Eaton Corporation

Robert Stanley Wheeler

Anthony Stasik

Jeffrey Philip Hawarden

Paul Martin Fowler

Keith Wright

Kwok W Chan

Alfred John Richardson

John E Stainton

Donald Speranza

William J Mack

Ian Richard Bates

Michael Douglas Whitehead

Timothy Peter Kelly

Martin Fowler

Jon A Steeby

John Slater Tuson

David Edward Gibbons

Jon Allen Eaton Truck Galesburg Usa Steeby

Anthony Eaton Truck Galesburg Usa Stasik

A control system and method is provided for controlling engagement of a vehicle master clutch () in response to a throttle operating parameter. The method includes the steps of determining a throttle operating parameter value and setting an operating mode of the clutch based on the throttle operating parameter value. The method may include the steps of comparing the throttle operating parameter value to a threshold value and setting the operating mode of the clutch based on the comparison step. The control system includes a microprocessor for receiving signals corresponding to a throttle operating parameter value. The microprocessor sets an operating mode of the clutch based on the throttle operating parameter value or, optionally, the comparison of the throttle operating parameter value to a threshold value.

System and method for controlling engagement of a clutch

A method and system for controlling downshifting in an automated mechanical transmission system () utilized on a vehicle. When an automatic power downshift from a currently engaged ratio (GR) is required, the engine acceleration (EA) is monitored and compared with an engine free acceleration (EFA) to detect a false Neutral condition and to take appropriate action accordingly. Alternatively, a false Neutral condition is detected when the Absolute Value of the rotational speed of the output shaft (OS) times the currently engaged gear ratio (GR) minus the rotational speed of the input shaft (IS) is less than a predetermined value (ABS((OS*GR)&#x2212;IS)).

Method of detecting false neutral in an automated transmission system

The invention relates to a method for calculating a modification to the predetermined amount of torque needed to provide an urge to move sensation for a vehicle, the modification to take account of the weight at which and gradient on which the vehicle is operating and then commanding the engine to generate said modified torque and to transmit the modified urge torque to a clutch device to provide the urge to move according to the current operating conditions.

Calculation of automated friction clutch urge torque on grades

An automated clutch system for transferring torque from an engine to a change gear transmission is connected to a processing unit which uses various input parameters to calculate the grade on which the vehicle is operating and its current weight to determine an appropriate start gear to minimise clutch slip when the vehicle is launched from rest.

Automatic selection of start gear

A control system and calibration method are provided for a vehicle drive line having an automated master friction clutch. The control system utilizes engine torque data supplied by a serial communication data link to identify a clutch control parameter value corresponding to an urge-to-move position of the clutch. The clutch control parameter value identified by the calibration method is stored and utilized by the control system to control the engagement position of the automated clutch in an 'urge to move' mode of operation. The inventive calibration method can be utilized across multiple vehicle platforms having different engine, clutch and transmission system components.

Clutch calibration and control

A control system and calibration method are provided for a vehicle drive line having an automated master friction clutch. The control system utilizes engine torque data supplied by a serial communication data link to identify a clutch control parameter value corresponding to an urge-to-move position of the clutch. The clutch control parameter value identified by the calibration method is stored and utilized by the control system to control the engagement position of the automated clutch in an &ldquo;urge to move&rdquo; mode of operation. The inventive calibration method can be utilized across multiple vehicle platforms having different engine, clutch and transmission system components.

A control for a vehicle drive line system ( ) including an automated vehicle dry master clutch ( ) drivingly interposed in between a fuel-controlled engine ( ) and the input shaft ( ) of a mechanical transmission. When engaged in a start ratio and at sensed idle conditions (THL<REF and OS<REF), if the vehicle brake system ( and C) is not applied, the engine ( ) is commanded to generate an output torque (T ) equal to a selected idle drive torque (T ) at idle speed (ES&equals;IDLE), the engine is commanded to rotate at idle speed, and the clutch is caused to engage with a torque capacity equal to the idled

IDLE drive torque control for automated vehicle dry master clutch

A method/system for controlling downshifting in an automated mechanical transmission system (,) utilized on a vehicle having a manually controlled engine brake (,) and foot brake (,) system. The engine speed at which downshifts are commanded (ES,) is modified as a function of sensed operation of the engine brake (EB&quest;) and foot brake (FB) systems.

Automated transmission downshift control

A control system and method for a semi-automatic mechanical transmission system (10) is provided for allowing operator request for direct shifts into a preselected default start ratio (GR.sub.DS) or into a dynamic best gear ratio (GR.sub.DB) under certain predefined conditions. The dynamic best gear ratio, under at least certain vehicle operating conditions, is the higher of a test best gear ratio (GR.sub.TB =ES.sub.TARGET /OS), determined as a function of vehicle speed (OS) and a target engine speed (ES.sub.TARGET), or the default start ratio.

Dynamic best gear selection for automated transmission system

A control method/system for controlling engagement of reverse ratios in automated vehicular transmission systems (10) having a controller (38) issuing command output signals to non-manually controlled actuators (30, 34) is provided. The controller includes logic rules for (i) sensing predetermined reverse ratio enabling conditions, including remaining in neutral for at least a predetermined period of time (N.sub.T &gt;REF.sub.2) prior to selecting reverse, and (ii) issuing commands to cause a reverse ratio to be engaged only upon sensing such conditions, to minimize accidental engagement of reverse ratios without requiring mechanical interlocks.

Reverse engagement interlock control

A control system and method for an automated mechanical transmission system (10) is provided for allowing operator request for a direct skip shift in at least one of the upshift or downshift direction, and for a direct shift into the selected ratio. Retaining the control lever (1) in a displaced position for longer than a reference period of time (REF), such as one or two seconds, will initiate the skip shift procedure.

Skip shift selection control system and method

A control system and method for automated mechanical transmission systems (10) of the type interpreting a first predetermined combination of parameters as a request or requirement for a direct shift to a predetermined default start ratio (GR.sub.DS) is provided. The control provides a predetermined series of actions by which the vehicle operator may manually select a new default start ratio such as, for example, by manipulation of shift selection device (1) displaceable in a first direction to select upshifts and in a second direction to select downshifts.

Control system/method for default start gear ratio selection

A control system and method for a semi-automatic mechanical transmission system (10) is provided for allowing operator request for a scrolling display of allowable ratios in either the upshift or downshift direction, and for a direct shift into the selected one of the displayed ratios. In one embodiment, retaining the control (1) lever in a displaced position for one or two seconds will initiate the scrolling display, while retaining the transmission engaged in the initial ratio, and subsequently release of the control lever to its centered position will cause a direct shift into the then displayed ratio.

Scrolling gear ratio selection control system and method

A control system and method for a semi-automatic mechanical transmission system (10) is provided for allowing operator request for a direct upshift and/or downshift into a preselected start ratio, under certain predefined conditions, by a single movement, or two movements, of the shift lever (1).

Start ratio selection control system and method

A control method/system is provided for controlling start from stop shifting operations of a vehicular semi-automatic transmission system (10) of the type automatically implementing selected gear changes of a mechanical change gear transmission (12) and requiring manual operation (3) of the vehicle master clutch (16) in start from stop conditions is provided. During engagement of a selected start ratio, the system controller (38) monitors for gear butt conditions and will warn the operator if such conditions are sensed.

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Preston, United Kingdom

Robert Stanley Wheeler