 The Spicer APC200 controller module was developed for the TE Series ECM transmissions to fully integrate vehicle drivetrain functions in a CAN-BUS environment. |
Dana Corp.'s Off-Highway Systems Group has developed an integrated electronic control system for hydraulic and mechanical vehicle systems. This innovation combined with other Spicer drivetrain products provides a new mechatronic system for enhanced flexibility, reliability, and integration capabilities. The electronic system offers infinitely variable speed and systems control at the low end of the operating range of a working vehicle, while retaining the advantages of a full powershift transmission during breakout, acceleration, and transport segments of the duty cycle.
"Our development of integrated electronic control systems has been ongoing for the last 15 years," said Roger Warner, Transmission Product Manager of Spicer Off-Highway Products Division. "The new controls platforms, together with our new TE Series transmission technology, enable customers to realize performance, reliability, and cost advantages over the competition."
The TE32, formerly known as the T42000, was the first of the TE Series powershift transmission to be introduced by Spicer, primarily for OEMs of large construction, material-handling, and mining machinery. It features an intelligent electronic shift control system that adjusts shift characteristics according to operating conditions. Electronic shift modulation with overlap control provides smooth direction changes and shifting over a broad range of operating conditions without torque interruption. An electronic inching feature allows for infinite variation of vehicle speed for load pick and placement duties, completely independent of engine speed.
Other mechatronic systems include brake-by-wire, which provides automatic application and modulation of brakes for optimum vehicle operation in conjunction with vehicle systems. Throttle-by-wire provides automatic dethrottle and throttle-on actions as an integrated function to support optimum vehicle or systems function, safety, and comfort.
In addition, integration of active suspension control to the vehicle drivetrain system controller can improve vehicle productivity, reduce complexity in the total vehicle system, and provide more comprehensive systems diagnostics.
 The M6-22 from Rexroth Hydraulics is part of the new M6 control-block family developed specifically for use in wheel loaders, excavator loaders, crawler dozers, and telehandlers. |
Series M6 control blocks from Rexroth Hydraulics are new valves developed according to the LUDV (load-independent distribution of flow) principle. With this control system, according to the company, working functions will not come to a standstill even if several actuators are operated simultaneously. The M6 control block was developed specifically for use in wheel loaders, excavator loaders, crawler dozers, and telescopic handlers.
Depending on the size of the machine, valves of size 15 or 22 are employed. The maximum operating pressure is 42 MPa (6 ksi), and the maximum flow is 200 L/min (53 gal/min) for size 15 and 350 L/min (92 gal/min) for size 22. Both valves are mono-blocks, which can be extended to an 8- or 7-fold control block by adding directional valve elements.
In the basic version, the M6-15 is a two- or three-fold mono-block. It is provided for use in conjunction with a variable displacement pump and has an optional priority valve for the supply of hydraulic steering systems. A special feature is two pilot operated check valves in ports B2 and B3 that prevent the loader bucket from unwanted lowering during longer times of driving. To complement wheel-loader specific features, the control block provides a float position function in port A3 that can be switched electrically or hydraulically, a regenerative function for preventing cavitation on spool axes 2 and 3, and an integrated pressure relief function. Pressure relief/anti-cavitation valves as well as dynamic priority valves are available.
The M6-22 is the optimum solution for greater wheel loaders and dozers. A two-fold mono-block forms the basic version for use in closed center systems. As a standard, it features a regenerative function for axes 1 and 2 and an electrically switchable float position function in port A2. The operation is hydraulic or electrohydraulic.
