Machine element or mechanism – Gearing – Interchangeably locked
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-23
2001-05-08
Estremsky, Sherry (Department: 3681)
Machine element or mechanism
Gearing
Interchangeably locked
C477S906000, C324S503000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06227062
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a control for a vehicular transmission system for monitoring the electrical connectors and wiring utilized to electrically connect selectively energized electrical devices, such as solenoids, electric motors and the like, to a power source.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Manual and full or partially automated vehicular transmission systems utilizing electrical devices, such as solenoid-controlled valves and/or electric motors to control transmission and/or master clutch operation, are known in the prior art.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,590,817; 4,784,007; 4,796,485; 4,621,328; 5,661,998 and 5,795,264, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference, illustrate piston/cylinder shifting devices controlled by solenoid-controlled valves.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,817,468; 4,873,881; 5,481,170 and 5,729,110, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference, illustrate X-Y shifters controlled by electric motors and ball-screw-type devices.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,435,201; 5,651,437; 5,505,285; 5,802,915 and 5,810,141, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference, illustrate electric motor-actuated ball ramp actuators for transmissions and friction clutches.
Controls for determining if the transmission system electrical actuator devices are properly operating are known, as may be seen by reference to U.S. Pat. No. 5,272,441, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
The prior art controls for vehicular transmission controls were not totally satisfactory as, assuming the electrical devices were operating substantially correctly, i.e., were performing the intended function thereof, it was difficult to determine if the electrical connections or wires connecting the electrical devices to the power source were deteriorating due to looseness or corrosion, etc., and in need of service, repair or replacement.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, the drawbacks of the prior art are minimized or overcome by the provision of a control for a vehicular transmission system which will monitor the condition of electrical wiring and connections, will provide warnings, prior to failure, of a need for inspection and/or repair, and, in a preferred embodiment, will have the ability to identify the specific electrical connection needing attention.
The correct operation and draw (voltage drop across) of the actuated electrical devices is predetermined, as is the expected draw (voltage drop across) of the electrical connections (wiring and connectors) thereto. The sum of these voltage drops for the currently energized devices is an expected sum or reference value and is compared to a measured voltage drop across the power supply and, if the measured actual voltage drop exceeds the expected sum by greater than a predetermined amount, a connection problem is declared and the operator may be notified.
As various combinations of electrical devices are utilized for different transmission operations, it may be possible to identify the specific electrical connection needing attention.
This and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the following description of the preferred embodiment taken in connection with the attached drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4207610 (1980-06-01), Gordon
patent: 4207611 (1980-06-01), Gordon
patent: 4784007 (1988-11-01), Ishida et al.
patent: 4873881 (1989-10-01), Edelen et al.
patent: 5172062 (1992-12-01), Eisermann
patent: 5272441 (1993-12-01), Wright et al.
patent: 5530360 (1996-06-01), Kerchaert et al.
patent: 5661998 (1997-09-01), Genise
patent: 5802915 (1998-09-01), Organek et al.
patent: 5973499 (1999-10-01), Schulmann
Eaton Corporation
Estremsky Sherry
Gordon Howard D.
LandOfFree
Transmission system electrical connector monitoring system does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Transmission system electrical connector monitoring system, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Transmission system electrical connector monitoring system will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2442166