Patent Grant
11118672
Without limitation to a particular field of technology, the present disclosure is directed to transmissions configured for coupling to a prime mover, and more particularly to transmissions for vehicle applications, including truck applications.
Transmissions serve a critical function in translating power provided by a prime mover to a final load. The transmission serves to provide speed ratio changing between the prime mover output (e.g. a rotating shaft) and a load driving input (e.g. a rotating shaft coupled to wheels, a pump, or other device responsive to the driving shaft). The ability to provide selectable speed ratios allows the transmission to amplify torque, keep the prime mover and load speeds within ranges desired for those devices, and to selectively disconnect the prime mover from the load at certain operating conditions.
Transmissions are subjected to a number of conflicting constraints and operating requirements. For example, the transmission must be able to provide the desired range of torque multiplication while still handling the input torque requirements of the system. Additionally, from the view of the overall system, the transmission represents an overhead device—the space occupied by the transmission, the weight, and interface requirements of the transmission are all overhead aspects to the designer of the system. Transmission systems are highly complex, and they take a long time to design, integrate, and test; accordingly, the transmission is also often required to meet the expectations of the system integrator relative to previous or historical transmissions. For example, a reduction of the space occupied by a transmission may be desirable in the long run, but for a given system design it may be more desirable that an occupied space be identical to a previous generation transmission, or as close as possible.
Previously known transmission systems suffer from one or more drawbacks within a system as described following. To manage noise, robustness, and structural integrity concerns, previously known high output transmission systems use steel for the housing of the transmission. Additionally, previously known high output transmissions utilize a large countershaft with high strength spur gears to manage the high loads through the transmission. Previously known gear sets have relatively few design degrees of freedom, meaning that any shortcomings in the design need to be taken up in the surrounding transmission elements. For example, thrust loads through the transmission, noise generated by gears, and installation issues such as complex gear timing issues, require a robust and potentially overdesigned system in the housing, bearings, and/or installation procedures. Previously known high output transmissions, such as for trucks, typically include multiple interfaces to the surrounding system (e.g. electrical, air, hydraulic, and/or coolant), each one requiring expense of design and integration, and each introducing a failure point into the system. Previously known high output transmissions include a cooler to protect the parts and fluids of the transmission from overheating in response to the heat generated in the transmission. Previously known high output transmissions utilize concentric clutches which require complex actuation and service. Accordingly, there remains a need for improvements in the design of high output transmissions, particularly truck transmissions.
An example transmission includes an input shaft configured to couple to a prime mover, a countershaft having a first number of gears mounted thereon, a main shaft having a second number of gears mounted thereon, a shifting actuator that selectively couples the input shaft to the main shaft by rotatably coupling at least one of the first number of gears to the countershaft and/or coupling the second number of gears to the main shaft, where the shifting actuator is mounted on an exterior wall of a housing, and where the countershaft and the main shaft are at least partially positioned within the housing.
Certain further embodiments of an example transmission are described following. An example transmission includes an integrated actuator housing, where the shifting actuator is operationally coupled to the integrated actuator housing, and where the shifting actuator is accessible by removing the integrated actuator housing; a number of shifting actuators operationally coupled to the integrated housing actuator, where the number of shifting actuators are accessible by removing the integrated actuator housing; where the shifting actuator is mechanically coupled to the integrated actuator housing; and/or where a number of shifting actuators are mechanically coupled to the integrated housing actuator. An example transmission includes a clutch actuator accessible by removing the integrated actuator housing; where the clutch actuator is a linear clutch actuator; the example transmission further including a clutch actuator housing; where the linear clutch actuator is positioned at least partially within the clutch actuator housing; and where the clutch actuator housing coupled to the integrated actuator housing and/or included as a portion of the integrated actuator housing; where the integrated housing actuator includes a single external power access, and/or where the single external power access includes an air supply port. An example transmission includes the integrated actuator housing defining power connections between actuators operationally coupled to the integrated actuator housing; where the integrated actuator housing is mounted on a vertically upper side of the transmission; where the shifting actuators are accessible without decoupling the input shaft from the prime mover; where the integrated actuator housing is accessible without decoupling the input shaft from the prime mover; where the linear clutch actuator is pneumatically activated; where the linear clutch actuator has a first extended position and a second retracted position, and where the linear clutch actuator includes a near zero dead air volume in the second retracted position; where the dead air volume includes an air volume on a supply side of the linear clutch actuator that is present when the linear clutch actuator is retracted; and/or where the linear clutch actuator has a first extended position and a second retracted position, and where the second retracted position is stable over a selected service life of a clutch operationally coupled to the linear clutch actuator.
An example transmission includes a driveline having an input shaft, a main shaft, and a countershaft that selectively couples the input shaft to the main shaft, a housing element with at least part of the driveline positioned in the housing, where the housing element includes aluminum, and where the transmission is a high output transmission. Certain further embodiments of an example transmission are described following. An example transmission includes the transmission having no cooler; where the countershaft selectively couples the input shaft to the main shaft using helical gear meshes, and/or where the helical gear meshes provide thrust management; where the housing does not takes thrust loads from the driveline; where the helical gear meshes further provide thrust management such that a bearing at a low speed differential position in the transmission takes thrust loads from the driveline; and/or where the bearing taking thrust at a low speed differential position is a bearing operationally coupled to the input shaft and the main shaft. An example transmission further includes a planetary gear assembly coupled to a second main shaft, where the planetary gear assembly includes helical gears; where the planetary gear assembly provides a thrust load in response to power transfer through the planetary gear assembly; where the first main shaft is rotationally coupled to the second main shaft; where the transmission does not include taper bearings in the driveline; where the countershaft is a high speed countershaft; where the transmission includes a number of high speed countershafts; and where a first gear ratio between the input shaft and the countershaft, a second gear ratio between the countershaft and the main shaft, have a ratio where the second gear ratio is greater than the first gear ratio by at least 1.25:1, at least 1.5:1, at least 1.75:1, at least 2:1, at least 2.25:1, at least 2.5:1, at least 2.75:1, at least 3:1, at least 3.25:1, at least 3.5:1, at least 3.75:1, at least 4:1, at least 4.25:1, at least 4.5:1, at least 4.75:1, at least 5:1, at least 6:1, at least 7:1, at least 8:1, at least 9:1, and/or at least 10:1.
An example transmission includes a driveline having an input shaft, a main shaft, and a countershaft that selectively couples the input shaft to the main shaft, and a low loss lubrication system. Certain further embodiments of an example transmission are described following. An example transmission includes the low loss lubrication system having a dry sump; the low loss lubrication system having a lubrication pump assembly positioned within the transmission; the low loss lubrication system including a lubrication pump rotationally coupled to the countershaft, and/or where the countershaft is a high speed countershaft; a lubrication sleeve positioned at least partially within the main shaft, and/or where the lubrication sleeve is an unsealed lubrication sleeve.
An example transmission includes a driveline having an input shaft, a main shaft, and a countershaft that selectively couples the input shaft to the main shaft, a countershaft that includes a number of gears mounted thereon, and a power take-off (PTO) access positioned in proximity to at least one of the number of gears. Certain further embodiments of an example transmission are described following. An example transmission includes the PTO access being an 8-bolt PTO access; the transmission including an aluminum housing; the transmission further having a first end engaging a prime mover and a second end having an output shaft, and a second PTO access positioned at the second end; where the transmission is an automated manual transmission; and/or a second countershaft, where the PTO access is positioned in proximity to the countershaft or the second countershaft.
An example transmission includes an input shaft configured to couple to a prime mover, a countershaft having a first number of gears mounted thereon, a main shaft having a second number of gears mounted thereon, where the first number of gears and the second number of gears are helical gears, and where the transmission is a high output transmission. Certain further embodiment of an example transmission are described following. An example transmission includes an aluminum housing, where the main shaft and the countershaft are at least partially positioned in the housing; a bearing pressed into the housing, where the helical gears manage thrust loads such that the bearing pressed into the housing does not experience thrust loads; where the first number of gears and second number of gears include a shortened tooth height and/or a flattened top geometry.
An example clutch assembly includes a clutch disc configured to engage a prime mover, a pressure plate having a clutch biasing element, where the clutch engagement member couples to a clutch actuation element at an engagement position, and where a clutch adjustment member maintains a consistent engagement position as a face of the clutch disc experiences wear. Certain further embodiments of an example clutch assembly are described following. An example clutch assembly includes the clutch adjustment member having a cam ring operable to rotate in response to clutch disc wear; a pressure plate defining the clutch biasing element and the clutch adjustment member; the pressure plate further defining access holes for the clutch adjustment member; the clutch assembly further including an anti-rotation member operationally coupled to the clutch adjustment member to enforce one-way movement of the clutch adjustment member; and/or the pressure plate further defining at least one access channel for the anti-rotation member.
Architectures for high output, high efficiency, low noise and otherwise improved automated transmissions are disclosed herein, including methods, systems, and components for automated truck transmissions. Such methods and systems may include, among other things, a pair of high speed, twin countershafts. Architectures for 18-speed (including 3×3×2 architectures with three gear boxes) and12-speed (including 3×2×2 architectures with three gear boxes) are disclosed. In embodiments, such methods and systems include methods and systems for thrust load cancellation, including cancellation of loads across a helical or sun gear used in at least one gear box of the transmission. In embodiments, enclosures, such as for the clutch and various gears are configured such that enclosure bearings are isolated from thrust loads, among other things allowing for use of lightweight materials, such as die cast aluminum, for various components of the transmission, without compromising performance or durability. A low-loss lubrication system may be provided for various components of the transmission.
In embodiments, clutch actuation (including for a linear clutch actuator that may actuate movement of a use a horseshoe, or off-axis, clutch actuator) and gear shift actuation for an automated truck transmission are handled through an integrated electrical and mechanical assembly, which may be mounted in a mounted transmission module (MTM) on the transmission, and which may use a common, integrated air supply for pneumatic actuation of clutch and gear systems, optionally employing integrated conduits, rather than hoses, to reduce the free volume of air and thereby enhance the efficiency, reliability and performance of the gear and clutch actuation systems. The MTM may include a linear clutch actuator, position sensor and valve banks for gear and clutch actuation.
Gear systems, including substantially circular gears and helical gears, may be optimized to reduce noise and provide smooth shifting. Circular gears may have substantially flat teeth, may be wormwheel-ground to provide smooth surfaces, and may be provided with profiles optimized to provide optimized sliding velocity of engagement during gear shifts. The transmission may power power-take off (PTO) interfaces, optionally including multiple PTO interfaces.
An example method includes an operation to provide a first opposing pulse, the first opposing pulse including a first predetermined amount of air above an ambient amount of air in a first closed volume, where pressure in the first closed volume opposes movement of a shift actuator in a shift direction, an operation to provide a first actuating pulse, the first actuating pulse including a second predetermined amount of air above an ambient amount of air in a second closed volume, where pressure in the second closed volume promotes movement of the shift actuator in the shift direction, and an operation to release pressure in the first closed volume and the second closed volume in response to determining a shift completion event.
Certain further operations of the example method are described following, any one or more of which may be included in certain embodiments. The example method further includes: an operation to provide the first actuating pulse as two split pulses, where a first one of the two split pulses is smaller than a first one of the two pulses; where a second one of the two split pulses includes an amount of air substantially equal to the first predetermined amount of air; and/or where the first one of the two split pulses includes an amount such as: between one-tenth and one-fourth of a total amount of air provided by the two split pulses, less than 40% of a total amount of air provided by the two split pulses, less than 33% of a total amount of air provided by the two split pulses, less than 25% of a total amount of air provided by the two split pulses and/or less than 20% of a total amount of air provided by the two split pulses. The example method further includes: the first opposing pulse is performed at least 100 milliseconds (msec) before the first actuating pulse; the first actuating pulse is performed within a 200 msec window; an operation to determine that a synchronizer engagement is imminent, and to provide the first opposing pulse in response to the imminent synchronizer engagement; providing the second predetermined amount of air by determining the second predetermined amount of air in response to a velocity of a shift actuator and a target velocity of a shift actuator; an operation to determine that a synchronizer is in an unblocked condition, and to provide a second opposing pulse in response to the synchronizer being in the unblocked condition; where determining that a synchronizer is in an unblocked condition includes an operation such as: determining that a speed differential between engaging shafts is lower than an unblocking threshold value, determining that a speed differential between engaging shafts is within a predetermined unblocking range value, determining that a synchronizer engagement time value has elapsed, and/or determining that a shift actuator position value indicates the unblocking condition. The example method further includes: an operation to determine that a synchronizer is in an unblocked condition, and to provide a second opposing pulse in response to the synchronizer being in the unblocked condition; where determining that the synchronizer is in an unblocked condition includes at least one operation such as: determining that a speed differential between engaging shafts is lower than an unblocking threshold value, determining that a speed differential between engaging shafts is within a predetermined unblocking range value, determining that a synchronizer engagement time value has elapsed, and/or determining that a shift actuator position value indicates the unblocking condition. The example method further includes: where the first actuating pulse includes a pulse-width-modulated operation; an operation to determine a shift actuator position value, and to modify a duration of the first actuating pulse in response to the shift actuator position value; an operation to determine a shift actuator position value, and to modulate the first actuating pulse in response to the shift actuator position value; where the shift actuator position value includes at least one of: a quantitative position description of the shift actuator; a quantitative velocity description of the shift actuator; and/or a shift state description value corresponding to the shift actuator; where the shift state description value includes at least one of: a neutral position; a neutral departure position; a synchronizer engagement approach position; a synching position; a synchronizer unblock position; an engaged position; and/or a disengaging position.
Certain further operations of the example method are described following, any one or more of which may be included in certain embodiments. The example method further includes where the first actuating pulse includes a shaped air provision trajectory; where the first actuating pulse includes at least one operation to open and close a binary pneumatic valve; an operation to determine at least one shaft speed value, and to determine the predetermined first air amount in response to the at least one shaft speed value; an operation to determine an air supply pressure value, and to determine the predetermined first air amount in response to the air supply pressure value; an operation to determine at least one temperature value, and to determine the predetermined first air amount in response to the at least one temperature value; an operation to determine the predetermined first air amount in response to at least one of: at least one shaft speed value, an air supply pressure value, and/or at least one temperature value; an operation to determine at least one shaft speed value, and to determine a timing of the predetermined first air amount in response to the at least one shaft speed value; an operation to determine an air supply pressure value, and to determine a timing of the predetermined first air amount in response to the air supply pressure value; an operation to determine at least one temperature value, and to determine a timing of the predetermined first air amount in response to the at least one temperature value; an operation to determine a timing of the predetermined first air amount in response to at least one value such as: at least one shaft speed value, an air supply pressure value, and/or at least one temperature value; an operation to determine a reflected driveline inertia value, and to determine the predetermined first air amount in response to the reflected driveline inertia value; an operation to determine a reflected driveline inertia value, and to determine a timing of the predetermined first air amount in response to the reflected driveline inertia value; determining the predetermined first air amount in response to at least one value such as: at least one shaft speed value, an air supply pressure value, at least one temperature value, and/or a reflected driveline inertia value.
Certain further operations of the example method are described following, any one or more of which may be included in certain embodiments. An operation to determine a timing of the predetermined first air amount in response to at least one value such as: at least one shaft speed value, an air supply pressure value, at least one temperature value, and/or a reflected driveline inertia value; an operation to determine a shift actuator position value, and to adjust at least one of the first actuating pulse and the first opposing pulse in response to the shift actuator position value; where adjusting includes interrupting the first actuating pulse and/or the first opposing pulse to synchronize pressure decay in the first closed volume and the second closed volume; an operation to determine a shift actuator position value, and adjusting the first actuating pulse and/or the second opposing pulse in response to the shift actuator position value, and/or where adjusting includes interrupting the first actuating pulse and the second opposing pulse to synchronize pressure decay in the first closed volume and the second closed volume; where modulating the first actuation pulse includes reducing the second predetermined amount of air in response to the shift actuator position value being a shift state description value, and/or reducing the first actuating pulse in response to the shift state description value; where reducing the first actuating pulse includes limiting an air pressure build-up in the second closed volume; where first shift actuator position value includes a shift state description, and where modulating includes reducing the second predetermined amount of air in response to the shift state description indicating a synching position; where reducing the first actuating pulse includes limiting an air pressure build-up in the second closed volume; where providing the first actuating pulse is commenced before the providing the first opposing pulse is commenced.
Certain further operations of the example method are described following, any one or more of which may be included in certain embodiments. The example method further includes an operation to provide a third opposing pulse, the third opposing pulse including a third predetermined amount of air above an ambient amount of air in a third closed volume, where pressure in the third closed volume opposes movement of a second shift actuator in a shift direction, an operation to provide a second actuating pulse, the second actuating pulse including a fourth predetermined amount of air above an ambient amount of air in a fourth closed volume, where pressure in the fourth closed volume promotes movement of the second shift actuator in the shift direction, and an operation to release pressure in the third closed volume and the fourth closed volume in response to determining a second shift completion event; and/or where the first opposing pulse, the third opposing pulse, the first actuating pulse, and the second actuating pulse are performed such that not more than one actuating valve is open simultaneously.
Another example method includes an operation to engage a friction brake to a countershaft of a transmission, to track an engaged time of the friction brake, to determine a target release time for the friction brake, to determine a release delay for the friction brake in response to the engaged time, and to command a release of the friction brake in response to the release delay and the target release time.
Certain further aspects of the example method are described following, any one or more of which may be included in certain embodiments. The example method further includes determining the release delay by determining a pressure decay value in a friction brake actuation volume; where determining the pressure decay value includes an operation to determine a pressure in the friction brake actuation volume; where determining the pressure decay value includes utilizing a pre-determined relationship between engaged time and pressure decay in the friction brake actuation volume; an operation to determine a speed differential between the countershaft and an engaging shaft, and to determine the target release time further in response to the speed differential; where the engaging shaft includes at least one shaft such as: an output shaft, a main shaft, and/or an input shaft; an operation to determine a lumped driveline stiffness value, and to determine the target release time further in response to the lumped driveline stiffness value; an operation to determine a target gear ratio value, and to determine the target release time further in response to the target gear ratio value; an operation to determine a friction brake disengagement dynamic value, and to determine the target release time further in response to the friction brake disengagement dynamic value; an operation to determine a vehicle speed effect, and to determine the target release time further in response to the vehicle speed effect; where the vehicle speed effect includes at least one effect such as: a current vehicle speed, an estimated vehicle speed at a gear engagement time, a vehicle acceleration rate, and/or a vehicle deceleration rate.
An example apparatus includes a backlash indication circuit that identifies an imminent backlash crossing event at a first gear mesh, and a means for reducing engagement force experienced by the first gear mesh in response to the backlash crossing event. Certain non-limiting examples of the means for reducing engagement force experienced by the first gear mesh in response to the backlash crossing event are described following. An example means for reducing engagement force experienced by the first gear mesh further includes means for performing at least one operation such as: disengaging the first gear mesh during at least a portion of the backlash crossing event, disengaging a clutch during at least a portion of the backlash crossing event, and slipping a clutch during at least a portion of the backlash crossing event. An example apparatus includes the backlash indication circuit further identifying the imminent backlash crossing event by determining that a gear shift occurring at a second gear mesh is likely to induce the backlash crossing event at the first gear mesh, and where the means for reducing engagement force experienced by the first gear mesh further includes a means for disengaging the first gear mesh during at least of portion of the gear shift. An example apparatus includes the means for reducing engagement force experienced by the first gear mesh further including a first gear mesh pre-load circuit that provides a disengagement pulse command, where the apparatus further includes a shift actuator responsive to the disengagement pulse command; where the first gear mesh pre-load circuit further provides the disengagement pulse command before the backlash crossing event occurs; where the disengagement pulse command includes a fifth predetermined amount of air above an ambient amount of air in a fifth closed volume, and where pressure in the fifth closed volume promotes movement of the shift actuator in the disengagement direction; where the disengagement pulse command further includes a sixth predetermined amount of air above an ambient amount of air in a sixth closed volume, where pressure in the sixth closed volume opposes movement of the shift actuator in the disengagement direction; where the first gear pre-load circuit further determines the fifth predetermined amount of air and the sixth predetermined amount of air such that the shift actuator is urged into a neutral position in response to a release of engagement force; where the first gear pre-load circuit further provides the disengagement pulse command before a first backlash crossing of the backlash crossing event; and/or where the first gear pre-load circuit further provides the disengagement pulse command before a subsequent backlash crossing of the backlash crossing event. An example apparatus includes the backlash indication circuit further identifies the imminent backlash crossing event by performing at least one operation such as: determining that an imminent rotational direction of the first gear mesh in a transmission is an opposite rotational direction to an established rotational direction of the first gear mesh, determining that a speed change between a first shaft comprising gears on one side of the first gear mesh and a second shaft comprising gears on an opposing side of the first gear mesh is likely to induce the backlash crossing event, determining that a gear shift occurring at a second gear mesh is likely to induce the backlash crossing event at the first gear mesh, determining that a transmission input torque value is at an imminent zero crossing event, and/or determining that a vehicle operating condition is likely to induce the backlash crossing event.
An example system includes and/or interacts with a prime mover providing motive torque, and the system includes a torque transfer path operatively coupling the motive torque to drive wheels, the torque transfer path including: a clutch that selectively decouples the prime mover from an input shaft of the torque transfer path, where the input shaft is operationally downstream of the clutch; a first gear mesh and a second gear mesh, each gear mesh having an engaged and a neutral position, and where both gear meshes in the engaged position couple the input shaft to the drive wheels, and where either gear mesh in the neutral position decouples the input shaft from the drive wheels; a first shift actuator that selectively operates the first gear mesh between the engaged and neutral position; a second shift actuator that selectively operates the second gear mesh between the engaged and neutral position; and a controller including: a vehicle state circuit that interprets at least one vehicle operating condition; a neutral enforcement circuit that provides a first neutral command to the first shift actuator and a second neutral command to the second shift actuator, in response to the vehicle operating condition indicating that vehicle motion is not intended.
Certain example aspects of the example system are described following, any one or more of which may be included in certain embodiments. An example system further includes the at least one vehicle operation condition including at least one value such as: an engine crank state value, a gear selection value, a vehicle idling state value, and/or a clutch calibration state value; the vehicle state circuit further determining a vehicle stopped condition, and where the neutral enforcement circuit further provides the first neutral command and the second neutral command in response to the vehicle stopped condition; the controller further including a shift rail actuator diagnostic circuit that diagnoses proper operation of at least one shift rail position sensor in response to a vehicle speed value; the vehicle state circuit further interpreting at least one failure condition, and providing a vehicle stopping distance mitigation value in response to the at least one failure condition; the controller further including a clutch override circuit that provides a forced clutch engagement command in response to the vehicle stopping distance mitigation value; where the clutch override circuit further provides a forced clutch engagement command in response to the vehicle stopping distance mitigation value, and further in response to at least one value such as: a motive torque value representative of the motive torque, an engine speed value representative of a speed of the prime mover, an accelerator position value representative of an accelerator pedal position, a service brake position value representative of a position of a service brake position, a vehicle speed value representative of a speed of the drive wheels, and/or a service brake diagnostic value.
Another example system includes a clutch that selectively decouples a prime mover from an input shaft of a transmission, a progressive actuator operationally coupled to the clutch, where a position of the progressive actuator corresponds to a position of the clutch, and a controller including: a clutch characterization circuit that interprets a clutch torque profile, the clutch torque profile providing a relation between a position of the clutch and a clutch torque value, a clutch control circuit that commands a position of the progressive actuator in response to a clutch torque reference value and the clutch torque profile, and where the clutch characterization circuit further interprets a position of the progressive actuator and an indicated clutch torque, and updates the clutch torque profile in response to the position of the progressive actuator and the indicated clutch torque.
Certain further aspects of the example system are described following, any one or more of which may be included in certain embodiments. An example system includes the clutch torque profile including a first clutch engagement position value, and where the clutch control circuit further utilizes the first clutch engagement position value as a maximum zero torque position; where the clutch characterization circuit further interprets the clutch torque profile by performing a clutch first engagement position test, the clutch first engagement position test including: determining that an input shaft speed is zero, the clutch control circuit positioning the clutch at the first engagement position value, and comparing an acceleration of the input shaft speed to a first expected acceleration value of the input shaft speed; the clutch characterization circuit further performing the clutch first engagement position test a number of times; the clutch first engagement position test further including a friction brake control circuit that commands a friction brake to bring the input shaft speed to zero; where the clutch torque profile includes a second clutch engagement position value, and wherein the clutch control circuit further utilizes the second clutch engagement position value as a minimum significant engagement torque position; where the clutch characterization circuit further interprets the clutch torque profile by performing a clutch second engagement position test, the clutch second engagement position test including: determining that an input shaft speed is zero, the clutch control circuit positioning the clutch at the second engagement position value, and comparing an acceleration of the input shaft speed to a second expected acceleration value of the input shaft speed; where the clutch characterization circuit further performs the clutch second engagement position test a number of times; where the clutch second engagement position test further includes a friction brake control circuit that commands a friction brake to bring the input shaft speed to zero; where the clutch torque profile includes a first clutch engagement position value and a second clutch engagement position value, and/or where the clutch control circuit further utilizes the first clutch engagement position value as a maximum zero torque position and utilizes the second clutch engagement position value as a minimum significant engagement torque position. An example system further includes the clutch torque profile further including a clutch torque curve including a number of clutch position values corresponding to a number of clutch torque values, where each of the clutch position values is greater than the second clutch engagement position value; where the clutch characterization circuit further interprets the clutch torque profile by performing a clutch second engagement position test, the clutch second engagement position test including determining that an input shaft speed is zero, the clutch control circuit positioning the clutch at the second engagement position value, and comparing an acceleration of the input shaft speed to a second expected acceleration value of the input shaft speed, and adjusting the clutch torque curve in response to a change in the clutch second engagement position; where the clutch characterization circuit further determines that the clutch is operating in a wear-through mode in response to at least one of the first engagement position value and the second engagement position value changing at a rate greater than a clutch wear-through rate value; and/or where the controller further includes a clutch wear circuit that determines a clutch wear value in response to a clutch temperature value, a clutch power throughput value, and/or a clutch slip condition, and where the clutch characterization circuit further updates the clutch torque profile in response to the clutch wear value.
An example method includes an operation to interpret a clutch temperature value, to interpret a clutch power throughput value, to interpret that a clutch is in a slip condition, and, in response to the clutch temperature value, the clutch power throughput value, and the clutch slip condition, to determine a clutch wear value.
Certain further operations for the example method are described following, any one or more of which may be included in certain embodiments. An example method includes determining the clutch wear value includes accumulating a clutch wear index, the clutch wear index determined in response to the clutch temperature value, the clutch power throughput value, and the clutch slip condition; determining that a clutch is in a wear-through mode in response to the clutch wear index exceeding a wear-through threshold value; providing a clutch diagnostic value in response to the clutch wear index; and/or where providing the clutch diagnostic value includes at least one operation such as: providing a clutch wear fault value, incrementing a clutch wear fault value, communicating the clutch diagnostic value to a data link, and/or providing the clutch diagnostic value to a non-transient memory location accessible to a service tool.
An example system includes a clutch that selectively decouples a prime mover from an input shaft of a transmission, a progressive actuator operationally coupled to the clutch, where a position of the progressive actuator corresponds to a position of the clutch, and a means for providing a consistent lock-up time of the clutch, the lock-up time comprising a time commencing with a clutch torque request time and ending with a clutch lock-up event. Certain non-limiting examples of the means for providing a consistent lock-up time of the clutch are described following. An example means for providing the consistent lock-up time of the clutch includes a controller having a clutch control circuit, where the clutch control circuit commands a position of the progressive actuator in response to a clutch torque reference value and the clutch torque profile to achieve the consistent lock-up time of the clutch; where the progressive actuator includes a linear clutch actuator; and/or where the linear clutch actuator includes a near zero dead air volume. An example means for providing the consistent lock-up time of the clutch further includes a controller having a launch characterization circuit, the launch characterization circuit structured to interpret at least one launch parameter such as: a vehicle grade value, a vehicle mass value, and/or a driveline configuration value; and/or where the driveline configuration value includes at least one value such as: a target engagement gear description, a reflected driveline inertia value, and/or a vehicle speed value. An example means for providing the consistent lock-up time of the clutch further includes a controller having a clutch control circuit, where the clutch control circuit commands a position of the progressive actuator in response to a clutch torque reference value, the clutch torque profile, and at least one launch parameter to achieve the consistent lock-up time of the clutch; and/or where the clutch control circuit further commands the position of the progressive actuator in response to a clutch slip feedback value. An example means for providing the consistent lock-up time of the clutch further includes a controller having a clutch control circuit, where the clutch control circuit commands a position of the progressive actuator in response to a clutch torque reference value, the clutch torque profile, and/or a clutch slip feedback value. An example system further includes the clutch torque request time including at least one request condition such as: a service brake pedal release event, a service brake pedal decrease event, a gear engagement request event, and/or a prime mover torque increase event; and/or where the clutch lock-up event includes a clutch slip value being lower than a clutch lock-up slip threshold value.
An example method includes an operation to interpreting a motive torque value, a vehicle grade value, and a vehicle acceleration value; to determine a first correlation including a first correlation between the motive torque value and the vehicle grade value, to determine a second correlation between the motive torque value and the vehicle acceleration value, and to determine a third correlation between the vehicle grade value and the vehicle acceleration value, an operation to adapt an estimated vehicle mass value, an estimated vehicle drag value, and an estimated vehicle effective inertia value in response to the first correlation, the second correlation, and the third correlation, an operation to determine an adaptation consistency value, and in response to the adaptation consistency value, to adjust an adaptation rate of the adapting, and an operation to iteratively perform the preceding operations to provide an updated estimated vehicle mass value.
Certain further operations of the example method are described following, any one or more of which may be included in certain embodiments. An example method includes adapting by one of slowing or halting adapting of the estimated values in response to the first correlation, the second correlation, and the third correlation having an unexpected correlation configuration; adapting by increasing or continuing adapting the estimated values in response to the first correlation, the second correlation, and the third correlation having an expected correlation configuration; where the expected correlation configuration includes a positive correlation for the first correlation and the second correlation, and a negative correlation for the third correlation; where the expected correlation configuration further includes a linearity value corresponding to each of the first correlation, the second correlation, and the third correlation; where the adapting includes one of slowing or halting adapting the estimated values in response to the first correlation, the second correlation, and the third correlation having an unexpected correlation configuration; where the unexpected correlation includes a negative correlation for the first correlation and/or the second correlation, and/or a positive correlation for the third correlation. An example method includes adjusting the adaptation rate by increasing or holding an adjustment step size in the estimated vehicle mass value, the estimated vehicle effective inertia value, and/or the estimated vehicle drag value in response to the adaptation performing at least one operation such as: monotonically changing each estimated value, and/or and monotonically changing at least one estimated value and holding the other estimated value(s) at a same value; where adjusting the adaptation rate includes decreasing an adjustment step size in estimated vehicle mass value, the estimated vehicle effective inertia value, and/or the estimated vehicle drag value in response to the adaptation changing a direction of adaptation in at least one of the estimated values; and/or where the adjusting the adaptation rate is performed in response to the changing the direction being a change greater than a threshold change.
An example method includes an operation to determine that a shift rail position sensor corresponding to a shift actuator controlling a reverse gear is failed, to determine that a gear selection is active requiring operations of the shift actuator, and in response to the gear selection and the failed shift rail position sensor, performing in order: commanding the shift actuator to a neutral position, confirming the neutral position by commanding a second shift actuator to engage a second gear, wherein the second shift actuator is not capable of engaging the second gear unless the shift actuator is in the neutral position, and confirming the second shift actuator has engaged the second gear, and commanding the shift actuator into the gear position in response to the gear selection.
Certain further operations of the example method are described following, any one or more of which may be included in certain embodiments. An example method includes determining the shift rail position sensor is failed by determining the shift rail position sensor is failed out of range; where determining the shift rail position sensor is failed includes determining the shift rail position sensor is failed in range; and/or where determining the shift rail position sensor is failed in range includes, in order: commanding the shift actuator to the neutral position, commanding the shift actuator to an engaged position, determining if the shift actuator engaged position is detected, in response to the shift actuator engaged position not being detected, confirming the neutral position by: commanding the shift actuator to the neutral position, commanding a second shift actuator to engage a second gear, where the second shift actuator is not capable of engaging the second gear unless the shift actuator is in the neutral position, and confirming the second shift actuator has engaged the second gear, and determining the shift rail position sensor is failed in range in response to the neutral position being confirmed, and determining a shift rail operated by the shift actuator is stuck in response to the neutral position not being confirmed.
An example system includes a transmission having a solenoid operated actuator, and a controller including: a solenoid temperature circuit that determines an operating temperature of the solenoid, a solenoid control circuit that operates the solenoid in response to the operating temperature of the solenoid, where the operating includes providing an electrical current to the solenoid, such that a target temperature of the solenoid is not exceeded.
Certain further aspects of the example system are described following, any one or more of which may be included in certain embodiments. An example system includes the solenoid temperature circuit further determining the operating temperature of the solenoid in response to an electrical current value of the solenoid and an electrical resistance value of the solenoid; the solenoid temperature circuit further determining the operating temperature of the solenoid in response to a thermal model of the solenoid; the solenoid operated actuator including a reduced nominal capability solenoid; the solenoid operated actuator including at least one actuator such as: a clutch actuator, a valve actuator, a shift rail actuator, and a friction brake actuator; and/or where the solenoid control circuit further operates the solenoid by modulating at least one parameter such as: a voltage provided to the solenoid, a cooldown time for the solenoid, and/or a duty cycle of the solenoid.
An example system includes a transmission having at a pneumatic clutch actuator, a clutch position sensor configured to provide a clutch actuator position value, and a controller including: a clutch control circuit that provides a clutch actuator command, where the pneumatic clutch actuator is responsive to the clutch actuator command, and a clutch actuator diagnostic circuit that determines that a clutch actuator leak is present in response to the clutch actuator command and the clutch actuator position value.
Certain further aspects of the example system are described following, any one or more of which may be included in certain embodiments. An example system includes the clutch actuator diagnostic circuit further determining the clutch actuator leak is present in response to the clutch actuator position value being below a threshold position value for a predetermined time period after the clutch actuator command is active; where the clutch actuator diagnostic circuit further determines the clutch actuator leak is present in response to the clutch actuator position value being below a clutch actuator position trajectory value, the clutch actuator position trajectory value including a number of clutch actuator position values corresponding to a plurality of time values; and the system further including a source pressure sensor configured to provide a source pressure value, and where the clutch actuator diagnostic circuit further determines the clutch actuator leak is present in response to the source pressure value.
An example system further includes a transmission having at least one gear mesh operatively coupled by a shift actuator, and a controller including a shift characterization circuit that determines that a transmission shift operation is experiencing a tooth butt event, the system further including a means for clearing the tooth butt event. Certain non-limiting examples of the means for clearing the tooth butt event are described following. An example means for clearing the tooth butt event includes the controller further including a shift control circuit, where the shift control circuit provides a reduced rail pressure in a shift rail during at least a portion of the tooth butt event, where the shift rail is in operationally coupled to the shift actuator. An example means for clearing the tooth butt event includes the controller including a clutch control circuit, where the clutch control circuit modulates an input shaft speed in response to the tooth butt event, and/or where the clutch control circuit further modulates the input shaft speed by commanding a clutch slip event in response to the tooth butt event. An example means for clearing the tooth butt event includes the controller including a friction brake control circuit, where the friction brake control circuit modulates a countershaft speed in response to the tooth butt event. An example means for clearing the tooth butt event includes a means for controlling a differential speed between shafts operationally coupled to the gear mesh to a selected differential speed range, where the selected differential speed range includes at least one speed range value such as: less than a 200 rpm difference; less than a 100 rpm difference; less than a 50 rpm difference; about a 50 rpm difference; between 10 rpm and 100 rpm difference; between 10 rpm and 200 rpm difference; and/or between 10 rpm and 50 rpm difference.
An example system includes a clutch that selectively decouples a prime mover from an input shaft of a transmission, a progressive actuator operationally coupled to the clutch, where a position of the progressive actuator corresponds to a position of the clutch, and a means for disengaging the clutch to provide a reduced driveline oscillation, improved driver comfort, and/or reduced part wear. Certain non-limiting examples of the means for disengaging the clutch are described following. An example means for disengaging the clutch includes a controller having a clutch control circuit that modulates a clutch command in response to at least one vehicle operating condition, and where the progressive actuator is responsive to the clutch command; where the at least one vehicle operating condition such as: a service brake position value, a service brake pressure value, a differential speed value between two shafts in a transmission including the clutch and progressive actuator, and/or an engine torque value; and/or where the clutch control circuit further modulates the clutch command to provide a selected clutch slip amount.
These and other systems, methods, objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment and the drawings.
All documents mentioned herein are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference. References to items in the singular should be understood to include items in the plural, and vice versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise or clear from the text. Grammatical conjunctions are intended to express any and all disjunctive and conjunctive combinations of conjoined clauses, sentences, words, and the like, unless otherwise stated or clear from the context.
The disclosure and the following detailed description of certain embodiments thereof may be understood by reference to the following figures:
is a schematic representation of a controller operating an actuator.
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The example transmission 100 includes an integrated actuator housing 112 coupled to the main housing 102. The integrated actuator housing 112 in the example of
The arrangement of the aspects of the transmission 100 depicted in
The description of spatial arrangements in the present disclosure, for example front, rear, top, bottom, above, below, and the like are provided for convenience of description and for clarity in describing the relationship of components. The description of a particular spatial arrangement and/or relationship is nonlimiting to embodiments of a transmission 100 consistent with the present disclosure, in a particular transmission 100 may be arranged in any manner understood in the art. For example, and without limitation, a particular transmission 100 may be installed such that a “rear” position may be facing a front, side, or other direction as installed on a vehicle and/or application. Additionally or alternatively, the transmission 100 may be rotated and or tilted about any axis, for example and without limitation at an azimuthal angle relative to a driveline (e.g. the rotational angle of the clutch 106), and/or a tilting from front to back such as to accommodate an angled driveline. Accordingly, one or more components may be arranged relatively as described herein, and a component described as above another component may nevertheless be the vertically lower component as installed in a particular vehicle or application. Further, components for certain embodiments may be arranged in a relative manner different than that depicted herein, resulting in a component described as above another component being vertically lower for those certain embodiments or resulting in a component described as to the rear of another being positioned forward of the other, depending on the frame of reference of the observer. For example, an example transmission 100 includes two countershafts (not shown) and a first particular feature engaging an upper countershaft may be described and depicted as above a second particular feature engaging a lower countershaft; it is nevertheless contemplated herein that an arrangement with the first particular feature engaging the lower countershaft in the second particular feature engaging the upper countershaft is consistent with at least certain embodiments of the present disclosure, except where context indicates otherwise.
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The example transmission 100 of
The example transmission 100 depicted in
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The example transmission 100 depicted in
The example transmission 100 includes a pair of electrical connectors 402 (reference
The example transmission 100 further includes a clutch 106. The example clutch 106 includes a clutch face 306 and one or more torsional springs 308. Example clutch face 306 includes a number of frictional plates 310, and the clutch face 306 presses against an opposing face from a prime mover (not shown), for example a flywheel of the engine. The torsional springs 308 of the example clutch face 306 provide rotational damping of the clutch 106 to transient forces while maintaining steady state alignment of the clutch 106. The clutch face 306 may alternatively be any type of clutch face understood in the art, including for example a single frictional surface rather than frictional plates 310. In the example clutch face 306, the frictional plates 310 are included as a portion of the clutch face 306. The divisions between the clutch plates are provided as grooved divisions of the clutch face 306 base material to provide desired performance (e.g. frictional performance, debris management, and/or heat transfer functions), but any clutch face 306 configuration including alternate groove patterns and/or no presence of grooves is contemplated herein. The material of the example clutch face 306 may be any material understood in the art, including at least a ceramic material and/or organic clutch material. In embodiments, as depicted in more detail below, the clutch 106 may be positioned off-axis relative to the prime mover, is disposed around (such as via a yoke, horseshoe or similar configuration) the prime mover (e.g., a shaft), is pivotably anchored on one side (such as by a hinge or similar mechanism that allows it to pivot in the desired direction of movement of the clutch 106, and is actuated by the linear clutch actuator (which may also be positioned off-axis, opposite the anchoring side, so that linear actuation causes the clutch to pivot in the desired direction).
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With further reference to
The example transmission 100 further includes an input shaft gear 810 selectively coupled to the input shaft 204. The inclusion of the input shaft gear 810, where present, allows for additional distinct gear ratios provided by the input shaft 204, for example a gear ratio where torque is transmitted to the input shaft gear 810, where torque is transmitted directly to the first main shaft portion 804 (e.g. with both the input shaft 204 and the first main shaft portion 804 coupled to a first forward gear 812). In certain embodiments, the shared first forward gear 812 between the input shaft 204 and the first main shaft portion 804 may be termed a “splitter gear,” although any specific naming convention for the first forward gear 812 is not limiting to the present disclosure.
The example transmission 100 further includes a number of gears selectively coupled to the first main shaft portion 804. In the example of
The example transmission 100 further includes a planetary gear assembly 820 that couples the second main shaft portion 806 to the output shaft assembly 110 through at least two selectable gear ratios between the second main shaft portion 806 and the output shaft assembly 110. The example transmission 100 further includes at least one countershaft, the countershaft having an aligning gear with each of the gears coupleable to the input shaft 204 in the first main shaft portion 804. The countershaft(s) thereby selectively transmit power between the input shaft 204 in the first main shaft portion 804, depending upon which gears are rotationally fixed to the input shaft 204 and/or the first main shaft portion 804. Further details of the countershaft(s) are described following, for example in the portion of the disclosure Referencing
It can be seen that the transmission 100 in the example of
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Example transmission 100 includes a first actuator 908, for example a shift fork, that moves (e.g., side to side and/or up or down) under actuation, to selectively rotationally couple the input shaft 204 to one of the countershafts 902, 904, or to the first main shaft portion 804. The first actuator 908 interacts with a gear coupler 910, and in certain embodiments the gear coupler 910 includes a synchronizing component as understood in the art. The first actuator 908 is further operable to position the gear coupler 910 into an intermediate position wherein the input shaft 204 is rotationally decoupled from both the countershafts 902, 904 and the first main shaft portion 804—for example placing the transmission 100 into a neutral operating state. In certain embodiments the first actuator 908 is a portion of, and is controlled by an integrated actuator assembly 1300 (e.g. reference
Example transmission 100 further includes a second actuator 912 that, under actuation, such as moving side to side and/or up or down, selectively rotationally couples one of the first forward gear 812 and the second forward gear 814 to the first main shaft portion 804, thereby rotationally coupling the countershafts 902, 904 to the first main shaft portion 804. The example transmission 100 further includes a third actuator 914 that, under actuation, selectively rotationally couples one of the third forward gear 816 and the reverse gear 818 to the first main shaft portion 804, thereby rotationally coupling countershafts 902, 904 to the first main shaft portion 804. In certain embodiments, the second actuator 912 in the third actuator 914 are operable to be positioned into an intermediate position wherein the first main shaft portion 804 is rotationally decoupled from both the countershafts 902, 904—for example placing the transmission 100 into a neutral operating state. In certain embodiments, at least one of the second actuator 912 and the third actuator 914 are positioned into the intermediate position at any given time, preventing coupling of the countershafts 902, 904 to the first main shaft portion 804 at two different speed ratios simultaneously. In certain embodiments the second actuator 912 and the third actuator 914 are portions of or are integrated with, and are controlled by, the integrated actuator assembly 1300 positioned within the integrated actuator housing 112.
In the example transmission 100, the second actuator 912 interacts with a second gear coupler 916, and the third actuator 914 interacts with a third gear coupler 918, where each of the second and third gear couplers 916, 918 may include a synchronizing component. According to the arrangement depicted in FIG. 9, the first, second, and third actuators 908, 912, 914 are operable to provide a number of distinct forward gear options, reflecting different combinations of gear ratios (e.g., six, twelve, or eighteen gears), and a number (e.g., two) of distinct reverse gear ratios. The planetary gear assembly 820 may include a clutch (such as a sliding clutch 920) configured to position the planetary gear assembly 820 and provide two distinct ratios between the second main shaft portion 806, and the output shaft assembly 110. Therefore, according to the arrangement depicted in
The example transmission 100 provides for a direct drive arrangement, for example where the first actuator 908 couples the input shaft 204 to the first main shaft portion 804 (gear coupler 910 to the right in the orientation depicted in
The example transmission 100 depicts the PTO interface 410 positioned in proximity to the lower countershaft 904. In certain embodiments, the transmission 100 includes a main housing 102 where the main housing 102 is made of aluminum, and/or is a cast component. It will be understood that material constraints and component stress management indicate that certain features of an aluminum housing will be larger, thicker, or otherwise modified relative to a steel housing. For example bolt bosses of the PTO interface 410 can be deeper and project further into the main housing 102 for a PTO interface 410 designed in an aluminum housing relative to a similar installation designed in a steel housing. Cast components, in certain embodiments and depending upon casting process used, impose certain constraints upon component design. For example, for certain casting processes it can be beneficial to constrain a component to have a monotonically increasing outer profile or housing shape. Example transmission 100 includes gear ratio and sizing selections, as well as selection of the PTO interface 410 position, such that a gear of the lower countershaft 904 having a greatest radial extent from a centerline the gear train is positioned in proximity to the PTO interface 410. An example transmission 100 includes the PTO device accessing the transmission 100 at the PTO interface 410 being powered by the first forward gear 812 (e.g. the splitter gear) through the corresponding countershaft gear.
In certain embodiments, the transmission 100 allows for engagement of a PTO device (not shown) directly with a gear engaging in lower countershaft 904, without having to use in idler gear or similar mechanical configuration to extend power transfer from the lower countershaft 904. It can also be seen that the example transmission 100 includes a geometric profile of the gears in the gear train, such that an easily castable main housing 102 can be positioned over the gears after the gear train is assembled, and/or the gear train can be assembled into the main housing 102 in a straightforward manner. Further, it can be seen that the example transmission 100 includes provisioning for bolt bosses of the PTO interface 410, even where deeper bolt bosses are provided, such as an application having an aluminum main housing 102.
Example transmission 100 further includes a controllable braking device 922 selectively coupleable to at least one of the countershafts 902, 904. In the example depicted in
The example transmission 100 includes the output shaft assembly 110. The example output shaft assembly 110 includes an output shaft 926, wherein the output shaft is rotationally coupled to the planetary gear assembly 820. The output shaft assembly 110 further includes a driveline adapter 928 coupled to the output shaft 926, and configured to engage a downstream device (not shown) in the driveline. The driveline adapter 928 may be any type of device known in the art, and the specific depiction of the driveline adapter 928 is nonlimiting. The selection of a driveline adapter 928 will depend in part on the application, the type of downstream device, and other considerations known in the art.
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The example transmission 100 depicted in
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The example housing assembly 1100 further includes a number of roller bearings 1108, which may be pressed into respective housing elements, in the example a roller bearing engages each end of the countershafts 902, 904. In a further example, a forward end of the countershafts 902, 904 each engages one of the roller bearings 1108 at an interface between the clutch housing 104 and the main housing 102, and a rearward end of the countershafts 902, 904 each engages one of the roller bearings 1108 at an interface between the main housing 102 in the rear housing 108. The type, number, and location of bearings engaging the countershafts 902, 904 are design choices, and any provided number, type, and location of bearings are contemplated herein.
In embodiments, one or more bearings, including for various gears of the transmission, may be configured to reduce or cancel thrust loads that occur when the drive shaft for the vehicle is engaged.
Example housing assembly 1100 further includes a cover plate 1110 for the PTO interface 410, and associated fasteners 1112 (e.g. bolts in the example housing assembly 1100). A cover plate 1110 may be utilized where a PTO device does not engage PTO interface 410, such as where no PTO device is present and/or where a PTO device engages a transmission from a rear location or other location. In certain embodiments, for example where transmission 100 does not include the PTO interface 410, the cover plate 1110 may be omitted. Additionally or alternatively, the transmission 100 included in a system planned to have a PTO device engaging the PTO interface 410 may likewise omit the cover plate 1110, and/or include a cover plate 1110 that is removed by an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or other installer of a PTO device.
The example housing assembly 1100 further includes a bearing cover 1114, where the bearing cover 1114 protects and retains the fourth ball bearing 1109. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the example housing assembly 1100 further includes a seal 1116, for example to retain lubricating oil for the output shaft 926 and/or the fourth ball bearing 1109 within the transmission 100. The presence and type of seal 1116 depend upon the characteristics and type of lubrication system, and may be of any type.
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The example first main shaft portion assembly 2700 further includes a mainshaft key 2704, which may be utilized, for example, to ensure alignment and/or positioning of the first main shaft portion 804. An example first main shaft portion assembly 2700 further includes a main shaft thrust bearing 2706 configured to accept thrust loads on the first main shaft portion 804, and a race bearing 2708 configured to accept radial loads on the first main shaft portion 804. In certain embodiments, the first main shaft portion assembly 2700 does not include any taper bearings. An example first main shaft portion assembly 2700 includes a main shaft snap ring 2710 and a thrust washer 2712, which cooperate to retain the bearings 2706 and 2708. The second actuator 912 and third actuator 914 (sliding clutches in the example of
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The example countershaft 902 further includes a second engagement feature 2804 configured to interface with a lubrication pump assembly 1600, for example by a driving element 1712 that keys in to a slot or notch on the countershaft 902. Any other engagement mechanism between at least one of the countershafts 902, 904 is contemplated herein, including a friction contact and/or clutch, a belt or chain driving a pump, and/or any other device known in the art.
The example countershaft 902 further includes a roller bearing 1108 positioned at each respective end of the countershaft 902. Referencing
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It can be seen that the example transmission 100 depicted in
The term high output, as utilized herein, is to be understood broadly. Non-limiting examples of a high output transmission include a transmission capable of operating at more than 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2000, 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600, 2700, 2800, 2900, and/or more than 3000 foot-pounds of input torque at a specified location (e.g. at a clutch face, input shaft, or other location in the transmission). Additional or alternative non-limiting examples include a transmission capable of providing power throughput of more than 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600, 650, 700, 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500, 3000, and/or more than 5000 horsepower, wherein power throughput includes the power processed by the transmission averaged over a period of time, such as 1 second, 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, 1 hour, and/or 1 day of operation. Non-limiting examples of a high output transmission include a transmission installed in an application that is a vehicle having a gross vehicle weight exceeding 8500, 14,000, 16,000, 19,500, 26,000, 33,000, up to 80,000, up to 110,000, and/or exceeding 110,000 pounds. Non-limiting examples of a high output transmission include a transmission installed in an application that is a vehicle of at least Class 3, at least Class 4, at least Class 5, at least Class 6, at least Class 7, and/or at least Class 8. One of skill in the art, having the benefit of the disclosures herein, will understand that certain features of example transmissions in the present disclosure may be beneficial in certain demanding applications, while the same or other features of example transmissions may be beneficial in other demanding applications. Accordingly, any described features may be included or excluded from certain embodiments and be contemplated within the present disclosure. Additionally, described examples of a high output transmission are non-limiting, and in certain embodiments a transmission may be a high output transmission for the purposes of one application, vehicle, power rating, and/or torque rating, but not for the purposes of other applications, vehicles, power ratings, and/or torque ratings.
The term “high efficiency,” as used herein, is to be understood broadly. A high efficiency transmission is a transmission having a relatively high output value and/or high benefit level, in response to a given input value and/or cost level. In certain embodiments, the high output value (and/or benefit level) is higher than that ordinarily present in previously known transmissions, the given input level (and/or cost level) is lower than ordinarily present in previously known transmissions, and/or a difference or ratio between the high output value (and/or benefit level) and the given input level (and/or cost level) is greater than that ordinarily present in previously known transmissions. In certain embodiments, the output value and/or the input level are within ranges observed in previously known transmissions, but the transmission is nevertheless a high efficiency transmission—for example because the difference or ratio between the high output value and the given input level is high, and/or because other benefits of certain embodiments of the present disclosure are additionally evident in the example transmission. A “high output value” should be understood to encompass a relatively high level of the benefit—for example a lower weight transmission has a higher output value where the weight is considered as the output side of efficiency. A “low input value” should be understood to encompass a relatively low cost or input amount—for example a lower weight transmission has a lower cost value where the weight is considered as the input side of the efficiency. Example and non-limiting output values include a transmission torque level (input, output, or overall gear ratio), a number of available gear ratios, a noise reduction amount, a power loss description, a reliability, durability and/or robustness value, ease of maintenance, quality of service, ease of integration, and/or ease of installation, a responsiveness value (e.g. clutch engagement and/or shifting), a consistency value (e.g. repeatability of operations, consistent driver feel, high degree of matching to a previously known configuration), transmission induced down time values, and/or a service life value. Example and non-limiting input values include a transmission cost, transmission weight, transmission noise level, engineering design time, manufacturing ease and/or cost, installation and/or integration time (e.g. time for the installation, and/or engineering work to prepare the installation plan and/or configure other parts of a vehicle or application to accommodate the transmission), a total cost of ownership value, scheduled maintenance values, average maintenance and/or repair values (e.g. time and/or cost), transmission induced down time values, and/or application constraints (e.g. torque or power limits—absolute, time averaged, and/or in certain gear configurations). The described examples of a high efficiency transmission are non-limiting examples, and any high efficiency descriptions known to one of skill in the art, having the benefit of the disclosures herein, are contemplated within the present disclosure. One of skill in the art, having the benefit of the disclosures herein and information ordinarily known about a contemplated application or installation, such as the functions and priorities related to performance, cost, manufacturing, integration, and total cost of ownership for the application or installation, can readily configure a high efficiency transmission.
It can be further seen that the example transmission 100 provides, in certain embodiments, a reduction in overall bearing and gear loads throughout the transmission 100, for example through the utilization of high speed countershafts, helical gearing to improve and/or optimize sliding speeds and gear loading, and/or gear tooth shaping to configure gear tooth contact area, structural integrity, and control of sliding speed profiles and deflection of gear teeth. In certain embodiments, the use of high speed countershafts allows smaller and/or lighter components, including at least rotating components (e.g. shafts and gears), bearings, and lubrication systems. In certain embodiments, the utilization of helical gears and/or shaped gear teeth allows for reduction in sliding losses (e.g. increased power transfer efficiency and reduction in heat generated) while also allowing a transmission 100 to meet noise constraints. In certain embodiments, the configuration to allow for noise control allows for certain aspects of the transmission 100 to be configured for other desirable purposes that otherwise would increase the noise emissions from the transmission 100, such as the use of aluminum housings, configuring for ease of access to shift and/or clutch actuators, the use of a linear clutch actuator, and/or positioning of access to major transmission features, such as actuators, at the top of the transmission which may put them in proximity to a passenger compartment or other noise sensitive area in an application or vehicle. In certain embodiments, the use of helical gearing allows a degree of freedom on thrust (axial) loads, directing thrust loads to selected positions in the transmission 100 such as a support bearing and/or a bearing positioned between shafts having low speed differentials, and/or away from housing enclosures or bearings.
In certain embodiments, the utilization of high speed countershafts additionally or alternatively reduces speed differences between shafts, at least at selected operating conditions, and supports the management of thrust loads in the transmission 100. In certain embodiments, helical gears on a planetary gear assembly provides for a reduced length of countershafts (e.g. countershafts do not need to extend to the output shaft), a reduction in a number of countershafts (e.g. additional countershafts for power transfer between a main shaft and the output shaft are not required). Additionally or alternatively, helical gears on a planetary gear assembly are load balanced, in certain embodiments, to remove gear loading from enclosures and/or bearings coupled to enclosures. In certain embodiments, features of the transmission 100, including but not limited to thrust load management features, provide for load management with the use of efficient bearings, for example, with a reduced number of or elimination of tapered bearings in the transmission 100. In certain embodiments, features of the transmission 100 include a high efficiency lubrication system, for example utilization of a smaller lubrication pump (e.g. short lubrication runs within the transmission 100, reduction or elimination of spinning shaft slip rings in the transmission 100, and/or higher pump speed powered by a high speed countershaft), the use of a dry sump lubrication system, and/or the use of a centrally located lubrication pump assembly. In certain embodiments, the transmission 100 provides for lower power transfer losses than previously known transmissions, and/or provides for similar or improved power losses in an overdrive transmission relative to previously known transmission systems using direct drive, allowing for other aspects of a system or application to operate at lower speeds upstream of the transmission (e.g. prime mover speed) and/or higher speeds downstream of the transmission (e.g. a load component such as a driveline, rear axle, wheels, and/or pump shaft) as desired to meet operational goals of those aspects.
In certain embodiments, the transmission 100 utilizes a clutch and shifts gears utilizing actuators that move gear shifting elements or actuators (e.g utilizing shift forks and sliding clutches, with synchronizer elements). An example and non-limiting application for embodiments of the transmission is an automated transmission, and/or a manual automated transmission. Certain aspects and features of the present disclosure are applicable to automatic transmissions, manual transmissions, or other transmission configurations. Certain features, groups of features, and sub-groups of features, may have applicability to any transmission type, and/or may have specific value to certain transmission types, as will be understood to one of skill in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure.
Referencing
The example clutch operation assembly 3800 includes the input shaft 204 and the release bearing 1118, and the clutch face 306 that engages the prime mover. The example clutch operation assembly 3800 further includes a diaphragm spring 3802 that biases the clutch face 306 to an engaged position (toward the prime mover and away from the transmission 100), and upon actuation by the clutch engagement yoke 808 (e.g. the clutch engagement yoke 808 pushed forward by the clutch actuator 1002) withdraws the clutch face 306 from the engaged position. Any other actuation mechanism for a clutch is contemplated herein. The clutch operation assembly 3800 further includes a bearing housing 3804 that engages and retains the release bearing 1118, and further includes a landing face on the release bearing 1118 that engages the clutch engagement yoke 808.
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Various example embodiments of the present disclosure are described following. Any examples are non-limiting, and may be divided or combined, in whole or part. The example embodiments may include any aspects of embodiments throughout the present disclosure.
Certain embodiments of a high efficiency transmission are described following. The description of certain characteristics as promoting transmission efficiency are provided as illustrative examples. Efficiency promoting characteristics may be included in a particular embodiment, while other characteristics may not be present. Efficiency promoting characteristics may be combined, used in part where applicable, and sub-groupings of any one or more of the described efficiency characteristics may be included in certain embodiments. The description of any feature or characteristic as an efficiency-promoting feature is not limiting to any other feature of the present disclosure also promoting efficiency, and in certain embodiments it will be understood that a feature may promote efficiency in certain contexts and/or applications, and decrease efficiency in other contexts and/or applications.
An example transmission 100 includes one or more housing elements 102, 104, 108 that are made at least partially of aluminum. In certain embodiments, housing elements 102, 104, 108 may be cast aluminum. The use of aluminum introduces numerous challenges to the performance of a transmission 100, and in certain embodiments introduces more challenges where the transmission 100 is a high output transmission. For example, and without limitation, aluminum is typically not as strong as steel for a given volume of material, is softer than steel, and has different stress characteristics making it less robust to stress in certain applications. Changes to the stress capability of the housing material have consequences throughout the transmission—for example bolt bosses generally must be deeper for equivalent robustness, and housing enclosures have to be thicker and/or have stress management features for equivalent stresses experienced at the housing. Aluminum also does not insulate noise as well as offset materials, such as steel.
The example transmission 100 includes a power thrust management arrangement that neutralizes, cancels, reduces, and/or redirects the primary power thrust loads experienced within the transmission. In certain embodiments, the power thrust management arrangement redirects thrust loads away from housings and/or transmission enclosures, allowing for reduced strength of the housings with sufficient durability and robustness for a high output transmission. An example power thrust management arrangement includes helical gears in the power transfer line throughout the transmission 100—for example the countershaft 902, 904 gear meshes—where the helical gear angles are selected to neutralize, reduce, and/or redirect primary power thrust loads experienced within the transmission 100. The adjustments of thrust loads may be, in certain embodiments, improved or optimized for certain operating conditions—for example gear ratios likely to be engaged a higher load conditions, gear ratios likely to be involved in higher speed differential operations across thrust bearings, and the like. A gear engagement on the input shaft 204 side of the transmission 100 with the countershaft 902, 904 has one or more corresponding gear engagements on the first main shaft portion 804 side of the transmission 100 (depending upon the available gear ratios and gear shifting plan), and the thrust management aspects of the helical gears include selected helix angles for the various gear meshes to adjust the thrust profile and thrust duty cycle of the transmission 100. Certain considerations in determining the helical gear geometries include, without limitation: the load duty cycle for the application, installation, or vehicle (loads and/or speeds, as well as operating time), the gear ratios at each mesh and the duty cycle of opposing gear mesh engagement scenarios, and noise and efficiency characteristics of the helical gear ratio selections. One of skill in the art, having the benefit of the present disclosure and information ordinarily available about a contemplated system, can readily determine helical gear ratios to perform desired power thrust management operations in a transmission 100. In certain embodiments, thrust loads are redirected to a thrust management device, such as a thrust bearing, which is positioned between rotating shafts having a lowest speed differential (e.g. the input shaft 204 to first main shaft portion 804). In certain embodiments, the transmission 100 does not include tapered bearings.
An example transmission 100 includes a low loss lubrication system. Losses, in the present instance, refer to overall power consumption from the lubrication system, regardless of the source of the power consumption, and including at least pumping work performed by the lubrication system, viscous losses of moving parts in the transmission 100, and/or parasitic losses in the lubrication system. The example low loss lubrication system includes a dry sump, wherein the rotating portions of the transmission 100 (e.g. gears, shafts, and countershafts) are not positioned, completely and/or partially, within lubricating fluid in the sump. An example lubrication pump assembly 1600, drawing lubrication fluid for the pump from the rear housing 108, provides a non-limiting example of a lubrication system having a dry sump. An example low loss lubrication system further includes a centralized lubrication pump, such that lubrication paths within the transmission 100 have a shortened length, and/or a reduced or optimized overall length of the lubrication channels. An example lubrication pump assembly 1600, integrated within the transmission 100 and coupled to a countershaft or other rotating element of the transmission 100, provides a non-limiting example of a centralized lubrication system. In certain embodiments, utilization of centralized lubrication tubes 1802 and/or 1804 provide for reduced-length runs of lubrication channels. Additionally or alternatively, an example transmission 100 includes a lubrication tube positioned inside the first main shaft portion and/or second main shaft portion, having holes therein to provide a portion of the lubrication paths to one or more bearings, and additionally or alternatively does not include seals on the lubrication tube. In certain further embodiments, a low loss lubrication system includes a lubrication pump driven by a high speed countershaft, where the high speed of the countershaft provides for a higher lubrication pump speed, thereby allowing for a smaller lubrication pump to perform lubrication pumping operations, reducing both pumping losses and/or weight of the lubrication pump and/or associated lubrication pump assembly 1600.
An example transmission 100 includes one or more high speed countershafts 902, 904. The term “high speed” with reference to countershafts, as utilized herein, is to be understood broadly. In certain embodiments, a high speed countershaft rotates at a similar speed to the input shaft 204 and/or the first main shaft portion 804, for example at the same speed, within +/−5%, +/−10%, +/−15%, +/−20%, +/−25%, and/or within +/−50% of the speed of the input shaft 204 and/or first main shaft portion 804. In certain embodiments, a high speed countershaft has a higher relative speed than a countershaft in an offset transmission for a similar application, where similarity of application may be determined from such considerations as power rating, torque rating, torque multiplication capability, and/or final load output and/or duty cycle. A speed that is a high relative speed to an offset transmission includes, without limitation, a speed that is at least 10% higher, 20% higher, 25% higher, 50% higher, 100% higher, up to 200% higher, and greater than 200% higher. In certain embodiments, utilization of high speed countershafts 902, 904, allows for smaller devices operating in response to the rotational speed of the countershafts—for example a lubrication pump driven by a countershaft 902, 904. In certain embodiments, a PTO device driven by one of the countershafts can utilize the higher countershaft speed for improved performance. In certain embodiments, utilization of high speed countershafts 902, 904 allows for reductions of gear and bearing components, as the countershaft operates at a speed closer to the input shaft and/or first main shaft portion speed than in a previously known transmission, providing for lower loads on meshing gears and bearings, and/or providing for more rapid gear shifts with lower losses (less time to shift, and/or less braking to bring the countershaft speed closer to the engaging speed, for example on an upshift). In certain embodiments, lower loads on the countershafts, due to the high speed configuration and/or a twin configuration sharing loads, allows for the countershaft to be a lower size and/or weight. In certain embodiments, the twin countershafts provide for noise reduction, for example from reduced size of engaging components and/or lower engagement forces. Additionally or alternatively, lower rotational inertia from the countershafts has a lower effect on clutch speed during shifts—for example through transfer of countershaft inertia to the clutch before clutch re-engagement, allowing for a faster and lower loss (e.g. lower braking applied to slow the system back down) shifting event.
In certain embodiments, a gear ratio at the front of the transmission 100 is lower relative to a gear ratio at the rear of the transmission 100. In certain embodiments, providing greater torque amplification at the rear of the transmission (e.g. from the countershaft(s) to the second main input shaft portion 804) than at the front of the transmission 100 (e.g. from the input shaft 204 to the countershaft(s)) provides for more efficient (e.g. lower losses) power transfer than more evenly stepping up torque amplification. For example, a total ratio of 4:1 provided as a first step of 1:1 and a second step of 4:1 for most example transmissions 100 provides for a lower loss power transfer than a first step of 2:1 and a second step of 2:1, while providing the same overall torque amplification. In certain embodiments, a rear:front amplification ratio is greater than 1.5:1, greater than 2:1, greater than 2.5:1, greater than 3:1, greater than 3.5:1, greater than 4:1, greater than 4.5:1, and/or greater than 5:1. For example, where an overall torque amplification ratio of 5:1 is desired, an example transmission includes a front transfer of 1.25:1 and a rear transfer of 4:1. The described ratios and embodiments are non-limiting examples. One of skill in the art, having the benefit of the disclosures herein, will readily appreciate that, in certain embodiments, high speed countershafts facilitate lower front torque amplification ratios—for example at a torque amplification ratio near unity (1), gear teeth count between the countershaft and the input shaft are also near unity, and accordingly gear sizes can be kept low if the countershaft turns at a high rate of speed. In certain embodiments, a high speed countershaft facilitates selection of gear sizes to meet other constraints such as providing an interface to a PTO device, providing for gear geometries within a transmission 100 to facilitate manufacture and assembly within a cast housing, and/or to keep gear outer diameters in a normal range. Gear sizes provided within a normal range—i.e. not constrained to be large on either the input shaft 204 and/or the countershaft 902, 904 by torque amplification requirements—allow for controlling torsional forces on the shafts and gear fixing mechanisms (e.g. welds and/or synchronizer devices) low and/or controlling a final geometric footprint of the housing (e.g. the main housing 102) to provide for a compact and/or easily integrated transmission 100.
In certain embodiments, a twin countershaft arrangement provides for balanced forces on the input shaft 204 and/or first main shaft portion 804, and lower cost bearings at one or more gear locations on the input shaft 204 and/or first main shaft portion 804 are provided—for example a journal bearing, bushing, a washer, and/or a race bearing. In certain embodiments, a needle bearing is provided at one or more gear locations on the input shaft 204 and/or the main shaft portion 804, for example on a gear expected to take a radial load, including, for example, a gear on the input shaft 204 close to the power intake for the transmission 100, and/or a gear coupled to the countershaft for powering a PTO device.
In certain embodiments, helical gearing on the countershafts 902, 904 and meshing gears thereto provides for high efficiency operation for the transmission 100. For example, helical gearing provides for thrust management control of the power transfer in the transmission, allowing for lower weight and cost components, such as bearings. Additionally or alternatively, thrust management control of the gears allows for reduced housing weight and/or strength for a given power or torque throughput. Additionally or alternatively, helical gear engagement allows for reduced noise generation, allowing for greater engagement force between gears for a given noise level. Additionally or alternatively, helical gears are easier to press and time relative to, for example, spur gears—allowing for a reduced manufacturing cost, improved manufacturability, and/or more reliable gear mesh. Additionally or alternatively, helical gears provide a greater contact surface for gear teeth, allowing for lower contact pressure for a given contact force, and/or lower face width for the gear teeth while providing gear teeth that are readily able to bear contact loads.
In certain embodiments, a transmission 100 is provided without tapered bearings in the drive line. In certain embodiments, a transmission 100 has a reduced number of tapered bearings in the drive line relative to an offset transmission in a similar application. Tapered bearings are typically utilized to control both thrust loads and radial loads. In certain embodiments, a transmission 100 includes features to control thrust loads, such that tapered bearings are not present. Taper rollers on a bearing require shimming and bearing clearance settings. In certain embodiments, tapered bearings reduce power transfer efficiency and generate additional heat in the transmission. In certain embodiments, main bearings in an example transmission 100 are positioned (e.g. pressed) in the housing elements 102, 104, 108, and shafts in the driveline are passed therethrough. An example transmission 100 is assembled positioned vertically, with shafts passed through the pressed bearings, and where no bearing clearances and/or shims need to be made, the main housing 102 is coupled to the clutch housing 104 during vertical assembly, and the rear housing 108 is coupled to the main housing 102 to complete the housing portion of the vertical assembly. In certain embodiments, an example transmission 100 may be constructed horizontally or in another arrangement, and/or vertically with the rear housing 108 down.
In certain embodiments, power transfer gears in the transmission 100 (e.g. at the countershaft meshes) gear teeth have a reduced height and/or have a flattened geometry at the top (e.g. Reference
In certain embodiments, the transmission 100 includes thrust loads cancelled across a ball bearing, to control thrust loads such that no bearings pressed into a housing enclosure take a thrust load, to control thrust loads such that one or more housing elements do not experience thrust loads, to control thrust loads such that a bearing positioned between low speed differential shafts of the transmission (e.g. between an input shaft 204 and a first main shaft portion 804) take the thrust loads, and/or such that thrust loads are cancelled and/or reduced by helical gears in power transfer gear meshes. In certain embodiments, bearings pressed into a housing element, and/or one or more housing elements directly, are exposed only to radial loads from power transfer in the transmission 100.
In certain embodiments, a transmission 100 includes a PTO interface 410 configured to allow engagement of a PTO device to one of the countershafts from a radial position, for example at a bottom of the transmission 100. An example transmission 100 includes gear configurations such that a radially extending gear from one of the countershafts 902, 904 is positioned for access to the extending gear such that a gear to power a PTO device can be engaged to the extending gear. Additionally or alternatively, a corresponding gear on one of the input shaft 204 and/or first main shaft portion 804 includes a needle bearing that accepts radial loads from the PTO engagement. In certain embodiments, the countershafts 902, 904 do not include a PTO engagement gear (e.g. at the rear of the countershaft), and the transmission 100 is configured such that driveline intent gears can be utilized directly for PTO engagement. Accordingly, the size and weight of the countershafts is reduced relative to embodiments having a dedicated PTO gear provided on one or more countershafts. In certain embodiments, a second PTO access (not shown) is provided in the rear housing, such that a PTO device can alternatively or additionally engage at the rear of the transmission. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, a transmission 100 is configurable for multiple PTO engagement options (e.g. selectable at time of construction or ordering of a transmission), including a 8-bolt PTO access, and/or is constructed to allow multiple PTO engagement options after construction (e.g. both PTO access options provided, such as with a plug on the rear over the rear PTO access, and an installer/integrator can utilize either or both PTO access options).
An example transmission 100 includes only a single actuator connection to power actuators in the transmission, for example an air input port 302 provided on the integrated actuator housing 112. A reduction in the number of connections reduces integration and design effort, reduces leak paths in the installation, and reduces the number of parts to be integrated into, and/or fail in the installed system. In certain embodiments, no external plumbing (e.g. lubrication, coolant, and/or other fluid lines) is present on the transmission 100. In certain embodiments, the transmission 100 is a coolerless design, providing less systems to fail, making the transmission 100 more robust to a cooling system failure of the application or vehicle, reducing installation connections and integration design requirements, reducing leak paths and/or failure modes in the transmission and installed application or vehicle, and reducing the size and weight footprint of the transmission 100. It will be recognized that certain aspects of example transmissions 100 throughout the present disclosure support a coolerless transmission design, including at least transmission power transfer efficiency improvements (e.g. generating less heat within the transmission to be dissipated) and/or aluminum components (e.g. aluminum and common aluminum alloys are better thermal conductors than most steel components). In certain embodiments, heat fins can be included on housing elements 102, 104, 108 in addition to those depicted in the illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure, where additional heat rejection is desirable for a particular application. In certain embodiments, an example transmission 100 includes a cooler (not shown).
In certain embodiments, a transmission 100 includes an organic clutch face 306. An organic clutch face provides for consistent and repeatable torque engagement, but can be susceptible to damage from overheating. It will be recognized that certain aspects of example transmissions 100 throughout the present disclosure support utilization of an organic clutch face 306. For example, the linear clutch actuator 1002, and clutch adjustment for clutch face wear providing highly controllable and repeatable clutch engagement, allow for close control of the clutch engagement and maintenance of clutch life. Additionally or alternatively, components of the transmission 100 providing for fast and smooth shift engagements reduce the likelihood of clutch utilization to clean up shift events—for example the utilization of high speed countershafts, lower rotational inertia countershafts, helical gears, efficient bearings (e.g. management of shaft speed transients relative to tapered bearing embodiments), and/or compact, short-run actuations for gear switching with an integrated actuator assembly. In certain embodiments, elements of the transmission 100 for fast and smooth shift engagements improve repeatability of shift events, resulting in a more consistent driver feel for a vehicle having an example transmission 100, and additionally or alternatively the use of an organic clutch face 306 enhances the ability to achieve repeatable shift events that provide a consistent driver feel.
In certain embodiments, a transmission 100 is configurable for a number of gear ratios, such as an 18-speed configuration. An example 18-speed configuration adds another gear engaging the input shaft 204 with a corresponding gear on the countershaft(s). The compact length of the example transmissions 100 described herein, combined with the modular configuration of housing elements 102, 104, 108 allow for the ready addition of gears to any of the shafts, and accommodation of additional gears within a single housing configuration, and/or isolated changes to one or more housing elements, while other housing elements accommodate multiple gear configurations. An example 18-speed configuration is a 3×3×2 configuration (e.g. 3 gear ratios available at the input shaft 204, 3 forward gear ratios on the first main shaft portion 804, and 2 gear ratios available at the second main shaft portion 806). Additionally or alternatively, other arrangements to achieve 18 gears, or other gear configurations having more or less than 12 or 18 gears are contemplated herein.
In certain embodiments, certain features of an example transmission 100 enable servicing certain aspects of the transmission 100 in a manner that reduces cost and service time relative to previously known transmissions, as well as enabling servicing of certain aspects of the transmission 100 without performing certain operations that require expensive equipment and/or introduce additional risk (e.g. “dropping the transmission,” and/or disassembling main portions of the transmission 100).
An example service event 5600 (Reference
An example service event 5900 (Reference
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Embodiments depicted in
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The example system 17100 includes the prime mover 17102, which may be any type of power initiation device as understood in the art. Examples include, without limitation, an internal combustion engine, a diesel engine, a gasoline engine, a natural gas engine, a turbine engine, a hydraulic pump, or other power source. In certain embodiments, the prime mover 17102 is an internal combustion engine associated with a vehicle (not shown), an internal combustion engine associated with an on-highway vehicle, an internal combustion engine associated with a heavy-duty application, and/or an internal combustion engine associated with an on-highway heavy-duty truck, such as a Class 8 truck or similar application classified under a different system than the United States (US) truck classification system. In certain embodiments, the prime mover 17102 provides requested torque for the application, which is multiplied according to selected parameters through the transmission 100, which may include reversing a direction of the torque (e.g. to reverse the movement direction of a vehicle). On-highway vehicle applications are subjected to a number of challenges and constraints for the system 17100, including at least: significant pressure on acquisition cost for the system (e.g. the capital cost of acquiring the parts of the system); significant pressure on operating cost of the system (e.g. costs for fuel consumption, repairs, maintenance, and/or down time); highly transient operation of the system (e.g. to enable desired acceleration or deceleration, to respond to rapidly changing on-highway conditions, to navigate road grades, and/or manage altitude conditions); and significant pressure to maintain system repeatability and consistency (e.g. to protect the subject driver experience so they can focus on driving safely instead of changes in the system response, to reduce driver fatigue from managing changing or unexpected system response, to improve driver comfort in operation such as smooth and desired response, to reduce noise emitted by the system, and/or to meet performance expectations of a driver, owner, or fleet operator). On-highway vehicle applications in the heavy duty truck space, and/or in the Class 8 truck space, include these challenges, and in some instances make these challenges even more acute—for example heavy duty truck operators and owners are experienced and invested consumers, and have high standards for measuring performance against these challenges, and pay close attention to performance against them; heavy duty trucks operate at high vehicle weights which can increase the difficulty in meeting these challenges; and heavy duty trucks operate at a high duty cycle (e.g. power throughput as a function of maximum power available) and for long hours, increasing the difficulty and consequences of meeting these challenges.
The example system 17100 includes a torque transfer path operatively coupling the prime mover 17102 to drive wheels, such that motive torque from the prime mover 17102 is transferred to the drive wheels. In the example system 17100, a downstream driveline 17108 receives output torque from the transmission 100, and the downstream driveline 17108 includes any further devices relative to the transmission 100, for example a driveline, a deep reduction device, a rear axle gear or differential gear, and/or the drive wheels. The components of the downstream driveline 17108 are non-limiting examples provided only for illustration.
The example system 17100 includes a clutch 106 that selectively decouples the prime mover 17102 from the transmission 100 torque path, for example by decoupling the prime mover 17102 from an input shaft 204. The example system 17100 further includes gear meshes 17104, 17112, 17114, 17116, 17118, and 17120. The gear meshes control torque transfer through the transmission 100, and the selection of engaged versus unengaged gear meshes, as well as the gear configurations of the gear meshes, define the torque transfer multiplication of the transmission 100, or the “gear” the transmission 100 is positioned in. In certain embodiments, one or more gear meshes may be configurable in an engaged position, rotationally coupling the respective shafts, and a neutral or unengaged position, wherein the gears of the gear mesh do not rotationally couple the respective shafts. In certain embodiments, a gear mesh may be engaged utilizing a gear coupler, which may or may not further include a synchronizer, engagement of an idler gear, or any gear mesh engagement understood in the art. In certain embodiments, a gear mesh may be disengaged or neutral by removal of the gear coupler, allowing respective gears to rotate freely on the respective mounted shaft, removal of a connecting idler gear, or the like. In certain embodiments, the gear meshes 17104, 17112, 17114, 17118, and 17120 are consistent with embodiments depicted herein, for example in the gear and shaft arrangement depicted in
The example system includes a controller 17110, for example at least a portion of the controller 17110 may be included on a TCM 114. The controller 17110 includes and/or is in communication with a number of sensors and actuators throughout the system 17100. In certain embodiments, the controller 17110 includes and/or is in communication with a number of shift actuators 908, 912, 914, 916, for example to control the couplings of the gear meshes 17104, 17112, 17114, 17118, and 17120 into a selected configuration. In a further embodiment, the controller 17110 controls the shift actuators 908 utilizing two separate valves for each actuator, a first valve providing actuating force (e.g. pneumatic air pressure into a closed volume to urge a pneumatic piston in a selected direction) to engage the associated gear coupler to a gear mesh 17104, 17112, 17114, 17118, and 17120, and a second valve providing disengagement force (e.g. pneumatic air pressure into a second closed volume to urge the pneumatic piston in a second selected direction) to disengage the associated gear coupler from the gear mesh 17104, 17112, 17114, 17118, and 17120. In certain embodiments, a given valve may be a disengaging valve for one shift (e.g. shift actuator 908 “forward” disengages gear mesh 17112) and an engaging valve for a second shift (e.g. shift actuator 908 “forward” engages gear mesh 17104). Additionally or alternatively, the controller 17110 may engage a neutral position for one or more actuators 908, 912, 914, 916, for example by providing pressure from both sides of a pneumatic piston.
The example system 17100 includes a main shaft, such as a first main shaft portion 804 and/or a second main shaft portion 806, and an output shaft 926. The output shaft 926, in certain embodiments, is coupleable to the main shaft 804, 806 utilizing a gear set 17106, which may be a planetary gear arrangement (e.g. reference
In certain embodiments, the system 17100 includes one or more sensors to provide system operating parameters. The number and selection of sensors depends upon the parameters determined for the system 17100, and further depends upon the availability of information from outside the system, such as on a datalink (private or public, such as J1939, a vehicle area network, or the like), a network communication, or available on a portion of the controller 17110 that is outside the scope of the system 17100, but that provides parameters to the system 17100, such as storing parameters in a non-transient computer readable medium. Example and not-limiting sensors in the system 17100 (not shown), include speed sensors for one or more shafts (e.g. input shaft, output shaft, one or more countershafts, and/or the main shaft), a rail speed and/or rail position sensor (e.g. shift actuator position), an air supply pressure sensor, a TCM temperature sensor, a grade sensor (e.g. to provide vehicle grade information), an oil pressure sensor, a clutch position sensor, a solenoid temperature sensor (e.g. for one or more solenoids associated with actuators in the system), a vehicle mass sensor, a clutch temperature sensor, a service brake position sensor (e.g. on/off), a service brake pressure sensor (e.g. applied pressure and/or continuous position), an accelerator request sensor (e.g. accelerator pedal position), a prime mover torque sensor (e.g. engine torque at the flywheel or other location), and/or a prime move speed sensor. One or more of the described sensors may be a virtual sensor calculated from other parameters, and/or one or more of the described sensors may be out of scope of the system, with information, if utilized, passed to the controller 17110. Any or all of the listed sensors may not be present in certain embodiments of the system 17100, and in certain embodiments other sensors not listed may be present as described throughout the disclosure. Wherever a parameter is described and/or utilized in the present disclosure, the parameter may be provided by an appropriate sensor, or otherwise made available without a sensor in the system 17100.
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In certain embodiments, the valves 17214, 17216 herein for the shift actuators, the valve 17216 for the friction brake 922, and/or the valve 17302 (reference
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Certain logical groupings of operations herein, for example methods or procedures of the current disclosure, are provided to illustrate aspects of the present disclosure. Operations described herein are schematically described and/or depicted, and operations may be combined, divided, re-ordered, added, or removed in a manner consistent with the disclosure herein. It is understood that the context of an operational description may require an ordering for one or more operations, and/or an order for one or more operations may be explicitly disclosed, but the order of operations should be understood broadly, where any equivalent grouping of operations to provide an equivalent outcome of operations is specifically contemplated herein. For example, if a value is used in one operational step, the determining of the value may be required before that operational step in certain contexts (e.g. where the time delay of data for an operation to achieve a certain effect is important), but may not be required before that operation step in other contexts (e.g. where usage of the value from a previous execution cycle of the operations would be sufficient for those purposes). Accordingly, in certain embodiments an order of operations and grouping of operations as described is explicitly contemplated herein, and in certain embodiments re-ordering, subdivision, and/or different grouping of operations is explicitly contemplated herein.
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The procedure 17400 further includes an operation to provide a first actuating pulse, the first actuating pulse including a second predetermined amount of air above an ambient amount of air in a second closed volume, where pressure in the second closed volume promotes movement of the shift actuator in the shift direction. In certain embodiments, the second predetermined amount of air is determined in response to a velocity of the shift actuator and a target velocity of the shift actuator. The determination of the second predetermined amount of air in response to the velocity of the shift actuator and the target velocity of the shift actuator may be open loop (e.g. calibrations of the second predetermined amount of air that in testing or modeling demonstrate performance according to the target velocity) and/or according to feedback such as a shift actuator velocity and/or position value tracked over time.
The operations 17402 and 17404 may be performed in any order, with the operation 17402 preceding the operation 170404, or the operation 17404 preceding the operation 17402. The dynamics of the shift actuator in response to actuating and opposing pressure, the desired achieved velocity of the shift actuator, and/or the differential pressure provided by the actuating pulse and the opposing pulse determine the timing and amounts of air provided by the first actuating pulse and the first opposing pulse.
The provision of the first opposing pulse allows for the first actuating pulse to move an actuator (e.g. a shift actuator on a rail) at a selected velocity, which may be higher than a controllable velocity with only an actuating pulse present, and/or further improves repeatability of the actuator movement. The procedure 17400 further includes an operation 17406 to release pressure in the first closed volume and the second closed volume in response to determining a shift completion event (e.g. upon determining an open loop schedule for pressure pulsing is complete, upon a shift rail position sensor detecting the shift actuator in the engaged position for a gear mesh, and/or upon determining that related shaft speeds have reached an expected speed ratio for the gear mesh). The operation 17406 to release pressure may include opening a vent valve (not shown), allowing pressure to decay, shutting off a source pressure valve (not shown) and opening actuator valves with the source pressure valve closed, and/or any other operations to release pressure in the closed volumes.
In certain embodiments, the operation 17404 to provide the first actuating pulse includes an operation to provide the first actuating pulse as two split pulses, where a first one of the two split pulses is smaller than a first one of the two pulses. The provision of the first actuating pulse as two split pulses improves repeatability of the shift actuation, and can be utilized to confirm movement of the shift actuator before targeting a shift actuator target velocity for engaging the shift. An example operation includes a second one of the two split pulses includes an amount of air substantially equal to the first predetermined amount of air. In the example the first one of the two pulses may not be sufficient to overcome the opposing pulse or to achieve a desired shift actuator velocity, but the net amount of the first one of the two pulses above the substantially equal opposing pulse and second one of the split actuating pulse provides the selected driving force for the shift actuator. The amount of air that is a substantially equal amount of air is determinable by the context and the configuration of the application of the shift rail actuator. For example, an amount of air having the same mass and/or the same number of moles, and amount of air provided by a similar actuation time of the valve actuators, and amount of air provided by similar actuation of the valve actuators but compensating for flow differences (e.g. effective flow areas between the valve providing the actuation pulse and the opposing pulse), and/or an amount of air compensated for the closed volumes on each side to provide a similar pressure on each side are all contemplated examples of substantially equal amounts of air. Additionally or alternatively, differences in the driving force required to move the shift actuator in the actuating or opposing direction may provide for differing air amounts that nevertheless provide similar driving forces in each direction, and are therefore such air amounts are substantially equal for the purpose of the present disclosure.
In certain embodiments, the first one of the two split pulses includes an amount such as: between one-tenth and one-fourth of a total amount of air provided by the two split pulses, less than 40% of a total amount of air provided by the two split pulses, less than 33% of a total amount of air provided by the two split pulses, less than 25% of a total amount of air provided by the two split pulses and/or less than 20% of a total amount of air provided by the two split pulses.
The described ratios between the first and second split portions of the first actuating pulse are non-limiting examples, and one of skill in the art, having the benefit of the disclosures herein and information ordinarily available when contemplating a particular system, can readily determine air amounts for the first actuating pulse, whether provided as two split pulses, and the first opposing pulse. Certain considerations in determining the first amount of air, the second amount of air, the splitting of the actuation pulse, and the amounts of the split actuation pulse include the volume of the system for each of the closed volumes (e.g. rail size, position, distance from actuating valve, etc.), the pressure of the air source, the dynamics of air pressure generation in the actuating or opposing portion of the rail (e.g. the valve flow dynamics, temperature of the system, delay times between commanding a valve and valve response, friction of the shift actuator in each direction, and/or the current position of the shift actuator). The current position of the shift actuator may affect at least the volume of the closed volume on the actuating or opposing side of the actuator, the dynamics of pressure generation in the closed volume, and/or the resistance of the shift actuator to movement (e.g. engaging detents or other features during travel, changing lubrication environment, and/or compressing or expanding a changing volume of air on each side of the shift actuator). It will be understood that corrections for these and other elements can be readily provided with basic system testing of the type ordinarily performed, through modeling and/or laboratory testing and calibration into the predetermined air amounts, and/or by providing for a feedback loop such as a rail position feedback, air pressure feedback, or similar measured parameter, and adjusting the pulses in real time to ensure desired behavior of the shift actuator.
An air pulse, as described herein, should be understood broadly. An air pulse includes the provision of a determined amount of air in a determined amount of time, a scheduled opening time for a valve, a feedback based air amount such as a pressure increase amount in a selected volume, and/or a number of moles or a mass of air to be provided, and the like. A pulse may be provided in a single actuation (e.g. open a valve for a predetermined period of time), as multiple actuations that combine to create an equivalent actuation to the air pulse, a predetermined amount of air specific to another parameter such as the changing volume of the closed volume, which may include additional air amounts to maintain the predetermined air amount, and/or a feedback based response of the actuator to correct for unmodeled factors or noise factors in the system, wherein further responses from the feedback are included as the air pulse. Additionally or alternatively, where a pulse is described herein, for example in single pulses or split pulses, as a pulse width modulated actuation of the valve, and or amounts of air provided over time, it is understood that a continuously modulated valve may be used with a shaped trajectory to provide the behavior described herein. For example, where a binary (on/off) valve is used with split pulses for the first actuating pulse, and where a first split portion is smaller than and precedes a larger second split portion, an embodiment includes at least two distinct pulses provided by a binary valve. Alternatively or additionally, embodiments that include a single shaped pulse providing a similar air over time characteristic (e.g. a low rate of air, with or without a gap preceding a higher rate of air) are also contemplated herein as two distinct notional pulses, even if the air provision is not completely stopped between pulses. Similarly, a first split portion may include a number of actuations to provide the first split portion amount of air in the first selected time frame, and a second split portion may include a distinct number of actuations to provide the second split portion amount of air in the second selected time frame. Any air pulse operations, and/or air amount operations described herein may be similarly replaced by such equivalent operations, although the description may describe specific air pulses for clarity of description.
In certain embodiments, the first opposing pulse is performed at least 100 milliseconds (msec) before the first actuating pulse. Additionally or alternatively, the first actuating pulse may be performed before the first opposing pulse, and/or the actuating and opposing pulse may be performed at the same time and/or overlap. For example, in certain embodiments, it may be desired that no two actuating valves are open at the same time (e.g. to provide for a predictable air source pressure), and a portion of each of the first opposing pulse and the first actuating pulse may be performed in alternating (in equal or non-equal increments) and overlapping fashion. In certain embodiments, more than one actuating valve may be opened at the same time, and the system may include an air source with sufficient air delivery that pressure effects on the multiple valves open can be ignored, and/or the system may include compensation for the multiple valves and the effect on the source air pressure at the transmission inlet, shift rail system inlet, and/or at individual actuating valves of the system. In certain embodiments, the first actuating pulse is performed within a 200 msec window.
Referencing
In certain embodiments, the procedure 17500 further includes an operation 17504 to determine that a synchronizer is in an unblocked condition. In certain embodiments, where the synchronizer engages and is bringing the shaft speeds together (“sitting on the block”), a time period elapses where the shift actuator does not progress as gear teeth are blocked from engaging as the shafts on each side of the gear mesh approach the same speed. When the shafts approach the same speed, the teeth are unblocked (“come off the block”) and the shift actuator will progress to engage the gear. Example operations 17504 to determine that a synchronizer is in an unblocked condition include determining that a speed differential between engaging shafts is lower than an unblocking threshold value, determining that a speed differential between engaging shafts is within a predetermined unblocking range value, determining that a synchronizer engagement time value has elapsed (e.g. time on the block elapses), and/or determining that a shift actuator position value indicates the unblocking condition (e.g. shift actuator with applied pressure begins to move toward engagement again).
The example procedure 17500 further includes an operation 17506 to provide a second opposing pulse before or as the shift actuator moves after unblocking and into full engagement. In certain embodiments, the opposing resistance to the shift actuator drops dramatically when the synchronizer is unblocked, and can provide an undesired closing speed to full engagement. In certain embodiments, for example where a first opposing pulse is provided before the actuation pulse and/or before the opposing pulse provided in operation 17402, the opposing pulse provided in operation 17506 is a third opposing pulse.
In certain embodiments, any of the actuating pulses and/or opposing pulses are provided as a pulse-width-modulated (PWM) operation. A PWM operation, as disclosed herein, should be interpreted broadly and references any provision of air over multiple actuation events to provide a predetermined amount of air and/or an adjusted amount of air over a period of time, and/or to support another parameter in the system (e.g. a shift actuator velocity, a pressure value, or the like). A PWM operation ordinarily indicates a predetermined period of operation, with a selected duty cycle (e.g. “on-time” percentage of the actuator within the period, which can be varied to provide selected response), and such operations are contemplated herein as a PWM operation. Additionally or alternatively, a PWM operation as used herein includes an adjustment of the PWM period, for example, and without limitation, to support minimum or maximum actuator on-times where an otherwise indicated duty cycle may exceed the period and/or indicate a valve actuation on-time below a selected minimum on-time for the valve. Additionally, while PWM-type operations are ordinarily beneficial for binary actuation (e.g. an on-off actuator valve), PWM-type operations may similarly be provided by a continuously capable actuator (e.g. an actuator capable of providing multiple opening values, and/or a continuous range of opening values), for example, and without limitation, to support feedback on system response to added air amounts and allow for real-time adjustment of the predetermined air amounts. In certain embodiments, PWM-type operations allow for binary actuators to provide actuation approximating a continuous actuator, but PWM-type operations can provide benefits for actuators providing multiple opening vales and/or a continuous range of opening values according to the principles described herein.
Referencing
An example procedure includes the operation 17404 to provide the first actuating pulse as a shaped air provision trajectory. For example, and without limitation, the shaped air provision trajectory includes an amount of air over time having a desired shape to the air provision, and the actuating valve provides the shaped air provision trajectory as a modulated valve operation, PWM valve operation, continuously capable valve operation over time, and/or operation from a valve having multiple air flow rate capabilities to create the air provision trajectory. In certain embodiments, the first actuating pulse includes at least one operation to open and close a binary pneumatic valve.
Referencing
In certain embodiments, the operations 17704, 17706 further include determining predetermined first air amount and/or the timing of the predetermined first air amount in response to the reflected driveline inertia value. Example and non-limiting values for the reflected driveline inertia include a perceived and/or effective inertia of the driveline. Example operations to determine the reflected driveline inertia include determining the reflected driveline inertia in response to a launch having a known torque value and an observed acceleration rate, and/or determining vehicle data from a datalink (e.g. vehicle mass, driveline configuration including one or more of a rear axle ratio, drive wheel radius, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, a reflected driveline inertia value may be estimated or assumed, and system responses observed to determine if the estimated or assumed reflected driveline inertia is higher, lower, or about equal to the actual reflected driveline inertia value. The reflected driveline inertia value affects the desired shift time, engagement forces, and transient behavior of the torque transfer path through the transmission, and accordingly the operations 17704, 17706 can be utilized, in certain embodiments, to provide for increased or decreased shift response time, and/or higher or lower shift actuator velocity at the gear mesh engagement.
In certain embodiments, the procedures 17600, 17700 to determine the first predetermined air amount, the second predetermined air amount, and/or a timing of the first predetermined air amount, include adjusting at least one of the first actuating pulse and/or the first opposing pulse in response to the shift actuator position value. In certain embodiments, the adjusting includes interrupting the first actuating pulse and/or the first opposing pulse to synchronize pressure decay in the first closed volume and the second closed volume. Additionally or alternatively, the adjusting includes interrupting the first actuating pulse and/or the first opposing pulse to coordinate pressure decay in the first closed volume and the second closed volume. Synchronizing pressure decay should be understood broadly, and includes at least timing the pressure decay in each volume such that the shift actuator is not disengaged from the gear, such that the shift actuator does not provide excessive engagement force to the gear coupler and/or synchronizer during pressure decay, and/or includes timing the pressure decay in each volume such that the pressure is reduced at about the same time (e.g. within about 1 second apart, within about 200 msec apart, and/or within about 100 msec). Coordinating pressure decay should be understood broadly, and includes at least providing for pressure decay in each volume in light of the pressure decay in the other volume, coordinating the pressure decay such that the shift actuator does not disengage the gear coupler and/or synchronizer during pressure decay, coordinating the pressure decay such that engagement and/or disengagement forces from the shift actuator are kept below a threshold value, and/or coordinating the pressure decay such that a pressure differential on the shift actuator is kept below a threshold value.
In certain embodiments, operation 17604 to modify the duration of the first actuation pulse includes modulating the first actuation pulse, and/or further includes reducing the second predetermined amount of air in response to the shift actuator position value being a shift state description value, and/or reducing the first actuating pulse in response to the shift state description value indicating a synching phase of the shift actuator (e.g. where a synchronizer is sitting on the block). In certain embodiments, reducing the first actuating pulse includes limiting an air pressure build-up in the second closed volume. The operation 17604 thereby reduces engagement forces on the synchronizer and/or gear mesh, reducing part wear and resulting in a smoother shifting operation.
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In certain embodiments, an engaged time of the friction brake provides for a build-up of pressure in the friction brake actuator closed volume 17212. Accordingly, a delay is exhibited after a command to disengage the friction brake is performed (e.g. the friction brake actuator valve is closed) before the friction brake disengages. In certain embodiments, the operation 17908 includes determining the release delay by determining a pressure decay value in a friction brake actuation volume, for example utilizing a model, open loop calibration, or other determination of pressure decay in response to friction brake on-time. In certain embodiments, a friction brake on-time exceeding a saturation value may result in a fixed relationship between the on-time and the release delay, and for on-time values below the saturation value, a relationship between the on-time and the release delay is calculated, calibrated, and/or included as a pre-determined relationship in to the controller 17110. In certain embodiments, the operation 17908 includes determining a pressure in the friction brake actuation volume. In certain embodiments, the operation 17906 includes determining a speed differential between the countershaft and an engaging shaft, and determining the target release time in response to the speed differential, for example where the friction brake is utilized to bring the countershaft speed down to be close to the speed of the engaging shaft to provide for a quicker, smoother, and/or quieter shift event. Example and non-limiting engaging shafts include an output shaft, a main shaft, and/or an input shaft. In certain embodiments, the operation 17906 includes determining lumped driveline stiffness value, and determining the target release time further in response to the lumped driveline stiffness value. The lumped driveline stiffness value, without limitation, includes the dynamic torsional response of the driveline, and affects the dynamic response of the system (e.g. how fast the system will speed up or slow down) and/or the desired speed differential imposed for a shift engagement. Accordingly, the inclusion of driveline stiffness in the friction brake release allows for better control of the speed differential at engagement and/or quicker, smoother, and/or quieter shifting. In certain embodiments, the target gear ratio for engagement is included in determining the lumped driveline stiffness value. In certain embodiments, the operation 17906 includes determining the target release time further in response to the target gear ratio value, rather than including the target gear ratio value in the lumped driveline stiffness value—for example where the lumped driveline stiffness value is determined independently of the target gear ratio, and inclusion of the target gear ratio compensates the lumped driveline stiffness value without the target gear ratio. In certain embodiments, the operation 17906 includes determining a friction brake disengagement dynamic value, and determines the target release time further in response to the friction brake disengagement dynamic value. Example and non-limiting aspects of the friction brake disengagement dynamic value include the friction brake response of the return spring that disengages the friction brake (including wear or degradation thereof), compensation for temperature effects on friction brake disengagement and/or temperature effects shift actuator speeds and/or shaft speeds (e.g. slower responding parts in cold temperatures may provide for a shorter engagement of the friction brake during a shift, limiting unnecessary utilization of the friction brake and corresponding losses in efficiency and slower shifting). In certain embodiments, the operation 17906 includes determining a vehicle speed effect, and determining the target release time further in response to the vehicle speed effect. Example and non-limiting vehicle speed effects include a current vehicle speed, an estimated vehicle speed at a gear engagement time, a vehicle acceleration rate, and/or a vehicle deceleration rate. For example and without limitation, a vehicle in a accelerating or decelerating environment may result in changing shaft speeds, resulting in a distinct target speed for the countershaft from a nominal shift otherwise planned for current operating conditions, and the example controller 17110 responds by targeting a countershaft speed according to the speed target at the time of shift engagement, resulting in a greater or lesser engagement of the friction brake during the shift.
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Certain non-limiting examples of the means for reducing engagement force experienced by the first gear mesh in response to the backlash crossing event 18006 are described following. An example means for reducing engagement force experienced by the first gear mesh further includes the controller 17110 disengaging the first gear mesh during at least a portion of the backlash crossing event, for example by commanding a shift actuator to move a synchronizer and/or gear coupler to disengage the first gear mesh in response to the imminent backlash crossing event 18006. In certain embodiments, the controller 17110 provides a pre-loaded amount of air to the actuator(s) to position the shift actuator to a neutral position. The shift actuator may move the synchronizer and/or gear coupler to the neutral position, and/or the synchronizer and/or gear coupler may be locked in to the gear mesh until the backlash crossing event occurs, whereupon during the zero torque portion of the backlash crossing, the pre-loaded shift actuator will slide the synchronizer and/or gear coupler out of gear, preventing bounce, oscillation, and/or other undesirable behavior during the backlash crossing. Accordingly, the first gear mesh is thereby disengaged during at least a portion of the backlash event. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 17110 provides a command to disengage a clutch during at least a portion of the backlash crossing event, and/or to slip the clutch (e.g. reduce clutch engagement torque until the clutch is not in lock-up) during at least a portion of the backlash crossing event. The disengagement and/or slipping of the clutch mitigates the torsional forces experienced during the backlash event, allowing the gear mesh to settle on the other side of the backlash (e.g. from drive side to coast side engagement, or from coast side to drive side engagement) without experiencing negative consequences to smooth operation of the transmission 100, noticeable effects by the driver or operator, and/or mitigating these.
The example apparatus 18000 includes the backlash indication circuit 18002 identifying the imminent backlash crossing event 18006 by determining that a gear shift occurring at a second gear mesh is likely to induce the backlash crossing event at the first gear mesh. For example, in a shift of just a forward gear (e.g. at the input shaft, or a “splitter” shift), where the rearward gear is to remain in the same engagement after the shift, a backlash crossing event may occur at the rearward gear under certain operating conditions, which may be predicted according to the current side of the rearward gear mesh (e.g. coast side or drive side), the vehicle speed and acceleration, and/or the speeds of the input shaft, countershaft, and/or prime mover. The example backlash indication circuit 18002 determines the imminent backlash crossing event 18006 for the first gear mesh (rearward in the example) in response to the gear shift at the second gear mesh (forward gear mesh in the example). The example apparatus 18000 further includes a means for reducing engagement force experienced by the first gear mesh. Example and non-limiting means for reducing engagement force experienced by the first gear mesh include disengaging the first gear mesh during at least a portion of the gear shift—for example a first gear mesh pre-load circuit 18004 provides a disengagement pulse command 18008, where a shift actuator responsive to the disengagement pulse command 18008 disengages the first gear mesh during at least a portion of the gear shift. An example disengagement pulse command includes a fifth predetermined amount of air above an ambient amount of air in a fifth closed volume, and where pressure in the fifth closed volume promotes movement of the shift actuator in the disengagement direction. In certain embodiments, the disengagement pulse command 18008 further includes a sixth predetermined amount of air above an ambient amount of air in a sixth closed volume, where pressure in the sixth closed volume opposes movement of the shift actuator in the disengagement direction. In the example, the fifth closed volume and sixth closed volume are volumes on each side of a pneumatic piston comprising a portion of the shift actuator, and where first gear mesh pre-load circuit 18004 determines the fifth predetermined amount of air and the sixth predetermined amount of air such that the shift actuator is urged into a neutral position in response to a release of engagement force. In one example, engagement force is released during the backlash crossing event, eliminating or reducing oscillations, noise, and other negative effects of the backlash crossing event with the first gear mesh engaged. In certain embodiments, the time response of determining the imminent backlash crossing event 18006, providing the disengagement pulse command 18008, and/or response of the valve actuators providing the fifth predetermined air amount and/or sixth predetermined air amount, result in the disengagement of the first gear mesh on a subsequent backlash crossing event after a first backlash crossing event (e.g. on a “bounce” after the first backlash crossing). Even where the disengagement occurs after the first backlash crossing event, oscillations, noise, and other negative consequences of the backlash crossing are reduced.
An example apparatus 18000 includes the backlash indication circuit 18002 further identifying the imminent backlash crossing event 18006 by performing at least one operation such as: determining that an imminent rotational direction of the first gear mesh in a transmission is an opposite rotational direction to an established rotational direction of the first gear mesh, determining that a speed change between a first shaft comprising gears on one side of the first gear mesh and a second shaft comprising gears on an opposing side of the first gear mesh is likely to induce the backlash crossing event, determining that a gear shift occurring at a second gear mesh is likely to induce the backlash crossing event at the first gear mesh, determining that a transmission input torque value is at an imminent zero crossing event, and/or determining that a vehicle operating condition is likely to induce the backlash crossing event.
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The example system 18200 includes the controller 17110 further having a shift rail actuator diagnostic circuit 18212 that diagnoses proper operation of at least one shift rail position sensor (not shown) in response to a vehicle speed value 18214. The vehicle state circuit 18202 further interprets at least one failure condition 18218, and provides a vehicle stopping distance mitigation value 18216 in response to the at least one failure condition 18218. Example and non-limiting failure conditions 18218 include mission disabling failures wherein normal operations of the transmission 100 and/or vehicle systems are precluded, for example but not limited to a loss in ability to shift one or more gears, a loss in power to a primary controller, where a secondary controller is capable to operate the clutch, loss of a datalink or communication with the vehicle system and/or engine, or other catastrophic failure wherein control of the clutch 106 is maintained, but other control is lost. The controller 17110 further includes a clutch override circuit 18220 that provides a forced clutch engagement command 18222 in response to the vehicle stopping distance mitigation value 18216. The vehicle stopping distance mitigation value 18216 includes, without limitation, and indication that operations of the clutch to mitigate increased vehicle stopping distance resulting from the failure condition 18218 are to be performed. An example clutch override circuit 18220 further provides a forced clutch engagement command 18222 in response to the vehicle stopping distance mitigation value 18216 and further in response to at least one value such as: a motive torque value representative of the motive torque, an engine speed value representative of a speed of the prime mover, an accelerator position value representative of an accelerator pedal position, a service brake position value representative of a position of a service brake position, a vehicle speed value representative of a speed of the drive wheels, and/or a service brake diagnostic value. In certain embodiments, the forced clutch engagement command 18222 provides for engagement of the clutch when the vehicle speed, motive torque, accelerator position, service brake position, and/or vehicle speed are such that stopping distance is not increased by engagement of the clutch. For example, in conditions where engine braking or other operations will be able to reduce speed during clutch engagement, the forced clutch engagement command 18222 provides for clutch engagement. When conditions change such that clutch engagement may increase the stopping distance, for example when the engine idle governor is providing motive torque that overcomes other stopping forces, and/or other stopping forces without consideration to the service brake, the forced clutch engagement command 18222 indicates to open the clutch. In certain embodiments, the service brake may be in a faulted condition (e.g. service brake diagnostic value indicates that the service brake position is unknown), and accordingly the service brake logic can be adjusted accordingly—e.g. service brake position may be disregarded when the service brake is faulted, and/or the faulted service brake may be a failure condition 18218 according to the vehicle operating guidelines, settings of the vehicle and/or engine, and/or applicable regulations.
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The example apparatus 18400 includes the clutch torque profile 18410 including a first clutch engagement position value 18416, and where the clutch control circuit 18404 further utilizes the first clutch engagement position value 18416 as a maximum zero torque position 18420. For example, in response to receiving a zero clutch torque reference value 18412, and/or to receiving a “clutch disengaged” command, the clutch control circuit 18404 positions the clutch actuator at a position below that indicated by the maximum zero torque 18420. The example clutch characterization circuit 18402 further interprets the clutch torque profile 18410 by performing a clutch first engagement position test 18424.
The example apparatus 18400 includes the clutch torque profile 18410 including a second clutch engagement position value 18418, and where the clutch control circuit 18404 further utilizes the second clutch engagement position value 18418 as a minimum significant torque position 18422. For example, in response to receiving a non-zero clutch torque reference value 18412, and/or to receiving a “clutch engaged” command, the clutch control circuit 18404 positions the clutch actuator at a position equal to or greater than that indicated by the minimum significant torque 18422. The example clutch characterization circuit 18402 further interprets the clutch torque profile 18410 by performing a clutch second engagement position test 18426.
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The illustration 18700 further includes a second maximum zero torque value 18420a, for example as determined in procedure 18500 at a second point in time, and a second minimum zero torque value 18422a, for example as determined in procedure 18600 at the second point in time. In the example 18700, it is noted, for illustrative purposes, that the minimum zero torque value 18422 has not shifted 18714 as greatly as the maximum zero torque value 18420 shift 18712. In the illustration 18700, the second clutch torque profile 18410a above the second minimum significant torque value 18422a is shifted an amount equal to the shift 18714—e.g. the higher torque engagement points have been shifted in position space by the distance of the shift 18714 in the minimum significant torque value, and the shape of the curve in the higher torque engagement points has been held constant. In certain embodiments, where information correlating to the clutch position and torque for higher engagement points is available, the change in the clutch torque profile 18410 can be more complex, and/or informed by such information. In certain embodiments, the shape of the clutch torque profile 18410 at higher engagement points can be informed and updated by the clutch wear value 18440, and/or by high torque clutch engagement opportunities presented according to vehicle operating conditions and expected behaviors providing an indicated clutch torque 18434 for those high torque clutch engagement positions.
In certain embodiments, the clutch characterization circuit 18402 further determines that the clutch is operating in a wear-through mode 18438 in response to at least one of the first engagement position value 18416 and the second engagement position value 18418 changing at a rate greater than a clutch wear-through rate value 18442, and/or a clutch wear circuit 18408 determining a clutch wear value 18440, and where the clutch wear value 18440 exceeds a wear-through threshold value. An example clutch wear circuit 18408 determines the clutch wear value 18440 in response to clutch operating values 18436, such as a clutch temperature value, a clutch power throughput value, and/or a clutch slip condition. In certain embodiments, the clutch wear circuit 18408 increments a wear counter in response to the clutch temperature, the clutch power throughput, and/or the clutch slip condition. In certain embodiments, the clutch power and slip condition exhibit a first response to clutch wear, and accordingly a first slope of wear below a high wear temperature line, and exhibit a second response to clutch wear, and accordingly a second slope of wear (higher than the first slope) at or above the high wear temperature line. The high wear temperature line depends upon the materials of the clutch, and is determinable with simple wear testing of the type ordinarily performed on a contemplated system given a clutch configuration with a known type.
Referencing
The example procedure 18800 further includes an operation 18806 to provide a clutch diagnostic value in response to the clutch wear index. Example and non-limiting clutch wear values includes providing a clutch wear fault value (e.g. failed, passed, worn, suspect, etc.), incrementing a clutch wear fault value (e.g. incrementing a fault counter in response to the wear index, and/or triggering a fault when the fault counter exceeds a threshold value), communicating the clutch diagnostic value to a data link (e.g. to provide the wear indicator to a fleet or service personnel, to provide the wear indicator to another aspect of a system for consideration—e.g. an engine, vehicle, route management device, etc.), and/or providing the clutch diagnostic value to a non-transient memory location accessible to a service tool. The clutch wear diagnostic value may light a dashboard lamp or provide other notification, or may remain available on a controller 17110 to be accessible upon request or in a fault snapshot. In certain embodiments, the procedure 18800 includes an operation 18808 to provide the clutch wear index and/or a clutch wear value 18440 to the clutch characterization circuit 18402 and utilized in determining the clutch torque profile 18410.
Referencing
Certain non-limiting examples of the means for providing a consistent lock-up time 18912 of the clutch are described following. Referencing
An example apparatus 18900 to provide the consistent lock-up time 18912 of the clutch further includes the controller 17110 having a launch characterization circuit 18902, where the launch characterization circuit 18902 interprets at least one launch parameter 18904 such as: a vehicle grade value, a vehicle mass value, and/or a driveline configuration value. Example and non-limiting driveline configuration values include a target engagement gear description, a reflected driveline inertia value, and/or a vehicle speed value. An example apparatus 18900 further includes the clutch control circuit 18404 further commanding the position 18414 of the progressive actuator in response to the at least one launch parameter 18904 to achieve the consistent lock-up time 18912 of the clutch. In certain embodiments, the clutch control circuit further 18404 further commands the position 18414 of the progressive actuator in response to a clutch slip feedback value 18906. An example system further includes the clutch torque request time 18908 including at least one request condition such as: a service brake pedal release event, a service brake pedal decrease event, a gear engagement request event, and/or a prime mover torque increase event. In certain embodiments, the clutch lock-up time 18912 is measured from the clutch torque request time 18908 to the clutch lock-up event 18910. In certain embodiments, the clutch lock-up event 18910 includes a clutch slip value 18906 being lower than a clutch lock-up slip threshold value 18914.
In certain embodiments, the controller 17110 includes the clutch control circuit 18404 further providing commanding the position 18414 of the progressive actuator to maintain the clutch slip feedback value 18906 between a slip low threshold value and a slip high threshold value. In certain embodiments, the slip low threshold value and the slip high threshold value are a rate of change of the clutch slip, such that clutch slip is reduced within a controlled rate of change to provide a smooth transition to lock-up. In certain embodiments, the rate of change of the clutch slip is reduced at a rate to achieve the consistent lock-up time 18912 of the clutch. In certain embodiments, the variations in the rate of change of the clutch slip induced by input shaft oscillations are compensated—for example by applying a filter on the input shaft speed value (used in determining the clutch slip feedback value 18906, in certain embodiments) that removes the oscillation frequency component from the input shaft speed. An example filter includes a notch filter at a selected range of frequencies, which may be determined according to known characteristics of the input shaft, and/or determined by a frequency analysis of the input shaft speed (e.g. a fast-Fourier transform, or the like) to determine which frequencies the oscillation is affecting In certain embodiments, the clutch control circuit further includes enhanced response to an error value such as a difference between the rate of change of the clutch slip value and a target rate of change, and/or being outside the slip low threshold value and/or slip high threshold value. In certain embodiments, enhanced response can include proportional control and/or gain scheduling of clutch torque commanded in response to the error value.
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In certain embodiments, the procedure 19000 further includes the adapting 19006 slowing and/or halting the adapting of the estimated values in response to an operation 19004 determining the first correlation, the second correlation, and the third correlation having an unexpected correlation configuration. Example unexpected correlation includes a negative correlation for the first correlation and/or the second correlation, and/or a positive correlation for the third correlation. For example, a relationship between the torque and grade is expected to be positive and linear, a relationship between the torque and acceleration is expected to be positive and linear, and a relationship between grade and acceleration is expected to be negative and linear. An example operation 19006 includes adapting by increasing or continuing adapting the estimated values in response the operation 19004 determining the first correlation, the second correlation, and the third correlation have an expected correlation configuration. For example, where the correlations continue to have an expected relationship, it is anticipated that the adapting will converge on correct estimates for the vehicle mass value, the vehicle drag value, and the vehicle effective inertia value, and the adapting is continued or the step size is increased. Where the correlations do not have the expected relationship, it is not anticipated that the adapting will converge on correct estimates for the vehicle mass value, the vehicle drag value, and the vehicle effective inertia value, and the adapting is halted or the step size is decreased.
The procedure 19000 further includes an operation 19010 to adjust the adaptation rate in operation 19006 in response to the estimates changing monotonically and/or holding at a consistent value. For example, where the adaptation operation 19006 continues to move at least one estimate in the same direction, with the other estimates also continuing to move in a same direction and/or being held constant, the adaptation 19006 is anticipated to be moving correctly, and to be farther from the correct estimates. Where the adaptation 19006 experiences a change in direction for one or more estimates, the adaptation is expected to be close to the correct converged value. In certain embodiments, the adaptation 19006 is further responsive to a linearity of the correlations, and the linearity of the correlations, in addition to the sign of the correlations (e.g. positive for torque-grade and torque-acceleration, and negative for grade-acceleration), is anticipated to be a measure of the likelihood of successful convergence of the estimates to correct values. Accordingly, where correlations are linear, the operation 19006 increases or holds the step sizes, and where one or more correlations are non-linear, the operation 19006 decreases step sizes and/or halts adaptation 19006 until linearity is restored. In certain embodiments, the operation to 19010 to adjust the adaptation rate is performed in response to a changing the direction of an estimate being a change greater than a threshold change value. In certain embodiments, the procedure 19000 includes an operation 19014 to implement the adaptation step size change in response to the performance against expectations of the correlations and the consistency of the estimate changes. The example procedure 19000 includes an operation 19016 to provide estimates, including at least a vehicle mass estimate, to other aspects of a controller 17110. In certain embodiments, the procedure 19000 continues indefinitely, to remain responsive to changes in vehicle mass. In certain embodiments, the procedure 19000 includes both providing estimates 19016 and iterating the operations 19002, 19004, 19006, 19010, 19014. In certain embodiments, the procedure 19000 halts after converging, and/or halts for a given operation cycle (e.g. a trip or drive cycle) after converging, and is performed again for a next operation cycle.
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The example procedure 19100 includes the operation 19102 to determine the shift rail position sensor is failed by determining the shift rail position sensor is failed out of range. In certain embodiments, a sensor failed out of range is readily detectable according to the electrical characteristics of the sensor—for example where a sensor is shorted to ground, shorted to high voltage, and/or providing a voltage value, A/D bit count, or other value that is outside the range of acceptable values for the sensor.
In certain embodiments, referencing
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In certain embodiments, the solenoid temperature circuit 19402 determines the operating temperature 19404 of the solenoid according to a determination of the solenoid temperature in response to an electrical current value 19414 of the solenoid and an electrical resistance value 19416 of the solenoid. The electrical current value 19414 of the solenoid is a determined current value of the solenoid 19304, and may differ from the electrical current 19410 commanded or provided to the solenoid 19304, especially in transient operation and/or where the solenoid temperature is elevated and/or where the solenoid 19304 is degraded or aged. For example, the solenoid control circuit 19406, in certain embodiments, provides the electrical current 19410 by providing a voltage to the solenoid 19304 (e.g. system voltage, a TCM output voltage, and/or a PWM scheduled voltage) according to the electrical current 19410 planned for the solenoid 19304, and the solenoid 19304 specific electrical characteristics may exhibit an electrical current value 19414 that differs from the electrical current 19410 planned. In certain embodiments, the solenoid control circuit 19406 provides the electrical current 19410 to the solenoid 19304 such that the electrical current 19410 is achieved (within the voltage limits of the TCM voltage output), for example by feedback on a measured current value and response on the TCM voltage output (which may be variable and/or adjusted in a PWM manner, which may be filtered to provide a steady or pseudo-steady voltage to the solenoid 19304), and accordingly in steady state the electrical current 19410 commanded will be achieved for such embodiments. Additionally or alternatively, the solenoid 19304 in certain embodiments includes a coil having inductive properties, and the voltage from the solenoid 19304 may exhibit dynamic voltage (and therefore current) behavior. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the solenoid temperature circuit 19402 in certain embodiments may determine the operating temperature 19404 of the solenoid in response to a dynamic characteristic of the solenoid, such as a voltage rise characteristic, an RMS voltage exhibited by the solenoid over a predetermined time period (e.g. over a time window beginning at a predetermined time after activation and ending at a predetermined time later), according to a time characteristic at which a specified voltage is reached, and/or according to a time characteristic at which a specified voltage increase is achieved (e.g. the time from 3.0 V to 5.0 V, the time from 1.0 V to 5.2 V, and/or any other voltage window). In certain embodiments, the solenoid temperature circuit 19402 determines the solenoid temperature in response to a steady state voltage 19420 achieved by the solenoid. Any operations to determine the operating temperature 19404 of the solenoid 19304 are contemplated herein. In certain embodiments, the solenoid 19304 exhibits a resistance response to temperature, for example according to a known characteristic of the metal in the solenoid coil (e.g. similar to a thermistor or resistance temperature detector used as a temperature sensor). In certain embodiments, a resistance-temperature curve 19418 is calibrated and stored on the controller 17110 and accessible to the solenoid temperature circuit 19402.
In certain embodiments, the solenoid temperature circuit 19402 further determines the operating temperature 19404 of the solenoid in response to an electrical current value 19414 of the solenoid and an electrical resistance value 19416 of the solenoid. In certain embodiments, one or both of the electrical current value 19414 and the electrical resistance value 19416 may be calculated or measured by the solenoid temperature circuit 19402. In certain embodiments, the solenoid temperature circuit 19402 determines the voltage drop across the solenoid 19304—for example at a voltage high and ground pin on the TCM, and in certain further embodiments the solenoid temperature circuit 19402 determines a current across the solenoid, for example with a solid state current meter in the voltage provision circuit to the solenoid 19304. Any other structures and/or operations to determine the electrical current value 19414 and the electrical resistance value 19416 of the solenoid 19304 are contemplated herein. In certain embodiments, the solenoid temperature circuit 19402 further determines the operating temperature 19404 of the solenoid in response to a thermal model 19422 of the solenoid, for example including a cooldown estimate of the solenoid 19302 to provide an estimated temperature of the solenoid 19302 when active voltage is not being provided to the solenoid 19302. In certain embodiments, the voltage provided to the solenoid may be varied to assist in determining the operating temperature 19404 of the solenoid, for example to provide a voltage value that is at a known temperature determination point for the solenoid, and/or to move the current determination value of the solenoid into a higher resolution area of the resistance-temperature curve 194118.
In certain embodiments, the system includes the solenoid operated actuator 19302 having a reduced nominal capability solenoid 19304. For example, and without limitation, the reduced nominal capability solenoid 19304 includes a cheaper material on the solenoid coil (e.g. that may exhibit increased temperature response and/or that also improves detection of the solenoid temperature), a smaller sized solenoid relative to a nominal solenoid (e.g. where a higher current throughput is enabled by temperature management allowing for reduced amount of coil materials, and/or the solenoid can be operated more often and for longer periods than a nominally designed solenoid, also allowing for a reduced amount of coil materials, and/or allowing for a smaller solenoid footprint—e.g. due to a smaller housing, more challenging heat transfer environment to the coil, and/or less mass of material and/or cheaper materials having a lower heat capacity to provide a reduced heat sink for the solenoid). Each of the described capability reductions in the solenoid can reduce costs of the solenoid and/or reduce the physical space required by the solenoid, and one or more of the capability reductions is enabled by active thermal management of the solenoid by the apparatus 19400. In certain embodiments, the solenoid control circuit 19406 further operates in response to the operating temperature 19404 of the solenoid and the target temperature 19412 of the solenoid by modulating at least one parameter such as: a voltage provided to the solenoid, a cooldown time for the solenoid, and/or a duty cycle of the solenoid. Example and non-limiting duty cycles include changing a PWM characteristic of the solenoid (e.g. changing a period, frequency, and/or on-time width of the valve actuator 19302 providing air to the clutch, a shift actuator, or the friction brake), adjusting a shift event to avoid utilization of the actuator 19302 (e.g. delaying or adjusting a target gear ratio, or adjusting a friction brake utilization during a shift, to enable the solenoid 19304 to cool down).
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In certain embodiments, the controller 11710 further includes a source pressure sensor 19506 (reference
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The example controller 17110 further includes a model consistency circuit 8906 that performs an operation d) to determine an adaptation consistency value 8924, and in response to the adaptation consistency value 8924, to adjust an adaptation rate 8922 of the adapting. The vehicle environment circuit 8902, the mass estimation circuit 8904, and the model consistency circuits 8906 further iteratively perform operations a), b), c), and d) to provide an updated estimated vehicle mass value 8926. In certain embodiments, a launch characterization circuit 18902 (e.g., see the disclosure referencing
An example model consistency circuit 8906 further performs the operation c) to slow or halt an adapting the estimated values in response to the first correlation 8920, the second correlation 8920, and/or the third correlation 8920 having an unexpected correlation configuration (e.g., correlation configuration does not match the expected correlation configuration 8928), and/or increases the adapting rate 8922 or continues the adapting the estimated values 8914, 8916, 8918 in response to the first correlation 8920, the second correlation 8920, and/or the third correlation 8920 having an expected correlation configuration 8928. An example expected correlation configuration 8928 includes a correlation such as: a positive correlation for the first correlation 8920 and the second correlation 8920 (e.g., one or both of the first correlation and the second correlation 8920 indicate the correlated parameters increase or decrease together), and a negative correlation for the third correlation 8920 (e.g., the correlated parameters move in opposing directions). Additionally or alternatively, an expected correlation configuration 8928 includes a linearity value corresponding to one or more of the first correlation 8920, the second correlation 8920, and the third correlation 8920. An example unexpected correlation configuration includes at least one correlation such as: a negative correlation for the first correlation 8920 or the second correlation 8920; a positive correlation for the third correlation 8920; and/or a non-linear correlation corresponding to any one or more of the first correlation 8920, the second correlation 8920, and the third correlation 8920. An example model consistency circuit 8906 further performs the operation c) to adjust the adaptation rate 8922 by increasing or holding an adjustment step size (e.g., as the adaptation rate 8922) in at least one of the estimated vehicle mass value 8914, the estimated vehicle effective inertia value 8918, or the estimated vehicle drag value 8916 in response to: an adaptation result such as monotonically changing each estimated value 8914, 8916, 8918; and/or monotonically changing at least one of the estimated values 8914, 8916, 8918 and holding the other estimated values at a same value 8914, 8916, 8918. An example model consistency circuit 8906 further performs the operation c) to adjust the adaptation rate 8922 by: decreasing an adjustment step size in at least one of the estimated vehicle mass value 8914, the estimated vehicle effective inertia value 8918, or the estimated vehicle drag value 8916 in response to: changing a direction of adaptation in at least one of the estimated values 8914, 8916, 8918. A determination that an estimate is being held at a same value includes, in certain embodiments, a determination that a value has changed below a threshold amount (e.g. vehicle mass estimate 8914 decreasing by a small amount may be interpreted as no change), and/or a determination that a value is changing at a rate that is lower than a threshold (e.g. vehicle mass estimate 8914 increasing lower than a given amount per unit time, per execution cycle, and/or per trip may be interpreted as no change). In certain embodiments, estimates 8914, 8916, 8918 may be subjected to filtering, debouncing (e.g. ignoring and/or limiting outlying or high change rate determinations), hysteresis (e.g., determining that a direction change in the estimate has not occurred at a varying threshold when changing directions, and/or at a different threshold for increasing versus decreasing).
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An example friction brake control circuit 18406 further determines the release delay 9008 by determining a pressure decay value 9014 in a friction brake actuating volume 9012. In certain embodiments, the friction brake control circuit 18406 determines the pressure decay value 9014 by determining a pressure in the friction brake actuating volume 9012, which may be measured, modeled, and/or estimated. An example friction brake control circuit 18406 further determines the pressure decay value 9014 by utilizing a pre-determined relationship 9020 between engaged time 9006 and pressure decay in the friction brake actuating volume 9012. An example friction brake control circuit 18406 determines a speed differential 9018 between the countershaft and an engaging shaft, and determines the target release time 9004 further in response to the speed differential 9018—for example to slow the countershaft a scheduled amount during a shift, diagnostic, or other operation. Example and non-limiting engaging shafts include an output shaft, a main shaft, and/or an input shaft.
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An example shift control circuit 19808 further provides a first opposing pulse command 9104 after the first actuating pulse command 9112, and further in response to an expiration of a predetermined opposing pulse delay time 9116. In certain embodiments, a first opposing pulse command 9104 is provided at a delay time 9116 after the first actuating pulse command 9112 is provided, and/or at a delay time 9116 after disengagement of the shift actuator occurs from a previously engaged gear. An example shift control circuit 19808 further interrupts the first opposing pulse command 9104 in response to a shift actuator rail position 9110, for example to provide a scheduled amount of opposition to the shift actuator. In certain embodiments, the pulse timing (e.g., the start of the pulse) of the first and/or second opposing pulse commands 9104, 9106 are timed (e.g. after a shift request, an actuating pulse command 9112, and/or disengagement), and the completion or pulse width of the opposing pulse commands 9104, 9106 are based on shift actuator position 9110 and/or velocity 9108.
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An example shift control circuit 19808 further modulates the first actuating pulse command 9112 in response to a previously determined gear departure position value 9206—for example and observed shift rail position value whereupon the shift actuator has disengaged from the currently engaged gear at the start of a shift. In certain embodiments, the modulating includes providing the first actuating pulse command 9112 as a full open command (e.g., full actuation) in response to a position 9110 of the shift actuator being on an engaged side of the gear departure position value 9206, and additionally or alternatively includes providing the first actuating pulse command 9112 as a pulse-width modulated (PWM) command and/or as a reduced actuation command in response to the position 9110 of the shift actuator approaching and/or exceeding the gear departure position value 9206. The gear departure position value 9206 can vary due to part-to-part variations and stackup, and additionally can change over time due to wear and/or service events. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the shift control circuit 19808 additionally observes actual gear departure (e.g., by observing shift rail position 9110 and/or velocity 9108), and updates the gear departure position value 9206 in response to the observation. The updating may be filtered, rate limited, debounced, and/or subjected to other rationalization techniques. In certain embodiments, where a large change is detected, the change may be implemented more quickly, ignored, and/or changed quickly after several observations confirm the updated value. In certain embodiments, the shift control circuit 19808 performs a calibration test whereupon the shift actuator engages and disengages the gear multiple times to determine the departure position. Such calibration operations may be performed when vehicle operating conditions allow (e.g., another gear mesh in the system is enforcing a neutral position and/or the vehicle is not moving) and/or in response to a specified command such as from a service tool, as part of a service event, and/or at a time of manufacture or reconditioning.
An example shift control circuit 19808 further interprets a synchronization speed differential value 9210 for a currently requested shift including a selected gear ratio (e.g., gear selection 9304). The example shift control circuit 19808, in response to the final gear mesh engagement speed differential value 9210 (e.g., the speed differential at an intended gear mesh engagement) exceeding a smooth engagement threshold 9208, changes the currently requested shift to a changed gear ratio (e.g., updating the gear selection 9304), where the changed gear ratio includes a second synchronization speed differential value 9210 lower than the smooth engagement threshold 9208. For example, during a shift, operating conditions may change the predicted speed of shafts in the transmission 100 (e.g., a vehicle acceleration or deceleration during the shift, a change in a shaft speed from friction brake engagement, etc.), such that an originally intended gear selection 9304 has a higher speed differential than planned. In certain embodiments, the shift control circuit 19808 updates the gear selection 9304 before the shift commences (e.g., operator and/or nominal controls select a gear that is not predicted to result in a smooth shift based on the current operating conditions), and/or after the shift actuator has disengaged a prior engaged gear (e.g., a mid-shift gear selection 9304 change).
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In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, using a plurality of high speed countershafts that are configured to be mechanically coupled to the main drive shaft by a plurality of gears when the transmission is in gear and at least one set of drive gears having teeth with substantially flat tops to improve at least one of noise and efficiency. In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, using a plurality of high speed countershafts that are configured to be mechanically coupled to the main drive shaft by a plurality of gears when the transmission is in gear and an integrated mechanical assembly with a common air supply for both shift actuation and clutch actuation for the transmission.
In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, using a plurality of high speed countershafts that are configured to be mechanically coupled to the main drive shaft by a plurality of gears when the transmission is in gear and a having at least one helical gear set to reduce noise.
In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, using a plurality of high speed countershafts that are configured to be mechanically coupled to the main drive shaft by a plurality of gears when the transmission is in gear, where the gears have teeth that are configured to engage with a sliding velocity of engagement that provides high efficiency.
In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, using a plurality of high speed countershafts that are configured to be mechanically coupled to the main drive shaft by a plurality of gears when the transmission is in gear and having enclosure bearings and gear sets configured to reduce noise from the transmission.
In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, using a plurality of high speed countershafts that are configured to be mechanically coupled to the main drive shaft by a plurality of gears when the transmission is in gear and having a mechanically and electrically integrated assembly configured to be mounted on the transmission, wherein the assembly provides gear shift actuation and clutch actuation.
In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, using a plurality of high speed countershafts that are configured to be mechanically coupled to the main drive shaft by a plurality of gears when the transmission is in gear and having wormwheel-ground gear teeth having a tooth profile that is designed to provide efficient interaction of the gears.
In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, using a plurality of high speed countershafts that are configured to be mechanically coupled to the main drive shaft by a plurality of gears when the transmission is in gear and having three gear systems having three, three and two modes of engagement respectively for providing an 18 speed transmission.
In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, using a plurality of high speed countershafts that are configured to be mechanically coupled to the main drive shaft by a plurality of gears when the transmission is in gear and having a three-by-three-by-two gear set architecture.
In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, using a plurality of high speed countershafts that are configured to be mechanically coupled to the main drive shaft by a plurality of gears when the transmission is in gear; low contact ratio gears; bearings to reduce the impact of thrust loads on efficiency; and a low loss lubrication system.
In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, using a plurality of high speed countershafts that are configured to be mechanically coupled to the main drive shaft by a plurality of gears when the transmission is in gear and having an integrated assembly that includes a linear clutch actuator, at least one position sensor, and valve banks for gear shift and clutch actuation.
In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, using a plurality of high speed countershafts that are configured to be mechanically coupled to the main drive shaft by a plurality of gears when the transmission is in gear and having a pneumatic, linear clutch actuation system that is configured to hold substantially no volume of unused air.
In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, using a plurality of high speed countershafts that are configured to be mechanically coupled to the main drive shaft by a plurality of gears when the transmission is in gear and having at least one power take-off (PTO) interface that has an aluminum enclosure and a gear set that is optimized for a specified use of the PTO.
In embodiments, an automated truck transmission may have various enclosures, such as for separating various gear boxes, such as in a 3×2×2 gear box architecture. The enclosures may have bearings, and in embodiments, the enclosure bearings may be configured to be isolated from the thrust loads of the transmission. For example, in embodiments an automatic truck transmission architecture is provided where one or more of the enclosure bearings take radial separating loads, and the thrust reaction loads are substantially deployed on other bearings (not the enclosure bearings).
In embodiments, an automatic truck transmission architecture is provided wherein enclosure bearings take radial separating loads, wherein thrust reaction loads are deployed on other bearings and a common air supply that is used for gear shift actuation and for clutch actuation for the transmission.
In embodiments, an automatic truck transmission architecture is provided wherein enclosure bearings take radial separating loads, wherein thrust reaction loads are deployed on other bearings and wherein the automated truck transmission has at least one set of drive gears having teeth with substantially flat tops to improve at least one of noise and efficiency.
In embodiments, an automatic truck transmission architecture is provided wherein enclosure bearings take radial separating loads, wherein thrust reaction loads are deployed on other bearings and wherein a helical gear set is provided to reduce noise.
In embodiments, an automatic truck transmission architecture is provided wherein enclosure bearings take radial separating loads, wherein thrust reaction loads are deployed on other bearings and wherein the transmission has wormwheel-ground gear teeth having a tooth profile that is designed to provide efficient interaction of the gears.
In embodiments, an automatic truck transmission architecture is provided wherein enclosure bearings take radial separating loads, wherein thrust reaction loads are deployed on other bearings and wherein the transmission has three gear systems having three, three and two modes of engagement respectively for providing an 18 speed transmission.
In embodiments, an automatic truck transmission architecture is provided wherein enclosure bearings take radial separating loads, wherein thrust reaction loads are deployed on other bearings and wherein the transmission has a three-by-three-by-two gear set architecture.
In embodiments, an automatic truck transmission architecture is provided having enclosure bearings that take radial separating loads, having thrust reaction loads that are deployed on other bearings and having a pneumatic, linear clutch actuation system that is configured to hold substantially no volume of unused air.
In embodiments, an automatic truck transmission architecture is provided having enclosure bearings that take radial separating loads, having thrust reaction loads that are deployed on other bearings and having a plurality of power take-off (PTO) interfaces.
In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, having at least one set of drive gears that has teeth with substantially flat tops to improve at least one of noise and efficiency and having an integrated mechanical assembly with a common air supply for both shift actuation and clutch actuation for the transmission.
In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, wherein at least one set of drive gears has teeth with substantially flat tops to improve at least one of noise and efficiency and wherein a helical gear set is provided to reduce noise.
In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, wherein at least one set of drive gears has teeth with substantially flat tops configured to engage with a sliding velocity of engagement that provides high efficiency.
In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, wherein at least one set of drive gears has teeth with substantially flat tops to improve at least one of noise and efficiency and wherein enclosure bearings and gear sets are configured to reduce noise from the transmission.
In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, wherein at least one set of drive gears has teeth with substantially flat tops to improve at least one of noise and efficiency and wherein the transmission has a mechanically and electrically integrated assembly configured to be mounted on the transmission, wherein the assembly provides gear shift actuation and clutch actuation.
In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, wherein at least one set of drive gears has teeth with substantially flat tops to improve at least one of noise and efficiency and wormwheel-ground gear teeth having a tooth profile that is designed to provide efficient interaction of the gears.
In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, wherein at least one set of drive gears has teeth with substantially flat tops to improve at least one of noise and efficiency and wherein the transmission has three gear systems having three, three and two modes of engagement respectively for providing an 18 speed transmission.
In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, wherein at least one set of drive gears has teeth with substantially flat tops to improve at least one of noise and efficiency of at least one gear set in a three-by-three-by-two gear set architecture.
In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, wherein at least one set of drive gears has teeth with substantially flat tops to improve at least one of noise and efficiency and wherein the transmission has low contact ratio gears, bearings to reduce the impact of thrust loads on efficiency and a low loss lubrication system.
In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, wherein at least one set of drive gears has teeth with substantially flat tops to improve at least one of noise and efficiency and wherein the transmission has a linear clutch actuator that is integrated with the shift actuation system for the transmission.
In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, wherein at least one set of drive gears has teeth with substantially flat tops to improve at least one of noise and efficiency and wherein the transmission has a hoseless pneumatic actuation system for at least one of clutch actuation and gear shift actuation.
In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, wherein at least one set of drive gears has teeth with substantially flat tops to improve at least one of noise and efficiency and wherein the transmission has a centralized actuation system wherein the same assembly provides clutch actuation and gear shift actuation.
In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, wherein at least one set of drive gears has teeth with substantially flat tops to improve at least one of noise and efficiency and wherein the transmission has a pneumatic, linear clutch actuation system that is configured to hold substantially no volume of unused air.
In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided having an integrated mechanical assembly with a common air supply that is used for both gear shift actuation and clutch actuation and three gear systems having three, three and two modes of engagement respectively for providing an 18 speed transmission.
In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided having an integrated mechanical assembly with a common air supply that is used for both gear shift actuation and clutch actuation and having a three-by-three-by-two gear set architecture.
In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided having an integrated mechanical assembly with a common air supply that is used for both gear shift actuation and clutch actuation and having low contact ratio gears, bearings to reduce the impact of thrust loads on efficiency and a low loss lubrication system.
Various embodiments disclosed herein may include an aluminum automated truck transmission, wherein a helical gear is used for at least one gear set of the transmission to reduce noise from the transmission. A helical gear set may be used in combination with various other methods, systems and components of an automated truck transmission disclosed throughout this disclosure, including the following.
In embodiments, an aluminum automated truck transmission is provided, having a helical gear as set as at least one gear set of the transmission to reduce noise from the transmission and having a set of substantially circular gears with teeth that are configured to engage with a sliding velocity of engagement that provides high efficiency.
In embodiments, an aluminum automated truck transmission is provided, having a helical gear as set as at least one gear set of the transmission to reduce noise from the transmission and having enclosure bearings and gear sets configured to reduce noise from the transmission.
In embodiments, an aluminum automated truck transmission is provided, having a helical gear as set as at least one gear set of the transmission to reduce noise from the transmission and having a mechanically and electrically integrated assembly configured to be mounted on the transmission, wherein the assembly provides gear shift actuation and clutch actuation.
In embodiments, an aluminum automated truck transmission is provided, having a helical gear as set as at least one gear set of the transmission to reduce noise from the transmission and having wormwheel-ground gear teeth having a tooth profile that is designed to provide efficient interaction of the gears.
In embodiments, an aluminum automated truck transmission is provided, having a helical gear as set as at least one gear set of the transmission to reduce noise from the transmission and having three gear systems having three, three and two modes of engagement respectively for providing an 18 speed transmission.
In embodiments, an aluminum automated truck transmission is provided, having a helical gear as set as at least one gear set of the transmission to reduce noise from the transmission and having a three-by-three-by-two gear set architecture.
In embodiments, an aluminum automated truck transmission is provided, having a helical gear as set as at least one gear set of the transmission to reduce noise from the transmission and having low contact ratio gears, bearings to reduce the impact of thrust loads on efficiency and a low loss lubrication system.
In embodiments, an aluminum automated truck transmission is provided, having a helical gear as set as at least one gear set of the transmission to reduce noise from the transmission and having a linear clutch actuator that is integrated with the shift actuation system for the transmission.
In embodiments, an aluminum automated truck transmission is provided, having a helical gear as set as at least one gear set of the transmission to reduce noise from the transmission and having an integrated assembly that includes a linear clutch actuator, at least one position sensor, and valve banks for gear shift and clutch actuation.
In embodiments, an aluminum automated truck transmission is provided, having a helical gear as set as at least one gear set of the transmission to reduce noise from the transmission and having a hoseless pneumatic actuation system for at least one of clutch actuation and gear shift actuation.
In embodiments, an aluminum automated truck transmission is provided, having a helical gear as set as at least one gear set of the transmission to reduce noise from the transmission and having a gear system configured to have bearings accept thrust loads to improve engine efficiency.
In embodiments, an aluminum automated truck transmission is provided, having a helical gear as set as at least one gear set of the transmission to reduce noise from the transmission and having a centralized actuation system wherein the same assembly provides clutch actuation and gear shift actuation.
In embodiments, an aluminum automated truck transmission is provided, having a helical gear as set as at least one gear set of the transmission to reduce noise from the transmission and having a pneumatic, linear clutch actuation system that is configured to hold substantially no volume of unused air.
In embodiments, an aluminum automated truck transmission is provided, having a helical gear as set as at least one gear set of the transmission to reduce noise from the transmission and having a plurality of power take-off (PTO) interfaces.
In embodiments, an aluminum automated truck transmission is provided, having a helical gear as set as at least one gear set of the transmission to reduce noise from the transmission and having at least one power take-off (PTO) interface that has an aluminum enclosure and a gear set that is optimized for a specified use of the PTO.
In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, wherein the gear set comprises a plurality of substantially circular gears having teeth that are configured to engaged during at least one operating mode of the automated truck transmission, configuring the shape of the teeth of the gears based on the sliding velocity of engagement of the teeth top provide improved efficiency of the automated truck transmission. Embodiments with gear teeth optimized based on sliding velocity may be used in combination with various other methods, systems and components of an overall architecture for an efficient, low noise transmission, including as follows.
Embodiments of the present disclosure include ones for a die cast aluminum automatic truck transmission is provided, wherein the enclosure bearings and gear sets are configured to reduce noise from the transmission. Such a noise-reduced configuration can be used in combination with other methods, systems and components of an automatic truck transmission architecture as described throughout the present disclosure.
In embodiments, a die cast aluminum automatic truck transmission is provided, having enclosure bearings and gear sets configured to reduce noise from the transmission and having low contact ratio gears, bearings to reduce the impact of thrust loads on efficiency and a low loss lubrication system.
In embodiments, a die cast aluminum automatic truck transmission is provided, having enclosure bearings and gear sets configured to reduce noise from the transmission and having a linear clutch actuator that is integrated with the shift actuation system for the transmission.
In embodiments, a die cast aluminum automatic truck transmission is provided, having enclosure bearings and gear sets configured to reduce noise from the transmission and having an integrated assembly that includes a linear clutch actuator, at least one position sensor, and valve banks for gear shift and clutch actuation.
In embodiments, a die cast aluminum automatic truck transmission is provided, having enclosure bearings and gear sets configured to reduce noise from the transmission and having a gear system configured to have bearings accept thrust loads to improve engine efficiency.
In embodiments, a die cast aluminum automatic truck transmission is provided, having enclosure bearings and gear sets configured to reduce noise from the transmission and having a centralized actuation system wherein the same assembly provides clutch actuation and gear shift actuation.
In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, wherein the bearings for the gears are configured to reduce or cancel thrust loads when the drive shaft is engaged. Such an architecture may be used in combination with various other methods, systems and components described throughout this disclosure, including as follows.
In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided having a gear system configured to having bearings accept thrust loads to improve engine efficiency and having a centralized actuation system wherein the same assembly provides clutch actuation and gear shift actuation.
In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided having a gear system configured to having bearings accept thrust loads to improve engine efficiency and having a pneumatic, linear clutch actuation system that is configured to hold substantially no volume of unused air.
In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided having a gear system configured to having bearings accept thrust loads to improve engine efficiency and having a plurality of power take-off (PTO) interfaces.
In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided having a gear system configured to having bearings accept thrust loads to improve engine efficiency and having at least one power take-off (PTO) interface that has an aluminum enclosure and a gear set that is optimized for a specified use of the PTO.
In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, wherein the transmission has a plurality of power take-off (PTO) interfaces. Such an architecture may be used in combination with various other methods, systems and components described throughout this disclosure, including as follows. In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided having a plurality of power take-off (PTO) interfaces and having at least one power take-off (PTO) interface that has an aluminum enclosure and a gear set that is optimized for a specified use of the PTO.
In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, wherein the transmission has at least one power take-off (PTO) interface with an aluminum enclosure and an optimized gear set. Such an architecture may be used in combination with various other methods, systems and components described throughout this disclosure.
While only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that many changes and modifications may be made thereunto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as described in the following claims. All patent applications and patents, both foreign and domestic, and all other publications referenced herein are incorporated herein in their entireties to the full extent permitted by law.
Any one or more of the terms computer, computing device, processor, circuit, and/or server include a computer of any type, capable to access instructions stored in communication thereto such as upon a non-transient computer readable medium, whereupon the computer performs operations of systems or methods described herein upon executing the instructions. In certain embodiments, such instructions themselves comprise a computer, computing device, processor, circuit, and/or server. Additionally or alternatively, a computer, computing device, processor, circuit, and/or server may be a separate hardware device, one or more computing resources distributed across hardware devices, and/or may include such aspects as logical circuits, embedded circuits, sensors, actuators, input and/or output devices, network and/or communication resources, memory resources of any type, processing resources of any type, and/or hardware devices configured to be responsive to determined conditions to functionally execute one or more operations of systems and methods herein.
The methods and systems described herein may be deployed in part or in whole through network infrastructures. The network infrastructure may include elements such as computing devices, servers, routers, hubs, firewalls, clients, personal computers, communication devices, routing devices and other active and passive devices, modules, and/or components as known in the art. The computing and/or non-computing device(s) associated with the network infrastructure may include, apart from other components, a storage medium such as flash memory, buffer, stack, RAM, ROM and the like. The methods, program code, instructions, and/or programs described herein and elsewhere may be executed by one or more of the network infrastructural elements.
The methods, program code, instructions, and/or programs may be stored and/or accessed on machine readable transitory and/or non-transitory media that may include: computer components, devices, and recording media that retain digital data used for computing for some interval of time; semiconductor storage known as random access memory (RAM); mass storage typically for more permanent storage, such as optical discs, forms of magnetic storage like hard disks, tapes, drums, cards and other types; processor registers, cache memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory; optical storage such as CD, DVD; removable media such as flash memory (e.g., USB sticks or keys), floppy disks, magnetic tape, paper tape, punch cards, standalone RAM disks, Zip drives, removable mass storage, off-line, and the like; other computer memory such as dynamic memory, static memory, read/write storage, mutable storage, read only, random access, sequential access, location addressable, file addressable, content addressable, network attached storage, storage area network, bar codes, magnetic ink, and the like.
Certain operations described herein include interpreting, receiving, and/or determining one or more values, parameters, inputs, data, or other information. Operations including interpreting, receiving, and/or determining any value parameter, input, data, and/or other information include, without limitation: receiving data via a user input; receiving data over a network of any type; reading a data value from a memory location in communication with the receiving device; utilizing a default value as a received data value; estimating, calculating, or deriving a data value based on other information available to the receiving device; and/or updating any of these in response to a later received data value. In certain embodiments, a data value may be received by a first operation, and later updated by a second operation, as part of the receiving a data value. For example, when communications are down, intermittent, or interrupted, a first operation to interpret, receive, and/or determine a data value may be performed, and when communications are restored an updated operation to interpret, receive, and/or determine the data value may be performed.
Certain logical groupings of operations herein, for example methods or procedures of the current disclosure, are provided to illustrate aspects of the present disclosure. Operations described herein are schematically described and/or depicted, and operations may be combined, divided, re-ordered, added, or removed in a manner consistent with the disclosure herein. It is understood that the context of an operational description may require an ordering for one or more operations, and/or an order for one or more operations may be explicitly disclosed, but the order of operations should be understood broadly, where any equivalent grouping of operations to provide an equivalent outcome of operations is specifically contemplated herein. For example, if a value is used in one operational step, the determining of the value may be required before that operational step in certain contexts (e.g. where the time delay of data for an operation to achieve a certain effect is important), but may not be required before that operation step in other contexts (e.g. where usage of the value from a previous execution cycle of the operations would be sufficient for those purposes). Accordingly, in certain embodiments an order of operations and grouping of operations as described is explicitly contemplated herein, and in certain embodiments re-ordering, subdivision, and/or different grouping of operations is explicitly contemplated herein.
The methods and systems described herein may transform physical and/or intangible items from one state to another. The methods and systems described herein may also transform data representing physical and/or intangible items from one state to another.
The elements described and depicted herein, including in flow charts, block diagrams, and/or operational descriptions, depict and/or describe specific example arrangements of elements for purposes of illustration. However, the depicted and/or described elements, the functions thereof, and/or arrangements of these, may be implemented on machines, such as through computer executable transitory and/or non-transitory media having a processor capable of executing program instructions stored thereon, and/or as logical circuits or hardware arrangements. Furthermore, the elements described and/or depicted herein, and/or any other logical components, may be implemented on a machine capable of executing program instructions. Thus, while the foregoing flow charts, block diagrams, and/or operational descriptions set forth functional aspects of the disclosed systems, any arrangement of program instructions implementing these functional aspects are contemplated herein. Similarly, it will be appreciated that the various steps identified and described above may be varied, and that the order of steps may be adapted to particular applications of the techniques disclosed herein. Additionally, any steps or operations may be divided and/or combined in any manner providing similar functionality to the described operations. All such variations and modifications are contemplated in the present disclosure. The methods and/or processes described above, and steps thereof, may be implemented in hardware, program code, instructions, and/or programs or any combination of hardware and methods, program code, instructions, and/or programs suitable for a particular application. Example hardware includes a dedicated computing device or specific computing device, a particular aspect or component of a specific computing device, and/or an arrangement of hardware components and/or logical circuits to perform one or more of the operations of a method and/or system. The processes may be implemented in one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, embedded microcontrollers, programmable digital signal processors or other programmable device, along with internal and/or external memory. The processes may also, or instead, be embodied in an application specific integrated circuit, a programmable gate array, programmable array logic, or any other device or combination of devices that may be configured to process electronic signals. It will further be appreciated that one or more of the processes may be realized as a computer executable code capable of being executed on a machine readable medium.
The computer executable code may be created using a structured programming language such as C, an object oriented programming language such as C++, or any other high-level or low-level programming language (including assembly languages, hardware description languages, and database programming languages and technologies) that may be stored, compiled or interpreted to run on one of the above devices, as well as heterogeneous combinations of processors, processor architectures, or combinations of different hardware and computer readable instructions, or any other machine capable of executing program instructions.
Thus, in one aspect, each method described above and combinations thereof may be embodied in computer executable code that, when executing on one or more computing devices, performs the steps thereof. In another aspect, the methods may be embodied in systems that perform the steps thereof, and may be distributed across devices in a number of ways, or all of the functionality may be integrated into a dedicated, standalone device or other hardware. In another aspect, the means for performing the steps associated with the processes described above may include any of the hardware and/or computer readable instructions described above. All such permutations and combinations are contemplated in embodiments of the present disclosure.
The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the disclosure (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the disclosure and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosure.
It will be appreciated that the methods and systems described are set forth by way of example and not of limitation. Numerous variations, additions, omissions, and other modifications will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. In addition, the order or presentation of method steps in the description and drawings above is not intended to require this order of performing the recited steps unless a particular order is expressly required or otherwise clear from the context. Thus, while particular embodiments have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure and are intended to form a part of the invention as defined by the following claims, which are to be interpreted in the broadest sense allowable by law.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/663,153, filed Jul. 28, 2017 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,989,298), which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/465,021, filed Feb. 28, 2017, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/438,201, filed Dec. 22, 2016, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| Parent | 15663153 | Jul 2017 | US |
| Child | 16695148 | US |
