ZF develops first dual-clutch transmission for trucks
Fuel efficiency and driver comfort improve
- Published in News.
Lots of gear: Single, dual-clutch, torque converters and hybrids are offered
ZF has developed a dual-clutch transmission (DCT) for heavy trucks, which it claims is a world first.
The technology is part of a modular system which includes conventional clutches, torque converters and hybrids. The transmission will improve fuel efficiency and shift comfort.
ZF's head of commercial vehicle technology, Rolf Lutz, said: “"The new TraXon transmission is the answer to all currently known megatrends in long-distance traffic. The greatest possible flexibility with many variants in a very broad application range leads to low operating costs because the transmission increases the reliability and reduces fuel consumption."
The base gearbox is rated to 3,000Nm and is 99.7% efficient. It has either 12 or 16 speeds with a wide ratio spread. Up to four reverse gears are available as an option.
The DCT version enables trucks to use very high rear axle ratios because the corresponding increase in downshifts when climbing gradients do not adversely effect fuel consumption because, unlike automated manual transmissions, there is no torque interrupt.
For high-load applications, a torque converter can be specified in place of the clutch module.
A 120kW hybrid module can be integrated into the transmission, enabling stop-start, coasting and brake energy recuperation functionality.
Heavy goods: Transmission is rated for applications up to 60-tonnes
