Fail-safe Control (e.g., Preventing A Gear Shift) Patents (Class 701/62)
  • Patent number: 7503876
    Abstract: In a departure standby state in which a transmission is shifted to a drive stage and a mechanical clutch is disengaged, if a vehicle speed is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the transmission is shifted to the neutral, and then the mechanical clutch is engaged. Then, it is determined whether the transmission is being rotated in reverse or not based on a rotational fluctuation on the driving side or the driven side in the process for engaging the mechanical clutch. When an accelerator pedal is pressed down at an angle greater than or equal to a predetermined angle, or when a gear shift instruction is input from the shift lever, if the transmission is being rotated in reverse the transmission is inhibited from being shifted to the drive stage, while if the transmission is not being rotated in reverse the transmission is shifted to the drive stage according to the pressed down state of the accelerator pedal, or a gear shift in instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Nissan Diesel Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Kitamura, Isao Okamoto, Osamu Isobe, Akihisa Hayashi, Yuuichi Ichikawa
  • Publication number: 20090062976
    Abstract: A solenoid control system for a vehicle comprises a primary controller, a failover controller, and a failover control module. The primary controller generates a first solenoid drive signal based upon a control signal. The failover controller selectively generates a second solenoid drive signal based upon the control signal. The failover control module receives an operating signal that indicates whether the primary controller is functioning properly and selects the second drive signal to drive a solenoid when the operating signal indicates that the primary controller is not functioning properly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Jack P. Koski, Mark A. Vernacchia
  • Publication number: 20090049943
    Abstract: A process for the prevention of unintentional gear shifting from a non-friction locked position of a transmission is proposed, which is comprised by an electrical or electronic gear shift control and a friction-locked gear shift or selector device, within the scope of which the requested friction-locked position detected by the electrical or electronic gear shift control is outputted and is displayed to the driver by way of a position display during position shifting from a non-friction locked position, at the latest when the friction-locked gear shift or selector device has reached a position or a range within which it can remain in an automatic lockup, whereupon this position is implemented in the transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Franz HORNEFFER, Bernd Zanglein, Stephane Klein
  • Publication number: 20090005943
    Abstract: A vehicle speed control system for a vehicle including a failure detector configured to determine whether or not a failure occurs in the vehicle, a vehicle speed restriction controller configured to control a driving power source to decrease a vehicle speed of the vehicle when the failure detector detects the failure, and a driving state detector configured to detect a driving state of the vehicle. The vehicle speed restriction controller is configured to determine a deceleration pattern according to the driving state detected by the driving state detector at detection of the failure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takeru Oshima, Takuya Sakamoto, Satoru Sakanaka, Tatsuya Hirokami
  • Publication number: 20080255725
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for managing an interior component of a vehicle. A system includes a device for monitoring a passenger, a vehicle speed detector, and a controller in communication the interior component, the passenger monitoring device, and the vehicle speed detector, wherein the controller is configured to disable at least one function of the interior component if the rate of speed is greater than a predetermined threshold speed and enable the disabled function(s) when the passenger attempts to actuate the function(s). One method includes the steps of determining a rate of speed the vehicle is traveling, disabling at least one function of the interior component when the rate of speed is greater than a predetermined threshold speed, and enabling the disabled function(s) when the rate of speed is greater than the threshold speed if a passenger attempts to actuate the function(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Scott P. Geisler, Galen E. Ressler, Richard K. Deering
  • Publication number: 20080221763
    Abstract: A control method is provided including detecting transmission output speed and a forward and reverse shift request, and executing inhibit limits when the detected speed exceeds a predetermined threshold speed. The inhibit limits slow the output speed to zero upon detection of a shift request at output speeds above the threshold, with a pedal progression map executed upon reaching zero output speed. The limits approach zero output torque as vehicle speed increases, reaching zero at a relatively high speed and simulating a neutral transmission upon a detected shift request at high speed. A vehicle is also provided having a transmission, a sensor for detecting transmission output speed, a sensor for detecting a shift request, and a PCM having an algorithm and a threshold transmission output speed. The algorithm inhibits a shift event in the direction opposite that of vehicle travel upon detection when vehicle speed is greater than the threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: William R. Cawthorne, Leonard G. Wozniak
  • Publication number: 20080215218
    Abstract: ECU executes a program including the step (S108) of setting a B2 brake to a engaging state when a first speed gear is effected (YES at S100) and when the difference between an output shaft rotation speed NOUT (1) estimated from an input shaft rotation speed NIN and the detected output shaft rotation speed NOUT (2) is larger than a threshold N (0) (YES at S106). When the B2 brake is in an engaged state, the relative rotation between the inner race and the outer race of one-way clutch is limited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Watanabe, Hiromichi Kimura, Koji Oshima, Masaru Morise, Hirofumi Onishi
  • Patent number: 7421326
    Abstract: A method for detecting a clutch fault of an automatic transmission includes determining a current clutch energy density of a clutch during a range shift and comparing the current clutch energy density to a first energy density threshold. A diagnostic alert is activated if the current clutch energy density exceeds the first energy density threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Todd J. Thor, Brian James Pellerito
  • Patent number: 7412307
    Abstract: A refuse vehicle is disclosed that includes a control system which comprises a plurality of microprocessor based interface modules, a communication network, and at least one output device. The control system is configured to disable the output device based on certain conditions of the refuse vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Oshkosh Truck Corporation
    Inventors: Duane R. Pillar, William M. Woolman
  • Publication number: 20080185251
    Abstract: A method of regulating operation of an automatic transmission includes identifying a tie-up condition of the automatic transmission, adjusting a pressure of a transmission element in response to the tie-up condition and determining whether a first gear ratio of the automatic transmission holds. The pressure is set to zero if the gear ratio does not hold and a faulty transmission element is identified as one associated with a second gear ratio that is lower than said first gear ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventor: Todd J. Thor
  • Publication number: 20080183359
    Abstract: A vehicle with a transmission having a crankshaft and an output shaft. A clutch located between the output shaft and a drive wheel is engaged and disengaged according to a rotational speed of the output shaft. An idle speed control device performs idle speed control to adjust an idle rotational speed of an engine. An electronic control unit (ECU) suppresses or stops the idle speed control when the clutch is engaged, or when an abnormality in the transmission is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yuichiro SAWADA
  • Publication number: 20080182717
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a range changeover device checks whether an actual range agrees with a target range. If the actual range differs from the target range, the control apparatus performs vehicle driving force restriction control irrespective of a presence/absence of abnormality in a range changeover operation. The control apparatus may restrict an engine output power by closing a throttle valve of the engine to around an idle position, thereby restricting the vehicle driving force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masaaki Shinojima, Shigeru Kamio
  • Publication number: 20080176706
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to control operation of an electro-mechanical torque transmission device selectively operative in one of a plurality of fixed gear modes and two continuously variable modes, and operative to transmit torque input from a plurality of torque-generative devices. The transmission device includes a hydraulic circuit and is operative in one of a plurality of operating modes by selective actuation of a plurality of hydraulically-actuated torque-transfer clutches. The method comprises monitoring pressures in the hydraulic circuit, and restricting operation of the transmission when any one of the monitored hydraulic pressures does not correspond to an expected pressure thereat. Presence of a fault is verified during the restricted operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: Peter E. Wu, John M. Williams, Thyag Sadasiwan
  • Patent number: 7402123
    Abstract: In an automatic transmission control system and method, an electronic control unit is programmed to output a command to establish another gear stage different from the gear stage at the time of occurrence of fault-induced disengagement by combination of engagements of the friction elements other than the friction elements to be engaged at the time of occurrence of fault-induced disengagement, and simultaneously output a plurality of commands to establish a plurality of gear stages corresponding to combination of engagements of the friction elements to be engaged and disengaged, respectively, at the gear stage at the time of occurrence of fault-induced disengagement, when the gear stage at the time of occurrence of the fault-induced disengagement is a predetermined gear stage and the friction element undergoing the fault-induced disengagement is not determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Jatco Ltd
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kobayashi, Hajime Tasaka, Hirofumi Michioka
  • Patent number: 7400960
    Abstract: In a conventional abnormality detecting apparatus, it is impossible to judge a breakdown before the breakdown actually takes place. An abnormality detecting apparatus for an automatic speed changer includes a speed change controlling unit for controlling the automatic speed changer; a learn controlling device for optimizing an rpm change at the time of speed change control by the speed change controlling device; and an abnormality detection controlling device for judging whether a learned value of the learn controlling device falls within a range between an upper limit and a lower limit and if the learned value falls out of the range, storing the condition as abnormal. Thus, it is possible to detect the abnormal condition of constituents such as a clutch in the automatic speed changer before the actual breakdown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshiki Sugita
  • Publication number: 20080167155
    Abstract: An automatic transmission includes a planetary gear mechanism, an engagement element group including a particular engagement element having first and second pressure chambers, a pressure control valve to regulate the fluid pressure for the particular engagement element, and a selector valve arranged to connect the second pressure chamber with the pressure control valve at a first valve position, and to disconnect the second pressure chamber from the pressure control valve at a second valve position. A shift control section is configured to command a shift operation from a first gear position, to a second gear position, by controlling the selector valve to the second valve position and to supply the fluid pressure to the first pressure chamber, and to judge the selector valve to be in an abnormal state, in accordance with a parameter in the shift operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventors: Takateru KAWAGUCHI, Shinya Mochiyama, Fumitaka Nagashima, Yoshihide Shinso
  • Patent number: 7390283
    Abstract: A process for controlling an automated motor vehicle drive train which has an engine and a transmission, with the step of at least once detecting at least one wear parameter of the transmission during its running performance, the wear parameter representing the wear or the fatigue of at least one component of the transmission. A load limit parameter, which represents the maximum load on the transmission due to the engine, is set as a function of the detected wear parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: GETRAG Getriebe-und Zahnradfabrik Hermann Hagenmeyer GmbH & Cie KG
    Inventor: Stephan Rinderknecht
  • Publication number: 20080125946
    Abstract: A method for predictive determination of gear ratio changes in an electronically controlled transmission. Environment data (12), driver/vehicle data (11) and information about a first proposed gear (10) are fed to a correcting module (13) which comprises at least one driving situation module (14) and a determining module (15). The determining module (15) evaluates, in a first step (2), whether at least one shifting situation for a procedure exists. If at least one shifting situation exists, evaluating, in a second step (6), whether also the conditions for carrying out the respective procedure for one of the detected shifting situations exist. If a shifting situation has occurred and the conditions for performing a procedure exist, the first proposed gear (10) is adapted in a third step and an adapted second proposed gear (17) is determined, the information of which is forwarded to the transmission (18).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Winfried FAKLER, Thomas Voss, Harald Deiss, Armin Gierling
  • Patent number: 7366638
    Abstract: In a conventional abnormality detecting apparatus, it is impossible to judge a breakdown before the breakdown actually takes place. An abnormality detecting apparatus for an automatic speed changer includes a speed change controlling unit for controlling the automatic speed changer; a learn controlling device for optimizing an rpm change at the time of speed change control by the speed change controlling device; and an abnormality detection controlling device for judging whether a learned value of the learn controlling device falls within a range between an upper limit and a lower limit and if the learned value falls out of the range, storing the condition as abnormal. Thus, it is possible to detect the abnormal condition of constituents such as a clutch in the automatic speed changer before the actual breakdown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshiki Sugita
  • Patent number: 7347118
    Abstract: A process for preventing the engagement of an impermissible speed in an automated gearbox with a gear-switching member, which can be moved along a gear-selection speed range and out of it into speed step ranges containing the following steps: acquiring the speed step range in which the gear-switching member is moved; acquisition of the momentary vehicle speed; checking as to whether the speed, belonging to the particular speed step range related to the momentary vehicle speed, is permissible; acquisition of the triggering of a gear-switching actuator in case of an impermissible speed; and, triggering of a fault reaction upon the activity of the gear-switching actuator toward the setting of the speed that is recognized as impermissible. A device for implementing the method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventor: Andreas Maxon
  • Patent number: 7349784
    Abstract: A control method for automatic transmissions wherein a reverse motion condition in the neutral or drive ranges, caused by burning or the like in the operating devices of the automatic transmission, can be automatically detected to prevent an unwanted reverse motion of a vehicle from occurring, thereby enhancing the safety of the automatic transmission and improving the running stability of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jung-Suk Lee
  • Patent number: 7343236
    Abstract: The present invention provides a universal power control module for automatic transmissions. The power control module includes a processor and at least two sensor inputs that convey engine and vehicle data to the processor. This data may include vehicle speed, engine temperature, throttle position, engine RPM, and other operational parameters. Both the type and number of data input to the processor may be changed to accommodate different engine and transmission combinations. At least two outputs convey commands from the processor to the transmission. Program circuitry defines the gear shift pattern of the transmission according to the engine and vehicle sensor data. This program circuitry can be programmed to define an optimal gear shift pattern for any combination of engine and transmission, independent of make and model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Autocraft Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Barry Wilson
  • Publication number: 20080058157
    Abstract: A control apparatus for an automatic transmission including a plurality of frictional elements each arranged to be engaged by receiving supply of an engagement pressure regulated by a solenoid, and being arranged to attain a plurality of gear stages by combination of engagements of the frictional elements, the control apparatus includes a failure occurrence sensing section configured to sense an occurrence of a failure-induced disengagement in one of the frictional elements based on a failure of one of the solenoids, based on an engine racing by a depression of an accelerator pedal in a state in which ranges other than a parking range and a neutral range are selected during a stop of a vehicle; and a command output section configured to output a limp home mode command to attain one of the gear stages to enable the vehicle to start.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Hajime TASAKA, Hirofumi Michioka, Fumitaka Nagashima, Yutaka Tohyama, Jun Kagawa
  • Patent number: 7269492
    Abstract: To offer a control system that is not only equipped with a high fail-safe function but also capable of avoiding erroneous failure detection. The CPU 110 outputs a drive signal DC for driving the load L according to the input signals from sensors S1 and S2 by means of the load drive element 120. The monitor IC 150 detects abnormal condition of equipment and outputs the first reset signal RES 1 for resetting the CPU 110 and also outputs the second reset signal RES2 when the first reset signal RES1 has been outputted for a specified number of times. The compulsory turn-off circuit 160 stops the output to the load L according to the second reset signal RES2 outputted from the monitor IC 150.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Itaru Tanabe
  • Patent number: 7139652
    Abstract: A range selector issues a range selection command signal representative of an operation range of a shift-by-wire type automatic transmission meeting with a driver's intention. The operating range is at least one of P(parking)-range, R(reverse)-range, N(neutral)-range and D(drive)-range. An actuator causes the transmission to assume a certain operation range when receiving an instruction signal. A control unit issues the instruction signal by processing the range selection command signal, so that the transmission is able to assume an operation range that meets with the driver's intention. The control unit is configured to carry out, when the range selector fails to issue the range selection command signal, presuming a range selection intended by the driver based on a previous operation of the range selector; and based on the presumption, causing through the actuator the transmission to actually carry out at least one of first and second range selection operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahiko Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 7079932
    Abstract: A method for detecting tie-up in an automatic transmission is provided. The rate of change of the output shaft acceleration is calculated by twice differentiating with respect to time the transmission output shaft speed. The calculated rate is then compared to a predetermined value, and each time the acceleration rate drops below the predetermined value, a controller stores the event in memory. If the acceleration rate drops below the predetermined value too frequently, a flag is set and indication of the transmission tie-up is prevented. When a predetermined amount of time passes, during which the acceleration rate does not drop below the predetermined value, the flag is cleared and indication of a tie-up is allowed. When the acceleration rate drops below the predetermined value, and the transmission is in a shift cycle and tie-up prevention flags are cleared, a transmission tie-up is indicated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Keyse, Stephen Cicala, Ihab Soliman
  • Patent number: 7058496
    Abstract: An electronic control system includes two speed sensors connected to a microcontroller that is configured to read the sensors and perform the process of determining the gear ratio of a vehicle gearbox. The process includes calculating (several times) which of at least two gear ratios the gearbox is engaged in, then adding up the number of times each of the gear ratios was calculated, and then selecting the gear ratio that was calculated the most times as the true gear ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Yun Ren Ho, John G. Brome, Aziz Talbi
  • Patent number: 7058497
    Abstract: When a shift routine is not being executed in an automatic transmission and a difference between an actual turbine speed and a calculated synchronous speed is equal to, or greater than, a preset value ?, a difference ?NT between an estimated turbine speed and the actual speed when the automatic transmission is in a neutral state is calculated. When ?NT is equal to, or less than, a preset value ?, it is determined that a failure related to the neutral state of the automatic transmission has occurred. Also, when ?NT is greater than a preset value ?, it is determined that a failure related to slipping of a frictional engaging element has occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koji Nagata, Yuuji Kashihara, Yoji Takanami, Kazutoshi Nozaki, Akio Murasugi
  • Patent number: 7001308
    Abstract: A shift device for an automatic transmission of a vehicle, particularly of a motor vehicle, is proposed in which the request to change the current ratio of the automatic transmission upon reaching preset operating states of the vehicle can be automatically generated or by manual input in a manual shifting mode. A pulse counter is here provided by way of successive pulses and manual input can be functionally interlinked wherein a shift signal can be generated depending on the linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Markus Henneken, Friedemann Jauch, Franz-Josef Schuler, Thomas Mauz, Michael Kiefer
  • Patent number: 6996465
    Abstract: A shifting system is provided which comprises a transmission, a driver interface, and an inhibitor switch actuating module. The transmission is configured to receive a rotational force and to realize a predetermined shifting ratio, and it has an inhibitor switch. The driver interface module generates a target shift range signal corresponding to a shift range that is selected by a driver. The inhibitor switch actuating module is connected through a real-time communication bus to the driver interface module, and it actuates the inhibitor switch based on a current inhibitor switch position and the target shift range signal input from the driver interface module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Seung Hoon Kim
  • Patent number: 6979279
    Abstract: A controller-assisted, manually shifted transmission system having a control system and method for controlling automatic range shifts are disclosed. Automatic range shifts are determined by control logic utilizing predetermined logic rules to evaluate transmission system criteria. The control logic determines a set of potential target gear ratios. Engine overspeed tests evaluate the set of potential target gear ratios in combination with the transmission system criteria. The appropriate range shift is determined and executed based on the selected target gear ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas A. Hughes, Karen L. Marx
  • Patent number: 6966862
    Abstract: In a case of an electric failure caused to a traveling vehicle and when any of forward gears is held at a step S5, a comparison is made between: 1) a supposedly-engaged friction element of friction elements which is supposed to be engaged at the any of the forward gears and 2) an actually-engaged friction element of the friction elements which is sensed to be actually engaged, the sensing being based on a switch signal from a first hydraulic pressure switch 11, a second hydraulic pressure switch 12, a third hydraulic pressure switch 13, a fourth hydraulic pressure switch 14 and a fifth hydraulic pressure switch 15. When the supposedly-engaged friction element is not in accordance with the actually-engaged friction element, an electric system is determined to be in failure. In the case of the electric failure, a routine moves to a step S6 and subsequent steps for sticking the gear of an automatic transmission to a given gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Jatco LTD
    Inventor: Yukiyoshi Inuta
  • Patent number: 6948395
    Abstract: A device to allow for emergency operation of an automatic-transmission motor vehicle, having a monitoring device to monitor pre-determined operating parameters, a diagnostic device to detect faults, a control device to activate an alternative function, and an output device by means of which the fault may be presented to the driver. The control device provides the driver an emergency operation capability while providing an alternative function depending on the degree of the fault.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Georg Gierer, Christian Popp, Klaus Steinhauser, Peter Schiele
  • Patent number: 6950736
    Abstract: In the case of malfunctioning of an inhibitor switch of an automatic transmission, a current vehicle speed is compared with a maximum vehicle speed of a reverse speed when the current vehicle speed is other than 0. The transmission is then controlled to a target shift-speed determined on the basis of vehicle driving state parameters, when the current vehicle speed is higher than the maximum vehicle speed of the reverse speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Hydundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Young Shin Cho
  • Patent number: 6926640
    Abstract: A transmission control system, includes: 1) a high speed side friction element for establishing a high speed side change gear; and 2) a low speed side friction element for establishing a low speed side change gear. After a disengagement of the high speed side friction element, the low speed side friction element makes an engagement for carrying out a downshift from the high speed side change gear to the low speed side change gear. When the downshift is carried out with an accelerator turned off, a stepping on the accelerator sensed in a period between the following times: i) a time for commanding a start of a transmission, and ii) a time for the low speed side friction element to start a conveyance of a torque, prevents a changeover to the low speed side change gear, thus keeping the high speed side change gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: JATCO LTD
    Inventors: Ikuhiro Iwamoto, Masahiro Hamano, Katsutoshi Usuki, Yoichi Furuichi, Nobuhiro Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 6826467
    Abstract: In a conventional abnormality detecting apparatus, it is impossible to judge a breakdown before the breakdown actually takes place. An abnormality detecting apparatus for an automatic speed changer includes a speed change controlling unit for controlling the automatic speed changer; a learn controlling device for optimizing an rpm change at the time of speed change control by the speed change controlling device; and an abnormality detection controlling device for judging whether a learned value of the learn controlling device falls within a range between an upper limit and a lower limit and if the learned value falls out of the range, storing the condition as abnormal. Thus, it is possible to detect the abnormal condition of constituents such as a clutch in the automatic speed changer before the actual breakdown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshiki Sugita
  • Patent number: 6819987
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for early recognition of abnormal occurrences in the operation of automatic or automated gearboxes wherein at least one variable Akraftschl directly or indirectly characterizing the strain on elements which are to be coupled to each other in a non-positive fit is continuously determined after an n-th shift at least until a synchronous rev speed is reached or during a maximum shift period Tmax; wherein the variable Akraftschlüssig characterizing the strain on the elements that are to be coupled is mathematically combined with the time, or if several variables Akraftschlüssig Exist, said variables are mathematically combined with each other and the product of said combination is added up in the form of a variable Wsum; wherein the product thereof is compared with a first pre-definable or defined threshold value Wmax0 Which, if exceeded, defines a state from which damage can be deduced and the shift action is aborted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Voith Turbo GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Herbert Depping, Bernd Dietzel, Thomas Schönharr
  • Patent number: 6799110
    Abstract: Evacuation operation performance is improved when any abnormality occurs in an electronic throttle control system. When any serious abnormality occurs, a first abnormality storage element (133) operates, a load relay for a power supply circuit (104a) of a throttle valve open/close controlling motor (103) is de-energized to operate a first alarm and display (109a). Thus a first device carries out the evacuation operation by a fuel cut control. When any slight abnormality occurs, a second abnormality storing element (136) comes to actuate thereby a second alarm and display (109b) being operated. Thus a second device carries out the evacuation operation using together a throttle valve opening control by the motor 103 and the fuel cut control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kohji Hashimoto, Katsuya Nakamoto
  • Publication number: 20040162661
    Abstract: A range selector issues a range selection command signal representative of an operation range of a shift-by-wire type automatic transmission meeting with a driver's intention. The operating range is at least one of P(parking)-range, R(reverse)-range, N(neutral)-range and D(drive)-range. An actuator causes the transmission to assume a certain operation range when receiving an instruction signal. A control unit issues the instruction signal by processing the range selection command signal, so that the transmission is able to assume an operation range that meets with the driver's intention. The control unit is configured to carry out, when the range selector fails to issue the range selection command signal, presuming a range selection intended by the driver based on a previous operation of the range selector; and based on the presumption, causing through the actuator the transmission to actually carry out at least one of first and second range selection operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD
    Inventor: Masahiko Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 6748309
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement and a method for determining the transmission ratio of a continuously variable transmission having a drive end and an output end. A signal, which represents the transmission ratio, is computed in dependence upon a primary rpm of the drive end and a secondary rpm of the output end which are transmitted to the arrangement. A fault signal is generated which is dependent upon the instantaneous primary rpm and/or the instantaneous secondary rpm and indicates whether a value for the transmission ratio is to be outputted as the signal representing the transmission ratio. This value is computed from the detected instantaneous values for the primary rpm and the secondary rpm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Joachim Luh
  • Patent number: 6735509
    Abstract: Apparatus for controlling a vehicle drive system including an automatic transmission, including a feedback controller operable upon a shift-down action of the transmission effected by concurrent releasing and engaging actions of first and second frictional coupling devices during an operation of a manually operable vehicle accelerating member to drive the vehicle with the drive power soruce, for controlling an engaging force of the first frictional coupling device, and a learning compensator operable upon detection of an abnormality of the shift-down action, for learning compensation of an initial value of the engaging force at which a feedback control of the engaging force is initiated, or an output reducing device for reducing an output of a drive power source when input speed of the transmission has been increased to a value close to a synchronization value, and/or upon racing of the drive power source during the shift-down action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Watanabe, Naoyuki Sakamoto, Atsushi Ayabe, Toshimitsu Sato, Hiromichi Kimura, Hideaki Ogasawara, Mitsuhiro Nakamura, Noboru Shibata
  • Publication number: 20040073350
    Abstract: When a shift routine is not being executed in an automatic transmission and a difference between an actual turbine speed and a calculated synchronous speed is equal to, or greater than, a preset value &agr;, a difference &Dgr;NT between an estimated turbine speed and the actual speed when the automatic transmission is in a neutral state is calculated. When &Dgr;NT is equal to, or less than, a preset value &bgr;, it is determined that a failure related to the neutral state of the automatic transmission has occurred. Also, when &Dgr;NT is greater than a preset value &bgr;, it is determined that a failure related to slipping of a frictional engaging element has occurred.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Koji Nagata, Yuuji Kashihara, Yoji Takanami, Kazutoshi Nozaki, Akio Murasugi
  • Patent number: 6698302
    Abstract: A method of keeping track of the current operating position of an actuator in an automated gear-shift transmission has the following steps: monitoring the level of energy supplied by an energy source to the actuator; comparing the energy level to a minimum energy level required by the actuator; and if the energy level is lower than the required minimum, saving the current actuator position in memory for retrieval at a later time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Luk Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Thomas Jäger, Holger Stork, Martin Eckert
  • Patent number: 6699155
    Abstract: A vehicle transmission controller controls switching of the gear position of a transmission. The controller has a shift lever and an actuator. The shift lever is manipulated to select a gear position of the transmission. The actuator actuates the transmission to switch the gear position in accordance with a manipulation of the manipulator. The actuator switches the transmission to the gear position selected by the manipulator. The actuator switches the transmission to a predetermined gear position from the gear position selected by the manipulator when the vehicle satisfies predetermined conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventor: Chikao Nagasaka
  • Publication number: 20040010361
    Abstract: A device to allow for emergency operation of an automatic-transmission motor vehicle, having a monitoring device to monitor pre-determined operating parameters, a diagnostic device to detect faults, a control device to activate an alternative function, and an output device by means of which the fault may be presented to the driver. The control device provides the driver an emergency operation capability while providing an alternative function depending on the degree of the fault.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Georg Gierer, Christian Popp, Klaus Steinhauser, Peter Schiele
  • Patent number: 6675079
    Abstract: A fault diagnosis method is provided in which it is possible to determine whether the input shaft speed sensor of the automatic transmission is faulty by using the signals of the output shaft speed sensor, the brake switch, the engine speed sensor and so on, without making use of the signal of the vehicle speed sensor. Moreover, even if there are faults in the output shaft speed sensor or if the shift lever is positioned in the parking P range or the neutral N range, or if the engine speed is lower than the stall speed, the fault diagnosis method for the input shaft speed sensor can be performed, and additionally, a possibility of a misjudgment caused by a bad N-D hydraulic pressure response at an extremely low temperature can be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Hyuk-Bin Kwon
  • Patent number: 6671602
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manually stipulating the transmission ratio of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for a motor vehicle. The CVT comprises a control device, a shifting or selecting device, a starting element and a variator for adjusting the transmission ratio which is driven, in particular, by an internal combustion engine. The control device processes input signals derived from a driver-vehicle system within the framework of an operational strategy for stipulating the transmission ratio, the rotational speed of the drive motor or a variator input rotational speed. In a first automatic operation mode, the operational strategy automatically selects the transmission multiplication. In a second manual operational mode, the driver can directly intervene, via the shifting or selecting device, in the selection of the transmission multiplication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: ZF Batavia L.L.C.
    Inventors: Patrick Speicher, Ralf Vorndran, Anton Welte
  • Patent number: 6634991
    Abstract: A hydraulic control unit including a hydraulic servo for engaging and disengaging each friction engagement element, hydraulic pressure supply device for supplying hydraulic pressure to a hydraulic servo of a predetermined friction engagement element selected according to a gearshift position to be achieved, failure detection device for detecting a failure has occurred in the hydraulic pressure supply device, and fail-safe device for preventing interlock that occurs due to a plurality of friction engagement elements being engaged, and also prevents a gearshift from a high-speed position to a low-speed position, when the failure detection device detects that a failure has occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignees: Aisin AW Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahiro Itou, Naoyuki Fukaya, Mikio Iwase, Kazuhisa Ozaki, Hiromichi Kimura, Yoshihiro Iijima, Kazuyuki Watanabe, Shigeki Hiramatsu, Koichi Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20030187562
    Abstract: In corrective control system and method for a liquid pressure control apparatus for a control valve unit, fundamental maps are preset on the basis of a hysterisis characteristic, the hysterisis characteristic being exhibited in such a manner that an output liquid pressure actually measured value which takes along a first hysterisis loop when the current value is increased toward a larger value is different from that which takes along a second hysterisis loop when the current value is, in turn, decreased toward a smaller value from the larger value and each fundamental map is a map representing a relationship between the output liquid pressure actually measured value and a current average value, the current average value being an average between the current value in the first hysterisis loop and that in the second hysterisis loop with respect to each of the same output pressure actually measured values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Applicant: JATCO Ltd
    Inventors: Shigeru Ishii, Masashi Sugiuchi, Tatsuaki Eguchi, Hisao Nobu
  • Patent number: 6625534
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a power train that includes an engine and a motor generator that generates power to a wheel. Furthermore, a clutch is disposed in a power transmission path from the engine to the wheel includes a driving power controller for controlling power generated from the motor generator to the wheel when the clutch fails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Suzuki, Toshifumi Takaoka, Naoto Suzuki, Makoto Yamazaki