Brake Controls Transmission Patents (Class 477/94)
  • Patent number: 12085164
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling gearshifts in a transmission of a motor vehicle. Devising a shifting strategy of the gearshift takes into account the operation of a sustained-action braking device (10). To organize gearshifts in an optimum way having regard to the operation of the sustained-action braking device (10), at the beginning of the operation of the sustained-action braking device (10) it is examined with what starting criterion the operation of the sustained-action braking device (10) was initiated. Depending on the starting criterion identified, a current workload of the sustained-action braking device (10) is compared against an associated threshold value. Alternately, a gearshift is carried out directly to a lowest possible gear of the motor vehicle transmission (4). If the comparison of the current workload of the sustained-action braking device (10) exceeds the threshold value, then the shifting strategy is adapted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2024
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Ulf Lang
  • Patent number: 11926323
    Abstract: A vehicle controller includes: an engine controller configured to perform an IS control upon satisfaction of a predetermined stop condition and an engine restart control upon satisfaction of a predetermined restart condition; an HDC controller configured to perform, when the vehicle is traveling on a downhill road and a deceleration request according to an HDC control occurs, a target vehicle speed-based deceleration irrespective of brake operations by the driver; and an information acquisition part configured to acquire progress status information related to the engine restart control and including information on initiation and completion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takahito Yoshida, Yoshinari Sugita, Rei Okubo, Hidetoshi Kobori, Shumpei Tahara, Shun Igarashi, Takuya Sato, Takayuki Matsuyoshi
  • Patent number: 11685347
    Abstract: A method for parking brake adaptable assistance on a vehicle, the vehicle comprising a parking brake and a set of sensors, and at least one electronic control unit controlling the parking brake and the set of sensors, each sensor being monitored by the at least one control unit to measure a specific parameter, and a set of actuators, each actuator being activated by the at least one electronic control unit to engage a specific action or reminder, characterized in that the method comprises a first list (102) of situations defined by a set of valued parameters measured by the sensors, and a second list (101) of parking brake actions or reminders, and a list of relations (103) establishing a relation between each situation of the first list and an action or reminder from the second list and further comprising the following steps: i. determine the values of the parameters measured by the sensors; ii. determine the situation defined by the set of values determined at step i. iii.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Volvo Truck Corporation
    Inventors: Lionel Farres, Fabrice Dussapt
  • Patent number: 11506280
    Abstract: A method for operating a drive train having a power generator, a mechanical power transmission device, and a power receiver wherein the power transmission device is monitored to detect mechanical damage and/or the development of mechanical damage to the power transmission device, wherein detected damage and/or detected damage development is localized and the power generator, the power transmission device, and/or the power receiver are/is controlled such that a mechanical load at the localized damage location and/or damage development location is selectively reduced. A program product including program code sections with which such a method is feasible when the program product is executed on a programmable controller, a computer, or other programmable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Universität Stuttgart
    Inventors: Bernd Bertsche, Zeljana Beslic, Yvonne Gretzinger
  • Patent number: 11434979
    Abstract: A drive unit for driving a drive wheel is disclosed. The drive unit includes a motor, a torque converter and a power output part. The torque converter is a component to which a power is inputted from the motor. The power output part outputs the power, inputted thereto from the torque converter, to the drive wheel. The power output part includes a first gear train and a second gear train. The first gear train outputs the power, inputted to the power output part from the torque converter, in a first rotational direction. The second gear train outputs the power, inputted to the power output part from the torque converter, in a second rotational direction reverse to the first rotational direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: EXEDY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 11203401
    Abstract: A transmission for an outboard motor, the transmission having an input shaft with an input gear non-rotatably fixed thereto and rotatable by an engine. A countershaft has a countershaft driven gear and a reverse driving gear non-rotatably fixed thereto, where the countershaft driven gear meshes with the input gear. An output shaft has first and second driven gears non-rotatably fixed thereto. First and second driving gears mesh with the first and second driven gears, a reverse idler gear meshes with the reverse driving gear, and a reverse driven gear meshes with the reverse idler gear. First and second clutches selectively rotate the first and second driving gears with the countershaft in first and second modes at first and second speeds in forward rotation, respectively, and a reverse clutch selectively rotates the output shaft with the reverse driven gear in a reverse mode with reverse rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Brett Bielefeld, Jeremy L. Alby
  • Patent number: 10787956
    Abstract: A turbocharger variable speed control mechanism for a turbocharger for an engine includes a sun gear of a planetary gear set coupled to a turbocharger shaft, a planet carrier operatively connected to an engine output shaft of the engine, a brake disk coupled to and rotatable with a ring gear, and a brake actuator mechanism proximate the brake disk and mounted to a turbocharger housing. The brake actuator mechanism is selectively actuatable between a non-braking state where no braking force is applied to the brake disk so that the ring gear is free to rotate relative to the turbocharger housing, and a full braking state where a full braking force is applied to the brake disk such that the ring gear is held stationary relative to the turbocharger housing and rotation of the planet carrier is transmitted through the planetary gear set to cause rotation of the turbocharger shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Progress Rail Locomotive Inc.
    Inventors: John Michael Carr, Gary R. Svihla
  • Patent number: 10538249
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicle provided with (a) a transmission and (b) a shifting device including (b-1) a shift actuator and (b-2) a shift lever. The shift actuator establishes one of shift ranges in the transmission such that the established one of the shift ranges corresponds to a selected one of shift-lever operating positions of the shift lever. When a switching request is made to request the transmission to be switched to an opposite-direction drive range that is for driving the vehicle in a direction opposite to a current running direction of the vehicle, during running of the vehicle with a speed being not lower than a given value, the control apparatus rejects the switching request. The control apparatus rejects the switching request, also during running of the vehicle with the running speed being lower than the given value, if the vehicle is running on a downhill road.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazumi Shine, Kazuhiko Yamada
  • Patent number: 10208855
    Abstract: A method of starting or holding a mobile vehicle and, in particular, a working machine. The method determines whether the vehicle is rolling backward on an inclined surface and, as a function of that knowledge, the rotational speed of the drive engine is increased, or a downshift by one gear is carried out in the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Hans Höfler, Joachim Sauter, Norbert Brugger, Matthias Duller
  • Patent number: 10207689
    Abstract: A method for controlling a brake system in an agricultural work vehicle, wherein the work vehicle comprises a drive train having a drive engine, an adjustable ratio transmission, which is arranged downstream of the drive engine and via which a driving power generated by the internal combustion engine can be transmitted to the drive axle, a service brake device and at least one auxiliary brake device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: David Mueller, Marco Reinards
  • Patent number: 9043102
    Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle having a transmission system, an engine system, and a braking system includes detecting a braking condition of the braking system. The braking condition is at least one of a brake temperature being above a predetermined brake temperature limit and a braking load being above a predetermined braking load limit. The method also includes detecting a second condition of at least one of the transmission system and the engine system. The method also includes determining whether the second condition satisfies predetermined criteria. Furthermore, the method includes detecting an absolute vehicle acceleration that is below a predetermined acceleration limit. Moreover, the method includes downshifting from a current gear to a lower gear to thereby cause engine braking when the braking condition is satisfied, the second condition satisfies the predetermined criteria, and the absolute vehicle acceleration is below the predetermined acceleration limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Frederic J. Boissinot, Yi Zhu, Zachary C. Rogalski
  • Patent number: 9037377
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a braking force application device that executes braking force holding control which holds braking force irrespective of braking operation by a driver during a stop on a slope; and a control limiting device that limits execution of the braking force holding control when a shift position is set in a neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mitsuaki Higa, Katsuhiko Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20150126330
    Abstract: A pneumatic compactor includes a power source configured to generate power, a pneumatic tire configured to rotate, a chain drive assembly that couples the power source to the pneumatic tire, a proximity sensor, an indicator, a braker controller, and a controller. The chain drive assembly has a chain case and a chain housed in the chain case. The proximity sensor is coupled to the chain case and configured to detect a breakage of the chain and generate a signal signifying the breakage of the chain. The indicator is configured to indicate the breakage of the chain. The brake controller is configured to stop rotation of the pneumatic tire. The controller is configured to receive the indication from the proximity sensor signifying the breakage of the chain, command the indicator to indicate the breakage of the chain, and command the brake controller to stop rotation of the pneumatic tire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventor: Michael William Ries
  • Patent number: 9017216
    Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle equipped with a manual transmission and engine includes automatically engaging a brake, locking the transmission in neutral and starting the engine, in response to a signal whose origin is remote from the vehicle representing a desired engine start; and automatically engaging a brake and locking the transmission in neutral in response to a second signal indicating that the driver has exited the vehicle while the engine is running.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick K. Holub, David M. Pariseau
  • Patent number: 9008924
    Abstract: A transmission control system and method for controlling the level of creep torque supplied by a powertrain. The transmission control system having a controller configured to receive output signals from any one of a driver interface device sensor, a grade sensor, and a brake pedal sensor. Based on the output signals, the level of necessary creep torque and be determined and supplied, reducing unnecessary fuel consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Graeme A. Jackson
  • Patent number: 8948988
    Abstract: Speed change inhibition control for inhibiting change of the speed ratio of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is executed when an input shaft speed of the CVT is lower than a predetermined ABS-operating-time upper-limit input shaft speed. Therefore, the speed ratio of the CVT can be changed to the largest reduction ratio until it is determined that the input shaft speed of the CVT is lower than the predetermined ABS-operating-time upper-limit input shaft speed. Thus, during ABS operation of an ABS control device before the vehicle is stopped, the speed ratio can be returned to the largest reduction ratio in a condition where engine brake force is not excessively applied, and sufficient driving force of the vehicle or starting response is obtained when the vehicle is re-started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Sei Kojima, Kazuya Yoshizawa, Taichi Washio
  • Patent number: 8930103
    Abstract: A method for controlling a drivetrain of a motor vehicle. The vehicle comprises a drive engine and a dual-clutch transmission. The dual-clutch transmission comprises a first friction clutch and a second friction clutch together with a first transmission unit and a second transmission unit, in order to establish a first power transmission branch and a second power transmission branch. The dual-clutch transmission comprising a clutch actuator device for actuating the friction clutches and a gearshift actuator device for engaging and disengaging gears of the dual-clutch transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: GETRAG Getriebe- und Zahnradfabrik Harmann Hagenmeyer GmbH & Cie KG
    Inventor: Hartmut Faust
  • Publication number: 20140229092
    Abstract: A movement prevention system preventing undesired travel of a vehicle. A transmission gear sensor senses an out of park position of a vehicle transmission. An occupant detection system senses a presence of a driver in a driver seat of a vehicle in response to the vehicle transmission being out of the park position. A processor determines an imminent movement of a vehicle in response to a determination of the non-presence of the driver. A vehicle movement prevention device prevents movement of the vehicle in response to the processor determining imminent movement of the vehicle. Imminent movement is identified as actual movement of the vehicle or movement of the vehicle likely to occur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas J. Hermann
  • Patent number: 8777809
    Abstract: A method for operating a transmission of a vehicle drivetrain. A transmission ratio can be automatically changed during an operating state depending on a comparison of current operating state parameters with operating parameters stored in a control unit, and can be manually changed depending on a driver's request. Accordingly when the driver requests a change of the transmission ratio, the transmission ratio changes, and a timer starts. If the driver continues the ratio change from an actual transmission ratio value toward a larger or smaller transmission ratio value, the current operating parameters are compared with the stored operating parameters. Upon this comparison, the transmission shifts to higher ratios in comparison to the operating parameters stored in a control device at higher vehicle speeds, and/or a delay between sequential, cyclical transmission ratio changes varies depending on a vehicle deceleration and/or braking pressure in the region of a vehicle brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Detlef Plath, Peter Spoerl, Franz-Josef Schuler
  • Publication number: 20140187381
    Abstract: A parking brake is controlled in concert with operation of a hydrostatic power unit of a continuously variable transmission, particularly when engaging, disengaging and shuttle shifting the transmission, to provide advantages, particularly when on hills. When particular commands are received, such as shifting to a non-moving position, the parking brake is automatically engaged to hold the vehicle position. A swash plate of the hydrostatic unit can be automatically positioned to anticipate the next command. If that command is received, the brake is automatically gradually or proportionally released and the transmission engaged to effect the commanded movement of the vehicle. If a different command is received, the brake remains engaged as the transmission is configured for the commanded movement, such that no machine movement results. Then the brake is automatically gradually or proportionally released and the transmission engaged to effect that commanded movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: CNH AMERICA LLC
    Inventors: Peter J. Dix, Garth H. Bulgrien, Robert C Prasse, Pavel Kuros
  • Publication number: 20140162845
    Abstract: An apparatus for and method of controlling forces transmitted to wheels/tracks of a vehicle. The method includes receiving an electrical indication that a first brake is engaged, such as by a user pressing his foot to a service brake. The method further includes electrically transmitting an instruction to apply force restricting movement of the wheels, such as force exerted from a brake, in an amount above a first threshold, such as an amount necessary to unilaterally prevent movement. The method also includes electrically transmitting an instruction to reduce force being applied to the wheels from a transmission while the (brake) force above the first threshold is applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: David Rindfleish, Jamie Carr, Jeremy Shuler, Francois Stander
  • Publication number: 20140135171
    Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle including a hydrostatic regenerative braking system includes a first rotatable shaft having a first end adapted to be driven by a first prime mover and a second end adapted to be coupled to a vehicle driveline. A second shaft selectively drives the first shaft and is adapted to drive a hydraulic pump of a second prime mover. A planetary gearset includes a first member restricted from rotation, a second member and a third member. A transfer mechanism includes a first sprocket fixed for rotation with the second member, a second sprocket fixed for rotation with the input shaft and a flexible member interconnecting the first and second sprockets. A clutch transfers torque between the third member and the first shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventors: Carl F. Stephens, Joseph G. Mueller
  • Patent number: 8690729
    Abstract: A device for controlling ISG logic is mounted in a vehicle equipped with an ISG system. The device includes a brake pedal switch, a shift lever switch that shows the current state of a gear of the vehicle, an inclination sensor that is mounted in the vehicle and measures the inclination of a road where the vehicle is positioned, a controller that internally controls the vehicle to an N (Neutral) state, regardless of the gear range shown by the shift lever switch, for the vehicle on a downhill, in accordance with the measured inclination, and an engine unit that performed idle stop when the brake pedal becomes ON, with the gear of the vehicle at a D (Drive) sate, and restarts the stopped engine when the brake pedal becomes OFF, with the gear of the vehicle at the D state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Chongah Gwon, Sejun Kim, Jiyong Yu, Junghwan Bang
  • Patent number: 8678975
    Abstract: A vehicle braking system includes an electric motor, an operating amount detector, a brake assist controller, a first braking device and a second braking device. The electric motor drives a driving wheel via a reduction ratio setting device. The first braking device makes the electric motor generate a first braking power under regenerative control. The second braking device generates a second braking power by actuating an actuator with an operating fluid to be pressurized through a hydraulic pressure source. When an initiation condition for a brake assist control is met, the reduction ratio setting device sets a reduction ratio so as to reduce the first braking power and then suspends a change in the reduction ratio, and the first braking device generates the first braking power as well as the second braking device generates the second braking power to produce a target braking power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaki Koike
  • Publication number: 20140066251
    Abstract: A gear shift control system for vehicles is provided which mathematically calculates a rate of deceleration of the vehicle equipped an automatic transmission upon start of deceleration of the vehicle and inhibits the automatic transmission from upshifting or changes a permissible gear shift range of the automatic transmission as a function of the rate of deceleration of the vehicle, thereby ensuring a desired degree of braking force including an engine braking force while the vehicle is decelerating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shuhei KAWAMOTO, Satohiro YOSHIDA
  • Publication number: 20140024494
    Abstract: There is provided a vehicle control apparatus. The vehicle control apparatus includes: an automatic return type select switch that receives an operation for selecting an operating condition of an automatic transmission and outputs a selection signal corresponding to the received selection operation; a switch controller that switches the operating condition of the automatic transmission in accordance with the selection signal output by the select switch; an emergency determining unit that determines whether or not the select switch has been operated consecutively at least a predetermined number of times within a predetermined period while the vehicle travels, and outputs an emergency operation signal when determining that the select switch has been operated consecutively; and a brake control unit and an electric parking brake control unit that apply braking to the vehicle on the basis of an operation by a driver and the emergency operation signal output by the emergency determining unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: Koichi Inoue, Takahiro Kinoshita, Noriaki Tatematsu, Hironaga Ito
  • Patent number: 8585546
    Abstract: A process for controlling a drive train with an internal combustion engine, a transmission and an automatically actuated brake system. In the event of a defect of the transmission, retardation is effected by means of the automatically actuated brake system in order to avoid impermissibly high speeds in the drive train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Bjoern Stehle, Alexander Schweizer, Gerald Kuestler
  • Publication number: 20130296100
    Abstract: A controller and control strategies minimize shift shock in a hybrid electric vehicle during a downshift during regenerative braking by maintaining the transmission input speed substantially linear when the transmission input speed is slowing. The controller and the control strategies control the regenerative braking torque during a downshift occurring during regenerative braking in such a way that the transmission input speed is maintained substantially linear when the transmission input speed is slowing during a torque phase of the downshift.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Bernard D. Nefcy, Daniel Scott Colvin, Walter Joseph Ortmann, Marvin Paul Kraska, Mark Steven Yamazaki
  • Publication number: 20130296134
    Abstract: A method of controlling and regulating a transmission brake which, for the purpose of synchronization, determines a target rotational speed of a shaft to be synchronized on the basis of an actual rotational speed of a transmission shaft, and controls a transmission brake such that the determined target rotational speed is set for the shaft that is to be synchronized. The transmission brake also carries out additional functions. These functions require no, or only minimal, additional hardware complexity in a cost-neutral way, but considerably increase the functional and practical value of the transmission brake. The comfort and speed of shifting operations, the protection or, as the case may be, the detection of error states in sensors, a clutch, a main clutch or a motor control are improved, and undesirable transmission states avoided. It is also possible to account for and influence other conditions, such as the operation of ancillary devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Rainer PETZOLD, Mario STEINBORN, Ulrich REITH, Wolfgang GRONER, Rupert KRAMER
  • Publication number: 20130256052
    Abstract: A rollback prevention system is disclosed for use with a mobile machine. The rollback prevention system may have an input device configured to receive an input indicative of a desired travel direction, a travel sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of an actual travel direction, and a brake sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a brake activation status. The rollback prevention system may also have a controller configured to make a determination that the actual travel direction of the mobile machine is opposite the desired travel direction, and to selectively increase a torque output of the transmission to a first level based on the determination. The controller may also be configured to reduce the torque output below the first level when the signal indicates brake activation, and to return the torque output to the first level when the signal indicates brake deactivation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: SriVidya Lavanya KAMISETTY, Brian Douglas HOFF
  • Patent number: 8515635
    Abstract: A method and system provides a Brake Transmission Shift Interlock Override mode in a vehicle including a shift-by-wire transmission. With power applied and ignition on, a driver will press and hold an override switch for a calibrated time. While the override switch is pressed, the driver presses a non-Park button for another calibrated time. The result will be that the vehicle is placed in the selected range wherein the transmission will not automatically shift to Park upon detecting a triggering event. The driver is able to shift the vehicle from Park, even if an electrical failure prevents the transmission from shifting out of Park. As such the vehicle can be driven until the failure is serviced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Todd Curtis Spaulding, Brian J Deurloo, Mark Edward Zyskowski, Richard Reynolds Hathaway, Jeffrey James Turnavitch, Christopher Lee Danks, David Spuller, Charles C Poon, Matthew Luke Fyie
  • Publication number: 20130178333
    Abstract: A method for operating a transmission of a vehicle drivetrain. A transmission ratio can be automatically changed during an operating state depending on a comparison of current operating state parameters with operating parameters stored in a control unit, and can be manually changed depending on a driver's request. Accordingly when the driver requests a change of the transmission ratio, the transmission ratio changes, and a timer starts. If the driver continues the ratio change from an actual transmission ratio value toward a larger or smaller transmission ratio value, the current operating parameters are compared with the stored operating parameters. Upon this comparison, the transmission shifts to higher ratios in comparison to the operating parameters stored in a control device at higher vehicle speeds, and/or a delay between sequential, cyclical transmission ratio changes varies depending on a vehicle deceleration and/or braking pressure in the region of a vehicle brake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventor: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
  • Patent number: 8371986
    Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle transmission during a park release event includes engaging a park brake to hold vehicle wheels against rotation, holding against rotation a first component and a second component of an epicyclic gear unit connected to the wheels, releasing the park brake, selecting a transmission drive range, releasing said first component, and operating the transmission in the selected drive range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Bradley R. Heuver
  • Publication number: 20130017928
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and power delivery system for controlling creep torque in a hybrid or electric vehicle. More specifically, a brake signal is detected and a creep torque output is controlled based on the brake signal. The creep torque is outputted for a predetermined time from a point when a brake on signal is first generated. Accordingly, a creep torque is generated for a predetermined time when a brake is being operated and backlash is eliminated between gears so as to prevent a backlash shock from the gears when the brake is released. Additionally, the vehicle may be propelled forward or backward by the creep torque in the creep torque control method of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicants: Kia Motors Corporation, Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jonghan Oh, Jeongeun Kim
  • Publication number: 20120322616
    Abstract: A vehicle control device includes: an erroneous operation determination unit that determines whether erroneous operation of an accelerator pedal is performed; an increase suppression unit that suppresses an increase in driving force of a vehicle in response to the erroneous operation of the accelerator pedal; a position measuring unit that measures the depressed position of a brake pedal; a tendency determination unit that determines a deviation tendency of the depressed position of the brake pedal; and a suppression amount varying unit that varies a suppression amount of the increase in the driving force on the basis of the deviation tendency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Toshinao Fukui
  • Patent number: 8301351
    Abstract: A parameter ?(OUT) having an accelerator pedal position, a vehicle speed and a drive force as components is set according to information representing a driver's operation and information representing running environment of a vehicle. A gear is set according to the parameter ?(OUT) and a map determining the gear based on the accelerator pedal position, the vehicle speed and the drive force. A gear shift line is defined such that a rate of increase of the drive force with respect to the vehicle speed is zero or more. A down-shift line is defined such that the drive force decreases with increase in accelerator pedal position. Down-shift after up-shift as well as the up-shift after the down-shift are inhibited when both a condition that an amount of change of the accelerator pedal position after last gear shift is larger than a threshold and a condition that an amount of change of the drive force after the last gear shift is larger than the threshold are satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Seiji Kuwahara, Masato Kaigawa
  • Patent number: 8251868
    Abstract: A travel operation structure of a work vehicle, comprising a pair of left and right side brake pedals disposed on either the left or right of a steering wheel; a hydro static transmission for changing the speed of travel; and a stop operation pedal disposed on the other of the left and right of the steering wheel; wherein the corresponding left or right side brake is applied when one of the pair of left and right side brake pedals is depressed, and when both the left and right side brake pedals are depressed, both the left and right side brakes operate, and travel is stopped; and when the stop operation pedal is depressed, operating oil of the continuously variable speed change device is directed into an oil tank, and the continuously variable speed change device is switched to a neutral stop position for blocking transmission of power to the travel device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Nobushige Ichikawa, Kentaro Nakamura, Susumu Umemoto, Hisao Mukai, Shota Nagasawa, Takuya Inamori
  • Publication number: 20120205167
    Abstract: A steering drive system includes a drive arrangement having a first drive and a second drive, a summing gear unit for summing driving torques of the drives on an output shaft of the summing gear unit, a first drive connection device by which the first drive is drivingly connected to a first input shaft of the summing gear unit, and a second drive connection device by which the second drive is drivingly connected to a second input shaft of the summing gear unit. The two drive connection devices are arranged in each instance such that no driving torque directed to the drives from the summing gear unit can be transmitted to the drives during a continuously produced drive connection between the drives and the summing gear unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: Renk Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jörg-Peter Karrie, Nikolaus Müller, Dieter Schwartz
  • Patent number: 8235864
    Abstract: A method for operating a semi-automatic or automatic manual transmission of a heavy truck when driving at idle speed. The method includes supplying fuel to the engine of the heavy truck at a rate that facilitates engine-idle operation. In another step, the method engages the automatic or semi-automatic transmission in a gear higher than the starting gear of the transmission and permits the truck to operate at a first substantially uniform driving velocity under engine-idle power. Depending upon traffic and environmental requirements which require a slower or higher speed, the driver downshifts or upshifts the semi-automatic or automatic transmission by depressing a control pedal of the truck and then drives the truck at a second substantially uniform driving velocity under engine-idle power. For a downshift, the second substantially uniform driving velocity is less than the first substantially uniform driving velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Anders Eriksson, Sixten Berglund
  • Patent number: 8235865
    Abstract: An automated gear shift transmission and method of controlling the same are described. The transmission is installed in a motor vehicle comprising several forward gears and at least one reverse gear and that allows choosing from several different driving modes by means of a driving mode selector lever. A forward gear is maintained in engagement in case of an uphill orientation of the motor vehicle when the parking mode is chosen. Instead of the forward gear, a reverse gear is maintained in engagement in case of a downhill orientation of the motor vehicle when the parking mode is chosen. This allows taking specific driving conditions or driving situations into account with relatively simple means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Getrag Ford Transmissions GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Leibbrandt, Ulrich Eggert
  • Publication number: 20120142491
    Abstract: A device for controlling ISG logic is mounted in a vehicle equipped with an ISG system. The device includes a brake pedal switch, a shift lever switch that shows the current state of a gear of the vehicle, an inclination sensor that is mounted in the vehicle and measures the inclination of a road where the vehicle is positioned, a controller that internally controls the vehicle to an N (Neutral) state, regardless of the gear range shown by the shift lever switch, for the vehicle on a downhill, in accordance with the measured inclination, and an engine unit that performed idle stop when the brake pedal becomes ON, with the gear of the vehicle at a D (Drive) sate, and restarts the stopped engine when the brake pedal becomes OFF, with the gear of the vehicle at the D state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Chongah Gwon, Sejun Kim, Jiyong Yu, Junghwan Bang
  • Patent number: 8192328
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Felix Nedorezov, Hong Jiang, Roger Lyle Huffmaster, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Gregory Michael Pietron, Seung-Hoon Lee
  • Publication number: 20120101699
    Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle having a transmission system, an engine system, and a braking system includes detecting a braking condition of the braking system. The braking condition is at least one of a brake temperature being above a predetermined brake temperature limit and a braking load being above a predetermined braking load limit. The method also includes detecting a second condition of at least one of the transmission system and the engine system. The method also includes determining whether the second condition satisfies predetermined criteria. Furthermore, the method includes detecting an absolute vehicle acceleration that is below a predetermined acceleration limit. Moreover, the method includes downshifting from a current gear to a lower gear to thereby cause engine braking when the braking condition is satisfied, the second condition satisfies the predetermined criteria, and the absolute vehicle acceleration is below the predetermined acceleration limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventors: Frederic J. Boissinot, Yi Zhu, Zachary C. Rogalski
  • Patent number: 8128530
    Abstract: A method of automatically controlling a neutral position and parking lock of an motor-vehicle transmission to immobilize the vehicle depending on a drive position of the transmission selected by the driver with a selector device and subject to other operating parameters of the motor vehicle. Only when simultaneously the vehicle is essentially stationary, an ignition circuit is electrically interrupted and the selector device is in a “Neutral” position, can an Neutral-holding phase be activated, in which the transmission is in a non-frictionally engaged neutral position as long as the parking lock of the transmission has not yet been engaged. If the Neutral-holding phase has not been activated, the transmission remains non-frictionally connected in the Neutral position until the driver at least intends to exit the vehicle, at which time the parking lock of the transmission is automatically engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Walter Hecht, Armin Gierling, Klaus Steinhauser, Frank Worms, Bernd Zänglein, Stéphane Klein
  • Patent number: 8121762
    Abstract: A method of automatically engaging a parking lock of an automatic or automated transmission of a motor vehicle, which can be engaged by way of a selector device depending on a drive position selected by the driver of the motor vehicle and depending on other operating parameters. In order to achieve as little restriction of the drivability of the motor vehicle as possible, without neglecting the safety of the driver and the surroundings, five different variation of an Auto-P function are proposed for automatically engaging the parking lock: two of these variations are associated with an electrically interrupted ignition circuit of the motor vehicle; two variations are associated with an electrically closed ignition circuit and a simultaneously stopped vehicle drive motor and one variations is associated with an electrically closed ignition circuit and a simultaneously operating drive motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Armin Gierling, Walter Hecht
  • Patent number: 8079934
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an engine stall prevention system for industrial vehicles. The engine stall prevention system includes a transmission, which is configured such that a hydraulic shuttle valve for performing forward and reverse switching without requiring the operation of a clutch pedal, and a control unit for controlling the shuttle valve. The control unit receives a brake pedal operation signal from a brake detection unit for detecting the operation of a brake pedal, detects the traveling state of a vehicle using a traveling detection unit, determines whether the speed and engine RPM of the vehicle are equal to or less than respective preset values, and performs automatic control such that the shuttle valve enters a neutral state or a half-clutch state if it is determined that the vehicle speed is greater than the corresponding preset value and the engine RPM is equal to or less than the corresponding preset value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Daedong Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Byung Woo Gam
  • Patent number: 8070651
    Abstract: A work machine includes an IC engine having an output, an IVT having an input coupled with the IC engine output, and a ground speed actuator. A desired speed sensor associated with the ground speed actuator provides an output signal indicating a slower ground speed. At least one electrical processing circuit is configured for increasing an input/output (I/O) ratio of the IVT, dependent upon the sensor output signal, such that a net torque transfer back-driven from the IVT input to the IC engine output is substantially zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Briton T. Eastman, Christopher J. Maifield
  • Patent number: 8066616
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicular automatic transmission, which permits effective reduction of deterioration of vehicle drivability upon operation of a brake operating member, and which is configured to increase a sweeping rate in a sweep control of the torque capacity of a coupling element of an automatic transmission portion 20 to be engaged to perform a shifting action when a regenerative braking command is generated according to the operation of the brake operating member during an inertia phase of the shifting action, so that the coupling element is rapidly engaged for the purpose of generating an engine braking force when the regenerative braking command is generated according to the operation of the brake operating member during the inertia phase of the shifting action. Accordingly, the braking force generated during the shifting action is equal to the braking force generated in the normal state (in the absence of the shifting action).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koki Minamikawa
  • Patent number: 8016719
    Abstract: A method for selecting a neutral position of a transmission and for selecting a parking device intended for immobilizing a vehicle, wherein the neutral position and the parking device can be engaged or actuated as a function of a position chosen by the driver on a selector device and as a function of other vehicle operating parameters. It is proposed that only if the vehicle has come approximately to a stop and simultaneously an ignition circuit acting on a driving motor of the vehicle is electrically interrupted and simultaneously a “Neutral” position is specified by way of the selector device, an N-holding phase, in which the transmission is in a neutral position having no frictional connection, can be activated by way of a separate control device provided in addition to the selector device, as long as an energy management system of the motor vehicle allows the activation of the N-holding phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Walter Hecht, Armin Gierling, Klaus Steinhauser, Frank Worms, Bernd Zänglein, Stéphane Klein
  • Patent number: 7959536
    Abstract: A method of shifting an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle having a hydrodynamic converter (6). The method comprising the steps of detecting a presence of predetermined stopping conditions; determining that a driver of the motor vehicle intends to cause the motor vehicle to change from a driving state to a stopped state, based on the presence of one of the predetermined stopping conditions; and automatically shifting the automatic transmission (8) into a standby mode, before the driving state has concluded. The shifting into the standby mode typically occurs when a rotational speed of the hydrodynamic converter (6) decreases to less than a rotational speed (120) of a motor and the retarder apparatus (10), of the automatic transmission, is disengaged no later than a time by which shifting into the standby mode occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Markus Eisele, Franz Sorg, Harry Nolzen, Jürgen Blaser, Thomas Vogt