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| Illustration 1 | g00498556 |
General Description
The power train consists of four basic systems. The following systems are the four basic systems:
- Power Train Electronic Control Module
- Torque Converter
- Transfer Gears and Transmission
- Differential and Final Drives
The four basic systems are connected by an electrical connection, a hydraulic connection, a magnetic connection, or a mechanical connection.
The operation of the power train begins at the Power Train Electronic Control Module (Power Train ECM). The Power Train ECM receives the information of the selected operating speed from the shift lever switch in the electrical system. The Power Train ECM uses the information from the switches and the sensors in the electrical system to control the hydraulic system of the torque converter and transmission. This is done by energizing the appropriate solenoids.
The torque converter has a lockup clutch for direct drive and a one-way clutch for torque converter drive. In torque converter drive, the torque converter drives the transmission hydraulically. The torque converter is fastened directly to the flywheel of the engine.
The lockup clutch solenoid is activated by the Power Train ECM when direct drive is required. When the lockup clutch solenoid is activated, the lockup clutch is hydraulically engaged. The rotating housing of the torque converter is mechanically connected to the output shaft of the torque converter. The drive shaft mechanically connects the torque converter to the transfer gears. The transfer gears are fastened directly to the transmission.
The upshift solenoid and the downshift solenoid hydraulically activate the rotary actuator of the transmission. Movement of the rotary actuator mechanically selects the position of the rotary selector spool. The flow through the rotary selector spool hydraulically activates the correct valves in the pressure control valve. These valves engage the correct transmission clutches. This mechanically connects the transmission input shaft to the output shaft and to the differential. The transmission will not drive the output shaft unless there is power flow through the torque converter. The power flow can be hydraulic or mechanical.
After the transmission and the torque converter are connected, power is supplied from the engine to the differential through the torque converter, the transfer gears, and the transmission. The rear axles mechanically connect the differential to the final drives. When the transmission is in the correct speed position, the mechanical movement of the rotary selector spool causes the transmission gear switch to electrically signal the Power Train ECM that the shift is complete. With the rotation of the transmission output shaft, the transmission speed sensor electrically transmits the output speed of the transmission to the Power Train ECM.
Brief Summary of Operation
- The shift lever switch selects the desired speed and direction.
- The transmission speed sensor magnetically measures the transmission speed.
- The Power Train ECM determines the proper moment for shifting by using the signals from the transmission speed sensor, the shift lever switch, and the transmission gear switch. The Power Train ECM activates the solenoids in order to make shifts.
- The hoist control position sensor prevents any reverse operation of the transmission during the raise operation of the dump body. The hoist control position sensor also prevents any reverse operation of the transmission during the lowering operation of the dump body. The dump body position sensor will signal the limiting function on the gears. This limits the speed of the machine while the dump body is up.
- The switch for the parking and secondary brake and the retarder and service brake switch send input signals to the Power Train ECM. When the secondary parking brake switch or the retarder and service brake switch are activated, the antihunt timer is deactivated. When the service brake and retarder switch is activated, the Power Train ECM will allow rapid speed shifts.
- When an upshift solenoid or a downshift solenoid is activated, pressure oil is sent to the rotary actuator. The rotary actuator turns the rotary selector spool. This sequence causes the correct pair of clutches to be engaged for the next desired speed.
- The transmission hydraulic control will individually control the maximum pressure in each clutch. The transmission hydraulic control will individually modulate each clutch in order to control the fill time and the release time.
- When the lockup clutch solenoid is activated, pressure oil is sent to the modulation reduction valve of the lockup clutch valve. This oil engages the lockup clutch of the torque converter for direct drive.
- The transmission gear switch tells the Power Train ECM the engaged gear of the transmission. The transmission gear switch is mechanically turned by the rotary selector spool.
- The Power Train ECM uses the Caterpillar Data Link to communicate with the Vital Information Management System (VIMS). The VIMS informs the operator of the transmission gear that is actually engaged. The VIMS also monitors the lockup clutch and the transmission clutches for clutch slippage.
Neutral Coasting
This function restricts coasting into NEUTRAL from high speeds. This restriction extends the life of the transmission. The transmission speed sensor measures the rotation of the gear teeth on a gear that is fastened to the transmission output shaft. The Power Train ECM uses the input signal from the transmission speed sensor to determine the ground speed. If the measured speed is greater than 8 km/h (5 mph), the transmission will not shift into NEUTRAL.
Note: The operator can bypass the restriction against neutral coasting. However, if the ground speed is greater than 16 km/h (10 mph) and the transmission is in NEUTRAL, the event will be recorded in the Vital Information Management System (VIMS).
Shift Inhibiting
If the transmission is in any forward speed and the transmission control is moved to REVERSE, the transmission will immediately make a shift to NEUTRAL. When the ground speed decreases to approximately 5 km/h (3 mph), the transmission will make a shift into REVERSE from the NEUTRAL position.