Power take-off clutch control system

A control system for a power take off clutch system, wherein the clutch system includes an input member, an output member, a clutch member, and an actuator system for selectively actuating the input and output members, comprising:

• a speed detection system for detecting the speed of the input member, the speed detection system operable to generate an electronic signal corresponding to the speed of the input member, the speed detection system operable to detect the speed of the output member, the speed detection system operable to generate an electronic signal corresponding to the speed of the output member;
• and
• a slip detection system for detecting slip across the clutch member, the slip detection system operable to generate an electronic signal corresponding to the slip of the clutch member;
• wherein the electronic signals from the speed detection system and the slip detection system are processed so as to determine a temperature of the clutch member based upon the electronic signals from the speed detection system and the slip detection system;
• wherein an electronic signal is generated and transmitted to the actuator system so as to cause the disengagement of the clutch member if the temperature of the clutch member exceeds a pre-determined temperature;
• and
• an accumulated power detection system for detecting the accumulated power of the clutch member, the accumulated power detection system operable to generate an electronic signal corresponding to the accumulated power of the clutch member, wherein the electronic signal from the accumulated power detection system is processed so as to determine the temperature of the clutch member.

A control system for a power take off clutch system, wherein the clutch system includes an input member, an output member, a clutch member, and an actuator system for selectively actuating the input and output members, comprising:

• a speed detection system for detecting the speed of the input member, the speed detection system operable to generate an electronic signal corresponding to the speed of the input member, the speed detection system operable to detect the speed of the output member, the speed detection system operable to generate an electronic signal corresponding to the speed of the output member;
• a slip detection system for detecting slip across the clutch member, the slip detection system operable to generate an electronic signal corresponding to the slip of the clutch member;
• and
• a torque detection system for detecting torque acting upon the clutch member;
• the torque detection system operable to generate an electronic signal corresponding to the torque acting upon the clutch member;
• wherein the electronic signals from the speed detection system, slip detection system and torque detection system are processed so as to determine a temperature of the clutch member based upon the electronic signals from the speed detection system, slip detection system and torque detection system;
• wherein an electronic signal is generated and transmitted to the actuator system so as to cause the disengagement of the clutch member if the temperature of the clutch member exceeds a pre-determined temperature;
• and
• an accumulated power detection system for detecting the accumulated power of the clutch member, the accumulated power detection system operable to generate an electronic signal corresponding to the accumulated power of the clutch member, wherein the electronic signal from the accumulated power detection system is processed so as to determine the temperature of the clutch member.