Control of torque transfer between an engine and a manual transmission
AssigneeGM Global Technology Operations LLC
InventorPrabhakar R. Marur
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system for controlling a transfer of torque from an engine to a manual transmission having a plurality of shiftable gears includes a selectively releasable and re-engageable clutch. The clutch is arranged inside the transmission and configured to transmit torque of the engine to the transmission when the clutch is in an engaged state. The system also includes a lever operatively connected to the transmission and movable to shift the gears. Additionally, the system includes an input device arranged on the lever and operable to selectively release and re-engage the clutch. A vehicle employing such a system is also provided.
Claims16
A system for controlling a transfer of torque from an engine to a manual transmission having a plurality of shiftable gears, the system comprising:
- a selectively releasable and re-engageable clutch arranged relative to the manual transmission and configured to transmit torque of the engine to the transmission when the clutch is in an engaged state;
- a lever operatively connected to the transmission and movable to shift the gears;
- an input device arranged on the lever and operable to selectively release and re-engage the clutch;
- and
- an actuator, wherein the actuator is electrically connected to the input device and is directly connected to the clutch such that the actuator selectively releases and re-engages the clutch when the input device is operated;
- wherein the input device is operated via an application of a force and includes a pressure sensor configured to sense the force and communicate an electrical signal to the actuator that is proportional to the force.
A vehicle comprising:
- an internal combustion engine configured for powering the vehicle;
- a transmission having a plurality of shiftable gears, wherein the transmission is operatively connected to the engine, and is adapted to transmit torque of the engine to power the vehicle;
- a manually releasable and re-engageable clutch arranged inside the transmission, the clutch being configured to transmit torque of the engine to the transmission when the clutch is in an engaged state;
- a lever arranged in the vehicle and operable to shift the gears in the transmission;
- an input device arranged on the lever and operable to release the clutch such that the gears may be shifted;
- and
- an actuator, wherein the actuator is electrically connected to the input device and is directly connected to the clutch such that the actuator selectively releases and re-engages the clutch when the input device is operated;
- wherein the input device is operated via an application of a force and includes a pressure sensor configured to sense the force and communicate an electrical signal to the actuator that is proportional to the force.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.