Gearshift Systems for Trucks

Every project is different. More than 50 years of experience in the development and production of components and systems for the automobile industry have made ZF a reliable trade partner. The customers of our gearshift systems benefit extensively from this potential. Furthermore, we are also able to tune the gearshift and transmission systems perfectly to one another for each customer and deliver the whole system ourselves. This is achieved in cooperation with the ZF PKW powertrain technology. The future adaptability and ease of installation that our gearshift systems provide are mostly due to one thing: At ZF, every step of the development process from the initial idea right up to the final test phase is conducted under the highest of quality standards. We can guarantee this as we are responsible for the entire development process.
ZF’s core area of expertise in the field of mechatronic products is the development and production of shift-by-wire shift systems, which are being used increasingly in hybrid and electric vehicles, and in modern vehicles with automatic transmissions (AT), dual clutch transmissions (DCT) and automated manual transmissions (AMT).
Shift-by-wire systems are characterized by a high degree of functionality, a small package and variable integration and design possibilities for the interior; and provide the opportunity for new operating concepts. The shift systems are developed according to the required safety integrity level, in the entire system including transmission, in accordance with Automotive SPICE.

Shifttronic®
The Modular Shift-by-wire System developed by ZF features optimal haptics as well as a large number of possible shift patterns. The monostable ZF Shift Pattern has proven particularly advantageous, since here no deviation can occur between the engaged gear position and the selector lever position, and the desired rate of speed can be selected intuitively. The excellent gearshift knob haptics are achieved via the patented locking system, which is free of play. The integrated electronic unit is equipped with a contactless sensor system.
Depending on the transmission system a mechanical parking brake actuation or transmission emergency actuation can be integrated into the shift system.
ZF has also developed a shift-by-wire shift actuation which has a cable control for the park-by-cable function for the DCT and AT transmissions. An economical, modularly constructed gearshift actuation for the various transmission and interior variants was realized, taking into consideration the vehicle-specific interfaces. System costs are reduced via the park-by-cable function for engaging and disengaging the parking brake pawl in the transmission.
For an 8-hp transmission, ZF has also developed monostable shift-by-wire shift actuation according to state-of-the-art technology, taking current design trends into account.
In order to rule out incorrect operation by the user, the shift range is always determined depending upon the currently engaged gear position. This takes place via individually controlled actuators.
The electronic unit with a contactless sensor system was developed in accordance with Automotive SPICE level 2. The gearshift knob with an integrated display module constitutes a system which unites functionality with modern interior design.

Rotatronic®
Rotatronic is a modularly conceived design element with major package advantages. It can be used in combination with AT, DCT and AMT, and with hybrid and electric vehicles. The integrated electronic unit is equipped with a contactless sensor system.
A proven locking system free of play is used, with which both stable and monostable Rotatronic shift positions can be realized. Incorrect actuation due to the selection of impermissible gear positions can be prevented by a blocking matrix developed by ZF. For additional comfort improvement, force generation can also be realized via a force feedback system.