Slip control method and arrangement for a drivetrain architecture including a continuously variable transmission
AssigneeTransmission Cvtcorp Inc.
InventorsJean-Robert Desmeules, Jean-Philippe Parent
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A slip control method and arrangement for a drivetrain including a continuously variable transmission, forward-reverse clutch arrangement and an optional three-speed gearbox is described herein. The forward-reverse clutch arrangement includes a clutch that is so controlled as to slip when a torque higher than the usable torque attempts to pass through. Accordingly, the clutch prevents the prime mover from stalling.
Claims15
A method for controlling a slippage of a drivetrain including a prime mover having an output shaft, a transmission having an input connected to the output shaft of the prime mover and an output, a forward-reverse clutch arrangement having an input connected to the output of the transmission and an output, the forward-reverse clutch arrangement including a clutch having a controllable slippage level between its input and output, the method comprising:
- determining a usable torque of the prime mover;
- and
- controlling the clutch so as to allow the usable torque to pass therethrough and to cause the clutch to slip should a torque between the input and output of the clutch be greater than the usable torque.
A drivetrain, comprising:
- a prime mover having an output shaft;
- a prime mover speed sensor measuring a rotational speed of the output shaft;
- a transmission having an input associated with the output shaft of the prime mover and an output;
- a forward-reverse clutch arrangement having an input associated with the output of the transmission and an output;
- the forward-reverse clutch arrangement including a clutch having a controllable slippage level between its input and output;
- a clutch slip controller controlling a level of torque allowed to pass through the clutch before slippage occurs therein;
- and
- a main controller associated with the prime mover speed sensor, and with the clutch slip controller;
- the main controller being so configured as to determine a usable torque of the prime mover and to set the clutch slip controller so that the clutch slips when a torque higher than the usable torque attempts to pass through the clutch.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.