Patent ID: 6061619
Filing Date: 2000-05-09
Classification: B60W,F16D,F16H,Y10T

Abstract:
Electronic management system for an adjustable clutch which has engaged and disengaged conditions and a plurality of intermediate conditions in which the clutch transmits torque with varying degrees of slip, the clutch being disposed in a power train of a motor vehicle between a combustion engine operable at a plurality of different RPMs and a manually shiftable transmission having input and output components at least one of which is operated at a plurality of different RPMs, the transmission undergoing a synchronization in response to manual shifting into one of a plurality of different speed ratios, comprising:first sensor means for generating first signals denoting changes in the gear ratio of the transmission;second sensor means for generating second signals denoting the RPM of the at least one component of the transmission; andmeans for adjusting said clutch in response to at least one of said signals to change the condition of the clutch from the disengaged condition to a predetermined intermediate condition, in which the clutch is capable of transmitting torque with a maximum of slip, at least during synchronizing of the transmission following the shifting into a gear and while the RPM of the at least one component of the transmission exceeds a predetermined threshold value, and to vary the intermediate condition of the clutch until the RPM of the at least one component of the transmission decreases at least to said threshold value.