Patent ID: 6224511
Filing Date: 2001-05-01
Classification: B60W,F16H,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for controlling a vehicular transmission system comprising a fuel-controlled engine, a fuel controller for controlling fueling of the engine, a compound transmission having an input shaft driven by the engine and an output shaft, said transmission including a main transmission section connected in series with a splitter-type auxiliary section, said splitter-type auxiliary section interposed between said main sectioin and said output shaft, a three-position splitter actuator for shifting said splitter-type auxiliary section to a selected one of a first splitter ratio, a second splitter ratio and a splitter neutral position, a device for sensing a driver's intent to shift from a currently engaged ratio and for providing a signal indicative thereof, a control unit for receiving input signals, including at least said intent-to-shift signal, and for processing same according to logic rules to issue command output signals to system actuators including at least said fuel controller and said splitter actuator, said method comprising the step of:(a) upon sensing a driver intent to shift said main transmission section while the transmission is engaged in a transmission ratio, causing the splitter actuator to urge a shift to the splitter-neutral position while causing the engine to be fueled to minimize torque transfer from said input shaft to said output shaft.