Abstract:
A method for controlling a vehicle transmission mechanism which incorporates several selectively engageable power transmission systems each being selectively individually connectable between a first member and a second member for transmitting rotational power between them, with each such power transmission system including a clutching mechanism which can be selectively controlled either to freewheel in both rotational directions or to provide direct transmission of rotational power in one rotational direction only and to freewheel in the other rotational direction. While a first one of the power transmission systems which is for providing a certain speed stage is connected between the first member and the second member for transmitting rotational power between them at a gearing ratio appropriate to that certain speed stage, a second one of the power transmission systems which is for providing a speed stage one higher or lower than that certain speed stage is also connected in parallel with the first power transmission system between the first member and the second member, with the clutching mechanism associated with the one of these power transmission systems which provides the lower speed stage being controlled to be able to provide direct transmission of rotational power in one rotational direction only and to freewheel in the other rotational direction. Thus, this clutching mechanism of the lower speed stage power transmission system freewheels. Thereby, smooth and snappy speed stage shifting is made available. A device for practicing this method is also described.
Abstract:
A control system and method for a power delivery system, such as that of an automotive vehicle, having an engine coupled to a continuously variable ratio transmission (CVT). Independent control of engine and transmission enable the engine to precisely follow a desired operating characteristic, such as the ideal operating line for low fuel consumption. Engine fuel requirements (e.g., throttle position) are a function of at least measured engine speed, and are adjusted in accordance with any load placed on the engine so that, during low power operation, fuel flow is increased when a decrease in operating speed occurs, and fuel flow is reduced when an increase in operating speed occurs. The speed of the engine is therefore regulated in accordance with the load placed thereon. Reduction of transmission ratio effects vehicle acceleration in this mode, while an increase in transmission ratio effects vehicle deceleration.Where a clutch or other type of variable engagement coupling is employed, the engine still is independently regulated in accordance with the fuel function even when the clutch is slipping. During the clutch slipping phase, the transmission preferably is held at a substantially constant high reduction ratio, while vehicle acceleration and deceleration are effected simply by varying the degree of engagement of the clutch.
Abstract:
In an automatic transmission which prevents creep in advance speed change gear trains and which makes it possible to apply engine brake in the advance speed change gear trains, the invention provides a creep prevention apparatus for a car equipped with an automatic transmission which ensures effective engine brake even if control elements for the creep prevention mechanism are out of order by accident.
Abstract:
A control system and method for a power delivery system, such as in an automotive vehicle, having an engine coupled to a continuously variable ratio transmission (CVT). Totally independent control of engine and transmission enable the engine to precisely follow a desired operating characteristic, such as the ideal operating line for low fuel consumption. CVT ratio is controlled as a function of commanded desired system performance (e.g., power or torque) and measured actual system performance, such as CVT torque output, while engine fuel requirements (e.g., throttle position) are strictly a function of measured engine speed. Fuel requirements are therefore precisely adjusted in accordance with the ideal characteristics for any load placed on the engine. Appropriate controls prevent anomalous engine and vehicle behavior, and allow for transient start-up from rest. In order to counteract the inherent tendency of the vehicle to accelerate when the accelerator pedal is released, a microprocessor is provided for decreasing the fuel flow to the system prime mover upon a commanded decrease in power delivery.
Abstract:
A fully automatic transmission for use in automobiles requires the use of only a single manually operable switch in the vehicle compartment for selecting the travelling direction. All other functions of the transmission, namely the selection of the speed range, including neutral and the application of a parking mechanism are performed by a hydraulc control system in combination with an electronic control system operating according to a predetermined process.
Abstract:
An automatic speed range change-over system for a hydro-mechanical transmission of a vehicle including a mechanical transmission having a plurality of speed range change-over clutches and pairs of hydraulic pumps and motors, each motor being operatively connected to the mechanical transmission.The speed range change-over system includes an engine speed detector, a pair of motor speed detectors and a plurality of fluid pressure detection switches for selectively detecting a currently engaged clutch. Signals from the engine speed detector, motor speed detectors and fluid pressure detection switches are fed into an arithmetic unit where relative number of revolutions between the clutch elements of another clutch adjacent to the clutch currently engaged is calculated based upon those signals and a relative number of revolutions signal is sent out therefrom.The relative number of revolutions signal is fed into a comparator and is compared with a predetermined value stored therein. The comparator sends out a signal only when the relative number of revolutions becomes less than the predetermined value. The signal from the comparator is fed into a speed range change-over signal generator for generating a signal thereby directing pressurized fluid into the adjacent clutch to be engaged so as to engage the same.Upon engagement of the adjacent clutch, the fluid pressure detection switch sends out a signal to thereby disengage the clutch currently engaged.
Abstract:
A transmission system comprises an engine (10) which drives a propeller shaft (14) through continuously variable gearing (CVG) (11), split path gearing (12), and a disconnector device (13). The gear ratio of the CVG (11) is controlled by an actuator (24). The input and output shaft speeds of the CVG (11) are sensed by transducers (25, 26) and the propeller shaft speed is sensed by a pair of transducers (27, 28). The system is responsive to an accelerator pedal (22) and a selector switch (23), and controls a throttle (19) via an electric motor (20).In normal operation, with the selector switch (23) in the drive position (D) or the reverse position (R), two signal generators (41, 42) calculate a target throttle position and a target engine speed and the motor (20) and actuator (24) adjust the throttle (19) and CVG (11) accordingly.When the switch (23) is in the neutral position (N) or the park position (P), the disconnector device (13) receives the drive from the propeller shaft (14). The speed (N.sub.O ') of the propeller shaft (14) corresponding to the prevailing setting of the CVG (14) is calculated by circuitry (30 to 34) responsive to transducers (25, 26). The calculated speed (N.sub.O ') is compared with the actual propeller shaft speed (N.sub.O) in a summing circuit (35), and the output of this circuit provides a control signal via a frequency compensation circuit (36) and an amplifier (49) to the actuator (24) so as to vary the ratio of the CVG (24) to the equalize the calculated speed (N.sub.O ') with the actual speed (N.sub.O).
Abstract:
An electronic system for controlling the drive ratio changes in an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle having solenoid valves for actuating the gear changes. A microcomputer selectively governs the solenoid valves through power amplifiers, in such a way that when the solenoid valves are not energized the highest drive ratio is engaged. The ratio of the power amplifiers to the corresponding output signals of the microcomputer is such that the solenoid valves are not energized when the supply voltage is zero or when the microcomputer voltage drops below the threshold value necessary for its proper operation.
Abstract:
The invention pertains to a method and an apparatus, designed to assist the driver of a motor vehicle. The apparatus includes a calculator which is connected to an engine speed sensor, an engine fuel flow sensor, and a transmission speed sensor. The output of the calculator is displayed on an audio/visual display panel. This apparatus defines the operating range of the engine on the load/speed diagram; it also indicates shifting to a different gear, whenever desirable, in order to minimize the vehicle's fuel consumption.
Abstract:
A vehicle transmission system is provided which comprises, in combination, a vehicle transmission and an electronic control system for converting input signals thereto related to operating conditions of the transmission to output control signals for the transmission in accordance with a predetermined set of criteria. The electronic control system senses a plurality of operating conditions of the transmission and produces digital input signals in accordance therewith, and includes a microprocessor for directly monitoring the state of the digital input signals, a programmable read-only memory connected to the microprocessor, a timing set-up for directly delivering clock pulses to the microprocessor, an output arrangement, connected to the microprocessor and including a latch, for producing output control signals, an addressing unit for coordinating the operation of the programmable read-only memory and the latch under the control of the microprocessor, and a random access memory for storing the states of signals being processed and enabling arithmetical operations to be performed with the stored signal states. A movement sensor senses shaft speeds so as to produce at least one of the digital input signals. The programmable read-only memory stores a series of coded instructions for repetitively controlling the operation of the microprocessor such that, on the basis of the input signals, output signals are produced which are transmitted to electromechanical operators, e.g., solenoid valves or relays, which control the operation of the transmission.