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Enhanced performance and less fuel consumption A torque converter is used in the 9HP as the standard starting element: Particularly customers in the USA and the Asian markets esteem its smooth starting and maneuvering quality. Here, a multilevel torsion damper system minimizes hydraulic losses while, already at low speeds, facilitating quick bridging of the torque converter lock-up clutch. This is not only beneficiary for fuel consumption and comfort but also for driving dynamics. For an even more direct driving experience, ZF has designed all control components for shorter response and shift times, actually below the threshold of perception. Flexible transmission control Direct multiple gearshifts are also possible with the 9HP and give the automatic transmission its sporty character. Thus, the transmission controls can be influenced by the OEM and the end customer: Shifting points and shifting dynamics are highly variable - from emphasize given to comfort and optimized fuel consumption up to extremely sporty. ZF benefits from its expertise in the area of software development when engineering such highly flexible transmission controls: ATSYS, the shifting sequence control, contains all clutch controls, adaptation functions, and transmission protection functions while ASIS, the driving strategy, ensures that the optimal gear is selected for each driving situation - unnoticed by the driver! With the 9HP, as a result of cost efficiency and installation space optimization reasons, ZF engineers did not use a fully-integrated
ZF Friedrichshafen AG Konzernkommunikation Corporate Communications 88038 Friedrichshafen Deutschland Germany
mechatronics module for all sensors, actuators, and the electronic control unit (EGS). Instead, ZF develops and produces the EGS under its own aegis: It is installed separately from the - now significantly smaller - hydraulic control unit (HSG), namely on the upper side of the transmission housing. The EGS's computing performance can be increased by another 30 percent when needed. Thus, the 9HP is also equipped for even more comprehensive software functions in the future. The EGS's hardware layout has been designed in such a way that the different OEM requirements can be applied without any problems. Flexible construction kit So that the new 9-speed automatic transmission can be installed in as many vehicle applications as possible, it has been prepared as a 'construction kit': e.g. an additional transfer case can be connected for the all-wheel drive operation. To this end, ZF developed an allwheel drive that can be decoupled (AWD Disconnect). It actuates the rear axle drive only when needed and, thus, saves five percent fuel compared to the permanent all-wheel drive. The 9-speed automatic transmission is, by default and without an additional oil pump, stop-start capable. Since, in the case of restarting, it is only one friction shift element that needs to be closed, response times are indeed highly spontaneous. In addition, the 9HP is easy to hybridize: On the basis of an parallel hybrid architecture, the torque converter is then replaced by an electric motor. Finally, thanks to its open software and interface structure as well as the powerful electronic control unit, it will be possible to integrate the unit flexibly in different vehicle concepts. This diversity of the 9HP construction kit makes the transmission especially efficient for OEMs.
Caption: Flexible, powerful, and cost-efficient. The 9 HP construction kit is designed for different starting elements, hybrid drive, a stop-start function, and all-wheel drive. Photo: ZF
ZF Friedrichshafen AG Konzernkommunikation Corporate Communications 88038 Friedrichshafen Deutschland Germany
Press contact: Thomas Wenzel, Manager Technical Press, Tel. +49 7541-77 2543, Fax: +49 7541-77 902543, E-Mail: thomas.wenzel@zf.com
ZF is a leading worldwide automotive supplier for Driveline and Chassis Technology with 117 production companies in 26 countries. In 2010, the Group achieved a sales figure of EUR 12.9 billion with approximately 70,000 employees. In order to continue to be successful with innovative products, ZF annually invests about five percent of its sales (2010: EUR 646 million) in research and development. For photos and further press information please visit: www.zf.com