阅读说明：本技术 用于对变速器充填油进行增压的系统和方法 (System and method for pressurizing transmission fill ) 是由 迈克尔·J·克里夫 本杰明·K·多林斯 于 2021-06-24 设计创作，主要内容包括：公开了用于使用存储于压缩气体中的能量来操作机器的系统、方法和设备。存储在压缩气体中的能量可以被用于对流体(诸如,变速器流体)进行增压,并且增压后的流体可以被用于实现机器(诸如,变速器)的操作,并且机器的操作可以包括变速器的换挡。气体可以利用与用于操作机器的流体不同的另一流体来压缩,并且这两种流体可以被防止混合在一起。(Systems, methods, and apparatus for operating a machine using energy stored in a compressed gas are disclosed. The energy stored in the compressed gas may be used to pressurize a fluid (such as transmission fluid), and the pressurized fluid may be used to effect operation of a machine (such as a transmission), and the operation of the machine may include shifting of the transmission. The gas may be compressed with another fluid than the fluid used to operate the machine, and the two fluids may be prevented from mixing together.)

1. A system (100, 300) for pressurizing fluid for performing an operation of a machine, the system comprising:

a source of pressurized first fluid; and

an accumulator (102) in fluid communication with the pressurized first fluid, the accumulator containing a gas compressible in response to the pressurized first fluid, a second fluid flowable from the accumulator to a machine in response to the compressed gas to facilitate operation of the machine.

2. The system (100, 300) of claim 1, wherein the accumulator comprises:

a body (104) defining an interior chamber (106); and

a piston (112) disposed in and movable within the internal chamber, the piston dividing the internal chamber into a first segment (121) in fluid communication with the pressurized first fluid, a second segment (123) in fluid communication with the second fluid, and a third segment (125) containing the compressed gas.

3. The system (100, 300) of claim 2, wherein the interior chamber (106) comprises:

a first portion (108) defining a first cross-sectional dimension;

a second portion (110) opposite the first portion and defining a second cross-sectional dimension greater than the first cross-sectional dimension;

wherein the piston (112) comprises:

a first end portion (114) disposed in the first portion; and

a second end portion (116) disposed in the second portion.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the body (104) includes a first end wall (128) and a second end wall (178),

wherein the first segment (121) is formed between the first end wall and a first end portion (114) of the piston (112), wherein the second segment (123) is formed between the first end portion of the piston and a second end portion (116) of the piston, and wherein the third segment (125) is formed between the second end wall and the second end portion of the piston.

5. The system as recited in claim 2, wherein the first segment (121) is in fluid communication with a source of the pressurized first fluid.

6. The system according to claim 2, wherein the second segment (123) is in fluid communication with the second fluid.

7. The system of claim 2, further comprising a first opening (126) formed in the body (104) to provide fluid communication between the first segment (121) and a source of the pressurized first fluid, the first fluid being directed into the first segment of the internal chamber (106) via the first opening to displace the piston (112) in a first direction to compress the gas.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the machine is a transmission (162), and wherein the system further comprises:

a second opening (134) formed in the body (104) and in fluid communication with a second section (123) of the internal chamber (106), the second opening being in fluid communication with a reservoir (166) containing the second fluid, the second fluid being flowable from the reservoir into the second section through the second opening in response to movement of the piston (112) in response to the pressurized first fluid; and

a third opening (132) formed in the body and in fluid communication with a second section of the internal chamber, the third opening in fluid communication with a clutch (164) of the transmission (162), the second fluid pressurized by the compressed gas being flowable to the clutch via the third opening in response to movement of the piston in a second direction opposite the first direction to facilitate operation of the clutch.

9. The system of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first fluid has a pressure greater than the compressed gas to compress the compressed gas to a selected pressure.

10. The system of claim 1, further comprising a piston (112) disposed in and movable within an interior chamber (106) of the accumulator (102),

wherein the first fluid is transferred into a first section (121) of the interior chamber (106) via a first opening (126), the first fluid being introduced into the first section at a pressure greater than the compressed gas such that the first fluid displaces the piston in a first direction to compress the compressed gas to a selected pressure,

wherein a second opening (132) into the internal chamber is in an open configuration when the piston is displaced in a second direction opposite the first direction, the second fluid being received into a second section (123) of the internal chamber via the second opening in response to movement of the piston in the second direction, and wherein a third opening (134) into the internal chamber is in a closed configuration when the piston is moved in the second direction.

11. A method of operating a transmission (162), comprising:

compressing gas in an accumulator (102) to a selected pressure with a first fluid;

pressurizing the second fluid with the compressed gas;

applying a pressurized second fluid to the transmission; and

operating the transmission with the pressurized second fluid.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein pressurizing the gas in the accumulator (102) to the selected pressure with the first fluid comprises:

introducing the first fluid into a first portion (121) of the accumulator; and

displacing a piston (112) in the accumulator to pressurize gas contained in a second portion (125) of the accumulator.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the piston (112) includes a first end (114) disposed in a first portion (121) of the accumulator (102) and a second end (116) disposed in a second portion (125) of the accumulator.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the second fluid is disposed between a first end (114) of the piston (112) and a second end (116) of the piston.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein compressing the gas in the accumulator (102) to the selected pressure with the first fluid comprises: when the gas is compressed by the first fluid, the second fluid is caused to flow into a portion (123) of an internal chamber (106) of the accumulator formed between a first end (114) of a piston (112) disposed in the internal chamber and a second end (116) of the piston.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to operation of a vehicle transmission.

Background

Vehicle transmissions are used to transfer power from a power source (such as an engine) to a drive shaft to propel a vehicle. The transmission is operable to vary the speed and torque applied to the drive shaft relative to the engine speed and torque.

Disclosure of Invention

A first aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a system for pressurizing fluid for performing an operation of a transmission. The system may include a source of pressurized first fluid and an accumulator in fluid communication with the pressurized first fluid. The accumulator may contain a gas compressible in response to the pressurized first fluid. The second fluid may be configured to flow from the accumulator to the transmission in response to the compressed gas to facilitate operation of the transmission.

A second aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method of operating a transmission. The method can comprise the following steps: compressing gas in an accumulator to a selected pressure with a first fluid; pressurizing the second fluid with the compressed gas; applying a pressurized second fluid to the transmission; and operating the transmission with the pressurized second fluid.

Other features and aspects will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

Drawings

The detailed description of the drawings refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary system for selectively providing hydraulic pressure to operate a function of a machine, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 is a flow diagram of an example method for performing an operation of a machine using an accumulator, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of another exemplary system for selectively providing hydraulic pressure to operate a function of a machine, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example computer system for providing computing functionality associated with algorithms, methods, functions, processes, flows and programs as described in this disclosure, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications in the described devices, apparatus, methods, and any further applications of the principles of the disclosure as described herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates. In particular, it is fully contemplated that the features, components, and/or steps described with respect to one embodiment may be combined with the features, components, and/or steps described with respect to other embodiments of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure relates to systems, methods, and apparatus for operating a transmission using energy stored in a compressed gas. In particular, the energy stored in the compressed gas pressurizes a fluid (such as transmission fluid), which is used to effect a shift in the transmission. The gas is compressed with another fluid different from the fluid used to operate the transmission and prevents the two fluids from mixing. However, the scope of the present disclosure and its applicability are not limited to transmissions and the operation of transmissions. Rather, the present disclosure contemplates the operation of other types of machines, such as brake systems. Thus, although the following description is made in the context of a transmission and its operation (such as shifting of the transmission), the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

In particular, the present disclosure provides for providing an accumulator of fluid pressure for actuating a machine (such as a clutch of a transmission) to perform a shift operation. The accumulator avoids the user operating the pump separately and continuously. Because the actuation of the machine may be intermittent, such pumps result in inefficient, excessive fuel consumption and heat generation.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary system 100 for operating a transmission. The system 100 is a pneumatic-hydraulic system that utilizes a first fluid to pressurize a second fluid that is used to operate the transmission. The first fluid may be a system hydraulic oil that is used to operate one or more other systems of the machine, such as one or more hydraulic systems of the vehicle. The system hydraulic oil may be used to operate one or more drive systems to perform work. For example, the system hydraulic oil may be used to operate one or more actuators, hydraulic motor pumps, or any other type of hydraulic system of a vehicle, such as an agricultural vehicle, a construction vehicle, or a forestry vehicle. However, other types of vehicles or machines utilizing a transmission are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

The system 100 includes an accumulator 102. The accumulator 102 includes a body 104 defining an interior chamber 106. The interior chamber 106 includes a first portion 108 and a second portion 110. The first portion 108 has a first cross-sectional size and the second portion 110 has a second cross-sectional size that is larger than the first cross-sectional size. In some embodiments, the interior chamber 106 may be cylindrical. For example, in some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the first portion 108, the second portion 110, or both, may be circular. In other embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the first portion 108 or the second portion 110, or both, may be in the form of a polygon, an ellipse, or any other desired shape. Additionally, in some embodiments, the cross-sectional shapes of the first portion 108 and the second portion 110 may correspond to each other, while in other embodiments, the cross-sectional shapes of the first portion 108 and the second portion 110 may be different.

A movable piston 112 is disposed within the interior chamber 106. The piston 112 is movable in response to changes in pressure within the internal chamber 106. The piston 112 includes a first end portion 114 disposed in the first portion 108 of the interior chamber 106 and a second end portion 116 disposed in the second portion 110 of the interior chamber 106. The first end portion 114 and the second end portion 116 are connected by a connector 118. Connector 118 may be a shaft, rod, or other component that couples first end portion 114 with second end portion 116. End portions 114 and 116 of the piston 112 conform to inner surfaces 120 and 122 of the first and second portions 108 and 110, respectively, of the internal chamber 106 to form a seal. The seal forms a barrier within the interior chamber 106 to avoid mixing of the fluids on opposite sides of each of the first end portion 114 and the second end portion 116. In some embodiments, a sealing member 124 is disposed along a perimeter of each of the first end portion 114 and the second end portion 116. The sealing member 124 conforms to the inner surfaces 120 and 122 to prevent mixing of the fluids disposed on opposite sides of each of the first end portion 114 and the second end portion 116.

The cross-sectional size of each of the first and second end portions 114, 116, the stroke of the piston 112 within the reservoir, and the pressure of the gas within the internal chamber 106 (described in more detail below) may be selected to any desired value to provide, for example, operation at a desired pressure and to provide a selected number of actuations of the accumulator 102. Actuation of the accumulator 102 may result in operation of the machine, such as a shift operation of the transmission. In embodiments where first end portion 114 and second end portion 116 are circular, for example, the diameter of each of first end portion 114 and second end portion 116 may be selected or provide a desired level of performance, as explained above.

The piston 112 divides the interior chamber 106 into three sections. The first segment 121 is formed between the first end portion 114 of the piston 112 and an end wall 128 of the body 104. The second segment 123 is formed between the first end portion 114 of the piston 112 and the second end portion 116 of the piston 112. The third segment 125 is formed between the second end portion 116 of the piston 112 and the second end wall 178 of the body 104. The volume defined by each of the segments 121, 123, and 125 changes as the piston 112 moves within the interior chamber 106.

A first opening 126 is formed in the body 104 at the first portion 108 of the interior chamber 106 to allow fluid to flow into the first portion 108 and out of the first portion 108. In some embodiments, two openings may be formed in the body 104 at the first portion 108. One of the openings may be used to direct fluid into the first portion 108, and a second opening may be used to direct fluid out of the first portion 108. A first opening 126 (or two openings when multiple openings are used to direct fluid into and out of the first portion 108) is formed in the body 104 at a location for providing fluid communication with the first section 121 of the interior chamber 106. The position of the first opening 126 is selected such that fluid communication with the first segment 121 is maintained during operation of the system 100 regardless of the position of the piston 112 during operation of the system 100, such as when the piston 112 has been fully displaced in the direction of arrow 130 during the course of operation of the system 100.

A second opening 132 and a third opening 134 are formed in the body 104 and provide fluid communication with the interior chamber 106. The second and third openings 132, 134 provide fluid communication with the second segment 123. The second and third openings 132, 134 may be formed at a location of the body 104 along the first or second portions 108, 110 of the interior chamber 106, so long as the second and third openings 132, 134 remain in fluid communication with the second segment 123 during operation of the system 100. For example, during the course of operation of the system 100, the positions of the second and third openings 132, 134 remain in fluid communication with the second segment 123 even when the piston 112 is in the fully displaced position in the direction of arrows 130 or 136.

The hydraulic system 138 is fluidly coupled to the accumulator 102 at the first opening 126. The hydraulic system 138 may be a hydraulic system used to operate various components of a vehicle (such as an agricultural vehicle, a construction vehicle, or a forestry vehicle) or another type of machine. Other types of vehicles are also within the scope of the present disclosure. The various components may include hydraulic actuators, motor generators, or other components that operate using hydraulic fluid. In some embodiments, the hydraulic system 138 includes a pump 140 that draws hydraulic fluid from a reservoir 142 and distributes the pressurized hydraulic fluid to the various hydraulic components 144, 146, and 148. Hydraulic fluid is returned from the hydraulic components 144, 146, and 148 to the reservoir 142. Although three hydraulic components are illustrated, additional or fewer hydraulic components may be included. The pressurized hydraulic fluid is also directed to a first opening 126 formed in the body 104.

The pressurized fluid passes through the feed line 150. A first valve 152 is provided in the feed line 150. In the illustrated example, the first valve 152 is a two-position solenoid operated valve. In other embodiments, other types of valves may be used. The first valve 152 has a default closed position and an open position. In the default closed position, the first valve 152 prevents the passage of pressurized hydraulic fluid, and thus prevents pressurized hydraulic fluid from entering the first portion 108 of the interior chamber 106. In the open position, the first valve 152 allows pressurized hydraulic fluid to pass through and into the first portion 108 of the inner chamber 106. The hydraulic fluid from hydraulic system 138 is referred to as the "first fluid". The first fluid occupies the first segment 121 of the interior chamber 106. As explained previously, the volume of the first segment 121 changes in response to movement of the piston 112.

The second valve 154 is disposed in a return line 156, which return line 156 directs hydraulic fluid back to the reservoir 142. In the illustrated example, the second valve 154 is a solenoid-operated, two-position valve. In other embodiments, other types of valves may be used. The second valve 154 has a default closed position and an open position. In the default closed position, hydraulic fluid is prevented from flowing from the first portion 108 of the interior chamber 106 into the return line 156 and back to the reservoir 142. In the open position, the second valve 154 allows hydraulic fluid to pass from the first portion 108 of the internal chamber 106 to the return line 156 and back to the reservoir 142.

The hydraulic fluid occupying the second segment 123 is referred to as "second fluid". In some embodiments, the second fluid occupying the second segment 123 in the hydraulic system 138 may be a hydraulic oil, such as a hydraulic transmission oil. In some embodiments, the first fluid and the second fluid may be different fluids. In other embodiments, the first fluid and the second fluid may be the same type of fluid. However, regardless of the nature of the first and second fluids, the first end portion 114 of the piston acts as a barrier, such that the first and second fluids are prevented from mixing within the interior chamber 106.

A third valve 158 is disposed in a line 160, which line 160 directs the second fluid from the interior chamber 106 to a transmission 162. In the illustrated example, the third valve 158 is a solenoid-operated, two-position valve. In other embodiments, other types of valves may be used. Third valve 158 has a default closed position and an open position. In the default closed position, the third valve 158 prevents the second fluid from passing from the second section 123 of the interior chamber 106 and to the transmission 162. In the open position, the third valve 158 allows the second fluid to pass from the second section 123 of the interior chamber 106 and to the transmission 162. The second fluid, which is delivered to the transmission 162 via line 160, is used to effect operation of the transmission 162. For example, the second fluid may be used to operate the clutch 164, such as during a shift of a gear of the transmission 162. In other embodiments, the second fluid directed from the second section 123 of the interior chamber 106 via the second opening 132 may be directed to another type of device to perform the operation of the device.

In the illustrated example, the second fluid transmitted to the clutch 164 is used during operation of the clutch, and the second fluid is collected in the reservoir 166. A line 168 is used to return the second fluid collected in the reservoir 166 back to the second segment 123 of the interior chamber 106 via the third opening 134. A fourth valve 170 is disposed along line 168. In the illustrated example, the fourth valve 170 is a solenoid-operated, two-position valve. In other embodiments, other types of valves may be used. The fourth valve 170 has a default closed position and an open position. In the default closed position, the fourth valve 170 prevents the second fluid from flowing from the reservoir 166 through the third opening 134 and into the interior chamber 106 via line 168. In the open position, the fourth valve 170 allows the second fluid to pass from the reservoir 166 and to the interior chamber 106.

While accumulator 102 includes two openings (i.e., openings 132 and 134) to direct fluid to and from transmission 162, in other embodiments, lines 160 and 168 may be in fluid communication with second segment 123 via a single opening. In such embodiments, the valves 158 and 170 may operate in a similar manner as described above with respect to the accumulator 102 of fig. 1 to control fluid flow into the second segment 123 and out of the second segment 123.

Three pressure sensors are used to measure the pressure within the interior chamber 106. First pressure sensor 172 senses the pressure of the first fluid within first segment 121. The location at which the first pressure sensor 172 is located in the body 104 is selected such that the pressure of the first fluid can be detected by the first pressure sensor 172 during operation of the system 100, regardless of the position of the piston 112. For example, the location at which the first sensor 172 in the body 104 senses the fluid pressure of the first fluid during operation of the system 100 is selected so as to be exposed to the first fluid even when the piston 112 is fully displaced in the direction of arrow 130. In the illustrated example, the first pressure sensor 172 is coupled to the body 104 and extends into the first portion 108 of the interior chamber 106. In other embodiments, other configurations may be used. For example, in some embodiments, the first pressure sensor 172 may be flush with the inner surface of the body 104, and thus not extend into the internal chamber 106.

The second sensor 174 senses the pressure of the second fluid in the second segment 123. The position in the body 104 at which the second pressure sensor 174 senses the pressure of the second fluid is selected such that the second sensor 174 can sense the pressure of the second fluid during operation of the system 100 regardless of the position of the piston 112. In the illustrated example, the second pressure sensor 174 is coupled to the body 104 and extends into the second portion 110 of the interior chamber 106. In other embodiments, other configurations may be used. For example, in some embodiments, the second pressure sensor 174 may be flush with the inner surface of the body 104 and, thus, not extend into the interior chamber 106.

The third pressure sensor 176 senses the pressure of the gas contained in the third segment 125. In some embodiments, nitrogen may be used. Other dry air may be used. In still other embodiments, other gases or mixtures of gases may be used. The location at which the third pressure sensor 176 in the body 104 senses the pressure of the gas is selected such that the pressure of the gas is detectable during operation of the system 100 regardless of the position of the piston 112. In the illustrated example, the third pressure sensor 176 is coupled to the body 104 and extends into the third portion 125 of the interior chamber 106. In other embodiments, other configurations may be used. For example, in some embodiments, the third pressure sensor 176 may be flush with the inner surface of the body 104, and thus not extend into the interior chamber 106. The gas contained in the third segment 125 is introduced into the internal chamber 106 and compressed to a selected pressure. The gas may be compressed by the piston 112 in response to the introduction of the first fluid into the first segment 121.

Any or all of the first, second, or third pressure sensors 172, 174, 176 may be coupled to the body 104 and may be in contact with a corresponding fluid (liquid or gas). In other embodiments, any or all of the first, second, or third pressure sensors 172, 174, 176 may be located remotely from the body 104 and coupled thereto via a conduit.

The system 100 also includes a controller 180. In some embodiments, the controller 180 is an electronic computer system that operates to control various aspects of the system 100 based on the received information. In particular, in the illustrated example, the controller 180 receives signals, such as from the pressure sensors 172, 174, and 176, and sends the signals to control components of the system 100, such as to actuate the valves 152, 154, 158, and 170. The controller 180 may be of a type of computer system 400 described below and illustrated in fig. 4. The controller 180 includes a memory 182 and a processor 184. Although the memory 182 is shown as being included in the controller 180, in some embodiments, the memory 182 may be separate from the controller 180 and communicatively coupled to the controller 180 via a wired or wireless connection. For example, in some embodiments, the memory 182 may be remotely located.

The memory 182 is in communication with the processor 184 and is used to store software and information, such as information in the form of data. The processor 184 is operable to execute programs and receive information from the memory 182 and send information to the memory 182. Although a single memory 182 and a single processor 184 are illustrated, in other embodiments, multiple memories, processors, or both may be used. The display 186 is coupled to the controller 180. The display 186 may be used to present information to a user, or where the display includes a touch screen, the display 186 may be used as an input device. The display 186 may include a graphical user interface, described in more detail below, that allows a user to interact with applications executed by the processor 184. The input device 188 is also coupled to the controller 180. The user may use the input device 188 to input information to the controller 180. Memory 182 stores programs (such as applications 186) and other information 188 (such as in the form of data).

The controller 180 controls operation of the system 100, such as actuation of the valves 152, 154, 158, and 170, based at least in part on sensed information provided by the pressure sensors 172, 174, and 176. Exemplary operation of the system 100 is described in more detail below.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart of an exemplary method 200 of performing an operation of a machine using an accumulator. In this example, the method 200 involves performing a shift operation of the transmission using the accumulator. In describing the method 200, reference may be made to the exemplary system 100 and portions thereof. The scope of the present disclosure is not so limited. Rather, the method 200 may be applied to any system within the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, system configurations other than the configuration of the exemplary system 100 may be used and are within the scope of the present disclosure.

Prior to operation, the gas in the third section 125 is compressed to a selected pre-charge pressure. The pre-charge pressure of the gas corresponds to a selected position of the piston 112 along the length of the body 104, such as the position of the second end portion 116. At 202, the gas is compressed to a first selected pressure. The first selected pressure exceeds the pre-charge gas pressure. The selected pressure may be selected to provide sufficient energy to the second fluid to perform a selected number of shift operations of the transmission before the gas needs to be repressurized. For example, the gas may be compressed by the first fluid to a selected pressure to provide 5 to 10 shift operations. In other embodiments, the selected pressure may provide additional or fewer shift operations.

The gas is compressed using a first fluid, which may be a system hydraulic oil in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the first fluid may have a pressure in a range of 3000 pounds per square inch (psi) (20.7 megapascals (MPa)) to 3600psi (24.8 MPa). However, this pressure range is provided as an example only. In other embodiments, other pressure ranges may be used. Referring to fig. 1, the first valve 152 is placed in the open position and the second valve 154 is held in the closed position. As a result, the first fluid enters the first segment 121 via the first opening 126. Third valve 158 is held in the closed position and fourth valve 170 is moved into the open position. As a result, the piston 116 is displaced in the direction of arrow 136 in response to the introduction of the pressurized first fluid into the first section 121, which causes the second fluid to be drawn from the reservoir 166 into the second section 123 via the open fourth valve 170 and the third opening 134. The piston 112 compresses the gas to a selected pressure. In some embodiments, the gas may be compressed to a pressure in the range of 250psi (1.72MPa) to 450psi (3.10 MPa). However, this pressure range is provided as an example only. In other embodiments, the pressure range may be extended to pressures below 250psi (1.72MPa) or above 450psi (3.10 MPa). In addition, the pressure to which the gas is compressed may be selected based on, for example, the number of operations of the machine to be performed using the energy stored in the compressed gas. For example, where the second fluid is used to perform a shift operation of the transmission, a consideration that may be used to determine the first selected pressure to which the gas is compressed may be the number of shifts performed by the transmission using the second fluid and energy stored in the compressed gas before the compressed gas has attained the second selected pressure. The second selected pressure may correspond to a pressure at which the energy of the gas is insufficient to effect additional shifts, or a pressure level selected to repressurize the gas to the first selected pressure.

At 204, compression of the gas is stopped when the pressure of the compressed gas reaches a first selected pressure. The third sensor 176 senses the pressure of the compressed gas and sends information to the controller 180. When the sensed pressure from the third sensor 176 reaches a selected pressure, the controller 180 closes the first valve 152 and opens the second valve 154. As a result, the pressure applied to the first fluid contained in the first segment 121 is removed, stopping the movement of the piston 112 in the direction of arrow 136. Additionally, with the second valve 154 open, the first fluid is allowed to drain back to the reservoir 142. The controller 180 also closes the fourth valve 170 when the sensed pressure of the compressed gas reaches a selected pressure. Closing the fourth valve 170 prevents the piston 112 from moving the piston 112 in the direction of arrow 130 until a transmission shift is desired.

At 206, it is detected when an operation of the machine is to be performed. In this example, the machine is a transmission and the operation is a gear shift of the transmission. For example, the controller 180 may receive a signal from the transmission 162 or from another source indicating that a shift is to be performed. For example, the transmission may be part of a vehicle, and the signal to shift the transmission may be received by the controller 180 from a sensor of the vehicle, another computer of the vehicle, a user input (such as a user input to the vehicle), another source on-board the vehicle, or external to the vehicle.

At 208, the second fluid is displaced by the compressed gas to cause the second fluid to perform an operation of the machine. In this example, when the controller 180 receives an indication that a shift operation is to be performed, the controller 180 opens the third valve 158, allowing the second fluid to flow through the line 160. With the third valve 158 in the open position, the compressed gas contained in the third segment 125 expands, displacing the piston 112 in the direction of arrow 130, forcing a portion of the second fluid contained in the second segment 123 into line 160 and to the clutch 164, such that the clutch 164 is able to operate and shift gears of the transmission 162. The amount of second fluid used to operate clutch 164 is collected in reservoir 166 after use. The second fluid contained in reservoir 166 is used to recharge second segment 123 when the gas is repressurized.

At 210, displacement of the second fluid by the compressed gas is discontinued when operation of the machine is complete. Thus, in this example, the controller 180 may receive a signal from the transmission 162 or from another source as previously described indicating completion of a shift of the transmission 162. In response, the controller 180 sends a signal to the third valve 158 to move the third valve 158 into the closed position. As a result, the expansion of the gas and, correspondingly, the movement of the piston 112 in the direction of arrow 130 is halted. In some embodiments, the amount of energy of the compressed gas used to shift the transmission is less than the total amount stored in the compressed gas. Thus, in some embodiments, the energy contained in the compressed gas may be used to perform multiple shifts before the gas is repressurized by the first fluid.

At 212, it is determined whether any additional operations of the machine are to be performed. For example, in the context of a transmission of a vehicle, if the vehicle remains in operation, e.g., if the engine of the vehicle continues to operate, additional shifts of the transmission may occur. Thus, if additional operations of the machine are to be performed, for example, if additional shifts of the transmission are likely to occur in the future, method 200 moves to 214. If no additional operations are to be performed, the method 200 ends.

At 214, it is determined whether the pressure of the compressed gas has reached a second selected pressure. In the context of the described example, the controller 180 may receive a signal from the third pressure sensor 176 indicative of the pressure of the gas. In some embodiments, the pressure signal may be sampled continuously or at a selected frequency. The controller 180 compares the received pressure signal and compares the received pressure signal to a second selected pressure. When the pressure of the gas reaches or falls below the second selected pressure, the controller 180 operates the system 100 to repressurize the compressed gas. If the pressure signal is above the second selected pressure, then the compressed gas need not be repressurized. The second selected pressure is less than the first selected pressure. In some embodiments, the second selected pressure is greater than the pre-charge gas pressure.

If the result of 214 is "no," i.e., the pressure of the compressed gas is not at or below the second selected pressure, then method 200 returns to 206 and method 200 continues, as described above. If the result of 214 is "yes," i.e., the pressure of the compressed gas is at or below the second selected pressure, the method returns to 202, where the gas is repressurized by the first fluid, as discussed above. In particular, in the context of the present example, to repressurize gas, the controller 180 sends a signal to the second valve 154 to move into the closed position, a signal to the first valve 152 to move into the open position, and a signal to the fourth valve 170 to move into the open position. As described above, the pressurized first fluid is directed into the first segment 121 via line 150, displaces the piston 112 in the direction of arrow 136, draws the second fluid into the second segment 123 via line 168, and compresses the gas in the third segment 125.

FIG. 3 is another exemplary system 300 that uses an accumulator to operate the functions of a transmission. Components of the system 300 that are identical to components of the system 100 are identified with the same corresponding reference numerals as used in fig. 1. The system 300 is identical to the system 100 of fig. 1, except that it includes a second accumulator 302 in fluid communication with the line 160. The second accumulator 302 is sized and operated to provide a volume of the second fluid to the clutch 164 of the transmission 162 to perform a shift operation when the gas in the third section 125 of the first accumulator 102 experiences repressurization. A shift of the transmission can be performed when the first accumulator is otherwise unable to transfer the second fluid to the transmission 162 because the gas is being repressurized by the first fluid. Thus, the second accumulator 302 avoids a delay in shifting of the transmission when the gas in the first accumulator 102 is being repressurized. Additionally, the second accumulator 302 may be sized to be operable to perform multiple gear shifting operations before being recharged. The second accumulator 302 is recharged by the second fluid displaced by the first accumulator 102 during operation of the first accumulator 102.

Still further, the second accumulator 302 may provide a pressure source for gradually reducing the pressure of the second fluid (referred to as a gradual "leak"). For example, hydraulic components extending between the first accumulator 102 and the transmission 162 (which may include the transmission 162 itself) may cause the fluid pressure to decrease over time. For example, such a pressure drop may be the result of a poor seal (such as a seal formed by an O-ring). Thus, the second accumulator 302 provides a pressure level that is maintained within these hydraulic components between shift operations of the transmission 162.

Fig. 4 is a block diagram of an exemplary computer system 400 for providing computing functionality associated with the algorithms, methods, functions, processes, flows, and programs described in the present disclosure, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The illustrated computer 402 is intended to encompass any computing device including physical instances and virtual instances, or both, such as a server, desktop computer, laptop/notebook computer, wireless data port, smartphone, Personal Data Assistant (PDA), desktop computing device, or one or more processors located within such devices. Computer 402 may include input devices such as a keypad, keyboard, and touch screen that can receive user information. Further, computer 402 may include an output device that can communicate information associated with the operation of computer 402. The information may include digital data, visual data, audio information, or a combination of information. The information may be presented in a graphical User Interface (UI) (or GUI).

Computer 402 may serve as a client, a network component, a server, a database, a permanent, or a component of a computer system for performing the subject matter described in this disclosure. The illustrated computer 402 is communicatively coupled with a network 430. In some implementations, one or more components of the computer 402 can be configured to operate in different environments, including a cloud computing-based environment, a local environment, a global environment, and a combination of environments.

Computer 402 is an electronic computing device operable to receive, transmit, process, store, and manage data and information associated with the described subject matter at a high level. According to some embodiments, the computer 402 may also include or be communicatively coupled with an application server, an email server, a web server, a cache server, a streaming data server, or a combination of servers.

Computer 402 may receive a request over network 430 from a client application (e.g., executing on another computer 402). The computer 402 may respond to the received request by processing the received request using a software application. The request may also be sent from an internal user (e.g., from an instruction console) to the computer 402, an external party (or third party), an automation application, an entity, a person, a system, and a computer.

Each component of the computer 402 may communicate using a system bus 403. In some embodiments, any or all of the components of the computer 402, including hardware or software components, may interact with each other or the interface 404 over the system bus 403 (or a combination of both). The interface may use an Application Programming Interface (API)412, a service layer 413, or a combination of the API 412 and the service layer 413. The API 412 may include specifications for routines, data structures, and object classifications. API 412 may be a computer independent language or a computer dependent language. The API 412 may relate to a complete interface, a single function, or a group of APIs.

Service layer 413 may provide software services to computer 402 and other components (whether illustrated or not) communicatively coupled to computer 402. The functionality of the computer 402 may allow all server users or consumers to access using this service layer. Software services, such as those provided by the services layer 413, may provide reusable defined functionality through defined interfaces. For example, the interface may be software written in JAVA, C + +, or a language that provides data in extensible markup language (XML) format. Although illustrated as an integrated component of the computer 402, in alternative embodiments, the API 412 or the service layer 413 may be a separate component from the other components of the computer 402 and communicatively coupled to the other components of the computer 402. Further, any or all portions of the API 412 or service layer 413 may be implemented as a sub-module or sub-module of another software module, enterprise application, or hardware module without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

The computer 402 includes an interface 404. Although illustrated in fig. 4 as a single interface 404, two or more interfaces 404 may be used according to particular needs, desired or particular implementations of the computer 402 and described functionality. The interface 404 may be used by the computer 402 to communicate with other systems connected to a network 430 (whether illustrated or not) in a distributed environment. In general, the interface 404 may comprise, or be implemented using, logic encoded in software or hardware (or a combination of software and hardware) that is operable to communicate with the network 430. More specifically, interface 404 may include software that supports one or more communication protocols associated with communication. As such, the network 430 or the hardware of the interface may be operable to communicate physical signals inside or outside of the illustrated computer 402.

The computer 402 includes a processor 405. Although illustrated in fig. 4 as a single processor 405, two or more processors 405 may be used according to particular needs, as desired or particular implementations of the computer 402 and described functions. In general, the processor 405 can execute instructions and can manipulate data to perform operations of the computer 402, including operations using algorithms, methods, functions, procedures, flows, and programs as described in this disclosure.

Computer 402 also includes a database 406, and database 406 may hold data for computer 402 and other components (whether illustrated or not) connected to network 430. For example, database 406 may be an in-memory database, a conventional database, or a database storing data consistent with the present disclosure. In some embodiments, database 406 may be a combination of two or more different database types (e.g., in-memory databases or a mix of conventional databases) according to particular needs, desires of computer 402 and described functions, or particular embodiments. Although illustrated in fig. 4 as a single database 406, two or more databases (of the same type, different types, or a combination of types) may be used according to particular needs, desires of the computer 402 and described functionality, or a particular implementation. Although database 406 is shown as an internal component of computer 402, in alternative embodiments, database 406 may be external to computer 402.

Computer 402 also includes a memory 407, and memory 407 may hold data for the combination of computer 402, or components connected to network 430 (whether shown or not). Memory 407 may store any data consistent with the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the memory 407 can be a combination of two or more different types of memory (e.g., a combination of semiconductor and magnetic memory) according to particular needs, desires of the computer 402 and described functions, or particular embodiments. Although illustrated in fig. 4 as a single memory 407, two or more memories 407 (of the same type, different types, or a combination of types) may be used according to particular needs, desired or particular implementations of the computer 402 and described functions. While the memory 407 is shown as an internal component of the computer 402, in alternative embodiments, the memory 407 may be external to the computer 402.

Application 408 may be an algorithmic software engine that provides functionality according to particular needs, desired or particular implementations of computer 402 and described functionality. For example, application 408 may serve as one or more components, modules, or applications. Additionally, although illustrated as a single application 408, the application 408 may be implemented as multiple applications 408 on the computer 402. Additionally, while illustrated as being internal to computer 402, in alternative implementation implementations, application 408 may be external to computer 402.

The computer 402 may also include a power supply 414. The power supply 414 may include a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery that may be configured to be user replaceable or non-user replaceable. In some embodiments, the power supply 414 may include power conversion and management circuitry, including recharging, standby, and power management functions. In some embodiments, the power supply 414 may include a power plug that allows the computer 402 to be plugged into a wall outlet or power source to, for example, power the computer 402 or recharge a rechargeable battery.

There may be any number of computers 402 associated with the computer system containing the computer 402, or external to the computer system, and each computer 402 communicates over the network 430. In addition, the terms "client," "user," and other appropriate terms may be used interchangeably as appropriate without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Further, the present disclosure contemplates that many users may use one computer 402 and that one user may use multiple computers 402.

The described embodiments of the subject matter may include one or more features, either alone or in combination.

For example, in a first embodiment, a computer-implemented system includes one or more processors, and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium coupled to the one or more processors and storing programming instructions for execution by the one or more processors that instruct the one or more processors to: compressing gas in an accumulator to a selected pressure with a first fluid; pressurizing the second fluid with a compressed gas; applying the pressurized second fluid to the transmission; and operating the transmission with the pressurized second fluid.

The previously and other described embodiments may each optionally include one or more of the following features:

the first feature in combination with any one of the following features, wherein the programmed instructions that instruct the one or more processors to pressurize the gas in the accumulator to the selected pressure with the first fluid comprise program instructions that instruct the one or more processors to: introducing a first fluid into a first portion of an accumulator; and displacing the piston within the accumulator to pressurize gas contained in the second portion of the accumulator.

The second feature in combination with any of the above and below features, wherein the piston comprises a first end disposed in the first portion of the accumulator and a second end disposed in the second portion of the accumulator.

The third feature in combination with any of the above and below features, wherein the second fluid is disposed between the first end of the piston and the second end of the piston.

In a fourth feature in combination with any one or more of the above or below, the method includes programming instructions for instructing the one or more processors to decrease the pressure of the first fluid when the gas is compressed to the selected pressure.

The fifth feature in combination with any one or more of the following features, wherein the programming instructions that instruct the one or more processors to apply the pressurized second fluid to the transmission include programming instructions that cause the one or more processors to open a valve and flow the pressurized second fluid through the open valve to the transmission to operate the transmission in response to displacement of the piston by the compressed gas.

The sixth feature in combination with any one or more of the above or below features, wherein the selected pressure is selected to accommodate a selected number of operations of the transmission before recompression of the gas is performed.

The seventh feature, in combination with any one or more of the following features, wherein the programmed instructions that instruct the one or more processors to compress the gas in the accumulator to the selected pressure with the first fluid comprise programmed instructions that instruct the one or more processors to flow a second fluid into a portion of the interior chamber of the accumulator formed between the first end of the piston disposed in the interior chamber and the second end of the piston when the gas is compressed by the first fluid.

The eighth feature in combination with any one of the above or below features, wherein the first fluid is a system hydraulic fluid and wherein the second fluid is a transmission fluid.

The ninth feature in combination with any one of the above features, wherein the computer programming instructions that instruct the one or more processors to operate the transmission with the pressurized second fluid comprise programming instructions that instruct the one or more processors to shift the transmission.

Implementations of the subject matter and the functional operations described in this specification can be implemented as digital electronic circuitry, tangibly embodied computer software or firmware, computer hardware (including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents), or combinations of one or more of them. Software implementations of the described subject matter can be implemented as one or more computer programs. Each computer program may include one or more modules of computer program instructions encoded on a tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable computer storage medium for execution by, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatus. Alternatively or additionally, the program instructions may be encoded in or on an artificially generated propagated signal. For example, the signals may be machine-generated electrical, optical, or electromagnetic signals, which are generated to encode transmission information to suitable receiver apparatus for execution by the data processing apparatus. The computer storage medium may be a machine-readable storage device, a machine-readable storage substrate, a random or serial access memory device, or a combination of computer storage media.

The terms "data processing apparatus," "computer," and "electronic computer apparatus" (or equivalent, as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art) refer to data processing hardware. For example, a data processing apparatus may encompass all kinds of apparatus, devices, and machines for processing data, including by way of example a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple processors or computers. An apparatus may also comprise special purpose logic circuitry, including, for example, a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), or an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). In some embodiments, the data processing apparatus or dedicated logic circuitry (or a combination of the data processing apparatus or dedicated logic circuitry) may be hardware or software based (or a combination of both hardware and software based). The apparatus can optionally include code that produces an execution environment for the computer program, e.g., code that constitutes processor firmware, a protocol suite, a database management system, an operating system, or a combination of execution environments. The present disclosure contemplates the use of data processing devices with or without a conventional operating system (e.g., LINUX, UNIX, WINDOWS, MAC OS, ANDROID, or IOS).

A computer program can be written in any form of programming language, and can also be referred to as, or be described as, a program, software, a software application, a module, a software module, a script, or code. The programming language may include, for example, a compiled, interpreted, declarative, or procedural language. A program can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program, module, component, subroutine, or unit for use in a computing environment. A computer program may, but need not, correspond to a file in a file system. A program can be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup language file), in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinated files that store one or more modules, sub-programs, or portions of code. A computer program can be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computers at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network. While portions of the programs illustrated in the various figures may be shown as separate modules implementing various features and functions through various objects, methods, or processes, the programs may alternatively include multiple sub-modules, third party services, components, and libraries. Rather, the features and functionality of the various components may be combined into a single component as appropriate. The threshold for making the computational determination may be determined in a static manner, a dynamic manner, or both.

The methods, processes, and logic flows described in this specification can be performed by one or more programmable computers executing one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating input. The methods, processes, or logic flows can also be performed by, and apparatus can also be implemented as, special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., a CPU, FPGA, or ASIC.

A computer suitable for the execution of a computer program may be based on one or more general and special purpose microprocessors and another type of CPU. Elements of a computer are a CPU for executing or carrying out instructions and one or more storage devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a CPU can receive instructions and data from (and write data to) memory. The computer may also include or be operatively coupled to one or more mass storage devices for storing data. In some embodiments, a computer may receive data from and transfer data to a mass storage device, including, for example, a magnetic, magneto-optical disk, or optical disk. Further, the computer may be embedded in another device, e.g., a mobile telephone, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a mobile audio or video player, a game console, a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, or a portable storage device such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) flash drive.

Computer-readable media (transitory or non-transitory, as appropriate) suitable for storing computer program instructions and data can include all forms of persistent/non-persistent and volatile/non-volatile memory, media and storage. The computer-readable medium may include, for example, semiconductor memory devices such as Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), phase change memory (PRAM), Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), and flash memory devices. The computer readable medium may also include, for example, magnetic devices such as magnetic tapes, magnetic cassettes, audio cassettes, and internal/removable disks. The computer readable medium may also include magneto-optical disks and optical storage devices, as well as technologies including, for example, Digital Video Disk (DVD), CD ROM, DVD +/-R, DVD-RAM, DVD-ROM, HD-DVD, and BLURAY. The memory may store various objects or data, including caches, classes, frames, applications, modules, backup data, jobs, web pages, web page templates, data structures, database tables, repositories, and dynamic information. The types of objects and data stored in memory may include parameters, variables, algorithms, instructions, rules, constraints, and references. Additionally, the memory may include logs, policies, security or access data, and reporting files. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

Embodiments of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented on a computer having a display device for providing interaction with a user, including displaying information to the user (and receiving input from the user). Various types of display devices may include, for example, Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs), Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs), Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), and plasma monitors. The display device may include a keyboard and a pointing device including, for example, a mouse, a trackball, or a touchpad. User input may also be provided to a computer using a touch screen, such as a tablet computer surface with pressure sensitivity, or a multi-touch screen using capacitive or inductive sensing. Another category of devices may be used to provide interaction with a user, including receiving user feedback, including, for example, sensory feedback, including visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback. Input from the user may be received in the form of sound, speech, or tactile input. In addition, the computer may interact with the user by sending and receiving files to and from the device used by the user. For example, a computer may send a web page to a web browser on a user's client device in response to a request received from the web browser.

The terms "graphical user interface" or "GUI" may be used in the singular or plural to describe one or more graphical user interfaces, as well as each display of a particular graphical user interface. Thus, the GUI may represent any graphical user interface, including but not limited to a web browser, touch screen, or command line interface (GLI) that processes information and efficiently presents the results of the information to a user. In general, a GUI may include a plurality of User Interface (UI) elements, such as interactive fields, drop-down lists, and buttons, some or all of which are associated with a web browser. These and other UI elements may be related to or represent functionality of a web browser.

Embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented in a computing system that includes a back-end component (e.g., as a data server) or that includes a middle-end component (e.g., an application server). Further, the computing system can include a front end component, e.g., a client computer having one or both of a graphical user interface and a web browser through which a user can interact with the computer. The components of the system can be interconnected by any form or medium of wired or wireless digital data communication (or combination of data communications) in a communication network. Examples of communication networks include a Local Area Network (LAN), a Radio Access Network (RAN), a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WIMAX), a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) (e.g., using 802.11a/b/g/n or 802.20, or a combination of protocols), all or a portion of the internet, or any other communication system or systems (or combination of communication networks) located at one or more locations. The network may communicate with a combination of communication types such as between network protocol (IP) packets, frame relay frames, Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) cells, voice, video, data, or network addresses.

The computing system may include clients and servers. A client and server are generally remote from each other and can typically interact through a communication network. The relationship of client and server arises by virtue of computer programs running on the respective computers and having a client-server relationship.

The cluster file system may be any type of file system that is accessible for reading and updating from multiple servers. Locking or consistency tracking may not be necessary because locking of the swap file system may be done at the application layer. Also, Unicode data files may be different from non-Unicode data files.

While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular implementations. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Specific embodiments of the subject matter have been described. Other implementations, modifications, and substitutions to the described implementations are apparent to those of skill in the art and are within the scope of the appended claims. Although operations are depicted in the drawings or claims in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed (some operations may be considered optional) to achieve desirable results. In some cases, multitasking or parallel processing (or a combination of multitasking and parallel processing) may be advantageous and performed as deemed appropriate.

Moreover, the separation or integration of various system modules and components in the embodiments previously described should not be understood as requiring such separation or integration in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

Without in any way limiting the scope, interpretation, or application of the claims appearing below, a technical effect of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein is: actuation of a machine, such as a transmission, is provided while avoiding the energy losses associated with a continuously running pump (which would otherwise be used to facilitate driving).

Moreover, any claimed embodiments are deemed applicable at least to: a computer-implemented method; a non-transitory computer readable medium storing computer readable instructions for performing a computer-implemented method; and a computer system comprising a computer memory interoperably coupled with a hardware processor configured to perform a computer-implemented method or execute instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

While the foregoing describes example embodiments of the present disclosure, these descriptions should not be viewed in a limiting sense. Rather, other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure as defined in the following claims.