Method of timed shift to neutral in apparent stationary modes
US7158872B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 4, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jan 2, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 4, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H2061/168
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A control for a transmission and a clutch monitors conditions to determine when a vehicle associated with the clutch and transmission is likely in a stationary state. If the vehicle appears to be stationary, with the transmission engaged and the clutch open, then the control determines that the transmission should be moved to a neutral position. Upon movement to the neutral position, the control then closes the clutch. It is preferable for a vehicle remaining stationary to have its clutch closed and its transmission in neutral than to have its transmission engaged and its clutch open. In a further aspect of this invention, the neutral state is verified by testing the ability to move one of the transmission shift components. If the transmission shift component can move beyond a predetermined amount, this is indicative that the transmission is in neutral.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.