WO2020080998A1 - A brake arrangement for a gearbox, a gearbox and a method - Google Patents

A brake arrangement for a gearbox, a gearbox and a method Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2020080998A1
WO2020080998A1 PCT/SE2019/051006 SE2019051006W WO2020080998A1 WO 2020080998 A1 WO2020080998 A1 WO 2020080998A1 SE 2019051006 W SE2019051006 W SE 2019051006W WO 2020080998 A1 WO2020080998 A1 WO 2020080998A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
brake
shaft
gearbox
arrangement
wheel
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/SE2019/051006
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Dieter Slapak
Original Assignee
Scania Cv Ab
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Scania Cv Ab filed Critical Scania Cv Ab
Publication of WO2020080998A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020080998A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16H—GEARING
    • F16H61/00—Control functions within control units of change-speed- or reversing-gearings for conveying rotary motion ; Control of exclusively fluid gearing, friction gearing, gearings with endless flexible members or other particular types of gearing
    • F16H61/04—Smoothing ratio shift
    • F16H61/0403—Synchronisation before shifting
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16H—GEARING
    • F16H3/00—Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion
    • F16H3/02—Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion
    • F16H3/08—Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion exclusively or essentially with continuously meshing gears, that can be disengaged from their shafts
    • F16H3/12—Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion exclusively or essentially with continuously meshing gears, that can be disengaged from their shafts with means for synchronisation not incorporated in the clutches
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Y—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO ASPECTS CROSS-CUTTING VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY
    • B60Y2200/00—Type of vehicle
    • B60Y2200/10—Road Vehicles
    • B60Y2200/14—Trucks; Load vehicles, Busses
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16H—GEARING
    • F16H3/00—Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion
    • F16H3/02—Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion
    • F16H3/08—Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion exclusively or essentially with continuously meshing gears, that can be disengaged from their shafts
    • F16H2003/0811—Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion exclusively or essentially with continuously meshing gears, that can be disengaged from their shafts using unsynchronised clutches
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16H—GEARING
    • F16H3/00—Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion
    • F16H3/02—Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion
    • F16H3/08—Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion exclusively or essentially with continuously meshing gears, that can be disengaged from their shafts
    • F16H3/12—Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion exclusively or essentially with continuously meshing gears, that can be disengaged from their shafts with means for synchronisation not incorporated in the clutches
    • F16H2003/123—Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion exclusively or essentially with continuously meshing gears, that can be disengaged from their shafts with means for synchronisation not incorporated in the clutches using a brake
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16H—GEARING
    • F16H61/00—Control functions within control units of change-speed- or reversing-gearings for conveying rotary motion ; Control of exclusively fluid gearing, friction gearing, gearings with endless flexible members or other particular types of gearing
    • F16H61/04—Smoothing ratio shift
    • F16H61/0403—Synchronisation before shifting
    • F16H2061/0411—Synchronisation before shifting by control of shaft brakes
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16H—GEARING
    • F16H2200/00—Transmissions for multiple ratios
    • F16H2200/003—Transmissions for multiple ratios characterised by the number of forward speeds
    • F16H2200/0043—Transmissions for multiple ratios characterised by the number of forward speeds the gear ratios comprising four forward speeds
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16H—GEARING
    • F16H2200/00—Transmissions for multiple ratios
    • F16H2200/003—Transmissions for multiple ratios characterised by the number of forward speeds
    • F16H2200/0056—Transmissions for multiple ratios characterised by the number of forward speeds the gear ratios comprising seven forward speeds
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16H—GEARING
    • F16H3/00—Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion
    • F16H3/02—Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion
    • F16H3/08—Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion exclusively or essentially with continuously meshing gears, that can be disengaged from their shafts
    • F16H3/087—Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion exclusively or essentially with continuously meshing gears, that can be disengaged from their shafts characterised by the disposition of the gears
    • F16H3/091—Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion exclusively or essentially with continuously meshing gears, that can be disengaged from their shafts characterised by the disposition of the gears including a single countershaft
    • F16H3/0915—Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion exclusively or essentially with continuously meshing gears, that can be disengaged from their shafts characterised by the disposition of the gears including a single countershaft with coaxial input and output shafts

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a brake arrangement for a gearbox.
  • the invention also relates to a gearbox comprising such a brake arrangement, a method for braking the rotational speed of a shaft in a gearbox and use of a brake arrangement in a gearbox.
  • a gearbox comprises a large number of interacting components, which all affect the shape and weight of the gearbox.
  • the weight and size of the gearbox will have a great impact on, for example, the weight of the vehicle.
  • the number of components may also affect the function of the gearbox. Manufacturers therefore often try to achieve as compact gearboxes as possible.
  • Synchronized gearboxes which comprise a large number of gear steps, may comprise a plurality of synchronization rings for shifting between different gear steps.
  • Automated Manual Transmissions also called semi-automatic transmissions, are commonly known and are often unsynchronized in that they lack synchronization rings.
  • AMT Automated Manual Transmissions
  • brakes arranged at the end of the shafts to be braked. Installing brakes on such positions in a gearbox may be very complicated since gearboxes are compact and comprises a lot of components. It may thus be difficult to get access to such brakes which complicates installation, service and repair.
  • a brake arrangement a gearbox comprising such a brake arrangement, a vehicle, a method for decreasing the rotational speed of a shaft in a gearbox and use of such a brake arrangement according to the independent claims.
  • a brake arrangement for a gearbox comprising a plurality of shafts with gear wheels, wherein the brake arrangement is configured for braking the rotational movement of at least one of the shafts of the gearbox, wherein the brake arrangement comprises: a brake shaft; a brake wheel fixedly arranged on the brake shaft; and a brake device arranged in connection with the brake shaft, wherein the brake device is configured to be connected to a gearbox housing, and wherein the brake arrangement is configured to be arranged, such that the brake wheel is in engagement with a gear wheel arranged in connection with the shaft to be braked, and wherein the brake device is controllable to brake the brake shaft and thus the brake wheel, whereby the gear wheel and the shaft in connection with the gear wheel is braked.
  • a gearbox comprising such a brake arrangement.
  • a vehicle comprising such a gearbox is provided.
  • a method for decreasing the rotational speed of a shaft in a gearbox comprises a brake arrangement, the brake arrangement comprising: a brake shaft; a brake wheel fixedly arranged on the brake shaft; and a brake device arranged in connection with the brake shaft, wherein the brake device is configured to be connected to a gearbox housing, and wherein the brake arrangement is arranged, such that the brake wheel is in engagement with a gear wheel arranged in connection with the shaft to be braked.
  • the method comprises: controlling the brake device to brake the brake shaft and the brake wheel, such that the gear wheel and the shaft in connection with the gear wheel is braked.
  • the brake arrangement can be arranged essentially anywhere in the gearbox in relation to the shaft to be braked.
  • the brake arrangement does thus not have to be arranged on the shaft. Since the brake arrangement only requires engagement with a gear wheel in connection with the shaft to be braked, the brake arrangement can be arranged to achieve easy access to it in the gearbox.
  • the brake arrangement can thereby be arranged at the periphery of the gearbox, where easy access is obtained. This facilitates the mounting of the brake arrangement and also facilitates repair and service of the brake arrangement.
  • braking a shaft may be achieved by means of the brake arrangement according to the invention, in several different ways. Since the brake device is configured to be connected the gearbox housing, the rotational speed of the shaft can be braked to zero rpm. Also, the brake arrangement can be used to brake the rotational speed of a shaft, independently of other shafts in the gearbox. The brake arrangement according to the invention thus entails great flexibility. Further objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent to one skilled in the art from the following details, and also by putting the invention into practice. Whereas the invention is described below, it should be noted that it is not restricted to the specific details described. Specialists having access to the teachings herein will recognise further applications, modifications and incorporations within other fields, which are within the scope of the invention.
  • Figure 1 schematically illustrates a vehicle according to an
  • Figure 2 schematically illustrates a powertrain and a gearbox according to an example
  • FIG. 3a-b schematically illustrates brake arrangements
  • Figure 4 schematically illustrates a brake arrangement
  • Figure 5 illustrates a flow chart for a method according to an example.
  • a brake arrangement for a gearbox comprises a plurality of shafts with gear wheels, wherein the brake arrangement is configured for braking the rotational movement of at least one of the shafts of the gearbox, wherein the brake arrangement comprises: a brake shaft; a brake wheel fixedly arranged on the brake shaft; and a brake device arranged in connection with the brake shaft, wherein the brake device is configured to be connected to a gearbox housing, and wherein the brake arrangement is configured to be arranged, such that the brake wheel is in engagement with a gear wheel arranged in connection with the shaft to be braked, and wherein the brake device is controllable to brake the brake shaft and thus the brake wheel, whereby the gear wheel and the shaft in connection with the gear wheel is braked.
  • the brake arrangement may be configured for an Automated Manual Transmission.
  • the brake arrangement may thus be referred to as an AMT brake arrangement or a brake arrangement for an AMT gearbox.
  • AMT gearboxes may be configured in many different ways. It is to be understood that the brake arrangement according to the disclosure, may be configured for any AMT gearbox.
  • a gear wheel or shaft being braked means that the rotational speed of the gear wheel/shaft is decreased. How much the shaft is braked may depend on how the brake device is controlled.
  • the shaft may be braked to standstill. Alternatively, the shaft may be braked to synchronize with the rotational speed of another shaft.
  • the brake device comprises friction discs. At least one friction disc may be rotary arranged on the brake shaft. At least one friction disc may be connected to the gearbox housing, such that it cannot rotate.
  • the brake device may thus be referred to as a frictional brake or disc brake.
  • the brake device may alternatively be an electromagnetic brake.
  • the brake device may be arranged in connection with a control device.
  • the control device may be configured to control the brake device.
  • the control device may be configured to activate the brake device and thus the brake arrangement when a need for reducing the rotational speed of a shaft has been identified.
  • the brake arrangement may be used for synchronizing rotational speeds of shafts in the gearbox when shifting gear.
  • the gearbox typically comprises a plurality of gear pairs corresponding to a number of fixed gear steps.
  • Each gear pair may comprise a first gear wheel, which is fixedly arranged on a shaft and a second gear wheel, which is arranged in engagement with the first gear wheel and which is selectively lockable to another shaft.
  • the first and second gear wheel of a gear pair may thus be arranged on parallel shafts.
  • a gear wheel fixedly arranged on the shaft will always rotate together with the shaft and with the same rotational speed as the shaft.
  • a gear wheel fixedly arranged on the shaft cannot rotate in relation to the shaft.
  • a gear wheel that is selectively lockable to a shaft will in a released or disconnected state be able to rotate in relation to the shaft.
  • the gear wheel in the released/disconnected state, the gear wheel will rotate independently of the shaft.
  • the gear wheel In a locked state, the gear wheel will rotate together with the shaft and cannot rotate in relation to the shaft.
  • the gear wheel may be mechanically locked to/disconnected from the shaft by means of displaceable coupling units.
  • Such coupling units may comprise coupling sleeves configured to interact with splines on the gear wheels.
  • the same coupling unit may be used for locking/disconnecting two different gear wheels to a shaft.
  • the brake wheel of the brake arrangement may comprise circumferential teeth for engagement with teeth provided on the gear wheel arranged in connection with the shaft to be braked.
  • the gearbox may comprise an input shaft.
  • the input shaft may be configured to be connected to a propulsion unit.
  • the input shaft may be configured to be connected to a propulsion unit via a clutch device.
  • the gearbox may further comprise a main shaft connected to the input shaft.
  • the gearbox may also comprise an output shaft connected to the main shaft.
  • the output shaft may further be configured to be connected to drive wheels when the gearbox is arranged in a vehicle.
  • the output shaft may be configured to be connected to a range gearbox.
  • the gearbox may also comprise a lay shaft arranged in connection with the input shaft, the main shaft and/or the output shaft. The lay shaft may be arranged in parallel with the input shaft and/or the main shaft.
  • the brake arrangement is configured to be arranged, such that the brake wheel is in engagement with a gear wheel fixedly arranged on the shaft to be braked.
  • the brake arrangement is connected to the shaft to be braked via a gear wheel fixedly arranged on the shaft.
  • the brake wheel may thus be arranged in engagement with a gear wheel in direct connection with the shaft to be braked. Since the brake arrangement is arranged in engagement with a gear wheel fixedly arranged on the shaft to be braked, the brake arrangement will brake the gear wheel and thereby the shaft on which the gear wheel is arranged.
  • the brake arrangement is configured to be arranged, such that the brake wheel is in engagement with a first gear wheel, which is arranged in engagement with a second gear wheel fixedly arranged on the shaft to be braked.
  • the brake arrangement is connected to the shaft to be braked via a gear wheel fixedly arranged on the shaft and another gear wheel.
  • the brake wheel may thus be configured to be arranged in engagement with a gear wheel arranged on another shaft than the shaft to be braked.
  • the brake arrangement may thus be configured to be arranged with the brake wheel in engagement with a gear wheel arranged on a shaft parallel with the shaft to be braked.
  • the brake arrangement may be configured to be arranged with the brake wheel in engagement with a gear wheel selectively lockable on another shaft than the shaft to be braked.
  • the gear wheel is suitably in a disconnected/unlocked state when the brake arrangement is activated.
  • the brake arrangement will brake the disconnected gear wheel and not the shaft on which it is arranged, whereby the disconnected gear wheel will brake the gear wheel fixedly arranged on the shaft to be braked.
  • the brake arrangement according to the disclosure may thus be configured to be arranged at a larger distance from the shaft to be braked. This way, one may choose to arrange the brake arrangement on a position within the gearbox, which renders easy access to the brake arrangement.
  • the brake arrangement is configured to be arranged at a top end of the gearbox. Since the brake arrangement is configured to be arranged in engagement with a gear wheel in connection with the shaft to be braked, and not the shaft itself, the brake arrangement may be arranged on a position at a top end of the gearbox.
  • the top end of the gearbox may be defined as the end of the gearbox being furthest away from the ground.
  • the brake arrangement is arranged at a bottom end of the gearbox.
  • the bottom end of the gearbox may be defined as the end of the gearbox being closest to the ground. In the event that the gearbox is arranged, such that access to the gearbox is achieved from below, arranging the brake arrangement at the bottom end of the gearbox will facilitate mounting, repair and replacement of the brake arrangement.
  • the brake arrangement may be configured for braking an input shaft of the gearbox.
  • the brake arrangement may then be configured to be arranged with the brake wheel in engagement with a gear wheel fixedly arranged on the input shaft.
  • the brake arrangement may be configured to be arranged with the brake wheel in engagement with a gear wheel selectively lockable on the lay shaft, wherein the gear wheel on the lay shaft is arranged in engagement with a gear wheel fixedly arranged on the input shaft.
  • the brake arrangement may be configured for braking a lay shaft of the gearbox.
  • the brake arrangement may then be configured to be arranged with the brake wheel in engagement with a gear wheel fixedly arranged on the lay shaft.
  • the brake arrangement may be configured to be arranged with the brake wheel in engagement with a gear wheel selectively lockable on a main shaft of the gearbox, wherein the gear wheel on the main shaft is arranged in engagement with a gear wheel fixedly arranged on the lay shaft.
  • the brake arrangement comprises a first brake unit for braking an input shaft of the gearbox, and a second brake unit for braking a lay shaft of the gearbox.
  • the first brake unit may comprise a first brake shaft; a first brake wheel fixedly arranged on the first brake shaft; and a first brake device arranged in connection with the first brake shaft.
  • the first brake wheel may be configured to be arranged in engagement with a gear wheel on the input shaft of the gearbox.
  • the second brake unit may comprise a second brake shaft; a second brake wheel fixedly arranged on the second brake shaft; and a second brake device arranged in connection with the second brake shaft.
  • the second brake wheel may be configured to be arranged in engagement with a gear wheel in connection with a lay shaft of the gearbox.
  • the brake arrangement may further comprise a housing.
  • the housing may accommodate both brake units.
  • the first brake shaft, the first brake wheel; the first brake device, the second brake shaft; the second brake wheel and the second brake device may all be arranged within the housing. This way, one single unit may be arranged inside the gearbox, for braking two different shafts. Mounting, repair and replacement of the brake arrangement is thereby facilitated.
  • a gearbox comprising a plurality of shafts with gear wheels.
  • the gearbox further comprises at least one brake arrangement as disclosed herein. It is to be understood that all the various examples of the brake arrangement also applies for the gearbox as well as for the use of such a brake arrangement for decreasing the rotational speed of a shaft in a gearbox.
  • the brake arrangement may thus be arranged to brake an input shaft and/or a lay shaft of the gearbox.
  • a method for decreasing the rotational speed of a shaft in a gearbox is provided.
  • the gearbox comprises a brake arrangement and the brake arrangement comprises: a brake shaft; a brake wheel fixedly arranged on the brake shaft; and a brake device arranged in connection with the brake shaft, wherein the brake device is configured to be connected to a gearbox housing, and wherein the brake arrangement is arranged, such that the brake wheel is in engagement with a gear wheel arranged in connection with the shaft of the gearbox.
  • the method comprises: controlling the brake device to brake the brake shaft and the brake wheel, such that the gear wheel and the shaft in connection with to the gear wheel is braked.
  • the brake arrangement may comprise a control device, wherein the method is performed by the control device. The control device may thus control the brake device to brake the brake shaft and the brake wheel, such that the gear wheel and the shaft connected to the gear wheel is braked.
  • control device performing the disclosed method may be implemented as a separate entity or distributed in two or more physical entities.
  • the control device may comprise one or more control units and/or computers.
  • the control device may thus be implemented or realised by the control device comprising a processor and a memory, the memory comprising instructions, which when executed by the processor causes the control device to perform the herein disclosed method steps.
  • FIG. 1 schematically shows a side view of a vehicle 1 according to an example.
  • the vehicle 1 comprises a powertrain 3 with a propulsion unit 2 connected to a gearbox 4.
  • the propulsion unit 2 may be an internal combustion engine, an electrical machine or similar.
  • the gearbox 4 is also connected to the driving wheels 8 of the vehicle 1.
  • the vehicle 1 may further comprise a brake arrangement 10 for the gearbox 4.
  • the vehicle 1 may be a heavy vehicle, e.g. a truck or a bus.
  • the vehicle 1 may alternatively be a passenger car.
  • FIG. 2 schematically shows a powertrain 3 of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • the vehicle may be the vehicle 1 as disclosed in Figure 1.
  • the powertrain 3 may comprise a propulsion unit 2, a gearbox 4 and a clutch 8 arranged to selectively transfer torque between the propulsion unit 2 and the gearbox 4.
  • the clutch 8 may comprise a flywheel 12 and a clutch disc 14.
  • the flywheel 12 may be connected to a crankshaft 13 of the propulsion unit 2 and the clutch disc 14 may be connected to an input shaft 15 of the gearbox
  • the gearbox 4 may further comprise a main shaft 16 and an output shaft 18, wherein the main shaft 16 is connectable to the output shaft 18.
  • the output shaft 18 may be connected to the driving wheels 6 of the vehicle 1.
  • the gearbox 4 may further comprise a lay shaft 20 arranged in connection with the input shaft 15, the main shaft 16 and/or the output shaft 18.
  • the gearbox 4 also comprises a brake arrangement 10 for braking, for example, the input shaft 15 and/or the lay shaft 20.
  • the brake arrangement 10 will be further described with regard to Figure 3a-b and Figure 4 below.
  • the powertrain 3 may comprise a control device 22.
  • the control device 22 may be configured to control the propulsion unit 2, the clutch 8, the gearbox 4 and/or the brake arrangement 10. In one example, the control device 22 is part of the brake arrangement 10.
  • the powertrain 3 may further comprise a computer 24 connected to the control device 22.
  • the control device 22 may be implemented as a separate entity or distributed in two or more physical entities.
  • the control device 22 may comprise one or more control units and/or computers.
  • FIGs 3a-b schematically illustrate a brake arrangement 10 for a gearbox 4 according to two examples.
  • the brake arrangement 10 may be associated with a gearbox 4 and thus a powertrain 3 as disclosed in Figure 2 and a vehicle 1 as disclosed in Figure 1.
  • the figures show an example of a gearbox 4 but it is to be understood that the configuration of the gearbox 4 is not part of the invention per se.
  • the gearbox 4 is only shown in order to illustrate the application of the brake arrangement 10 according to the disclosure.
  • the brake arrangement 10 is arranged at a top end 4’ of the gearbox 4.
  • the brake arrangement 10 is thus arranged above the shaft to be braked, and is not clamped between lots of different components of the gearbox 4. This way, easier access to the brake arrangement 10 is achieved.
  • the gearbox 4 comprises a housing 5 accommodating plurality of shafts 15, 16, 18, 20 with gear wheels 32, 34.
  • the gearbox 4 may comprise an input shaft 15, a main shaft 16, an output shaft 18 and a lay shaft 20.
  • the lay shaft 20 may be arranged in parallel with the input shaft 15 and the main shaft 16.
  • the gearbox 4 may comprise a plurality of gear pairs 30 corresponding to a number of fixed gear steps.
  • Each gear pair 30 may comprise a first gear wheel 32, which is fixedly arranged on a shaft 15, 16, 18, 20 and a second gear wheel 34, which is arranged in engagement with the first gear wheel 32 and is selectively lockable to another shaft 15, 16, 18, 20.
  • the second gear wheels 34 may be mechanically locked to/disconnected from the shafts 15, 16, 18, 20 by means of displaceable coupling units 40.
  • Such coupling units 40 may comprise coupling sleeves (not shown) configured to interact with splines (not shown) on the gear wheels 34.
  • the brake arrangement 10 comprises a brake shaft 50; a brake wheel 52 fixedly arranged on the brake shaft 50; and a brake device 54 arranged in connection with the brake shaft 50.
  • the brake device 54 is connected to the gearbox housing 5 even though this is not illustrated in the figure.
  • the brake arrangement 10 is arranged, such that the brake wheel 52 is in engagement with a gear wheel 32, 34 arranged in connection with the shaft 15, 16, 18, 20 to be braked.
  • the brake device 54 is controllable to brake the brake shaft 50 and thus the brake wheel 52, whereby the gear wheel 32, 34 and the shaft 15, 16, 18, 20 in connection with the gear wheel 32, 34 is braked.
  • the brake device 54 may comprise friction discs 56. At least one friction disc 56 may be rotary arranged on the brake shaft 50. At least one friction disc 56 may be connected to the gearbox housing 5.
  • the brake device 54 may be arranged in connection with a control device 22 as disclosed in Figure 2.
  • the control device 22 may be configured to control the brake device 54.
  • the brake arrangement 10 is arranged, such that the brake wheel 52 is in engagement with a gear wheel 32 fixedly arranged on the input shaft 15.
  • the brake wheel 52 may comprise circumferential teeth 53, which are in engagement with teeth 33 provided on the gear wheel 32.
  • the brake device 54 will brake the brake shaft 50 and the brake wheel 52, which will brake the gear wheel 32 and thus the input shaft 15.
  • FIG 3b schematically illustrates a brake arrangement 10 according to an example.
  • the brake arrangement 10 comprises a first brake unit 10’ and a second brake unit 10”.
  • the first brake unit 10’ may be arranged for braking the input shaft 15 of the gearbox 4 and the second brake unit 10” may be arranged for braking the lay shaft 20 of the gearbox 4.
  • the first brake unit 10’ comprises a first brake shaft 50’; a first brake wheel 52’ fixedly arranged on the first brake shaft 50’; and a first brake device 54’ arranged in connection with the first brake shaft 50’ just as the brake arrangement 10 disclosed in Figure 3a.
  • the first brake wheel 52’ is thus arranged in engagement with a gear wheel 32 fixedly arranged on the input shaft 15.
  • the second brake unit 10 comprises a second brake shaft 50”; a second brake wheel 52” fixedly arranged on the second brake shaft 50”; and a second brake device 54” arranged in connection with the second brake shaft 50”.
  • the second brake wheel 52” is in this example arranged in engagement with a gear wheel 34 in connection with the lay shaft 20 of the gearbox 4.
  • the second brake wheel 52” may be arranged in engagement with a gear wheel 34 being selectively lockable on the main shaft 16 of the gearbox 4.
  • the gear wheel 34 on the main shaft 16 is further arranged in engagement with a gear wheel 32 fixedly arranged on the lay shaft 20.
  • the second brake device 54” When the second brake device 54” is activated, the second brake shaft 50” and the second brake wheel 52” will be braked, whereby the gear wheel 34 on the main shaft 16 will be braked and thereby brake the gear wheel 32 on the lay shaft 20. If the gear wheel 34 is disconnected from the main shaft 16, only the gear wheel 34 will be braked, not the main shaft 16. However, if the gear wheel
  • the second brake device 54 is connected to the gearbox housing 5.
  • the second brake device 54” may comprise friction discs 56”. At least one friction disc 56” may be rotary arranged on the second brake shaft 50”. At least one friction disc 56” may be connected to the gearbox housing 5.
  • the second brake device 54” may be arranged in connection with a control device 22 as disclosed in Figure 2.
  • the control device 22 may be configured to control the second brake device 54”.
  • the brake arrangement 10 may comprise a housing 60, wherein the first brake unit 10’ and the second brake unit 10” are arranged within the housing 60. This way, one single unit may be arranged inside the gearbox 4, for braking two different shafts 15, 20.
  • FIG 4 schematically illustrates a brake arrangement 10 according to an example.
  • the brake arrangement 10 comprises a first brake unit 10’ and a second brake unit 10”.
  • the first brake unit 10’ may be arranged for braking the input shaft 15 of the gearbox 4 and the second brake unit 10” may be arranged for braking the lay shaft 20 of the gearbox 4.
  • the first brake unit 10’ comprises a first brake shaft 50’; a first brake wheel 52’ fixedly arranged on the first brake shaft 50’; and a first brake device 54’ arranged in connection with the first brake shaft 50’ just as the brake arrangement 10 disclosed in Figure 3a.
  • the first brake wheel 52’ is thus arranged in engagement with a gear wheel 32 fixedly arranged on the input shaft 15.
  • the second brake unit 10 comprises a second brake shaft 50”; a second brake wheel 52” fixedly arranged on the second brake shaft 50”; and a second brake device 54” arranged in connection with the second brake shaft 50”.
  • the second brake wheel 52” is in this example arranged in engagement with a gear wheel 32 fixedly arranged on the lay shaft 20 of the gearbox 4.
  • the second brake device 54” is connected to the gearbox housing 5.
  • the second brake device 54” may comprise friction discs 56”. At least one friction disc 56” may be rotary arranged on the second brake shaft 50”.
  • At least one friction disc 56 may be connected to the gearbox housing 5.
  • the second brake device 54” may be arranged in connection with a control device 22 as disclosed in Figure 2.
  • the control device 22 may be configured to control the second brake device 54”.
  • Figure 5 illustrates a flow chart for a method for decreasing the rotational speed of a shaft 15, 16, 18, 20 in a gearbox 4 according to an example.
  • the gearbox 4 may be configured as disclosed in Figure 3a-b or Figure 4.
  • the gearbox 4 may thus comprise a brake arrangement 10 as disclosed in Figure 3a-b or Figure 4.
  • the brake arrangement 10 comprises a brake shaft 50, 50’, 50”; a brake wheel 52, 52’, 52” fixedly arranged on the brake shaft 50, 50’, 50”; and a brake device 54, 54’, 54” arranged in connection with the brake shaft 50, 50’, 50”.
  • the brake device 54, 54’, 54” is configured to be connected to a gearbox housing 5, and the brake arrangement 10 is arranged, such that the brake wheel 52, 52’, 52” is in engagement with a gear wheel 32, 34 arranged in connection with the shaft 15, 16, 18, 20 of the gearbox 4.
  • the method comprises: controlling s101 the brake device 54, 54’, 54” to brake the brake shaft 50, 50’, 50” and the brake wheel 52, 52’, 52”, such that the gear wheel 32, 34 and the shaft 15, 16, 18, 20 in connection with the gear wheel 32, 34 is braked.
  • the method may be performed by the control device 22 as disclosed in Figure 2.
  • the step of controlling s101 the brake device 54, 54’, 54” to brake the brake shaft 50, 50’, 50” and the brake wheel 52, 52’, 52” may comprise activating the brake device 54, 54’, 54”.
  • the control device 22 may be configured to activate the brake device 54, 54’, 54” when it has been identified that a rotational speed of a shaft 15, 16, 18, 20 needs to be decreased. As an example, the rotational speed of a shaft 15, 16, 18, 20 may need to be decreased for synchronizing rotational speeds during gear shifting.
  • the brake arrangement 10 may be controlled/used as part of a gearbox system, gear-shifting system, gear-shifting process etc.

Abstract

The invention relates to a brake arrangement (10) for a gearbox (4) comprising shafts (15, 16, 18, 20) with gear wheels (32, 34). The brake arrangement (10) comprises a brake shaft (50, 50', 50''); a brake wheel (52, 52', 52'') fixedly arranged on the brake shaft (50, 50', 50''); and a brake device (54, 54', 54'') arranged in connection with the brake shaft (50, 50', 50''), wherein the brake device (54, 54', 54'') is configured to be connected to a gearbox housing (5), and wherein the brake arrangement (10) is arranged, such that the brake wheel (52, 52', 52'') is engaged with a gear wheel (32, 34) arranged in connection with the shaft (15, 16, 18, 20) to be braked, and wherein the brake device (54, 54', 54'') is controllable to brake the brake shaft (50, 50', 50'') and thus the brake wheel (52, 52', 52'').

Description

A brake arrangement for a gearbox, a gearbox and a method
TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a brake arrangement for a gearbox. The invention also relates to a gearbox comprising such a brake arrangement, a method for braking the rotational speed of a shaft in a gearbox and use of a brake arrangement in a gearbox. BACKGROUND
A gearbox comprises a large number of interacting components, which all affect the shape and weight of the gearbox. When the gearbox is arranged in a vehicle, the weight and size of the gearbox will have a great impact on, for example, the weight of the vehicle. The number of components may also affect the function of the gearbox. Manufacturers therefore often try to achieve as compact gearboxes as possible.
Synchronized gearboxes, which comprise a large number of gear steps, may comprise a plurality of synchronization rings for shifting between different gear steps. Automated Manual Transmissions (AMT), also called semi-automatic transmissions, are commonly known and are often unsynchronized in that they lack synchronization rings. In order to control the rotational speed of the shafts in such a gearbox, different kinds of brake arrangements are typically used. One known solution is to use brakes arranged at the end of the shafts to be braked. Installing brakes on such positions in a gearbox may be very complicated since gearboxes are compact and comprises a lot of components. It may thus be difficult to get access to such brakes which complicates installation, service and repair. SUMMARY
Despite known solutions in the field, it would be desirable to develop a brake arrangement which overcomes or alleviates at least some of the drawbacks of the prior art.
An object of the present invention is thus to achieve an advantageous brake arrangement, which facilitates assembly of a gearbox. Another object of the present invention is to achieve a brake arrangement, which facilitates repair and service of the brake arrangement.
The herein mentioned objects are achieved by a brake arrangement, a gearbox comprising such a brake arrangement, a vehicle, a method for decreasing the rotational speed of a shaft in a gearbox and use of such a brake arrangement according to the independent claims.
Hence, according to an aspect of the present invention, a brake arrangement for a gearbox is provided, the gearbox comprising a plurality of shafts with gear wheels, wherein the brake arrangement is configured for braking the rotational movement of at least one of the shafts of the gearbox, wherein the brake arrangement comprises: a brake shaft; a brake wheel fixedly arranged on the brake shaft; and a brake device arranged in connection with the brake shaft, wherein the brake device is configured to be connected to a gearbox housing, and wherein the brake arrangement is configured to be arranged, such that the brake wheel is in engagement with a gear wheel arranged in connection with the shaft to be braked, and wherein the brake device is controllable to brake the brake shaft and thus the brake wheel, whereby the gear wheel and the shaft in connection with the gear wheel is braked. According to another aspect of the invention, a gearbox comprising such a brake arrangement is provided. According to another aspect of the invention, a vehicle comprising such a gearbox is provided. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for decreasing the rotational speed of a shaft in a gearbox is provided. The gearbox comprises a brake arrangement, the brake arrangement comprising: a brake shaft; a brake wheel fixedly arranged on the brake shaft; and a brake device arranged in connection with the brake shaft, wherein the brake device is configured to be connected to a gearbox housing, and wherein the brake arrangement is arranged, such that the brake wheel is in engagement with a gear wheel arranged in connection with the shaft to be braked. The method comprises: controlling the brake device to brake the brake shaft and the brake wheel, such that the gear wheel and the shaft in connection with the gear wheel is braked.
By using a brake arrangement where a brake wheel is arranged in engagement with a gear wheel in connection with the shaft to be braked, the brake arrangement can be arranged essentially anywhere in the gearbox in relation to the shaft to be braked. The brake arrangement does thus not have to be arranged on the shaft. Since the brake arrangement only requires engagement with a gear wheel in connection with the shaft to be braked, the brake arrangement can be arranged to achieve easy access to it in the gearbox. The brake arrangement can thereby be arranged at the periphery of the gearbox, where easy access is obtained. This facilitates the mounting of the brake arrangement and also facilitates repair and service of the brake arrangement. In a gearbox with a plurality of gear wheels and thus a plurality of gear steps, braking a shaft may be achieved by means of the brake arrangement according to the invention, in several different ways. Since the brake device is configured to be connected the gearbox housing, the rotational speed of the shaft can be braked to zero rpm. Also, the brake arrangement can be used to brake the rotational speed of a shaft, independently of other shafts in the gearbox. The brake arrangement according to the invention thus entails great flexibility. Further objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent to one skilled in the art from the following details, and also by putting the invention into practice. Whereas the invention is described below, it should be noted that it is not restricted to the specific details described. Specialists having access to the teachings herein will recognise further applications, modifications and incorporations within other fields, which are within the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For fuller understanding of the present invention and further objects and advantages of it, the detailed description set out below should be read together with the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference notations denote similar items in the various drawings, and in which:
Figure 1 schematically illustrates a vehicle according to an
example;
Figure 2 schematically illustrates a powertrain and a gearbox according to an example;
Figure 3a-b schematically illustrates brake arrangements
according to two examples;
Figure 4 schematically illustrates a brake arrangement
according to an example; and
Figure 5 illustrates a flow chart for a method according to an example.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a brake arrangement for a gearbox is provided. The gearbox comprises a plurality of shafts with gear wheels, wherein the brake arrangement is configured for braking the rotational movement of at least one of the shafts of the gearbox, wherein the brake arrangement comprises: a brake shaft; a brake wheel fixedly arranged on the brake shaft; and a brake device arranged in connection with the brake shaft, wherein the brake device is configured to be connected to a gearbox housing, and wherein the brake arrangement is configured to be arranged, such that the brake wheel is in engagement with a gear wheel arranged in connection with the shaft to be braked, and wherein the brake device is controllable to brake the brake shaft and thus the brake wheel, whereby the gear wheel and the shaft in connection with the gear wheel is braked.
The brake arrangement may be configured for an Automated Manual Transmission. The brake arrangement may thus be referred to as an AMT brake arrangement or a brake arrangement for an AMT gearbox. AMT gearboxes may be configured in many different ways. It is to be understood that the brake arrangement according to the disclosure, may be configured for any AMT gearbox.
When it herein is described that a component is braked, it means that the rotational movement of the component is decelerated. Thus, a gear wheel or shaft being braked means that the rotational speed of the gear wheel/shaft is decreased. How much the shaft is braked may depend on how the brake device is controlled. The shaft may be braked to standstill. Alternatively, the shaft may be braked to synchronize with the rotational speed of another shaft.
According to an example, the brake device comprises friction discs. At least one friction disc may be rotary arranged on the brake shaft. At least one friction disc may be connected to the gearbox housing, such that it cannot rotate. The brake device may thus be referred to as a frictional brake or disc brake. The brake device may alternatively be an electromagnetic brake. The brake device may be arranged in connection with a control device. The control device may be configured to control the brake device. Thus, the control device may be configured to activate the brake device and thus the brake arrangement when a need for reducing the rotational speed of a shaft has been identified. As an example, the brake arrangement may be used for synchronizing rotational speeds of shafts in the gearbox when shifting gear.
The gearbox typically comprises a plurality of gear pairs corresponding to a number of fixed gear steps. Each gear pair may comprise a first gear wheel, which is fixedly arranged on a shaft and a second gear wheel, which is arranged in engagement with the first gear wheel and which is selectively lockable to another shaft. The first and second gear wheel of a gear pair may thus be arranged on parallel shafts. A gear wheel fixedly arranged on the shaft will always rotate together with the shaft and with the same rotational speed as the shaft. Thus, a gear wheel fixedly arranged on the shaft cannot rotate in relation to the shaft. A gear wheel that is selectively lockable to a shaft will in a released or disconnected state be able to rotate in relation to the shaft. Thus, in the released/disconnected state, the gear wheel will rotate independently of the shaft. In a locked state, the gear wheel will rotate together with the shaft and cannot rotate in relation to the shaft. The gear wheel may be mechanically locked to/disconnected from the shaft by means of displaceable coupling units. Such coupling units may comprise coupling sleeves configured to interact with splines on the gear wheels. The same coupling unit may be used for locking/disconnecting two different gear wheels to a shaft.
The brake wheel of the brake arrangement may comprise circumferential teeth for engagement with teeth provided on the gear wheel arranged in connection with the shaft to be braked.
The gearbox may comprise an input shaft. The input shaft may be configured to be connected to a propulsion unit. The input shaft may be configured to be connected to a propulsion unit via a clutch device. The gearbox may further comprise a main shaft connected to the input shaft. The gearbox may also comprise an output shaft connected to the main shaft. The output shaft may further be configured to be connected to drive wheels when the gearbox is arranged in a vehicle. The output shaft may be configured to be connected to a range gearbox. The gearbox may also comprise a lay shaft arranged in connection with the input shaft, the main shaft and/or the output shaft. The lay shaft may be arranged in parallel with the input shaft and/or the main shaft.
According to an example, the brake arrangement is configured to be arranged, such that the brake wheel is in engagement with a gear wheel fixedly arranged on the shaft to be braked. This way, the brake arrangement is connected to the shaft to be braked via a gear wheel fixedly arranged on the shaft. The brake wheel may thus be arranged in engagement with a gear wheel in direct connection with the shaft to be braked. Since the brake arrangement is arranged in engagement with a gear wheel fixedly arranged on the shaft to be braked, the brake arrangement will brake the gear wheel and thereby the shaft on which the gear wheel is arranged.
According to another example, the brake arrangement is configured to be arranged, such that the brake wheel is in engagement with a first gear wheel, which is arranged in engagement with a second gear wheel fixedly arranged on the shaft to be braked. This way, the brake arrangement is connected to the shaft to be braked via a gear wheel fixedly arranged on the shaft and another gear wheel. The brake wheel may thus be configured to be arranged in engagement with a gear wheel arranged on another shaft than the shaft to be braked. The brake arrangement may thus be configured to be arranged with the brake wheel in engagement with a gear wheel arranged on a shaft parallel with the shaft to be braked. The brake arrangement may be configured to be arranged with the brake wheel in engagement with a gear wheel selectively lockable on another shaft than the shaft to be braked. The gear wheel is suitably in a disconnected/unlocked state when the brake arrangement is activated. This way, the brake arrangement will brake the disconnected gear wheel and not the shaft on which it is arranged, whereby the disconnected gear wheel will brake the gear wheel fixedly arranged on the shaft to be braked. The brake arrangement according to the disclosure may thus be configured to be arranged at a larger distance from the shaft to be braked. This way, one may choose to arrange the brake arrangement on a position within the gearbox, which renders easy access to the brake arrangement.
According to an example, the brake arrangement is configured to be arranged at a top end of the gearbox. Since the brake arrangement is configured to be arranged in engagement with a gear wheel in connection with the shaft to be braked, and not the shaft itself, the brake arrangement may be arranged on a position at a top end of the gearbox. The top end of the gearbox may be defined as the end of the gearbox being furthest away from the ground. By arranging the brake arrangement at the top end of the gearbox, mounting, repair and replacement of the brake arrangement is facilitated. Alternatively, the brake arrangement is arranged at a bottom end of the gearbox. The bottom end of the gearbox may be defined as the end of the gearbox being closest to the ground. In the event that the gearbox is arranged, such that access to the gearbox is achieved from below, arranging the brake arrangement at the bottom end of the gearbox will facilitate mounting, repair and replacement of the brake arrangement.
The brake arrangement may be configured for braking an input shaft of the gearbox. The brake arrangement may then be configured to be arranged with the brake wheel in engagement with a gear wheel fixedly arranged on the input shaft. Alternatively, the brake arrangement may be configured to be arranged with the brake wheel in engagement with a gear wheel selectively lockable on the lay shaft, wherein the gear wheel on the lay shaft is arranged in engagement with a gear wheel fixedly arranged on the input shaft.
The brake arrangement may be configured for braking a lay shaft of the gearbox. The brake arrangement may then be configured to be arranged with the brake wheel in engagement with a gear wheel fixedly arranged on the lay shaft. Alternatively, the brake arrangement may be configured to be arranged with the brake wheel in engagement with a gear wheel selectively lockable on a main shaft of the gearbox, wherein the gear wheel on the main shaft is arranged in engagement with a gear wheel fixedly arranged on the lay shaft. According to an example, the brake arrangement comprises a first brake unit for braking an input shaft of the gearbox, and a second brake unit for braking a lay shaft of the gearbox. The first brake unit may comprise a first brake shaft; a first brake wheel fixedly arranged on the first brake shaft; and a first brake device arranged in connection with the first brake shaft. The first brake wheel may be configured to be arranged in engagement with a gear wheel on the input shaft of the gearbox. The second brake unit may comprise a second brake shaft; a second brake wheel fixedly arranged on the second brake shaft; and a second brake device arranged in connection with the second brake shaft. The second brake wheel may be configured to be arranged in engagement with a gear wheel in connection with a lay shaft of the gearbox.
The brake arrangement may further comprise a housing. In the event that the brake arrangement comprises a first brake unit and a second brake unit, the housing may accommodate both brake units. Thus, the first brake shaft, the first brake wheel; the first brake device, the second brake shaft; the second brake wheel and the second brake device may all be arranged within the housing. This way, one single unit may be arranged inside the gearbox, for braking two different shafts. Mounting, repair and replacement of the brake arrangement is thereby facilitated.
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a gearbox is provided. The gearbox comprises a plurality of shafts with gear wheels. The gearbox further comprises at least one brake arrangement as disclosed herein. It is to be understood that all the various examples of the brake arrangement also applies for the gearbox as well as for the use of such a brake arrangement for decreasing the rotational speed of a shaft in a gearbox. The brake arrangement may thus be arranged to brake an input shaft and/or a lay shaft of the gearbox. According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for decreasing the rotational speed of a shaft in a gearbox is provided. The gearbox comprises a brake arrangement and the brake arrangement comprises: a brake shaft; a brake wheel fixedly arranged on the brake shaft; and a brake device arranged in connection with the brake shaft, wherein the brake device is configured to be connected to a gearbox housing, and wherein the brake arrangement is arranged, such that the brake wheel is in engagement with a gear wheel arranged in connection with the shaft of the gearbox. The method comprises: controlling the brake device to brake the brake shaft and the brake wheel, such that the gear wheel and the shaft in connection with to the gear wheel is braked. The brake arrangement may comprise a control device, wherein the method is performed by the control device. The control device may thus control the brake device to brake the brake shaft and the brake wheel, such that the gear wheel and the shaft connected to the gear wheel is braked. It is to be understood that the control device performing the disclosed method may be implemented as a separate entity or distributed in two or more physical entities. The control device may comprise one or more control units and/or computers. The control device may thus be implemented or realised by the control device comprising a processor and a memory, the memory comprising instructions, which when executed by the processor causes the control device to perform the herein disclosed method steps.
The present disclosure will now be further illustrated with reference to the appended figures.
Figure 1 schematically shows a side view of a vehicle 1 according to an example. The vehicle 1 comprises a powertrain 3 with a propulsion unit 2 connected to a gearbox 4. The propulsion unit 2 may be an internal combustion engine, an electrical machine or similar. The gearbox 4 is also connected to the driving wheels 8 of the vehicle 1. The vehicle 1 may further comprise a brake arrangement 10 for the gearbox 4. The vehicle 1 may be a heavy vehicle, e.g. a truck or a bus. The vehicle 1 may alternatively be a passenger car.
Figure 2 schematically shows a powertrain 3 of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention. The vehicle may be the vehicle 1 as disclosed in Figure 1. The powertrain 3 may comprise a propulsion unit 2, a gearbox 4 and a clutch 8 arranged to selectively transfer torque between the propulsion unit 2 and the gearbox 4. The clutch 8 may comprise a flywheel 12 and a clutch disc 14. The flywheel 12 may be connected to a crankshaft 13 of the propulsion unit 2 and the clutch disc 14 may be connected to an input shaft 15 of the gearbox
4. When the clutch 8 is engaged the clutch 8 is in a position where the flywheel 12 and the clutch disc 14 are engaged and the propulsion unit 2 and the gearbox 4 are thus connected. When the clutch 8 is disengaged the clutch 8 is in a position where the flywheel 12 and the clutch disc 14 are separated, and the propulsion unit 2 is disconnected from the gearbox 4. The gearbox 4 may further comprise a main shaft 16 and an output shaft 18, wherein the main shaft 16 is connectable to the output shaft 18. The output shaft 18 may be connected to the driving wheels 6 of the vehicle 1. The gearbox 4 may further comprise a lay shaft 20 arranged in connection with the input shaft 15, the main shaft 16 and/or the output shaft 18. Only two driving wheels 6 are illustrated in Figure 2, however, any number of driving wheels 6 may be driven by the powertrain 3 within the scope of the invention. The gearbox 4 also comprises a brake arrangement 10 for braking, for example, the input shaft 15 and/or the lay shaft 20. The brake arrangement 10 will be further described with regard to Figure 3a-b and Figure 4 below.
The powertrain 3 may comprise a control device 22. The control device 22 may be configured to control the propulsion unit 2, the clutch 8, the gearbox 4 and/or the brake arrangement 10. In one example, the control device 22 is part of the brake arrangement 10. The powertrain 3 may further comprise a computer 24 connected to the control device 22. The control device 22 may be implemented as a separate entity or distributed in two or more physical entities. The control device 22 may comprise one or more control units and/or computers.
Figures 3a-b schematically illustrate a brake arrangement 10 for a gearbox 4 according to two examples. The brake arrangement 10 may be associated with a gearbox 4 and thus a powertrain 3 as disclosed in Figure 2 and a vehicle 1 as disclosed in Figure 1. The figures show an example of a gearbox 4 but it is to be understood that the configuration of the gearbox 4 is not part of the invention per se. The gearbox 4 is only shown in order to illustrate the application of the brake arrangement 10 according to the disclosure. In these examples, the brake arrangement 10 is arranged at a top end 4’ of the gearbox 4. The brake arrangement 10 is thus arranged above the shaft to be braked, and is not clamped between lots of different components of the gearbox 4. This way, easier access to the brake arrangement 10 is achieved.
The gearbox 4 comprises a housing 5 accommodating plurality of shafts 15, 16, 18, 20 with gear wheels 32, 34. The gearbox 4 may comprise an input shaft 15, a main shaft 16, an output shaft 18 and a lay shaft 20. The lay shaft 20 may be arranged in parallel with the input shaft 15 and the main shaft 16. The gearbox 4 may comprise a plurality of gear pairs 30 corresponding to a number of fixed gear steps. Each gear pair 30 may comprise a first gear wheel 32, which is fixedly arranged on a shaft 15, 16, 18, 20 and a second gear wheel 34, which is arranged in engagement with the first gear wheel 32 and is selectively lockable to another shaft 15, 16, 18, 20. The second gear wheels 34 may be mechanically locked to/disconnected from the shafts 15, 16, 18, 20 by means of displaceable coupling units 40. Such coupling units 40 may comprise coupling sleeves (not shown) configured to interact with splines (not shown) on the gear wheels 34.
In figure 3a, the brake arrangement 10 comprises a brake shaft 50; a brake wheel 52 fixedly arranged on the brake shaft 50; and a brake device 54 arranged in connection with the brake shaft 50. The brake device 54 is connected to the gearbox housing 5 even though this is not illustrated in the figure. The brake arrangement 10 is arranged, such that the brake wheel 52 is in engagement with a gear wheel 32, 34 arranged in connection with the shaft 15, 16, 18, 20 to be braked. The brake device 54 is controllable to brake the brake shaft 50 and thus the brake wheel 52, whereby the gear wheel 32, 34 and the shaft 15, 16, 18, 20 in connection with the gear wheel 32, 34 is braked.
The brake device 54 may comprise friction discs 56. At least one friction disc 56 may be rotary arranged on the brake shaft 50. At least one friction disc 56 may be connected to the gearbox housing 5. The brake device 54 may be arranged in connection with a control device 22 as disclosed in Figure 2. The control device 22 may be configured to control the brake device 54.
In this example, the brake arrangement 10 is arranged, such that the brake wheel 52 is in engagement with a gear wheel 32 fixedly arranged on the input shaft 15. The brake wheel 52 may comprise circumferential teeth 53, which are in engagement with teeth 33 provided on the gear wheel 32. When the brake arrangement 10 is activated, the brake device 54 will brake the brake shaft 50 and the brake wheel 52, which will brake the gear wheel 32 and thus the input shaft 15.
Figure 3b schematically illustrates a brake arrangement 10 according to an example. The brake arrangement 10 comprises a first brake unit 10’ and a second brake unit 10”. The first brake unit 10’ may be arranged for braking the input shaft 15 of the gearbox 4 and the second brake unit 10” may be arranged for braking the lay shaft 20 of the gearbox 4. The first brake unit 10’ comprises a first brake shaft 50’; a first brake wheel 52’ fixedly arranged on the first brake shaft 50’; and a first brake device 54’ arranged in connection with the first brake shaft 50’ just as the brake arrangement 10 disclosed in Figure 3a. The first brake wheel 52’ is thus arranged in engagement with a gear wheel 32 fixedly arranged on the input shaft 15. The second brake unit 10” comprises a second brake shaft 50”; a second brake wheel 52” fixedly arranged on the second brake shaft 50”; and a second brake device 54” arranged in connection with the second brake shaft 50”. The second brake wheel 52” is in this example arranged in engagement with a gear wheel 34 in connection with the lay shaft 20 of the gearbox 4. The second brake wheel
52” may comprise circumferential teeth 53, which are in engagement with teeth
33 provided on the gear wheel 34. The second brake wheel 52” may be arranged in engagement with a gear wheel 34 being selectively lockable on the main shaft 16 of the gearbox 4. The gear wheel 34 on the main shaft 16 is further arranged in engagement with a gear wheel 32 fixedly arranged on the lay shaft 20. When the second brake device 54” is activated, the second brake shaft 50” and the second brake wheel 52” will be braked, whereby the gear wheel 34 on the main shaft 16 will be braked and thereby brake the gear wheel 32 on the lay shaft 20. If the gear wheel 34 is disconnected from the main shaft 16, only the gear wheel 34 will be braked, not the main shaft 16. However, if the gear wheel
34 is locked to the main shaft 16, the main shaft 16 will also be braked when the second brake unit 10” is activated. The brake arrangement 10 may thus be arranged with the second brake wheel 52” in engagement with a gear wheel 34 not arranged on the shaft 20 to be braked but in connection with the shaft 20 to be braked via another gear wheel 32.
The second brake device 54” is connected to the gearbox housing 5. The second brake device 54” may comprise friction discs 56”. At least one friction disc 56” may be rotary arranged on the second brake shaft 50”. At least one friction disc 56” may be connected to the gearbox housing 5. The second brake device 54” may be arranged in connection with a control device 22 as disclosed in Figure 2. The control device 22 may be configured to control the second brake device 54”. The brake arrangement 10 may comprise a housing 60, wherein the first brake unit 10’ and the second brake unit 10” are arranged within the housing 60. This way, one single unit may be arranged inside the gearbox 4, for braking two different shafts 15, 20.
Figure 4 schematically illustrates a brake arrangement 10 according to an example. The brake arrangement 10 comprises a first brake unit 10’ and a second brake unit 10”. The first brake unit 10’ may be arranged for braking the input shaft 15 of the gearbox 4 and the second brake unit 10” may be arranged for braking the lay shaft 20 of the gearbox 4. The first brake unit 10’ comprises a first brake shaft 50’; a first brake wheel 52’ fixedly arranged on the first brake shaft 50’; and a first brake device 54’ arranged in connection with the first brake shaft 50’ just as the brake arrangement 10 disclosed in Figure 3a. The first brake wheel 52’ is thus arranged in engagement with a gear wheel 32 fixedly arranged on the input shaft 15. The second brake unit 10” comprises a second brake shaft 50”; a second brake wheel 52” fixedly arranged on the second brake shaft 50”; and a second brake device 54” arranged in connection with the second brake shaft 50”. The second brake wheel 52” is in this example arranged in engagement with a gear wheel 32 fixedly arranged on the lay shaft 20 of the gearbox 4. When the second brake device 54” is activated, the second brake shaft 50” and the second brake wheel 52” will be braked, whereby the gear wheel 32 on the lay shaft 20 and thus the lay shaft will be braked. The second brake device 54” is connected to the gearbox housing 5. The second brake device 54” may comprise friction discs 56”. At least one friction disc 56” may be rotary arranged on the second brake shaft 50”. At least one friction disc 56” may be connected to the gearbox housing 5. The second brake device 54” may be arranged in connection with a control device 22 as disclosed in Figure 2. The control device 22 may be configured to control the second brake device 54”. Figure 5 illustrates a flow chart for a method for decreasing the rotational speed of a shaft 15, 16, 18, 20 in a gearbox 4 according to an example. The gearbox 4 may be configured as disclosed in Figure 3a-b or Figure 4. The gearbox 4 may thus comprise a brake arrangement 10 as disclosed in Figure 3a-b or Figure 4. The brake arrangement 10 comprises a brake shaft 50, 50’, 50”; a brake wheel 52, 52’, 52” fixedly arranged on the brake shaft 50, 50’, 50”; and a brake device 54, 54’, 54” arranged in connection with the brake shaft 50, 50’, 50”. The brake device 54, 54’, 54” is configured to be connected to a gearbox housing 5, and the brake arrangement 10 is arranged, such that the brake wheel 52, 52’, 52” is in engagement with a gear wheel 32, 34 arranged in connection with the shaft 15, 16, 18, 20 of the gearbox 4. The method comprises: controlling s101 the brake device 54, 54’, 54” to brake the brake shaft 50, 50’, 50” and the brake wheel 52, 52’, 52”, such that the gear wheel 32, 34 and the shaft 15, 16, 18, 20 in connection with the gear wheel 32, 34 is braked.
The method may be performed by the control device 22 as disclosed in Figure 2. The step of controlling s101 the brake device 54, 54’, 54” to brake the brake shaft 50, 50’, 50” and the brake wheel 52, 52’, 52” may comprise activating the brake device 54, 54’, 54”. The control device 22 may be configured to activate the brake device 54, 54’, 54” when it has been identified that a rotational speed of a shaft 15, 16, 18, 20 needs to be decreased. As an example, the rotational speed of a shaft 15, 16, 18, 20 may need to be decreased for synchronizing rotational speeds during gear shifting. Thus, the brake arrangement 10 may be controlled/used as part of a gearbox system, gear-shifting system, gear-shifting process etc.
The foregoing description of the examples is provided for illustrative and descriptive purposes. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to restrict the invention to the variants described. Many modifications and variations will obviously be apparent to one skilled in the art. The examples have been chosen and described in order best to explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications and hence make it possible for specialists to understand the invention for various examples and with the various modifications appropriate to the intended use.

Claims

Claims
1. A brake arrangement (10) for a gearbox (4), the gearbox (4) comprising a plurality of shafts (15, 16, 18, 20) with gear wheels (32, 34), wherein the brake arrangement (10) is configured for braking the rotational movement of at least one of the shafts (15, 16, 18, 20) of the gearbox (4), wherein the brake arrangement (10) comprises:
a brake shaft (50, 50’, 50”);
a brake wheel (52, 52’, 52”) fixedly arranged on the brake shaft (50, 50’, 50”); and
a brake device (54, 54’, 54”) arranged in connection with the brake shaft (50, 50’, 50”),
wherein the brake device (54, 54’, 54”) is configured to be connected to a gearbox housing (5), and wherein the brake arrangement (10) is configured to be arranged, such that the brake wheel (52, 52’, 52”) is in engagement with a gear wheel (32, 34) arranged in connection with the shaft (15, 16, 18, 20) to be braked, and wherein the brake device (54, 54’, 54”) is controllable to brake the brake shaft (50, 50’, 50”) and thus the brake wheel (52, 52’, 52”), whereby the gear wheel (32, 34) and the shaft (15, 16, 18, 20) in connection with the gear wheel (32, 34) is braked.
2. The brake arrangement (10) according to claim 1 , wherein the brake device (54, 54’, 54”) comprises friction discs (56, 56’, 56”).
3. The brake arrangement (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the brake arrangement (10) is configured to be arranged, such that the brake wheel (52, 52’, 52”) is in engagement with a gear wheel (32) fixedly arranged on the shaft (15, 16, 18, 20) to be braked.
4. The brake arrangement (10) according to any one of claims 1 -2, wherein the brake arrangement (10) is configured to be arranged, such that the brake wheel (52, 52’, 52”) is in engagement with a first gear wheel (34), which is arranged in engagement with a second gear wheel (32) fixedly arranged on the shaft (15, 16, 18, 20) to be braked.
5. The brake arrangement (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the brake wheel (52, 52’, 52”) comprises circumferential teeth (53) for engagement with teeth (33) provided on the gear wheel (32, 34) arranged in connection with the shaft (15, 16, 18, 20) to be braked.
6. The brake arrangement (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the brake arrangement (10) is configured to be arranged at a top end
(4’) of the gearbox (4).
7. The brake arrangement (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the brake arrangement (10) comprises a first brake unit (10’) for braking an input shaft (15) of the gearbox (4) and a second brake unit (10”) for braking a lay shaft (20) of the gearbox (4).
8. The brake arrangement (10) according to claim 7, wherein the first brake unit (10’) comprises a first brake shaft (50’); a first brake wheel (52’) fixedly arranged on the first brake shaft (50’); and a first brake device (54’) arranged in association with the first brake shaft (50’), wherein the first brake wheel (52’) is configured to be arranged in engagement with a gear wheel (32, 34) on the input shaft (15) of the gearbox (4), and wherein the second brake unit (10”) comprises a second brake shaft (50”); a second brake wheel (52”) fixedly arranged on the second brake shaft (50”); and a second brake device (54”) arranged in association with the second brake shaft (50”), wherein the second brake wheel (52”) is configured to be arranged in engagement with a gear wheel (32, 34) in connection with the lay shaft (20) of the gearbox (4).
9. The brake arrangement (10) according to any one of claims 7-8, further comprising: a housing (60) accommodating the first brake unit (10’) and the second brake unit (10”).
10. A gearbox (4), comprising a plurality of shafts (15, 16, 18, 20) with gear wheels (32, 34), wherein the gearbox (4) further comprises at least one brake arrangement (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.
1 1. The gearbox (4) according to claim 10, wherein the brake arrangement (10) is arranged to brake an input shaft (15) and/or a lay shaft (20) of the gearbox (4).
12. A method for decreasing the rotational speed of a shaft (15, 16, 18, 20) in a gearbox, the gearbox (4) comprising a brake arrangement (10), the brake arrangement (10) comprising:
a brake shaft (50, 50’, 50”);
a brake wheel (52, 52’, 52”) fixedly arranged on the brake shaft (50, 50’, 50”); and
a brake device (54, 54’, 54”) arranged in connection with the brake shaft (50, 50’, 50”),
wherein the brake device (54, 54’, 54”) is configured to be connected to a gearbox housing (5), and wherein the brake arrangement (10) is arranged, such that the brake wheel (52, 52’, 52”) is in engagement with a gear wheel (32, 34) arranged in connection with the shaft (15, 16, 18, 20) of the gearbox (4), the method comprising:
controlling (s101 ) the brake device (54, 54’, 54”) to brake the brake shaft (50, 50’, 50”) and the brake wheel (52, 52’, 52”), such that the gear wheel (32, 34) and the shaft (15, 16, 18, 20) in connection with to the gear wheel (32, 34) is braked.
13. Use of a brake arrangement (10) according to any one of claims 1 -9 in a gearbox (4).
PCT/SE2019/051006 2018-10-17 2019-10-14 A brake arrangement for a gearbox, a gearbox and a method WO2020080998A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SE1851271-5 2018-10-17
SE1851271 2018-10-17

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2020080998A1 true WO2020080998A1 (en) 2020-04-23

Family

ID=70284236

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/SE2019/051006 WO2020080998A1 (en) 2018-10-17 2019-10-14 A brake arrangement for a gearbox, a gearbox and a method

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2020080998A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
SE2051501A1 (en) * 2020-12-18 2022-06-19 Scania Cv Ab Control device and method for engaging a start gear in a gearbox
CN115059758A (en) * 2022-06-27 2022-09-16 江西福格新能源传动技术有限公司 Transmission shaft locking device for new energy automobile gearbox and implementation method thereof

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4802375A (en) * 1985-12-06 1989-02-07 J. M. Voith Gmbh Change-speed gearbox
WO1991010079A1 (en) * 1989-12-27 1991-07-11 Saab Automobile Aktiebolag Gearbox for motor vehicles
US20040144190A1 (en) * 2003-01-24 2004-07-29 Arthur Hall Seven-speed power transmission
US20080116030A1 (en) * 2006-10-24 2008-05-22 Zf Friedrichshafen Ag Gear brake device for a multi-speed manual transmission
EP2058558A1 (en) * 2007-11-08 2009-05-13 Peugeot Citroën Automobiles Société Anonyme Vehicle with a system for synchronising a motorised gearbox and method of controlling the synchronisation system
EP2273154A1 (en) * 2009-07-07 2011-01-12 Peugeot Citroën Automobiles SA Gearbox with derivation of the torque and associated shifting method
WO2016028207A1 (en) * 2014-08-21 2016-02-25 Scania Cv Ab Transmission for vehicle, vehicle comprising such a transmission and method to control a transmission
US20180172142A1 (en) * 2016-12-15 2018-06-21 Zf Friedrichshafen Ag Shift control method for an automated range-change transmission

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4802375A (en) * 1985-12-06 1989-02-07 J. M. Voith Gmbh Change-speed gearbox
WO1991010079A1 (en) * 1989-12-27 1991-07-11 Saab Automobile Aktiebolag Gearbox for motor vehicles
US20040144190A1 (en) * 2003-01-24 2004-07-29 Arthur Hall Seven-speed power transmission
US20080116030A1 (en) * 2006-10-24 2008-05-22 Zf Friedrichshafen Ag Gear brake device for a multi-speed manual transmission
EP2058558A1 (en) * 2007-11-08 2009-05-13 Peugeot Citroën Automobiles Société Anonyme Vehicle with a system for synchronising a motorised gearbox and method of controlling the synchronisation system
EP2273154A1 (en) * 2009-07-07 2011-01-12 Peugeot Citroën Automobiles SA Gearbox with derivation of the torque and associated shifting method
WO2016028207A1 (en) * 2014-08-21 2016-02-25 Scania Cv Ab Transmission for vehicle, vehicle comprising such a transmission and method to control a transmission
US20180172142A1 (en) * 2016-12-15 2018-06-21 Zf Friedrichshafen Ag Shift control method for an automated range-change transmission

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
SE2051501A1 (en) * 2020-12-18 2022-06-19 Scania Cv Ab Control device and method for engaging a start gear in a gearbox
SE544598C2 (en) * 2020-12-18 2022-09-20 Scania Cv Ab Control device and method for engaging a start gear in a gearbox
CN115059758A (en) * 2022-06-27 2022-09-16 江西福格新能源传动技术有限公司 Transmission shaft locking device for new energy automobile gearbox and implementation method thereof
CN115059758B (en) * 2022-06-27 2023-10-13 江西福格新能源传动技术有限公司 Transmission shaft locking equipment for new energy automobile gearbox and implementation method thereof

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7992458B2 (en) Utility vehicle having a drive motor and a shifting claw transmission with an electric motor
US8746426B2 (en) Through-connection clutch and method for the actuation thereof
EP1587703B1 (en) Gearshift procedure for vehicles with engaged clutch-dependent power take-off
US8266985B2 (en) Device for reducing the drop in tractive force
US7487025B2 (en) Automatic gearshifting process for a vehicle with engaged coupling-dependent power take off and automatic disengagement process of a coupling-dependent power take off
GB2348255A (en) Gear box
WO2020080998A1 (en) A brake arrangement for a gearbox, a gearbox and a method
US20210285506A1 (en) Centrifugal clutch for a drivetrain of a motor vehicle, having braked centrifugal masses
DE112016002500T5 (en) control device
DE112016000435T5 (en) control device
US5951436A (en) Transmission control system for an electric vehicle
US20060254872A1 (en) Dry friction launch clutch for an automatic transmission and method
WO2017095299A1 (en) A method for gear shifting in a gearbox, a gearbox and a vehicle
CN107636349B (en) Hybrid transmission
EP2286116B1 (en) Method and device for securing lubrication of an automated manual transmission in a vehicle
EP2867081B1 (en) Method for driving a hybrid vehicle in connection with start of the combustion engine of the vehicle
US20080092676A1 (en) Gear brake device for a multi-speed manual transmission
EP2843260A1 (en) Automatic manual transmission
SE539248C2 (en) A method for controlling a gearbox, a gearbox and a vehicle provided with such a gearbox
EP1567384B1 (en) An automatic engaging/disengaging method and a device for controlling a coupling-dependent power take-off
WO2017095298A1 (en) A method for gear shifting in a gearbox, a gearbox and a vehicle
WO2017095297A1 (en) A method for gear shifting in a gearbox, a gearbox and a vehicle
CN109072987B (en) Method for controlling coupling device in gearbox
CN107438529B (en) Hybrid power plant and method for operating a hybrid power plant
WO2019088901A1 (en) A gearbox and a method for controlling a gearbox to achieve a freewheeling mode

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 19872330

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 19872330

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1