In a control unit of a hydraulic control device, a temperature acquisition unit acquires a temperature of a driver and a temperature determination unit determines whether the temperature or a temperature at an approximate line of the temperature has reached a restriction start temperature. If the temperature determination unit determines that the temperature or the temperature has reached the restriction start temperature, a motor controller restricts a motor output.

Systems and methods for controlling transmissions and associated vehicles, machines, equipment, etc., are disclosed. In one case, a transmission control system includes a control unit configured to use a sensed vehicle speed and a commanded, target constant input speed to maintain an input speed substantially constant. The system includes one or more maps that associate a speed ratio of a transmission with a vehicle speed. In one embodiment, one such map associates an encoder position with a vehicle speed. Regarding a specific application, an automatic bicycle transmission shifting system is contemplated. An exemplary automatic bicycle includes a control unit, a shift actuator, various sensors, and a user interface. The control unit is configured to cooperate with a logic module and an actuator controller to control the cadence of a rider. In one embodiment, a memory of, or in communication with, the control unit includes one or more constant cadence maps that associate transmission speed ratios with bicycle speeds.

A method for controlling a continuously variable transmission is a control method for controlling in/out of oil to/from a primary oil chamber by using an oil pump provided in an oil passage between the primary oil chamber and a secondary oil chamber. The method includes: a determination step of determining whether a required downshift speed is faster than an allowable value; a position control step of setting a target piston position of the primary oil chamber in accordance with an operating state of a vehicle and performing a position control of a piston of the primary oil chamber based on the target piston position; a hydraulic control step of setting a target oil pressure of the primary oil chamber in accordance with the operating state and performing a hydraulic control of the primary oil chamber based on the target oil pressure; and a feedback setting control step of increasing weighting according to a position feedback control based on the target piston position in the position control step when it is determined that the downshift speed is slower than the allowable value in the determination step and of increasing weighting according to a hydraulic feedback control based on the target oil pressure in the hydraulic control step when it is determined that the downshift speed is faster than the allowable value.

A controller of a toroidal continuously variable transmission comprises a position control unit which outputs a driving signal to a hydraulic actuator to control a roller position. The hydraulic actuator includes a biasing mechanism which forcibly keeps the roller position at a predetermined position in a case where the driving signal meets a predetermined condition. The position control unit is configured to perform a start-up control during start-up of the toroidal continuously variable transmission. During the start-up control, the position control unit is configured to output the driving signal to reciprocate a spool of the hydraulic actuator in a case where a temperature of hydraulic oil supplied to the hydraulic actuator is lower than a reference temperature, and output the driving signal which meets the predetermined condition in a case where the temperature of the hydraulic oil has become equal to or higher than the reference temperature thereafter.

An electronic continuously variable transmission (ECVT) system applicable to a motorcycle includes a first speed sensor, second speed sensor, continuously variable transmission (CVT) and control unit. The control unit receives a user control signal and accordingly controls a speed-changing state of the CVT. While the motorcycle is operating in a manual-operation mode, the control unit predicts, according to the user control signal, a first speed signal sent from the first speed sensor, and a second speed signal sent from the second speed sensor, whether the next gear indicated by the shift request signal will cause the motorcycle to move unsteadily. If so, the control unit ignores the shift request signal and refuses to perform gear shifting. If not, the control unit sends at least a shift control signal to the CVT so that the CVT performs gear shifting.

Components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for improving the performance and increasing the life of continuously variable transmissions (CVT). A first stator may be formed with an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter of a second stator. A stator may have radial slots formed to extend farther radially inward than slots on the other stator. The larger outer diameter of a stator or the formation of guide slots on a first stator extending farther radially inward of guide slots on a second stator may prevent egress of a planet axle from a radial slot, increase range of the CVT, allow for larger tolerances to reduce losses, and other advantages, Slots on a timing plate may be formed having a width greater than a width of guide slots formed on either stator to allow the stators to control adjustments while the timing plate avoids runaway axles. The shape, including junction between surfaces on a timing plate or stator may also prevent an axle from egressing. Any one or a combination of these features allow a CVT to be formed smaller and lighter to allow for clearance in smaller environments and for reduced inertia.

Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable accessory drives (CVAD). In one embodiment, a skew-based control system is adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of a CVAD. In another embodiment, a skew-based control system includes a skew actuator coupled to a carrier member. In some embodiments, the skew actuator is configured to rotate a carrier member of a CVT. Various inventive traction planet assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. In some embodiments, the traction planet assemblies include legs configured to cooperate with the carrier members. In some embodiments, a traction planet assembly is operably coupled to the carrier members. Embodiments of a shift cam and traction sun are adapted to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces for a CVT are disclosed.

A controller of a toroidal continuously variable transmission comprises a position control unit which outputs a driving signal to a hydraulic actuator to control a roller position. The hydraulic actuator includes a biasing mechanism which forcibly keeps the roller position at a predetermined position in a case where the driving signal meets a predetermined condition. The position control unit is configured to perform a start-up control during start-up of the toroidal continuously variable transmission. During the start-up control, the position control unit is configured to output the driving signal to reciprocate a spool of the hydraulic actuator in a case where a temperature of hydraulic oil supplied to the hydraulic actuator is lower than a reference temperature, and output the driving signal which meets the predetermined condition in a case where the temperature of the hydraulic oil has become equal to or higher than the reference temperature thereafter.

In a hydraulic control device, a hydraulic sensor is provided on an intake side of a second pump where first oil is taken in and a line pressure sensor is provided on a discharging side of the second pump where the second oil is discharged. A control unit controls driving of the second pump by controlling a motor on the basis of an output pressure detected by the output pressure sensor or a line pressure detected by the line pressure sensor.

In a control unit of a hydraulic control device, a temperature acquisition unit acquires a temperature of a driver and a temperature determination unit determines whether the temperature or a temperature at an approximate line of the temperature has reached a restriction start temperature. If the temperature determination unit determines that the temperature or the temperature has reached the restriction start temperature, a motor controller restricts a motor output.