Patent ID: 6206803
Filing Date: 2001-03-27
Classification: B60W,F16D,F16H,Y10T

Abstract:
A clutch for selectively connecting an engine to a transmission in a vehicle having an accelerator pedal comprising:an input member adapted to be connected to the engine;an output member adapted to be connected to the transmission;a release bearing that is movable at an approach rate from a disengaged position, wherein no measurable amount of torque is transmitted from said input member to said output member, to a kiss point, wherein a first measurable amount of torque is transmitted from said input member to said output member;a sensor for generating a signal that is representative of the position of the accelerator pedal;a controller for generating a control signal that is representative of the approach rate of the clutch, said controller being responsive to said accelerator pedal sensor signal for adjusting the magnitude of said control signal in response thereto; anda clutch actuator for controlling the approach rate of the clutch in response to said control signal.