A vehicle control system which can ensure high reliability, real-time processing, and expandability with a simplified ECU configuration and a low cost by backing up an error through coordination in the entire system without increasing a degree of redundancy of individual controllers beyond the least necessary level. The vehicle control system comprises a sensor controller for taking in sensor signals indicating a status variable of a vehicle and an operation amount applied from a driver, a command controller for generating a control target value based on the sensor signals taken in by the sensor controller, and an actuator controller for receiving the control target value from the command controller and operating an actuator to control the vehicle, those three controller being interconnected via a network. The actuator controller includes a control target value generating unit for generating a control target value based on the sensor signals taken in by the sensor controller and received by the actuator controller via the network when the control target value generated by the command controller is abnormal, and controls the actuator in accordance with the control target value generated by the control target value generating unit.

Vehicle Control System

A multi-speed transmission has three planetary gear sets and six torque-transmitting mechanism packaged in various ones of five zones within a transmission cavity. Each planetary gear set has a ring gear member, a sun gear member and a carrier member that rotatably supports a plurality of pinion gears that intermesh with both the sun gear member and the ring gear member. Certain members are continuously connected for common rotation. Specifically, an interconnecting member continuously interconnects for common rotation the carrier member of the first planetary gear set, the sun gear member of the second planetary gear set and the ring gear member of the third planetary gear set. Additionally, the sun gear member of the first planetary gear set is grounded to the transmission casing via a radially-extending structural member.

Multi-speed transmission

A controllable selectable one-way clutch is provided for use within a hybrid transmission. The clutch comprises an outer and inner race, and a first and second selector plate. A transmission motor controller synchronizes the speeds of the races to facilitate application and release of the clutch, and a transmission controller communicates a signal to the clutch for re-positioning of the plates to apply and release the clutch. The clutch has three operational modes, including freewheeling and holding torque in one direction or both directions. A method is also provided for applying a selectable one-way clutch in a vehicle having a hybrid transmission with a motor controller and a transmission controller, including synchronizing the clutch speed using the motor controller, detecting the direction of the race speed difference, communicating the race speed difference to the transmission controller, and selecting between the clutch operational modes in response to the detected speed difference.

Selectable one-way clutch

The invention relates to a multi-stage transmission provided with an input shaft (3), which is connected to a shiftable front-mounted planet gear set (10), with an output shaft (4), which is connected to a shiftable main planet gear set (20), and with a number of shifting elements (A to F) whose selective closing enables the shifting of at least six forward speeds without range shift. An output element of the front-mounted planet gear set (10) can be connected to a first input element of the main planet gear set (20) via a first shifting element (A) and can be connected to a second input element of the main planet gear set (20) via a second shifting element (B). The input shaft (3) can be connected to a third input element of the main planet gear set (20) via a fifth shifting element (E). Preferably, a sun gear (11) of the front-mounted planet gear set (10) can be fixed via a sixth shifting element (F) mounted on the side of the front-mounted planet gear set (10) facing away from the main planet gear set (20). The front-mounted planet gear set (10) is provided in the form of a Plus gearing having inner and outer planet gears (12, 13) whose webs (15, 16) are interconnected.

Multi-stage transmission

A powertrain system includes an engine mechanically coupled to an electro-mechanical transmission selectively operative in one of a plurality of transmission operating range states and one of a plurality of engine states. A method for controlling the powertrain system includes determining a current transmission operating range state and engine state, determining at least one potential transmission operating range state and engine state, providing an operator torque request, determining preferability factors associated with the current transmission operating range state and engine state, and potential transmission operating range states and engine states, preferentially weighting the preferability factors for the current transmission operating range state and engine state, and selectively commanding changing the current transmission operating range state and engine state based upon the preferability factors and the operator torque request.

Method and apparatus for maximum and minimum output torque performance by selection of hybrid range state and input speed for a hybrid powertrain system

The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes three planetary gear sets having six torque-transmitting mechanisms and two fixed interconnections. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The six torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members, the transmission housing and with the input member, and are operated in combinations of three to establish eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.

8-speed transmission

A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes.

Multi-speed transmission having three planetary gear sets

The hybrid powertrain has a plurality of members that can be utilized to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio in a hybrid transmission architecture. The transmission includes three planetary gear sets having five torque-transmitting devices and four fixed interconnections. The powertrain includes an engine, a damper, a pump, an engine disconnect clutch, and a drive motor, all operatively connected with the transmission to provide strong hybrid operating capability.

8-Speed hybrid transmission architectures

The present invention provides a method for controlling a selectable one-way clutch, or SOWC, such that engine braking is enabled. Additionally, the method of the present invention is adapted to provide engine braking using the SOWC such that a separate clutch is not required. The method is initiated by identifying a downshift command. After the downshift command has been identified, the off-going clutch associated with the current speed ratio is released. Engine speed is preferably increased to bring the relative speed across a selectable one-way clutch to approximately zero. Thereafter, the selectable one-way clutch is engaged such that is capable of holding torque in both directions. As the selectable one-way clutch can hold torque in both directions, torque is transmittable from the transmission to the engine and engine braking is thereby enabled.

Selectable one-way clutch control

A powertrain having an engine and a continuously variable transmission provides a continuously variable drive ratio between the engine and the transmission output. The transmission includes a continuously variable unit (CVU) and a planetary gear arrangement. The CVU is of the traction type. The planetary gear arrangement has a compound planetary gear set, two simple planetary gear sets, and two torque transmitting mechanisms. The compound gear set is disposed adjacent the CVU and has members connected with the input and the output of the CVU. The two simple planetary gear sets are disposed axially between the compound planetary gear set and transmission output shaft. The sun gear member of the compound planetary gear set is rotatably supported on a single shaft that passes axially therethrough and transmits power from the engine to the carrier assembly member of the compound planetary gear set and one input member of the CVU. The sun gear members of the simple planetary gear sets are interconnected and rotatably supported on a single shaft that passes axially therethrough and delivers power from the ring gear member of the compound planetary gear set and the carrier assembly member of one simple planetary gear set to one of the torque transmitting mechanisms. The torque transmitting mechanisms are supplied with pressurized fluid through a common support element.

Scott H. Wittkopp

Papers

8-speed transmission

Multi-speed transmission having three planetary gear sets

8-Speed hybrid transmission architectures

Selectable one-way clutch control

Planetary gearing for a geared neutral traction drive