Systems and methods for configuring selective couplers in a multi-speed transmission
AssigneeAllison Transmission, Inc.
InventorsIsaac Mock, Jason Ellis, James Raszkowski
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A transmission system efficiently performs efficiently and also provides the ability to perform full-power shifts. For example, a secondary clutch actuator, independent of fluid actuation, may eliminate the need for a pump to continuously provide high pressure during regular vehicle operation such that high pressures are only required during a shift event. This eliminates the need for energy at the pump to maintain application of the clutch, thereby allowing such energy to be used of other systems in the EV or to facilitate increased vehicle range.
Claims19
A torque transmitting device for transmitting torque from a driving element to a driven element, the torque transmitting device comprising:
- an indexer configured to move between an engaged state in which the torque transmitting device is engaged with the driven element and a disengaged state in which the torque transmitting device is disengaged with the driven element;
- an actuator comprising a hydraulic pump and a piston operatively connected to the hydraulic pump, the hydraulic pump being configured to selectively apply a hydraulic pressure to a first side of the piston such that the piston moves the indexer between the engaged state and the disengaged state;
- a lock operatively connected to the indexer, the lock engaging the indexer in a first configuration corresponding to the engaged state of the indexer and the lock engaging the indexer in a second configuration corresponding to the disengaged state, the first configuration being different from the second configuration;
- and
- a biasing element configured to provide a biasing force to move the indexer into the engaged state, such that the biasing element is operable to mechanically hold the indexer in the engaged state absent the hydraulic pressure.
A method for applying a torque transmitting device in a transmission, the method comprising:
- applying a hydraulic pressure to a first side of an indexer to transition the torque transmitting device from a disengaged state to a fluid-engaged state activated by the hydraulic pressure;
- removing the hydraulic pressure from the first side of the indexer;
- and
- mechanically holding the torque transmitting device in a locked-engaged state subsequent to removing the hydraulic pressure from the first side of the indexer by allowing the indexer to move from an unlocked position in which rotation of the indexer is allowed to a locked position in which rotation of the indexer is inhibited.
A method for applying a torque transmitting device in a transmission, the method comprising:
- activating, non-mechanically, an actuator to move an indexer that transitions the torque transmitting device from a disengaged state to a first engaged state, wherein the actuator comprises a piston;
- deactivating, non-mechanically, the actuator;
- and
- mechanically holding the torque transmitting device in a second engaged state subsequent to deactivating, non-mechanically, the actuator.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.