By Changing Shift Map, Schedule, Or Pattern Patents (Class 701/55)
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Publication number: 20130226416Abstract: A continuously variable transmission includes two planetary gear sets having two outputs. A variator drives a ring gear of the second planetary gear set, and a transmission input shaft is driven by the engine, which also drives the variator and the planetary input. Second and third output shafts are connected to a transmission output shaft. A first clutch is connected to the first output shaft, a second clutch is connected to the second planetary output and engages a first drive gear. A third clutch is connected to the first output shaft and releasably engages the first drive gear, a fourth clutch is connected to the first drive gear and releasably engages the second output shaft, and a fifth clutch is connected to the first drive gear and releasably engages the third output shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2012Publication date: August 29, 2013Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventors: John M. Seipold, Glen P. Calvert, Robert E. Black, Michael G. Cronin
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Patent number: 8521382Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes a filter module and a coefficient determination module. The filter module generates a valve body oil temperature signal as a function of a transmission oil temperature signal, the valve body oil temperature signal, and a filter coefficient. The coefficient determination module varies the filter coefficient based on the valve body oil temperature signal. The transmission oil temperature signal corresponds to a first temperature of transmission oil measured at a location between a torque converter and a variable bleed solenoid (VBS). The valve body oil temperature signal corresponds to a second temperature of transmission oil provided to a clutch of a transmission from a valve body.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2010Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Inventor: Mark David Kieliszewski
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Patent number: 8521380Abstract: A number N of position sensors, each associated with one of N shift rails in a shift rail transmission system, wherein the set of N sensors is divided into subsets and each subset is provided a common reference from a control module; and a processing component that determines from data from each sensor whether the shift rail associated with that sensor is in a position of engagement of a first gear, a position of engagement of a second gear, or in a neutral position. Further, providing a first common reference to a first set of shift rail position sensors; providing a second common reference to a second set of shift rail position sensors; receiving sensor data from each position sensor; determining that the data from the first set of position sensors is unreliable; and operating a transmission using only the gears related to the position sensors in the second set.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2010Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Kerfegar Khurshed Katrak, Naresh Kumar Kodela, Richard Earl Zuppann, Christopher Pollack, John Manyala, Todd William Fritz, Ken R. Anderson, Ian Daniel McKenzie
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Patent number: 8521375Abstract: A transmission control device (7) of a transmission (3) for a drivetrain which includes, in addition to the transmission (3), a hybrid drive with an internal combustion engine (1) and an electric motor (2). The transmission control device (7) stores parameters which form the basis of the manner with which gearshifts are controlled or regulated. At least some parameters are stored in duplicate, firstly, for operating the transmission (3) under purely electric-motor power using only the electric motor (2), and secondly for operating the transmission (3) during hybrid driving using both the internal combustion engine (1) and the electric motor (2).Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2009Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Bernd Allgaier, Friedrich Tenbrock, Michael Gromus
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Patent number: 8521379Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle in a freewheel mode or a rolling mode, in which the vehicle has a drive train comprising a controllable drive engine, an automatic or automated transmission, and a controllable shifter for interrupting a flow of power in the drive train. To enable fuel-efficient and low-emission, as well as safe and comfortable driving, it is intended that the freewheel mode or the rolling mode is prognostically activated, deactivated or retained by performing a plausibility check of a currently active, automatic driving speed control function or a driving speed and a distance control function and/or other current driving operation or driving state data. The method includes coordinating and adapting relevant marginal conditions of the active driving speed control function or the driving speed and the distance control function, and of the freewheel mode or the rolling mode, according to the driving situation, and initiating control measures by a transmission control.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2010Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Maik Wurthner, Johannes Kemler, Joachim Staudinger, Ingo Sauter
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Patent number: 8515635Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 9, 2011Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technology, LLCInventors: 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
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Patent number: 8515639Abstract: The embodiments herein provide an automatic clutch system for automobiles. The system comprises a mechanical section and an electronic section. The mechanical section comprises a rail support base with a rail-shaped ridge installed, dynamic parts installed on the rail-shaped ridge, supporting arms, an elevator mechanism connected to the clutch pedal and a clutch pedal lever. The electronic section comprises an input section for placing the elevator mechanism in due place and a keyboard for regulation, a sensor circuit, a command circuit including microcontroller, an exit section for changing a position of the elevator mechanism, a feedback circuit including a rotary encoder and monitors. The command circuit processes an instruction data from the input resources based on the regulations set by the user and transmits a command to the output section to position the elevator mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2011Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Inventor: Mehdi Zaerin
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Patent number: 8515640Abstract: A device for determining, when driving a vehicle, a mapping of torque transmitted by a clutch of the automobile based on a position of a clutch control member. The device includes a mechanism updating the mapping based on position thresholds of the clutch control member. The updating modifies values of the thresholds based on minimum and maximum values of the positions of the control member stored in the mapping and on current values of the thresholds.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2008Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Renault S. A. S.Inventors: Alessandro Monti, Richard Pothin, Christophe Desfriches
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Patent number: 8515630Abstract: A method for determining the output speed (N_AB) of a manual transmission of a motor vehicle. The output speed (N_AB) is calculated during a period of a shifting operation in which the current gear is disengaged and the new gear has yet to be engaged. The calculated output speed (N_AB) is used for controlling adjustment of the speed of the transmission input shaft (N_EG) to the speed of the transmission output shaft, or the calculated output speed (N_AB), is used for checking the plausibility of a value of the output speed (N_AB) as determined by the sensors.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2008Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Mario Steinborn, Rainer Petzold, Stefan Veittinger
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Patent number: 8515634Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlling a shift of an automatic transmission of a four-wheel low-speed drive vehicle, in which when a four-wheel low-speed drive mode is selected, it is possible to accomplish an appropriate operational condition for the four-wheel low-speed drive mode that can realize a variety of operational conditions of the vehicle while effectively limiting additional use of memories for storing shift patterns, by controlling a shift point of the automatic transmission to be appropriate for the four-wheel low-speed drive mode with appropriate change in a basic shift pattern according to a basic operational condition to consider together with the four-wheel low-speed drive mode without separately using a specific shift pattern and by controlling the apply and release parts to be appropriate for the control of the shift point, thereby it is possible to ensure a stable and smooth shift.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2007Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Kefico CorporationInventors: Byungjun Kim, Taekyoung Lee
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Patent number: 8510003Abstract: A closed loop shift control apparatus and method based on estimated torque in friction elements controls a torque transfer phase when shifting from a low gear configuration to a high gear configuration for an automatic transmission system. When pressure actuated friction elements are selectively engaged and released to establish torque flow paths in the transmission, estimates of torsional load exerted on the off-going friction element are used to predict the optimal off-going friction element release timing for achieving a consistent shift feel. The estimated torque is preferably calculated by using estimated torque signals generated as a function of speed measurements represented either the engine speed and turbine output speed or transmission output speed and wheel speed under dynamically changing conditions.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2010Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Diana Yanakiev, Yuji Fujii, Eric Tseng, Gregory Michael Pietron, Joseph F Kucharski
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Patent number: 8494736Abstract: A method and device for driving assistance for a propulsion unit of a vehicle with manual control of the transmission gear ratio, using a control system with a calculator controlling an indication to a driver of a recommended gear ratio based on a request information from the driver and depending on driving conditions of the vehicle at any moment, and a mapping of the gear change rules from which the ratio to be recommended is determined, depending on the vehicle speed at each moment, for an optimal fuel consumption and a minimized pollutant emission. The recommended ratio for an optimal consumption is corrected in successive steps by taking into account, one after the other, a set of constraints concerning the driving safety and comfort, each step having priority over the previous one so that the ratio finally recommended is an optimal balance between the different constraints while putting an emphasis on driving safety.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2008Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Renault S.A.S.Inventors: Patrice Habert, Eric Vigerie
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Patent number: 8494730Abstract: A power transmitting apparatus includes a clutch that operates based on pressure of a fed fluid to adjust a mode of power transmission of an engine or/and a motor/generator on a power transmission route, a first driving pump that feeds the fluid to the clutch by being driven in accordance with rotation of the motor/generator, and a second driving pump that feeds the fluid to the clutch by being driven in accordance with electric power, wherein a first engagement unit and a second engagement unit can be caused to engage rapidly or slowly by selecting one of the first driving pump and the second driving pump as a source of the fluid, and when a drive request of the clutch is present and a rotation speed of the motor/generator is lower than a predetermined rotation speed, the first engagement unit and the second engagement unit are caused to engage rapidly by feeding the fluid from the second driving pump.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2010Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Masato Yoshikawa
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Publication number: 20130184948Abstract: A method for controlling a gear ratio rate of change in a machine having a continuously variable transmission includes moving an operator input device to a changed position, receiving electronic data indicative of the changed position, and determining a non-limited desired gear ratio based on the changed position. A maximum gear ratio rate of change corresponding to the non-limited desired gear ratio and an actual gear ratio of the continuously variable transmission is selected from an electronically stored gear ratio rate map. A current desired gear ratio is determined based on a previous desired gear ratio and the maximum gear ratio rate of change. A commanded gear ratio of the continuously variable transmission is changed to the current desired gear ratio using electronic signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2012Publication date: July 18, 2013Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventors: Randall Todd Anderson, Bradley John Will
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Patent number: 8489294Abstract: Transmission control device for automatic transmissions that changes rotation output speed of turbocharged engines. An intake-state detecting unit detects an engine intake state and at least one of intake air amount, intake pressure, and engine air-fuel ratio. An intake-state determining unit determines whether a target intake state is satisfied based on detecting unit detection results and sets the target intake state based on target torque and engine operating range. A transmission-pattern selecting unit has a first transmission pattern for setting a transmission gear ratio based on an operational state and a second transmission pattern for setting the transmission gear ratio such that an engine rotation speed is higher than that in the first transmission pattern. The first or second transmission pattern choice is based on whether or not the target intake state is satisfied or not. A transmission controller controls a transmission mechanism based on the transmission pattern selection.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2011Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yoichi Saito
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Publication number: 20130173124Abstract: A system for selecting shift schedules of a transmission of a vehicle includes a controller configured to receive a signal indicative of acceleration of the vehicle prior to a change of a gear of the transmission. The controller is further configured to estimate tractive effort of the vehicle following the change of the gear of the transmission, the tractive effort estimation being based on at least an estimation of a road load on the vehicle. The controller is further configured to select between a first shift schedule and a second shift schedule based on the tractive effort estimation, wherein, if the tractive effort estimation is less than a threshold value, the controller selects the first shift schedule, and if the tractive effort estimation is at least equal to the threshold value, the controller selects the second shift schedule.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2011Publication date: July 4, 2013Inventor: Thomas G. Palmer
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Patent number: 8478494Abstract: An engine speed matching system for a vehicle with a manual transmission includes a sensor that senses an input shaft speed of the manual transmission during a shift. A control module receives the input shaft speed, determines an engine speed, determines a desired engine speed based on the input shaft speed and the engine speed, and adjusts the engine speed based on the desired engine speed and the input shaft speed before the shift is completed.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2010Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Inventors: John W. Ellis, III, Paul C. Ong, Dave Howe, Bradford W. Bur
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Patent number: 8478495Abstract: A requested cruise-control horsepower calculator obtains a requested cruise-control horsepower from a speed difference between a target cruising vehicle speed and an actual vehicle speed. A requested cruise-control torque calculator obtains a requested cruise-control torque on the basis of the requested cruise-control horsepower and an engine rotation speed. A cruise-control accelerator-opening calculator sets a cruise-control accelerator opening by referring to an engine torque map in which a cruise-control accelerator-opening characteristic curve is set along an equal horsepower line on the basis of the requested cruise-control torque and the engine rotation speed. A target primary rotation-speed calculator sets a target primary rotation speed by referring to a shift-line map on the basis of the cruise-control accelerator opening and the actual vehicle speed.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2011Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tetsuya Kato
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Patent number: 8473172Abstract: Systems and methods for assisted direct start control are provided. An example method varies engine torque, forward clutch engagement pressure, and wheel brake pressure during a vehicle launch responsive to longitudinal vehicle grade to improve launch performance.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2009Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Roger Lyle Huffmaster
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Patent number: 8473134Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle including a hybrid powertrain system includes enabling a commanded electric vehicle (EV) launch when a high-voltage battery state-of-charge (SOC) is greater than an SOC threshold, a transmission output speed is less than a low speed threshold, a transmission output torque is less than a speed-based torque threshold, and an operator torque request is achievable in the EV traction mode. An EV traction mode is employed to execute the commanded EV launch in response to the operator torque request including a launch maneuver.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2012Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: John Janczak, Anthony H. Heap, Anthony James Corsetti, Kee Yong Kim, Samantha Victoria Lado
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Patent number: 8467946Abstract: A speed ratio of a continuously variable transmission mechanism 20 is increased when a speed ratio of a subtransmission mechanism 30 connected in series to the continuously variable transmission mechanism 20 is switched from a first speed to a second speed. When an excess rotation speed Nb obtained by subtracting a target rotation speed from an engine rotation speed Ne exceeds a determination value Nr1 during this shifting process, a rapid rotation increase in an internal combustion engine 1 is prevented by reducing a shift speed of the continuously variable transmission mechanism 20 (S105A).Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2010Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignees: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Jatco LtdInventors: Seiichiro Takahashi, Hiroyasu Tanaka, Ryousuke Nonomura, Jouji Seki, Takuichiro Inoue, Mamiko Inoue, Hideaki Suzuki
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Publication number: 20130151092Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2011Publication date: June 13, 2013Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Todd Curtis Spaulding, Brian J. Deurloo, Mark Edward Zyskowski, Richard Reynolds Hathaway, Jeffrey James Tumavitch, Christopher Lee Danks, David Spuller, Charles C. Poon, Matthew Luke Fyie
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Patent number: 8463513Abstract: A transmission control apparatus for an automatic transmission to change a shift position automatically includes a cornering-state judging device, a modified shift-up table generator, and a gear-shift controller. The cornering-state judging device is configured to judge whether a vehicle has transitioned to a cornering state from a normal running state. The modified shift-up table generator is configured to generate a modified shift-up table when the vehicle is judged to have transitioned to the cornering state. The modified shift-up table makes a shift-up more difficult to occur than a reference shift-up table does. The gear-shift controller is configured to perform gear-shift control by using the reference shift-up table during the normal running state. The gear-shift controller is configured to suppress a gear shift by using the modified shift-up table instead of the reference shift-up table when the vehicle is judged to have transitioned to the cornering state.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2011Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Dai Arai, Hiroyuki Kojima, Yoshiaki Nedachi, Masataka Tanaka, Shigeru Tajima
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Patent number: 8452500Abstract: A powertrain includes an engine and a continuously variable transmission including a planetary gear arrangement and a variator. An input drives the variator and the planetary gears. A first planetary output gear is connected to the first output of the planetary gear arrangement. A second planetary output gear is connected to the first output, and a third planetary output gear is connectable by a first clutch to a second output of the planetary gear arrangement. A first output member is connected to the third planetary output gear, a second clutch releasably connects the first output member with the first planetary output gear, a third clutch connects the first output member with the second planetary output gear, a fourth clutch connects the second output member with the first planetary output gear, and a fifth clutch connects the second output member with the second planetary output gear.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2012Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: John M. Seipold
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Patent number: 8447480Abstract: A transmission control method for a continuously variable transmission for enhancing the response of a change in engine speed to a driver's accelerating/decelerating operation. In a hydraulic type continuously variable transmission, when a sport operating mode is being selected (step S1: SPORT OPERATING MODE), a target engine speed T_NE (rpm) is calculated from the vehicle velocity V (km/hr) and the position ? (degrees) of a throttle valve 60 (step S4). Further, a target angle T_A (degrees) for a motor swash plate is calculated from the vehicle velocity and the target engine speed T_NE (step S5). The motor swash plate is moved according to the difference between the actual angle A of the motor swash plate 46 and the target angle T_A.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2009Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yasutaka Usukura
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Patent number: 8442731Abstract: A control system for an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission of a straddle type vehicle in which an intentional shift down operation is easily made in an AT mode. An MT mode temporarily selecting section makes the gear change mode selecting section select the MT mode temporarily and makes the gear ratio control section change the gear ratio of the transmission to a gear ratio from among a plurality of predetermined gear ratios that is positioned lower than a current gear ratio when a mode change signal is inputted in AT mode. An AT mode returning section returns the gear change mode selected by the gear change mode selecting section to AT mode when a release signal is outputted after MT mode is temporarily selected by the MT mode temporarily selecting section.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2008Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Toshio Unno
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Patent number: 8437928Abstract: A method for operating a multi-step automatic transmission arranged in a drive train of a vehicle with a combustion engine. When downshifting from the third gear ratio to a second gear ratio, higher inertia must be shifted than when shifting from the third gear ratio to the first gear ratio. Upon a demand for a coasting downshift from the third gear ratio to the second gear ratio or to the first gear ratio with no performance demand on the combustion engine, the coasting downshift to the second gear ratio is not executed and the first gear ratio is engaged when the requirements for downshifting to the first gear ratio are met.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2008Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Christian Popp, Reinhard Vollmar
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Patent number: 8417427Abstract: A fast automated gear shift operation is performed using a powertrain in a hybrid vehicle, the powertrain including a gear box, an engine, at least one controllable motor, a torque ripple damping device, a mechanical connecting device for connecting or disconnecting the engine to or from, respectively, wheels of the vehicle. In the gear shift operation the motor is controlled to perform a sequence of steps in which different torques are delivered by the motor to temporarily change the speed thereof. The torques are selected so that they to reduce the mechanical tension over at least one elastic part of the powertrain. Hence it can be achieved, that during at least a period during the gear shift operation torques over mechanical elements in the gear box cooperating in the current gear and/or over the mechanical connecting device are eliminated or at least strongly reduced.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2006Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Stridsberg Powertrain ABInventor: Lennart Stridsberg
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Publication number: 20130085647Abstract: In an embodiment, torque control operation is provided in a transmission having a variable displacement variator with a hydraulic actuator. The transmission is engaged in a neutral state such that the variator output experiences substantially zero torque, and a first hydraulic pressure sweep to the hydraulic actuator is commanded while a corresponding sweep of motor speed ratio of the variator is recorded. The transmission is engaged into a locked mode providing a fixed output speed and a second hydraulic pressure sweep to the hydraulic actuator is commanded, and a corresponding sweep of variator output torque is recorded during this sweep. A torque/pressure map is then constructed relating motor torque, motor speed ratio, and actuator pressure by scaling the sweep of motor speed ratios and the sweep of variator output torque. The resultant map is usable to provide feed forward torque control of the transmission.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2011Publication date: April 4, 2013Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventors: Brian E. Lister, Chad T. Brickner
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Patent number: 8406972Abstract: When a read-ahead vehicle speed is calculated using an integrator and a delay element, a predetermined gain used for an integral calculation is made small if a result of the integral calculation greater than a predetermined value based on an actual vehicle speed.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2009Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: Jatco LtdInventors: Naohiro Yamada, Tsukasa Hayashi
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Patent number: 8401767Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for controlling combustion stability in an engine driving a transmission. One example method comprises limiting airflow to the engine in response to a spark timing retarded beyond a spark retard threshold, the limiting airflow to the engine reducing engine torque output and compensating for the reduction in engine torque output by adjusting a transmission operating parameter.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2012Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ralph Wayne Cunningham, Michael Howard Shelby, Tobias John Pallett
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Patent number: 8401749Abstract: In a gear shift control device for a vehicle that shifts a transmission having a plurality of gears based on a shift line set in a shift map, an upshift line for shifting to the highest gear, and a downshift line that is located in a high vehicle speed region on the side of a higher vehicle speed than the upshift line are set in the shift map. The downshift line is used when shifting from the highest gear to a prescribed gear that has a larger gear ratio than the highest gear.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2009Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yukihiko Ideshio, Shigeru Okuwaki, Hiroyuki Shibata, Tomohito Ono
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Patent number: 8396634Abstract: A powertrain system includes an engine mechanically coupled to an electro-mechanical transmission selectively operative in one of a plurality of transmission operating range states and one of a plurality of engine states. A method for controlling the powertrain system includes determining a current transmission operating range state and engine state, determining at least one potential transmission operating range state and engine state, providing an operator torque request, determining preferability factors associated with the current transmission operating range state and engine state, and potential transmission operating range states and engine states, preferentially weighting the preferability factors for the current transmission operating range state and engine state, and selectively commanding changing the current transmission operating range state and engine state based upon the preferability factors and the operator torque request.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2008Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Anthony H. Heap, Kee Yong Kim, Jason J McConnell
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Patent number: 8396637Abstract: A control system for an automatic transmission coupled to an engine by a torque converter includes a torque module and a first clutch control module. The torque module determines an input torque to the transmission based on an output torque of the engine. The first clutch control module adjusts an acceleration of a turbine of the torque converter during a down shift of the transmission based on the input torque. The first clutch control module adjusts the acceleration of the turbine by adjusting a first pressure of fluid supplied to an off-going clutch of the transmission based on the input torque. The first clutch control module adjusts the first pressure based on a mathematical model that relates a torque capacity of the off-going clutch, the input torque, and the acceleration. A method is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2010Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Inventors: Mark A. Schang, Matthew D. Whitton
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Method for adjustment of an automatically selected gear shifting rotational speed limit in a vehicle
Patent number: 8392078Abstract: A method is provided for adjustment of an automatically selected gear shifting rotational speed limit when an automatic step geared vehicle transmission is in an automatic gear shifting drive mode, and where the transmission includes a drive mode selector for selection of at least the automatic gear shifting drive mode and a neutral mode. The adjustment of the automatically selected gear shifting rotational speed limit is performed temporarily by a driver of the vehicle when the automatic gear shifting drive mode is selected. Driving flexibility in automatic drive mode increases.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2007Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar ABInventors: Anders Eriksson, Johan Bjernetun -
Patent number: 8392090Abstract: A hybrid electronic control unit sets a target vehicle speed for constant-speed driving based on setting operation of an auto cruise switch by a driver. When the target vehicle speed is set, the required torque is set such that the vehicle speed detected by a vehicle speed sensor becomes the target vehicle speed. When the required torque is set, a constant-speed driving torque map, indicating the required torque with respect to a torque command value by accelerator operation or brake operation by the driver using the required torque, and a positive maximum torque and a negative maximum torque, which the vehicle can output, is set. Further, the required torque changes using the constant-speed driving torque map according to the torque command value. In the hybrid electronic control unit, by increasing followability of torque change when changing the vehicle speed from the constant-speed driving, controllability is improved and drivability is improved.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2008Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yukari Okamura, Koji Taguchi
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Publication number: 20130054102Abstract: An automatic gear-shifting bicycle includes: a bicycle body provided with two cranks, two pedals and a derailleur, a power supply module, a microcomputer, a gear shifting control driver, and a pedal position sensor module installed in the bicycle body corresponding to the cranks and electrically coupled to the microcomputer for enabling the microcomputer to determine the angular position and forward/backward pedaling of the cranks. The microcomputer calculates the optimal shift timing subject to the time point the crank to be moved over the pedaling dead point in the next time, the pedaling speed to be below a predetermined speed value or the cranks are been pedaling backwardly.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Inventor: Chi-Chang CHENG
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Patent number: 8380406Abstract: A method for changing the timing of gear changes of an automatic transmission for a motor vehicle including repetitively updating a current value of a count whose value is a measure of driving behavior, performing an evaluation of driving behavior and updating the current value by a value determined from the evaluation, determining shift schedules that define the occurrence of a gear change to be produced by the transmission, and using the updated current value to establish from among the shift schedules a shift schedule that defines a gear change to be produced by the transmission.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2008Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Kevin MacFarlane, Henry A. Rebandt, Andrew Wong, Alan Henriksen, Peter J. Bradley, Philip J. Wiethe, Jr.
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Patent number: 8374756Abstract: A control device for an automatic transmission includes a speed change controller configured to generate a speed change instruction. A temperature calculator is configured to calculate a temperature of at least one frictional engagement element among frictional engagement elements. A rotation difference calculator is configured to calculate a rotation difference between an input and an output of the at least one frictional engagement element. A determining unit is configured to determine whether the frictional engagement element is engageable or non-engageable based on the temperature and the rotation difference of the frictional engagement element and a pattern of the speed change instruction. The delay unit is configured to delay engagement until the determining unit determines that the frictional engagement element is engageable, if the determining unit determines that the frictional engagement element is non-engageable when the speed change controller generates the speed change instruction.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2010Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuma Sasahara, Takashi Satoyoshi, Ryuta Suzuki
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Patent number: 8374760Abstract: Apparatus and method for efficiently controlling an automatic transmission in an electric vehicle. The method may be implemented by selection of one of at least two belt clutches having different ratios. The timing for disengagement and engagement of each clutch and the proper sequencing of the disengagement and engagement of the clutches is determined to optimize the efficiency of the transmission. A direct drive motor is directly coupled to the transmission's output shaft to provide momentary power to maintain a nearly constant rate of acceleration during shifting. The method may further be applied for shifting an electric vehicle with a first motor coupled to an output shaft through a single belt clutch and a direct drive motor.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2009Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Inventors: Mark Snyder, Ronald A. Holland
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Patent number: 8370034Abstract: When an engine stop control is executed while an automatic ratio shift portion is in a neutral state, a switching clutch is operated, so that a differential portion carrier of a differential portion planetary gear device that is linked to an engine, and a differential portion ring gear linked the automatic ratio shift portion are integrally rotated. Therefore, along with the engine stop control, the rotation speed of the rotating elements of the differential portion planetary gear device is reduced while the rotating elements are integrally rotated or substantially integrally rotated. Since the rotating elements are rotated integrally or substantially integrally, the high rotation speed of the differential portion ring gear linked to the automatic ratio shift portion, which tends to have a heightened rotation speed particularly during the neutral state, is prevented.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2008Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kenta Kumazaki, Tooru Matsubara, Atsushi Tabata
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Patent number: 8364359Abstract: In control apparatus and method for an automatic transmission, a gear shift state of a stepwise variable transmission mechanism is controlled to a target gear shift state by releasing a first engagement section according to a reduction in a capacity of the first engagement section and, simultaneously, by engaging a second engagement section according to an increase in the capacity of the second engagement section, in accordance with a torque inputted to the stepwise variable transmission mechanism and, during an inertia phase, either one of the first and second engagement sections functions as a gear shift state control side engagement section and the capacity of a gear shift state non-control side engagement section which is the other engagement section is increased when determining that it is impossible to make the gear shift state follow up the target gear shift state at the gear shift state control side engagement section.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2010Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignees: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Jatco LtdInventors: Seiichiro Takahashi, Tatsuo Ochiai, Masaaki Uchida, Masato Koga, Ryoji Kadono, Tateki Jozaki, Hideaki Suzuki, Ryousuke Nonomura, Mamiko Inoue
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Patent number: 8364357Abstract: A shifting point display for indicating shift advice is provided in a motor vehicle having a manual transmission and a control unit for the continuous determination of a current operating point of the motor vehicle. At least one characteristic upshift indication curve or a characteristic downshift indication curve is stored in an electronic memory. An upshift indication or a downshift indication is displayed when the characteristic upshift indication curve or the characteristic downshift indication curve is reached by the current operating point and a currently differently engaged gear.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2008Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Gerd Kraemer, Alberto Croci
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Patent number: 8359144Abstract: A powertrain system includes a torque machine mechanically rotatably coupled via a transfer gear set to a drive wheel. The transfer gear set includes a first gear meshingly engaged to a second gear with lash angle between the first and second gears. A method for operating the powertrain system includes monitoring an output speed associated with the torque machine and a wheel speed associated with the drive wheel. A transition between a first torque transfer state and a second torque transfer state is detected, the transition including a gear lash event across the transfer gear set. An elapsed time period for completing the gear lash event across the transfer gear set during the transition between the first torque transfer state and the second torque transfer state is set, and a target output speed derived from the wheel speed during and at the end of the elapsed time period is determined.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2010Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Robert L. Morris, Gil J. Mendoza, R. Anthony Hansen
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Patent number: 8355848Abstract: There is provided a hydraulic control device for controlling a hydraulic pressure supplied to a vehicle start-up engagement element in an automatic transmission when a shift lever is moved from a non-drive range position to a drive range position. The hydraulic control device has a target pressure setting section that sets, based on an input torque of the automatic transmission, a target value of hydraulic pressure supplied to the vehicle start-up engagement element at the completion of engagement of the vehicle start-up engagement element and corrects the target value periodically based on the transmission input torque until the completion of engagement of the vehicle start-up engagement element and a hydraulic pressure control section that controls the hydraulic pressure in such a manner that the hydraulic pressure supplied to the vehicle start-up engagement element reaches the corrected target value at the completion of engagement of the vehicle start-up engagement element.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2009Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Jatco LtdInventors: Hiromichi Akebono, Osamu Sato, Akio Nonomura
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Patent number: 8352137Abstract: A control apparatus includes a differential speed acquisition unit that acquires a differential speed representing a difference in speed between an input side drivingly connected to the input member of the fluid coupling and an output side drivingly connected to the transmission; a state determination unit that determines a shift speed in the transmission and an operating state of the direct connection clutch based on an accelerator opening and a vehicle speed of a vehicle; and a direct connection control unit that engages, if the differential speed is equal to or less than a predetermined engagement permitting threshold value when the state determination unit determines an upshift of the shift speed and a transition from a disengaged state to an engaged state of the direct connection clutch in a condition in which the accelerator opening is decreasing, the direct connection clutch regardless of an upshift operation of the shift speed.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2009Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.Inventors: Nobuaki Inagaki, Hiroya Ueno, Kohei Tsuda, Eiji Moriyama, Hiroshi Tsutsui
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Patent number: 8352133Abstract: A system and method for upshift delay for fuel cut acquisition is disclosed. Decel lockup control may be activated if a lift foot upshift is prevented after sudden pedal release. Fuel economy may be increased by cutting fuel to the engine when decel lockup control is engaged. When the throttle is reapplied, the regular shift map resumes control and performs an upshift if necessary.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2008Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chris Hopp
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Patent number: 8346449Abstract: A method for controlling a powertrain system includes determining a current transmission operating range state and engine state, determining at least one potential transmission operating range state and engine state, providing at least one operator torque request, determining preferability factors associated with the current transmission operating range state and engine state, and potential transmission operating range states and engine states, wherein determining preferability factors associated with potential transmission operating range states includes assigning biasing costs to operator torque requests which reside within a pre-determined range of possible operator torque requests for at least two of the potential transmission operating range states, preferentially weighting the preferability factors for the current transmission operating range state and engine state, and selectively commanding changing the transmission operating range state and engine state based upon stheaid preferability factors and thType: GrantFiled: September 23, 2008Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Anthony H. Heap, Kee Yong Kim
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Publication number: 20120323456Abstract: A power transmission apparatus is provided with a control device for starting each of first shift control, which is control associated with shifting of a stepless transmission unit, and second shift control, which is control associated with shifting of a stepped transmission unit, such that shift end timing of the stepless transmission unit is synchronized with shift end timing of the stepped transmission unit, in a condition that shift requests for the stepless transmission unit and the stepped transmission unit are detected in the same timing. According to the power transmitting apparatus, each of the first shift control and the second shift control is started such that the shift end timing of the stepless transmission unit is synchronized with the shift end timing of the stepped transmission unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2010Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Shunya Kato, Tooru Matsubara, Kenta Kumazaki, Atsushi Tabata
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Patent number: 8335622Abstract: A vehicle device control device includes an automatic drive control device for executing an automatic drive control by controlling at least a driving torque generating device, which applies a driving torque on a vehicle, so that a vehicle speed reaches a preset target vehicle speed, and a shift position determination portion for determining a shift position of a gear lever of the vehicle, wherein in a case where the shift position determination portion determines that the gear lever is set at a neutral position on the basis of a determination result of the shift position determination portion while the automatic drive control is executed, the automatic drive control device controls the driving torque generating device so that the driving torque applied to the vehicle becomes zero while continuously executing the automatic drive control.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2008Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasuhito Ishida, Gen Inoue