Claims:1. A hydraulic clutch control module (100) for controlling the power shuttle operation of a transmission assembly, by regulating the flow of hydraulic fluid to the forward & reverse clutch actuation, comprising of:

a. a fluid source (101), to stored the hydraulic fluid;
b. a first pump (102), to pump the fluid from the fluid source (101);
c. a pressure filter (105), fixed in fluid path to filter the fluid received from first pump (102);
d. pressure relief valve (106), to release the excess pressure built due to the return fluid from a power steering;
e. a plurality of first sensors (107), to sense the fluid pressure and serve the fluid as input to a plurality of valves, including a first valve (103) and a second valve (104);
f. an accumulator (108), fixed between the pressure filter (105) and the first sensor (107), dampens the fluctuations in the fluid pressure and compensates the fluid flow variations;
g. at least a first clutch pack (109), to receive the fluid from the first valve (103) through a plurality of second sensors (110);
h. at least a second clutch pack (111), to receive the fluid from the second valve (104) through a plurality of third sensors (112);
i. at least a cooling unit (115), to receive the fluid from the pressure relief valve (106) and supply the cooled fluid to the first clutch pack (109) and the second clutch pack (111);
j. at least a compartment (113) to collect the fluid from first clutch pack (109) and the second clutch pack after cooling; and
k. a second pump (114), to transfer the fluid collected in the compartment (113) again to the fluid source (101).

2. A hydraulic clutch control module (100) for a transmission assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said first sensor (107), the second sensor (110) and the third sensor (112) are pressure transducers.

3. A hydraulic clutch control module (100) for a transmission assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sais first valve (103) and the second valve (104) is a 2-way / proportional solenoid valve.

4. A hydraulic clutch control module (100) for a transmission assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said first clutch pack (109) is a forward clutch pack.

5. A hydraulic clutch control module (100) for a transmission assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said second clutch pack (111) is a reverse clutch pack.

6. A hydraulic clutch control module (100) for a transmission assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said first pump (114) is a steering pump.

7. A hydraulic clutch control module (100) for a transmission assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said second pump (114) is a scavenge pump.

8. A hydraulic clutch control module (100) for a transmission assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gear lever is on neutral, the fluid from the first sensor (107) is transferred to both the first valve (103) and the second valve (104), wherein the said first clutch pack (109) and the second clutch pack (111) is not actuated and the vehicle is in stationary position.

9. A hydraulic clutch control module (100) for a transmission assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gear lever is on forward clutch, the fluid from the said first sensor (107) is transferred to the said second sensor (110) via the first valve (103), wherein the said second sensor (110) actuates and controls the first clutch pack (109) and makes the vehicle move in forward direction.

10. A hydraulic clutch control module (100) for a transmission assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gear lever is on reverse clutch, the fluid from the first sensor (107) is transferred to the third sensor (110) via the second valve (103), wherein the said third sensor (112) actuates and controls the second clutch pack (111) and makes the vehicle move in reverse direction.

11. A hydraulic clutch control module (100) for a transmission assembly as claimed in claim 1, modulates the supply of hydraulic fluid to the forward and reverse clutch actuation thereby enabling sufficient clutch cooling and lubrication, and thus eliminates the clutch drag component.
, Description:HYDRAULIC CLUTCH CONTROL MODULE FOR A TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY
FILED OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to transmission assembly, particularly to a hydraulic clutch control module (HCCM) for controlling the power shuttle operation of a transmission assembly, more particularly relates to a hydraulic clutch control module for modulation of hydraulic oil to the forward & reverse clutch actuation, cooling of wet clutch plates, and also controls the lubrication flow for the plurality of bearings & gears.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Power shuttle tractors are often used for frequent forward and reverse shuttling applications. For proper functioning of shuttling operation and wet clutch function, the power shuttle transmission needs a efficient hybrid lubrication and cooling system. The wet clutch plates are used for disengaging the torque transfer to the road wheels during field operation as well as during gear shift. In the case of the converter having a drive system of the automatic transmission, clutch and brake must be properly cooled and lubricated. In automatic countershaft transmission such as dual clutch transmission, the wet friction clutch plates are used as starting clutch, disengaging clutch, during start-up and during a shift transmission of high torque. In the field of vehicle driveline components are cooled or lubricated by means of hydraulic fluid. The clutch is usually controlled in a hydraulic manner, in which a hydraulic fluid is provided with a desired pressure through a pump, which is driven by a motor or motors of the vehicle.
Rising concern over the global warming and climate change as well as oil reserves, there has been a recent trend in developing various hybrid systems for motor vehicles. Several hybrid systems have been reported in the literature, but each system typically requires significant modification to the existing drive train of the corresponding vehicle. These adaptation makes it difficult to retrofit the hybrid systems to existing vehicles. In addition, some of the reported systems results in considerable power loss, which in turn hurts the fuel economy for the vehicle. Hence there exists a need for improvement in the hybrid systems. Major improvement of hybrid transmissions is found in the construction and arrangement of the hydraulic system. Hybrid vehicles, and in particular the hybrid transmission module associated with such a vehicle, have various lubrication and cooling needs which depend on engine conditions and operational modes.
The present invention addresses the above said problems by providing a hydraulic clutch control module (HCCM) for controlling and modulating the supply of hydraulic oil to the forward & reverse clutch actuation, controlling the lubrication of bearings & gears, and cooling of wet clutch plates. The present invention employs a new Hydraulic manifold design to provide sufficient clutch cooling and lubrication eliminating the clutch drag component. Further, the HCCM circuit of the present invention offers significant improvement in clutch performance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART
US2013037144 (A1) discloses an apparatus for supplying oil to a continuously variable transmission which has a lubrication system and at least one transmission control system. The Continuously variable transmissions system comprises of: a variator, which is a device having a rotary input and a rotary output; gearing by which the variator is coupled between a transmission input and a transmission output; and a clutch arrangement incorporated in the said gearing. Commonly the both the variator and the clutches are hydraulically controlled and need to be supplied with continuous flow of oil. The said apparatus that supply oil to the said continuously variable transmission comprises of first and second pumps, the first pump having an output which is connectable to the lubrication system through a supply control valve arrangement and the second pump having an output which is connectable to the transmission control system, the apparatus further comprising a transfer passage through which the first pump is connectable to the transmission control system, and the supply control valve arrangement being adapted to selectively throttle fluid supply from the output of the first pump to the lubrication system in order to cause fluid output from the first pump to be diverted through the transfer passage to the transmission control system.
US2014169994 provides a dual clutch transmission assembly comprising of: a hydraulic circuit with a pump for delivering a hydraulic flow; a cooler for cooling the hydraulic flow; and a volume control valve for adjusting the hydraulic flow for a cooling system associated with two clutches of the dual clutch transmission. The volume control valve is constructed as a switching valve with at least two switching position ranges, supplying the hydraulic flow to a first cooling system associated with a first clutch in a first switching position range with a constant flow cross-section, and supplying the hydraulic flow to a second cooling system associated with a second clutch in a second switching position range with a constant flow cross-section, wherein the entire switching position range of the volume control valve is substantially formed by the first and second switching position ranges and only a narrow transition range there between.
US2016033031A1 discloses a self-contained and self-sufficient hydraulic system which functions without the need to significantly drain resources from other systems. The hydraulic system is associated with a hybrid module and by controlling the main pressure at a reduced level, the fuel economy and reliability of that hybrid module are improved. The hybrid system incorporates its own lubrication and cooling systems that are able to operate independently of the transmission and the engine. The fluid circulation system which can act as a lubricant, hydraulic fluid, and/or coolant, includes a mechanical pump for circulating a fluid, along with an electric pump that supplements the workload for the mechanical pump when needed. This dual mechanical/electric pump system helps to reduce the size and weight of the required mechanical pump, and if desired, also allows the system to run in a complete electric mode in which the electric pump solely circulates the fluid. The overall system cost is reduced by the multiplexing of valves and solenoids.
US2016069447 provides a hydraulic circuit for the transmissions of industrial and agricultural vehicles. The circuit comprises a feed pump driven by an internal combustion engine; a lubricating circuit; a main pressure regulator capable of bringing about a first change in the pressure of the working fluid in the circuit, this change in pressure being capable of regulation in relation to a first regulation pressure; a maximum pressure regulator for the lubrication circuit capable of bringing about a second change in pressure of the working fluid depending upon a second regulating pressure; and means for regulating regulation of the first and second regulating pressures. The said hydraulic circuit is simple in construction, reduces the energy wastage and has a minimum effect on the overall cost of the vehicle.
WO2015086009 relates to a hydraulic arrangement for actuating or cooling at least one clutch of a dual clutch of a vehicle, having a pump for providing a hydraulic fluid for actuating or cooling at least one clutch; and having an internal combustion engine, which is designed to drive the pump; and having a clutch pressure branch for providing the hydraulic fluid for actuation; and having a cooling branch for providing the hydraulic fluid for cooling; wherein the pump is configured as a variable displacement pump having a variable displacement volume. The invention further relates to a method for actuating or cooling at least one clutch of a dual clutch by means of the hydraulic arrangement.
Korean patent document 1008204410000 discloses an apparatus for switching a hydraulic mode of a power shuttle for a tractor comprises a shuttle control unit and a hydraulic mode switch. The shuttle control unit is installed to control regular and reverse solenoid proportional control valves by receiving regular and reverse signals output by a shuttle switch, driven by an engine, and connected to a vehicle speed sensor for detecting vehicle speed. The hydraulic mode switch is connected to the shuttle control unit, and shifts the hydraulic mode into a traveling mode, a simple work mode, and a hard work mode in order to change operation speed of the solenoid proportional control valves.
In an another Korean patent document 1012694260000, a shuttle valve variable structure of an agricultural work vehicle is provided to control the pressure of oil by passively varying an oil path of a shuttle valve through the operation of a lever, wherein a hydraulic line is comprised of a pump, a modulator valve, a machinery shuttle valve, and a hydraulic clutch. A manual changing lever combination is connected to a sleeve of the machinery shuttle valve. The machinery shuttle valve passively controls the pressure of oil provided to the hydraulic clutch through the operation of the manual changing lever combination. A handle is driven by a user. A lever is fixed to an end extended from the handle. An operation rod is movably installed on the lever. A converting bracket is connected to the operation rod and converts a linear motion of the operation rod into a rotation motion.
The present invention solves the above mentioned problems of the prior art by providing a hydraulic clutch control module (HCCM) for controlling the power shuttle operation of a transmission assembly by regulating the flow of hydraulic oil to the forward & reverse clutch actuation. The present invention simultaneously enables the cooling of wet clutch plates and controls the lubrication of bearings & gears. The present invention employs a new Hydraulic manifold design to provide a sufficient clutch cooling and lubrication, thus eliminating the clutch drag component. Further, the HCCM circuit of the present invention offers significant improvement in clutch performance.
OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a hydraulic clutch control module (HCCM) for a transmission assembly which uses steering return oil for controlling the power shuttle clutch operation and thereby increasing the clutch performance.
Second objective of the present invention is to modulate the supply of hydraulic oil to the forward and reverse clutch actuation.
Third objective of the present invention is to provide cooling of wet clutch plates.
Fourth objective of the present invention is to control the lubrication of bearings and gears.
Further objective of the present invention is to provide a hydraulic clutch control module for a transmission assembly which is simple in construction and can be installed without changing the transmission assembly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a hydraulic clutch control module (HCCM) for controlling the power shuttle operation of a transmission assembly, by regulating the flow of hydraulic fluid to the forward & reverse clutch actuation, comprising of : a fluid source (101); a first pump (102); a pressure filter (105); pressure relief valve (106); a plurality of first sensors (107); first valve (103); second valve (104); an accumulator (108); at least a first clutch pack (109); a plurality of second sensors (110); at least a second clutch pack (111); a plurality of third sensors (112); at least a cooling unit (115); a compartment (113); and a second pump (114). In one embodiment of the present invention, when the gear lever is on neutral, the said first clutch pack (109) and the second clutch pack (111) is not actuated and the vehicle is in stationary position. In another embodiment, when the gear lever is on forward clutch, the said second sensor (110) actuates and controls the first clutch pack (109) which makes the vehicle move in forward direction. In still another embodiment, when the gear lever is on reverse clutch, the said third sensor (112) actuates and controls the second clutch pack (111) which makes the vehicle move in reverse direction. The present invention uses steering return oil for controlling the said power shuttle clutch operation. The HCCM of the present invention modulates the supply of hydraulic oil to the forward and reverse clutch actuation thereby increasing the clutch performance. The present invention provides sufficient cooling of wet clutch plates and controls the lubrication of bearings and gears, thus eliminating the clutch drag component. The hydraulic clutch control module of the present invention is simple in construction and can be installed without changing the transmission assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 depicts a hydraulic clutch control module (HCCM) of the present invention for a transmission assembly.
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 DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention as embodied by a hydraulic clutch control module for a transmission assembly 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 hydraulic clutch control module (100) for controlling the power shuttle operation of a transmission assembly, by regulating the flow of hydraulic oil to the forward & reverse clutch actuation, comprising of: a fluid source (101); a first pump (102), to pump the fluid from the fluid source (101); a pressure filter (105), fixed in fluid path to filter the fluid received from first pump; pressure relief valve (106), to release the excess pressure built due to the return fluid from a power steering; a plurality of first sensors (107), to sense the fluid pressure and serve the fluid as input to a plurality of valves, including a first valve (103) and a second valve (104); an accumulator (108) fixed between the pressure filter (105) and the first sensor (107), wherein the said accumulator (108) dampens the fluctuations in the pressure of the fluid and compensates the fluid flow variations; at least a first clutch pack (109), to receive the fluid from the first valve (103) through a plurality of second sensors (110); at least a second clutch pack (111), to receive the fluid from the second valve (104) through a plurality of third sensors (112); at least a cooling unit (115), to receive the fluid from the pressure relief valve (106) and supply the cooled fluid to the first clutch pack (109) and the second clutch pack (111); at least a compartment (113) to collect the fluid from first clutch pack (109) and the second clutch pack after cooling; and a second pump (114), to transfer the fluid collected in the compartment (113) again to the fluid source (101).
In the preferred embodiment, wherein the said first clutch pack (109) is a forward clutch pack.
In the preferred embodiment, wherein the said second clutch pack (111) is a reverse clutch pack.
In the preferred embodiment, wherein the said first valve (103) and the second valve (104) is a 2-way / proportional solenoid valve.
In the preferred embodiment, wherein the said first sensor (107), the second sensor (110) and the third sensor (12) is a pressure transducer.
In the preferred embodiment, wherein the said fluid is an hydraulic oil.
In the preferred embodiment, wherein the said first pump (102) is a steering pump and the said second pump (114) is a scavenge pump.
In one embodiment, when a gear lever is on neutral, the fluid from the fluid source (101) is pumped by the first pump (102) to the pressure filter (105), wherein the said pressure filter (105) maintains the filtration pressure of the pumped fluid and transfers the fluid to the pressure relief valve (106) and also to the first sensor (107). The fluid from the pressure relief valve (106) is fed to the first clutch pack (109) and second clutch pack (111) for lubrication and cooling, the accumulator (108) dampens the pressure from the fluid which is sent to the first sensor (107), wherein the first sensor (107) measures the pressure and transmits the fluid to the first valve (103) or the second valve (104) or both, based on the measured pressure. The fluid from the first sensor (105) is sent to both the valves (103 and 104), due to low fluid pressure. Both the clutch packs, first clutch pack (109) and second clutch pack (108) are not actuated. As per the driver input when neutral is selected, both the valves will not allow oil. When forward motion of vehicle is selected, the forward valve allow oil based on the driver's aggression rate (or) based on the pre-programmed oil pressure modulation. Similar function is applicable to selection of reverse motion of vehicle. The fluid used for lubrication and cooling is collected in the compartment (113), the second pump (114) transfers the fluid collected in the compartment (113) to the fluid source (101).
In an another embodiment, when the agricultural work vehicle is to move forward, fluid from the fluid source (101) is pumped by the first pump (102) towards the pressure filter (105), wherein the pressure filter (105) maintains the fluid filtration. The fluid from the pressure filter (105) is fed to the pressure relief valve (106) for lubrication and cooling of the first clutch pack (109) and second clutch pack (111). Furthermore, the said fluid from the pressure filter (105) is transferred to the first sensor (107), an accumulator (108) dampens the fluctuations in pressure of the fluid which is fed to the first sensor (107), the said first sensor (107) transmits the fluid to the first valve (103), wherein the fluid from the first valve (103) is sent to the second sensor (110), the said second sensor (110) actuates the first clutch pack (109). The said second sensor (110) controls the actuation of the first clutch pack (109). The third sensor (112) senses the fluid in the second clutch pack (111) and transfers the fluid from the second clutch pack (111) to the fluid source (101) through the second valve (104). The fluid used for lubrication and cooling of the clutch packs is collected in the compartment (113), the second pump (114) transfers the fluid collected in the compartment (113) to the fluid source (101).
In yet another embodiment, when the agricultural work vehicle is to move reverse, fluid from the fluid source (101) is pumped by the first pump (102) towards the pressure filter (105), wherein the pressure filter (105) maintains the fluid filtration, fluid from the pressure filter (105) is fed to the pressure relief valve (106) for lubrication and cooling of the first clutch pack (109) and second clutch pack (111). Furthermore, fluid from the pressure filter (105) is fed to the first sensor (107), the accumulator (108) dampens the fluctuations in pressure of the fluid which is fed to the first sensor (107), the said first sensors (107) transmits the fluid to the second valve (104). Wherein the fluid from the second valve (104) is sent to the third sensor (112), the said third sensor (112) actuates the second clutch pack(111). The said third sensor (112) controls the actuation of the second clutch pack (112). The second sensor (110) senses the fluid in the first clutch pack (109) and transfers the fluid from the first clutch pack (109) to the fluid source (101) through the first valve (103). The fluid used for lubrication and cooling of the clutch pack is collected in the compartment (113), the said second pump (114) transfers the fluid collected in the compartment (113) to the fluid source (101).
The hydraulic clutch control module (HCCM) of the present invention uses steering return oil for controlling the power shuttle clutch operation, thereby increases the clutch performance. The present invention employs a new Hydraulic manifold design to provide a sufficient clutch cooling and lubrication, thus eliminating the clutch drag component. Further, the HCCM circuit of the present invention is simple in construction and can be installed without changing the transmission assembly.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
100. Hydraulic clutch control module
101. Fluid source
102. First pump
103. First Valve
104. Second valve
105. Pressure filter
106. Pressure relief valve
107. First sensor
108. Accumulator
109. First clutch pack
110. Second sensor
111. Second clutch pack
112. Third sensor
113. Compartment
114. Second pump
115. Cooling unit