control method and a control apparatus are provided for protecting a damper clutch of a vehicle. In one aspect, the control method of protecting the damper clutch of the vehicle includes determining whether a vehicle state satisfies a condition for operating a damper clutch protection logic, calculating a slip power in real time on the basis of a turbine speed of a torque converter, an engine speed, a capacity coefficient of the torque converter, a clutch torque, and a hydraulic torque when the condition for operating the damper clutch protection logic is satisfied, determining whether a repetitive tip-in/tip-out that is intentionally performed occurs or not on the basis of a change in the slip power that is calculated in real time for a set time, and operating the damper clutch protection logic for restraining a slip of the damper clutch when there is the repetitive tip-in/tip-out that is intentionally performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Hyundai Kefico Corporation
    Inventors: Sung-Hyun Park, Se-Hoon Son, John-Ha Lee, Nam-Hoon Kim
  • Patent number: 11745722
    Abstract: A vehicle control device is configured to: execute a fuel cut control for stopping fuel supply to the internal combustion engine in response to a deceleration request to the vehicle; engage the lock-up clutch and open a throttle of the vehicle during the execution of the fuel cut control; close the throttle and execute the motor assist in a case where there is an acceleration request to the vehicle while the lock-up clutch is engaged, the throttle is opened, and the fuel cut control is executed; end the fuel cut control and resume fuel supply to the internal combustion engine when an intake pressure of the internal combustion engine reaches a predetermined startable negative pressure after the throttle is closed; and disengage the lock-up clutch when the fuel supply to the internal combustion engine is resumed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masashi Fukao, Yuki Fujishima, Masaya Agata
  • Patent number: 11719331
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a control method, a control device for vehicular automatic transmission, and a recording medium. The control device includes an ON/OFF control solenoid controlling LC to either ON or OFF, and an LC pressure control linear solenoid controlling LC pressure between a released state and a fully engaged state. The control device acquires, when an accelerator pedal opening of a vehicle is on a deceleration side in a fully closed state, a torque converter slip ratio when the ON/OFF control solenoid maintains ON for a predetermined time period and the LC pressure control linear solenoid is controlled such that the LC pressure is OFF, and determines whether or not the second solenoid has a high-pressure fixation failure according to whether or not the slip ratio is within a predetermined range from a slip reference value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fumio Egashira, Ryota Yamasaki, Tomoyuki Noguchi
  • Patent number: 11703112
    Abstract: A torque converter assembly is disclosed that includes a front cover, a clutch plate assembly, a pump cover, and a plate including a base body extending in an axial direction with a first flange on a first end and a second flange on a second end. The first flange can define a friction face configured to engage with a corresponding surface of the clutch plate assembly, and the second flange can define at least one opening configured to receive a fastening element. In one aspect, the plate functions or serves as a reaction plate for the clutch assembly, and also serves as a connection or lug for a flex plate or other component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Michael Condo
  • Patent number: 10793134
    Abstract: A system for a vehicle including a controller structured to communicate with a transmission and an engine of a vehicle, and additionally structured to: receive at least one of vehicle operation data, route data, or dynamic data during operation of the vehicle; determine that the vehicle is in a coasting state based on the at least one of the vehicle operation data, the route data, or the dynamic data; provide a command to at least one of the engine and the transmission to maintain the coasting state for the vehicle; and determine an end of the coasting state based on the at least one of the vehicle operation data, the route data, or the dynamic data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Cummins, Inc.
    Inventors: Vivek A. Sujan, Daniel R. Dempsey
  • Patent number: 9777638
    Abstract: A turbine system includes a compressor system compressing a fluid, a combustor system fluidly coupled to the compressor to combust a fuel mixed with the fluid to produce a combusted fluid, a gas turbine system fluidly coupled to the combustor to rotate a gas turbine shaft based on the combusted fluid, a power turbine system fluidly coupled to the gas turbine to rotate a power turbine shaft based on the combusted fluid existing the gas turbine, the shaft mechanically coupled to a clutch system, a clutch system mechanically coupled to a generator shaft, and an electric generator having the generator shaft to produce electricity based on rotations of the generator shaft. The turbine system includes a controller operatively coupled to the clutch system to restart production of the electricity via the clutch system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Roman Freidl
  • Patent number: 9194439
    Abstract: A dog clutch operable to bypass a variator of a transmission is disclosed. The dog clutch includes a housing engaged with an input ring of the variator. The dog clutch also includes a piston engaged with the housing and movable from a first position in which the piston is disengaged from an output ring of the variator to a second position in which the piston is engaged with the output ring. The variator input ring and output ring are locked together when the dog clutch is in the second position to prevent the variator from producing continuously variable torque output. The variator is operable to produce continuously-variable torque output when the dog clutch is in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Raszkowski, Jeremy A. Turner, Brad Philip Pohl
  • Patent number: 9133936
    Abstract: A seal retainer device for fixing the position of at least one sealing device, comprising at least one contact surface for fixing the position of a seal in the radial and/or axial direction, a first functional surface for linking to a component, and at least one second functional surface to form an axial or radial bearing sliding surface. In addition, the invention relates to a power transmission unit having a seal retainer that holds seals for sealing off two pressure chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Mario Degler
  • Patent number: 9097315
    Abstract: The present invention is provided with a hydraulic control circuit including a hydraulic pump driven by a driving power source in order to supply an oil pressure to a hydraulic circuit, a hydraulic auxiliary unit for supplying an accumulated oil pressure to the hydraulic circuit, and a control valve for supplying at least one of oil pressures of the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic auxiliary unit to pulleys, and a control unit for executing a coast stop control to stop the driving power source while traveling and controlling, when an increase of torque inputted to the continuously variable transmission is detected or predicted during the coast stop control, the control valve so as to supply an oil pressure of the hydraulic auxiliary unit to the pulleys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: JATCO LTD
    Inventors: Noritaka Aoyama, Hideshi Wakayama, Naohiro Yamada, Keichi Tatewaki, Kousuke Waku
  • Patent number: 9080666
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a transmission is provided. The hydraulic control system includes a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid that communicates with a discrete electronic transmission range selection (ETRS) subsystem. The hydraulic control system includes first and second mode valves located downstream of a hydraulic fluid pressure source. The mode valves are supplied with fluid via one or more solenoid valves or other valves. The mode valves have a plurality of ports configured to transfer pressurized hydraulic fluid. The first mode valve transfers pressurized hydraulic fluid from the source to the second mode valve. The second mode valve transfers pressurized hydraulic fluid from the first mode valve to one of drive or reverse. An electro-hydraulic circuit for pulling the transmission out of park and putting the transmission into park is also provided. A park sensor assembly including a Hall Effect sensor switch is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd R. Berger, Peter Donald Bock, John R. Czoykowski, Christopher J. Landino, Bradford E. Vorbeck, Stephen W. Powell
  • 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: 8825268
    Abstract: An HV-ECU executes a program including a step (S102) of turning on a fail-safe permission flag if a select sensor is abnormal (YES in step S100), and a step (S108) of transmitting a non-P request signal to a P-ECU if the position of a shift lever is read as the N position (YES in S104) and a predetermined time Tn(2) elapses (YES in S106).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koki Ueno
  • Patent number: 8744653
    Abstract: A control apparatus for controlling a transmission apparatus that includes: an input member that is drivably connected to a rotating electrical machine being capable of generating regenerative torque based on an engine and a deceleration request of a vehicle; an output member that is drivably connected to wheels; and a speed change mechanism that has a plurality of friction engagement elements that are controlled to be engaged and released so as to switch a plurality of shift speeds, and that shifts a rotation speed of the input member at one of gear ratios set for the shift speeds and outputs the shifted speed to the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigekazu Hase, Hiroya Ueno, Kohei Tsuda, Eiji Moriyama, Hiroshi Tsutsui
  • Patent number: 8727945
    Abstract: A method for controlling a transmission assembly includes providing a vehicle having a first power source and a second power source disposed in parallel with the first power source. The first power source includes a prime mover and a transmission assembly. The transmission assembly includes a torque converter coupled to the prime mover. The transmission assembly further includes a clutch that selectively engages the torque converter to a transmission of the transmission assembly. The second power source includes a pump-motor unit, a fluid reservoir and an energy storage unit. A torque value of the second power source is compared to a torque threshold value. The clutch of the transmission assembly is disengaged so that the torque converter of the transmission assembly is disengaged from the transmission of the transmission assembly when the torque value of the second power source is greater than or equal to the torque threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Anthony Stoner, Vincent Joseph Duray
  • Patent number: 8548704
    Abstract: This invention is a lock-up clutch control device for an automatic transmission, comprising lock-up clutch control means for controlling a slip amount of the lock-up clutch to a target slip amount. When a variation rate in a required load of an engine reaches or exceeds a predetermined threshold, the target slip amount is increased at a predetermined increase rate, whereupon the target slip amount, having been increased by target slip amount increasing means, is reduced at a predetermined reduction rate. At this time, the predetermined reduction rate is set to decrease as an operating condition when the variation rate of the required load reaches or exceeds the predetermined threshold approaches an operating condition in which an increase rate of a rotation speed on the automatic transmission side of a torque converter relative to an increase in the required load is low.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Jatco Ltd
    Inventors: Tomoko Oue, Morimasa Yamawaki, Kouichi Sawano
  • Patent number: 8447508
    Abstract: A method for controlling torque converter slip includes operating the torque converter in a controlled slip mode, monitoring slip in the torque converter, statistically analyzing the monitored slip to determine a likely condition of the torque converter, and utilizing the likely condition of the torque converter to control the torque converter slip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Paul G. Otanez, Chunhao J. Lee, Farzad Samie
  • Patent number: 8352141
    Abstract: A method for actuating a clutch in the drive train of a motor vehicle, including: generating a respective position setpoint for each predetermined target interval to actuate the clutch; in each predetermined target interval, actuating the clutch in a plurality of predetermined controller sampling intervals; discretizing a respective position setpoint change into a plurality of intermediate position setpoints; determining a number of intermediate position setpoints in the plurality of intermediate position setpoint depending on the ratio of the target interval to the controller sampling interval; and specifying the respective position setpoint changes in steps to actuate the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co., KG
    Inventor: Michael Schuhen
  • Patent number: 8335619
    Abstract: An HV-ECU executes a program including a step of turning on a fail-safe permission flag if a select sensor is abnormal, and a step of transmitting a non-P request signal to a P-ECU if the position of a shift lever is read as the N position and a predetermined time Tn elapses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koki Ueno
  • Patent number: 8292783
    Abstract: A method for controlling torque transmitted between an internal combustion engine and a torque transmission device includes controlling actuation of a torque converter clutch device effective to maintain an engine output within a predetermined range when an input to the transmission is less than a threshold, and controlling actuation of the torque converter clutch device effective to maintain a relative speed across the torque converter substantially at a predetermined magnitude when the input to the transmission is greater than the threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Chunhao J. Lee, Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale
  • Patent number: 8109857
    Abstract: An automatic shifting power transmission includes a hydrodynamic fluid drive device, a first reaction clutch disposed in series with the hydrodynamic fluid drive device, a variable capacity clutch disposed in parallel with the hydrodynamic fluid drive device, and an electric machine disposed in series with the hydrodynamic fluid drive device and the first reaction clutch. A method of controlling the automatic transmission includes slipping the first reaction clutch corresponding to a first gear engagement to affect a first gear launch maneuver when engine load is at or above a first predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Victor M. Roses, John C. Schultz
  • Patent number: 7988597
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for controlling actuation of a clutch device for a torque converter operative to transmit torque between an engine and a transmission. The method comprises controlling actuation of the clutch device effective to maintain an engine speed within a predetermined speed range when a transmission input speed is less than a threshold; and, controlling actuation of the clutch device effective to maintain slippage across the torque converter substantially at a predetermined slippage level when the transmission input speed is greater than the threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Chunhao J. Lee, Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale
  • Publication number: 20110136620
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle engine coupled to a stepped-gear-ratio transmission. One example method comprises, in response to a first vehicle moving condition, shutting down the engine and at least partially disengaging the transmission while the vehicle is moving; and during a subsequent restart, while the vehicle is moving, starting the engine using starter motor assistance and adjusting a degree of engagement of a transmission clutch to adjust a torque transmitted to a wheel of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Gopichandra Surnilla, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Roger Lyle Huffmaster, Peter John Grutter, Yuji Fujii, Gregory Michael Pietron, Seung-Hoon Lee
  • Patent number: 7951042
    Abstract: A control device for an automatic transmission having a torque converter with a lock-up clutch provided between an engine and the automatic transmission, and a lock-up control device for controlling an engaged condition of the lock-up clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Saitou, Masaaki Takamatsu
  • Patent number: 7901321
    Abstract: A power train for a machine is provided having a power source and a transmission, which includes a plurality of gears configured to produce multiple output ratios when selectively engaged. The power train also has a torque converter operatively coupling the power source and the transmission. A lockup clutch is associated with the torque converter, and the engagement of the lockup clutch is restricted so that the lockup clutch is engaged only when permissible gear ratios are actuated. The power train further has a controller in communication with the lockup clutch, the controller being configured to selectively engage the lockup clutch in either a first or a second shift mode with the number of permissible gear ratios being greater in the first shift mode than the second shift mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: James Thomas Ferrier, Yun-Ren Ho, Michael Angel Cobo
  • Publication number: 20100137100
    Abstract: In one embodiment, when a condition (specifically, brake ON) of rising of a source pressure (line pressure) of a lock-up control valve is satisfied during deceleration lock-up control, a lock-up differential pressure instruction value is corrected to a low side with that source-pressure rising amount taken into consideration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Sei Kojima, Daisuke Inoue
  • Publication number: 20090247356
    Abstract: To provide an engine revolutions control device of a working vehicle that the braking effect can be obtained by the low-speed speed gear as expected by the operator at the time of forward/reverse changeover and the durability of the clutch can be enhanced without increasing the capacity of the clutch. When the low-speed gear change range suitable for the work is selected by the shift range lever and the speed gear clutch corresponding to the maximum speed gear of the selected gear change range in the individual speed gear clutches is engaged, the throttle amount upper limit value which limits the revolutions of the engine so to have the upper limit vehicle speed or less corresponding to the maximum speed gear is determined, and it is output as a throttle amount correction command signal to an engine controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventor: Yasushi Hatanaka
  • Patent number: 7530924
    Abstract: A method of using a torque converter bypass clutch to launch a vehicle, mitigate transient vibration, and mitigate vehicle natural frequency harshness. The method uses the torque converter when the bypass clutch power capacity is approaching its limit, when the vehicle load is high, or the vehicle is on a grade, where normally the bypass clutch would launch the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: John E. Brevick
  • Patent number: 7509193
    Abstract: A method and a device are provided for limiting the driving speed of a motor vehicle that allow a selectable, fixed fuel consumption per distance traveled to be maintained without limiting short-term acceleration. In this context, the driving speed is limited to a maximum value (vmaxbe), at which a predefined maximum fuel consumption (Besetpoint) for steady driving speed is not exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Mario Kustosch
  • Patent number: 7487026
    Abstract: A vehicle drive force control apparatus is provided that can stabilize the output of the electric motor even if the engine rotational speed experiences an acute change. The output of an engine is delivered to the left and right front wheels through a transmission and also to an electric generator. The output voltage of the electric generator is supplied to an electric motor and the output of the electric motor drives the left and right rear wheels. The drive force control device predicts if the rotational speed of the engine will decrease or increase acutely based on the upshifting and downshifting of the transmission and adjusts the field current of the electric generator up or down before the acute change in the engine rotational speed occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Kawashima, Hideaki Ohtsuka, Tatsuya Kamata, Kouichi Shimizu, Hideyuki Saeki, Masanori Aoyagi
  • Publication number: 20080182714
    Abstract: A control device for an automatic transmission for a vehicle including a torque converter interposed between an output shaft of an engine and an input shaft of the automatic transmission, the torque converter having a lock-up clutch for mechanically connecting the output shaft and the input shaft in a direct manner, and a lock-up clutch engagement control unit for engaging the lock-up clutch by a predetermined engagement force in a predetermined operational region determined by a throttle angle and a vehicle speed. The control device further includes a shift map having a slip region for the lock-up clutch set in relation to a plurality of shift characteristics preliminarily set according to vehicle speeds, the slip region being defined by a downshift line and a slip start line deviated from the downshift line by a predetermined range of throttle angle toward lower throttle angles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiharu SAITOU, Akio Muto
  • Patent number: 7361120
    Abstract: A lock-up clutch control device which controls a lock-up clutch (6) provided in a torque converter (5) interposed between an engine (3) and a transmission (4) used with a vehicle, is disclosed. The lock-up clutch control device has a differential pressure generating device (7,8), a vehicle speed sensor (13), a throttle valve opening sensor (14), an transmission input shaft rotation speed sensor (16), engine torque detection means (2), and a controller (1). The controller (1) determines, based on the detected vehicle speed (VSP) and the detected throttle valve opening (TVO), whether or not a control region of a torque converter is a converter region wherein control is performed to disengage the lock-up clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Jatco Ltd
    Inventors: Toshiji Iida, Hiroshi Sekiya, Morimasa Yamawaki, Tatsuya Imamura, Koji Dohi, Kouji Saitou
  • Patent number: 7282009
    Abstract: A lock-up clutch control device, which controls a lock-up clutch (6) installed in a torque converter (5) interposed between an engine (3) and a transmission (4) used with a vehicle, is disclosed. The lock-up clutch control device has a differential pressure generating device (7,8) which engages or disengages the lock-up clutch by adjusting a differential pressure supplied to the lock-up clutch, a sensor (13) which detects a vehicle speed, and a controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Jatco Ltd
    Inventors: Hiroshi Sekiya, Tatsuya Imamura, Koji Dohi, Kouji Saitou
  • Patent number: 7006899
    Abstract: A hunting detecting device used for an electrical load detecting device sets a current command value for an electrical load. Based on a deviation between a current that actually flows through the electrical load and the current command value, the hunting detecting device performs at least proportional control in a group including proportional control, integral control, and differential control. The hunting detecting device sends a current generated based on the performed control to the electrical load. A current determining device determines whether there is a current through the electrical load. When the current determining device determines that there is a current through the electrical load, a hunting detector detects a number of times of hunting within a predetermined period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Toyoda Koki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hisaaki Wakao, Kiyoshige Kato
  • Patent number: 6942597
    Abstract: An engaging force of a pump impeller (1a) connected to an engine (21) and a turbine runner (1b) connected to an automatic transmission (23) is controlled by a controller (5). The controller (5) determines a target relative rotation speed of the pump impeller (1a) and the turbine runner (1b), and performs feedback control of the engaging force such that the difference between the target relative rotation speed and the real relative rotation speed is decreased. The controller (5) also performs feedforward control of the engaging force in a increasing direction. When the engine (21) is in a predetermined engine-stall prevention condition, the controller (5) prohibits the feedforward control so as to prevent an interference between feedback control and feedforward control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Segawa, Kazutaka Adachi
  • Patent number: 6857986
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a plurality of hydraulic motors and a clutch is capable of reliably implementing a sequence for engaging and disengaging the clutch and for fixing and clearing a zero tilt rotation amounts of the hydraulic motors, thereby preventing a speed change shock or load slip in the hydraulic motors. The apparatus includes zero tilt rotation fixing means (10A), a clutch (5), hydraulic vehicle speed detecting means (32A), and control valve means (30A) that releases an output command pressure to a return pressure connected to a tank (19) until a vehicle speed signal pressure to be received reaches a start pressure of a predetermined value, and begins to output the command pressure to the zero tilt rotation fixing means and the clutch when the vehicle speed signal pressure exceeds a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanori Ikari, Nobuo Matsuyama
  • Patent number: 6648796
    Abstract: A method for controlling a damper clutch release control system which performs duty control in releasing a damper clutch for down-shifting in a sports mode decreasing gear-shift shock, is provided. The method requires determining whether a down-shift signal is inputted in a state when a gear shift mode is a sports mode and a throttle valve opening angle is within a predetermined range, and performing duty control until a transmission control outputs a down-shift start signal to a transmission when it is determined that the down-shift signal is inputted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Chang-Gi Yeo
  • Patent number: 6554737
    Abstract: Within the scope of the method for controlling the engine rotational speed via the torque converter lock-up clutch during the starting and stopping phases of a motor vehicle having a continuously variable transmission combined with other elements of the drive train, the closing and opening of the torque converter lock-up clutch are used as implicit function so as to ensure optimum comfort via the most asymptotic adjustment possible of the rotational speeds gradients of engine and turbine during starting and by a soft, defined separation of the speed characteristic curves of the engine and turbine during stopping. When the vehicle is standing still the forward clutch is moved into standstill disengaged mode so that the torque converter lock-up clutch can be fully closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: ZF Batavia L.L.C.
    Inventors: Ralf Vorndran, Wolfgang Danz, Andreas Piepenbrink, Andreas Schwenger
  • Patent number: 6478717
    Abstract: A damper clutch control method comprising the steps of detecting a throttle opening, an engine rpm and an turbine rpm; performing lift-foot-up shifting if throttle opening is abruptly decreased; determining if a difference in engine rpm and turbine rpm is below a predetermined value; and duty controlling a damper clutch if the difference in engine rpm and turbine rpm is below the predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Pyung-Hwan Yu
  • Patent number: 6375597
    Abstract: In a process for controlling an automatic gearbox, an electronic gear box control (13) calculates in a first mode of operation a driving activity and determines the set gradient of the gear box input speed of rotation depending on the driving activity. In a second mode of operation, the electronic gear box control selects a special program among a plurality of special programs and determines the set gradient of the gear box input speed of rotation depending on the selected special program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Christian Popp, Hansjörg Rosi
  • Publication number: 20020037789
    Abstract: A method for controlling a damper clutch release control system which performs duty control in releasing a damper clutch for down-shifting in a sports mode during a throttle valve on state and thereby decreases gear-shift shock, the method comprising:
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventor: Chang-Gi Yeo
  • Patent number: 6217481
    Abstract: A slip control system for a torque converter with a lockup clutch comprises a controller that outputs a slip control signal to a slip control actuator of the lockup clutch to adjust an actual slip rotation speed of the torque converter at a target slip rotation speed. The controller is coupled to sensors for detecting information indicative of a condition of a drive system including the torque converter. The controller decides an operating state of the torque converter at time when the slip control is started, and selects one of initial valves for a slip command signal corresponding to the slip control signal according to the decided operating state of the torque converter at the start of the slip control. This arrangement functions to prevent troubles including shocks due to shortage of slippage in the torque converter and generation of radial slippage of the torque convert from generating at a time staring the slip control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Watanabe, Kazutaka Adachi
  • Patent number: 6099436
    Abstract: The lock-up clutch control apparatus is provided with reference values for operating variations of the accelerator pedal predetermined for respective gear positions. The lock-up clutch control apparatus comprises a tightening permission judgement device 25 for judging whether it is appropriate to permit or prohibit tightening of the lock-up clutch, based on comparison between a reference value and an operating variation at present car conditions. Thereby, the lock-up clutch control apparatus is capable of reflecting the driver's intention to accelerate or reduce the car speed and is capable of enhancing drivability as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takanori Kon, Yoshiharu Saito, Yasushi Inagawa, Yoshikazu Nemoto
  • Patent number: 6036619
    Abstract: A controller of an automatic transmission having a lockup clutch and a control method of the automatic transmission, in which engine rotational speed is prevented from changing even though turbine rotational speed changes at gear shift and slip control can be carried out without making a driver feel uncomfortable are provided. When a speed change command is detected and it is determined that an inertia phase has not yet started, target engine rotational speed during a replenish period is calculated and the target engine rotational speed control is carried out to have the target engine rotational speed. When it is determined that the control is in the inertia phase, another target engine rotational speed during the inertia phase is calculated. Then, target engine rotational speed control in which the engine rotational speed at the start of the inertia phase is maintained as the target engine rotational speed is carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Tsutomu Tashiro, Tetsuji Kozaki, Masami Fujitsuna
  • Patent number: 5976055
    Abstract: In a high-load/low-vehicle velocity range that requires a torque-up effect of a torque converter (4) and shock absorption effect during transmission, the converter range is selected, and a lockup clutch (36) is fully released. On the other hand, in a low-load/high-vehicle velocity range that does not so require a shock absorption effect, the lockup range is selected, and the lockup clutch 36 is fully locked up to improve the mileage of an engine (3). Furthermore, in a low-load/low-vehicle velocity range, the slip range is selected, and the slip control for controlling the slip amount of the lockup clutch (36) to converge to a predetermined target slip amount is done, thus balancing between the torque-up effect, shock absorption effect, and the like, and the mileage, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuo Sasaki
  • Patent number: 5833579
    Abstract: A method for controlling a damper clutch when a vehicle having an automatic transmission requires increased power. For example, when accelerating while driving uphill, the present invention disengages a damper clutch. This advantage is obtained by identifying a power increase region on the damper clutch engaged region of operation such that the damper clutch is disengaged. The method for controlling the damper clutch includes a step of generating engine signal indicative of engine rpms and throttle position. A control signal is developing such that control of the damper clutch is based upon the generated engine signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Co.
    Inventor: Sung-Hong Ghil
  • Patent number: 5800306
    Abstract: An automatic power transmission assembled with a torque converter includes a lock-up mechanism for controlling the automatic power transmission with detecting a state of progress of a shifting operation in the automatic power transmission. A driving torque of an engine is temporarily lowered at a timing in the vicinity of completion of the shifting operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Jatco Corporation
    Inventor: Akimasa Mori
  • Patent number: 5792024
    Abstract: The method and apparatus for controlling a damper clutch in a torque converter of a vehicle includes a plurality of sensors which sense the operating conditions of the vehicle. Based on the sensed operating conditions of the vehicle, a control unit determines whether the vehicle is driving in an area congested with traffic, and prohibits operation of the damper clutch when it is determined that the vehicle is driving in an area congested with traffic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chang-Gi Yeo
  • Patent number: 5779595
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a lock-up clutch between pump and turbine impellers in a fluid-filled power transmitting device of a motor vehicle, such that a slip control device controls the actual slip speed of the lock-up clutch so as to coincide with a transient target slip speed, the apparatus including a device for calculating a final target slip speed of the lock-up clutch which assures a maximum fuel economy of the vehicle during a steady-state running, a device for setting, as an initial value of the transient target slip speed, a difference between the speeds of the pump and turbine impellers immediately before an operation of the slip control device is initiated, and a device for reducing the transient target slip speed toward the final target slip speed at a rate which decreases as the transient target slip speed approaches the final target slip speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsumi Kono, Shinya Nakamura, Atsushi Honda
  • Patent number: 5743828
    Abstract: A lock-up control system for a fluid coupling, interposed between an engine and automatic transmission, which includes a lock-up clutch and is locked up by the lock-up clutch so as to directly couple the engine and the automatic transmission together, sets an increase rate, at which a locking pressure increases during locking of said fluid coupling, small at an early stage of locking and large at a later stage of locking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Minoru Kuriyama, Kazuo Sasaki
  • Patent number: 5733223
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a slip speed of a lock-up clutch interposed between an engine and an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle, the apparatus including a slip control device for effecting a deceleration slip control of the lock-up clutch during vehicle deceleration for controlling the slip speed of the clutch, a detector for detecting a currently established position of the transmission, or an operation of a vehicle braking system or an air conditioner, and a control terminating device for substantially terminating the deceleration slip control of the clutch when the speed of the transmission input shaft has been lowered to a threshold value which is determined depending upon the speed ratio of the currently established position of the transmission, or whether the braking system or air conditioner is in operation or not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tooru Matsubara, Kunihiro Iwatsuki