Having A Plurality Of Preset Maps, Schedules, Or Patterns Patents (Class 701/56)
  • Patent number: 6275760
    Abstract: A system for controlling an automatic transmission of a vehicle which determines a downgrade or upgrade parameter based on the vehicle acceleration and selects one from among a plurality of shift maps (programs) based on the determined grade parameter to determine a gear ratio based on the selected shift program. The system includes a navigation system which stores the road information including the kinds of road. The system determines whether the vehicle runs on a relative road such an alley or a traffic jammed expressway based on the vehicle speed change, the vehicle-stopping-time and the navigation information and if it does, changes the upshift line of the level-road map in the direction in which the vehicle speed increases such that upshift is not likely to occur, or in the direction in which the vehicle speed decreases such that the upshift is more likely to occur, thereby enhancing driveability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Saito, Norio Nakauchi, Kazuyuki Konno, Tatsuyuki Ohashi, Kenji Hagiwara, Hideki Wakamatsu, Yukio Morita, Takamichi Shimada
  • Patent number: 6269295
    Abstract: A method for operating machine transmission during braking, includes obtaining data relating to brake pedal position, machine velocity, machine engine speed, current transmission operating gear, and lowest operating gear. Next, downshifting thresh holds are set based on whether pedal position is in a downshift mode or a braking mode. Next, the transmission is downshifted if the machine velocity and machine engine speed are less than the downshifting thresh holds, and if the transmission operating gear is not the lowest operating gear. Next, the transmission is neutralized if the pedal position is in a neutralizing mode, if the velocity is less than a neutralizing thresh hold velocity, and if the transmission is in the lowest operating gear. Finally, the above steps are repeated until the transmission is neutralized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Susan J. Gaugush, Milton C. Hubbard, Marvin K. Palmer, Matthew F. Schoenberg, Wayne J. Wulfert
  • Patent number: 6253139
    Abstract: The system includes a memory in which curves are stored which define the conditions for each gear change, corresponding to at least two reference styles of driving, sensors for operating parameters of the motor vehicle, and second processing devices set up to estimate the value of a first index which identifies the kind of driving of the motor vehicle and, respectively, the value of a second index which defines the manner or style of driving of the driver, and a processing and control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: C.R.F. Societa Corsortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Pandeli Borodani, Massimo Lupo, Renato Gianoglio, Fulvio Giuliano
  • Patent number: 6249723
    Abstract: A hybrid drive for a vehicle in which the driving power provided by an internal combustion engine (ICE) or an electric motor may be fed via a transmission with a transmission input shaft and a transmission output shaft to the drive train. The ICE and the electric motor are connectable to each other via a coupling and the electric motor is directly connected to the transmission. An electric energy storage device is connected to the ICE for receiving a charge and to the electric motor for providing power to the electric motor. The hybrid drive is designed so that the torque that can be provided by the electric motor is greater than that of the internal combustion engine. In addition, the transmission input shaft always turns in the same direction as the transmission output shaft so that reverse drive by the hybrid drive is only possible using the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventor: Dieter Lutz
  • Patent number: 6243637
    Abstract: A control apparatus of automatic transmission controls by oil pressure at least one clutch of an automatic transmission connected to an engine output to be engaged or disengaged to make gear shifting. In this control apparatus, the output torque of the engine is calculated on the basis of a parameter representative of a load of the engine and the engine speed. In addition, a transfer torque necessary for the clutch is calculated by use of at least the calculated engine output torque and the engine speed. Then, a command value of oil pressure acted on the clutch is determined by the calculated transfer torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshimichi Minowa, Tatsuya Ochi, Hiroshi Kuroiwa, Mitsuyoshi Okada, Junichi Noda
  • Patent number: 6219608
    Abstract: An electronic transmission control system for an automotive vehicle with a belt-type continuously variable automatic transmission comprises a transmission ratio control device including a first motor-driven oil pump supplying working pressure directly to a secondary pulley actuation chamber, and a second motor-driven oil pump supplying working pressure directly to a primary pulley actuation chamber and enabling working oil to come and go between the primary and secondary pulley actuation chambers therethrough. A first control section is provided for controlling the first motor-driven oil pump with feed-forward compensation for the working pressure supplied to the secondary pulley actuation chamber, based on changes in a flow rate of the working oil coming and going between the primary and secondary pulley actuation chambers, so that the secondary pulley pressure is regulated as a belt capacity holding pressure needed to hold a belt capacity of the drive belt in a first motor-driven pump side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiju Abo, Masahiro Yamamoto, Osamu Sato, Hideaki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6216074
    Abstract: A method for controlling the fill time of an oncoming transmission clutch of a vehicle within a predetermined range of speed conditions is disclosed, the method including the steps of: (a) sensing an engine speed within the predetermined range; (b) reading an incremental pulse time value corresponding to the speed sensed in step (a); and (c) determining an adjusted pulse time value using the incremental pulse value read in step (b) and a predetermined nominal pulse time value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan R. Hillman, Danial P. Simon
  • Patent number: 6188944
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling torque disturbances in direct injection stratified charge and lean burn port-fuel injection engines (12) through continuously variable transmission (40). The method and system include using the continuously variable transmission (40) to mitigate the effects of torque disturbances due to a lean NOx trap (22) purge cycle (100). The continuously variable transmission (40) is coordinated with other engine variables, such as throttle (36), fueling rate (Wf), injection timing (&ggr;), and spark timing (&dgr;), to keep the operation near the optimal regime. In periods of trap (22) purge, the engine control variables and the continuously variable transmission (40) are coordinated to maximize purge efficiency for a predetermined period of time. In periods of normal operation (102), the engine control variables and the continuously variable transmission (40) are coordinated to minimize fuel consumption subject to emission constraints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Llya V. Kolmanovsky, Jing Sun, Leyi Wang
  • Patent number: 6188943
    Abstract: An integrated control system for both an electronically-controlled engine and a steplessly variable automatic transmission, comprises a speed-change ratio arithmetic processing section for calculating the speed-change ratio as a ratio of the transmission input speed to the transmission output speed, a target driving torque arithmetic processing section for retrieving a target driving torque, based on both the accelerator operating amount and the vehicle speed, from a first predetermined characteristic map, and a target speed-change ratio arithmetic processing section for retrieving a target speed-change ratio, based on both the accelerator operating amount and the vehicle speed, from a second predetermined characteristic map. Also provided is a target engine output torque arithmetic processing section for calculating a target engine output torque, based on all of the target driving torque, the speed-change ratio, and a speed ratio of the transmission input speed to the engine speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaaki Uchida, Shusaku Katakura, Katsuhiko Tsuchiya, Hideaki Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6169950
    Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle drive unit, which comprises a drive engine and a transmission with a continuously variable gear ratio, comprises the following steps: a) the required vehicle acceleration (ASOLL) is calculated from a throttle control lever position (XFP, XHG) and the current speed of travel (VFZ), b) a required transmission variation (IGDSOLL1) is calculated from the required vehicle acceleration (ASOLL) and the current rotation speed (NMOT) of the drive engine, c) a limited required transmission variation (IGDSOLL) is determined from the required transmission variation (IGDSOLL1) such that the engine rotation speed (NMOT) does not fall below a value which depends on the position of the power control element (XEP) of the drive engine, d) the continuously variable transmission is varied in accordance with (IGDSOLL); e) the actuation parameter (XEPSOLL) for the power control element of the drive engine is obtained directly from the throttle control lever position (XFP, XHG).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Steyr-Daimler-Puch Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Martin Parigger
  • Patent number: 6151542
    Abstract: A control system for a vehicle with an engine-CVT power train senses operator's desire relative to movement of the vehicle and translates the sensed operator's desire into a predetermined variable indicative of drive force applicable to the vehicle drive wheel. In integrated control mode, the predetermined variable indicative of drive force controls the engine throttle and the ratio of the CVT. In individual control mode, the integrated control is put out of operation and the sensed operator's desire controls the engine throttle and the ratio of the CVT. The control system provides an improved control over the transition period between the control modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiro Yoshino, Shusaku Katakura, Masayuki Yasuoka
  • Patent number: 6151543
    Abstract: An electronic control system for a transmission in a work vehicle such as an agricultural tractor is disclosed herein. The system includes sensors for detecting the output speed of the vehicle engine, the output speed of the transmission and the vehicle ground speed. Command devices are available to the vehicle operator for generating command signals, such as for commanding the direction of movement, as well as forward and reverse gear ratios. A controller receives signals from the sensors and command devices, and controls engagement and disengagement of combinations of fluid clutches in the transmission to obtain desired gear ratios between the transmission input and output shafts. The command devices include an input device for generating transmission command signals, and the controller responds by selectively engaging the clutches to shift the transmission at a predetermined shift rate. The controller determines a commanded gear ratio based at least in part on the transmission command signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin D. McKee, Jeffrey S. Milender
  • Patent number: 6144911
    Abstract: A method for performing shifting operations in an automated, mechanical transmission, which is coupled via an automated clutch to an internal combustion engine, in particular a diesel engine. The setpoint engine torque (MDsoll) is essentially predefinable by a gas pedal (10) and/or by a vehicle-speed controller or limiter (17, 18). The setpoint engine torque is varied in response to gear shifting operations through the intervention of an electronic control device, as follows: The area of the electronic control device that is designated for the transmission control is continually supplied with the setpoint engine torque MDsoll1. In response to manually or automatically introduced gear shifting operations, a switch is made to the setpoint engine torque being input by the electronic transmission control, which calculates this setpoint engine torque (GW-MD) as a function of gear-change parameters and/or extracts it from gear-change characteristics maps or curves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Daimler Benz Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ralf Binz, Thomas Brock, Ulrich Nester
  • Patent number: 6134496
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the control of the shifting process of a vehicle with electro-hydraulically actuatable friction elements for the shifting-over between different transmission stages in a vehicle with at least in addition a drive engine in which a current actual value is determined for at least one magnitude characterizing the shift process in each shifting process; the actual value is compared with an establishable and/or storable desired value; on deviation of the actual value from the desired value, the control pressure for the at least indirect influencing of the magnitude characterizing the switching process is adaptively changed by a determinable, calculatable or prescribable first correction value for the achieving of an optimal shifting behavior and the course of the altered magnitude is storable in each case as new characteristic curve of the desired values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Voith Turbo GmbH & Co. K.G.
    Inventors: Erwin Rotter, Thomas Schonhaar, Wilfried Maier, Friedrich Haberle, Herbert Depping
  • Patent number: 6108600
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controllably shifting into a lower gear of a manual transmission is disclosed. A high downshift speed value is established and stored in a memory. The downshift speed variable of the manual transmission is set equal to the high downshift speed value for a duration time in response to a control signal. The manual transmission is controllably shifted into a lower gear when an engine speed becomes equal to or less than the downshift speed variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Lehner, Mark E. Rettig
  • Patent number: 6104974
    Abstract: A system for changing the gear ratio with a multi-step reduction gear, where a flywheel is accelerated or decelerated during a change in gear ratio. The flywheel, consisting essentially of engine components and the converter, must be accelerated in downshifting operations, for example, while the flywheel is decelerated in upshifting operations. To change the gear ratio, at least two different selectable strategies are given. A first value representing the engine output torque and a second value representing the torque demand for acceleration or deceleration of the flywheel are detected first. To change the gear ratio, one of the above-mentioned strategies is then selected, depending on a comparison of the first value detected with the second value detected. To determine the engine output torque in the actual shifting operation, it is predicted from the instantaneous load signal and parameters that depend on the throttle valve angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Hong Zhang, Helmut Denz
  • Patent number: 6070118
    Abstract: A control system for a transmission, comprises a shift control function to output a shift instruction signal on the basis of a predetermined shift pattern and a road data detecting function to detect the road data of a route to be followed by a vehicle. This control system further comprises a start detecting function to detect the start of the vehicle; and a shift pattern control function to set a shift pattern for a curve, as having a control content for making it liable to set a larger gear ratio, as the shift pattern when the vehicle start is detected by the start detecting function and when a curved road is detected in the route to be followed, by the road data detecting function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Ohta, Kunihiro Iwatsuki, Kagenori Fukumura
  • Patent number: 6067495
    Abstract: An shift control strategy for controlling an automatic transmission based on acceleration. The shift control strategy determines a learned vehicle inertia as well as road load torque and expected torque in an upshift gear. A projected post shift acceleration is predicted based on the expected torque, road load torque and inertia of the vehicle. If vehicle speed and throttle position are within an allowable shift zone and if the predicted post shift acceleration exceeds a threshold value, the vehicle automatic transmission is allowed to upshift. The predicted post upshift acceleration value is determined as a function of a selected one of the possible downshifts and is compared to a threshold value. A downshift of the automatic transmission to the selected downshift is allowed if the post downshift acceleration value is less than the threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Steven R. Fliearman, Mark R. Foeller, Kenneth J. Potter, Dennis Zeiger
  • Patent number: 6055475
    Abstract: In a transmission control apparatus and a transmission control method for an automatic transmission, when a detection point is defined in accordance with results of detection by means of a fluid temperature detecting element and a rotational speed detecting element, a plurality of points that surround the detection point are selected among a plurality of preset points. Control values for a control parameter are previously mapped corresponding to the set points, and the control values corresponding to the selected points are read from the resulting map. The controlled variable of the control parameter corresponding to the detection point is appropriately linearly calculated by interpolating the control values. Further, a learning correction value for the control parameter corresponding to the detection point is calculated, and is reflected in the control values for the selected points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Eiji Moriyama
  • Patent number: 6052639
    Abstract: A shift control apparatus outputs a command transmission ratio to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to control a real transmission ratio of the CVT. The shift control apparatus comprises a shift mode determining section determines whether an actually selected shift mode is an automatic upshift or a power-down upshift (foot-release upshift), on the basis of the result of a previously selected shift mode, a difference between a final objective transmission ratio and a transient objective transmission ratio and a rate of change in the transmission ratio per time. The dynamic characteristic selecting section determines the dynamic characteristic according to the determined shift mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Ashizawa, Kazutaka Adachi, Tatsuo Ochiai
  • Patent number: 6016457
    Abstract: A regional attribute for a region in which a vehicle is traveling is detected by a vehicle navigation device, and vehicle drive force characteristics such as a throttle gain of an electronic throttle or a speed change pattern of an automatic transmission are modified according to the regional attribute. An operation amount of an accelerator operated by a driver is detected, and by not modifying the drive force characteristics when the accelerator operation amount is not zero, abrupt change of drive force is avoided, and the sense of discomfort experienced by a driver due to abrupt change of drive force is eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobusuke Toukura, Hiroshi Abe, Yoshinori Iwasaki
  • Patent number: 6015020
    Abstract: A gear shift control device of an automatic transmission of a vehicle, including a slip angle estimator for estimating a slip angle of at least one of a pair of drive wheels; a slip ratio estimator that estimates the slip ratio of the one drive wheel; a determiner that determines an upshift of the automatic transmission when the absolute value of the estimated slip ratio is greater than a threshold value; and a upshift executor for executing the upshift automatic transmission according to the upshift determined by the determiner, wherein the determiner determines the upshift to be of a greater number of stage within an available range against the absolute value of the estimated slip ratio according as the absolute value of the estimated slip angle is greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Mizuho Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 6012009
    Abstract: The invention proceeds from a system for determining the changes in gear ratio for an automatic transmission of a vehicle. In the system, at least two different pregiven associations (shift programs) are selected in dependence upon the detected vehicle speed and the detected accelerator pedal position. The selection of these associations (shift program) takes place with the aid of a specific adaptation quantity. The essence of the invention is in the determination of this adaptation quantity and therefore in the selection of the different shift programs. According to the invention, the selection of the associations or shift programs takes place in such a manner that one of the two associations is set as the base adjustment, that is, as the base shift program. The other association, or in the case of several alternative associations, the other associations are set for only a specific time duration. After this time duration has elapsed, the system of the invention automatically returns to the base setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Klemens Kronenberg, Marko Poljansek
  • Patent number: 5983154
    Abstract: A control system for executing a control of the output torque of an automatic transmission on the basis of any of a plurality of running modes. This control system is given a route selecting function to select a route to be followed by the vehicle, with reference to the running characteristics of the running mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kunio Morisawa
  • Patent number: 5941922
    Abstract: A gear availability indicator for multi-gear transmissions of motor vehicles includes a signal processing unit for receiving input signals representative of vehicle speed and engine speed. The signal processing unit can determine a gear ratio value representative of the relationship between vehicle speed and engine speed for each gear in the vehicle transmission and can generate output signals for operation of a display. The display includes a first section displaying a range of acceptable engine speeds and a second section displaying gear symbols representative of gear ratio values. The displayed range of acceptable engine speeds and the displayed gear symbols are relatively moveable. The mutual alignment of the displayed range of acceptable engine speeds and one or more of the displayed gear symbols indicates that one or more gears represented by the one or more gear symbols are available for engagement in the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Johnson Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kent H. Price, Robert J. Young
  • Patent number: 5931886
    Abstract: A control system for a vehicular automatic transmission which detects running status of the vehicle and includes a shift controller for controlling the gear stage of the automatic transmission in accordance with the detected running status of the vehicle. The control system further includes a memory for prestoring road information for roads to be run by the vehicle, present location detection and running direction detection. A reader reads out the road information for a set route from the present location to a destination, from the memory, on the basis of the detected present location and the destination input. The engine power required for the vehicle to travel the set route is estimated in accordance with the read road information. A shift schedule which minimizes the fuel consumption on the set route is determined by comparing the estimated engine power requirement with a prestored mileage map and the shift control pattern is changed in accordance with the determined shift schedule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuzo Moroto, Nobuaki Miki, Muneo Kusafuka, Yoshitaka Murase
  • Patent number: 5916291
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for shuttle shifting a power transmission are disclosed. The transmission is of the type including a plurality of intermeshing gears and a plurality of clutches associated with the gears. The clutches are engageable in predetermined combinations to place the transmission in various gear ratios. A control system permits the transmission to be shuttle shifted from forward to reverse gear ratios and vice versa, taking into account the vehicle speed and the target gear ratio to be engaged following the shuttle shift. If the shuttle shift request prior to expiration of a preset time following movement of a command device from a directional position, the transmission is placed in a neutral condition. If the vehicle speed is greater than a maximum allowable shuttle shifting speed upon request of the shuttle shift, the transmission is placed in a neutral condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin D. McKee
  • Patent number: 5908461
    Abstract: A control system for an automatic transmission having a running status detector for detecting the running status of a vehicle including an input torque from an engine; a running resistance estimator for estimating a running resistance on the basis of the running status of the vehicle; a running resistance comparator for comparing the estimated running resistance and a preset reference value; and a shift characteristic changing device for changing shift characteristics in accordance with the comparison result of the running resistance comparator. The automatic transmission control system further has a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature relating to the temperature of the engine and a decision device for determining a specific engine running status, in which the output of the engine drops, on the basis of an output signal coming from the temperature sensor. The running resistance comparator changes the reference value in accordance with the determination of the decision device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazumasa Tsukamoto, Yoshikazu Sakaguchi, Muneo Kusafuka, Masao Saito, Masamichi Unoki, Junichi Nishimura
  • Patent number: 5878364
    Abstract: A shift control apparatus for use in an automotive vehicle including an engine, an automatic transmission, and an engine accelerator operable to change the amount of air permitted to enter the engine. The apparatus monitors the speed of operation of the accelerator and repetitively samples the accelerator operation speed to accumulate the last accelerator operation speed values for a short period of time so as to form a first frequency distribution of the accelerator operation speed values and accumulate the last accelerator operation speed values for a long period of time so as to form a second frequency distribution of the accelerator operation speed values. The first frequency distribution corresponds to a driver's present vehicle driving inclination and the second frequency distribution corresponds to a driver's normal vehicle driving inclination. A deviation of the first frequency distribution from the second frequency distribution is detected and used to select one of a plurality of shift schedules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kouichi Kuroda, Hiroshi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 5846161
    Abstract: A control system and method is provided for changing the shiftpoints of a transmission for part throttle shifting. A input section delivers a actual gear signal, a engine speed signal and a torque converter output speed signal A controller receives the input signals and varies the transmission shiftpoints relative to the received signals. The controller also delivers signals to the transmission to upshift, downshift or that no shift is necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Javad Hosseini, Randall M. Mitchell, Douglas A. Carlson, David L. Dickrell
  • Patent number: 5845224
    Abstract: A control system for shifting a vehicle transmission, such as in work vehicles, tractors and the like, includes sensors for detecting the output speed of the vehicle engine, the output speed of the transmission and the vehicle ground speed. Command devices are available to the vehicle operator for generating command signals, such as for commanding the direction of movement of the vehicle, as well as forward and reverse gear ratios. A controller receives signals from the sensors and command devices and controls engagement and disengagement of combinations of fluid clutches in the transmission to obtain desired gear ratios between the transmission input and output shafts. The control system permits independent preselection of forward and reverse gear ratios through separate forward and reverse gear ratio preselection routines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin D. McKee
  • Patent number: 5835875
    Abstract: An automatic transmission having a multiple ratio gearset arranged in series with an overdrive gearset wherein ratio upshifts and downshifts are effected by separate reaction brakes for each gearset, each brake being independently controlled to achieve an enhancement of shift quality using closed loop control of reaction brake pressure and high ratio clutch pressure as a function of turbine speed, output shaft speed, brake drum speed for the multiple ratio gearset and input shaft speed in establishing control of upshifts and downshifts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Johann Kirchhoffer, Thomas Martin, Eric Reichert, Werner Croonen, Thomas Wagner, Wolfgang Wickler
  • Patent number: 5790968
    Abstract: A steady state transmission ratio Base i is computed from a vehicle speed VPS and a throttle opening TVO (S1). An output shaft revolution speed No of the transmission and a current transmission ratio i are detected (S2, S3). A coefficient TTINR is computed from a difference or a ratio or the like between the steady state transmission ratio Base i and the current transmission ratio i (S4). Then, from the current transmission ratio i, the output shaft revolution speed No and the coefficient TTINR, a shift speed SV=TTINR/(IE.times.i.times.No) is computed (S5). Then a shift control is performed in accordance with the shift speed SV so as to approach to the steady state transmission ratio Base i (S6.about.S9). Thus, the shift speed during shifting in a continuously variable transmission is controlled in consideration of inertia torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Unisia Jecs Corporation
    Inventors: Masuo Kashiwabara, Masayuki Hosono, Hiroyuki Yuasa
  • Patent number: 5778329
    Abstract: A method for shifting a powershift transmission of a vehicle in accordance with the load being experienced by the engine as estimated from certain engine operating parameters. A turbocharger associated with an engine operating at a given engine speed generates a turbo boost pressure. The turbo boost pressure is monitored by a sensor and a turbo boost signal is generated therefrom. Similarly, the engine speed is monitored by a sensor and an engine speed signal is generated therefrom. The turbo boost and engine speed signals are used to estimate the engine load based on empirical data stored in the transmission controller's memory, and a percentage load is computed therefrom. The percentage load is then used to generate an appropriate duty cycle and time value for a pulse-width-modulated shift signal which controls the modulation of an on-coming directional clutch into engagement at a desired rate of engagement dependent upon the load being experienced by the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignees: AGCO Corporation, Phoenix International Corporation
    Inventors: Todd M. Officer, Scott A. Clausen, Adrian G. Kallis