Apparatus and method of neutral start control of a power transmission
US5809441A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 19, 1995 |
| Grant date | Sep 15, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 19, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H2061/0209
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A control system for a work vehicle transmission includes a sensor for detecting the output speed of the vehicle engine and an operator-movable command device for placing the transmission in a neutral condition. The transmission includes a plurality of intermeshing gears, and clutches associated with certain of the gears for selectively placing the transmission in various gear ratios for driving the vehicle. The clutches are engaged and disengaged by fluid valving in response to energization of solenoid coils driven by valve driver circuits. The sensor, the command device and the driver circuits are coupled to a control circuit, preferably including a microprocessor, for controlling engagement and disengagement of the transmission clutches. Upon startup, the control circuit disables the driver circuits to place the transmission in a neutral condition despite the position of the command device. The control circuit maintains the driver circuits disabled until the vehicle engine is running, as indicated by the speed sensor, and a neutral command signal is received. The neutral start routine serves as a redundant system with an analog neutral start circuit that normally disables the ve…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.