Method for controlling an automated clutch

A method for controlling an automated clutch in a power train of a motor vehicle having an engine with a crankshaft and a transmission with a transmission input shaft and a transmission output shaft, wherein the automated clutch is arranged between the crankshaft and the transmission input shaft, and wherein a torque to be transmitted from the engine to the transmission is transmitted by means of a frictional engagement between a first clutch component that is rotationally fixed on the crankshaft and a second clutch component that is rotationally fixed on the transmission input shaft, wherein said frictional engagement is characterized at least by a physical friction value that changes dependent on an operating state of the clutch, the method comprising the steps of:

• a) modeling the physical friction value as a friction value (RW) in a clutch control unit based on at least one parameter of the power train, wherein the friction value (RW) contains a component representing a dependency of the friction value from a clutch temperature, b) controlling the frictional engagement of the automated clutch based on the friction value (RW) that was obtained as a result of the modeling in step a), and c) storing a set of data relating to the clutch temperature when the vehicle is switched off;
• retrieving said data when the vehicle is switched on again, and determining a current friction value based on said data, wherein a limit for a maximum amount of change of the friction value is set as a function of the clutch temperature and wherein said maximum amount is adjusted if and when the vehicle is switched on at a time when the clutch temperature is still significantly warmer than the ambient temperature.