Control system or method for a friction device such as a clutch or brake
AssigneeZahnradfabrik Friedrichshafen AG
InventorFriedrich Schreiner
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A clutch or brake control system and method generates an electrical signal upon maximum torque transmission between the relatively displaceable parts of the friction device. This signal can be used as a reference point, changing with each application of the clutch or brake and with wear of the friction members thereof, which is utilized to trigger a controlled clutch or brake application process and may also be used to signal the end of a rapid-closure operation. Electronic circuitry is provided to store and process this signal.
Claims12
A method of operating a friction device, namely, a clutch or brake having a pair of relatively rotatable members, at least one of which is axially displaceable to effect frictional coupling of said members, said method comprising the steps of:
- simultaneously monitoring the frictional coupling of said members and the axial displacement of said one of said members electrically and generating an electrical signal representing maximum frictional coupling of said members;
- registering in the form of an electrical signal data representing the point in the axial displacement of said one of said members corresponding to the maximum frictional coupling of said members;
- utilizing the registered signal to represent a reference point in the axial displacement of said one of said members and automatically, at a predetermined prerecorded distance ahead of said reference point for a succeeding cycle of operation of said device;
- regulating the frictional coupling of said members;
- and
- recording a new reference point at the conclusion of the frictional coupling of said members.
A system for controlling a friction device, namely a clutch or brake having a pair of relatively rotatable members at least one of which is axially displaceable for frictional coupling of said members, said system comprising:
- means for monitoring the degree of frictional coupling of said members;
- signal-generating means responsive to said monitoring means for producing an electrical signal representing a reference point in the axial displacement of said one of said members upon maximum frictional coupling of said members for each actuation of said device;
- means for electrically storing said signal representing said reference point for each actuation of said device;
- and
- means for storing data representing a predetermined pattern of actuation of said device, and means for initiating said pattern of actuation of said device at a control point in the displacement of one of said members located at a predetermined distance ahead of the stored reference point of a predetermined actuation cycle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.