Three-shaft gearbox particularly for industrial vehicles in general

Abstract: The present invention relates to a three-shaft gearbox, particularly for industrial vehicles in general, which comprises an input shaft which is associable with a power unit and selectively interacts with a first countershaft or with a second countershaft. The first countershaft rigidly rotationally supports odd-numbered speed gears, whereas the second countershaft rigidly rotationally supports even-numbered speed gears. The first countershaft and the second countershaft are mutually disconnected. The even-numbered speed gears and the odd-numbered speed gears mesh with respective output gears, which are supported by an output shaft and can be selectively rigidly rotationally associated with the output shaft.

Description: The present invention relates to a three-shaft gearbox, particularly for industrial vehicles in general, as disclosed for example in EP-A-503 592 and in EP-A-483 543, which comprises a shaft associated with the output and two countershafts which can be connected to the first shaft by means of clutches. EP-A-503 592 is a document which falls within the terms of Article 54(3) EPC, for the contracting states AT BE CH DE DK ES FR BG LI NL SE, while EP-A-483 543 is a document which falls within the terms of Article 54(3) EPC, for the contracting states BE DE IT. In industrial vehicles in general, there is a technical problem related to changing the speed ratio when the vehicle is under stress, or rather related to shifting speeds while torque is applied, as well as to the automation of said shifts in an easy manner so as to avoid distracting the operator from the maneuvers he is performing. GB-A-974 532 discloses a speed change gear having a pump which drives a pair of hydraulic motors each connected, one above and one below, to the driven shaft of the speed change gear by means of gears. The pump furthermore has an output shaft disposed also to drive the driven shaft directly by means of a slidable sleeve slidable on the output shaft. Alternatively, the slidable sleeve can be disengaged from direct drive of the driven shaft, and then slided on the output shaft of the pump so as to rigidly connect a gear onto the output shaft of the pump, which gear engages with a gear on the shaft of one of the hydraulic motors, so that the output shaft of the pump thereby indirectly drives the driven shaft of the speed change gear through one of the hydraulic motors. The aim of the present invention is to eliminate or substantially reduce the disadvantages in known types of gearbox by providing a three-shaft gearbox particularly for industrial vehicles in general. This is achieved by the features of Claim 1 of each of the sets of claims for BE-DE, AT-CH-DK-ES-FR-GB-LI-NL-SE and IT respectively, claim 8 for the set of claims for BE-DE, and claim 9 for the set of claims for IT. The characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment thereof, illustrated only by way of non-limitative example in the accompanying drawings, wherein: figure 1 is a diagram of a gearbox according to the invention with two hydrostatic motors associated with the countershafts by means of gears. The figure 1 relates to a gearbox in which there are two hydrostatic motors associated by means of gears to the countershafts; said motors use the power, in the form of pressure and flow-rate, of a fluid which hydraulically connects them to a pump which is associated with the main heat engine of the vehicle. With reference to said figure 1, a three-shaft gearbox according to the invention comprises a first hydraulic motor 101 connected to the gear 105 by means of the shaft 103; a second hydraulic motor 102 is connected to the gear 106 by means of the shaft 104; a first shaft 107 is rotationally supported by the bearings 110 and 111 on which the gear 115 is rigidly keyed, said gear 115 meshing with the gear 106 which is connected to the hydrostatic motor 102, which supports the gears 112 and 114 which can be selectively associated therewith by virtue of the synchronization means 113. A second shaft 109 is furthermore provided and is rotationally supported by the bearings 121 and 122; the gear 126 is rigidly keyed on said shaft 109 and meshes with the gear 105 connected to the hydrostatic motor 101, which supports the gears 123 and 125 which can be selectively rigidly associated therewith by virtue of synchronization means 124. A third shaft 108 is rotationally supported by the bearings 116 and 117 and supports the gears 118 and 120, which can be selectively rigidly associated with said shaft 108 by virtue of synchronization means 119, and is rigidly connected to the output gear 128. The gears 118 and 120, together with the gears 112 and 114 are supported by the shaft 107 and together with the gears 123 and 125 which are supported by the shaft 109, define the speed ratios. The gear 129, rigidly connected to the output shaft 127, meshes with the output gear 128 which is keyed on the shaft 108. The velocity sensor 130 which faces the gear 129 is used to determine the velocity at which speed shifting is to be performed. In industrial vehicles provided with a hydrostatic motor and pump, the maximum speed of the vehicle is limited by the overall conversion ratio which the system can provide (usually 9 times): these vehicles in fact have a working speed of approximately 2 km/h and a transfer speed of 18-20 km/h. In order to be able to increase the transfer speed, multiple-speed gearboxes are necessary, but the solution with simple clutches (dog-clutches) requires the vehicle to stop during the speed shifting operation, whereas the powershift solution, besides being expensive, is also very difficult to provide due both to the high difference between the speeds (from 1.8 to 3.5) and to the considerable inertia which the hydrostatic unit opposes to running rate changes. Units with two hydrostatic motors, which operate in parallel in low-speed, high-torque conditions and individually in high-speed, low-torque conditions, have therefore been studied. Even these latter solutions, however, do not allow high speeds or the use of compact hydrostatic units even for rather high installed power values (above 80 kW). The aim of the invention is therefore to solve all of the above described problems by associating a three-shaft gearbox with two hydrostatic motors so as to be able to use them both in parallel, so as to obtain the maximum output torque with the highest usable mechanical ratio, and individually, so as to be able to change speed on the countershaft through which power is not transmitted. The obtainable conversion ratio is given by the product of the conversion ratio of the pump and of the conversion ratio of the three-shaft gearbox c.r. tot. = c.r. pump x c.r. three-shaft gearbox If A is the conversion ratio of the two hydrostatic motors (A = maximum displacement/minimum displacement), if B is the ratio between the maximum displacement of the largest motor and the maximum displacement of the smallest motor (1 < B < 1.5) and if V is the maximum displacement per revolution of the smallest motor, the adjustment can generally be expressed by means of a series of relations the number whereof is a function of the number of speeds of said three-shaft gearbox. For example, if one wishes to use two speeds for each countershaft, it is possible to provide a three-shaft gearbox with two double clutches for each countershaft and a clutch on the output shaft such as the one illustrated in figure 1 (the clutch 119 on the output shaft 108 disconnects the slow kinematic train in order to prevent it from reaching overspeed conditions at maximum velocity). This diagram is non-binding and is not exhaustive, but allows to better clarify the purpose and scope of the invention. The adjustment of the system can be expressed, in this case, as: 1) (A 4 *B)*V + (A 3 )*B*V = (A 4 +A 3 )*(B)*V 2) (A 4 *B)*V/A + (A 3 )*B*O = (A 3 )*(B)*V 3) (A 4 *B)*O + (A 3 )*B*V = (A 3 )*(B)*V 4) (A 2 *B)*O + (A 3 )*B*V/A = A 2 )*(B)*V 5) (A 2 *B)*V + (A 3 )*B*O = (A 2 )*(B)*V 6) (A 2 *B)*V/A + (A)*B*O = (A)*(B)*V 7) (A 2 *B)*O + (A)*B*V = (A)*(B)*V 8) O * O + (A)*B*V/A = (B)*V where 0*0 indicates the condition in which the motor 102 is disconnected from the kinematic train by means of the clutches 113 and 119. The conversion ratio of the three-shaft gearbox (c.r. 3 shafts = A 4 + A 3 ) depends only on the adjustment of the motors 101 and 102, which is equal to A, and furthermore the ratios of said larger motor 101 are fixed (A and A 3 ), whereas those of the smaller motor 102 (A 2 B and A 4 B) are directly proportional to the ratio between the motors B. Indicating the conversion ratio of the pump with c.r. pump , the total conversion ratio is therefore c.r. total = C.r. pump * (A 4 +A 3 ) Considering the practical case of a power loader with a transfer speed of 38.18 km/h (40 legal km/h) and a working speed of 2 km/h, the total conversion ratio is equal to 38.18/2=19.09, of which 1.2 is due to the pump (in order to reduce dimensions and costs), whereas the gearbox has a conversion ratio of approximately 15.91, which is matched by an adjustment of the motors equal to 1.787. A possible but not exclusive practical configuration could have the number of teeth of the gears illustrated in figure 1 according to the following table. obtaining the following ratios (B=1.5): I = 46*46 15*15 = 9.407 III = 31*46 30*15 = 3.169 II = 46*33 15*29 = 3.489 IV = 31*33 30*29 =1.176 In the case of identical motors, the ratios of the first gears can be varied, obtaining: I = 46 15 * 46 15 = 9.407 III = 31 30 * 46 15 = 3.169 II = 39 22 * 46 15 = 5.436 IV = 39 22 * 31 30 = 1.832 or I = 41 20 * 46 15 = 6.287 III = 41 20 * 31 30 = 2.118 II = 46 15 * 33 29 = 3.489 IV = 31 30 * 33 29 = 1.176 depending on whether one wishes to obtain a high (1.832) or low (1.176) final reduction ratio (IV). In practice, in the conditions of maximum thrust at working speed (2 km/h), the motors 101 and 102 have the maximum displacement and are in a low speed (I-II); the pump is adjusted to the minimum displacement in order to provide the maximum pressure difference. The first adjustment is to eliminate the flow which passes through the motor with the highest speed (I), reducing its displacement to zero. At this point the rotation rate of the motor is indifferent with respect to the hydraulic connection, and all the power flows through the other motor, allowing the speed shift I --> III with a simple synchromesh unit 124. One proceeds in this manner with alternated steps up to the final step, in which the smallest motor 102 is shifted to the neutral position (using the central clutch 119 in order to avoid overspeeds and three-position adjustment of the double synchronization packs), and only the largest motor 101, shifted to the highest speed (IV), pushes the vehicle up to maximum velocity. The small adjustment of the pump (1.2) is used to provide the necessary overlap to the various steps. All the details may be replaced with other technically equivalent elements within the scope of the claims. In practice, the materials employed, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to the requirements. Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the scope of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims: Claims for the following Contracting States : AT, CH, DK, ES, FR, GB, LI, NL, SE Three-shaft gearbox, particularly for industrial vehicles in general, comprising two fixed- and/or variable-displacement hydrostatic motors (101,102), one motor (102) being associated with a first input countershaft (107), the other motor (101) being associated with a second input countershaft (109), said countershafts rotationally supporting gears (112,114,123,125), said gears meshing with respective output gears (118,120) which are either rigidly associated with an output shaft (108) or which can be selectively rigidly rotationally associated with said output shaft, characterised by clutches (113,124) provided for selectively rigidly associating said gears (112,114,123,125) on said countershafts with said respective countershafts (107,109), whereby said countershafts can be mutually disconnected, said gears supported by said countershafts comprising a first gear (112) and a second gear (114) supported by said first countershaft (107) and a third gear (123) and a fourth gear (125) supported by said second countershaft (109), said output gears comprising a fifth gear (118) and a sixth gear (120) associated with said output shaft (108), said shafts and gears being arranged such that said first gear (112) and said third gear (123) mesh with said fifth gear (118), and said second gear (114) and said fourth gear (125) mesh with said sixth gear (120). Gearbox, according to claim 1, characterized in that said gears (112,114,123,125) on said countershafts which mesh with said respective output gears (118,120) define speed ratios. Gearbox, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises, as clutch synchronization means, a plurality of synchromesh units (113;124;119) arranged at pairs of gears (112,114;123,125;118,120) on said first input countershaft (107), on said second input countershaft (109) and on said output shaft (108), said synchromesh units being adapted for speed shifting. Gearbox according to claim 3, with brakes and/or clutches instead of said synchromesh units. Gearbox according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises reduction units (105,126;106,115) interposed between said fixed- and/or variable-displacement hydrostatic motors (101,102) and said input countershafts (107,109). Gearbox according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a first clutch synchronization means (113) for rigidly connecting either of said first gear (112) and said second gear (114) to said first countershaft (107), and a second clutch synchronization means (124) for rigidly connecting either of said third gear (123) and said fourth gear (125) to said second countershaft (109). Gearbox according to claim 6, characterized in that it further comprises a third clutch synchronization means (119) for rigidly connecting either of said fifth gear (118) and said sixth gear (120) to said output shaft (108). Claims for the following Contracting State : IT Three-shaft gearbox, particularly for industrial vehicles in general, comprising two fixed- and/or variable-displacement hydrostatic motors (101,102), one motor (102) being associated with a first input countershaft (107), the other motor (101) being associated with a second input countershaft (109), said countershafts rotationally supporting gears (112,114,123,125), said gears meshing with respective output gears (118,120) which can be selectively rigidly rotationally associated with said output shaft, characterised by clutches (113,124) provided for selectively rigidly associating said gears (112,114,123,125) on said countershafts with said respective countershafts (107,109), whereby said countershafts can be mutually disconnected. Gearbox, according to claim 1, characterized in that said gears (112,114,123,125) on said countershafts which mesh with said respective output gears (118,120) define speed ratios. Gearbox, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises, as clutch synchronization means, a plurality of synchromesh units (113;124;119) arranged at pairs of gears (112,114;123,125;118,120) on said first input countershaft (107), on said second input countershaft (109) and on said output shaft (108), said synchromesh units being adapted for speed shifting. Gearbox according to claim 3, with brakes and/or clutches instead of said synchromesh units. Gearbox according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises reduction units (105,126;106,115) interposed between said fixed- and/or variable-displacement hydrostatic motors (101,102) and said input countershafts (107,109). Gearbox according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said gears supported by said countershafts comprise a first gear (112) and a second gear (114) supported by said first countershaft (107) and a third gear (123) and a fourth gear (125) supported by said second countershaft (109), said output gears comprising a fifth gear (118) and a sixth gear (120) associated with said output shaft (108), said shafts and gears being arranged such that said first gear (112) and said third gear (123) mesh with said fifth gear (118), and said second gear (114) and said fourth gear (125) mesh with said sixth gear (120). Gearbox according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises a first clutch synchronization means (113) for rigidly connecting either of said first gear (112) and said second gear (114) to said first countershaft (107), and a second clutch synchronization means (124) for rigidly connecting either of said third gear (123) and said fourth gear (125) to said second countershaft (109). Gearbox according to claim 7, characterized in that it further comprises a third clutch synchronization means (119) for rigidly connecting either of said fifth gear (118) and said sixth gear (120) to said output shaft (108). Three-shaft gearbox, particularly for industrial vehicles in general, comprising two motors (101,102) at least one of which is a fixed-displacement hydrostatic motor, one motor (102) being associated with a first input countershaft (107), the other motor (101) being associated with a second input countershaft (109), said countershafts rotationally supporting gears (112,114,123,125), said gears meshing with respective output gears (118,120) which are either rigidly associated with an output shaft (108) or which can be selectively rigidly rotationally associated with said output shaft, characterised by clutches (113,124) provided for selectively rigidly associating said gears (112,114,123,125) on said countershafts with said respective countershafts (107,109), whereby said countershafts can be mutually disconnected. Claims for the following Contracting States : BE, DE Three-shaft gearbox, particularly for industrial vehicles in general, comprising two fixed- and/or variable-displacement hydrostatic motors (101,102), one motor (102) being associated with a first input countershaft (107), the other motor (101) being associated with a second input countershaft (109), said countershafts rotationally supporting gears (112,114,123,125), said gears meshing with respective output gears (118,120) which can be selectively rigidly rotationally associated with said output shaft, characterised by clutches (113,124) provided for selectively rigidly associating said gears (112,114,123,125) on said countershafts with said respective countershafts (107,109), whereby said countershafts can be mutually disconnected, said gears supported by said countershafts comprising a first gear (112) and a second gear (114) supported by said first countershaft (107) and a third gear (123) and a fourth gear (125) supported by said second countershaft (109), said output gears comprising a fifth gear (118) and a sixth gear (120) associated with said output shaft (108), said shafts and gears being arranged such that said first gear (112) and said third gear (123) mesh with said fifth gear (118), and said second gear (114) and said fourth gear (125) mesh with said sixth gear (120). Gearbox, according to claim 1, characterized in that said gears (112,114,123,125) on said countershafts which mesh with said respective output gears (118,120) define speed ratios. Gearbox, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises, as clutch synchronization means, a plurality of synchromesh units (113;124;119) arranged at pairs of gears (112,114;123,125;118,120) on said first input countershaft (107), on said second input countershaft (109) and on said output shaft (108), said synchromesh units being adapted for speed shifting. Gearbox according to claim 3, with brakes and/or clutches instead of said synchromesh units. Gearbox according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises reduction units (105,126;106,115) interposed between said fixed- and/or variable-displacement hydrostatic motors (101,102) and said input countershafts (107,109). Gearbox according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a first clutch synchronization means (113) for rigidly connecting either of said first gear (112) and said second gear (114) to said first countershaft (107), and a second clutch synchronization means (124) for rigidly connecting either of said third gear (123) and said fourth gear (125) to said second countershaft (109). Gearbox according to claim 6, characterized in that it further comprises a third clutch synchronization means (119) for rigidly connecting either of said fifth gear (118) and said sixth gear (120) to said output shaft (108). Three-shaft gearbox, particularly for industrial vehicles in general, comprising two motors (101,102) at least one of which is a fixed-displacement hydrostatic motor, one motor (102) being associated with a first input countershaft (107), the other motor (101) being associated with a second input countershaft (109), said countershafts rotationally supporting gears (112,114,123,125), said gears meshing with respective output gears (118,120) which are either rigidly associated with an output shaft (108) or which can be selectively rigidly rotationally associated with said output shaft, characterised by clutches (113,124) provided for selectively rigidly associating said gears (112,114,123,125) on said countershafts with said respective countershafts (107,109), whereby said countershafts can be mutually disconnected, said gears supported by said countershafts comprising a first gear (112) and a second gear (114) supported by said first countershaft (107) and a third gear (123) and a fourth gear (125) supported by said second countershaft (109), said output gears comprising a fifth gear (118) and a sixth gear (120) associated with said output shaft (108), said shafts and gears being arranged such that said first gear (112) and said third gear (123) mesh with said fifth gear (118), and said second gear (114) and said fourth gear (125) mesh with said sixth gear (120).

Inventors: HURTH FRITZ CARL ANTON, HURTH, FRITZ CARL ANTON
Applicants: CLARK HURTH COMPONENTS SPA, CLARK-HURTH COMPONENTS S.P.A.
Application year: 1991
Main classification: F16H3
IPC codes: F16H3, F16H47