Abstract:
An adaptive control system/method for an at least partially automated vehicular mechanical transmission system (10) is provided for determining the current value of a control parameter (T.sub.FW) indicative of engine flywheel torque. Engine flywheel torque (T.sub.FW) is determined as a function of the expression gross engine torque (T.sub.EG) is equal to the sum of flywheel torque (T.sub.FW), base engine friction torque (T.sub.BEF), acceleration torque (T.sub.ACCEL) and accessory torque (T.sub.ACCES). Accessory torque (T.sub.ACCES) is determined, when the vehicle is in motion, as a function of engine deceleration rate (dES/dt rate). Flywheel torque (T.sub.FW), or drivewheel torque (T.sub.DW) determined as a function of flywheel torque (T.sub.FW) and drivetrain parameters such as engaged gear ratio (GR), is utilized as a control parameter for controlling shifting of the transmission system.
Abstract:
A control system/method for controlling a vehicular, at least partially automated system (110) separate from the vehicular transmission system (10), such as a CTIS or ABS, is provided. The at least partially automated system is controlled as a function of a value (GCW) approximating vehicle gross combined weight and determined as a function of information on the vehicle electronic data link (DL).
Abstract:
A control system/method for an at least partially automated mechanical transmission system (10) is provided for determining if selected upshifts into a target gear ratio are acceptable (208) or not acceptable (210) under current vehicle operating conditions and for prohibiting the initiation of not acceptable selected upshifts. An upshift is deemed acceptable if the available drivewheel torque (206) in the target ratio is sufficient to maintain at least a minimum acceptable vehicle acceleration (A.sub.0) after the upshift under current vehicle operating conditions.
Abstract:
A fluid operated shift actuator (11) is provided, and is especially suited for use in an X-Y shift mechanism for a change-gear mechanical transmission. The shift actuator includes a piston rod (47), a piston member (87), and a pair of auxiliary pistons (93 and 95), to define fluid pressure chambers (91 and 92). After the piston member (87) and the piston rod (47) have been displaced from neutral in either direction, into a gear engagement position, pressurizing both fluid pressure chambers (91 and 92) will cause the actuator to return to the neutral position (gear disengagement) with substantially less force than that exerted when the actuator moved into the gear engagement position.
Abstract:
A control system/control method for controlling the jaw clutch engagement and at least partially automated multiple speed change gear mechanical transmission (10) is provided. The control includes a central processing unit (106) for receiving signals indicative of transmission input shaft (16) speed, transmission output shaft (90) speed and of a selected ratio to be engaged. The control unit initiates/permits engagement of the jaw clutch members associated with the selected ratio upon sensing that the rotational speed of the input shaft falls within a calculated synchronous window. The control unit senses vehicle start from stop conditions and/or degraded clutch operation during vehicle start from stop conditions and responds thereto by enlarging the synchronous window.
Abstract:
A vehicle component such as a transmission blocker ring (81) having an improved friction material (56) is provided. Friction material (56) comprises a composite of from about 25% to about 75% by weight of a flurocarbon polymer and from about 75% to about 25% by weight of substantially uniformly dispersed ceramic fiber and which is provided with controlled crystallinity by reason of having been cooled at a rate of less than about 20.degree. C. per minute after having been sintered at a predetermined sintering or annealing temperature and time for the friction material.
Abstract:
This invention provides a common means of coupling an alternative power source to a vehicle's drive wheels which is particularly well suited for use with a countershaft-type transmission. This invention also addresses clutch wear by eliminating the need to engage the frictional clutch to launch the vehicle. This invention also improves the acceleration of the vehicle compared to a typical dry friction clutch launch by relying on a supplemental motor and associated control system to transfer more power to the drive wheels more quickly than would be transferred by a typical launch engagement of a dry friction clutch in a commercial vehicle.
Abstract:
This invention provides a common means of coupling an alternative power source to a vehicle's drive wheels which is particularly well suited for use with a countershaft-type transmission. This invention also addresses clutch wear by eliminating the need to engage the frictional clutch to launch the vehicle. This invention also improves the acceleration of the vehicle compared to a typical dry friction clutch launch by relying on the HLA system to transfer more power to the drive wheels more quickly than would be transferred by a typical launch engagement of a dry friction clutch in a commercial vehicle.
Abstract:
A vehicular centrifugally operated master friction clutch (20) for coupling an engine (18) to a transmission input shaft (28). The clutch includes flyweights (110) pivoted to a driving member (60) rotatable with the engine. Rollers (120) fixed to the flyweights act on ramp surfaces (148) to apply an axial clamping force (CF) to friction member of the clutch driving and driven member. The clamping force is applied through a spring compression (132) to limit the magnitude of clamping force.
Abstract:
A control system/method for controlling a vehicle drivetrain (10) including an engine (18), a transmission (12) and, a centrifugal clutch (20) for drivingly coupling the engine output (136) to the transmission input shaft (28) during vehicle launch. A system controller (50) issues command output signals (56) for controlling engine speed (ES) on a closed loop basis.