Gearbox actuating mechanism for an automated manual transmission system of a vehicle, in particular a utility vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a gearbox actuator for an automated manual transmission system of a vehicle, in particular a utility vehicle, an automated manual transmission system and a vehicle. Specifically, a gearbox actuator (100) for an automated manual transmission system (250) for a vehicle (200a), in particular a utility vehicle (200b), is provided; wherein the gearbox actuating mechanism (100) comprises a main body part (105); the gearbox actuator (100) includes a shift fork (120) to actuate a gearbox (260) of the automated manual transmission system (250) by pivoting the shift fork (120); the main body part (105) comprises a pivot section (130) for providing a fixed pivot point (131) for pivotally mounting the shift fork (120); the shift fork (120) includes a bearing surface (125); and the bearing surface (125) of the shift fork (120) and the pivoting section (130) of the main body portion (105) are adapted to provide sliding contact therebetween for pivoting the shift fork (120) relative to the main body portion (105).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a gearbox actuator for an automatic / manual transmission system in a vehicle, particularly a multi-purpose vehicle. This disclosure also relates to an automatic / manual transmission system for a vehicle (particularly a multi-purpose vehicle), and to a vehicle, particularly a multi-purpose vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Automatic manual transmission (mechanical automatic transmission) (AMT) systems are known in the prior art. Such automatic manual transmission systems can be derived from manually switchable manual transmissions, wherein the external gear shift linkage or cable-operated shifting device can be replaced by a shift module having a hydraulic, pneumatic or electric shift actuator and a selector actuator.

[0003] For example, WABCO GmbH's publication 815 010267 3, published in July 2019, describes several versions of the gearbox actuator for its Automatic Manual Transmission (AMT) (available at https: / / www.wabco-customercentre.com / catalog / docs / 8150102673.pdf; last accessed October 9, 2024). It describes that, in terms of shafts and gear sets, the AMT is very similar to a standard manual transmission. However, the shift levers and manual gear control levers are replaced by an electronically controlled and electro-pneumatically operated gear shifting system. The transmission has twelve forward gears and four reverse gears. The gear control unit consists of two main parts: a cover and a base. The cover includes: the transmission control unit; a solenoid valve for controlling cylinders in the base section; a pressure sensor for monitoring supply pressure; and pneumatic and electrical connections for the gear shifting system. The base includes: three of the four shift forks; a pneumatic cylinder for moving the shift forks; a locking mechanism that allows the shift forks to engage in the last shift position; a position sensor for each shift fork; and a rotary encoder for the main shaft and the auxiliary shaft.

[0004] EP 3 862 597 A1 relates to a switching module for actuating an automatic-manual transmission, the switching module having at least one switching actuator designed as a hydraulic or pneumatic switching cylinder, the piston rod of which is axially fixedly connected in an assembled state to a switching lever designed as a hollow shaft of a switching device inside the transmission, and the switching module having a selection actuator designed as a hydraulic or pneumatic selection cylinder, the piston rod of which has a U-shaped receiving portion aligned transversely to its longitudinal axis, wherein a pivot lever is engaged in the assembled state, the pivot lever being rotatably fixedly connected to a selection lever inside the transmission. To simplify the assembly of the switching module on a manual transmission, it is specified that a pivot lever is assigned to the switching module and rotatably fixedly attached to the piston rod of the switching cylinder, and the piston rod of the switching cylinder is axially and rotatably fixedly connected in the assembled state to a selector lever of the manual transmission, the selector lever being then arranged in an internal transmission selector lever, axially fixed and rotatable about its longitudinal axis.

[0005] It is known that one of the shift forks (also called switching modules) in a gearbox actuator can be pivotable. To enable the pivoting shift fork, ball bearings are known to be provided. However, during the assembly process, it is possible that one of the bearings may not meet tolerances; for example, the bearing may not be properly arranged and / or the bearing may be at least partially arranged outside the housing profile. The corresponding component must then be reworked. Furthermore, such bearings themselves and their assembly introduce weight and cost. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the prior art, the object of this disclosure is to contribute to the prior art and to provide a gearbox actuator adapted to improve at least one of the aforementioned aspects of the prior art. In particular, the object of this disclosure is to provide an improved gearbox actuator having a lightweight, reliable, and cost-effective pivotable fork.

[0007] This objective is achieved through the features of the independent claim. The dependent claims contain other embodiments of this disclosure as their subject matter.

[0008] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a gearbox actuator is provided for an automatic manual transmission (mechanical automatic transmission) system for a vehicle, particularly for a multi-purpose vehicle; wherein the gearbox actuator includes a body portion; the gearbox actuator includes a shift fork for actuating the gearbox of the automatic manual transmission system by pivoting the shift fork; the body portion includes a pivoting section for providing a fixed pivot point for pivotally mounting the shift fork; the shift fork includes a bearing surface; and the bearing surface of the shift fork and the pivoting section of the body portion are adapted to provide sliding contact with each other to pivot the shift fork relative to the body portion.

[0009] In other words, this disclosure provides a gearbox actuator, also referred to as a switching module and / or gear control unit. The gearbox actuator includes a shift fork and a main body. The shift fork can pivot relative to the main body to achieve gear shifting. The pivoting is performed through sliding contact between the bearing surface of the shift fork and the pivoting section of the main body. That is, the shift fork and the main body can be in direct contact with each other.

[0010] By using direct sliding contact between the bearing surface and the pivot section, ball bearings can be eliminated. That is, the rotational motion of the shift fork is provided directly through contact with the main body. Providing sliding contact eliminates the alignment and / or arrangement issues of ball bearings. This allows for lighter and more cost-effective gearbox assembly. Furthermore, this improves the quality of the shift fork bearings, enabling a more reliable gearbox actuator.

[0011] Optionally, the bearing surface is at least a partially cylindrical outer surface of the shift fork, and the pivoting section includes at least a partially cylindrical inner surface; and the outer and inner surfaces are in contact with each other. Each at least partially cylindrical shape of the outer surface of the shift fork and the inner surface of the pivoting section defines an axis of rotation, enabling rotation of the shift fork about the axis relative to the body portion. The inner and outer surfaces are adapted to slide in contact with each other during the rotational movement (i.e., pivoting) of the shift fork.

[0012] Optionally, the pivot section includes radial openings. These radial openings allow lubricant to lubricate the sliding contact between the bearing surface and the pivot section.

[0013] Optionally, with the gearbox actuator in its installed state, the radial opening is adapted to allow lubricant to flow from the volume enclosed by the main body and housing of the automatic / manual transmission system to the bearing surface. It should be recognized that the gearbox actuator can be used with an automatic / manual transmission system having a splash lubrication system (i.e., a system for distributing and / or delivering lubricant to lubricate the automatic / manual transmission system). The splash lubrication system can be used in conjunction with gravity to lubricate the sliding contacts. This allows for reliable lubrication of the pivoting mechanism provided by the bearing surfaces and the pivot section.

[0014] Optionally, the body portion includes a lubrication channel; and the lubrication channel is adapted to guide lubricant to the bearing surface. The lubrication channel can be considered as a specific shape of the body portion that will allow for the effective application of lubricant (e.g., oil). In order to guide lubricant such as oil to the bearing surface and thus to sliding contact, the lubrication channel can be oriented downward toward the bearing surface in the installed state of the automatic / manual transmission system.

[0015] Optionally, the main body includes two pivoting sections; the shift fork includes two bearing surfaces; and each pair of pivoting sections and bearing surfaces defines an axis of rotation about which the shift fork is adapted to pivot. That is, the shift fork is pivotally mounted at the two pivoting sections of the main body. This allows for particularly reliable, efficient, and high-performance pivoting of the shift fork.

[0016] Alternatively, the axes of rotation may be aligned with each other and / or coincident. This can enhance the construction of the gearbox and the pivoting of the shift forks.

[0017] Optionally, the main body includes a shift fork actuator; the shift fork includes an actuating member for contacting the gearbox of the automatic / manual transmission system; and each of the bearing surface of the shift fork and the pivoting section of the main body is arranged between the shift fork actuator and the actuating member. The arrangement of the bearing surface and the pivoting section between the shift fork actuator and the actuating member provides efficient deflection of the actuating member, which can be balanced with the required performance for reliable shifting.

[0018] Optionally, the body section is made of aluminum. This allows for a lightweight body section, resulting in a lightweight gearbox actuator. Furthermore, the pivot section and optional lubrication channels can be efficiently manufactured using die casting.

[0019] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an automatic manual transmission system for a vehicle, particularly for a multi-purpose vehicle, is provided, the automatic manual transmission system including a gearbox and a gearbox actuator according to this disclosure. Optionally, the automatic manual transmission system includes one or more optional and / or preferred technical features described with reference to the gearbox actuator to achieve the associated technical effects.

[0020] Optionally, the automatic manual transmission system includes a split group; and the shift forks are adapted to actuate the split group. The split group can divide a range of gear ratios into multiple gears selectable by the shift forks. The split group provides specific applications for pivotable shift forks.

[0021] Optionally, the automatic / manual transmission system includes a splash lubrication system; the main body includes lubrication channels for guiding lubricant to the bearing surfaces; the lubrication channels are adapted to receive lubricant from the splash lubrication system. It should be recognized that the splash lubrication system can be used to lubricate the sliding contact between the bearing surfaces and the pivot section.

[0022] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle, particularly a multi-purpose vehicle, is provided that includes an automatic / manual transmission system according to this disclosure. Optionally, the vehicle and / or automatic / manual transmission system includes one or more optional and / or preferred technical features described with reference to gearbox actuators and / or automatic / manual transmission systems to achieve the associated technical effects. Attached Figure Description

[0023] An embodiment according to one aspect of this disclosure is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] Figure 1 The illustration schematically depicts a vehicle, particularly a multi-purpose vehicle, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 2 A perspective view of a gearbox actuator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0026] Figure 3 Details of a gearbox actuator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown; and

[0027] Figure 4 Details of a gearbox actuator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown.

[0028] In the following description, embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals are used for the same objects throughout the description of the drawings, and wherein the embodiments are merely a particular example for implementing the present disclosure and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Figure 1A vehicle 200a, and particularly a multi-purpose vehicle 200b, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated schematically. Hereinafter, vehicle 200a, and particularly the multi-purpose vehicle 200b, are referred to as vehicles 200a and 200b. Vehicles 200a and 200b are land vehicles. For example, vehicles 200a and 200b are part of a truck, bus, tractor unit, and / or combination of vehicles.

[0030] Vehicles 200a and 200b include an automatic manual transmission system 250. The automatic manual transmission system 250 is adapted to provide a transmission with switchable ratios and / or directions, particularly for propelling vehicles 200a and 200b and / or for connecting an engine and / or motor to the drivetrain and / or components of vehicles 200a and 200b.

[0031] The automatic manual transmission system 250 includes a gearbox 260 and a gearbox actuator 100. The automatic manual transmission system 250 also includes a sub-transmission 251. The sub-transmission 251 is provided by a specific configuration of the gearbox 250 and by the functional interaction between the gearbox 260 and the gearbox actuator 100. Furthermore, the automatic manual transmission system 250 includes additional switching groups (not shown), for example, to enable switching between forward and / or reverse and / or between different gear ratios.

[0032] Automatic and manual transmission system 250 includes Figure 1 The splash lubrication system 267 is schematically shown. The splash lubrication system 267 is adapted to deliver and / or dispense lubricant 270 within the automatic / manual transmission system 250. The lubricant 270 is oil. The lubricant 270 can be supported by gravity and thus collected in a so-called swamp. The splash lubrication system 267 is adapted to deliver the lubricant 270 from the swamp to lubricate the components of the automatic / manual transmission system 250.

[0033] refer to Figures 2 to 4 Other features of the gear control unit 100 and the automatic / manual transmission system 250 are described.

[0034] Figure 2 A perspective view of a gearbox actuator 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2 The gearbox actuator 100 is used in an automatic / manual transmission system 250 of a vehicle 200a, particularly a multi-purpose vehicle 200b. (Reference) Figure 1 This describes the features of vehicles 200a and 200b, the automatic / manual transmission system 250, and the gearbox actuator 100. (Reference) Figure 1 describe Figure 2 .

[0035] The gearbox actuator 100 includes two main parts: a cover 101 and a base 102. The cover 101 includes (not shown): a transmission control unit, a solenoid valve for controlling a pneumatic cylinder in the base 102, a pressure sensor for monitoring the supply pressure, and pneumatic and electrical connections for the gearbox actuator 100.

[0036] Base 102 includes, for example, three of four shift forks 120; and a body portion 105 having a pneumatic cylinder that acts as a shift fork actuator 110 (see...). Figure 1 (Illustrated schematically) for moving shift forks 120; a locking mechanism that allows shift forks 120 to engage in the last shift position; a position sensor for each shift fork 120; and a rotary encoder for the main shaft and the auxiliary shaft.

[0037] Shift fork 120 is adapted to actuate gearbox 260 of automatic manual transmission system 250 by pivoting one of the shift forks in shift fork 120. Figure 2 In the middle, the shift fork 120 at the front is adapted to pivot. The pivotable shift fork 120 is adapted to actuate the auxiliary transmission 251. The pivotable shift fork 120 can be driven by a push rod of one of the shift fork actuators 110.

[0038] To enable the shift fork 120 to pivot relative to the body portion 105, the body portion 105 includes a pivot section 130. The pivot section 130 is adapted to provide a fixed pivot point 131 for pivotally mounting the shift fork 120. The pivot section 130 defines a portion of the body portion 105 where the shift fork 120 is rotatably mounted. The pivot point 131 defines axes A and A' about which the shift fork 120 is adapted to rotate.

[0039] The shift fork 120 includes a bearing surface 125. The bearing surface 125 is at least a partial cylindrical outer surface 126 of the shift fork 120. In the example shown, the bearing surface 125 is a circumferential cylindrical outer surface 126 of the shift fork 120. The bearing surface 125 is formed by a cylindrical protrusion integrally formed with a lever 122 of the shift fork 120.

[0040] The bearing surface 125 of the shift fork 120 and the pivoting section 130 of the body portion 105 are adapted to provide sliding contact with each other for pivoting the shift fork 120 relative to the body portion 105. The pivoting section 130 includes at least a partially cylindrical inner surface 132. The outer surface 126 of the shift fork 120 and the inner surface 132 of the body portion 105 are in contact with each other. The diameters of the inner surface 132 and the outer surface 126 are adapted to allow for pivotable mounting of the shift fork 120 relative to the body portion 105.

[0041] The main body 105 includes two pivoting sections 130, 130'. The shift fork 120 includes two bearing surfaces 125, 125'. Therefore, the two pivoting sections 130, 130' and the two bearing surfaces 125, 125' comprise a first pair of pivoting sections 130 and bearing surfaces 125, and a second pair of pivoting sections 130' and bearing surfaces 125', wherein each of the first and second pairs defines a rotation axis A, A', about which the shift fork 120 is adapted to pivot. In other words, each pair of pivoting sections 130, 130' and bearing surfaces 125, 125' defines a rotation axis A, A', about which the shift fork 120 is adapted to pivot.

[0042] Rotation axes A and A' are aligned with each other and / or coincide. That is, each of rotation axes A and A' defines a pivot point 131 about which the shift fork 120 can pivot; and the pivot point 131 is arranged along axes A and A'.

[0043] The shift fork 120 includes an actuating member 121 for contacting the gearbox 260 of the automatic / manual transmission system 250. The actuating member 121 is arranged at the end of a lever 122 of the shift fork 120. Each of the bearing surface 125 of the shift fork 120 and the pivoting section 130 of the body portion 105 is arranged between the shift fork actuator 110 and the actuating member 121. A lever mechanism is provided. A first portion of the lever mechanism is disposed between the shift fork actuator 110 and the pivot point 131 (i.e., the bearing surface 125 and the pivoting section 130). A second portion of the lever mechanism is provided by a lever 122 of a certain length, i.e., the distance between the pivot point 131 and the actuating member 121.

[0044] The main body 105 is made of aluminum. That is, each of the pivot section 130 and its inner surface 132 is made of aluminum.

[0045] In the installed state, the gearbox actuator 100 is mounted to the housing 266 (see [reference]). Figure 1 (Illustrated schematically), that is, the main body 105 is attached to the housing 266, and the housing 266 surrounds (i.e. encloses) the shift fork 120, the gearbox 260 and the volume 265.

[0046] Figure 3 Details of a gearbox actuator 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown. Figure 3 The gearbox actuator 100 is Figure 2 Gearbox actuator 100. (Reference) Figure 1 and Figure 2 describe Figure 3.

[0047] The pivot section 130' includes a radial opening 133. That is, the opening 133 is arranged at the circumferential extension of the pivot section 130' such that the bearing surface 125' (i.e., the outer surface 126) is not covered, i.e., not completely covered by the pivot section 130'. In the installed state of the gearbox actuator 100, the radial opening 133 is adapted to allow lubricant 270 to flow from the volume 265 to the bearing surface 125. Therefore, the opening 133 allows lubricant 270 to lubricate the sliding contact between the shift fork 120 and the body portion 105.

[0048] The main body 105 includes a lubrication channel 106. The lubrication channel 106 is adapted to guide lubricant 270 to the bearing surface 125. The lubrication channel 106 is adapted to receive lubricant 270 from the splash lubrication system 267. That is, the lubrication channel 106 is adapted to conduct lubricant 270 downward from the top of the main body 105 to the bearing surface 125.

[0049] The opening 133 and the lubrication channel 106 can be manufactured by die casting during the manufacture of the main body 105.

[0050] Figure 4 Details of a gearbox actuator 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown. Figure 4 The gearbox actuator 100 is Figure 2 and Figure 4 Gearbox actuator 100. (Reference) Figures 1 to 3 describe Figure 4 .

[0051] The pivot section 130 includes a radial opening 133. That is, the opening 133 is arranged at the circumferential extension of the pivot section 130 such that the bearing surface 125 (i.e., the outer surface 126) is not covered, i.e., not completely covered by the pivot section 130. In the mounted state of the gearbox actuator 100, the radial opening 133 is adapted to allow lubricant 270 to flow from the volume 265 to the bearing surface 125. Therefore, the opening 133 allows lubricant 270 to lubricate the sliding contact between the shift fork 120 and the body portion 105.

[0052] List of reference numerals in the accompanying drawings (part of the instruction manual)

[0053] 100 Gearbox Actuator

[0054] 101 covers

[0055] 102 base

[0056] 105 Main Body

[0057] 106 Lubrication Channel

[0058] 110 shift fork actuator

[0059] 120 shift fork

[0060] 121 Actuating Component

[0061] 122 leverage

[0062] 125 bearing surface

[0063] 125' bearing surface

[0064] 126 outer surface

[0065] 130 pivot section

[0066] 130' pivot section

[0067] Pivot point 131

[0068] 132 inner surface

[0069] 133 radial opening

[0070] 200a vehicle

[0071] 200b multipurpose vehicle

[0072] 250 Automatic / Manual Transmission System

[0073] 251 auxiliary transmissions

[0074] 260 gearbox

[0075] 265 volume

[0076] 266 housing

[0077] 267 Splash Lubrication System

[0078] 270 Lubricant

[0079] Axis A

[0080] A' axis

Claims

1. A gearbox actuator (100) for an automatic / manual transmission system (250) for a vehicle (200a), particularly a multi-purpose vehicle (200b); wherein The gearbox actuator (100) includes a main body (105); The gearbox actuator (100) includes a shift fork (120) to actuate the gearbox (260) of the automatic manual transmission system (250) by pivoting the shift fork (120). The main body (105) includes a pivot section (130) for providing a fixed pivot point (131) for pivotally mounting the shift fork (120). The shift fork (120) includes a bearing surface (125); and The bearing surface (125) of the shift fork (120) and the pivoting section (130) of the body portion (105) are adapted to provide sliding contact with each other for pivoting the shift fork (120) relative to the body portion (105).

2. The gearbox actuator (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The bearing surface (125) is at least a partially cylindrical outer surface (126) of the shift fork (120), and the pivot section (130) includes at least a partially cylindrical inner surface (132); and The outer surface (126) and the inner surface (132) are in contact with each other.

3. The gearbox actuator (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The pivot section (130) includes a radial opening (133).

4. The gearbox actuator (100) according to claim 3, wherein, The radial opening (133) is adapted in the installed state of the gearbox actuator (100) to allow lubricant (270) to flow from the volume (265) enclosed by the main body (105) and housing (266) of the automatic manual transmission system (250) to the bearing surface (125).

5. The gearbox actuator (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The main body (105) includes a lubrication channel (106); and The lubrication channel (106) is adapted to guide the lubricant (270) to the bearing surface (125).

6. The gearbox actuator (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The main body (105) includes two pivot sections (130, 130'); The shift fork (120) includes two bearing surfaces (125, 125'); and Each pair of pivoting sections (130, 130') and bearing surfaces (125, 125') defines a rotation axis (A, A'), about which the shift fork (120) is adapted to pivot.

7. The gearbox actuator (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The rotation axes (A, A') are aligned with each other, and / or the axes (A, A') coincide.

8. The gearbox actuator (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The main body (105) includes a shift fork actuator (110); The shift fork (120) includes an actuating member (121) for contacting the gearbox (260) of the automatic / manual transmission system (250); and Each of the bearing surface (125) of the shift fork (120) and the pivot section (130) of the main body (105) is arranged between the shift fork actuator (110) and the actuating member (121).

9. The gearbox actuator (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The main body (105) is made of aluminum.

10. An automatic manual transmission system (250) for a vehicle (200a), particularly a multi-purpose vehicle (200b), comprising a gearbox (260) and a gearbox actuator (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.

11. The automatic manual transmission system (250) according to claim 10, wherein, The automatic / manual transmission system (250) includes a sub-transmission (251); and The shift fork (120) is adapted to actuate the sub-transmission (251).

12. The automatic manual transmission system (250) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, The automatic manual transmission system (250) includes a splash lubrication system (267); The main body (105) includes a lubrication channel (106) for guiding lubricant (270) to the bearing surface (125). The lubrication channel (106) is adapted to receive lubricant (270) from the splash lubrication system (267).

13. A vehicle (200a), particularly a multi-purpose vehicle (200b), comprising an automatic manual transmission system (250) according to any one of claims 10 to 12.

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