DESC:FORM – 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)

&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2006

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10 and rule 13)

SPLIT TYPE HYDRAULIC VALVE BLOCK FOR AUTOMATED MANUAL TRANSMISSION (AMT)

MAHINDRA & MAHINDRA LIMITED
an Indian Company
of Mahindra Towers, Worli,
Mumbai - 400 018
Maharashtra, India.

Inventors:
1. BARATHI RAJA
2. BONDA VEERABABU
3. VENUKUMAR RAJENDRAN
4. MUTHUSAMY SARAVANAN
5. ADIGA GANESH

THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE NATURE OF THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.
Field:

The present disclosure generally relates to Automated Manual Transmission (AMT). Particularly, the present disclosure relates to hydraulic valve block for Automated Manual Transmission (AMT).

Background:

An Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) includes a hydraulic unit. The hydraulic unit, particularly, a hydraulic valve block of the hydraulic unit has a monolithic construction. Such monolithic construction of the hydraulic valve block of the Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) has various drawbacks associated there-with. More specifically, the monolithic construction of the hydraulic valve block results in complex shape of the hydraulic valve block, wherein such complex shape of the hydraulic valve block necessitates forming of multi directional drills on the hydraulic valve block for configuring oil flow path. Further, with such a complex structure of the hydraulic valve block, the mounting of the Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) Hydraulic Unit over other vehicle platform is difficult.

The EP Published Patent Application EP2381138 (hereinafter referred to as ‘138 EP Published Patent Application) discloses an actuation unit, a power unit for an automotive servo-assisted mechanical transmission. an electro-hydraulic actuation group (4) has an actuation unit (5), a power unit (6) able to provide hydraulic pressure to the actuation unit (5) and an electronic control unit (49), the actuation and power units (5, 6) being equipped with respective components (8, 9, 10, 11, 16, 20, 22, 24, 34) that are all mounted on a hydraulic casing (29) of the actuation unit (5) so as to define with one another a single assembly, at least part of the components (8, 9, 10, 11, 16, 20, 22, 24, 34) being equipped with respective electrical connectors (44, 33, 22b, 35, 36) that are arranged in a manner such that they can all be engaged by a same multiple electrical connector device (46), electrically connectable to the electronic control unit (49). However, the actuation unit for mechanical transmission is complex, as it requires four gear actuators and two clutch actuator. Further, the actuation unit and power unit for the servo-assisted mechanical transmission disclosed in the ‘138 EP Published Patent Application do not include a dedicated pressure line filter and proper hydraulic flow channel.

Accordingly, there is a need for a hydraulic valve block for an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) that precludes the drawbacks associated with monolithic construction of the hydraulic valve block of the conventional Automated Manual Transmission (AMT). Further, there is a need for a hydraulic valve block for an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) that is light in weight. Further, there is a need for a hydraulic valve block for an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) that is simple in construction and easy to manufacture. Furthermore, there is a need for a hydraulic valve block for an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) that can be mounted on different vehicle platforms.

Objects:

Some of the objects of the present disclosure which at-least one embodiment is able to satisfy, are described herein below:

It is an object of the present disclosure is to ameliorate one or more problems of the prior art or to at least provide a useful alternative.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a hydraulic valve block for an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) that is simple in construction.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a hydraulic valve block for an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) that is easy to manufacture.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a hydraulic valve block for an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) that is light in weight.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a hydraulic valve block for an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) that is efficient.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a hydraulic valve block for an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) that is inexpensive.

Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a hydraulic valve block for an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) that can be mounted on different vehicle platforms.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a hydraulic valve block for an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) that is reliable.

SUMMARY

A hydraulic valve block for Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) of a vehicle is disclosed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The hydraulic valve block includes an actuator pack unit and a power pack. The actuator pack unit is hydraulically actuated to facilitate gear selection, gear shifting and clutch actuation and includes pistons and proportional pressure flow control valves, at least one gate valve and sensors. The actuator pack unit is specifically selected based on North-South (NS) as well as East West (EW) configuration of the vehicle. The power pack unit is separate from the actuator pack unit. The power pack unit removably co-operates with and is functionally coupled to the actuator pack unit. The power pack unit includes a plurality of fluid flow paths configured thereon to supply pressurized fluid to the actuator pack unit. The power pack unit further includes at least one pump, a motor, an accumulator, at least one line pressure sensor, at least one temperature sensor, at least one pressure relief valve and at least one filter. The power pack unit is selected irrespective of the North-South (NS) and East West (EW) configuration of the vehicle.

Typically, the actuator pack includes at least one sensor for shift position detection.

Generally, the actuator pack includes at least one sensor for select position detection.

Typically, the actuator oil flow paths configured in the actuator pack are formed perpendicular to at least one of the horizontal plane and the vertical plane.

Brief Description of the Accompanying Drawings:

The disclosure will now be explained in relation to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of an actuator block assembly of a hydraulic valve block for an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) of a vehicle; and

Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of a pressure pack assembly also referred to as a power pack unit of a hydraulic valve block for an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT).

Detailed Description of the Accompanying Drawings:

The disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.

The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

The present disclosure envisages a split type hydraulic valve block for an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) of a vehicle. The split type hydraulic valve block for an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) of the present disclosure has a construction that eliminates the drawbacks associated with monolithic construction of the hydraulic valve block of the conventional Automated Manual Transmission (AMT).

The split type hydraulic valve block for an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) is simple in construction. The hydraulic valve block of the present disclosure is a split type hydraulic valve block that has two separate assemblies one is an actuator pack unit 10 or actuator block assembly illustrated in Figure 1 and another is a power pack unit 20 or pressure pack unit illustrated in Figure 2. The hydraulic valve block of the present invention is a two-piece valve block configured by assembling together two different components namely, the actuator pack unit 10 and the power pack unit 20. More specifically, in case of the hydraulic valve block of the present invention, the power pack unit 20 is separate from and is removably co-operating with the actuator pack unit 10 unlike the conventional hydraulic valve block which has a monolithic construction and the actuator pack unit and the power pack unit are integrally formed. The actuator pack unit 10 includes pistons and proportional pressure flow control valves, gate valve (service relief valve) and sensors. There are two position sensors, one sensor for shift position detection and other for select position detection. The power pack unit 20 supplies pressurized fluid to the actuator pack unit 10. The actuator pack unit 10 performs the function of gear selection, shifting and clutch actuation. The power pack unit 20 includes a pump, a motor, an accumulator, line pressure sensor, temperature sensor, pressure relief valve and a filter. Such a configuration of the split type hydraulic valve block for an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) results in weight reduction and accordingly, the split type hydraulic valve block for an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) is lighter in weight and simple in construction. In accordance with an embodiment, the split type hydraulic valve block achieves weight reduction in range of about 15 to 25 percent with respect to conventional hydraulic valve blocks. With such a configuration of the hydraulic valve block for an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT), the drill holes for oil flow path are formed perpendicular to the horizontal and vertical planes thereby the machining of drill holes is easier and accurate. Further, the hydraulic valve block for an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) can be mounted on different vehicle platforms. More specifically, with such a configuration, the power pack remains common for all vehicles (both North-South (NS) and East-West (EW)). More specifically, the power pack unit is selected irrespectively of the North-South (NS) and East West (EW) configuration of said vehicle. Only actuation pack varies from NS to EW application. Specifically, the actuator pack unit is specifically selected based on the North-South (NS) and East West (EW) configuration of the vehicle. The hydraulic valve-block for an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) includes a dedicated pressure line filter and proper hydraulic flow channel. The hydraulic valve-block for an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) in accordance with the present disclosure requires only one gear actuator and clutch actuator.

Technical Advantages and economic significance:

A split type hydraulic valve block for an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) has several technical advantages including but not limited to the realization of:

• a split type hydraulic valve block for an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) that is simple in construction;
• a split type hydraulic valve block for an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) that is easy to manufacture;
• a split type hydraulic valve block for an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) that is light in weight;
• a split type hydraulic valve block for an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) that is efficient;
• a split type hydraulic valve block for an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) that is inexpensive;
• a split type hydraulic valve block for an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) that can be mounted on different vehicle platforms;
• a split type hydraulic valve block for an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) that requires lesser number of gear actuators and clutch actuators; and
• a split type hydraulic valve block for an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) that is reliable.
The numerical values given of various physical parameters, dimensions and quantities are only approximate values and it is envisaged that the values higher or lower than the numerical value assigned to the physical parameters, dimensions and quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure and the claims unless there is a statement in the specification to the contrary.
Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
,CLAIMS:We Claim:

1. A hydraulic valve block for Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) of a vehicle, said hydraulic valve block comprising:
• an actuator pack unit adapted to be hydraulically actuated to facilitate gear selection, gear shifting and clutch actuation, said actuator pack unit comprising pistons and proportional pressure flow control valves, at least one gate valve and sensors, said actuator pack unit adapted to be specifically selected based on the North-South (NS) and East West (EW) configuration of the vehicle;
• a power pack unit separate from said actuator pack unit, said power pack unit is adapted to removably co-operate with and functionally coupled to said actuator pack unit, said power pack unit comprising a plurality of fluid flow paths configured thereon adapted to supply pressurized fluid to said actuator pack unit, said power pack unit further comprising at least one pump, a motor, an accumulator, at least one line pressure sensor, at least one temperature sensor, at least one pressure relief valve and at least one filter, said power pack unit selected irrespectively of said North-South (NS) and East West (EW) configuration of said vehicle.

2. The hydraulic valve block as claimed in claim 1, wherein said actuator pack comprises at least one sensor for shift position detection.

3. The hydraulic valve block as claimed in claim 1, wherein said actuator pack comprises at least one sensor for select position detection.
4. The hydraulic valve block as claimed in claim 1, wherein actuator oil flow paths configured in said actuator pack are formed perpendicular to at least one of the horizontal plane and the vertical plane