Control of an automatic clutch
AssigneeDaimlerChrysler AG
InventorsFranz Kosik, Thomas Grass
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention relates to an automatic clutch intended for an engine-transmission unit in a vehicle with random gear changing. The gearbox comes into action automatically as soon as it has recognized the driver's intentions. Furthermore, the gear lever shift, the speed and the engine torque of the vehicle as well as the brake system action are monitored. As soon as the gear lever has shifted and the speed or the torque has fallen sufficiently and/or the brake system is actuated, the clutch is released.
Claims8
An apparatus for controlling an automatic clutch in a drive train of a motor vehicle having an engine controlled by a driver and transmission shifted by the driver by actuating a shifting lever, the apparatus comprising:
- an adjusting unit for actuating the clutch;
- a system of sensors including a sensor for monitoring a parameter of movement of the shifting lever, a sensor for monitoring vehicle brake actuation, and a sensor for monitoring a further parameter which is influenceable or controllable by the driver, each of the sensors generating an output signal;
- said adjusting unit including a control circuit receiving the output signals from the sensors and generating a signal for releasing the clutch;
- wherein said control circuit generates the signal for releasing the clutch if the parameter of movement of the shifting lever and the further parameter, in combination, are significant for intended shifting;
- wherein said control circuit generates the signal for releasing the clutch independently of the further parameter if the respective sensors indicate simultaneous actuation of the shift lever and the vehicle brake.
A method of controlling an automatic clutch in a drive train of a motor vehicle having an engine and transmission controllable by a driver, the method comprising the acts of:
- monitoring a parameter of movement of a shifting lever for the transmission;
- monitoring at least one further parameter influenceable by the driver;
- releasing the clutch if a combination of said monitored parameters occurs which is significant for an intended shifting;
- monitoring a vehicle brake function;
- and
- releasing the clutch independently of the at least one further parameter if the shifting lever and the vehicle brake are simultaneously actuated.
A motor vehicle control apparatus, comprising:
- an engine controlled by a driver;
- a drive train having an automatic clutch;
- a transmission shifted by the driver by actuating a shifting lever;
- an adjusting unit for actuating the clutch;
- a system of sensors including a sensor for monitoring a parameter of movement of the shifting lever, a sensor for monitoring vehicle brake actuation, and a sensor for monitoring a further parameter which is influenceable or controllable by the driver, each of the sensors generating an output signal;
- said adjusting unit including a control circuit receiving the output signals from the sensors and generating a signal for releasing the clutch;
- wherein said control circuit generates the signal for releasing the clutch if the parameter of movement of the shifting lever and the further parameter, in combination, are significant for intended shifting;
- wherein said control circuit generates the signal for releasing the clutch independently of the further parameter if the respective sensors indicate simultaneous actuation of the shift lever and the vehicle brake.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.