Home page

The automated transmission system for modern cranes

GB

Introduction In recent years vehicle manufacturers have been directing a substantial

share of their activities at relieving drivers of some of their workload so that they can fully concentrate on safe and economical goods transport.

To this end, mechanical transmissions were used, automated with add-on

technology such as shift cylinders, valves, sensors and so on.

ZF has abandoned this approach and developed a new transmission

concept which is setting standards. ZFs tried-and-tested transmission technology wedded with state-of-the-art electronics have brought forth the promising ZF-AS Tronic system and, sure enough, at reasonable cost.

All transmission functions have been integrated in one single unit.

The driver can choose in favor of the automatic mode or opt for manual shifting of gears. In any case, he has been relieved of any clutch work and can fully concentrate on steering his truck.

The ZF-AS Tronic stands for:

Economic efficiency Reliabilitiy Environmental acceptability

MKS-KD3
333 21086 e

ZF-AS Tronic A means to what end?

New technological solutions open up a whole world of novel

opportunities of design for the entire driveline:
EDC-engines have gone into production Standard dry clutches have become fully automatable EDC and other electronics systems can communicate (CAN-communication)

Increased

reliability and raised economic efficiency of vehicles have been and still are core issues in development work. ZF fully supports these objectives and has made a major contribution with the ZF-AS Tronic.

The entire driveline is relieved of substantial load by the fact that gear changes are automatic and shift processes automated. Reduction of the number of sources for malfunction by integral construction. The new automatic ZF-shift strategy permits operation of the engine in the most economical range (automatic mode). Simple operation (also facilitates change of drivers). If needed, the driver can intervene in any traffic situation and initiate gear changes at his own discretion (easy correction by means of a tip lever).

MKS-KD3
333 21087 e

ZF-AS Tronic By all means!

It is the optimum drive system for trucks with electronically

controlled diesel engines (EDC) and modern CAN-technology.

009399

Automatically shifting transmission system on the basis of a robust, mechanical transmission. If needed, semiautomatic operation (manual gear selection). Alternative operating concepts (e.g. console selector, steering column/steering wheel selector). Electronic/pneumatic clutch control; no clutch pedal. Electric/pneumatic shifting Speed adjustment of the gears (synchronization) in the main gear during gear shifts performed via EDC-engine and transmission brake.

MKS-KD3
333 21088 e

ZF-AS Tronic By all means!

A perfectly communicating driveline.

Engine

EDC

integrated Transmission Control

ABS/ASR

01046

The ZF-AS Tronic offers:

CAN-system network continuous monitoring of vehicle condition info readout for driver via display Selection of drive program and correction option via tip lever (joystick) Diagnosis possible direct on vehicle
MKS-KD3
333 21089 e

000

565

This is ZF-AS Tronic

T he first completely integrated transmission system.

clutch shifting module with
integrated electronics

clutch actuator No "add-on" operating elements. Only few central connections for compressed air and electric system. Electronic control system integrated in shifting module. Space and weight-saving construction: Two countershafts and 2-speed planetary gear. The basic gear is dog clutch-operated (non-synchronized); Splitter and range-change group are synchronized. Simpler, shorter, lighter and more versatile than anything else the market can offer today.

MKS-KD3
333 21090 e

ZF-AS Tronic Two Performance Classes

Optimum installation space, weight and costs.

12 AS 2301

12-speed transmission for vehicles up to 2 300 Nm (ca. 450 HP)

Specifically for this price-conscious vehicle class!

16 AS 2601

16-speed transmission for vehicles up to 2 600 Nm (ca. 550 HP)

Ideal for demanding transport tasks in international transportation!

MKS-KD3
333 21091 e

Transmission Design

009931

Double-countershaft transmission with integrated splitter group and planetary-designed range-change group
Splitter group Main Range-change transmission group

12 AS 2301 =

MKS-KD3
333 21092 e

Installation Dimensions

953 (910) 5 5 3 622.5 (579.5) 395 7 221

278

32 511

(109) 116.5 180

301

25 1

10

2
011524

Legend:
1 2 3 4 5

Input Output Shifting module Clutch actuator Breather

Connection site for clutch-dependent PTO 7 Compressed-air connection 8 Oil fill opening and oil level check 9 Oil drain opening 10 Speedo sensor ( ) Dimensions in parentheses for 12 AS 2301
6

MKS-KD3
333 21092/1 e

Technical Data

12 AS 2301
Nm kg L

1 900 250 11 Direct Drive

2 300

Overdrive 12.33 9.59 7.44 5.78 4.57 3.55 2.70 2.10 1.63 1.27 1.00 0.78

Gear 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 R 1 R 2

15.86 12.33 9.57 7.44 5.87 4.57 3.47 2.70 2.10 1.63 1.29 1.00

14.68 11.41

11.41
8.88

MKS-KD3
333 21092/2 e

Internal Structure and Function 16 AS 2601

Sp litte rg rou p K2

K1

transmission brake

R-gear reversing gear

4 3 2 1

Range-change group

16 (12 AS 26 01 AS 230 : four 1: t hre speed R-gear e-s pee sectio reversing n ds ect gear ion )
Housing: Light alloy, three parts; integrated clutch bell. Power distribution: Constant K1 or K2 on both countershafts. Return of power distribution in 4-speed section onto main shaft in corresponding gear (or reverse gear). Drive via range-change group. In slow driving range speed 1 to 8 (12 AS 2301: 1-6) with range group ratio. In fast driving range speed 9 to 16 (7 to 12) direct to universal shaft. The 12-speed transmission 12 AS 2301 has no gear set Therefore, the transmission is about 43 mm shorter.
1

Output flange

MKS-KD3
333 21093 e

Gear Shifting
Shifting module Shift Cylinder for range group section Shift cylinder for main transmission section Shift cylinder for splitter group Selector cylinder for main transmission

12

e -sp

ed

GV 2/3

1/R
GP

Gearshifts are perfomed by the shifting module (pneumatically) For splitter and range groups one shift cylinder each One shift cylinder for actuation of main transmission section One shift cylinder for gear selector of main transmission section Valves, cylinders, sensors and external connections integrated in transmission shifting module Shifting commands from the electronic system or, if needed, from the driver

MKS-KD3
333 21094 e

Clutch Actuation

Clutch

Transmission Control Unit

travel sensor

valves clutch open

0108

42

valves clutch closed

actuator piston control electronics

clutch actuator

air supply

010833

No clutch pedal or hydraulic system Electro-pneumatic control of clutch processes when starting-off and when stopping when shifting gears when maneuvering Standard dry clutch actuated by clutch actuator Automatic clutch re-adjustment Driver automatically warned (display) if clutch is overloaded Display readout if clutch needs to be replaced

MKS-KD3
333 21095 e

Shifting Module

Shifting module

with integrated Transmission electronics

Integrated Transmission Control Unit

010833

010291

Vehicle plug (CAN)

Transmission plug

The shifting module is installed on the top of the transmission,

and easily accessible
It contains: the integrated transmission electronics the valves for "shifting", "selecting", "transmission brake" the shift cylinders sensors for speed, pressure, etc. pressure relief valve the electric and pneumatic connections for vehicle and transmission

MKS-KD3
333 21096 e

Transmission Control Unit

CAN-communikation with EDC, ABS, ASR Clutch control Transmission control, gear changes Automatic system (Driving strategy)

010832

The transmission electronic system controls all processes in the transmission and continuously communicates with linked-up vehicle systems.
7 8

4 6 5
air supply

Electronic Diesel Control (EDC) 2 Shifting module with integrated Transmission Control Unit 3 EDC-engine 4 Dry clutch

5 6 7 8 9

Clutch actuator Intarder electronics Display Range selector ABS / ASR

Electrics Pneumatics CAN-communication

MKS-KD3
333 21097 e

Operating Concept Console Range Selector

Several upshifts (several taps) upshifting (1 gear)

A/M
switch over (only whilst driving)

reverse shifting (1 gear) several downshifts (several taps)

0104 63

D ... Drive (forward, automatic or manual) N ... Neutral R ... Reverse A ... Automatic M ... Manual

010464

The display keeps the driver informed:

Operational mode (Drive mode, actual gear, etc.) Warnings Info on system malfunctions
000 565

MKS-KD3
333 21098 e

Display Readouts
Warning Operating mode System self-check (when ignition on) Transmission in Neutral position Automatic mode System malfunction Air pressure insufficient (airless)

Foot off pedal

Clutch overloaded Select lower gear

Engaged starting-off or driving gear (here: 5th gear). Versions : 12-speed Start. speed: 1st - 6th Drive speed: 1st - 12th Gear selected, downshift options

Communication error to display Clutch wear indicator

Reverse gear "Low" engaged

System error. Journey can be continoued with restrictions System error. Stop!

Reverse gear "High" engaged PTO 1 ist activated (P). Transmission Neutral (N). PTO 1 und 2 are activated (P). Starting-off gear 3 engaged (3) speed

Example error code: 153 (Lines = "1") Auxiliary gear shift system: L1 = forward speed engaged L2 = higher forward LN = Neutral LR = Reverse gear

MKS-KD3
333 21100 e

Operating modes

Automatic Mode
Transmission shifts automatically Both hands always on steering wheel Optimum gearshifts in any situation "Dynamic" or "economical" drive style: the electronic system recognizes the style and responds If needed, correction of gear selected via tip lever The electronic system preselects a starting gear; the driver may adjust it to the situation given Maneuvering and PTO-operation only in manual mode

010832

M anual Mode
Gearshifts at drivers discretion (via tip lever) Automatic clutch operation of transmission Shifting of transmission by repeated tapping: 1x = 1 gear; 2x = 2 gears The electronic system preselects a starting gear; the driver may adjust it to the situation given Wrong gearshifts are precluded

010463

MKS-KD3
333 21101 e

Features Technology and Function

High-performance helical gears - new technology Central hydraulic oil supply Customary dry clutch Central cable harness; few external connections Robust housing with integrated clutch bell Full integration of all components Low temperature level for long service life of components Automated transmission functions for swift gearshifts Shifting in a manner that relieves the driveline of peak loads Jolt-free gear changes due to controlled clutch Display warning in case of clutch overload or if clutch needs to be replaced Diagnostic mode recognizes and indicates malfunctions on display, activates alternative functions and allows journey to be continued Simple trouble-shooting on vehicle by means of system-immanent error memory and ZF-diagnosis unit

MKS-KD3
333 21112 e

Benefits for the Driver

Optimum relief for the driver: No clutch pedal Swift, automatic gear changes No operating errors (electronic overspeed protection etc.) Continuously updated info via display All concentration focused on traffic Suitable starting gear always available Economical driving supported by most modern drive strategies provided by transmission electronics Low noise level Smooth clutch control for maneuvering and reversing At any time depending on the traffic situation the driver can change from the automatic mode to manual gear selection. The driver remains "in command" of his vehicle. Easy vehicle operation, promptly understood by rotating drivers; vehicle and driver are ready to go within a short time.

MKS-KD3
333 21113 e

Benefits for the Vehicle Manufacturer

No shift lever with shift block and shifting linkage. No connections and lines for clutch pedal (hydraulics, kinematics). Spatial flexibility regarding installation of display and range selector. Flexible driver cabin arrangement. Noise encapsulation not necessary (simple, robust basic transmission with helical gears). Long service life and high functional safety of the transmission through integration of all components. Complete system with final inspection from a single supplier (only one supplier). Improved economic efficiency of the transmission due to automatic program (more favorable operating costs). No operating errors Simple check of electronic components and interfaces on the assembly line by means of electronic diagnosis. Error memory integrated.

Benefits for vehicle manufacturer: Less installation costs Parts and systems omitted Less diagnosis and repair costs Less training costs
MKS-KD3
333 21114 e

Benefits for the Fleet Owner

More payload (ca. 60 kg more as opposed to Ecosplit transmissions) The driveline is relieved of peak loads; therefore less clutch wear Economic efficiency improved by automatic program (Rental vehicle, etc.) Simple operation, no operating errors No clutch pedal, driver stays fit and motivated Ideal for unskilled drivers (driver rotation) High brake efficiency due to ZF-Intarder Only one contact partner for queries regarding entire transmission / Intarder system Easy procurement of spare parts

Benefits for fleet owner: Less training costs Less maintenance and repair costs Less operating costs (fuel, clutch, brake linings, brake drums)

MKS-KD3
333 21115 e

Benefits for the Environment

Promotes fuel-saving drive style = less exhaust / particulate emission Optimum efficiency = low power loss 95% of all system components can be recyled = raw material savings No environment-critical material such as asbestos, cadmium = eco-friendly No hydraulic oil for clutch actuation = eco-friendly Prolonged oil change intervals = less waste oil Reduced transmission weight = increased transport efficiency Varnishing with water varnish = Savings in solvents = eco-friendly

MKS-KD3
333 21116 e

Self-Diagnosis The AS Tronic system continuously performs self-diagnosis.

It recognizes malfunctions, activates alternative functions and ensures continuance of journey. For the driver this means: In case of malfunction: info by means of a symbol shown in display in addition: buzzing signal the driver can react accordingly The driver is informed whether he has to stop immediately or whether the malfunction permits to continue the journey to a suitable checking point.
01046 3

011707

There he can activate the check mode to define the malfunction (error code). Any measures to be taken will be found in the operating manual. There are several options: Journey can be continued without any restrictions Journey can be continued with restrictions Journey can be continued with severe restrictions (auxiliary control system) Journey cannot be continued. ZF comes to the drivers aid: in the operating manual he will find hot lines, addresses and actions to take.

MKS-KD3
333 21117 e