Patent ID: 8744709
Filing Date: 2014-06-03
Classification: B60W,F16D,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A vehicle comprising: an engine having a crankshaft; a hydraulically controlled multi-plate clutch operatively connected to the crankshaft, the clutch including at least one driving clutch plate and at least one driven clutch plate; an output shaft operatively connected to the clutch, the clutch selectively transmitting power from the crankshaft to the output shaft; a propulsion element operatively connected to the output shaft; a hydraulic fluid supply system fluidly connected to the clutch for supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid to the clutch; a controller connected to the hydraulic fluid supply system, the controller receiving a torque signal indicative of engine torque and controlling the hydraulic fluid supply system based at least in part on the torque signal in a launch mode and in a synchronized mode; an engine speed sensor sensing a speed of the engine, the engine speed sensor being connected to the controller for sending an engine speed signal indicative of engine speed to the controller, the controller controlling the hydraulic fluid supply system based at least in part on the engine speed signal in the launch mode and in the synchronized mode; and a throttle position sensor sensing a position of a throttle lever of the vehicle, wherein, when the throttle lever is actuated: wherein in the launch mode the at least one driving clutch plate and the at least one driven clutch plate slip relative to each other; and wherein in the synchronized mode the at least one driving clutch plate and the at least one driven clutch plate rotate together at a same speed of rotation for at least some engine torque and engine speed combinations.