Apparatus for operating a clutch in an automated mechanical transmission

Abstract

An apparatus and method for controlling the engagement rate of a clutch in a partially or fully automated mechanical transmission in response to an indication provided by the driver, such as the depression of an accelerator pedal of the vehicle. The apparatus includes an electronic controller which initially sets a desired speed for the vehicle engine during the shifting process, determines a rate of engagement movement of a release bearing of the clutch, and actuates appropriate valves to initiate the gradual engagement of the clutch. The electronic controller is responsive to the position of the accelerator pedal of the vehicle for adjusting the rate of engagement of the release bearing of the clutch. In a first embodiment, the electronic controller is responsive to movement of the accelerator pedal in a first direction (depressed for further acceleration) for incrementing the rate of engagement of the release bearing. Similarly, the electronic controller is responsive to movement of the accelerator pedal in a second direction (released for further deceleration) for decrementing the rate of engagement of the release bearing. If the accelerator pedal is maintained in a constant position, the rate of engagement of the release bearing is unchanged. In a second embodiment, the electronic controller is responsive to rate or amount of movement of the accelerator pedal in the first direction for incrementing the rate of engagement of the release bearing, similarly, the rate or amount of movement of the accelerator pedal in the second direction for decrementing the rate of engagement of the release bearing.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.