Eaton Corporation

Caterpillar Inc.

Daniel G Smedley

Scott Alan Leman

Eugene R Braun

Thomas A Gee

Gregory J Organek

James Richard Weber

Steven J Funke

Jason Kenneth Bloms

Donald Speranza

William J Mack

John A Urban

Joseph H McNinch, Jr

Thomas Jeffrey Crowell

Russell C Holmes

Gary L Hopkins

Jeff Skorupski

David T Klein

Tom Genise

Rich Nellums

A power train control system for a mobile machine is disclosed. The power train control system has a power source configured to produce a power output, a transmission device operatively connected to receive the power output and propel the mobile machine, and a control module. The control module is configured to receive an indication of a power demand, receive an indication of a current travel speed of the mobile machine, and reference the power demand and the current travel speed with a power train efficiency map to determine a desired power source speed. The power train control system is also configured to control operation of the transmission device to bring a speed of the power source within a predetermined amount of the desired power source speed.

Efficiency based integrated power train control system

A control system/method for controlling engine (12) output torque in a vehicular powertrain system (10) including an electronically controlled engine and a torque load limited drivetrain system (11) is provided. The control will sense values of a control parameter (GR, OS) indicative of potential overloading of the drivetrain at maximum engine output torque and will cause engine output torque to be limited to a value less than the maximum value thereof.

Engine torque control

A control method/system for sensing deflection-type gear neutral signal (GNS) errors in an automated mechanical transmission system (10) is provided. A gear neutral sensor (76/76A) provides signals indicative of axial position in a remote shift shaft (56) from which the neutral and not-neutral positioning of associated jaw clutch members (144) is inferred. Deflections in the shift members, such as the shift yokes (50), may result in erroneous indications of a neutral condition, which is a deflection-type gear neutral signal error sensed by the control of the present invention.

Transmission shift control including deflection-type neutral signal

This invention provides automatic and reliable determination of the touch point of a clutch controlled by an automatic clutch actuation controller. This invention determines the touch point upon power-up while idling the engine, with the transmission in neutral and an input shaft brake applied. The clutch actuation controller gradually engages the clutch so that the measured transmission input speed matches a reference speed signal preferably between 40 and 60% of the idle speed. If the actuation is slow enough, this reliably provides the degree of clutch engagement at a small torque matching the braking torque which is the touch point. If there is no previous knowledge of the touch point, the clutch is applied at a fast rate and an approximate touch point is determined, then the clutch is positioned below the approximate touch point and is again applied at a slow rate to more accurately ascertain the touch point. If there is previous knowledge of the touch point, the clutch is positioned just below the old touch point and is applied at a slow rate to determine a new touch point. The new and old touch points may be combined to determine the updated touch point.

Touch point identification algorithm for automatic clutch controller

A wheel lock control system for use with a vehicle having at least first and second spaced apart, independently rotatable wheels and having a braking system for applying braking forces to such wheels. A brake control responds to an applied lock signal for controlling the braking system to relieve the braking forces on the wheels. Input circuitry including nonlinear frequency to voltage convertors provides first and second wheel speed signals of values nonlinearly representative of the wheel speeds of the first and second wheels, respectively, such that for a given change in wheel speed there is a greater change in wheel speed signal at low wheel speeds than at high wheel speeds. Logic circuitry includes linear comparator circuitry responsive to the nonlinear first and second wheel speed signals for producing the aforementioned lock signal. The frequency to voltage converter operation is monitored, such that fault monitor circuitry disables the lock signal responsive circuitry when the higher of the first and second wheel speed signals rises beyond a preselected limit. The logic circuitry incorporates portions providing a lock signal.

Anti-wheel lock system

An anti-wheel lock, system for a vehicle with tandem axles each having a pair of rotatable wheels, the vehicle having a braking system for applying braking forces to such wheels. A brake control device responds to an applied lock signal for controlling the braking system to relieve the braking forces on the wheels. The input circuitry provides for distinct wheel speed signals having values respectively representing the wheel speeds of the four wheels (or wheel sets) carried by the tandem axles. A high wheel gate continuously produces a signal representing the speed of the fastest rotating one of the four wheels by determining the fastest rotating wheel on each pair and then the fastest moving wheel between the pairs. A low wheel gate similarly obtains and continuously provides a signal related to the speed of the slowest moving wheel of the four. An average wheel gate of simplified construction produces a signal simulating the average wheel speed by in effect averaging the outputs of the high and low wheel gates. In a preferred embodiment the speed signals fed to the gates are provided by nonlinear frequency to voltage convertors driven in response to corresponding ones of the four wheels. Logic circuitry provides a locked wheel signal when values of, and changes in, the speed signals from such gates indicate or predict a skid condition.

Anti-wheel lock system for tandem axles

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Farmington Hills, MI, United States of America

Daniel G Smedley