Clutch, Engine, And Transmission Controlled Patents (Class 477/77)
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Publication number: 20120135838Abstract: A method of operating a transmission of a vehicle drive-train that comprises frictional shifting elements and an interlocking shifting element. In the neutral operating condition of the transmission, and in the case of an operating condition variation of the vehicle drive-train in which, when it is required to establish the force flow in the transmission, the interlocking shifting element is to be changed from a disengaged to an engaged operating condition, by increasing the transmission capacities of at least two frictional shifting elements which have to be engaged for producing the force flow, a rotational speed difference in the area of the interlocking shifting element is determined, and a drive torque of a drive machine is adjusted to a level that brings the speed difference within a predefined range at which the interlocking shifting element is approximately synchronized and can therefore be engaged.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2010Publication date: May 31, 2012Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AGInventors: Ruben Cuppers, Werner Fuchs, Thilo Schmidt
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Patent number: 8185282Abstract: A method for the operation of a drivetrain comprising an automatic transmission, a motor and at least five shift elements in which two shift elements are engaged and three shift elements are disengaged. When carrying out an upshift or downshift, a first shift element is either disengaged or engaged, and a second shift element is engaged or disengaged. While the first upshift or downshift is being carried out, a second shift element is prepared for disengaging or engaging and a third shift element is prepared for engaging or disengaging. Actuation of the second shift element occurs by virtue of a minimum selection of a first alternative or a maximum selection a second alternative. While the first upshift or downshift is being carried out and while the second upshift or downshift is being carried out, at least one fourth shift element is kept engaged or nearly engaged.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2011Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Klaus Steinhauser, Christian Popp
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Patent number: 8177684Abstract: A gear change control device is provided for a straddle-type vehicle having a clutch and a transmission. The device includes a clutch actuator configured to engage and disengage the clutch. A transmission actuator is configured to change a gear of the transmission. At least one sensor is configured to sense an operational condition of the straddle type vehicle. At least one switch is configured to generate a gear change command. A controller is operatively connected to the clutch actuator, the transmission actuator, the at least one sensor, and the at least one switch. The controller is configured to change gears in response to the gear change command and during the gear change reengage the clutch under either a first control routine or second, different control routine based upon the operational condition of the straddle-type vehicle determined by the at least one sensor.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2008Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Toru Zenno
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Patent number: 8162796Abstract: A method for operating an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle, in particular a variable-speed automatic transmission. The automatic transmission has five shift elements and for transferring torque or force in a forward gear and in a reverse gear at least three of the five shift elements are engaged. In a neutral position of the automatic transmission, to prevent torque or force flow at least one of the shift elements that are engaged in the respective forward or reverse gear is fully disengaged.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2007Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Christian Popp, Klaus Steinhauser, Peter Schiele, Bernd Allgaier, Thilo Schmidt
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Publication number: 20120065022Abstract: A power transmitting apparatus for a vehicle mounted with a torque converter and an idle-stop mechanism can be configured to improve fuel economy without cancelling a fuel-cut-ff during vehicle speed reduction and to reduce the manufacturing cost by eliminating an electrically-driven oil pump. A power transmitting apparatus can comprise a torque converter, a clutch mechanism, an oil pump, a continuously variable transmission, a clutch control device, an engine control device, and a flow control device. The flow control device can be configured to limit or prevent the supply of oil to the torque converter by the oil pump and to prioritize the supply of oil to the clutch mechanism and the continuously variable transmission when the vehicle speed is reduced below a predetermined value with fuel being cut off by the engine control device during vehicle speed reduction.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2011Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA F.C.C.Inventors: Tatsuyuki Ohashi, Shouji Asatsuke, Akio Oishi, Ryouhei Chiba, Jun Ishimura, Keiichi Ishikawa
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Patent number: 8135517Abstract: A control method of the torque of a road vehicle having a powertrain system provided with an engine and a driveline which transmits the torque generated by the engine to the road surface; the method contemplates the steps of: determining a target torque; modeling the powertrain system as a single physical component which presents a characteristic mechanical inertia and a characteristic torsional elasticity; determining a current load torque of the vehicle; determining a target torsion of the powertrain system according to the target torque and the current load torque; determining a current torsion of the powertrain system and a current torsion speed of the powertrain system; determining a requested torque on the basis of the energy balance according to the target torsion, the current torsion, the current torsion speed, and the current load torque; and using the requested torque on the basis of the energy balance to control the torque generation of the engine.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2008Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Magneti Marelli Powertrain S.p.A.Inventors: Savino Luigi Lupo, Gabriele Serra, Filippo Para
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Patent number: 8116956Abstract: A method of engaging a clutch within a drive train may include detecting a fault in a clutch engagement data link, selecting an alternative clutch control logic, detecting a value indicative of a rotational speed of a first portion of the clutch and moving a second portion of the clutch based upon the detected value.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2008Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Thomas R. Connolly, Mark E. Hope
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Patent number: 8092339Abstract: A method for controlling a powertrain includes operating a transmission in a neutral operating range state, monitoring commands affecting an input speed, monitoring a tracked clutch slip speed, determining constraints on an input acceleration based upon the commands, determining a clutch slip acceleration profile based upon the constraints on the input acceleration, determining an input acceleration profile based upon the clutch slip acceleration profile, and controlling the powertrain based upon the clutch slip acceleration profile and the input acceleration profile.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2008Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Anthony H. Heap, Lawrence A. Kaminsky, Jy-Jen F. Sah, Kristin L Day
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Patent number: 8079936Abstract: A method for controlling a gear shift of a dual clutch transmission having an offgoing clutch and an oncoming clutch, includes using torque transmitted by the oncoming clutch to control torque at a transmission output, using a speed of a power source to control a transfer of torque between the offgoing clutch and the oncoming clutch, and varying said torque capacity to produce a target slip across the oncoming clutch when the shift is completed.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2009Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Kevin MacFarlane, Brian Keyse, Eileen A. Davidson, David Orton, Thomas R. Langeland
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Publication number: 20110306464Abstract: A method for controlling a power-off downshift in a powershift transmission includes disengaging the current gear, synchronizing engine speed and a speed of the target gear layshaft by increasing a torque capacity of the target gear clutch, disengaging the clutch, engaging the target gear, and reengaging the clutch.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2010Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Shawn A. Holland, Ralph S. Walker, George Herr, Jeffrey J. Tumavitch, Bradley D. Riedle, Steven C. Meisner, Hong Jiang, Matthew J. Shelton
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Publication number: 20110307150Abstract: A method for controlling an upshift in a vehicle transmission includes transferring engine torque from an offgoing clutch to an oncoming clutch, using a torque capacity of the offgoing clutch to dampen oscillations when a difference between a speed of a transmission offgoing input and a calculated expected speed of said input is greater than a reference speed difference, and modulating engine torque during a ratio change phase of the shift.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2010Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Hong Jiang, Zhengyu Dai, Matthew J. Shelton
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Publication number: 20110287891Abstract: An overspeed system for a vehicle is disclosed. The overspeed system may have a power source, a transmission unit, and a torque converter assembly operatively coupling the power source to the transmission unit. The overspeed system may also have a travel speed sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a vehicle speed, and a controller in communication with the torque converter assembly and the travel speed sensor. The controller may be configured to prevent a decoupling of the torque converter assembly in response to the signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2011Publication date: November 24, 2011Inventor: Hong-Chin Lin
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Publication number: 20110287890Abstract: A method of operating a transmission positioned between a drive aggregate and an axle drive, a transmission input shaft is connected, via a clutch, with the drive aggregate, and a transmission output shaft is connected with the axle drive and power can be diverted from the transmission to drive a power take-off. The PTO is activated by an engine intervention, shifting the transmission to neutral and disengaging the clutch. Thereafter, the clutch is partially engaged at either a position dependent or distance dependent clutch speed while monitoring the input rotational speed and drive aggregate rotational speed. When the input rotational speed approximately equals the drive aggregate rotational speed and the idle rotation speed of the drive aggregate, the clutch is no longer being engaged at the position dependent or distance dependent clutch speed, but is fully engaged at a maximum clutch speed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2010Publication date: November 24, 2011Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AGInventors: Joachim Staudinger, Peter Herter, Wolfgang Groener
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Patent number: 8052573Abstract: A vehicle shift control apparatus is basically provided with an engine, a drive wheel, a transmission and a controller. The transmission is operatively disposed between the engine and the drive wheel for shifting gears by executing a clutch switch operation so as to change a drive transmission path of the transmission. The controller is operatively to the transmission to control a gear shifting of the transmission. The controller includes an engine speed suppressing section that is configured to execute an engine speed suppression control when a driver performs an accelerator operation during the clutch switch operation associated with downshifting while coasting. The engine speed suppression control is further configured to reduce a torque capacity decrease rate of a clutch being released in comparison with a torque capacity decrease rate that would occur if shifting was taking place during normal coasting in which the accelerator operation is not performed.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2008Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tomoaki Honma
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Patent number: 8055402Abstract: A method for detecting a fault state in an automated motor vehicle gearbox having two parallel branches. Each branch has a clutch and is configured to transmit driving torques from a drive unit to at least one driven wheel of the motor vehicle. The method comprises the steps of sensing whether both clutches are at least partially closed; of sensing the rotational speed of the at least one driven wheel and sensing the rotational speed of a non-driven wheel, and of detection of a fault state if both clutches are at least partially closed, and a difference between the rotational speeds of the wheels is greater than a predetermined reference value.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2010Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: GETRAG Getriebe- und Zahnradfabrik Hermann Hagenmeyer GmbH & Cie KGInventors: Martin Seufert, Ralf Hettich, Josef Glatthaar, Ralph Richter, Tobias Kalisch, Marius Bryzgalski, Joerg Moellmann
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Patent number: 7963884Abstract: A straddle vehicle comprises a single actuator that controls clutch engagement as well as gear shifting. The actuator can be connected to the clutch and the shiftable transmission with a rotating shaft. When an engine speed reaches or exceeds a preset value during an up-shift operation, an ECU or other controller reduces the engine output to facilitate a smooth gear shift.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2007Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kazutaka Hiroi
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Publication number: 20110136621Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing driveline unwinding during successive engine shutdown and restart operations. In one example, during an engine shutdown, torsion is maintained in a transmission gear-train until an engine restart is requested by engaging one or more transmission clutches while applying wheel brakes.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2010Publication date: June 9, 2011Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Felix Nedorezov, Hong Jiang, Roger Lyle Huffmaster, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Gregory Michael Pietron, Seung-Hoon Lee
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Patent number: 7951042Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 24, 2008Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshiharu Saitou, Masaaki Takamatsu
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Patent number: 7953538Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicular drive system including an electric differential portion and a mechanical power transmitting portion which are disposed in series in a power transmitting path between an engine and a drive wheel of a vehicle, the control apparatus being configured to limit an output of the engine according to a difference between an actual rotating speed of an input rotary member of the mechanical power transmitting portion, and a theoretical rotating speed calculated from an actual vehicle speed and a presently established speed ratio of the mechanical power transmitting portion, whereby reduction of torque capacity of an input clutch provided in the mechanical power transmitting portion does not cause an excessive rise of the rotating speed of a rotary member which is located on one side of the input clutch nearer to the engine, and an excessive rise of the rotating speed of an electric motor connected to the input rotary member.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2007Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tooru Matsubara, Atsushi Tabata, Koichiro Muta, Masakazu Kaifuku, Hidenori Katoh, Tomokazu Nomura
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Patent number: 7933705Abstract: A method of controlling a reduction of an amount of fuel supplied to an engine provided to a motor vehicle with an automatic transmission separated from the engine by a torque converter is provided. The method includes the step of sensing commencement of a deceleration state during which an amount of the fuel supplied to the engine is to be reduced to an amount that is less than an amount of fuel being delivered to the engine immediately prior to the deceleration state. Whether synchronization of an engine output shaft and a transmission input shaft is appropriate under the deceleration stat is also to be determined.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2007Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Christopher Hopp
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Patent number: 7894969Abstract: A control apparatus includes a torque-boost control portion that boosts torque output from the engine, and corrects the operation amount of an adjustment mechanism that adjusts the amount of air taken into the engine to increase the amount of air during a torque phase when the automatic transmission upshifts; and an inertia-phase determination portion that determines whether an inertia phase has started. The torque-boost control portion includes a torque-boost end control portion that executes a torque-boost end control that gradually decreases a correction amount, by which the operation amount is corrected, to zero when the inertia-phase determination portion determines that the inertia phase has started.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2007Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tomohiro Asami, Toshio Sugimura, Takaaki Tokura, Nobufusa Kobayashi
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Publication number: 20110015035Abstract: An embodiment of a control method for carrying out a gear shifting in an automatic manual transmission having a dual-clutch gearbox to pass from a current shorter gear to a successive longer gear; the embodiment includes the steps of: receiving a gear shifting command; opening a first clutch associated to the current gear; closing a second clutch associated to the successive gear in a same first moment; finishing the opening of the first clutch associated to the current gear and finishing the closure of the second clutch associated to the successive gear in a same closing moment; keeping the rotation speed of the drive shaft of the engine constant and equal to an initial value imposed by the gear ratio of the current gear until the closing moment in which the opening of the first clutch is completed; after the closing moment, progressively decreasing the rotation speed of the drive shaft of the engine from the initial value imposed by the gear ratio of the current gear to a final value imposed by the gear ratType: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2010Publication date: January 20, 2011Applicant: FERRARI S.P.A.Inventors: Francesco Marcigliano, Luca Poggio
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Patent number: 7850570Abstract: A method of determining an application point of an automatically actuated clutch of an automatic mechanical transmission. After pre-selecting a new gear, the clutch automatically separates, the activated gear disengages, the engine rotational speed is brought to a target value for the new gear and the clutch, with higher advancing speed, is advanced to an application point at which the transmission input shaft is precisely entrained. To determine the application point, the gradient of the time curve of the rotational speed of the transmission input shaft is monitored, an important change of the gradient, that adjusts itself when reaching the application point, is determined and the current position of the clutch is defined as the application point. The application point is determined during downshifts, the time rotational speed curve of the transmission input shaft is between slowdown and re-acceleration, which is easily and accurately determined.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2006Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Thomas Jäger, Roland Mair
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Publication number: 20100228453Abstract: A vehicle control system for an engine-powered vehicle equipped with an engine and an automatic transmission with a clutch. When a given engine stop requirement is met during running of the engine, the system stops the engine automatically. When a given engine restart requirement is met after stop of the engine, the system restarts the engine and enters a clutch control mode to bring the clutch in the automatic transmission into a slippable state in which the clutch is permitted to slip based on the speed of the vehicle, thereby absorbing the acceleration shock which usually occurs upon engagement of the clutch to transmit engine torque to wheels of the vehicle when the engine is restarted, and the speed of the vehicle is relatively low.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2010Publication date: September 9, 2010Applicant: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Tatsuya Saito
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Patent number: 7769517Abstract: A lock-up clutch control apparatus for controlling a lock-up clutch (6) provided in a torque converter (5) installed between an engine (3) and a transmission (4), is disclosed. The lock-up clutch control apparatus has a differential pressure generator (7,8) which engages, causes a slip of or disengages the lock-up clutch by adjusting the differential pressure supplied to the lock-up clutch (6); a sensor (11/15) for detecting a rotational speed of the engine; a sensor (16) for detecting an input rotational speed to the transmission; and a controller (1). The controller (1) conducts proportional integration control by using a command signal to the differential pressure generator (7,8), so that an actual slip rotational speed, which is the difference between the engine rotational speed (Np) and input rotational speed (Ni) to the transmission, becomes a target slip rotational speed (Nt).Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2005Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: JATCO LtdInventors: Satoshi Segawa, Hiroshi Sekiya, Tatsuya Imamura, Koji Dohi, Kouji Saitou, Masayuki Kobayashi, Masayoshi Nakasaki
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Publication number: 20100151991Abstract: A method of operating an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle. The automatic transmission, when the motor vehicle is driven with an actuated accelerator and an engaged starting clutch, and then coasts with the accelerator not actuated and the starting clutch engaged, during coasting with the engaged starting clutch the transmission remaining in the gear in which it was previously driven with the gas pedal actuated. When the transmission input speed of the automatic transmission drops below a limit value, during coasting, the starting clutch is disengaged. During coasting with a disengaged starting clutch in the automatic transmission, a gear is shifted that matches the current speed of the motor vehicle so that, when the starting clutch is subsequently engaged, a gear is available that matches the speed of the motor vehicle prevailing at the time the starting clutch is subsequently engaged.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2008Publication date: June 17, 2010Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AGInventors: Roland Mair, Florian Schneider
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Patent number: 7706949Abstract: A method and system for executing a shift from a first fixed gear to a second fixed gear in a powertrain system comprising a two-mode, compound-split, electro-mechanical transmission operative to receive a speed input from an engine is described. It includes deactivating an off-going clutch, and generating a time-based profile for rotational speed of an oncoming clutch. The input speed is controlled based upon the rotational speed of the oncoming clutch and an output of the transmission. The oncoming clutch is actuated, preferably when the input speed is synchronized with a rotational speed of an output shaft of the transmission multiplied by a gear ratio of the second fixed gear, preferably after a predetermined elapsed period of time in the range of 500 milliseconds.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2006Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Jy-Jen F. Sah, Anthony H. Heap
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Publication number: 20100099536Abstract: A drive unit for a motor vehicle, comprising an engine, a transmission or gearbox, a clutch aggregate for transmitting torque, the clutch aggregate including at least two friction clutches that are assigned to an input shaft of the transmission or gearbox, wherein at least one of the at least two friction clutches features an energy accumulator operatively arranged to generate a lock-up force required for torque transmission through the clutch aggregate, and a control unit operatively arranged to control an automatic activation of the at least two friction clutches and the transmission or gearbox, wherein in the event of a malfunction of the activation of the friction clutch, the stored energy in the accumulator creates an interruption of torque transmission within a section of the drive unit connected downstream of the clutch aggregate.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2009Publication date: April 22, 2010Applicant: LUK LAMELLEN UND KUPPLUNGSBAU BETEILIGUNGS KGInventor: Klaus-Guenter Vennemann
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Patent number: 7691029Abstract: A method for operation of a drive train having a drive machine and an automatic, unsynchronized gearwheel variable-speed transmission, which can be connected to the drive machine by using an automatic clutch is described. A control device carries out a selection process as a function of vehicle parameters and/or operating variables of the motor vehicle to determine whether a gear change of the unsynchronized gearwheel variable-speed transmission will be carried out with the clutch engaged or disengaged. To ensure reliable operation of the motor vehicle, a gear change is carried out with the clutch disengaged in a time interval after initial starting up of the drive train and/or after starting of the drive machine and/or when a malfunction is identified in a component in the drive train.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2003Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Daimler AGInventors: Manfred Guggolz, Werner Hillenbrand, Xiayoi Liu, Detlef Schnitzer, Markus Veit
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Patent number: 7693637Abstract: A vehicle control system is comprised of a controller which is arranged to select an optimal mode adapted to a driving point of a vehicle from an optimal mode map of defining a plurality of running modes of the vehicle, to detect a generation of a mode transition in the optimal mode map, and to hold a current running mode selected before the transition for a holding time period when the generation of the mode transition is detected.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2005Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Michel Mensler, Shinichiro Joe
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Patent number: 7670258Abstract: A control device is provided for a vehicle drive apparatus, which includes a differential mechanism distributing an output of an engine to a first electric motor and an output shaft, and an electric motor provided on the output shaft, for miniaturizing the drive apparatus and/or providing improved fuel economy while preventing switching shocks from occurring in starting or stopping the engine. A switching clutch C0 or switching brake B0 is provided for placing a shifting mechanism 10 in a continuously variable shifting state and a step-variable shifting state, enabling the vehicle drive apparatus to have combined advantages including a fuel economy improving effect of a transmission, enabled to electrically change a speed ratio, and a high transmitting efficiency of a gear type transmitting device enabled to mechanically transmit drive power.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2007Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Atsushi Kamada, Atsushi Tabata
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Patent number: 7651438Abstract: A vehicle, such as a motorcycle, which has an engine control system that is configured to reduce an output of the engine upon a determination that a shifting of the transmission, without a corresponding disengagement of the clutch, is likely to occur. In one arrangement, the vehicle includes a controller that is configured such that if a release rate of the accelerator, calculated on the basis of signals from an accelerator position sensor, has been equal to or larger than a threshold value for a period of time, and other conditions have been met, it is determined that snapping of the accelerator by the operator has been performed. The snapping is a release of the accelerator that is predicted to be accompanied by a transmission shift without disengagement of the clutch. In response to the snapping determination, the engine output is reduced for a reduction duration, such as by retarding the ignition timing, after the elapse of a predetermined stand-by time.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2007Date of Patent: January 26, 2010Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Akira Someya, Daichi Noborio
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Publication number: 20090325759Abstract: A power transmission device for a vehicle having a clutch 3 between an engine 1 and a transmission 4, preventing variation in the engine torque and shift shock when the engine control mode returns from an engine control at the time of shifting back to an accelerator pedal follow-up control for normal traveling. Timer means 62 is provided for a clutch control device 6 that executes the control for disengaging the clutch 3 at the time of shifting and engaging it after the completion of the shifting. The timer means 62 controls a moment for starting the clutch engagement control depending on the engine conditions, etc. The state of increasing the amount of clutch engagement varies and the state of engine rotational speed varies, too. When the engine control at the time of shifting is returned back to the accelerator pedal follow-up control at the time of normal traveling, therefore, the engine can be placed in a condition where the engine torque does not vary despite the control mode is changed over.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2007Publication date: December 31, 2009Inventors: Nobuyuki Iwao, Hiroshi Usuba
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Publication number: 20090270223Abstract: A two stage clutch and shift actuation paddle assembly provides clutch disengagement through a first range of movement of a manually operated control lever or paddle and electronic shifting of a transmission upon movement through a second range. A return spring force generator causes a lower return force to be exerted on the generator paddle in a range of motion wherein the clutch is disengaged and a pronounced increased spring force to be exerted in advanced range of motion wherein the transmission shift actuation occurs.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2008Publication date: October 29, 2009Inventor: David Cook
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Publication number: 20090233761Abstract: A system and method for overrun prevention is disclosed. Overrun of a one-way clutch may be prevented by determining a current torque value. When a current torque value approaches a negative value, a shift to a gear without a one-way clutch may be performed. Driving control may be increased by shifting from a gear associated with a one-way clutch when a current torque value approaches a negative value or another shifting parameter determines a shift is necessary.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2008Publication date: September 17, 2009Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Michael T. Dickinson
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Publication number: 20090181822Abstract: A skidder having a diesel engine coupled to a multiple gear ratio transmission driving a pair of wheel sets for a skidder. The diesel engine is controlled by an operator manipulated foot pedal or hand lever to control the power output and ultimately the maximum skidder ground speed. A controller is provided to pre-select the maximum gear into which the transmission may be placed to ultimately limit the maximum ground speed of the skidder so that the operator sets the forward speed in a binary fashion by depressing the foot pedal or hand operated device to a maximum output condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2008Publication date: July 16, 2009Inventors: Kevin G. Braun, Andrew Quinn, Todd Velde, Borislav Trifunovic
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Patent number: 7534194Abstract: A vehicular transmission comprises an electrical control unit ECU, which controls to bring a starting clutch into loose engagement for a predetermined time while a deactivated cylinder mode is being terminated. The electrical control unit also estimates, during this predetermined time, an estimated PB, which is an estimated pressure inside the intake pipe, on the basis of a rotational speed Ne at the output shaft of the engine and of an opening TH at the throttle valve, and it then estimates or calculates the driving torque generated by the engine on the basis of this estimated PB and the rotational speed Ne. From this calculated driving torque, the electrical control unit sets respective pressures to be applied to a drive pulley and a driven pulley, which constitute a continuously variable transmission CVT.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2006Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takahiro Eguchi, Yuichiro Takemori, Toshikazu Uneyama
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Patent number: 7530924Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 17, 2006Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: John E. Brevick
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Publication number: 20090105042Abstract: A driving unit for a vehicle includes a transmission, a motor generator and a centrifugal release mechanism. The transmission is employed for transmitting a driving torque outputted from an engine to an output shaft operatively connected to a plurality of driving wheels. The motor generator is connected to the output shaft via a force transmitting mechanism. The motor generator functions as a motor for driving the output shaft in cooperation with the engine when supplied with electric current and functions as a generator when driven by the output shaft. The centrifugal release mechanism is provided at the force transmitting mechanism. The centrifugal release mechanism interrupts a force transmission between the output shaft and the motor generator in a predetermined driving state of the vehicle in which a running resistance applied to the driving wheels exceeds a driving force of the motor generator applied to the driving wheels.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2008Publication date: April 23, 2009Applicant: AISIN AI CO., LTDInventor: Toshio Tanba
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Patent number: 7517300Abstract: A retarding system for a work machine is disclosed. The retarding system has a power source, a transmission, and a torque converter operatively coupling the power source and the transmission. The torque converter has a lockup clutch. The retarding system also has a controller in communication with the lockup clutch. The torque converter is configured to receive an input indicative of a desired work machine acceleration, to determine a status of the lockup clutch, and to determine if engaging the lockup clutch will cause a speed of the power source to drop below a low idle speed. The controller is also configured to engage the lockup clutch if the input indicates that the desired work machine acceleration is below a predetermined amount, the lockup clutch is disengaged, and the speed of the power source will remain above the low idle speed after engagement of the lockup clutch.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2005Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: James W. Landes
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Publication number: 20090075780Abstract: Monitoring operation of an electromechanical transmission having a hydraulic circuit with flow management valves and pressure control solenoids to actuate clutches and pressure monitoring devices to monitor the hydraulic circuit is provided. The transmission operates in fixed gear and continuously variable operating range states. The method comprises controlling position of one of the flow management valves to control operation in one of the operating range states. A fault is detected in the one of the flow management valves based upon outputs of the pressure monitoring devices during steady state operation in one of the continuously variable operating range states. A fault is detected in the one of the flow management valves based upon the output of one of the pressure monitoring devices during a transition in the flow management valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2007Publication date: March 19, 2009Inventors: Ryan D. Martini, Charles J. Van Horn, Peter E. Wu, Andrew M. Zettel, Thomas E. Mathews, Jy-Jen F. Sah, Syed Naqi, Darren Crewes
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Publication number: 20090069150Abstract: A dual-cylinder gasoline engine comprising a gasoline engine box, a cylinder I, a cylinder II, a centrifugal clutch and a gear box, wherein the cylinder I and the cylinder II are mounted with the gear box; the centrifugal clutch is installed on one side of the gear box the cylinders are located; the gear box is mounted at the rear of the gear box; and the output shaft of the centrifugal clutch is connected with gears in gear box. When in operation, the crankshaft drives the driving wheel of the clutch to rotate. Thus, the belt is driven and it drives the driven wheel of the clutch to rotate, whereby transferring power to vehicle wheels via the gearbox. The clutch is oil-free. The advantages of the invention include reliable use, convenient maintenance, and smooth operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2008Publication date: March 12, 2009Inventor: Zhixin TAO
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Publication number: 20090048747Abstract: A fast automated gear shift operation is performed using a powertrain in a hybrid vehicle, the powertrain including a gear box, an engine, at least one controllable motor, a torque ripple damping device, a mechanical connecting device for connecting or disconnecting the engine to or from, respectively, wheels of the vehicle. In the gear shift operation the motor is controlled to perform a sequence of steps in which different torques are delivered by the motor to temporarily change the speed thereof. The torques are selected so that they to reduce the mechanical tension over at least one elastic part of the powertrain. Hence it can be achieved, that during at least a period during the gear shift operation torques over mechanical elements in the gear box cooperating in the current gear and/or over the mechanical connecting device are eliminated or at least strongly reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2006Publication date: February 19, 2009Applicant: Stridsberg Powertrain ABInventor: Lennart Stridsberg
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Publication number: 20080207393Abstract: Appropriate torque is transmitted via a clutch that does not spend too much time on its engaging operation. A clutch controller controls a degree of engagement of the clutch by actuating a clutch actuator based on a difference between actual transmission torque that is transmitted from a drive-side member of a clutch to a driven-side member of the clutch, and target transmission torque that is supposed to be transmitted from the drive-side member to the driven-side member. The clutch controller also determines whether or not a difference in rotational speed between the drive-side member and the driven-side member of the clutch is reduced at an appropriate rate, and depending on the determination result, corrects the target transmission torque.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2008Publication date: August 28, 2008Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Kengo MINAMI
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Patent number: 7416511Abstract: In a hybrid-drive electric vehicle, upon request of gear shifting of a transmission (2), a clutch (3) is first disconnected and the transmission (2) is set to a neutral position. The rotating electric generator 4 is then operated in a motor mode or a power generating mode so that a rotational speed of an input shaft of the transmission (2) reaches a region of a synchronizing rotational speed in accordance with a requested gear position. When the rotational speed of the input shaft of the transmission (2) reaches the region of the synchronizing rotational speed, the gear position of the transmission (2) is changed over from the neutral position to the requested gear position. Thus the rotation synchronizing time for the gear shifting in the transmission (2) is reduced, making it possible to perform the gear shifting for a short period of time.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2003Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: Nissan Diesel Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mitsuhiro Nishina, Yuji Suzuki, Hideaki Gouda
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Publication number: 20080200302Abstract: The invention relates to a method of transmitting power between a shaft (10) of a heat engine (2) and a wheel (6) axle shaft (12) of a hybrid vehicle. The inventive method involves the use of: a power transmission device (1) comprising an electric machine (4) which is connected to (i) the heat engine by means of a clutch (3) and (ii) a wheel (6) axle shaft (12); and a starting system (31) which is mechanically independent of the electric machine (4) and which is connected to the heat engine (2). According to the invention, the heat engine (2) is started by applying a torque to the shaft (10) simultaneously using the starting system (31) and the clutch (3).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2006Publication date: August 21, 2008Applicant: PEUGEOT CITROEN AUTOMOBILES SAInventors: Gaetan Rocq, Yvan Le Neindre, Cedric Launay
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Patent number: 7409885Abstract: The invention concerns a method of controlling a twin-clutch transmission (10). When the torque transmitted in a first transmission path (C1, E2, Z8, Z9, S2, Z3, Z4) reaches an upper limit given by the torque transmission capacity of that path further additional torque produced by an engine at the drive shaft (I) is transmitted by closure of the second clutch (C2) to the output shaft (O) in parallel relationship by way of a second transmission path (C2, E1, Z1, Z2, S1, Z3, Z4). That permits the output of the engine to be better utilised and makes it possible to achieve better travel characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2004Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: Getrag Ford Transmissions GmbHInventors: Christian Krauss, Michael Schwekutsch
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Patent number: 7396314Abstract: A method and a device with which disturbing vibrations are diminished at least in the height of their amplitude. A control and regulating device (24) and suitable sensors (34, 36, 41) activate a device (7, 11, 15, 23, 29, 30) when previously established limiting values are exceeded with regard to procedure, with which components of the motor vehicle are influenced such that the disturbing vibrations are damped or compensated.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2003Date of Patent: July 8, 2008Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Matthias Winkel, Thomas Jäger, Rupert Kramer, Horst Aepker
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Patent number: 7387590Abstract: A method for operating a motor vehicle after receiving an acceleration signal in which the motor vehicle power train includes first and the second torque transmission devices connected to first and second subgears. The operational method includes selecting and engaging a predetermined target gear in one of the two subgears and selection and engagement of a predetermined intermediate target gear, in the other of the two subgears, while the power train continues to remain engaged. The intermediate target gear is so chosen that it will be higher than the target gear, so that the rpm of the gear input shaft of the target subgear, will be greater than the rpm of the gear input shaft of the intermediate target subgear, in which the current gear is engaged.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2005Date of Patent: June 17, 2008Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KGInventor: Felix Dreher
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Publication number: 20080109139Abstract: A vehicle includes a drive device applying a driving force to a wheel, a brake device applying a braking force to the vehicle, and a control device controlling the drive device and the brake device. When the traveling direction and the acting direction of the driving force are opposite, the control device causes the drive device to generate a driving force corresponding to a driving force demand in the event of the drive device not entering an operation disallowed region even if the driving force corresponding to the driving force command is generated at the drive device, and causes the brake device to operate according to the drive driving force demand in the event of the drive device entering the operation disallowed region if the driving force corresponding to said driving force demand is generated at said drive device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2007Publication date: May 8, 2008Applicants: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, AISIN AW CO., LTD.Inventors: Koichiro Muta, Tomokazu Nomura, Daisuke Suyama