Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
171 words
A method of controlling a direct-coupling mechanism of hydraulic power transmission means having an input member and an output member, of an automatic transmission for an automotive vehicle, said direct-coupling mechanism being operable to mechanically engage and disengage said input member and said output member with and from each other, said automatic transmission having selector means being operatable at human will to select among a plurality of operating modes in which said automotive vehicle is to be operated, wherein the transmission capacity of said direct-coupling mechanism is controlled such that the value of a first predetermined parameter indicative of an amount of relative slip between said input member and said output member lies within a predetermined reference range, the method comprising the steps of: (1) detecting the value of a second predetermined parameter indicative of one of said operating modes selected by said selector means; and (2) determining said predetermined reference range of the value of said first predetermined parameter in dependence on the detected value of said second predetermined parameter.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
171 words
A method of controlling a direct-coupling mechanism of hydraulic power transmission means having an input member and an output member, of an automatic transmission for an automotive vehicle, said direct-coupling mechanism being operable to mechanically engage and disengage said input member and said output member with and from each other, said automatic transmission having selector means being operatable at human will to select among a plurality of operating modes in which said automotive vehicle is to be operated, wherein the transmission capacity of said direct-coupling mechanism is controlled such that the value of a first predetermined parameter indicative of an amount of relative slip between said input member and said output member lies within a predetermined reference range, the method comprising the steps of: (1) detecting the value of a second predetermined parameter indicative of one of said operating modes selected by said selector means; and (2) determining said predetermined reference range of the value of said first predetermined parameter in dependence on the detected value of said second predetermined parameter.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first predetermined parameter is the ratio in rotational speed between said input member and said output member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first predetermined parameter is the difference in rotational speed between said input member and said output member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
49 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said selector means comprises a two-position selecting means adapted to selectively assume a first position and a second position and produce a signal indicative of one of said first and second positions assumed as the value of said second predetermined parameter.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
54 words
A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein said predetermined reference range of the value of said first predetermined parameter is set to a range corresponding to a smaller amount of relative slip between said input member and said output member when said first position is assumed than when said second position is assumed.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
69 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said automatic transmission has speed change gears, and said selector means comprises a manual shift valve for selectively assuming a plurality of shift positions each determining a respective range of reduction ratio that can be established by said speed change gears and producing a signal indicative of one of said shift positions assumed as the value of said second predetermined parameter.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
66 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said predetermined reference range of the value of said first predetermined parameter is set to a range correseonding to a smaller amount of relative slip between said input member and said output member when a higher speed range shift position is assumed as one of said shift positions than when a lower speed range shift position is assumed.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
169 words
A method of controlling a direct-coupling mechanism of hydraulic power transmission means having an input member and an output member, of an automatic transmission for an automotive vehicle, said direct-coupling mechanism being operable to mechanically engage and disengage said input member and said output member with and from each other, said automotive vehicle being adapted to operate in a plurality of operating modes, wherein the transmission capacity of said direct-coupling mechanism is controlled such that the value of a predetermined parameter indicative of an amount of relative slip between said input member and said output member lies within a predetermined reference range, the method comprising the steps of: (1) detecting the value of a second predetermined parameter indicative of one of said operating modes in which said automotive vehicle is operating; and (2) determining a rate at which said transmission capacity is controlled such that the value of said first predetermined parameter changes toward said predetermined reference range, in dependence on the detected value of said second predetermined parameter.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
169 words
A method of controlling a direct-coupling mechanism of hydraulic power transmission means having an input member and an output member, of an automatic transmission for an automotive vehicle, said direct-coupling mechanism being operable to mechanically engage and disengage said input member and said output member with and from each other, said automotive vehicle being adapted to operate in a plurality of operating modes, wherein the transmission capacity of said direct-coupling mechanism is controlled such that the value of a predetermined parameter indicative of an amount of relative slip between said input member and said output member lies within a predetermined reference range, the method comprising the steps of: (1) detecting the value of a second predetermined parameter indicative of one of said operating modes in which said automotive vehicle is operating; and (2) determining a rate at which said transmission capacity is controlled such that the value of said first predetermined parameter changes toward said predetermined reference range, in dependence on the detected value of said second predetermined parameter.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method as claimed in claim 8, wherein said first predetermined parameter is the ratio in rotational speed between said input member and said output member.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method as claimed in claim 8, wherein said first predetermined parameter is the difference in rotational speed between said input member and said output member.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method as claimed in claim 8, wherein said automatic transmission has speed change gears, and said second predetermined parameter is indicative of a plurality of shift positions each determining a respective speed reduction ratio established by said speed change gears.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
45 words
A method as claimed in claim 8, wherein said automatic transmission has speed change gears, and said second predetermined parameter is indicative of a plurality of shift positions each determining a respective range of reduction ratio that can be established by said speed change gears.