Piston Actuated Split Input Transmission Synchronizer
AssigneeCaterpillar Inc.
InventorsKraig M. Love, John M. Seipold, Glen P. Calvert
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A piston actuated synchronizer system for a split torque transmission where the piston is attached directly to the synchronizer shift collar on the synchronizer centerline to provide the required actuation in a small volume of space and resolve fork and rod deflection issues seen on other synchronizers that use such a system. The piston is pressure applied and spring released. This design also uses a displacement sensor to monitor synchronizer engagement.
Claims11
1-10. (canceled)
A process of range shifting in a split path CVT having a first input driven by an engine and a second input driven by another power source, the CVT also having an output and supporting multiple ratio ranges between the first input and the output, as well as a piston-driven synchronizer actuated via a solenoid valve, the method comprising:
- receiving an acceleration command to accelerate the split path CVT output;
- causing the split path CVT output to accelerate;
- determining that a shift point has been attained;
- in response to determining that a shift point has been attained, reducing a torque at one or both of the first and second inputs;
- activating the solenoid valve and thereby actuating the piston of the synchronizer;
- determining that the range has been shifted;
- increasing the torque applied at one or both of the first and second inputs to resume the prior rate of acceleration.
A controller for executing a process of range shifting in a split path CVT having a first input driven by an engine and a second input driven by another power source, the CVT also having an output and supporting multiple ratio ranges between the first input and the output, as well as a piston-driven synchronizer actuated via a solenoid valve, the controller having a computer-readable medium containing computer-readable instructions including:
- instructions for receiving an acceleration command to accelerate the split path CVT output;
- instructions for causing the split path CVT output to accelerate;
- instructions for determining that a shift point has been attained;
- instructions for reducing a torque at one or both of the first and second inputs in response to determining that a shift point has been attained;
- instructions for activating the solenoid valve and thereby actuating the piston of the synchronizer;
- instructions for determining that the range has been shifted;
- instructions for increasing the torque applied at one or both of the first and second inputs to resume the prior rate of acceleration.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.