192 clutches and power-stop control – Transmission control and clutch control – Common control
Reexamination Certificate
1996-12-18
2001-01-09
Marmor, Charles A (Department: 3681)
192 clutches and power-stop control
Transmission control and clutch control
Common control
C192S003560, C192S003580, C192S003620
Reexamination Certificate
active
06170623
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to improvements in methods of and in apparatus for adjusting or actuating torque transmitting systems, particularly for adjusting clutches in the power trains of motor vehicles. Still more particularly, the invention relates to improvements in methods and apparatus which can be resorted to with advantage for adjusting the transmission of torque from a prime mover (such as the internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle) to a transmission (e.g., a manual transmission having a plurality of gear ratios). The transmission of torque can be effected by a clutch (e.g., a friction clutch) which can be installed upstream or downstream of the transmission.
Certain presently known apparatus for actuating adjustable clutches or analogous torque transmitting systems are disclosed, for example, in published German patent application No. 40 13 299 and in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,723,642 and 5,029,683.
The published German patent application No. 40 13 299 discloses a transmission wherein an elastic element is built into a lever which is to be actuated by hand to select the gear ratio of the transmission. An analog sensor is provided to detect the extent of deformation or displacement of such elastic element during manual shifting of the lever for the purpose of changing the gear ratio of the transmission. The U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,723,642 and 5,029,683 disclose manual transmissions with levers having built-in switches which are actuated in response to manipulation of the lever for the purpose of selecting a different gear ratio.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
An object of the invention is to provide a simple, compact and reliable apparatus for actuating a clutch or another adjustable torque transmitting system, particularly in the power train between a prime mover and a multiple gear ratio transmission in a motor vehicle.
Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus which need not employ a substantial number of complex and expensive sensors or other devices for monitoring the movements and/or other variable parameters of component parts of a manual transmission in the power train of a motor vehicle.
A further object of the invention is to provide the above outlined apparatus with novel and improved means for ascertaining the presence or the absence of an intent on the part of the operator of a motor vehicle to shift a manual transmission into a different gear ratio.
An additional object of the invention is to provide an apparatus which automatically ensures convenient shifting of the transmission into a different gear ratio as soon as the operator provides a detectable indication that she or he intends to effect such shifting.
Still another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus whose operation is not affected, or is not unduly affected, by evental changes in the condition of one or more component parts of the power train during the useful life of a motor vehicle.
A further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus whose operation remains at least substantially unchanged during the entire life span of the power train in a motor vehicle.
Another object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved manual transmission for use in conjunction with the above outlined apparatus.
An additional object of the invention is to provide an apparatus which invariably ensures timely disengagement of the clutch in the power train of a motor vehicle when the operator of the vehicle proceeds to change the speed ratio of a manual transmission in such power train.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved combination of a clutch, a manual transmission, various sensors and a central control unit for use in the above outlined apparatus.
A further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus which can reliably ascertain an operator's intent to change the ratio of any one of a number of different manual transmissions which are utilized in the power trains of motor vehicles to receive torque from a combustion engine or another suitable prime mover by a way of a friction clutch or another torque transmitting system.
Another object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved method of adjusting a torque transmitting system in response to detection of the intention by an operator of a motor vehicle to change the ratio of a manual transmission.
An additional object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved method of ascertaining the intent of the operator of a motor vehicle to change the ratio of a manual transmission.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a method which is not affected by eventual wear and/or other undesirable changes of the condition or characteristics of the component parts of the above outlined apparatus.
A further object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved method of ensuring timely changes in the condition of a clutch or another suitable torque transmitting system in the power train of a motor vehicle when the operator of the vehicle furnishes a detectable indication that she or he intends to actuate the manual transmission in the power train.
Another object of the invention is to provide a method which can be practiced by resorting to a simple, compact and relatively inexpensive apparatus and which can detect the intent of the operator of the vehicle to change the ratio of a manual transmission as soon as such intent becomes detectable in any one of a number of different ways.
An additional object of the invention is to provide a power train which embodies or which can be combined with the above outlined apparatus.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a motor vehicle which embodies the above outlined apparatus.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One feature of the instant invention resides in the provision of an apparatus for actuating an adjustable system (such as an engageable and disengageable clutch, e.g., a friction clutch) for transmitting torque in a power train including a tranmission (e.g., a manual transmission) having a plurality of gear ratios (e.g., forward gear ratios one to five or one to six, a reverse gear ratio and a neutral gear ratio), at least one external ratio selecting member (e.g., a pivotable lever having a knob which can be engaged by a hand of the operator of a motor vehicle in which the power train is being put to use), at least one internal gear shifting member (e.g., a shaft in the case of the transmission) and a connection between the external and internal members. The improved apparatus comprises monitoring means including at least one sensor (e.g., a potentiometer or a Hall generator) for transmitting first signals which denote changes of at least one variable parameter of at least one component of a plurality of components including the at least one external member, at least one internal member and at least one element of the connection forming part of the transmission), a control unit (e.g., a computerized central control unit) having means for processing the first signals and for generating second signals as a function of the first signals, and means (e.g., an electric motor) for adjusting the torque transmitting system in response to the second signals.
The power train can be installed in a motor vehicle and can further include a prime mover (such as an internal combustion engine). The connection between the external and internal members of the transmission can include a resilient element (e.g., a coil spring), and the aforementioned components can include a second element forming part of the connection and being connected with the at least one external member, and a third element also forming part of the connection and secured to the at least one internal member. The at least one sensor can be operative in a power flow between the resilient element and one of the external and internal members.
At least one of the second and third elements of the connection can include or constitute a mobile element, and the at least one sensor can be mounted and designed to monitor the extent of movement of su
Eismann Wolfgang
J{umlaut over (u)}rgens Gunter
Salecker Michael
Darby & Darby
LuK Getriebe-Systeme GmbH
Marmor Charles A
Rodr{acute over (i)}guez Sa{acute over (u)}l
LandOfFree
Method of and apparatus for actuating an adjustable torque... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Method of and apparatus for actuating an adjustable torque..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Method of and apparatus for actuating an adjustable torque... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2557234