Vehicle transmission and method for controlling a transmission adjustor in a vehicle transmission

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle transmission for a utility vehicle, comprising: at least one transmission controller (110), which has a switching lever (112), which can be operated by a first actuator (114); and an adjuster unit (120) having a second actuator (124). The vehicle transmission further comprises: a shift transmission (200), which is designed to shift different gears in the drive train of the commercial vehicle by means of the shift lever (112); and a control unit (300) configured to control the first actuator (114) and the second actuator (124).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vehicle transmission with a transmission regulator network, a method for controlling the transmission regulator, and more particularly to a transmission regulator unit network. Background Technology

[0002] In traditional switching drive systems, the same type of drivetrain regulator is typically used, each with integrated electronics or fixed electronic units for operation. However, in vehicle manufacturing, particularly in commercial vehicles, switching drive systems with different types of drivetrain regulators are increasingly used. These regulators may offer different sizes and power ratings, or use different actuators. For example, electromechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic drivetrain regulators can be used in parallel. As commercial vehicles themselves are increasingly electrically driven, there is also a demand for electric motor drives. Compressed air supply is no longer mandatory.

[0003] This creates a need for switching transmissions that are as small as possible so they can be mounted on vehicle axles, while simultaneously enabling the widest possible variety of transmission adjusters. In particular, available space in vehicles is increasingly limited, or existing space must be used as efficiently as possible. Traditional transmissions or transmission adjustment units are increasingly unable to meet these requirements because they are virtually impossible to integrate into limited structural space. Summary of the Invention

[0004] At least some of the aforementioned problems are solved by the vehicle transmission according to claim 1 and the method for controlling the transmission regulator according to claim 12. The dependent claims relate to other advantageous configurations of the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0005] This invention relates to a vehicle transmission device for commercial vehicles.

[0006] The vehicle transmission includes at least one transmission adjuster, an adjuster unit, a switching transmission mechanism, and a control unit. The at least one transmission adjuster includes a transmission adjuster having a (first) switching lever operable by a first actuator, and the adjuster unit includes a second actuator. The switching transmission mechanism is configured to switch different gears in the drive system of a commercial vehicle via the first switching lever. The control unit is configured to control the first and second actuators.

[0007] The at least one transmission regulator may be a first transmission regulator, and the regulator unit may include at least one of the following components: - A second transmission regulator with a second switching lever. - Constructed as a force transmission unit for directing power flow from a switching drive mechanism. - Valve - Differential lock, - Pump, - Speed ​​reduction transmission device - Hydraulic auxiliary equipment.

[0008] Therefore, the term "regulator unit" should be understood very broadly, meaning that the regulator unit can be, but is not necessarily, a second transmission regulator for shifting gears in a transmission. The regulator unit can also be any other device. Therefore, the regulator unit does not need to be used for gear shifting (e.g., in the case of a two-speed transmission), but can instead move other levers or shifting elements. Thus, a second regulator unit with a second actuator can achieve other axial movements, such as those found in force transmission units (power-take-off), hydraulic valves, or differential locks. Therefore, the embodiment can also be applied to vehicle transmissions that include only one shift lever or only one transmission regulator for shifting gears, but also have additional control units or auxiliary devices around the transmission.

[0009] However, alternatively, embodiments also include cases where the vehicle transmission has a transmission regulator network. It should be understood, however, that the transmission regulator network need not consist of only two transmission regulators, but may include additional transmission regulators. Therefore, the control unit can also be configured to operate additional actuators or auxiliary devices.

[0010] For example, a vehicle drivetrain may include one or more regulator applications coupled to a switching drivetrain, wherein a control unit may then optionally be further configured to selectively control or operate the one or more regulator applications. The one or more regulator applications may include regulator units. However, this could also be other components (e.g., without actuators).

[0011] Optionally, the one or more regulator applications include at least one of the following devices: pump, lubricant pump, differential lock, reduction gear, hydraulic auxiliary equipment, and hydraulic pump.

[0012] Optionally, the control unit is an integrated control unit of the transmission adjuster. The control unit can also be directly mounted on the transmission adjuster. However, the control unit can also be positioned remotely from the transmission adjuster, thus enabling remote control of the transmission adjuster. According to embodiments, the control unit can be positioned anywhere in the vehicle, or an existing control unit can be used for defined functions.

[0013] Alternatively, the regulator unit can be controlled solely by the control unit. For example, the regulator unit need not have its own control electronics. Alternatively, it is also possible that the regulator unit has its own control electronics, but these are disabled, so that control is performed solely by the control unit(s).

[0014] Optionally, the transmission regulator is a high-power regulator with power consumption higher than a predetermined power, and the regulator unit is a low-power regulator with power consumption lower than a predetermined power. The predetermined power consumption can be, for example, 200 W, 500 W, or 1000 W. In addition to the control unit, corresponding power electronics may also be present in the transmission regulator.

[0015] Optionally, the transmission regulator and / or regulator unit each include a sensor unit. The corresponding sensor unit may be configured to measure at least one of the following parameters: - Rotation angle of the first switching lever - Rotation angle of the second switching lever - Axial position of the first switching lever. - Axial position of the second switching lever - The state of the first actuator - The state of the second actuator The control unit is configured to detect sensor signals from the corresponding sensor units and, based on this, perform operations on the transmission regulator and regulator unit. Detecting the axial position is particularly important when gear shifting is achieved through linear displacement of a shift lever (e.g., in the case of a pneumatic actuator). The actuator's state can be, for example, active or deactivated (e.g., whether a valve is open or closed; whether a differential lock is engaged).

[0016] Optionally, the first actuator and / or the second actuator is one of the following actuators: electromechanical actuator, electropneumatic actuator, hydraulic actuator, or linear magnetic actuator.

[0017] The embodiments also relate to a commercial vehicle having the vehicle transmission as described above. This commercial vehicle may, in particular, be a truck having a drive shaft and an electric motor for driving. In these electrically operated commercial vehicles, optionally, a switching transmission may be mounted on the drive shaft or between the electric motor and the drive shaft.

[0018] The embodiments also relate to a method for controlling at least one transmission regulator and regulator unit in a vehicle transmission.

[0019] The at least one transmission regulator includes a first switching lever operable by a first actuator, and the regulator unit includes a second actuator. The first switching lever is coupled to a switching transmission. The method includes: selectively controlling the first and second actuators via only one control unit to switch different gears in the drive system of a commercial vehicle via the first switching lever.

[0020] Optionally, the method includes at least one of the following steps, which are also implemented by a control unit: - Disconnect the electronic devices in the transmission regulator or regulator unit. - Detect sensor signals from the transmission regulator and / or the regulator unit in order to perform control of the transmission regulator and / or the regulator unit based on the detected sensor signals. - Applications of regulators that couple control and switching transmission mechanisms. - Activate / deactivate pumps, transmission speed reducers, differential locks, valves, hydraulic equipment, pneumatic equipment, or other actuators. The method, or at least a portion thereof, can also be implemented or stored in software or on a computer program product in the form of commands or instructions, wherein the stored commands are capable of implementing the steps according to the method when the method is run on a processor. Therefore, the present invention also relates to a computer program product or a machine-readable storage medium having software code (software commands) stored thereon, the software code being configured to implement one of the aforementioned methods when implemented by a processing unit. The processing unit can be any form of computer or control unit having a corresponding microprocessor capable of implementing the software code.

[0021] The embodiment solves the problems of conventional drivetrain switching by allowing each drivetrain regulator to be controlled by a central control unit, which can be located remotely from the drivetrain. Advantageously, the central control unit is housed within one of the drivetrain regulators. For example, a high-power drivetrain regulator can be used. The (central) control unit can take over control of all drivetrain regulators and optionally also operate existing regulator applications. These regulator applications refer to additional equipment (e.g., pumps, additional actuators, reduction gears, differential locks, etc.) that can be driven by the power provided by the drivetrain. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The embodiments of the present invention can be better understood through the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings of various embodiments, but these should not be construed as limiting the disclosure to the specific implementation, but are only for explanation and understanding.

[0023] Figure 1 A vehicle transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated schematically.

[0024] Figure 2 A schematic flowchart of a method for controlling a transmission regulator in a vehicle transmission, according to an embodiment, is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Figure 1 A vehicle drivetrain is schematically illustrated, which, according to embodiments, may be used in or configured for use in a commercial vehicle (e.g., a truck). The vehicle drivetrain includes one or more drivetrain regulators 110, regulator unit 120, switching drivetrain 200, control unit 300, and optional regulator applications 410, 420, 430. According to embodiments, the drivetrain regulator 110 and regulator unit 120 are coupled to or mounted on the switching drivetrain 200.

[0026] The transmission regulator 110 can be a first transmission regulator, and the regulator unit 120 can be a second transmission regulator, together forming a transmission regulator network. However, according to another embodiment, the regulator unit 120 can also be any other device, such as one of the following: - Constructed as a force transmission unit for directing power flow from a switching drive mechanism. - (Controllable) valve, - Differential lock, - Pump, - Speed ​​reduction transmission device - Hydraulic auxiliary equipment, - The above combinations.

[0027] In the following description, it is exemplarily assumed that the regulator unit 120 is a second transmission regulator. Therefore, the network of transmission regulators 110, 120 includes at least one first transmission regulator 110 and a second transmission regulator 120. The first transmission regulator 110 includes a first switching lever 112 coupled to a first actuator 114. The second transmission regulator 120 includes, for example, a second switching lever 122 coupled to a second actuator 124. The switching transmission 200 is configured to switch different gears in the drivetrain of a commercial vehicle using the first switching lever 112 and the second switching lever 122. Therefore, the first / second switching levers 112, 122 constitute a connection between the transmission regulators 110, 120 and the switching transmission 200, and, upon activation, cause rotational or axial (linear) motion for switching in the transmission 100.

[0028] The activation is performed via a corresponding actuator, which can be electrically, hydraulically, or pneumatically driven to induce rotational or linear motion. According to an embodiment, a switching fork can be provided, which switches the gear in the transmission 200 when the switching levers 112, 122 are activated. Therefore, according to an embodiment, the network of transmission regulators 110, 120 can be electromechanical (e.g., via an electric motor), electropneumatic / electrohydraulic (e.g., via a solenoid valve), or linear magnetically driven, or driven by a hydraulic pump.

[0029] If the regulator unit 120 is not a second drivetrain regulator, then the exemplary second switching lever 122 may be a coupling lever between the switching drivetrain 200 and the regulator unit 120 (e.g., for activating the differential lock or selectively drawing force from the switching drivetrain).

[0030] According to the illustrated embodiment, the switching drive 200 is coupled to a plurality of regulator applications 410, 420, 430. The regulator applications can be various different devices that utilize the power provided by the switching drive 200 to perform additional actions. For example, regulator applications 410, 420, 430 can be hydraulic pumps or other devices. Similarly, lubricant pumps, reduction stages, or differential locks can be exemplary configured as regulator applications 410, 420, 430 on the switching drive 200. Regulator applications 410, 420, 430 can particularly utilize the energy present in the switching drive 200.

[0031] According to an embodiment, the control unit 300 is configured to control the transmission regulators 110 and 120, and optionally also to control various different regulator applications 410, 420, and 430. The embodiment particularly enables the use of only one control unit 300 for control. If other control devices or electronic components are required, they can also be deactivated. According to an embodiment, other electronic components or other devices that may exist can be disconnected, for example, by the control unit 300. To achieve this, the control unit 300 can, for example, be programmed to independently operate all existing actuators, thereby activating the first actuator 114 and the second actuator 124 (e.g., for gear shifting) and / or activating additional actuators / devices in response to corresponding control signals from the control unit 300.

[0032] The control unit 300 may optionally be integrated into the power electronics. However, according to an embodiment, a separation may also exist between the power electronics and the control unit 300. According to an embodiment, the control unit 300 may be integrated into or directly fixed to one of the transmission regulators 110, 120. "Integration" should be understood in particular as the use of a common housing. This has the advantage of reducing the number of components through integration. According to an embodiment, the multiple transmission regulators 110, 120 therefore use only one common power electronics or the single control unit 300.

[0033] According to another embodiment, one of the two drive regulators 110, 120, such as the first drive regulator 110, includes power electronics that can be used by all drive regulators 110, 120, for example. Therefore, only one power electronics is needed, housed in only one drive regulator 110, but this power electronics also operates the other drive regulators 120. An exemplary first drive regulator 110 with integrated power electronics can be a high-power drive regulator with power consumption greater than a predetermined power (e.g., 200W, 500W, 1000W). Other drive regulators can, for example, operate in a low-power range, where the power provided is lower than the predetermined power. It should be understood that the distinction between high-power and low-power regulators can also be different.

[0034] According to one embodiment, either the first transmission regulator 110 or the second transmission regulator 120 can be selectively operated. However, according to another embodiment, it is equally possible to operate the two transmission regulators 110 and 120 in parallel or simultaneously, provided that this does not lead to contradictions in the switching behavior. The individual transmission regulators 110 and 120 can, in particular, operate independently of each other, for which individual actuators 114 and 124 are correspondingly controlled by the single control unit 300.

[0035] According to another embodiment, sensor units 116 and 126 are present in the transmission regulators 110 and 120, which can measure, for example, rotational angles (angular positions) or (axial) positions. The rotational angle of the switching levers 112 and 122 can, for example, indicate the activation or specific switching position of the switching levers 112 and 122. For example, a first gear can be engaged at a first angular position of the switching levers 112 and 122, and a second gear can be engaged at a second angular position. For this purpose, grooves can be constructed on the switching levers 112 and 122, with a switching fork coupled to the groove, which then causes the switching of the various gears. Actuators 114 and 124 can, for example, include electric motors that cause the rotation of the switching levers 112 and 122. According to another embodiment, actuators 114 and 124 include valves (e.g., solenoid valves) or piston assemblies or other pneumatically or hydraulically operable actuators.

[0036] Figure 2 A schematic flowchart illustrates a method for controlling at least one transmission regulator 110 and regulator unit 120 in a vehicle transmission according to a previously described embodiment of a commercial vehicle. The method is implemented by a control unit 300 and includes at least the following steps: - Control the first actuator 114 and the second actuator 124 of S110 to switch different gears in the drive system of the commercial vehicle by means of the first switching lever 112.

[0037] Optionally, the control unit may also perform the following steps (shown in dashed lines): - Deactivate the electronic devices in the S120 transmission regulator 110 and / or regulator unit 120. - Detect sensor signals from the transmission regulator 110 and / or the regulator unit 120 in S130, so as to perform control of the transmission regulator 110 and / or the regulator unit 120 based on the detected sensor signals. - Regulators 410, 420, and 430 are used to control the coupling between S140 and the switching transmission 200. - Activate / deactivate the S150 pump, transmission speed reducer, differential lock, valve, hydraulic equipment, pneumatic equipment, or other actuator.

[0038] It should be understood that the control unit may also implement other functions, and the list herein is merely exemplary. In particular, all the functions of the control unit previously described can be implemented as additional optional method steps. Furthermore, it should be understood that the order mentioned does not necessarily imply the order in which the method steps are performed. The steps may also be implemented in a different order, or only some of the method steps may be implemented.

[0039] This method can also be implemented by a computer; that is, it can be implemented via commands stored on a storage medium, and when the commands are executed on a processor (e.g., in a control unit), the steps of the method can be carried out. Commands typically include one or more commands, which can be stored in different ways within the control unit (having a processor) or on different media surrounding it. When the commands are read and executed by the control unit, they cause the control unit to perform the functions, features, and operations necessary for implementing the method according to the invention.

[0040] The embodiments offer the following advantages: Many different transmission regulators and / or control units 110, 120 can be combined with each other—not only electric or hydraulic regulators, but also pneumatic regulators and other regulators. In this way, a complete network of transmission regulators and / or control units 110, 120 can be formed. In particular, the size and power of the transmission regulators / regulator units 110, 120 can also vary, allowing very small regulators to be combined with larger ones. Furthermore, the network of transmission regulators / regulator units 110, 120 can be implemented in a very small structural space. Therefore, for example, transmission regulators / regulator units 110, 120 and / or switching transmission 200 can be integrated into the drive shaft itself, which, in addition to driving the electric motor, also has vehicle transmissions, brakes, and other equipment. Similarly, the transmission regulator / regulator unit 110, 120 and / or switching transmission 200 can be flexibly positioned at any other location along the drive system from the motor to the drive shaft, because the individual structural elements can be constructed to be smaller than that achievable in conventional transmission regulators for vehicle transmissions.

[0041] The features of the invention disclosed in the specification, claims and drawings are important for implementing the invention, either individually or in any combination.

[0042] List of reference numerals 110, 120 Transmission device regulator or control unit 112, 122 switch lever 114, 124 Actuators 116, 126 sensors 200 Switching transmission device 300 Control Unit Applications of 410, 420, and 430 regulators

Claims

1. A vehicle transmission device for commercial vehicles, characterized in that, Given: - At least one transmission regulator (110), the transmission regulator including a switching lever (112) which is operable by a first actuator (114); - Regulator unit (120), the regulator unit having a second actuator (124); - A transmission switching device (200) configured to switch different gears in the drive system of the commercial vehicle by means of the switching lever (112); and - Control unit (300), the control unit is configured to control the first actuator (114) and the second actuator (124).

2. The vehicle transmission device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The regulator unit (120) is one of the following components or includes at least one of the following components: - A second transmission regulator with a second switching lever (122), - A force transmission unit configured to extract power flow from the switching drive (200), - Valve - Differential lock, - Pump, - Speed ​​reduction transmission device - Hydraulic auxiliary equipment.

3. The vehicle transmission according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the vehicle transmission further includes one or more regulator applications (410, 420, 430) coupled to the switching transmission (200). Its features are, The control unit (300) is further configured to selectively control the one or more regulator applications (410, 420, 430).

4. The vehicle transmission device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The one or more regulator applications (410, 420, 430) include at least one of the following devices: pump, lubricant pump, differential lock, reduction gear, hydraulic auxiliary equipment, hydraulic pump.

5. The vehicle transmission device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The control unit (300) is an integrated control unit of the transmission regulator (110) or is directly fixed to the transmission regulator (110).

6. The vehicle transmission device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The regulator unit (120) can be controlled solely by the control unit (300).

7. The vehicle transmission device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The transmission device regulator (110) is a high-power regulator with power consumption higher than a predetermined power, and the regulator unit (120) is a low-power regulator with power consumption lower than the predetermined power, wherein the predetermined power consumption is 200 W, 500 W, or 1000 W.

8. The vehicle transmission device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The transmission regulator (110) and / or the regulator unit (120) each have sensor units (116, 126), wherein the respective sensor units (116, 126) are configured to measure at least one of the following parameters: the rotation angle of the switching lever (112), the rotation angle of the second switching lever (122), the axial position of the switching lever (112), the axial position of the second switching lever (122), the state of the first actuator (114), and / or the state of the second actuator (124). The control unit (300) is configured to detect sensor signals from the corresponding sensor units (116, 126) and, based thereon, perform control of the transmission regulator (110) and the regulator unit (120).

9. The vehicle transmission device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The first actuator (114) and / or the second actuator (124) is one of the following actuators: electromechanical actuator, electropneumatic actuator, hydraulic actuator, linear magnetic actuator.

10. A commercial vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle transmission device is provided according to any one of the preceding claims.

11. The commercial vehicle according to claim 10, wherein the commercial vehicle is a truck and has a drive shaft and an electric motor for driving. Its features are, The switching transmission device (200) is mounted on the drive shaft or between the motor and the drive shaft.

12. A method for controlling at least one transmission regulator (110) and regulator unit (120) in a vehicle transmission, wherein, The at least one transmission regulator (110) has a switching lever (112) operable by a first actuator (114), and the regulator unit (120) includes a second actuator (124), wherein the first switching lever (110) is coupled to the switching transmission (200). Its features are, The first actuator (114) and the second actuator (124) are controlled (S110) by a single control unit (300) so as to switch different gears in the drive system of the commercial vehicle by means of the switching lever (112).

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The single control unit (300) performs at least one of the following steps: - Deactivate (S120) the electronic devices in the transmission regulator (110) or the regulator unit (120); - Detect (S130) sensor signals from the transmission regulator (110) and / or from the regulator unit (120) in order to perform control of the transmission regulator (110) and / or the regulator unit (120) based on the detected sensor signals; - Regulator applications (410, 420, 430) that are coupled to the control (S140) and the switching transmission device (200). - Activate (S150) the pump, transmission reduction device, differential lock, valve, hydraulic equipment, pneumatic equipment, or other actuator; - Discontinue (S160) the pump, transmission speed reducer, differential lock, valve, hydraulic equipment, pneumatic equipment, or other actuator.

14. A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when the method is performed by a data processing unit, cause the data processing unit to perform the method according to claim 12 or 13.

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