Patent ID: 6080082
Filing Date: 2000-06-27
Classification: B60W,F16H,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for controlling a vehicular powertrain system (10) comprising a fuel-controlled engine (12), an engine controller for controlling fueling of the engine (40), a multiple-speed transmission (14) having two or more ratios engaged and disengaged by positive jaw clutches (60), said jaw clutches including relatively axially movable first (62) and second (64) jaw clutch members carrying interengageable jaw clutch teeth (62A, 64A), said members relatively axially movable from a disengaged position to (a) a low degree of engagement position wherein said clutch teeth are in minimal engagement (FIG. 2A), and (b) a high degree of engagement position wherein said clutch teeth are at substantially maximum engagement (FIG. 2C), and a controller (26) for receiving input signals (24) and processing same according to logic rules to issue command output signals to system actuators including said engine controller, said method comprising the steps of:(i) sensing engaged transmission ratio;(ii) sensing the degree of engagement of a jaw clutch associated with the engaged transmission ratio; and(iii) limiting output torque of said engine as a function of said sensed degree of engagement.