Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW-MPT Document 120-2 Filed 11/17/22 Page 1 of 13 PageID #:
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`EXHIBIT O
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`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW-MPT Document 120-2 Filed 11/17/22 Page 2 of 13 PageID #:
`13110
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`USOO8622871 B2
`
`(12) United States Patent
`HOff
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 8,622,871 B2
`Jan. 7, 2014
`
`(54) CONTROL ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD
`OF CONTROLLING ATRANSMISSION INA
`
`MACHINE
`
`(75) Inventor: Brian D. Hoff, Peoria, IL (US)
`
`(73) Assignee: Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL (US)
`(*) Notice:
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 336 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 12/973,413
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Dec. 20, 2010
`
`5/1985 Maruyama et al.
`4,519,275 A ck
`$94. A * 238 Er T4,335
`J. 4 W
`ogdan
`5,403.241 A * 4/1995 Jarchow et al. ................. 475/72
`5,910,067 A * 6/1999 Vandendriessche et al. ... 477/92
`6,135,916 A 10/2000 Vorndran et al.
`7,094,177 B2 * 8/2006 Inoue et al. ..................... 477/34
`7,530,913 B2
`5/2009 Febry et al.
`7,530.914 B2
`5/2009 Febry et al.
`2006/0150809 A1* 7/2006 Shah ............................... 91f472
`2006/0172853 A1* 8, 2006 Ishibashi et al. ................ 477/52
`2009/0132135 A1
`5/2009 Quinn, Jr. et al.
`2009/0222 181 A1* 9/2009 Lindgren et al. ................ TO1? 64
`2009, 0234546 A1
`9, 2009 Inoue et al.
`2010/016895.6 A1* 7, 2010 Ueno .............................. TO1/34
`2011/0160969 A1* 6/2011 Oguri et al. ..................... 7O1, 52
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2012/O157253 A1
`Jun. 21, 2012
`
`2004301.264
`JP
`* cited by examiner
`
`10, 2004
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`(2010.01)
`FI6H 6L/40
`(2006.01)
`FI6H 47/04
`(2006.01)
`G06F 7700
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`USPC .................................. 477/68: 475/80, 701/66
`(58) Field of Classification Search
`USPC .................. 475/72, 80. 83; 477/3, 52, 68,98:
`701/62, 66; 74/665A, 665 B, 730.1
`See application file for complete search history.
`References Cited
`
`(56)
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`3,732,755 A *
`4,382,392 A
`
`5/1973 Beig et al. ..................... 477,131
`5/1983 Meyerle et al.
`
`Primary Examiner — Roger Pang
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Leydig, Voit & Mayer
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`- 0
`N. disclosure is directed to a method for use in a machine
`aving a transmission having an operational mode, and
`including first and second power source paths, and a com
`bined power output. The first power source path includes a
`variator. The method of controlling the transmission includes
`operating the first power Source path, providing a signal
`indicative of the operational mode of the transmission to a
`controller, and at least partially neutralizing the variator if the
`signal indicates that the transmission is in neutral for at least
`a preset period of time.
`
`19 Claims, 6 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Operational
`Mode
`Selector
`Signal
`
`Operational Mode
`Selected
`Neutra"
`
`
`
`No modification
`to Wariator
`based
`upon method
`
`
`
`Has the
`emperature of
`the Wariator dropped to a
`predetermined level, or has
`a temperature difference
`across the Wariator
`dropped to a
`predetermined
`value?
`
`Neutralize
`Wariator
`
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 7, 2014
`
`Sheet 1 of 6
`
`US 8,622,871 B2
`
`
`
`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW-MPT Document 120-2 Filed 11/17/22 Page 3 of 13 PageID #:
`13111
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 7, 2014
`
`Sheet 2 of 6
`
`US 8,622,871 B2
`
`
`
`s
`
`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW-MPT Document 120-2 Filed 11/17/22 Page 4 of 13 PageID #:
`13112
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 7, 2014
`
`Sheet 3 of 6
`
`US 8,622,871 B2
`
`FIG. 3
`
`Operational
`Mode
`Selector
`Signal
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ls
`Operational Mode
`Selected
`"Neutral"2
`
`No modification
`to Variator
`based
`upon method
`
`Operational Mode
`Selected been in "Neutral"
`for at least preselected
`period of time?
`
`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW-MPT Document 120-2 Filed 11/17/22 Page 5 of 13 PageID #:
`13113
`
`Neutralize
`Variator
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 7, 2014
`
`Sheet 4 of 6
`
`US 8,622,871 B2
`
`FIG. 4
`
`Operational
`Mode
`Selector
`Signal
`
`ls
`Operational Mode
`Selected
`"Neutral"2
`
`No modification
`to Variator
`based
`upon method
`
`Operational Mode
`Selected been in "Neutral"
`for at least preselected
`period of time?
`
`he Variator
`warmed up, or has the
`Variator or the oil flowing
`from the Variator reached a
`preset temperature2
`
`Neutralize
`Variator
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW-MPT Document 120-2 Filed 11/17/22 Page 6 of 13 PageID #:
`13114
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 7, 2014
`
`Sheet 5 of 6
`
`US 8,622,871 B2
`
`FIG. 5
`
`Operational
`Mode
`Selector
`Signal
`
`ls
`Operational Mode
`Selected
`Neutra"2
`
`No modification
`to Variator
`based
`upon method
`
`Operational Mode
`Selected been in "Neutral"
`for at least preselected
`period of time?
`
`
`
`Temperature of
`the Variator dropped to a
`predetermined level, or has
`a temperature difference
`across the Variator
`dropped to a
`predetermined
`value?
`
`NO
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW-MPT Document 120-2 Filed 11/17/22 Page 7 of 13 PageID #:
`13115
`
`Neutralize
`Variator
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 7, 2014
`
`Sheet 6 of 6
`
`US 8,622,871 B2
`
`FIG. 6
`
`Operational
`Mode
`Selector
`Signal
`
`ls
`Operational Mode
`Selected
`"Neutral"2
`
`No modification
`to Variator
`based
`upon method
`
`
`
`
`
`Temperature of
`the Variator dropped to a
`predetermined level, or has
`a temperature difference
`acroSS the Variator
`dropped to a
`predetermined
`value?
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW-MPT Document 120-2 Filed 11/17/22 Page 8 of 13 PageID #:
`13116
`
`Neutralize
`Variator
`
`

`

`US 8,622,871 B2
`
`1.
`CONTROL ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD
`OF CONTROLLING ATRANSMISSION INA
`MACHINE
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`This patent disclosure relates generally to split torque vari
`able transmissions, and, more particularly, to a control
`arrangement for and a method of controlling a transmission in
`a machine including a split torque continuously variable
`transmission.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`Split torque continuously variable transmissions (CVT).
`Such as multi-range hydromechanical transmissions, are fre
`quently utilized in mobile machines. Hydromechanical trans
`missions, for example, may include a hydraulic pump and
`motor in the form of a variator U.S. Pat. No. 7,530,913 to
`Fabry, et al., which is assigned to the assignee of this disclo
`Sure, discloses a multirange hydromechanical transmission
`that includes a hydraulic pump coupled to a hydraulic motor.
`Torque from the engine is transmitted to the pump and a
`parallel mechanical shaft to a planetary gearing arrangement
`and a plurality of gears, clutch assemblies, and synchronizers.
`When the transmission is engaged, such arrangements may be
`configured Such that the variator is flowing when the machine
`is stationary, i.e., at Zero ground speed. Maintaining the trans
`mission in this configuration, then results in wasted fuel when
`the machine is idle. Depending on the configuration of the
`variator, these losses can be on the order of 20% of the idle
`fuel burn. This fuel consumption becomes particularly sig
`nificant when the machine spends a considerable portion of
`its use at idle.
`The disclosed method and control system are directed to
`overcoming one or more of the problems set forth above.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`10
`
`15
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`2
`The disclosure also describes, in yet another aspect, a
`machine comprising a transmission and a controller. The
`transmission has an operational mode, and includes first and
`second power source paths, and a combined output from the
`first and second power source paths. The first power source
`path includes a pump and a motor (variator). The transmission
`further includes a selectively adjustable operational mode
`selector adapted to Supply a signal indicative of the selected
`operational mode, a timer adapted to provide signal indicative
`of time lapse, and an actuator adapted to control an operative
`state of at least a portion of the first power source path. The
`controller is in electrical communication with the actuator
`and is adapted to receive the signal indicative of the selected
`operational mode. The controller is further configured to Sup
`ply a signal to the actuator to at least partially neutralize at
`least a portion of the variator if the signal indicative of the
`selected operational mode indicates that the transmission is in
`neutral for at least a preset period of time.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)
`The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in
`and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate exemplary
`embodiments of the disclosure and, together with the descrip
`tion, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.
`FIG. 1 illustrates a sectional view of a transmission.
`FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic illustration of an exemplary
`embodiment of a control system according to the disclosure.
`FIG.3 is a flow chart of an exemplary method for operating
`a variator according to the disclosure.
`FIG. 4 is a flow chart of an alternate embodiment of an
`exemplary method for operating a variator according to the
`disclosure.
`FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a further alternate embodiment of
`an exemplary method for operating a variator according to the
`disclosure.
`FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a yet another alternate embodiment
`of an exemplary method for operating a variator according to
`the disclosure.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`This disclosure relates to a method of operating a variator,
`and a control system and machine (shown generally as refer
`ence numeral 10) incorporating the same in a split torque
`arrangement in a continuously variable transmission. The
`method, system, and machine 10 have universal applicability
`to any machine 10 utilizing Such an arrangement. For
`example, the term “machine' may refer to any machine 10
`that performs some type of operation associated with an
`industry Such as, for example, mining, construction, farming,
`transportation, or any other industry known in the art. By way
`of example only, the machine 10 may be a vehicle, a backhoe
`loader, a cold planer, a wheel loader, a compactor, a feller
`buncher, a forest machine, a forwarder, a harvester, an exca
`vator, an industrial loader, a knuckleboom loader, a material
`handler, a motor grader, a pipelayer, a road reclaimer, a skid
`steer loader, a skidder, a telehandler, a tractor, a dozer, a
`tractor scraper, or other paving or underground mining equip
`ment. Moreover, one or more implements may be connected
`to the machine 10, and may be driven from the transmission.
`Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a partial cross
`sectional view of an exemplary continuously variable trans
`mission 20 with which the method may be utilized. While a
`specific embodiment of a continuously variable transmission
`20 is described herein, the continuously variable transmission
`may be of any type having appropriate components for per
`
`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW-MPT Document 120-2 Filed 11/17/22 Page 9 of 13 PageID #:
`13117
`
`The disclosure describes, in one aspect, a method for use in
`a machine comprising a transmission having an operational
`mode, and including first and second power Source paths, and
`a combined power output. The first power source path
`includes a variator. The method of controlling the transmis
`sion comprises the steps of operating the first power source
`45
`path; providing a signal indicative of the operational mode of
`the transmission to a controller; and at least partially neutral
`izing the variator if the signal indicates that the transmission
`is in neutral for at least a preset period of time.
`The disclosure further describes, in another aspect, a con
`trol system in a variable transmission of a machine. The
`transmission has an operational mode, and includes first and
`second power Source paths, and a combined power output.
`The first power source path includes a variator. The control
`system comprises a selectively adjustable operational mode
`selector adapted to Supply a signal indicative of a selected
`operational mode, a timer adapted to provide signal indicative
`of time lapse, and an actuator adapted to control an operative
`state of at least a portion of the first power source path. The
`control system further comprises a controller in electrical
`communication with the actuator. The controller is adapted to
`receive the signal indicative of the selected operational mode.
`The controller is further configured to Supply a signal to the
`actuator to at least partially neutralize at least a portion of the
`variator if the signal indicative of the selected operational
`mode indicates that the transmission is in neutral for at least a
`preset period of time.
`
`40
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`

`

`3
`formance of the method disclosed herein. The disclosed
`arrangement includes first and second power source paths 22,
`24. For example, the continuously variable transmission 20
`may be a hydromechanical transmission 26 including a
`hydrostatic transmission 30 and a mechanical transmission
`32.
`While this disclosure explains a hydromechanical trans
`mission 26 in detail, any appropriate alternate arrangement
`may be utilized. By way of example and not limitation, the
`hydrostatic transmission 30 may be embodied as an alternate
`power source path, such as, for example, an electric motor
`driving an electro-mechanical transmission (not shown), an
`electric battery and a motor (not shown), a hydraulic accu
`mulator and a motor (not shown), an electric generator and
`electric motor (not shown), or other device capable of pro
`viding input power, without departing from the scope of the
`present disclosure.
`An engine 34 (see FIG. 2) drives the hydromechanical
`transmission 26. The engine 34 may be, for example, an
`internal combustion engine, although the engine 34 may be
`any kind of device capable of powering the continuously
`variable transmission 20 as described herein. The engine 34
`outputs to both the hydrostatic transmission 30 and the
`mechanical transmission32 through an input member 36. The
`input member 36 provides split power to the hydrostatic
`transmission 30 and a planetary arrangement 44 of the
`mechanical transmission 32 through first and second fixed
`input gears 40, 42, respectively (see FIG. 1). The hydrostatic
`transmission 30 and planetary arrangement 44 then provides
`outputs to the mechanical transmission 32 through a plan
`etary output shaft assembly 82. The planetary arrangement 44
`includes first and second axially aligned planetary gear sets
`74, 76, each first or second axially aligned planetary gear set
`74.76 including a sun gear 78, a carrier 56, and a ring gear 80,
`as is customary.
`The term “fixed' may be understood as being integral with,
`permanently attached, pinned, interconnected through a
`splined connection, or fused by welding, for example, or by
`any other means known to those having ordinary skill in the
`art.
`The hydrostatic transmission 30 includes a variator 28 that
`includes a variable displacement pump 46 and a motor 48,
`which is in fluid communication with the pump 46. Displace
`ment of the pump 46 may be controlled by a swash plate 47.
`as is known in the art, or by an alternate arrangement (see FIG.
`2). The angle of the Swash plate 47 may be controlled by an
`actuator 49, which may be of any appropriate design.
`The variable displacement pump 46 is connected to the
`engine 34, through a hydrostatic transmission input gear 50
`engaged with the first fixed input gear 40 (see FIG. 1). The
`motor 48 may be variable displacement or fixed displace
`ment, as illustrated. The motor 48 outputs through a hydro
`static transmission output gear 54 to a second planetary input
`member 52 to the planetary arrangement 44. Thus, the pump
`46 of the hydrostatic transmission 30 uses the split input
`power from the engine 34 to fluidly drive the motor 48 to
`convert the input power from the engine 34 to hydrostatic
`output power over a continuously variable speed ratio.
`The hydromechanical transmission 26 includes a second
`fixed input gear 42 coupled to the input member 36, the
`second fixed input gear 42 providing input to the planetary
`arrangement 44 by way of a carrier 56. The planetary arrange
`ment 44 combines the hydrostatic output power from the first
`power source path 22 to second planetary input member 52
`with the split input mechanical power from second power
`Source path 24 by way of the second fixed input gear 42 to
`provide hydromechanical output power to mechanical trans
`
`10
`
`15
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
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`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
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`60
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`
`US 8,622,871 B2
`
`4
`mission 32 through the planetary output shaft assembly 82.
`The illustrated planetary output shaft assembly 82 includes an
`internal shaft 84 and an aligned sleeve 86, such as a hollow
`member or hub, supported by the internal shaft 84. The output
`to the internal shaft 84 and sleeve 86 is dependent upon the
`arrangement and connections of the components of the first
`and second axially aligned planetary gear sets 74, 76. In the
`illustrated embodiment, the sleeve 86 outputs through a first
`planetary output gear 90. The internal shaft 84 outputs
`through a second planetary output gear 92 and through an
`auxiliary drive gear 94.
`The speed and torque in each of the ranges initially set by
`gear ratios of the planetary arrangement 44 and mechanical
`transmission 32 can be continuously varied within a given
`operational mode by varying the output speed of the hydro
`static transmission 30. Thus, the mechanical transmission 32
`allows multiple selectable operational modes that allow a
`wide range of speed and torque operation, while the continu
`ously variable ability of hydromechanical transmission 26
`through output from hydrostatic transmission 30 through the
`planetary arrangement 44 allows continuously variable speed
`and torque control within a given operational mode. This
`allows for application of hydromechanical output power
`through a continuously variable speed and torque range to a
`load, Such as, for example, one or more driving wheels of a
`vehicle, or tracks of an earth-working machine. The speed
`and torque in each of the power Source paths 22, 24 ranges
`initially set by gear ratios of the planetary arrangement 44 can
`be infinitely varied by varying the stroke of the hydrostatic
`transmission 30. In other words, the planetary arrangement
`44 provides output to a final output member 58 by way of a
`plurality of gears, synchronizing assemblies or synchronizers
`60, 62, 64, clutch assemblies 66, 68, and first and second
`output members 70, 72.
`The output from the planetary output shaft assembly 82 is
`transmitted by way of a plurality of rotatably mounted gears
`90, 92,94, 114, 116, 120, 122,128, synchronizers 60, 62,64,
`hubs 102,104, and clutchassemblies 66, 68 to one or the other
`of the first and second output members 70, 72, and on to the
`final output member 58. The first and second output members
`70, 72 are in the form of rotatably mounted shafts to which
`first and second output shaftgears 96.98 are fixedly mounted,
`respectively. The first and second output shaft gears 96.98 are
`mounted to mesh with a final drive gear 100, which, in turn, is
`fixedly mounted to the final output member 58. In this way,
`rotation from the first and second output members 70, 72 is
`imparted to the final output member 58 by way of first and
`second output shaft gears 96, 98, respectively, and the final
`drive gear 100. In other words, the planetary arrangement 44
`provides a choice of planetary outputs to the mechanical
`transmission 32 including the final output member 58 by way
`of a plurality of gears 90, 92,94, 96, 98, 100, 114, 116, 120,
`122, 128, synchronizers 60, 62, 64, aligned sleeves or hubs
`102, 104, first and second clutch assemblies 66, 68, and first
`and second output members 70, 72.
`In operating the transmission 20, the operator (not shown)
`may select the desired gearby way of a selectively adjustable
`operational mode selector 95 (see FIG.2). In various embodi
`ments, the operator may chose from operational modes Such
`as Park, Neutral, Low Forward, High Forward, Low Reverse,
`High Reverse, and Auxiliary Forward.
`Referring to FIG. 2, in operation, a signal is provided to a
`controller 200 indicating the selected operational mode,
`which corresponds to a particular gear configuration. The
`signal may be, for example, from the operational mode selec
`tor 95 or from an alternate sensor, as will be understood by
`those of skill in the art.
`
`Case 1:17-cv-00770-JDW-MPT Document 120-2 Filed 11/17/22 Page 10 of 13 PageID #:
`13118
`
`

`

`5
`The transmission 20 may optionally include further input
`to the controller 200. For example, one or more temperature
`sensors 204, 206, 208 or the like may provide signals to the
`controller 200 indicative of the temperature of the variator 28.
`For example, such a temperature sensor 204 may be provided
`to measure the temperature of the pump 46, or the motor 48,
`as illustrated, or any other location that would provide an
`indication of the temperature of the variator 28. Alternately,
`temperature sensors 206, 208 may be disposed to measure the
`temperature of the oil flowing into or out of the motor 48,
`respectively.
`The controller 200 is in electrical communication with the
`actuator 49, and is configured to supply a signal to the actua
`tor 49. In this way, the controller 200 is configured to supply
`a signal to the actuator 49 that is indicative of the desired
`displacement of the pump 46, and, therefore, the angle of the
`swash plate 47. The displacement of the pump 46, in turn,
`controls the output of the motor 48. The controller 200 may
`also include an internal timer, or an external timer 202 may be
`further provided.
`The controller 200 may include a processor (not shown)
`and a memory component (not shown). The processor may be
`microprocessors or other processors as known in the art. In
`Some embodiments, the processor may be made up of mul
`tiple processors. The processor may execute instructions for
`control of the first power source path 22, in this embodiment,
`by way of the actuator 49. Such instructions may be read into
`or incorporated into a computer readable medium, Such as the
`memory component or provided external to processor. In
`alternative embodiments, hard-wired circuitry may be used in
`place of or in combination with Software instructions to
`implement the method disclosed herein. Thus, embodiments
`are not limited to any specific combination of hardware cir
`cuitry and Software.
`The term “computer-readable medium' as used herein
`refers to any medium or combination of media that partici
`pates in providing instructions to a processor for execution.
`Such a medium may take many forms, including but not
`limited to, non-volatile media, Volatile media, and transmis
`sion media. Non-volatile media includes, for example, optical
`or magnetic disks. Volatile media includes dynamic memory.
`Transmission media includes coaxial cables, copper wire and
`fiber optics, and can also take the form of acoustic or light
`waves, such as those generated during radio-wave and infra
`red data communications.
`Common forms of computer-readable media include, for
`example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic
`tape, or any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, any other
`optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical
`medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, and
`EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or car
`tridge, a carrier wave as described hereinafter, or any other
`medium from which a computer or processor can read.
`The memory component may include any form of com
`puter-readable media as described above. The memory com
`55
`ponent may include multiple memory components.
`The controller 200 may be enclosed in a single housing, or
`it may include a plurality of components operably connected
`and enclosed in a plurality of housings. The controller 200
`may be located on-board an engine, machine, or vehicle. In
`still other embodiments the controller 200 may be located in
`a plurality of operably connected locations including on
`board an engine, on-board a machine or vehicle, and
`remotely.
`According to the disclosed method (e.g., FIG. 3) and con
`trol system, a signal indicative of the condition of the selected
`operational mode is provided to the controller 200 by way of
`
`US 8,622,871 B2
`
`6
`the operational mode selector 95 oran alternate sensor. In the
`illustrated embodiment, the operational mode selector 95
`provides a signal indicating the selected operational mode to
`the controller 200. The controller 200 then determines
`whether the selected operational mode is “Neutral.” If the
`selected operational mode is not “Neutral no modification is
`made to the variator 28 along the first power source path 22
`based upon the disclosed method. Alternatively, if the
`selected operational mode is “Neutral.” then the controller
`200 determines if the selected operational mode has been
`“Neutral for at least a preselected period of time. If the
`selected operational mode has been “Neutral” for at least the
`preset period of time, then the controller 200 sends a signal to
`neutralize the variator 28. In the disclosed embodiment, the
`controller 200 sends a signal to the actuator 49 to adjust the
`swash plate 47 to minimize the displacement of the pump 46,
`thus minimizing the motion of the motor 48. Thus, the con
`troller 200 is adapted to receive a signal indicative of the
`selected operational mode, and configured to supply a signal
`to the actuator 49 to at least partially neutralize at least a
`portion of the variator 28 if the signal indicative of the
`selected operational mode indicates that the selected opera
`tional mode is “Neutral' for at least a preset period of time.
`The preset period of time may be any appropriate period of
`time adequate to indicate that the operational mode selector
`95 would be placed immediately into an alternate operational
`mode. For example, the preset period of time may be on the
`order ten seconds, although the preset period of time may be
`greater or lesser than ten seconds. For example, the preset
`period may be on the order of five, six, seven, eight, nine,
`eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, or fifteen or more seconds.
`The preset period may be a greater or lesser time period,
`however.
`According to another feature of the disclosure, the method
`may be dependent upon additional input, that is, other condi
`tions may be identified that must be met before the variator 28
`is neutralized. For example, operation of the variator 28 while
`in the “Neutral mode may assist in warming oil in the sys
`tem. Thus, in an embodiment illustrated in FIG.4, the variator
`28 is only neutralized under the disclosed method once the
`variator 28 is warmed up or has reached a preset temperature.
`In this way, the absolute temperature of the variator 28 as
`measured by the sensor 204 may be utilized. Alternately, the
`temperature of oil flowing from the variator 28 as measured
`by the sensor 208 may be utilized.
`By way of another example, alternate criterion may be
`utilized for neutralization of the variator 28. As illustrated in
`FIG. 5, once the operational mode selected is “Neutral.”
`changes in temperature may be utilized in determining
`whether it is appropriate to neutralize the variator 28. That is,
`if the temperature of the variator 28 has dropped to a prede
`termined level, as measured, for example by the sensor 204,
`or the temperature difference across the variator 28, as mea
`sured by the sensors 206, 208, for example, has dropped to a
`predetermined value, the variator 28 may be neutralized. As
`illustrated in FIG. 4, the neutralization of the variator 28 may
`additionally be dependent upon the sufficient warming of the
`variator 28. Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the method
`need not necessary include logic based upon time lapse.
`
`INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
`
`The present disclosure is applicable to transmissions 20
`utilizing first and second power source paths 22, 24. For
`example, the disclosure is applicable to hydromechanical
`transmissions, and transmissions utilizing a hydrostatic trans
`mission 30 or alternate arrangement, such as, for example, an
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`7
`electric motor proving an electro-mechanical transmission
`(not shown), an electric battery and a motor (not shown), a
`hydraulic accumulator and a motor (not shown), an electric
`generator and electric motor (not shown), or other device
`capable of providing input power.
`Transmissions 20 incorporating dual power source paths
`22, 24 may spend a considerable amount of operating time in
`neutral. Maintaining maximum flow from the variator 28,
`however, may result in significant fuel consumption. The
`disclosed method and/or control arrangement may result in
`fuel savings without objectionable delay when the transmis
`sion 26 is placed into a forward or reverse operational mode
`from neutral.
`It will be appreciated that the foregoing description pro
`vides examples of the disclosed system and technique. How
`15
`ever, it is contemplated that other implementations of the
`disclosure may differ in detail from the foregoing examples.
`All references to the disclosure or examples thereof are
`intended to reference the particular example being discussed
`at that point and are not intended to imply any limitation as to
`the scope of the disclosure more generally. All language of
`distinction and disparagement with respect to certain features
`is intended to indicate a lack of preference for those features,
`but not to exclude such from the scope of the disclosure
`entirely unless otherwise indicated.
`Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to
`serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each
`separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indi
`cated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the
`specification as if it were individually recited herein. All
`methods described herein can be performed in any suitable
`order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly
`contradicted by context.
`Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and
`equivalents of the Subject matter recited in the claims
`appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover,
`any combination of the above-described elements in all pos
`sible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure
`unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly con
`tradicted by context.
`I claim:
`1. In a machine comprising a transmission having an opera
`tional mode selector and including first and second power
`Source paths, and a combined power output, the first power
`Source path including a variator, a method of controlling the
`transmission comprising the steps of
`operating the first power Source path;
`providing a signal indicative of a selected operational
`mode of the transmission to a controller,
`timing a length of time that the operational mode selectoris
`in neutral;
`determining if the variator has reached a preset tempera
`ture; and
`at least partially neutralizing the variator if the signal indi
`cates that the operational mode selector is in neutral for
`at least a preset period of time.
`2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the preset
`period of time is at on the order often seconds.
`3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first power
`Source path includes a pump and motor.
`4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the first and
`second power Source paths output to a planetary gear arrange
`ment.
`5. The method according to claim 3, wherein the neutral
`izing step includes reducing the output of the pump.
`6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the preset
`period of time is on the order often seconds.
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`US 8,622,871 B2
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`7. The method according to claim 5, wherein the reducing
`step includes adjusting a Swash plate of the pump.
`8. The method according to claim 7, wherein reduction in
`the output of the pump at least partially neutralizes the motor.
`9. The method according to claim 8 wherein the adjusting
`step includes operation of an actuator to adjust the Swash
`plate.
`10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the timing
`step is performed by a controller.
`11. The method according to cl