Control Mechanism Patents (Class 74/335)
  • Patent number: 6990872
    Abstract: An automatic gear transmission apparatus, capable of cooperating with a conventional manual transmission gearbox to provide an automatic gear transmission function. The automatic gear transmission apparatus comprises: a motor, a clutch mechanism, a gear selection mechanism, a gear transmission mechanism, and a sleeve rod. By operation of the clutch mechanism, output power from a single motor can be optionally transmitted out through the gear selection mechanism or the gear transmission mechanism. The power output by the gear selection mechanism can linearly activate the sleeve rod to proceed a gear selection action, while the power output by the gear transmission mechanism can rotationally activate the sleeve rod to proceed a gear transmission action. Therefore, using only a single motor can drive the sleeve rod linearly or rotationally to proceed two actions of gear selection and gear transmission, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventor: Li-Yu Chen
  • Patent number: 6990871
    Abstract: A selector transmission for a motor vehicle in which two transmission shift positions G1, G2; G3, G4; G5, G6 situated in a shifting gate 55 of an H or multi-H shifting gate 51 within a transmission 1 can be respectively shifted via two different shifting sets 29, 30, 31, 32. The transmission 1 has one transmission input shaft 5, two countershafts 15, 16, one reverse gear shaft 22 and one transmission output shaft 28 available. The fixed and idler gears of each ratio step are positioned on the transmission shafts so that, departing from a single starting and separating clutch 4 of the transmission, the transmission gears are disposed in a sequence G2 and RG, G4 and G6, G3, G1, G5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Michael Ebenhoch
  • Patent number: 6983668
    Abstract: A solenoid assembly for implementation with an electronic transmission range selection (ETRS) system that shifts a transmission range between a park position and an out-of-park position. The solenoid assembly includes an extension arm biased against a member of the ETRS system. The extension arm is movable to an extended position to maintain the member in the out-of-park position. A solenoid is interconnected with the extension arm. The solenoid is operable to selectively move the extension arm between the extended position and a retracted position to selectively retain the member in the out-of-park position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen W. Powell, Mark A. Vernacchia
  • Patent number: 6984191
    Abstract: A sensor generates a continuous signal in response to operation of a shift lever, and a range is determined for each of the various control operations by comparing the output value of the signal with a range determination pattern set arbitrarily for each of the control operations. Accordingly, each of the control operations can be performed appropriately by using optimal range information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., LTD
    Inventors: Masayuki Kuwata, Masayuki Tsugawa, Mitsunori Nakane, Kaoru Ootsuki, Masao Saitou, Kenji Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6981931
    Abstract: An automated vehicle transmission having a wet clutch and an auxiliary motor that is operatively connected to the transmission to overcome residual torque forces in the wet clutch. Residual torque forces in the wet clutch may prevent disengagement of a gear train and also prevent the transmission from shifting into neutral. A control system determines whether residual torque is resisting the disengagement of the gear train for more than a predetermined time period. According to the method, if a shift is delayed for more than the predetermined time period, the auxiliary motor is actuated to apply an oppositely oriented torque to the transmission gear train to overcome the residual torque and allow the transmission to shift into neutral.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Wade A. Smith, Thomas A. Genise
  • Patent number: 6981429
    Abstract: An actuating device for a transmission of a motor vehicle has a housing and two pistons moveably arranged in the housing. A coupling part is arranged between the two pistons and is acted on by the two pistons so as to be moved by the two pistons. The coupling part is connected to a shifting part of the transmission and is made, at least on a surface of the coupling part, of wear-resistant material. The two pistons are loosely seated on the coupling part so that these parts can align themselves properly relative to one another after mounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Hydraulik-Ring GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Maisch, Hartmut Weber, Alfred Trzmiel
  • Patent number: 6978691
    Abstract: A shift control apparatus for an automated twin clutch transmission includes a shifting movement detecting device operable to detect start of shifting movement of a shift instructing device and output a shift starting instruction, and a shift controller configured to perform, in response to the shift starting instruction, a pre-shift control by releasing one of the first and second engine clutches from a power transmission route of a pre-shift gear ratio and engaging one of the shift clutches corresponding to a post-shift gear ratio, and perform, in response to a shift instruction form a shift instruction outputting device, a gearshift by releasing the other of the first and second engine clutches from the power transmission route of the pre-shift gear ratio and engaging the above-mentioned one of the first and second engine clutches. A shift control method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takeji Katakura
  • Patent number: 6973854
    Abstract: An auxiliary gear box for a transmission is provided including a piston housing having a first and second bore. First and second pistons are respectively arranged within the first and second bores and separate each of the first and second bores into two chambers. First and second shift shafts respectively extends from the first and second pistons and are each connected to shift forks. The exposed surface area of the piston in the chamber having the shift shaft is less than the exposed surface area of the piston on the chamber opposite the shift shaft. As a result, if both chambers of a bore are pressurized, the piston will move in the direction of the chamber having the shift shaft since a greater force will be generated on the piston in the chamber without the shift shaft. A three actuator arrangement is used to selectively actuate the pistons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: ZF Meritor, LLC.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Balamucki, Landon Ball
  • Patent number: 6971275
    Abstract: An input shaft with plural drive gears and an output shaft with plural driven gears engaging the drive gears forms transmission gear trains. An input clutch transmitting power to the input shaft is between an engine and the input shaft, and a bypass clutch transmitting the power to the output shaft is between the input and output shafts. A changing mechanism changes any of the transmission gear trains in a power transmission state, a steering angle detecting means detects a steering angle of a wheel, and an input clutch control means engagement controls the input clutch. The input clutch control means inhibits a shifting operation in a state of disengaging the input clutch, by inhibiting output of a disengagement signal to the input clutch, in the case that the steering angle is more than an allowable value, and a shifting in a state of engaging no bypass clutch is judged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tomoaki Nitta
  • Patent number: 6955102
    Abstract: A transmission for working machines having a drive transmission mechanism and a working transmission mechanism which are operated by swinging a shift lever is provided. The transmission has a drive shift member for connecting the shift lever to the drive transmission mechanism and a working shift member for connecting the shift lever to the working transmission mechanism. The shift lever has a first protrusion constantly engaging the drive shift member and a second protrusion arranged to engage with or disengage from the working shift member. When the first protrusion engages the drive shift member with the second protrusion not engaged with the working shift member, only the drive transmission mechanism operates. When the first protrusion engages the drive shift member with the second protrusion also engaging the working shift member, both the drive transmission mechanism and the working transmission mechanism operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fumiyoshi Kanbara, Yoshitaka Ohta
  • Patent number: 6955101
    Abstract: Axially-movable first and second shift rails (70, 72) control engagement of one of a pair of gears (37, 32, 33, 34) coupled thereto. A first shift finger (102) rotates with a drive shaft (110) and is also pivotable thereto. A second shift finger (104) is mounted on the drive shaft so as to be selectively rotatable therewith, and is formed as a bell crank lever (154) having a first limb, which non-removably engages the second shift rail, and a second limb. The first shift finger is pivoted by a solenoid actuator (134) between a disengaged position, in which the first shift finger is clear of the first shift rail and the second limb of the bell crank lever, and an engaged position in which the first shift finger engages the first shift rail or the second limb depending upon the angular orientation, or rotational position, of the first shift finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: David Anthony Harries, Bernhard Boll, Julian Alistair Buckler
  • Patent number: 6951149
    Abstract: An output shaft locking device for a multi-clutch transmission in which a plurality of rotational mechanisms, each of which is formed by arranging a clutch and a shifting mechanism is series, is provided in parallel between a rotational power input shaft and a rotational power output shaft, and an output shaft locking method. The output shaft locking device includes a locking control device which locks the rotational power output shaft by engaging a shifting gear in each of the shifting mechanisms of at least two of the rotational mechanisms, and engaging each of the clutches of the rotational mechanisms. Thus, it is possible to lock the output shaft so as to fix wheels by engaging the shifting gear without providing a lock mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Yamamoto, Koji Naito, Takaya Amano
  • Patent number: 6948396
    Abstract: A power transmission employs a plurality of torque-to-thrust apparatus to control the engagement and disengagement of the transmission ratios. Each of the torque-to-thrust apparatus is operatively connectible with a pair of electric motors, which are individually operable to control the operation of the torque-to-thrust apparatus. During transmission operation, one of the electric motors is operable to disengage a friction device within the transmission while the other electric motor is operable to engage a different friction device within the transmission, thus permitting controlled ratio upshifts and downshifts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Paul D. Stevenson
  • 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: 6945132
    Abstract: A column-type shift lever structure for an automatic transmission with a manual shifting mode, which permits a diver to manually shift a gear at his convenience, thus providing more dynamic driving feel and improving performance and convenience of the vehicle. An upper plate is rotated by a shift lever, a lower plate has locking jaws that perform catching and releasing actions when the shift lever is pivoted, and a cable actuating lever is pivoted by a ball joint to actuate a transmission control cable. The shift lever can be rotated to a predetermined manual shifting mode set up by the lower plate. A select switch is provided for transmitting a signal causing the transmission to be converted from a driving mode to a manual shifting mode or vice versa to a TCU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Yoong Kwang Kim
  • Patent number: 6938509
    Abstract: A three transmission position shift control includes a forward position, a neutral position and a reverse position, and a switch or button operable for engaging a park brake or park lock when in the neutral position. The control can include a shift lever shiftable or between the forward, neutral and reverse positions. The park switch or button which can be a momentary switch on the lever or a hand grip of the lever is operable for controlling a solenoid that activates the park brake or park lock. Park is deactivated or released by shifting into forward or reverse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Garth H. Bulgrien
  • Patent number: 6935204
    Abstract: A shift control method for an automated manual transmission is provided. The method includes the step of modulating the force applied to a shift collar, via a shift rod and/or shift fork for example, during the engagement of the shift collar and a selected gear. The method modulates the initial engagement force applied to the shift collar when the rotational speed differential between the collar and gear is being adjusted, before increasing the force again following modulation. This modulation of the force decelerates the shift collar during the rotational speed adjustment and does not accelerate the shift collar to complete the engagement until after the modulation. In this way, a less abrupt engagement of the gear may be achieved. The control method may improve the driving characteristics of the vehicle employing the transmission and may also improve the power transmission efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Stuart J. Walker, David B. Mason, Jr., David L. Dickrell
  • Patent number: 6935203
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for determining the gear selection utilizing a selection lever in an automatic transmission having at least two units (10, 12) for detecting the selection lever position (14, 16, 18, 20, 22). Each unit (10, 12) generates a signal corresponding to the detected selection lever position (14, 16, 18, 20, 22). The system also has a device for evaluating the signals. Based on the signals, the gear selection can be determined while considering plausibility rules. The invention relates further to a method for determining the gear selection utilizing a selection lever in an automatic transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhard von Haeften, Klaus Ries-Mueller, Joachim Luh
  • Patent number: 6931961
    Abstract: A gate change unit for generating gate-changing signals for an automatic gearbox comprises a cover, a gate which is located in the cover and which permits displacement movements and/or pivoting movements in a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction in the plane of the gate change unit, a gear change lever which is guided in the gate and can be displaced and/or pivoted in the longitudinal direction and/or the transverse direction, a housing or carrier part which is connected to the cover, and electrical switch elements, the electrical switch elements generating electrical gear change signals in accordance with the displacement of the gear change lever, which signals are used to control the automatic gearbox. The electrical switch elements are arranged directly on a conductive element, in the form of a printed circuit board or a conductive foil, which is connected to the housing or to the carrier part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Cherry GmbH
    Inventors: Guenter Bauer, Thomas Schober
  • Patent number: 6931957
    Abstract: A sensor and a control circuit are provided externally of a gear cover. This enhances reliability of a shift controller operated by an electric actuator and a motor driven control module similar thereto, and constitute them compact. Further, this provides a rotating position detection sensor suitably used for a switching device as described. A circuit and a sensor are not contaminated with oil or metal powder of a gear mechanism portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masashi Saito, Youichi Nakano, Hayato Sugawara, Hiroaki Saeki
  • Patent number: 6928896
    Abstract: The invention relates to an actuating device for an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle. To allow the motor vehicle to be operated safely and managed conveniently, the invention makes provision for the actuating device to have not only a first device, by which a parking interlock can be engaged and released in normal operation of the actuating device, but also a second device, by which the parking interlock can be engaged in the event of a malfunction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Martin Burgbacher, Jens Dorfschmid, Hans-Peter Fiederlein, Harald Nauerz, Joern-Marten Ohle
  • Patent number: 6918314
    Abstract: An actuator for a vehicle transmission having both a shift-by-wire mode and a manual override mode includes a motor and a gear assembly driven by the motor when the vehicle transmission is in a shift-by-wire mode. An output member of the gear assembly is configured to mate with the vehicle transmission. A release member is operable to drive the gear assembly when the vehicle transmission is in a manual override mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Yong Q. Wang
  • Patent number: 6918315
    Abstract: Increasing complexity brings with it the desire to combine the various display schemes necessary for the different automatic transmission variants in one display unit or one display module. To this end, provision is made to integrate the electronics for the display unit in the combined display scheme, wherein the electronics automatically detect which transmission is installed, preferably by a system cable harness of the motor vehicle, and hence which of the display schemes is needed in order to operate the appropriate light or display in accordance with the shift position. The unneeded display scheme or schemes remain in the deactivated state, and hence are not visible to the driver of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Preh-Werke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Noeth, Volker Gessner, Ralf Weiss
  • Patent number: 6904822
    Abstract: A signal transmitter for setting the operating states of an automatic gear shifting mechanism having a selector, deflectable in at least three direction, and automatically returnable into a normal position X, by which a shift position R for engaging a reverse gear, a shift position N for the interruption of torque transmission in the gear change mechanism, a shift position D for engaging a forward gear are made. Additionally, the selector can be deflected in a direction for shift position N, N1, N2 for the interruption of torque transmission in the gear change mechanism starting from the normal position X, then another direction different from the first direction and its opposite direction for selecting other shift positions R or D starting from the shift positions N, N1, N2, and again deflected in the first direction after deflecting to other direction for selecting the other shift positions R or D.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: ZF Lemförder Mētallwaren AG
    Inventors: Jörg Meyer, Andreas Giefer
  • Patent number: 6898992
    Abstract: A method of controlling the engagement force of the synchronizers of a dual clutch transmission having a plurality of synchronizers to selectively engage and disengage various gear sets, and a plurality of shift actuators adapted to move the synchronizers. The method includes the steps of initiating a control routine to pressurize a shift actuator to move a synchronizer to a predetermined engagement position and determining the necessary level of force required to move the desired shift actuator to the predetermined engagement position such that the engagement movement is effected without excessive force. The method also includes the steps of determining the hydraulic pressure that corresponds to the determined level of force and varying the amount of available hydraulic line pressure delivered to the shift actuator such that the delivered pressure is the amount that corresponds to the determined level of force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: BorgWarner, Inc.
    Inventors: Melissa Koenig, Darren Firth, Mark Buchanan
  • Patent number: 6896636
    Abstract: The oil supply device for a change-under-load transmission having a high-pressure circuit and a low-pressure circuit is designed in such a manner that the high-pressure feed line to the consumer devices of the transmission system incorporates an inlet aperture of small size, the low-pressure feed line is connected between the inlet aperture and the consumer device, and the low-pressure feed line can be cut off from the high-pressure feed line by a one-way valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Winfried Fideler
  • Patent number: 6895832
    Abstract: A power transmission system is provided which can prevent a feeling of inertia travel due to torque transmission interruption occurring when a dog clutch is engaged to shift the speed position, without increasing the axial length of a transmission. An input shaft is connected to a prime mover via a main clutch. Gear pairs are formed by input and output gears arranged on the input shaft and output shafts, respectively. A dog clutch connects one of the gear pairs to the input or output shaft. An auxiliary shaft is connected to the prime mover. Transmission paths are formed on the auxiliary shaft for transmitting the driving force of the prime mover to the output shaft at different gear ratios. In shifting the speed position, an assist clutch supplies the driving force to the output shaft via the auxiliary shaft and a selected transmission path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Sunao Ishihara, Kenji Matsuda, Toshiharu Kumagai, Isamu Sunaga
  • Patent number: 6896641
    Abstract: Effects caused by unevenness among drive power sources and transmission torque changing apparatus and aging effects in a vehicle transmission are controlled without using sensors. A power train control unit releases engine torque through an assist clutch to release at least a part of gear train transmission torque to shift a meshing clutch toward a release position. During the gear release, a load is applied in a direction in which the meshing clutch is shifted toward the release position, before the transmission torque of the gear train is completely released, and the meshing clutch is shifted to the release position when at least a part of the transmission torque of the gear trains is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuo Matsumura, Naoyuki Ozaki, Kinya Fujimoto, Tomoaki Nitta
  • Patent number: 6892601
    Abstract: A gear change device including a shift lever support mechanism arranged in a casing to support a shift lever so as to slide in the axial direction of the casing and to rotate, a select actuator for operating the shift lever support mechanism to slide the shift lever in the axial direction which is the direction of selection, and a shift actuator for rotating the shift lever support mechanism to rotate the shift lever in the direction of shift. The shift actuator has an operation lever, with a base portion mounted on the shift lever support mechanism, and a pair of electromagnetic solenoids arranged facing each other, with the acting portion of the operation lever interposed therebetween. The solenoids are inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. A resilient urging member produces an urging force in the direction of operation of the electromagnetic solenoid which operates upward along the inclination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Isuzu Motors Limited
    Inventor: Michinobu Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6892598
    Abstract: A gear change mechanism is provided which is intended for a gearbox in which changes of the gear ratio in the gearbox are made mechanically in response to actuating signals. The mechanical movements required are as for a conventional gearbox having a H type pattern. A gearbox selector (20) is mounted for movement about an axis and in the direction of the axis. The selector is operable by two actuators (16 and 18), one (16) to move the selector about its axis and the other (18) to move it in the axial direction. Each actuator can be similar having a cylinder and a shaft and annular pistons located about the shaft. For the rotational movement of the selector three positions are required, a neutral, a gear engaged position in one direction and a gear engaged position in the other direction. For movements in the direction of the axis two, three or four positions are required depending upon whether it is a two, three or four rail gearbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Prodrive 2000 Limited
    Inventors: Shaun E. Mepham, Simon P. Bull, Roland J. Broadbent
  • Patent number: 6889569
    Abstract: A change speed apparatus for a working vehicle includes a first shaft for receiving driving torque from an engine, a second shaft for transmitting the driving torque to a rear wheel differential, a change speed mechanism for changing speed of the driving torque received from the first shaft and transmits the driving torque to the second shaft, and a shift lever for selectively switching the change speed mechanism. The change speed mechanism has a high forward speed stage, a low forward speed stage, a backward drive stage, and a neutral stage. The shift lever is movable along a transverse control path for the neutral stage, a first longitudinal control path for the high forward speed stage, a second longitudinal control path for the low forward speed stage, and a third longitudinal control path for the backward drive stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Isamu Morimoto, Hidetaka Yoshioka, Megumi Sawai, Kenichi Sato, Kiyoshi Hanamoto, Yasunobu Yamaue, Shinji Osawa, Makoto Saegusa, Shinji Yamamoto, Daisuke Kobayashi, Tatsuyuki Kashimoto
  • Patent number: 6883395
    Abstract: A transmission shift system for idler wheels comprising at least one actuating device that actuates a respective sliding sleeve non-rotatably connected with a main shaft in order to bring the sliding sleeve to positive fit with an idler wheel to be shifted. It is provided that the shiftable idler wheel is disposed upon the main shaft directly juxtaposed in axial direction and that the respective actuating devices are provided as unit on the main shaft outside the group of idler wheels, each actuating device being connected with the respective sliding sleeve via at least one connecting element extending along the main shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Hermann Lanz
  • Patent number: 6883394
    Abstract: A method of controlling the positioning of the synchronizers of a dual clutch transmission having a plurality of synchronizers to selectively engage and disengage various gears sets, and a plurality of shift actuators adapted to move the synchronizers. The method includes the steps of initiating a control routine to move a synchronizer to a full engagement position with a gear set and monitoring the positions of all engaged synchronizers. The method also includes reinitiating the control routine to move a synchronizer back into the full engagement position when any engaged synchronizer slips out to a minimum engagement position. Further, the method includes initiating a control routine to move a synchronizer to a neutral position and monitoring the position of all disengaged synchronizers. Also, reinitiating the control routine to move a synchronizer back to the neutral position when any disengaged synchronizer drifts beyond a pre-determined neutral hysteresis position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: BorgWarner, Inc.
    Inventors: Melissa Koenig, Darren Firth, Mark Buchanan
  • Patent number: 6880420
    Abstract: An automatic control device is provided for a gearbox of a motorized vehicle. The motorized vehicle gearbox includes a movable block movable between a forward driving position, a neutral position, and a reverse driving position. The automatic control device includes a motor, a transmission gear driven by the motor and including an eccentric axle provided thereon, a connecting rod having an end rotatably connected to the eccentric axle, an eccentric block including an end rotatably connected to the other end of the connecting rod, and an actuating device including a first end securely connected to the other end of the eccentric block and a second end securely engaged with the movable block to move therewith. When the motor is activated, the transmission gear is driven to move the movable block to one of the forward driving position, the neutral position, and the rearward driving position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventor: Yen-Hsing Shen
  • Patent number: 6881169
    Abstract: A transmission with an automatic clutch is arranged to execute a shift operation by disconnecting a transmission input shaft from an output shaft of a power source and operating one of coupling sleeves so as to establish a desired transmission ratio. The transmission is comprised of a bypass driveline. During this shift operation, the bypass driveline becomes operative and transmits a power of the power source to a transmission input shaft while bypassing the automatic clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takeji Katakura
  • Patent number: 6880419
    Abstract: An electronic transmission range selection (ETRS) system for shifting a transmission range of a transmission includes a park servo valve movable between a first position to inhibit a first flow of pressurized fluid and a second position to enable the first flow of pressurized fluid. A hydraulic servo assembly is movable between a first position and a second position based on the first flow of pressurized fluid. An actuator arm is interconnected to the hydraulic servo assembly. When the hydraulic servo assembly moves to the second position the actuator arm shifts the transmission range from a Park position to an Out-of-Park position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Todd R. Berger, Stephen W. Powell, Mark A. Vernacchia
  • Patent number: 6877391
    Abstract: A gear change device includes a select actuator for operating a shift lever in a direction of selection and a shift actuator for operating the shift lever in a direction of shift. The select actuator includes a casing, a shift lever support member that is disposed in the casing so as to slide in an axial direction. The shift lever support member supports the shift lever, a magnetic moving member disposed on the outer periphery of the shift lever support member, a cylindrical fixed yoke surrounding the magnetic moving member, and a coil disposed on the inside of the fixed yoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Isuzu Motor Limited
    Inventor: Yasushi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6877390
    Abstract: A vehicle range changeover mechanism is driven in response to operation of a shift lever. The range changeover mechanism has an output sector gear that is unrotatably connected to a range control shaft, and a position detecting sensor, a portion of which that is interlocked with and connected to the range control shaft. Looseness between the output sector gear and the position detecting sensor portion is eliminated by provision of a leaf or spring plate, thereby assuring rotation of the position detecting sensor portion corresponding one to one with the rotational motion of the range control shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeo Tsuzuki, Jiro Maeda, Naoki Ohkoshi
  • Patent number: 6874381
    Abstract: An aim of the invention is to provide a double clutch transmission enabling shift actuation in multiple gear trains with a single actuator device. The time required for a gear ratio change should also be reduced, hereby improving comfort and operability. To this end, the invention provides that a gear ratio can be shifted with an actuating element through a shifting element and that in the shifted state of this gear ratio, the same actuating element can actuate at least one other shifting element in order to select other gear ratios. A neutral channel wide enough to allow the selection movement of an actuation element is advantageously retained in the shifted state of one or more gear ratios. A shifting element may follow an actuating element with a path hysteresis that is identical to or greater than the path of the shifting element between the neutral position and a final gear position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: LUK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Reinhard Berger, Gunter Hirt
  • Patent number: 6874383
    Abstract: The inventive transmission has at least two different shift modes for shifting between the same two gear ratios. A control unit electronically senses various vehicle conditions and based on this information selects the appropriate shift mode suited for the particular driving situation. The transmission then shifts from one gear ratio to another based on this selection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: ZF Meritor, LLC
    Inventors: Robert A. Sayman, James H. Devore, Mario Steinborn, Ronald P. Muetzel, Rupert Kramer
  • Patent number: 6874382
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gear control of a motor vehicle. The gear control incorporates a gear lever (1) which can be placed in at least two mutually spaced gear positions (V1-5), each of which initiates a particular gear change in a gearbox (12). The gear control incorporates at least one power device (4) connected to the gear lever (1), a position reader (7-10) designed to detect the position of the gear lever (1), and a control unit (11) designed to control the power device (4) on the basis of the position of the gear lever (1) so that movements of the gear lever (1) are only allowed along a particular path (3) which is defined by a control unit (11) containing software.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Scania CV AB (publ)
    Inventors: Jan Danielsson, Kristen Gahm, Per Wallentin, Peter Svensson
  • Patent number: 6865965
    Abstract: An automated manual transmission has an input shaft having a plurality of driving gears, and an output shaft having a plurality of driven gears engaging with the driving gears, and further has two bypass clutches for coupling the input shaft and the output shaft with each other and releasing them from coupling. Electromagnetic valves are provided in hydraulic oil paths for guiding hydraulic pressure from a hydraulic pressure supply portion to the bypass clutches respectively. A bypass oil path for bypassing the hydraulic oil paths is provided with a bypass oil path on-off valve for opening the bypass oil path when the electromagnetic valves cannot be operated due to a failure of an electric system. A bypass oil path change-over valve is provided for changing over to supply hydraulic pressure from the bypass oil path on-off valve to one of the bypass clutches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Satoshi Uchino
  • Patent number: 6866611
    Abstract: A judging section judges whether or not ranges detected, respectively, by a first range detection section consisting of a first detection section and a position detecting sensor, and a second range detection section consisting of a second detection section; a C1 detecting sensor and a B1 detecting sensor are in mutual agreement, and when the detected ranges are not in mutual agreement, a failure judging section judges a failure of the first range detection section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeo Tsuzuki, Jiro Maeda, Naoki Ohkoshi
  • Patent number: 6857334
    Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle having a power train wherein the engine can drive an automatic transmission by way of an automatic clutch. The gear ratio of the transmission is selectable by a first drive and a second drive is employed to shift the transmission into the selected gear. The two drives are mounted on the transmission case by way of a common base plate. Novel kinematic transmission lines connect the drives to the ratio selecting and gear shifting components of the transmission. One of the transmission lines employs a transmission stage, a carrier for translation of rotary movement into axial movement, and an element for transfer of axial movement to the transmission. The translation of movement of the drive in a selection process takes place by way of two transmission stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: LUK Lamellen-und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Norbert Esly, Volker Kretz-Busch, Detlef Noack, Martin Meunier
  • Patent number: 6854353
    Abstract: A gear shift mechanism has a displacement device, which can be operated by an actuator, for the axial displacing of a sliding sleeve. The actuator is connected with the displacement device by way of at least one joint. Such an articulated connection between the actuator and the displacement device permits a greater freedom with respect to the spatial arrangement of the actuator and thus a very compact construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Martin Koerber
  • Patent number: 6856880
    Abstract: An automatic shift controller for a vehicle which controls a gear-shifting mechanism to engage one of several gear trains. A sub-clutch connects and disconnects so that one of the gear trains, other than a first-speed gear train and a reverse gear train, is engaged or disengaged. By use of a controller, 1) when the vehicle is parked, then the reverse gear is engaged, the main clutch is engaged, and the sub-clutch is disengaged, and 2) when preparation for engine start-up is started in a state wherein the vehicle is parked, then the main clutch is disengaged and the sub-clutch is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Hiromichi Shimaguchi
  • Patent number: 6851327
    Abstract: A shifting device of the automatic transfer includes a rack formed on a sleeve in the lengthwise direction of an output shaft, and a rotation torque supplying means is meshed to the rack, for linearly moving the sleeve over the output shaft. The response characteristics are improved when shifting from AUTO mode to LOW mode and vice versa, and the number of the involved components and the number of the assembling steps are decreased, thereby minimizing the manufacturing cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Tae-Hyung Lee
  • Patent number: 6851326
    Abstract: A control device for semiautomatic gearshifting mechanisms of motor vehicles has a selector shaft of a gearshifting mechanism and at least one rotatable shifting element acting on the selector shaft so as to rotate and axially move the selector shaft for selecting a gutter and shifting a gear. A switching valve actuates the at least one shifting element for rotating the selector shaft and for axially moving the selector shaft. The shifting element is a shift drum with at least one control curve. The control curve is a groove in the mantle of the shifting element. The control device provides a simplified hydraulic control of the switching valves and has a simplified configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Hydraulik-Ring GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Wild, Thomas Claus, Alfred Trzmiel, Roland Meyer
  • Patent number: 6851328
    Abstract: A transmission control apparatus includes transmission lines disposed between a pair of transmission shafts and a hydraulic multiple disc transmission clutch disposed on one side of the transmission lines. Power from an engine is transmitted via one of the transmission lines to a traveling unit. Each of the transmission lines has a friction clutch. A first gear mechanism operated by a first actuator is disposed between one of the transmission shafts and the first transmission line. A second gear mechanism operated by a second actuator is disposed between one of the transmission shafts and the second transmission line. When the first transmission line is powered, a first system operates the second gear mechanism into a speed position; the first clutch to a non-transmitting state and the second clutch to a transmitting state, thereby providing a progressive shifting of the transmission clutch from a transmitting state to a semi-transmitting state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Susumu Umemoto, Tetsuo Yamaguchi, Hidetoshi Hana, Isamu Kawai, Takashi Yasumi, Yoshifumi Horiuchi, Tetsu Fukui
  • Patent number: 6848330
    Abstract: A gear change device including a select actuator for operating a shift lever in a direction of selection and a shift actuator for operating the shift lever in a direction of shift, wherein the select actuator includes a casing, a shift lever support member that is disposed in the casing so as to slide in an axial direction and that supports the shift lever, a magnetic moving member disposed on the outer periphery of the shift lever support member, a cylindrical fixed yoke surrounding the magnetic moving member, and a coil disposed on the inside of the fixed yoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Isuzu Motors Limited
    Inventor: Yasushi Yamamoto