Claims:We claim,
1. A transmission control system for quick inversion of direction of operation of the utility vehicle, comprises of,
a. an engine (101);
b. a transmission unit (102), said transmission unit (102) receives power from the engine (101), wherein the transmission unit (102) is mechanical transmission unit;
c. a clutch unit (103), said clutch unit (103) is operatively positioned in between the engine (101) and the transmission unit (102), wherein the clutch unit (103) having a forward clutch pack and a reverse clutch pack;
d. a fluid manifold valve block (104), said fluid manifold valve block (104) is in fluidic communication with the clutch unit (103), wherein the fluid manifold valve block (104) having a forward valve and a reverse valve, said forward valve is in fluidic communication with the forward clutch pack and the reverse valve is in fluidic communication with the reverse clutch pack;
e. a fluid system (105), said fluid system (105) supplies fluid as required to the fluid manifold valve block (104) and the transmission unit (102); and
f. a control unit (106), said control unit (106) controls the actuation of clutch packs of the clutch unit (103) for transmission of power from the engine (101) to the transmission unit (102) through the fluid manifold valve block (104), wherein a plurality of data are stored in the control unit (106), said plurality of data are data-sets regarding optimal operation of the utility vehicle for various operating conditions.

2. A transmission control system for quick inversion of direction of operation of the utility vehicle as claimed in claim 1, said plurality of inputs are input from a speed sensor (107) and a direction inverter lever (108).

3. A transmission control system for quick inversion of direction of operation of the utility vehicle as claimed in claim 1 and claim 2, said speed sensor speed sensor (107) measures the vehicle speed.

4. A transmission control system for quick inversion of direction of operation of the utility vehicle as claimed in claim 1, said forward clutch pack and the reverse clutch pack is a wet clutch.

5. A transmission control system for quick inversion of direction of operation of the utility vehicle as claimed in claim 1, said fluid is hydraulic and/or gas.

6. A method for controlling transmission system for quick direction inversion, comprising of,

a. shifting the direction inverter lever (108) from a operating direction to a targeted direction, by the operator of the utility vehicle;
b. inputting the shifting request and the operating vehicle speed to the control unit (106), said operating vehicle speed value is inputted by the speed sensor (107);
c. processing a control signal by the control unit (106), said control signal is processed by analysing the plurality of inputs with the plurality of data to estimate a operating torque of the operating clutch pack of the operating direction and a targeted torque of the targeted clutch pack required for the targeted direction;
d. conveying the control signal from the control unit (106) to the fluid manifold valve block (104), to control the actuation of the clutch packs in the clutch unit (103);
e. controlling the clutch unit (103), wherein the fluid manifold valve block (104) on the basis of conveyed control signal, simultaneously, engaging the targeted clutch pack of the targeted direction through the targeted valve and disengaging the operating clutch pack of the operating direction through the operating valve, according to the estimated targeted torque and the operating torque, respectively; and
f. transferring the power from the engine (101) to the transmission unit (102) through the appropriately engaged targeted clutch pack for operating the utility vehicle in the targeted direction and disengaging the operating clutch pack fully.

7. A method for controlling transmission system for quick direction inversion ac claimed in claim 6, said speed sensor (107) continuously monitor the vehicle speed and sends the signals to the control unit (106).

8. A method for controlling transmission system for quick direction inversion ac claimed in claim 6, wherein the sum of the said estimated operating torque and the estimated targeted torque is less than the maximum clutch carrying torque

9. A method for controlling transmission system for quick direction inversion ac claimed in claim 6, said fluid is hydraulic and/or gas.

10. A method for controlling transmission system for quick direction inversion ac claimed in claim 6, said simultaneous engagement of the targeted clutch pack and disengagement of the operating clutch pack is partial.

11. A method for controlling transmission system for quick direction inversion ac claimed in claim 6, said operating direction is forward direction and the targeted direction is reverse direction.

12. A method for controlling transmission system for quick direction inversion ac claimed in claim 6 and claim 11, said operating clutch pack is forward clutch pack and the targeted clutch pack is the reverse clutch pack.

13. A method for controlling transmission system for quick direction inversion ac claimed in claim 6 and claim 11, said operating valve is forward valve and the targeted valve is reverse valve.

14. A method for controlling transmission system for quick direction inversion ac claimed in claim 6, said operating direction is reverse direction and the targeted direction is forward direction.

15. A method for controlling transmission system for quick direction inversion ac claimed in claim 6 and claim 14, said operating clutch pack is reverse clutch pack and the targeted clutch pack is the forward clutch pack.

16. A method for controlling transmission system for quick direction inversion ac claimed in claim 6 and claim 14, said operating valve is reverse valve and the targeted valve is forward valve.
, Description:A TRANSMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM FOR QUICK DIRECTION INVERSION AND A METHOD THEREOF
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a control system. In particular, the present invention relates to the transmission control system for quick direction inversion of the utility vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Generally, the utility vehicle like tractor, employs wet clutch and equal number of forward and reverse gears. Frequent inversion of forward to reverse and versa is required. Power from engine is transmitted to the transmission unit through the wet clutches. Main shaft rotates in first direction for forward operation and rotates in second direction for the reverse direction. While inverting the direction from forward to reverse or reverse to forward the main shaft changes the direction of rotation from first direction to second direction or second direction to first direction, respectively. The sudden change in direction of rotation will lead to failure of the main shaft due to twisting moment. To prevent the failure of the main shaft while inverting the direction, the rotation of main shaft is brought to rest before inverting the direction of operation. This method of direction inversion consumes more time for operator to complete operation.
US 6318530 discloses a pressure control method applicable to a hydraulic clutch device mounted in a transmission of a vehicle, the hydraulic clutch device having a forward drive hydraulic clutch and a backward drive hydraulic clutch, a propelling drive connecting and disconnecting pressure supplied to each hydraulic clutch being controllable based on a depressed position of a clutch pedal, a backward and forward drive switching pressure supplied to each hydraulic clutch being controllable on and off through an electromagnetic valve and modulate-controllable through an electromagnetic proportional valve in response to an operation in a forward direction or backward direction of a shuttle lever. When the operator operates the shuttle lever for an opposite traveling direction, i.e. from forward to backward or from backward to forward, electrification of the electromagnetic proportional valve (electromagnetic proportional pressure reducing valve) waits until the clutch pedal switches from a disengaging position to an engaging position, regardless of which control command occurs earlier (regardless of which reaches a microcomputer unit first). After the clutch pedal is placed in the engaging position, the microcomputer unit electrifies the electromagnetic proportional valve to effect the control (modulated control) for gradually increasing the hydraulic pressure supplied to the hydraulic clutch. Thus, switching of vehicle direction is achieved by bringing the transmission to neutral and engaging the desired clutch system.
US 6212966 discloses a control system for a power shuttle transmission, the transmission comprising a first clutch pack engagement of which drives a transmission output in a first direction, and a second clutch pack engagement of which drives the transmission output in a second direction, and means to engage and disengage the first and/or second clutch pack, wherein the control system comprises control means to initiate and complete engagement and/or disengagement cycles of the first and/or second clutch pack, and wherein the control system comprises adjustment means for actuation by an operator of the transmission to adjust the said engagement/disengagement cycle. The switching of vehicle direction is achieved by bringing the transmission to neutral and engaging the desired clutch system.
US 5353662 discloses a powershift transmission includes a plurality of clutches, including a final or directional set of clutches. The clutches are controlled by electro-hydraulic direct acting valves and two electro-hydraulic proportional or pressure modulating valves. The pressure modulating valves modulate the pressure supplied to the direct acting valves associated with the three directional clutches. Vehicle deceleration during a shuttle shift is achieved by releasing (unpressurizing) all clutches, then gradually pressurizing only two clutches in the final or directional set. The present invention is for the utility vehicle having multiple clutches for forward and reverse.
Therefore, for above reasons there is need in art to provide a transmission control system for quick inversion of direction of the utility vehicle and also prevent the mechanical failure of the main shaft.
OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION
The present invention as embodied by transmission control system for quick direction inversion and method thereof, succinctly fulfils the above-mentioned need(s) in the art. The present invention has objective(s) arising as a result of the above-mentioned need(s), said objective(s) being enumerated below. In as much as the objective(s) of the present invention are enumerated, it will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that, the enumerated objective(s) are not exhaustive of the present invention in its entirety, and are enclosed solely for the purpose of illustration. Further, the present invention encloses within its scope and purview, any structural alternative(s) and/or any functional equivalent(s) even though, such structural alternative(s) and/or any functional equivalent(s) are not mentioned explicitly herein or elsewhere, in the present disclosure. The present invention therefore encompasses also, any improvisation(s)/modification(s) applied to the structural alternative(s)/functional alternative(s) within its scope and purview. The present invention may be embodied in other specific form(s) without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof.
The main objective of the present invention is to provide a transmission control system for the utility vehicle, for quick inversion of direction of operation from forward to reverse and vice versa.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a transmission of the control system, which utilises the wet clutches to provide efficient braking for inversion of direction.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a transmission of the control system, which utilises actual clutch torque for controlling the torque.
Still another objective of the present invention is to provide a transmission control system, which can be employed in the existing utility vehicle without any major modification.
Still yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a transmission control system, which improves the productivity and decreases the operational cost for the operator of the utility vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a transmission control system for quick inversion of direction of operation of the utility vehicle, comprises of, an engine (101); a transmission unit (102), said transmission unit (102) receives power from the engine (101); a clutch unit (103), said clutch unit (103) is operatively positioned in between the engine (101) and the transmission unit (102), wherein the clutch unit (103) having a forward clutch pack and a reverse clutch pack; a fluid manifold valve block (104), said fluid manifold valve block (104) is in fluidic communication with the clutch unit (103), wherein the fluid manifold valve block (104) having a forward valve and a reverse valve, said forward valve is in fluidic communication with the forward clutch pack and the reverse valve is in fluidic communication with the reverse clutch pack; a fluid system (105), said fluid system (105) supplies fluid as required to the fluid manifold valve block (104) and the transmission unit (102); a control unit (106), said control unit (106) controls the actuation of clutch packs of the clutch unit (103) for transmission of power from the engine (101) to the transmission unit (102) through the fluid manifold valve block (104), said control is performed with respect to a plurality of inputs. Said plurality of inputs are input from a speed sensor (107) and a direction inverter lever (108). A plurality of data are stored in the control unit (106), said plurality of data are data-sets regarding optimal operation of the utility vehicle for various operating conditions.
The present invention achieves the object of quick direction inversion, by engaging the forward clutch pack and reverse clutch partially. This leads to rapid deceleration and thus quick direction inversion is achieved.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DIAGRAM
Figure 1 represents a layout of the transmission control system.
Figure 2 shows the clutch engagement/disengagement pressure profile of the embodied present invention.
While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.
DETAILED INVENTION OF THE DIAGRAM
The present invention as embodied by transmission control system for quick direction inversion and method thereof, succinctly fulfils the above-mentioned need(s) in the art. The present invention has objective(s) arising as a result of the above-mentioned need(s), said objective(s) being enumerated below. In as much as the objective(s) of the present invention are enumerated, it will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that, the enumerated objective(s) are not exhaustive of the present invention in its entirety, and are enclosed solely for the purpose of illustration. Further, the present invention encloses within its scope and purview, any structural alternative(s) and/or any functional equivalent(s) even though, such structural alternative(s) and/or any functional equivalent(s) are not mentioned explicitly herein or elsewhere, in the present disclosure. The present invention therefore encompasses also, any improvisation(s)/modification(s) applied to the structural alternative(s)/functional alternative(s) within its scope and purview. The present invention may be embodied in other specific form(s) without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof.
Throughout this specification, the use of the word "comprise" and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising" may imply the inclusion of an element or elements not specifically recited.
The present invention provides a transmission control system for quick inversion of direction of operation of the utility vehicle, comprises of, an engine (101); a transmission unit (102), said transmission unit (102) receives power from the engine (101), wherein the transmission unit (102) is mechanical transmission unit; a clutch unit (103), said clutch unit (103) is operatively positioned in between the engine (101) and the transmission unit (102), wherein the clutch unit (103) having a forward clutch pack and a reverse clutch pack; a fluid manifold valve block (104), said fluid manifold valve block (104) is in fluidic communication with the clutch unit (103), wherein the fluid manifold valve block (104) having a forward valve and a reverse valve, said forward valve is in fluidic communication with the forward clutch pack and the reverse valve is in fluidic communication with the reverse clutch pack; a fluid system (105), said fluid system (105) supplies fluid as required to the fluid manifold valve block (104) and the transmission unit (102); a control unit (106), said control unit (106) controls the actuation of clutch packs of the clutch unit (103) for transmission of power from the engine (101) to the transmission unit (102) through the fluid manifold valve block (104), said control is performed with respect to a plurality of inputs.
Said plurality of inputs are input from a speed sensor (107) and a direction inverter lever (108), wherein the speed sensor (107) measures the vehicle speed. The speed sensor (107) continuously monitor the vehicle speed and sends the signals to the control unit (106).
Said forward clutch pack and the reverse clutch pack is a wet clutch. Said fluid can be hydraulic and/or gas.
A plurality of data are stored in the control unit (106), said plurality of data are data-sets regarding optimal operation of the utility vehicle for various operating conditions. The control unit (106) is an electronic control unit.
A method for controlling transmission system for quick direction inversion, comprising of,
• shifting the direction inverter lever (108) from a operating direction to a targeted direction, by the operator of the utility vehicle;
• inputting the shifting request and the operating vehicle speed to the control unit (106), said operating vehicle speed value is inputted by the speed sensor (107);
• processing a control signal by the control unit (106), said control signal is processed by analysing the plurality of inputs with the plurality of data to estimate a operating torque of the operating clutch pack of the operating direction and a targeted torque of the targeted clutch pack required for the targeted direction, wherein sum of the estimated operating torque and the estimated targeted torque is less than the maximum clutch carrying torque;
• conveying the control signal from the control unit (106) to the fluid manifold valve block (104), to control the actuation of the clutch packs in the clutch unit (103);
• controlling the clutch unit (103) by the fluid manifold valve block (104) on the basis of conveyed control signal, wherein the controlling is preformed by simultaneously, engaging the clutch pack of the targeted direction and disengaging the clutch pack of the operating direction according to the estimated targeted torque and the operating torque, respectively; and
• transferring the power from the engine (101) to the transmission unit (102) through the appropriately engaged targeted clutch pack for operating the utility vehicle in the targeted direction and disengaging the operating clutch pack fully.
Said engagement of the targeted clutch pack and disengagement of the operating clutch pack is partial.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the utility vehicle operating in the forward direction i.e. the operating direction. When operator of the vehicle changes the direction of operation from the operating direction to the targeted direction i.e. forward to reverse direction, by means of the direction inverter lever (108), the shifting signal is inputted to the control unit (106). Simultaneously, vehicle speed is inputted by the speed sensor (107). Upon receiving the plurality of inputs, the control unit (106) analyses the plurality of inputs with the plurality of the data. While analysing, the control unit (106) estimates the torque of the operating clutch pack i.e. the forward clutch pack and the required torque for the targeted clutch pack i.e. the reverse clutch. The sum of the torque of the operating clutch pack and the torque of the targeted clutch pack is less than the maximum clutch carrying torque. Further more, the control unit (106) processes the control signal to control the actuation of the clutch packs in the clutch unit (103), for inverting the direction of operation from the forward direction to the reverse direction. The control signal is conveyed to the fluid manifold valve block (104). On the basis of received signals, the fluid is communicated to the clutch unit (103) from the fluid system (105). Simultaneously, the fluid is removed from the operating clutch pack i.e. the forward clutch pack and transferred to the fluid system (105) through the reverse valve, to disengage the operating clutch pack and the fluid is supplied to the targeted clutch pack i.e. the reverse clutch pack, from the fluid system (105) through the reverse valve, to engage the targeted clutch pack. The simultaneous engagement and disengagement of the clutch packs is done on the basis of estimated torque by the control unit (106), thus, the utility vehicle decelerate rapidly. At appropriate targeted torque of the reverse clutch pack, said reverse clutch pack is fully engaged and the forward clutch pack is fully disengaged. Thus inverting direction of operation quickly.
In an another embodiment of the present invention, the utility vehicle operating in the reverse direction i.e. the operating direction. When operator of the vehicle changes the direction of operation from the operating direction to the targeted direction i.e. reverse to forward direction, by means of the direction inverter lever (108), the shifting signal is inputted to the control unit (106). Simultaneously, vehicle speed is inputted by the speed sensor (107). Upon receiving the plurality of inputs, the control unit (106) analyses the plurality of inputs with the plurality of the data. While analysing, the control unit (106) estimates the torque of the operating clutch pack i.e. the reverse clutch pack and the required torque for the targeted clutch pack i.e. the forward clutch. The sum of the torque of the operating clutch pack and the torque of the targeted clutch pack is less than the maximum clutch carrying torque. Further more, the control unit (106) processes the control signal to control the actuation of the clutch packs in the clutch unit (103), for inverting the direction of operation from the reverse direction to the forward direction. The control signal is conveyed to the fluid manifold valve block (104). On the basis of received signals, the fluid is communicated to the clutch unit (103) from the fluid system (105), through the fluid manifold valve block (104). Simultaneously, the fluid is removed from the operating clutch pack i.e. the reverse clutch pack and transferred to the fluid system (105) through the reverse valve, to disengage the reverse clutch pack and the fluid is supplied to the targeted clutch pack i.e. the reverse clutch pack, from the fluid system (105) through the forward valve, to engage the forward clutch pack. The simultaneous engagement and disengagement of the clutch packs is done on the basis of estimated torque by the control unit (106), thus, the utility vehicle decelerate rapidly. At appropriate targeted torque of the forward clutch pack, said forward clutch pack is fully engaged and the reverse clutch pack is fully disengaged. Thus inverting direction of operation quickly.
The present invention quickly inverts the direction operation from one direction to the other. Quick inversion of direction improves the productivity and also reduces the operating cost for the operator.
It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the above description is for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as limiting. Various modifications, additions, alterations, and improvements without deviating from the spirit and the scope of the invention may be made by a person skilled in the art.