Means Detecting Or Ameliorating The Effects Of Malfunction Or Potential Malfunction Patents (Class 477/906)
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Patent number: 8371988Abstract: A shift by wire control for a multi-speed vehicle transmission is provided. The control includes a shift by wire shift valve in fluid communication with other shift valves and clutch trim valves to provide double blocking features in the neutral range and a reverse range. The shift by wire valve is configured with multiple differential areas to provide failure modes for all forward ranges.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2009Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.Inventors: Charles F. Long, Charles T. Taylor
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Patent number: 8366588Abstract: A method for controlling a drivetrain including an automatically shifted starting clutch and gear-shift clutch and a transmission, with a non self-locking clutch actuator, a gear actuator for engaging and disengaging transmission gears and a control unit which generates control commands for the clutch actuator and gear actuator and transmits such commands to the actuators such that, when the vehicle is at rest and a gear is engaged and if the clutch actuator fails, the clutch does not inadvertently engage. When a transmission gear is engaged, a control command is generated and sent for the clutch actuator to disengage the clutch. Thereafter, the vehicle speed is determined and if the speed is essentially zero and the clutch begins to engage, a control command is sent to the gear actuator to shift the transmission to its neutral position.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2006Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Marcus Gansohr, Florian Schneider, Thomas Jäger
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Patent number: 8311715Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 19, 2007Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Georg Gierer, Christian Popp, Thilo Schmidt, Klaus Steinhauser
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Patent number: 8290671Abstract: A control system for an automatic transmission that does not require a cut-off valve, and that can inhibit a reverse control even if a detection unit for detecting a shift range fails. The control system includes a first friction engagement element, which is engaged in predetermined forward and reverse shift speeds, a detection unit that detects a shift range from shift ranges that include a forward range and a reverse range; a failure judgment unit for judging failure of the detection unit, and an avoidance unit for shifting to a forward shift speed that does not engage the first friction engagement element if the failure judgment unit determines that the detection unit has failed.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2010Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Aisin Aw Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masaki Nishide, Shinichiro Murakami, Keisuke Umenaka
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Patent number: 8287409Abstract: A hydraulic control system of continuously variable transmission includes: a first sheave pressure regulating valve (17) that regulates a line pressure (Pl), which is used for hydraulic control as a source pressure, to obtain a first sheave pressure (Pin); a fail-safe valve (19) that selects and outputs any one of the first sheave pressure (Pin) or a fail-safe hydraulic pressure (second sheave pressure Pout) that is applied to a drive pulley (21) at the time of a failure due to an excessive first sheave pressure (Pin) to the drive pulley (21); and a first regulator valve (12) and a second regulator valve (13) that regulate the line pressure (Pl). An output pressure (Psf) of the fail-safe valve (19) is supplied to the first and second regulator valves (12 and 13) in a feedback manner as a drive pulley (21) side hydraulic pressure to thereby regulate the line pressure (Pl).Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2008Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yusuke Ogata, Toshihiro Aoyama
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Patent number: 8265843Abstract: A control system and method for an electromagnetic clutch brake, including an electromagnetic clutch brake actuator coil surrounding a power input shaft for a multiple-ratio transmission in a vehicle powertrain. A protective circuit of the control system normally monitors data inputs from a databus that may indicate conditions that are not favorable for clutch brake actuation. The protective circuit prevents actuation of the clutch brake under such conditions. In the event the data inputs are not available from the databus, the protective circuit permits operation in a fall-back mode in which a brake ON timer is checked prior to clutch brake actuation. A primary counter is incremented with each normal clutch brake actuation and a secondary counter is incremented with each fall-back clutch brake actuation.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2011Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Michael J. Hornbrook, Yeidei Wang
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Patent number: 8260527Abstract: A control system for a vehicle includes a CPU, a throttle sensor, a shift actuator, and fuel injectors. When the CPU detects a control failure of the throttle valve with a value detected by the throttle sensor, the CPU adjusts the output of the engine by controlling the fuel injectors such that the motorcycle runs with a previously set negative target acceleration. Also, the CPU controls the shift actuator such that the transmission is shifted down in steps as the speed of the motorcycle decreases.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2009Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Katsuhiro Arai
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Patent number: 8260528Abstract: A control system for a vehicle includes a CPU, a throttle sensor, a brake sensor, and fuel injectors. When the CPU detects a control failure of the throttle valve with a value detected by the throttle sensor, the CPU adjusts the output of the engine by controlling the fuel injectors such that the motorcycle runs with a previously set negative target acceleration. Also, when the CPU detects a brake operation by the driver with the brake sensor after the occurrence of the control failure, the CPU corrects the target acceleration such that the deceleration of the motorcycle becomes larger. Then, the CPU adjusts the output of the engine such that the motorcycle runs with the corrected target acceleration.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2009Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Katsuhiro Arai
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Patent number: 8221288Abstract: Various embodiments of methods, apparatus and systems that diagnose and/or detect faults of an electro-hydraulic control system for a transmission are presented. Some embodiments, adjust a main line pressure of the electro-hydraulic control system and detect faults based upon changes in a pressure switch resulting from such adjustments of the main line pressure. The pressure switch may be incorporated into a control main valve or a clutch trim valve of the electro-hydraulic control system.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2009Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.Inventor: Charles F. Long
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Patent number: 8221287Abstract: A vehicle comprises a driving state detecting device configured to detect a driving state, a command signal output device configured to output a detected command signal indicating an engine driving power change command, an opening degree signal output device configured to output a detected opening degree signal, a valve drive device configured to drive a throttle valve; and a controller which is configured to set a target opening degree of the throttle valve based on the detected command signal and to control the valve drive device to cause an opening degree to match the target opening degree. The controller is configured to set, according to the driving state, the target opening degree to a smaller value than when the command signal and the opening degree signal are normal, when at least one of the command signal and the opening degree signal is abnormal.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2009Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takeru Oshima, Takuya Sakamoto
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Patent number: 8182397Abstract: A hydraulic control apparatus for an automatic transmission includes a first solenoid valve, a second solenoid valve, a third solenoid valve, a preliminary shift speed switch valve, and an oil pressure supply switch valve, which is switched between a normal-state position where the first, second, and third working fluid pressures can be supplied to the hydraulic servos of the first, second, and third friction engagement elements, respectively, and a failure-state position where the first and second preliminary oil pressures can be supplied to the hydraulic servos of the first and second friction engagement elements, respectively, and a line pressure can be supplied to the hydraulic servo of the third friction engagement element, during a failure that causes de-energization.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2009Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tetsuya Shimizu, Kenichi Tsuchida, Akitomo Suzuki, Kazunori Ishikawa
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Patent number: 8160792Abstract: A failure detection system for accurately detecting a failure of a clutch. A clutch actuation mechanism changes the relative positions of drive-side and driven-side members of the clutch. A position detector detects a position of the clutch actuation mechanism as a clutch position. A control unit obtains torque transmitted from the drive-side member to the driven-side member as actual transmission torque. The control unit detects a failure of the clutch based on the actual transmission torque and the clutch position.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2008Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kengo Minami
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Patent number: 8138906Abstract: An information presentation system for a vehicle is provided. The vehicle comprises a transmission operable in a plurality of gear states. The system comprises a sensor adapted to detect a gear state of the transmission, an electronic control system adapted to operate the transmission and to detect a gear state of the transmission, and a display device coupled to the sensor and to the electronic control system. The display device is adapted to receive a first signal indicating the gear state of the transmission, to receive a second signal indicating the gear state of the transmission, and to adjust an arrangement of visual elements in a manner influenced by the first and second signals.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2009Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Orson S. Wang, Maureen L. Roth
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Patent number: 8123658Abstract: Restriction of hunting in the gear ratio of an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT) for a vehicle. A gear ratio change mechanism has a crankshaft as an input shaft, an output shaft and a motor. The motor continuously varies the gear ratio between the crankshaft and the output shaft. An electronic control unit (ECU) performs feedback control of the gear ratio to achieve a target gear ratio. The ECU reduces an output of the motor when a hunting state of the gear ratio is detected.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2008Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Ryousuke Asaoka
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Patent number: 8126623Abstract: A shifting device is provided for the gear selection in a manual transmission that includes, but is not limited to a shift/selector lever that can be moved in a shifting degree of freedom and a selection degree of freedom, a measuring sensor for measuring a current position (s, w) of the shift/selector lever in the two degrees of freedom, a two-dimensionally controllable actuator device and a control circuit for the controlling of the actuator device in a position (S, W) which is associated with the sensed position (s, w) of the shift/selector lever, which depicts the movement region of the shift/selector lever on a region of possible positions of the actuator device. The movement region of the shift/selector lever included, but is not limited to a two-dimensional prohibited part region, in which the shift/selector lever is simultaneously moveable in both degrees of freedom.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2009Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Christian Rübsam, Jan Sporleder
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Patent number: 8113988Abstract: A detection scheme for diagnosing failure of clutch control components in a hydraulic control module of a power transmission utilizes pressure switch sensors to detect the position of each of the valves associated with the clutch control mechanization. The mechanization of these sensors with the valves provides the ability to clearly define the position of each of the valves, while also enabling the transmission electro-hydraulic control module (TEHCM) to diagnose the state of health of each pressure switch. The detection scheme may then differentiate between a failed switch and a failed (e.g., “stuck” or “out of position”) valve, while preventing unexpected and undesired shift sequencing within the transmission.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2008Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Michael D. Foster
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Patent number: 8108096Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes an engine torque module, a torque detection module, a torque estimation module, a torque monitoring module, and a diagnostic module. The engine torque module generates a first estimated torque signal based on engine signals and/or GPS signals. The torque detection module generates an actual torque signal of a transmission. The torque estimation module generates a second estimated torque signal based on the first estimated torque signal and/or vehicle/engine values. The diagnostic module detects a fault of a torque sensor based on a torque difference between the actual torque signal and the second estimated torque signal. The torque monitoring module generates a first and a second torque signals based on actual torque signals that represent a lowest and a highest torque values respectively over a predetermined period. The diagnostic module detects the fault based on a torque difference the first and the second torque signals.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2009Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Inventor: Randall B. Dlugoss
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Patent number: 8086381Abstract: A method for emergency actuation of an automated dual-clutch transmission of a vehicle with electrohydraulic control via a transmission control device. The method includes disengaging one clutch of the dual-clutch transmission, in order to realize emergency operation of the transmission and applying pressure on the other clutch after an error signal is transmitted indicating a malfunction of the transmission and/or the transmission control device. In order to keep the complexity of the hardware of the hydraulic system low, both clutches are disengaged, when an error signal occurs, and adjusted to a safe initial state, and an actuating pressure is only re-applied to one of the two clutches after the initial state is reached. In addition to the already existing elements of the hydraulic system, only one device or software is required which detects and selects the clutch that is more advantageous for continued driving operation.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2007Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Anton Fritzer, Markus Herrmann, Thilo Schmidt, Christian Popp, Georg Gierer
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Patent number: 8075448Abstract: An oil pressure control apparatus for an automatic transmission configured with an oil pressure servo that engages and disengages a friction engagement element. The friction element is engaged by first and second hydraulic oil chambers that individually provide low torque, and can provide a higher torque when working in combination. A failure solenoid valve outputs a signal when a failure occurs to stop oil pressure to an oil pressure servo. Valves are configured to determine whether oil pressure is supplied to or discharged from the first and second hydraulic oil chambers. A switching valve is switched on the basis of the failure signal, and an oil pressure can be individually supplied to and discharged from the first and second hydraulic oil chambers based on the status of the switching solenoid valve and the signal from the failure solenoid valve.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2010Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masahiro Ito, Munehiro Tashiro, Kenichi Tsuchida, Naoyuki Fukaya, Kazunori Ishikawa
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Patent number: 8057358Abstract: A control system and method for an electromagnetic clutch brake, including an electromagnetic clutch brake actuator coil surrounding a power input shaft for a multiple-ratio transmission in a vehicle powertrain. A protective circuit of the control system normally monitors data inputs from a databus that may indicate conditions that are not favorable for clutch brake actuation. The protective circuit prevents actuation of the clutch brake under such conditions. In the event the data inputs are not available from the databus, the protective circuit permits operation in a fall-back mode in which a brake ON timer is checked prior to clutch brake actuation. A primary counter is incremented with each normal clutch brake actuation and a secondary counter is incremented with each fall-back clutch brake actuation.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2007Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Michael J. Hornbrook, Yeidei Wang
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Patent number: 8044787Abstract: A set of inputs each selectively provides a discrete signal, whereby the sensor inputs together provide a plurality of discrete signals. A memory includes instructions executable by a processor for receiving the discrete signals, identifying a bit pattern from the discrete signals, and determining a position of a physical member according to the bit pattern and an error condition detected from the discrete signals.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2008Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Kerfegar Khurshed Katrak, Todd William Fritz, Richard Earl Zuppann
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Patent number: 8024988Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 21, 2009Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Klaus-Guenter Vennemann
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Patent number: 7980990Abstract: When there is no malfunction in either drive shaft rotational speed detection portion (36) or rotating shaft rotational speed detection portion (44), control of internal combustion engine (22), the power split device (30, MG1), the electric motor (MG2), and the shifting portion (60) is performed while speed ratio in shifting portion (60) is changed and an intermittent operation of internal combustion engine (22) is performed so that a drive power required for drive shaft (32a) is output to shaft (32a). When a malfunction occurs in drive shaft rotational speed detection portion (36) or/and rotating shaft rotational speed detection portion (44), the control is performed while at least one of change in speed ratio, intermittent operation, and output of drive power required for shaft (32a) to shaft (32a) is limited so that a drive power that approximates required drive power as closely as possible is output to drive shaft (32a).Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2007Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin AW Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroatsu Endo, Masashi Yoshimi, Kazuo Kawaguchi, Shinichi Sasade, Yoichi Tajima, Shinobu Nishiyama, Kazuomi Okasaka
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Patent number: 7963882Abstract: A range-switching device of an automatic transmission has a control device that executes a fail-safe process of prohibiting the changing to the parking range if a parking load greater than or equal to a predetermined value occurs when the vehicle is at rest.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2007Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Naoki Nishimura
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Patent number: 7862472Abstract: In a planetary gear type stepped automatic transmission, a gear shift control to shift a gear shift stage between a first gear shift stage and a second gear shift stage is performed by a first shift control section by referring to a first gear shift control data used when the gear shift stage is switched between the first gear shift stage and the second gear shift stage, an abnormality state due to a failure of at least one of a first frictional engaging element and a second frictional engaging element is detected, and an abnormality state gear shift control is performed to shift the gear shift stage between a third gear shift stage (for example, first speed) and a fourth gear shift stage (for example, 2.5 speed) by the first shift control section, while forcefully releasing the first frictional engaging element, when detecting the abnormality state.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2007Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: JATCO LtdInventors: Takateru Kawaguchi, Satoshi Ozawa, Fumitaka Nagashima, Shinya Mochiyama
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Patent number: 7857728Abstract: A control apparatus for an automatic transmission including a plurality of frictional elements each arranged to be engaged by receiving supply of an engagement pressure regulated by a solenoid, and being arranged to attain a plurality of gear stages by combination of engagements of the frictional elements, the control apparatus includes a failure occurrence sensing section configured to sense an occurrence of a failure-induced disengagement in one of the frictional elements based on a failure of one of the solenoids, based on an engine racing by a depression of an accelerator pedal in a state in which ranges other than a parking range and a neutral range are selected during a stop of a vehicle; and a command output section configured to output a limp home mode command to attain one of the gear stages to enable the vehicle to start.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2007Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: JATCO LtdInventors: Hajime Tasaka, Hirofumi Michioka, Fumitaka Nagashima, Yutaka Tohyama, Jun Kagawa
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Patent number: 7828695Abstract: A control apparatus for a shift-position changing mechanism that changes the shift positions of an automatic transmission mounted in a vehicle using a rotational force of an actuator based on the state of an operation member includes: a detection unit that detects a command to change the shift positions based on a change in the state of the operation member; a control unit that controls the actuator such that the actuator is rotated by a predetermined rotation amount, when a predetermined first condition concerning the state of the vehicle is satisfied in a case the command to change the shift positions is not detected; and a determination unit that determines that a failure has occurred in the shift-position changing mechanism, when a predetermined second condition on the control of the actuator is satisfied.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2007Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yuji Inoue, Yoshinobu Nozaki
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Patent number: 7814806Abstract: A method and apparatus for cycling a neutral switch of an automated mechanical transmission includes software which, either independently or by operator command through a shift actuator having side-to-side motion capability and sensors, controls a select piston and cylinder assembly to provide shift rail motion along a transverse axis of the transmission which simulates operator commanded motion of a shift rail of a conventional (manual) transmission as the operator checks for neutral. Such activity may release a malfunctioning neutral switch thereby providing a proper neutral indication to associated transmission and engine components to, for example, permit starting of the engine.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2007Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: James H. DeVore, Rudolf Kalthoff, Rupert Kramer, Ronald Muetzel, Robert Sayman, Mario Steinborn
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Patent number: 7780572Abstract: A control valve arrangement having a clutch regulation valve (3), which pressurizes a device to actuate the clutch, and a valve that produces a controlled pilot pressure (P_VST3). An electronic control unit (ECU) controls a valve to supply a control valve with the pressure (P_VST3). The arrangement further having a hydraulic system which, if the ECU fails and the pressure (P_VST3) ceases, the last shift condition of the clutch actuation device, prior to the ECU failure, can be maintained in an emergency. The arrangement includes a valve, which delivers an activation pressure (P_A), depending on an engine-speed-dependent control pressure (P_D), to an actuation valve (2), which then delivers the pressure (P_A) to the valve (3) to prevent the emergency function initiation despite a lack of pressure (P_VST3) and existence of the pressure (P_D) sufficiently high to initiate the emergency function.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2006Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Georg Gierer, Thilo Schmidt, Anton Fritzer, Markus Herrmann
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Patent number: 7771317Abstract: A valve assembly for controlling actuation of at least one starting clutch of an automatic transmission includes at least one clutch control valve through which a supply pressure is directed to a clutch actuation device, a pressure control valve controlled by a control device to supply at least one control valve of the valve assembly with a pilot pressure, a self-maintained hydraulic unit to maintain operation of an engaged starting clutch upon failure of the control device and loss of the pilot pressure. The valve assembly has a self-maintained valve and an activation valve. The self-maintained valve directs an activation pressure or control pressure, depending on the engine or transmission speed, to the activation valve. The actuation valve directs the activation to at least one clutch-regulating valve. The valve assembly also controls actuation or de-activation of the emergency operation function with a clutch actuation pressure.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2006Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Georg Gierer, Thilo Schmidt, Anton Fritzer, Markus Herrmann
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Patent number: 7770482Abstract: A method for controlling a gear-shifting process from an initial gear to a target gear in a manual transmission with active interlock. According to the method, the active interlock gear-shifting mechanism includes at least one shifting finger which co-operates with a selector fork, and has a layout geometry including a finger and a cam. The method contains the following steps: the selector fork of the initial gear is brought into a reliable shifting position by a method for compensating errors on the gear shifting mechanism, and/or the selector fork of the target gear is brought into a reliable shifting position a method for compensating errors on the gear shifting mechanism, before the target gear is engaged, when ever a temporarily non-critical gear-shift is to be carried out.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2007Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Luk Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KGInventors: Ole Jonny Waerp, Viggo L. Norum, Jan Gunnar Royland, Lars Lein, Christer Svenkerud
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Patent number: 7766789Abstract: A control device for hybrid vehicle drive apparatus is disclosed. Upon receipt of a start-up request on an engine (8), if a determination is made that a rattling gear noise in a power distributing mechanism (16) exceeds a given value, first and second clutches (C1 and C2) are disengaged to cause a power transmitting path to be placed in a power interrupting state, and the first and second clutches (C1 and C2) are engaged to cause the power transmitting path to be placed in a non-differential state. Thus, engine start-up is initiated. This allows the engine (8) to be started up with a limited occurrence of rattling between gears incorporated in the power distributing mechanism (16) with a reduction in rattling gear noise.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2009Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yuji Iwase, Takuma Kakinami, Atsushi Tabata
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Patent number: 7757577Abstract: A position detecting device is basically provided with a control section, a detecting section and a setting section. The control section repeatedly controls a gear connecting mechanism in a vehicle transmission to selectively perform a gear connecting operation to obtain a selected gear range and a gear releasing operation to release the selected gear range after the gear connecting operation has been performed. The detecting section detects a position of a connecting member of the gear connecting mechanism after the gear connecting operation has been performed. The setting section sets a shift completion position at which connecting of the selected gear range is determined to be completed based on a plurality of positions of the connecting member of the gear connecting mechanism detected by the detecting section.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2007Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshinobu Kawamoto, Makoto Futamura, Masasumi Kitou
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Patent number: 7749122Abstract: An automatic transmission includes a planetary gear arrangement, and a plurality of engaging elements each arranged to vary an engagement state among the rotating elements of the planetary gear arrangement in such a manner to establish a normal gear ratio set and an emergency gear ratio set excluded from the normal gear ratio set. A control section performs the following: selecting a gear from the normal gear ratio set in accordance with a running state of a vehicle under normal operating conditions; controlling the engagement state of each of the engaging elements in such a manner to shift into the selected gear; establishing, when an interlock state is detected, an escape gear by releasing one of the engaging elements needed to be applied to establish the selected gear; and identifying an incorrectly-applied engaging element in accordance with the running state of the vehicle resulting from establishing the escape gear.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2007Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: JATCO LtdInventor: Nobuyuki Yoneyama
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Patent number: 7736270Abstract: A control valve arrangement for controlling a start coupling of an automatic gearbox comprising a clutch control valve (3, 37, 41, 48, 49) for controlling at least one clutch actuating device (4, 40) which, during normal operation of the gearbox, converts a supply pressure input (P_V1, P_V2) into a clutch actuation pressure (P_K, P_K1, P_K2) according to a pre-control pressure or an electric pre-control signal in order to control the clutch actuation device. An activating pressure (P_A) can be supplied to the clutch control valve or directly to the clutch activation device in the event of a discontinuation of the pre-control pressure or pre-control signal according to the engine and gearbox output speed, whereupon the clutch actuation device is maintained in a closed position as long as the above mentioned speed remains above a predetermined limit.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2005Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Georg Gierer, Thilo Schmidt
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Patent number: 7736269Abstract: An electro-hydraulic control system is provided for a transmission, which is preferably a countershaft transmission, that has a three-position dog clutch actuator valve to control the position of a three-position dog clutch. At least one of the positions of the dog clutch actuator valve is established by pressurized fluid directed to the dog clutch actuator valve by two logic valves, both of which are controlled to direct pressurized fluid elsewhere in the hydraulic control system, as well.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2007Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Charles F. Long, Bryan H. Hagelskamp
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Patent number: 7731630Abstract: A calibration system for calibrating a transmission adjusts a clutch fill pulse width and hold level current for an oncoming clutch via calibration shifts during operation of the associated machine, thus establishing the desired shift timing and duration. The pulse width is calibrated based on torque transfer characteristics of the clutch during a test shift, and the hold level current is calibrated based on the shift duration of a further test shift.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2007Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Richard B. League, Joseph A. Grove, Todd R. Kabrich
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Patent number: 7722500Abstract: When an N position sensor is ON, even though the N position is selected, the oil pressure supplied to a clutch C1 which is engaged during the transition from the non-running state to the running state is raised in advance to a predetermined oil pressure; and, if a running request is detected when a D position decision has not been made, irrespective of whether or not a shift lever has been shifted from its N position to its D position, first speed starting off from rest control is performed, in which the oil pressure supplied to the clutch C1 is raised to an oil pressure at which the clutch C1 is capable of power transmission.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2006Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Toshimitsu Sato, Hiromichi Kimura, Kentarou Okada
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Patent number: 7713165Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a continuously variable transmission for a hybrid electric vehicle enhances operability as speed changes are made based on input torques and engine rotational speeds since pressure of a primary pulley is controlled based on engine rotational speeds; applies a wide pressure range for solenoids in normal operation by deciding a limp home mode only when a secondary control solenoid valve (SCSV) and a ratio control solenoid valve (RCSV) are under maximum pressure at the same time; reuses flux discharged under reduced pressure from a secondary regulator valve in a lubrication control valve, thus saving energy; controls the lubrication pressure actively using PWM; and generates a pilot pressure for clutch control using a single valve when the transmission control unit fails.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2006Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Hyun Suk Kim
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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: 7682275Abstract: An automatic transmission control apparatus is provided with a shift control section, a first rotary-speed detecting section, a second rotary-speed detecting section and an input shaft speed calculation section. The shift control section issues instructions to selectively engage and disengage a combination of a plurality of frictionally engaging elements of a planetary gear mechanism to establish a corresponding one of a plurality of gear ratios. The first rotary-speed detecting section detects a rotational speed of a first rotary member which rotates at a different speed from an input shaft of the planetary gear mechanism. The second rotary-speed detecting section detects a rotational speed of a second rotary member which rotates at a different speed from the input shaft of the planetary gear mechanism. The input shaft speed calculation section calculates a rotational speed of the input shaft using values detected by the first and second rotary-speed detecting sections.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2007Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: Jatco LtdInventor: Nobuyuki Yoneyama
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Method and apparatus to monitor devices of a hydraulic circuit of an electro-mechanical transmission
Patent number: 7670254Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided to control operation of an electro-mechanical transmission device selectively operative in one of a plurality of fixed gear modes and two continuously variable modes. The method comprises controlling the flow control devices of the electro-hydraulic control circuit, and monitoring a plurality of pressure monitoring devices in the electro-hydraulic control circuit. A fault is identified in the electro-hydraulic control circuit when a signal output of one of the pressure monitoring devices does not correspond to an expected signal output for the pressure monitoring device after an elapsed time period.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2007Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Peter E. Wu, Thyagarajan Sadasiwan, Ronald L. Shemet -
Patent number: 7662063Abstract: In a method of operating a drive train of a motor vehicle including a drive motor with a multi-unit transmission including an unsynchronized main transmission and a synchronized output drive unit, wherein, for performing a shift in the unsynchronized main transmission, a speed synchronization is carried out by means of the drive motor for the engagement of a target gear and, in an emergency mode of the drive motor, a clutch arranged between the drive motor and the main transmission is disengaged, the output gear unit is placed into neutral, the target gear is engaged, the output drive unit is placed into a drive position and the clutch is at least partially engaged.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2007Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: Daimler AGInventor: Detlef Schnitzer
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Patent number: 7648440Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to control operation of an electro-mechanical torque transmission device selectively operative in one of a plurality of fixed gear modes and two continuously variable modes, and operative to transmit torque input from a plurality of torque-generative devices. The transmission device includes a hydraulic circuit and is operative in one of a plurality of operating modes by selective actuation of a plurality of hydraulically-actuated torque-transfer clutches. The method comprises monitoring pressures in the hydraulic circuit, and restricting operation of the transmission when any one of the monitored hydraulic pressures does not correspond to an expected pressure thereat. Presence of a fault is verified during the restricted operation.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2007Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Peter E. Wu, John M. Williams, Thyag Sadasiwan
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Patent number: 7637844Abstract: An automatic transmission control system is provided with a disengagement malfunction determining section and a disengagement malfunction preventing section in an automatic transmission in which the frictional engaging elements are selectively engaged and disengaged to change a rotational speed of a main power source. The disengagement malfunction determining section determines a disengagement malfunction with a first frictional engaging element from among a plurality of frictional engaging elements of the automatic transmission.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2006Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: JATCO LtdInventors: Hajime Tasaka, Fumitaka Nagashima, Hirofumi Michioka
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Patent number: 7637846Abstract: A method and system to control transmission shifting in a motor vehicle having an automatic transmission is provided, wherein a command for a transmission up-shift is detected, and, inhibited, based upon operator input, engine speed, and vehicle operating conditions. A fuel cutoff event is immediately implemented, along with electrical energy regeneration using vehicle kinetic energy. Operator input includes monitoring accelerator pedal input, and inhibiting the command for the transmission up-shift when a tip-out event occurs. The command for inhibiting the transmission up-shift is discontinued when an accelerator pedal tip-in is detected, or accelerator pedal position is greater than a calibrated value, or when engine output torque exceeds a torque threshold, or when engine speed exceeds a speed threshold.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2007Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Goro Tamai, Birendra P. Bhattarai, William L. Aldrich, III
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Patent number: 7635317Abstract: A method for establishing malfunctions of components of a motor vehicle power train as well as the reaction to the same. The power train has a drive motor and an automatic transmission with respectively allocated control devices, setting apparatus and sensors, and the transmission input shaft is allocated a torque sensor for recording the transmission input shaft. During operation of the motor vehicle, the functions of the control devices, the operating elements, the sensors and their data transmission apparatus as well as the measured values of the transmission input torque are recorded and checked for signs of malfunction. After recognizing such a malfunction, operations are conducted by means of which the motor vehicle can be further operated in an emergency type of operation or with the aid of which the driving operation can be safely ended.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2006Date of Patent: December 22, 2009Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Rainer Petzold, Werner Wolfgang, Thomas Jäger, Mario Steinborn, Rupert Kramer, Franz Bitzer
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Patent number: 7628729Abstract: A hydraulic control apparatus, provided with a manual shift valve that outputs a forward range pressure and a reverse range pressure, and a linear solenoid valve that outputs an engagement pressure to the hydraulic servo that engages during reverse travel when energized, includes a fourth clutch relay valve that is interposed between the linear solenoid valve and the hydraulic servo. The fourth clutch relay valve communicates an engagement pressure of the linear solenoid valve to the hydraulic servo by locking in the normal position when a signal pressure of the solenoid valve is input, and communicates a reverse range pressure to the hydraulic servo by being switched to a fail position by the reverse range pressure during a failure in which the fourth clutch relay valve is de-energized. Thereby, it is possible to establish a reverse speed during a failure in which the solenoid valve is de-energized.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2006Date of Patent: December 8, 2009Assignees: Aisin AW Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Nobuhiro Sato, Tetsuya Yamaguchi, Kazuyuki Noda, Akira Fukatsu, Mikio Iwase, Kazutoshi Nozaki, Atsushi Honda
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Patent number: 7621837Abstract: A hydraulic control apparatus for an automatic transmission is provided with a solenoid valve that outputs a signal pressure during a failure and does not output a signal pressure during normal operation and a first clutch apply relay valve that switches between a normal position (the right half position) and a fail position (the left half position) based on this signal pressure are provided. During a failure, fail-safe control is carried out by the first clutch apply relay valve switching to the fail position. The first clutch apply relay valve inputs the engagement pressure of the hydraulic servo from the linear solenoid valve when in the normal position, and is locked in the normal position. Thereby, while the first clutch is engaged, the second brake apply control valve can be switched by the signal pressure of the solenoid valve.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2006Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignees: Aisin AW Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Nobuhiro Sato, Tetsuya Yamaguchi, Kazuyuki Noda, Akira Fukatsu, Mikio Iwase, Kazutoshi Nozaki, Atsushi Honda
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Patent number: 7618344Abstract: A hydraulic control apparatus for a multi-stage automatic transmission includes solenoid valves such as the linear solenoid valves that are formed as normally closed valves. A first clutch apply relay valves that outputs a forward range pressure as a reverse input pressure during an all-solenoid-off mode, and a second clutch apply relay valve that switches between a left half position that inputs a reverse input pressure to a discharge port and a right half position that inputs the reverse pressure to the discharge port are provided. The second clutch apply relay valve is set to the right half position during normal engine startup and locked based on the lock pressure by feeding the line pressure as a lock pressure and is set at the left half position that interrupts the lock pressure after the engine is restarted during all-solenoids-off.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2006Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignees: Aisin AW Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takayuki Hayashi, Tetsuya Yamaguchi, Kazuyuki Noda, Minoru Todo, Kazuhisa Ozaki, Kazutoshi Nozaki, Atsushi Honda