System for shifting a multiple speed axle for an automated mechanical transmission

A system for performing a shift operation of a multiple speed axle, comprising:

• a multiple-speed, automated change-gear mechanical transmission having an input shaft for connection to an engine and an output shaft for delivering rotation power to multiple speed axle;
• wherein said multiple speed axle is selectively shiftable between a first speed range and a second speed range;
• a manually operated actuation device to initiate an axle shift of said multiple speed axle to selectively control said mechanical transmission by preventing said transmission from shifting gears during said axle shift between said first speed range and said second speed range;
• speed sensors mounted on drive wheels connected to said multiple speed axle and said output shaft of said transmission;
• and
• a processing unit for receiving inputs indicative of said operation of said actuation device and said speed sensors for processing said inputs according to predetermined logic rules for issuing command output signals to a non-manually controlled operator, wherein said controlled operator places said transmission in a hold mode if said inputs from said speed sensors are within a predetermined range to prevent said transmission from shifting gears while said axle shift is being performed.

A system for performing a shift operation of a multiple speed axle, comprising:

• a multiple-speed, automated change-gear mechanical transmission having an input shaft for connection to an engine and an output shaft for delivering rotation power to a multiple speed axle;
• wherein said multiple speed axle selectively shiftable between a first speed range and a second speed range;
• a manually operated actuation device to initiate an axle shift of said multiple speed axle to selectively control said mechanical transmission by preventing said transmission from shifting gears during said axle shift between said first torque range and said second torque range;
• and
• a processing unit for receiving inputs indicative of operation of said actuation device and for processing said inputs according to predetermined logic rules for issuing command output signals to a non-manually controlled operator and an axle shift solenoid, wherein said controlled operator places said transmission in a hold mode in response to said outputs from said processing unit when said axle shift is in progress, thereby preventing said transmission from shifting gears while said axle shift is being performed and said axle shift solenoid permits manual shifting of said multiple speed axle;
• wherein said manual shifting further includes the vehicle operator manually manipulating an engine throttle to interrupt axle torque lock and synchronizing input speed to said multiple speed axle to achieve axle engagement and complete said axle shift.

A system for performing a shift operation of a multiple speed axle, comprising:

• a multiple-speed, automated change-gear mechanical transmission having an input shaft for connection to an engine and an output shaft for delivering rotation power to a multiple speed axle;
• wherein said multiple speed axle is selectively shiftable between a first speed range and a second speed range;
• a manually operated actuation device to initiate an axle shift of said multiple speed axle to selectively control said mechanical transmission by preventing said transmission from shifting gears during said axle shift between said first torque range and second high torque range;
• speed sensors mounted on drive wheels connected to said multiple speed axle and said output shaft of said transmission;
• and
• a processing unit for receiving inputs indicative of operation of said actuation device and said speed sensors and for processing said inputs according to predetermined logic rules for issuing command output signals to a non-manually controlled operator and an axle shift solenoid, wherein said controlled operator automatically places said transmission in a hold mode in response to said outputs from said processing unit if said inputs are within a predetermined range, thereby preventing said transmission from shifting gears while said axle shift is being performed, actuation of said axle shift solenoid permitting automatic shifting of said multiple speed axle;
• said processing unit canceling initiation of said axle shift if said inputs are outside of said predetermined range such that said transmission is maintained in a drive mode that permits automatic shifting of said transmission gears;
• wherein once said transmission is placed in said hold mode, automatic shifting of said multiple speed axle further includes automatic interruption of torque to said multiple speed axle and synchronizing an axle-input speed to achieve axle engagement.