Start gear ratio control system and method utilizing the highest allowable start gear ratio

• US 5,761,628 A
• Filed: 10/27/1994
• Issued: 06/02/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 10/27/1994
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Eaton Corp. (Wisconsin) (Eaton Corporation PLC.)
• Original Assignee: Eaton Corp. (Wisconsin) (Eaton Corporation PLC.)
• Inventors: Steeby, Jon A., Dedow, Warren R.
• Primary Examiner(s): LOUIS JACQUES, JACQUES H
• Application Number:
  US08/329,818
• Time in Patent Office: 1,314 Days
• Field of Search: 364/424.1, 364/424.01, 477/78, 477/70, 477/124, 477/120, 477/75, 477/63, 477/65, 477/154, 477/155, 477/85, 477/904, 477/80, 477/142, 74/375, 74/475, 74/DIG. 7, 74/335, 74/336 R, 192/3.63, 192/3.3, 192/3.31, 192/109 F, 192/3.58, 475/127, 475/158, 701/51, 701/52, 701/64, 701/62
• US Class Current: 701/64
• CPC Class Codes: F16H 2061/023 Drive-off gear selection, i.e. optimising gear ratio for drive off of a vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: F16H 61/0213 characterised by the method for generating shift signals
• CPC Class Codes: F16H 61/0248 Control units where shifting is directly initiated by the driver, e.g. semi-automatic transmissions generation of movements for final actuating mechanisms F16H61/28
• CPC Class Codes: F16H 61/682 with interruption of drive
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/19251 Control mechanism
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/1926 Speed responsive

Abstract

A control system and method for controlling start-from-stop operation in an automated mechanical transmission system, including a multiple-speed change-gear transmission (10) having a lowest grouping of ratios (first-fourth) suitable for start-from-stop operation, is provided. Upon a request or requirement for a shift into a default start ratio, the system controller (106) will cause initiation of a shift into the highest gear ratio (fourth) of the lowest group of ratios.

Claims

1. A method of controlling a vehicular automated mechanical change-gear transmission system comprising a fuel throttle-controlled engine (E), a multi-speed change-gear mechanical transmission (10) having a lowest grouping of gear ratios (first-fourth) suitable for start-from-stop operation and having a specific ratio within said lowest grouping of ratios determined to be a predetermined start ratio, a manually operated shift selection device (210), a central processing unit (106) for receiving inputs including signals indicative of engaged transmission ratio (GR), vehicle speed (OS) and operation in a hold (H) mode of operation and for processing same according to predetermined logic rules to issue command output signals to non-manually controlled operators including a transmission operator (112), said processing unit sensing operation of said manual shift selection device and system parameters indicative of start-from-stop operation while engaged in a non-start ratio, operation in said hold mode of operation, and one of (i) a selection of and (ii) a requirement for a shift directly into the predetermined start ratio, said method comprising:

utilizing the highest ratio (fourth) of said lowest grouping of gear ratios as the predetermined start ratio.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said selection device (210) includes means (226, 228) for selecting upshifts and downshifts and said system parameters comprise signals indicative of selection of a downshift from a non-start ratio with the vehicle substantially at rest.

3. A system of controlling a vehicular automated mechanical change-gear transmission system comprising a fuel throttle-controlled engine, a multi-speed change-gear mechanical transmission having a lowest grouping of gear ratios suitable for start-from-stop operation and having a specific ratio within said lowest grouping of ratios determined to be a predetermined start ratio, a manually operated shift selection device, a central processing unit for receiving inputs including signals indicative of engaged transmission ratio (GR), vehicle speed (OS) and operation in a hold (H) mode of operation and for processing same according to predetermined logic rules to issue command output signals to non-manually controlled operators including a transmission operator, said processing unit sensing operation of said manual shift selection device and system parameters to sense start-from-stop operation while engaged in a non-start ratio, operation in said hold mode of operation, and at least one of (i) a selection of and (ii) a requirement for a shift directly into the predetermined start ratio, said system comprising:

means for utilizing the highest ratio of said lowest grouping of ratios as the predetermined start ratio.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein said selection device (210) includes means (226, 228) for selecting upshifts and downshifts and said system parameters comprise signals indicative of selection of a downshift from a non-start ratio with the vehicle substantially at rest.