Abstract: A low speed splitter transmission assembly includes a main gearbox and an auxiliary gearbox. The transmission assembly provides a relatively small numerical gear ratio step from the highest numerical gear ratio to the second highest gear ratio. The relatively small step between the highest and the second highest numerical gear ratios allows shifting from the highest numerical gear ratio during movement of the vehicle.

Abstract: An auxiliary gear box for a transmission is provided including a piston housing having a first and second bore. A first piston is arranged within the first bore and separates the first bore into first and second chambers. A first shift shaft extends form the first piston and is connected to a first shift fork. A second piston is arranged within the second bore separating the second bore into third and fourth chambers. A second shift shaft extends form the second piston and is connected to a second shift fork. In one example, this invention provides first, second and third actuators for selectively actuating the pistons. The first actuator is fluidly connected to the first chamber. The second actuator is fluidly connected to the second and fourth chambers, and the third actuator is fluidly connected to the third chamber. The exposed surface area of the piston in the chamber having the shift shaft is less than the exposed surface area of the piston on the chamber opposite the shift shaft.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission detent assembly is provided that includes a housing having a bore. A movable shift rail is supported by the housing and includes a recess at least partially aligned with the bore. A detent is at least partially arranged within the bore and engages the recess. A biasing member generates a force on the detent and urges the detent into engagement with the recess. An adjustment member threadingly received within a portion of the housing coacts with the biasing member. Upon manipulation of the adjustment member, the biasing member may be moved between a plurality of compressive states in which each of the states generates a different force on the detent. In this manner, the biasing spring may be compressed or uncompressed to provide a desired shift feel.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission detent assembly is provided that includes a housing having a bore. A movable shift rail is supported by the housing and includes a recess at least partially aligned with the bore. A detent is at least partially arranged within the bore and engages the recess. A biasing member generates a force on the detent and urges the detent into engagement with the recess. An adjustment member threadingly received within a portion of the housing coacts with the biasing member. Upon manipulation of the adjustment member, the biasing member may be moved between a plurality of compressive states in which each of the states generates a different force on the detent. In this manner, the biasing spring may be compressed or uncompressed to provide a desired shift feel.

Abstract: An auxiliary box for a heavy vehicle transmission includes a shift cylinder wherein fluid drives a piston in a first direction, and a spring drives a shift fork in an opposed second direction. If fluid is supplied to drive the piston in the first direction, a first gear is engaged in the auxiliary box, and if fluid is relieved the spring drives a shift fork to engage a second piston. The invention thus eliminates some of the fluid controls and components in the prior art.

Abstract: A heavy vehicle transmission includes a multi-speed main gear box and an auxiliary gear box, such as a range or splitter gear box, coupled to the main gear box. The transmission assembly includes a shaft having an outwardly extending abutment element and a step portion. A piston constructed of non-metallic materials is mounted on the shaft. After the piston is mounted on the shaft, a retaining device is secured on the shaft for firmly retaining the piston on the shaft against the abutment element so the piston does not lean or tilt relative to the shaft to become misaligned or improperly seated, and the transmission assembly functions optimally. To accomplish this, the retaining device includes a spacing element and a locking member. The locking member is fastened on the shaft until the spacing element automatically abuts the step portion thereby retaining the piston of the assembly against the abutment element of the shaft.

Abstract: A heavy vehicle transmission auxiliary gear box has a piston housing defining internal fluid chambers. A piston shaft is further included to achieve the gear shifts in the auxiliary gear box. A yoke element is coupled to the shaft for engaging the multi-speed transmission. A piston is disposed on the shaft in the internal fluid chambers to move the shaft and the yoke element between first and second positions. Shoulder elements on the shaft prevent direct contact between the piston and the piston housing when the shaft and the yoke element are actuated between the first and second positions.