In Series Transmission Patents (Class 477/908)
  • Patent number: 10160453
    Abstract: A method for changing a gear driving configuration of a discrete gear transmission (DGT) in a powertrain including an engine operatively connected to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The DGT has a DGT input shaft operatively connected to a CVT driven pulley, a plurality of gears having a plurality of gear driving configurations and a DGT output shaft selectively operatively connected to the DGT input shaft based on the gear driving configuration. Responsive to a gear shift request, a target driven pulley speed is determined for synchronizing the DGT input shaft with the DGT output shaft for the desired gear driving configuration. The engine is controlled to change an engine speed to the target engine speed corresponding to the determined target driven pulley speed. Responsive to the DGT input shaft being synchronized with the DGT output shaft, the current gear driving configuration is changed to the desired gear driving configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: BRP-ROTAX GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Werner Brandstaetter, Walter Hinterberger, Richard Winkoff, Heinz Kusel, Roger Rioux
  • Patent number: 8870714
    Abstract: An auxiliary transmission module has an auxiliary transmission having an input shaft, an output shaft, and a mechanical synchronizer, and a controller. The controller is configured to command a downshift for the auxiliary transmission, control the input shaft to a generally synchronous speed with the output shaft for engagement, and increment the speed of the input shaft by a predetermined speed differential above the speed of the output shaft or engagement if the auxiliary transmission is unengaged after controlling to the generally synchronous speed. A method of downshifting includes commanding a downshift for the auxiliary transmission, controlling an input shaft to a generally synchronous speed with an output shaft for engagement, comparing a rotational speed upstream with a rotational speed downstream to verify engagement, and controlling the input shaft to an asynchronous speed with the output shaft for engagement during a recycle event when it is unverified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Jon Allen Steeby, Marcel Amsallen
  • Patent number: 8317656
    Abstract: A method of operating a drivetrain of a vehicle comprising an engine, a clutch and a transmission comprising a claw-shifted main transmission and a synchronized upstream and/or downstream group, such that shifting from a current gear to a target gear is accomplished by actuating one of the synchronized upstream or downstream group and without actuating the engaged clutch and the claw-shifted main transmission. The method includes reducing engine torque and, when the engine torque is less than or equal to a limit value, the synchronized upstream or downstream group is actuated to disengage the currant gear. Then, when the engine torque is approximately zero, the synchronized downstream or upstream group is disengaged and held in neutral, and the speed of the engine is then adjusted to a target speed. The synchronized upstream or downstream group is actuated to engage the target gear and upon engagement the engine torque is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Jochen Breuer, Mario Steinborn
  • Publication number: 20080242498
    Abstract: A transmission for an alternatively powered vehicle includes an accessory unit selectively powered by at least one of an engine and a motor associated with the transmission. Clutches are used to selectively engage and disengage the engine and motor with the accessory unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth James Miller, Scott Howard Gaboury, Brandon R. Masterson, Walter Joseph Ortmann, Marvin Paul Kraska, Steven A. Daleiden
  • Publication number: 20070278022
    Abstract: A drive state shift control apparatus and method switches a hybrid drive (HEV) mode to an electric drive (EV) mode without engine stoppage shock or eliminates gearshifting shock in an electric vehicle. In response to a decrease in accelerator opening APO, a request for fourth-to-fifth upshift is issued, then request for HEV-to-EV mode shift is issued. At the time of the upshift, a direct clutch D/C is disengaged. At a first time interval after the mode shift is issued, a first clutch is disengaged. At a second time interval after the mode shift is issued, the engine begins to stop and the rotational speed of the motor-generator is controlled so that the speed falls to a predetermined rotational speed close to an after-gearshift rotational speed within a target shifting time interval. When the rotational speed reaches the predetermined rotational speed, a front brake Fr/B is engaged to perform a fourth-to-fifth upshift, and the torque of the motor is controlled so as to engage the one-way clutch smoothly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Applicant: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kaori Tanishima
  • Patent number: 7244215
    Abstract: A vehicle transmission transmits torque from an engine to a drive axle and includes a power shift transmission and a reverser module. A control system and method automatically partially disengages the reverser module during a shift of the power shift transmission with nearly no effect upon the operating condition of the engine, so that a portion of the torque generated by the engine continues to be transmitted at all times to the drive axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Marco Reinards, Nicolai Tarasinski
  • Patent number: 6860830
    Abstract: There is provided a hydraulic control device for an automatic transmission, which is comprised of an engagement state determining section and a protection control section. If the engagement state determining section determines that each clutch, which is supplied with a line pressure via a regulating valve having a spool and has an oil pressure switch disposed in an oil channel, is held in an engaged state when gears are not changed, the protection control section sets a command pressure for the regulating valve to a protective oil pressure lower than the line pressure. This brings the regulating valve into a pressure-regulating state to cause lands of the spool to form apertures that reduce hydraulic vibration applied to the line pressure. This inhibits an oil pressure beyond an acceptable value from being applied to the oil pressure switch, and therefore improves the durability of the oil pressure switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: JATCO Ltd
    Inventors: Yuuji Saitou, Takashi Murasugi
  • Patent number: 6567735
    Abstract: A method of shortening response time during a gear shifting operation process is applicable to a semi-automatic, electronically controlled transmission of motor vehicles, in particular utility vehicles, takes into account a driver's reaction time to reduce delay in clutch re-engagement. To initiate a gear-shifting operation in such a transmission, the driver actuates a shifting command emitter and at the same time disengages a clutch typically by depressing a clutch pedal. In response thereto, a newly selected gear is engaged in the transmission by an electronic system using outside force assistance, for example compressed fluid. The driver is informed via an acknowledgment device when the clutch can be properly engaged once more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Wabco GmbH
    Inventors: Harald Bortfeld, Alfred Klatt, Uwe Winkelholz
  • Patent number: 6471619
    Abstract: A variable transmission system includes a continuously variable transmission, a shiftable sub-transmission in series with an output of the continuously variable transmission, and controller. A sensor senses a position of a driver's shift lever, and another sensor senses a gear position of the shiftable sub-transmission. The sensors report to the controller. If both sensors detect reverse drive conditions, the controller adjusts an angle of a swash plate of the continuously variable transmission for the reverse driving direction. If only one of the sensors indicates a rear drive condition, the controller compares an engine speed to a threshold value. If the engine speed exceeds the threshold value, the controller curbs the engine speed by cutting off the ignition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takehiko Nanri, Kunihiko Fukui
  • Patent number: 6463823
    Abstract: A control for shifting into a start ratio in a computer-assisted (48) vehicular splitter-type compound transmission (16) having a main section (16A) shifted by a manually operated shift lever (31) and a controller (42). The splitter section (16E) is provided with a three-position (L, H, N) actuator (46) and is commanded to a splitter-neutral position upon sensing a main section shift to neutral, master clutch (14) disengagement and low vehicle speed (OS<REF<3 MPH) to reduce the inertia of the main shaft assembly and reduce the need for a clutch brake when engaging a start ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: James M. Walker
  • Patent number: 6428447
    Abstract: A multiple-gear vehicle transmission (3) has a split gear assembly (17) on its input side, a range gear assembly (19) on its output side, and a main gear assembly (18) between them. A drive power of an engine (1) is transmitted to a propeller shaft (5) via the multiple-gear vehicle transmission (3). The split gear assembly (17) has a neutral position (N) in addition to high and low gear positions (H, L). In general, a splitter controller (9, 20) intermittently shifts the split gear assembly (17) between the neutral position (N) and high gear position (H) to intermittently lubricate various parts such as bearings (61A, 61B, 61C) and synchronization mechanisms in a transmission casing (3a). By shifting the split gear assembly (17) into the high gear position, a counter shaft (32) is caused to rotate so that oil is scooped up toward the bearings by the counter shaft (32) and is also supplied to the bearings by an oil pump (35).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Isuzu Motors Limited
    Inventor: Shigemori Onuki
  • Patent number: 6364810
    Abstract: A controller-assisted, manually shifted compound transmission system (10) and splitter shift control method therefor. Auxiliary splitter section (16B) shifts are automatically implemented by a splitter shifter (28) under commands (56) from a controller (54). The splitter ratio to be engaged is determined as a function of a target engine speed (EST) under sensed and expected vehicle operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Douglas A. Hughes
  • Patent number: 6250172
    Abstract: A gear change for a commercial vehicle comprising a main group defining a plurality of transmission ratios and an auxiliary group with two transmission ratios actuated by an actuator with three positions corresponding respectively to two coupling positions and one neutral position; the actuator is controlled by a control unit in response to actuating signals received by manual selectors, and it is adapted to place the auxiliary group in the neutral position if the speed of rotation of the input shaft exceeds a predetermined threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Iveco Fiat S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gian Maria Pigozzi, Augusto Caramagno
  • Publication number: 20010004620
    Abstract: A multiple-gear vehicle transmission (3) has a split gear assembly (17) on its input side, a range gear assembly (19) on its output side, and a main gear assembly (18) between them. A drive power of an engine (1) is transmitted to a propeller shaft (5) via the multiple-gear vehicle transmission (3). The split gear assembly (17) has a neutral position (N) in addition to high and low gear positions (H, L). In general, a splitter controller (9, 20) intermittently shifts the split gear assembly (17) between the neutral position (N) and high gear position (H) to intermittently lubricate various parts such as bearings (61A, 61B, 61C) and synchronization mechanisms in a transmission casing (3a). By shifting the split gear assembly (17) into the high gear position, a counter shaft (32) is caused to rotate so that oil is scooped up toward the bearings by the counter shaft (32) and is also supplied to the bearings by an oil pump (35).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Publication date: June 21, 2001
    Inventor: Shigemori Onuki
  • Patent number: 6148691
    Abstract: A system for controlling the operation of a multiple speed axle connected to an automated transmission system is disclosed. The system includes an actuation device that cooperates with a processing unit to prevent the transmission from shifting gears while the axle shift is being performed. In one embodiment, once transmission shifting is prevented, the axle shift operation is performed manually by the vehicle operator, such that the vehicle operator manipulates the vehicle throttle to interrupt torque and synchronize the axle for engagement. The automated transmission then notifies the operator that the transmission is in a hold mode until the operator determines that the axle shift has been completed. The operator then manually returns the transmission to the drive mode to resume normal automatic transmission shifting. In a second embodiment, the axle shift operation is automatically performed by the processing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald Edward Ganski, Stephen Alton Edelen
  • Patent number: 6109126
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a compound transmission automatically prevents a manually selected shift of the auxiliary section from occurring unless the vehicle speed is within a predetermined maximum limit or range. A shift controller initially determines if a request for a shift operation in the auxiliary section has been made by the operator of the vehicle. This determination may be inferred from a change in the position of a manually operable switch. If a shift request has been made, the shift controller determines if the main section of the transmission is in the neutral gear ratio. If the main section of the transmission is not in the neutral gear ratio, then the shift controller takes no further action. When the shift controller determines that the main section of the transmission is in the neutral gear ratio, then it determines if the speed of the vehicle is within a predetermined limit or range to enable shifting of the auxiliary section in a safe and efficient manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Transmission Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen C. Cochran, James L. Holman
  • Patent number: 6042504
    Abstract: A control for enhanced range shifting in a computer (48) assisted vehicular compound transmission having a main section (16A) shifted by a manually operated shift lever (31) and a range section (16B) shifted in response to operation of a range shift selector, such as sensing shift lever (31) passing through a predetermined actuation point (AR) in the shift pattern. During a compound shift, if the main section is engaged prior to completion of the range shift, the engine is fueled to a synchronous speed for engaging the target ratio (ES=OS*GR.sub.T) and the range section shift is completed without undue wear or damage to the range section synchronized clutch (130).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Sharon L. Gualtieri, David L. Wadas
  • Patent number: 5928109
    Abstract: A system for automatically effecting a range shift between high and low ranges in a multi-speed transmission includes a control that monitors the output speed of both the engine and the transmission. The ratio of the two speeds is compared to available ratios in a look-up table such that the control is constantly determining the engaged gear. In one embodiment, a driver provides an intention of the next gear to be selected to the control. Should the intended gear shift require a range shift from the engaged gear, the control actuates the range shift once the transmission has been moved to neutral. In a second embodiment, no driver intention is provided to the controller. Instead, the control compares the engine output speed to threshold values. If the threshold values predict a gear shift that would require a range shift to be effected from the currently engaged gear, then the range shift will be effected once the transmission has been moved to neutral.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Charles E. Allen, Jr., Frank A. Palmeri, Thomas Desautels, Jon M. Huber
  • Patent number: 5676017
    Abstract: A system for automatically effecting a range shift between high and low ranges in a multi-speed transmission includes a control that monitors the output speed of both the engine and the transmission. The ratio of the two speeds is compared to available ratios in a look-up table such that the control is constantly determining the engaged gear. In one embodiment, a driver provides an intention of the next gear to be selected to the control. Should the intended gear shift require a range shift from thee engaged gear, the control actuates the range shift once the transmission has been moved to neutral. In a second embodiment, no driver intention is provided to the controller. Instead, the control compares the engine output speed to threshold values. If the threshold values predict a gear shift that would require a range shift to be effected from the currently engaged gear, then the range shift will be effected once the transmission has been moved to neutral.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Rockwell Heavy Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Allen, Jr., Frank A. Palmeri, Thomas Desautels, Jon M. Huber
  • Patent number: 5650932
    Abstract: A control system/method for an automated transmission system including a splitter-type, semi-blocked mechanical transmission (12) is provided. The control provides a technique for sensing and rapidly recovering from a blocker (324) hang-up fault in the transmission auxiliary section (214).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Kwok Wah Chan, Anthony Stasik
  • Patent number: 5593365
    Abstract: A control system for an automatic transmission including a main transmission unit for setting a reverse stage and a plurality of forward stages and an auxiliary transmission unit connected in series to the main transmission unit and capable to be changed between two higher and lower stages. The control system comprises: a solenoid valve for outputting a signal pressure when at least the reverse stage and a predetermined one of the forward stages are to be set; a change-over valve for changing the signal pressure selectively into a signal pressure for setting the auxiliary transmission unit to a high gear stage and a signal pressure for controlling an engine braking state; and an engine braking control valve for controlling an engine braking frictional element at the predetermined forward stage into a released state in response to the signal pressure coming from the change-over valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aishin A.W. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Nobuyuki Takahashi, Takashi Ohta, Yasuo Hojo, Shinji Kasuga, Masahiro Hayabuchi, Masahiko Ando, Kazumasa Tsukamoto, Akira Fukatsu
  • Patent number: 5586029
    Abstract: A multiple ratio transmission for an automotive vehicle comprising a main gear unit with at least three ratios and an overdrive gear unit with a direct drive ratio and an overdrive ratio, and a control valve system that will permit upshifting and downshifting of the overdrive gear unit while inhibiting ratio changes in said main gear unit from either a second ratio manual drive mode or from a third ratio manual drive mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Winfried F.-X. Schulz, Johann Kirchhoffer
  • Patent number: 5475595
    Abstract: An automatic transmission of a vehicle including a speed change gear mechanism including rotary members such as gears and gear carriers and hydraulically operated friction engaging means and adapted to provide various speed stages according to selective engagement and disengagement of the friction engaging means is controlled by such steps as detecting rotation speed of at least one of the rotary members during a shifting between the speed stages, changing hydraulic pressure of at least one of the friction engaging means during a first phase of the speed stage shifting so as to make the rotation speed of the one rotary member follow a first change performance curve calculated according to a first feedback control program, and changing the hydraulic pressure of the one friction engaging means during a second phase of the speed stage shifting so as to make the rotation speed of the one rotary member follow a second change performance curve calculated according to a second feedback control program in continuity
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Norimi Asahara, Yasuo Hojo, Hideaki Ootsubo