US3714836A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automatic transmission controls for an automotive vehicle driveline
Assignee: Ford Motor Co
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Filing: 1971-02-16
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Granted: 1973-02-06
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Expires: 1991-02-16
Abstract
Abstract An automatic control valve circuit for controlling the application and release of fluid pressure operated servos in an automatic power transmission mechanism for an automotive vehicle driveline including pressure booster valve means for augmenting the servo pressure during coast braking of the vehicle at high speeds and limiting that pressure to a predetermined maximum value, and valve means for cushioning the application of a reaction brake during a ratio change to an underdrive condition whereby harshness in the ratio shifts to the underdrive ratio is reduced and excessive load on the hydraulic pump for the circuit is avoided.
Inventors
- 👤 S Pierce
- 👤 W Winn
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 16:11
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16H; F16H41/00; F16H41/24; F16H61/00; F16H61/02; F16H61/0262; F16H61/0265; F16H61/0267; F16H61/04; F16H61/06; F16H61/065; F16H61/068
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
406 words
An automatic power transmission mechanism for use in an automotive vehicle driveline for delivering torque from a power input member to a power output member, multiple ratio torque transmitting gearing establishing torque delivery paths between said input member and said output member, fluid pressure operated clutch means for connecting together for rotation in unison two elements of said gearing during high speed ratio operation, friction brake means for anchoring one element of said gearing to establish a torque reaction point during operation of said gearing in an underdrive ratio, a fluid pressure source, said brake means including a double acting servo having a cylinder and a piston movable in said cylinder and cooperating therewith to define opposed fluid pressure chambers, one of which has a larger effective fluid pressure working area than the other, said brake means being applied when said other pressure chamber is pressurized and said one pressure chamber is exhausted, said brake means being released when said one pressure chamber is pressurized, conduit structure connecting said pressure source with said clutch means and with said brake means including a common conduit portion extending between said one chamber and said clutch means, valve means in said conduit structure for controlling pressure distribution to said one and said other pressure chambers to effect application and release of said brake means thereby accomplishing ratio changes between said high speed ratio and said underdrive ratio, a flow restricting means situated in the conduit structure portion extending to said one chamber, a source of a pressure signal that is proportional in magnitude to the driven speed of said output member, first timing valve means communicating with said speed signal source and responsive thereto for establishing a fluid flow path around said flow restricting means from said one chamber when said driven speed is greater than a first limiting value and second timing valve means communicating with said signal source and responsive thereto for establishing a fluid flow path around said flow restricting means from said one chamber when said driven speed is less than a second predetermined limiting value, the rate of displacement of fluid from said one chamber, upon application of said brake means during a ratio change to said underdrive ratio, being retarded when said flow paths around said flow restricting means are interrupted by said timing valve means at speeds greater than said second limiting value and at speeds less than said first limiting value.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
406 words
An automatic power transmission mechanism for use in an automotive vehicle driveline for delivering torque from a power input member to a power output member, multiple ratio torque transmitting gearing establishing torque delivery paths between said input member and said output member, fluid pressure operated clutch means for connecting together for rotation in unison two elements of said gearing during high speed ratio operation, friction brake means for anchoring one element of said gearing to establish a torque reaction point during operation of said gearing in an underdrive ratio, a fluid pressure source, said brake means including a double acting servo having a cylinder and a piston movable in said cylinder and cooperating therewith to define opposed fluid pressure chambers, one of which has a larger effective fluid pressure working area than the other, said brake means being applied when said other pressure chamber is pressurized and said one pressure chamber is exhausted, said brake means being released when said one pressure chamber is pressurized, conduit structure connecting said pressure source with said clutch means and with said brake means including a common conduit portion extending between said one chamber and said clutch means, valve means in said conduit structure for controlling pressure distribution to said one and said other pressure chambers to effect application and release of said brake means thereby accomplishing ratio changes between said high speed ratio and said underdrive ratio, a flow restricting means situated in the conduit structure portion extending to said one chamber, a source of a pressure signal that is proportional in magnitude to the driven speed of said output member, first timing valve means communicating with said speed signal source and responsive thereto for establishing a fluid flow path around said flow restricting means from said one chamber when said driven speed is greater than a first limiting value and second timing valve means communicating with said signal source and responsive thereto for establishing a fluid flow path around said flow restricting means from said one chamber when said driven speed is less than a second predetermined limiting value, the rate of displacement of fluid from said one chamber, upon application of said brake means during a ratio change to said underdrive ratio, being retarded when said flow paths around said flow restricting means are interrupted by said timing valve means at speeds greater than said second limiting value and at speeds less than said first limiting value.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
406 words
An automatic power transmission mechanism for use in an automotive vehicle driveline for delivering torque from a power input member to a power output member, multiple ratio torque transmitting gearing establishing torque delivery paths between said input member and said output member, fluid pressure operated clutch means for connecting together for rotation in unison two elements of said gearing during high speed ratio operation, friction brake means for anchoring one element of said gearing to establish a torque reaction point during operation of said gearing in an underdrive ratio, a fluid pressure source, said brake means including a double acting servo having a cylinder and a piston movable in said cylinder and cooperating therewith to define opposed fluid pressure chambers, one of which has a larger effective fluid pressure working area than the other, said brake means being applied when said other pressure chamber is pressurized and said one pressure chamber is exhausted, said brake means being released when said one pressure chamber is pressurized, conduit structure connecting said pressure source with said clutch means and with said brake means including a common conduit portion extending between said one chamber and said clutch means, valve means in said conduit structure for controlling pressure distribution to said one and said other pressure chambers to effect application and release of said brake means thereby accomplishing ratio changes between said high speed ratio and said underdrive ratio, a flow restricting means situated in the conduit structure portion extending to said one chamber, a source of a pressure signal that is proportional in magnitude to the driven speed of said output member, first timing valve means communicating with said speed signal source and responsive thereto for establishing a fluid flow path around said flow restricting means from said one chamber when said driven speed is greater than a first limiting value and second timing valve means communicating with said signal source and responsive thereto for establishing a fluid flow path around said flow restricting means from said one chamber when said driven speed is less than a second predetermined limiting value, the rate of displacement of fluid from said one chamber, upon application of said brake means during a ratio change to said underdrive ratio, being retarded when said flow paths around said flow restricting means are interrupted by said timing valve means at speeds greater than said second limiting value and at speeds less than said first limiting value.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
406 words
An automatic power transmission mechanism for use in an automotive vehicle driveline for delivering torque from a power input member to a power output member, multiple ratio torque transmitting gearing establishing torque delivery paths between said input member and said output member, fluid pressure operated clutch means for connecting together for rotation in unison two elements of said gearing during high speed ratio operation, friction brake means for anchoring one element of said gearing to establish a torque reaction point during operation of said gearing in an underdrive ratio, a fluid pressure source, said brake means including a double acting servo having a cylinder and a piston movable in said cylinder and cooperating therewith to define opposed fluid pressure chambers, one of which has a larger effective fluid pressure working area than the other, said brake means being applied when said other pressure chamber is pressurized and said one pressure chamber is exhausted, said brake means being released when said one pressure chamber is pressurized, conduit structure connecting said pressure source with said clutch means and with said brake means including a common conduit portion extending between said one chamber and said clutch means, valve means in said conduit structure for controlling pressure distribution to said one and said other pressure chambers to effect application and release of said brake means thereby accomplishing ratio changes between said high speed ratio and said underdrive ratio, a flow restricting means situated in the conduit structure portion extending to said one chamber, a source of a pressure signal that is proportional in magnitude to the driven speed of said output member, first timing valve means communicating with said speed signal source and responsive thereto for establishing a fluid flow path around said flow restricting means from said one chamber when said driven speed is greater than a first limiting value and second timing valve means communicating with said signal source and responsive thereto for establishing a fluid flow path around said flow restricting means from said one chamber when said driven speed is less than a second predetermined limiting value, the rate of displacement of fluid from said one chamber, upon application of said brake means during a ratio change to said underdrive ratio, being retarded when said flow paths around said flow restricting means are interrupted by said timing valve means at speeds greater than said second limiting value and at speeds less than said first limiting value.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
51 words
The combination set forth in claim 1 wherein said first timing valve means responds to said speed pressure signal to open its associated flow path at a lower speed than the speed at which said second timing valve means responds to its pressure signal to close the flow path associated therewith.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
81 words
The combination set forth in claim 1 wherein the portion of the conduit structure communicating with said one chamber includes an accumulator valve element and a valve chamber defining a fluid flow path from said one chamber, spring means for biasing said accumulator valve element to a flow path closing position, and one-way check valve means in parallel relationship with respect to said accumulator valve means for accommodating fluid flow to said one chamber and blocking flow from said one chamber.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
81 words
The combination set forth in claim 2 wherein the portion of the conduit structure communicating with said one chamber includes an accumulator valve element and a valve chamber defining a fluid flow path from said one chamber, spring means for biasing said accumulator valve element to a flow path closing position, and one-way check valve means in parallel relationship with respEct to said accumulator valve means for accommodating fluid flow to said one chamber and blocking flow from said one chamber.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
62 words
The combination set forth in claim 1 wherein said first timing valve means and said second timing valve means form separate fluid flow paths accommodating flow of fluid from said one chamber during a ratio change to an underdrive ratio, each path being in parallel disposition with respect to said flow restricting means, the latter being common to each timing valve means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
62 words
The combination set forth in claim 2 wherein said first timing valve means and said second timing valve means form separate fluid flow paths accommodating flow of fluid from said one chamber during a ratio change to an underdrive ratio, each path being in parallel disposition with respect to said flow restricting means, the latter being common to each timing valve means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
62 words
The combination set forth in claim 3 wherein said first timing valve means and said second timing valve means form separate fluid flow paths accommodating flow of fluid from said one chamber during a ratio change to an underdrive ratio, each path being in parallel disposition with respect to said flow restricting means, the latter being common to each timing valve means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
62 words
The combination set forth in claim 4 wherein said first timing valve means and said second timing valve means form separate fluid flow paths accommodating flow of fluid from said one chamber during a ratio change to an underdrive ratio, each path being in parallel disposition with respect to said flow restricting means, the latter being common to each timing valve means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
58 words
The combination set forth in claim 5 wherein the fluid flow path defined by said second timing valve means extends to said one chamber and communicates with said first timing valve means, the flow path defined by said first timing valve means having portions that are common to the flow path defined by said second timing valve means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
58 words
The combination set forth in claim 6 wherein the fluid flow path defined by said second timing valve means extends to said one chamber and communicates with said first timing valve means, the flow path defined by said first timing valve means having portions that are common to the flow path defined by said second timing valve means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
58 words
The combination set forth in claim 7 wherein the fluid flow path defined by said second timing valve means extends to said one chamber and communicates with said first timing valve means, the flow path defined by said first timing valve means having portions that are common to the flow path defined by said second timing valve means.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
57 words
The combination set forth in claim 8 wherein the fluid flow path defined by said second timing valve means extends to said one chamber communicates with said first timing valve means, the flow path defined by said first timing valve means having portions that are common to the flow path defined by said second timing valve means.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
343 words
A control system for a power transmission mechanism adapted to deliver driving torque from a power input member to a power output member including gearing having elements that establish plural torque delivery paths, clutch means for connecting together relatively movable elements of said gearing to establish common rotation during high speed ratio operation, first brake means for anchoring a first reaction element of said gearing to establish intermediate speed ratio operation, second brake means for anchoring a second reaction element of said gearing to condition said gearing for operation in a lower speed underdrive ratio and for reverse drive operation, fluid pressure operated servo means for applying and releasing said second brake means including a double acting piston and a cooperating servo cylinder receiving said piston, said piston cooperating with said servo cylinder to define opposed fluid pressure chambers, the effective working area of one chamber being less than the effective working area of the other chAmber, said second brake means being applied simultaneously with said clutch means to establish reverse drive operation, a pressure source, conduit structure extending between said pressure source and said second brake means including separate portions communicating with each pressure chamber thereof, valve means for selectively controlling distribution of pressure to the two chambers of said second brake means, the other chamber of said second brake means being pressurized and the one chamber thereof being exhausted during reverse drive operation and both pressure chambers of said second brake means being pressurized during low speed ratio operation, said first brake means also including a double acting fluid pressure operated brake piston defining opposed fluid pressure areas, one of which is exhausted when said first brake means is applied, said conduit structure including portions extending to each working chamber of said first brake means, and timing valve means responsive to the driven speed of said output member for timing the rate of displacement of fluid from the other of said working areas of said first brake means when said first brake means is applied to establish intermediate speed ratio operation.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
343 words
A control system for a power transmission mechanism adapted to deliver driving torque from a power input member to a power output member including gearing having elements that establish plural torque delivery paths, clutch means for connecting together relatively movable elements of said gearing to establish common rotation during high speed ratio operation, first brake means for anchoring a first reaction element of said gearing to establish intermediate speed ratio operation, second brake means for anchoring a second reaction element of said gearing to condition said gearing for operation in a lower speed underdrive ratio and for reverse drive operation, fluid pressure operated servo means for applying and releasing said second brake means including a double acting piston and a cooperating servo cylinder receiving said piston, said piston cooperating with said servo cylinder to define opposed fluid pressure chambers, the effective working area of one chamber being less than the effective working area of the other chAmber, said second brake means being applied simultaneously with said clutch means to establish reverse drive operation, a pressure source, conduit structure extending between said pressure source and said second brake means including separate portions communicating with each pressure chamber thereof, valve means for selectively controlling distribution of pressure to the two chambers of said second brake means, the other chamber of said second brake means being pressurized and the one chamber thereof being exhausted during reverse drive operation and both pressure chambers of said second brake means being pressurized during low speed ratio operation, said first brake means also including a double acting fluid pressure operated brake piston defining opposed fluid pressure areas, one of which is exhausted when said first brake means is applied, said conduit structure including portions extending to each working chamber of said first brake means, and timing valve means responsive to the driven speed of said output member for timing the rate of displacement of fluid from the other of said working areas of said first brake means when said first brake means is applied to establish intermediate speed ratio operation.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-02-06 | 1976-08-07 | 1977-02-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-02-06 | 1980-08-07 | 1981-02-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-02-06 | 1984-08-07 | 1985-02-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |