GB2211577A - A clutch control system - Google Patents

A clutch control system Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2211577A
GB2211577A GB8724986A GB8724986A GB2211577A GB 2211577 A GB2211577 A GB 2211577A GB 8724986 A GB8724986 A GB 8724986A GB 8724986 A GB8724986 A GB 8724986A GB 2211577 A GB2211577 A GB 2211577A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
clutch
flow
master cylinder
control system
fluid
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB8724986A
Other versions
GB2211577B (en
GB8724986D0 (en
Inventor
David Parsons
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Automotive Products PLC
Original Assignee
Automotive Products PLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Automotive Products PLC filed Critical Automotive Products PLC
Priority to GB8724986A priority Critical patent/GB2211577B/en
Publication of GB8724986D0 publication Critical patent/GB8724986D0/en
Publication of GB2211577A publication Critical patent/GB2211577A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2211577B publication Critical patent/GB2211577B/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
    • F16D28/00—Electrically-actuated clutches
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
    • F16D29/00—Clutches and systems of clutches involving both fluid and magnetic actuation
    • F16D29/005—Clutches and systems of clutches involving both fluid and magnetic actuation with a fluid pressure piston driven by an electric motor
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
    • F16D48/00—External control of clutches
    • F16D48/06—Control by electric or electronic means, e.g. of fluid pressure
    • F16D48/066—Control of fluid pressure, e.g. using an accumulator
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
    • F16D48/00—External control of clutches
    • F16D48/02—Control by fluid pressure
    • F16D2048/0212—Details of pistons for master or slave cylinders especially adapted for fluid control
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
    • F16D48/00—External control of clutches
    • F16D48/02—Control by fluid pressure
    • F16D2048/0257—Hydraulic circuit layouts, i.e. details of hydraulic circuit elements or the arrangement thereof
    • F16D2048/0275—Two valves arranged in parallel, e.g. one for coarse and the other for fine control during supplying or draining fluid from the actuation cylinder
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
    • F16D2500/00—External control of clutches by electric or electronic means
    • F16D2500/10—System to be controlled
    • F16D2500/102—Actuator
    • F16D2500/1021—Electrical type
    • F16D2500/1023—Electric motor
    • F16D2500/1024—Electric motor combined with hydraulic actuation
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
    • F16D2500/00—External control of clutches by electric or electronic means
    • F16D2500/30—Signal inputs
    • F16D2500/302—Signal inputs from the actuator
    • F16D2500/3026—Stroke
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
    • F16D2500/00—External control of clutches by electric or electronic means
    • F16D2500/30—Signal inputs
    • F16D2500/306—Signal inputs from the engine
    • F16D2500/3067—Speed of the engine
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
    • F16D2500/00—External control of clutches by electric or electronic means
    • F16D2500/70—Details about the implementation of the control system
    • F16D2500/704—Output parameters from the control unit; Target parameters to be controlled
    • F16D2500/70402—Actuator parameters
    • F16D2500/70418—Current

Abstract

The system comprises a master cylinder 10 which is driven by an electric motor 14. A slave cylinder 18 is operable in response to the master cylinder to operate a motor vehicle clutch 22. A non return valve 24 is provided in a fluid line 17 between the master cylinder and the slave cylinder. The non-return valve 24 inhibits return flow of fluid from the slave cylinder to hold the clutch in a released condition so that the release condition is maintained by a low motor current. There is preferably also a bypass valve (25) bypassing the non-return valve to allow clutch engagement. The motor and the bypass valve are preferably controlled by a central module according to parameters such as engine speed and master cylinder piston position. <IMAGE>

Description

A CLUTCH CONTROL SYSTEM The invention relates to a clutch control system and particularly, but not exclusively, concerned with a control system for a friction clutch of a vehicle.
According to the invention there is provided a clutch control system comprising a motor driven master cylinder, a slave cylinder operable in response to the master cylinder to operate the clutch and flow control means to control flow of fluid between the master and slave cylinders whereby after operation of the master cylinder to effect clutch release the flow control means will, in one operative condition, inhibit return flow of fluid from the slave cylinder to the master cylinder so as to hold the clutch in a released condition.
Preferably, the master cylinder is driven by an electric motor and, in such a case, electric current flow to the motor can be reduced once the clutch is held in its released condition by the flow control means. Such an arrangement is most useful in that the flow control means rather than the master cylinder resists the pressure of fluid caused by the held-open clutch thereby reducing load on the motor. The reduced current avoids overheating of the motor thereby increasing the useful life of the motor.
Preferably the flow control means, in another operative condition, will permit a controlled flow of fluid from the slave cylinder to the master cylinder to permit controlled re-engagement of the clutch. The controlled flow may be effected by the flow control means and/or by appropriate operation of the motor.
The flow control means may include a non-return valve to inhibit said return flow of fluid in said one operative condition.
The flow control means may include valve means which is controllable to permit said return flow of fluid to the clutch in said other operative condition.
Such valve means may control a by-pass which permits fluid to by-pass the non-return valve when the clutch is to be re-engaged.
Preferably a changeover from said one operative condition to said other operative condition is effected by a central control responsive to certain operational parameters. The central control may constitute the aforesaid means for reducing the flow of electric current to the motor.
The invention also includes a method of controlling a clutch including providing a motor driven master cylinder, driving the master cylinder by the motor to cause fluid to flow to a slave cylinder to release the clutch, inhibiting return flow of fluid to said master cylinder by flow control means so as to hold the clutch in its released condition and reducing the driving energy input required to the motor while the clutch is so held in its released condition.
A clutch control system in acordance with the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying control system diagram.
A master cylinder 10, which may be of the kind described in our UK co-pending Application No. 87 24085 includesa piston 12 movable axially by a ballscrew arrangement 13. The ballscrew is driven by an electric motor 14. The position of the piston 12 in the master cylinder 10 is monitored by a sensor 15.
The piston 12 is biased normally into a retracted position by a return spring 16.
The master cylinder 10 is connected via a fluid line 17 to a slave cylinder 18 which includes a piston 19.
The piston 19 is associated with a release mechanism 20 of a clutch 22.
The fluid line includes a flow control device 23 which comprises a non-return valve 24 and a by-pass valve 25. The by-pass valve 25 and current to the electric motor 14 are controlled by means of a central control module 26 operable in response to certain input parameters, e.g. engine speed and signals from the sensor 15.
To effect clutch release at a given time, the central control module 26 causes current at a predetermined level to flow through motor 14 and move the piston 12 to the left as viewed in the diagram. Hydraulic fluid from the master cylinder then enters line 17 and causes the slave cylinder piston 19 to effect release of the clutch. The by-pass valve 25 is held closed during the clutch release operation so that fluid flows through the non-return valve 24. While the by-pass valve 25 remains closed, the clutch is unable to re-engage as the non-return valve 24 prevents fluid travelling back along the line 17 from the slave cylinder 18.In that way, it is unnecessary to use current flowing through the stationary motor 14 to hold the clutch in its disengaged position and the central control module then reduces current flow to the motor to a level sufficient only to overcome the bias of the return spring 16. Therefore, the axial position of the master-cylinder piston 12 is maintained in the clutch release position without using a high holding current.
To effect clutch re-engagement, the by-pass valve 25 is opened in response to a signal from the central control module 26 to allow return flow of the fluid along line 17. The by-pass valve 25 can either be opened fully or opened in a controlled manner to control the re-engagement of the clutch.
Alternatively or additionally, the flow of current to the motor can be controlled to effect a controlled re-engagement of the clutch 22.
By reducing the current to the motor 14 over heating of the motor is avoided.
The term "released condition" used herein with reference to the clutch also embraces a partially released condition of the clutch.

Claims (10)

1. A clutch control system comprising a motor driven master cylinder, a slave cylinder operable in response to the master cylinder to operate the clutch and flow control means to control flow of fluid between the master and slave cylinders whereby after operation of the master cylinder to effect clutch release the flow control means will, in one operative condition, inhibit return flow of fluid from the slave cylinder to the master cylinder so as to hold the clutch in a released condition.
2. A clutch control system according to Claim 1 in which the master cylinder is driven by an electric motor.
3. A clutch control system according to Claim 2 in which means is provided for reducing the flow of electric current to the motor when the clutch is held in its released condition by the flow control means.
4. A clutch control system according to Claim 1, 2 or 3 in which the flow control means, in another operative condition, will permit a controlled flow of fluid from the slave cylinder to the master cylinder to permit controlled re-engagement of the clutch.
5. A control system according to any of Claims 1 to 4 in which the flow control means includes a non-return valve to inhibit said return flow of fluid in said one operative condition.
6. A control system according to any preceeding claim in which the flow control means includes valve means which is controllable to permit said return flow of fluid to the clutch in said other operative condition.
7. A control system according to any preceding claim in which a changeover from said one operative condition to said other operative dondition is effected by a central control responsive to certain operation parameters.
8. A clutch control system according to Claim 7 in which the central control is arranged to reduce the electric current flow to the electric motor when the clutch is held in its released condition by the flow control means.
9. A methcd of controlling a clutch including providing a motor driven master cylinder, driving the master cylinder by the motor to cause fluid to flow to a slave cylinder to release the clutch, inhibiting return flow of fluid to said master cylinder by flow control means so as to hold the clutch in its released condition and reducing the driving energy input required to the motor while the clutch is so held in its released condition.
10. A clutch control system constructed and arranged substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawing.
GB8724986A 1987-10-26 1987-10-26 A clutch control system Expired - Lifetime GB2211577B (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB8724986A GB2211577B (en) 1987-10-26 1987-10-26 A clutch control system

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB8724986A GB2211577B (en) 1987-10-26 1987-10-26 A clutch control system

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB8724986D0 GB8724986D0 (en) 1987-12-02
GB2211577A true GB2211577A (en) 1989-07-05
GB2211577B GB2211577B (en) 1991-05-08

Family

ID=10625873

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB8724986A Expired - Lifetime GB2211577B (en) 1987-10-26 1987-10-26 A clutch control system

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2211577B (en)

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2706552A1 (en) * 1993-06-18 1994-12-23 Fichtel & Sachs Ag Control assembly for a motor vehicle friction clutch.
FR2728516A1 (en) * 1994-12-27 1996-06-28 Valeo Control device for motor vehicle clutch with hydraulic actuator
FR2728517A1 (en) * 1994-12-27 1996-06-28 Valeo CONTROL DEVICE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE CLUTCH AND PROCEDURE FOR IMPLEMENTING THIS CONTROL DEVICE
GB2309761A (en) * 1996-01-31 1997-08-06 Luk Getriebe Systeme Gmbh An electrically-operated actuator for a motor vehicle friction clutch
GB2314136A (en) * 1996-06-10 1997-12-17 Valeo Hydraulic clutch actuator with a reservoir connected between master and slave cylinders
GB2343929A (en) * 1998-11-07 2000-05-24 Rover Group Hydraulic clutch actuation system with electrically operated valve
FR2837889A1 (en) 2002-03-28 2003-10-03 Luk Lamellen & Kupplungsbau METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE ENGINE TORQUE DURING A VEHICLE SPEED CHANGE
US7097019B2 (en) * 2004-09-01 2006-08-29 Magna Powertrain Usa, Inc. Low power modulating clutch control system with electromagnetic actuator
US7350634B2 (en) 2004-06-30 2008-04-01 Luk Lamellen Und Kupplungsbau Beteillgungs Kg Method for adjusting an incremental path measurement unit in an actuation device of a pressure-closed clutch as well as an actuation device
US7506740B2 (en) 2004-09-01 2009-03-24 Magna Powertrain Usa, Inc. Power transmission device with clutch control system
US7588133B2 (en) 2004-09-01 2009-09-15 Magna Powertrain Usa, Inc. Clutch control system for power transmission devices

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2112101A (en) * 1981-12-24 1983-07-13 Daimler Benz Ag Arrangement for preventing engagement of the clutch of a motor vehicle
GB2112100A (en) * 1981-12-24 1983-07-13 Daimler Benz Ag Arrangement for blocking the engagement of a clutch of a motor vehicle
GB2165914A (en) * 1984-10-20 1986-04-23 Sachs Systemtechnik Gmbh Clutch equipment for a motor vehicle

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2112101A (en) * 1981-12-24 1983-07-13 Daimler Benz Ag Arrangement for preventing engagement of the clutch of a motor vehicle
GB2112100A (en) * 1981-12-24 1983-07-13 Daimler Benz Ag Arrangement for blocking the engagement of a clutch of a motor vehicle
GB2165914A (en) * 1984-10-20 1986-04-23 Sachs Systemtechnik Gmbh Clutch equipment for a motor vehicle

Cited By (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2706552A1 (en) * 1993-06-18 1994-12-23 Fichtel & Sachs Ag Control assembly for a motor vehicle friction clutch.
FR2728516A1 (en) * 1994-12-27 1996-06-28 Valeo Control device for motor vehicle clutch with hydraulic actuator
FR2728517A1 (en) * 1994-12-27 1996-06-28 Valeo CONTROL DEVICE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE CLUTCH AND PROCEDURE FOR IMPLEMENTING THIS CONTROL DEVICE
WO1996020354A1 (en) * 1994-12-27 1996-07-04 Valeo Vehicle clutch control device and method for implementing such control device
GB2309761A (en) * 1996-01-31 1997-08-06 Luk Getriebe Systeme Gmbh An electrically-operated actuator for a motor vehicle friction clutch
GB2309761B (en) * 1996-01-31 2000-09-06 Luk Getriebe Systeme Gmbh Actuator for use in a motor vehicle power train
GB2314136B (en) * 1996-06-10 2000-04-12 Valeo Improved device for the hydraulic control of a motor vehicle clutch
GB2314136A (en) * 1996-06-10 1997-12-17 Valeo Hydraulic clutch actuator with a reservoir connected between master and slave cylinders
GB2343929A (en) * 1998-11-07 2000-05-24 Rover Group Hydraulic clutch actuation system with electrically operated valve
FR2837889A1 (en) 2002-03-28 2003-10-03 Luk Lamellen & Kupplungsbau METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE ENGINE TORQUE DURING A VEHICLE SPEED CHANGE
WO2003082623A1 (en) 2002-03-28 2003-10-09 Luk Lamellen Und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs Kg Engine torque control during gear shifting
US7350634B2 (en) 2004-06-30 2008-04-01 Luk Lamellen Und Kupplungsbau Beteillgungs Kg Method for adjusting an incremental path measurement unit in an actuation device of a pressure-closed clutch as well as an actuation device
US7097019B2 (en) * 2004-09-01 2006-08-29 Magna Powertrain Usa, Inc. Low power modulating clutch control system with electromagnetic actuator
US7506740B2 (en) 2004-09-01 2009-03-24 Magna Powertrain Usa, Inc. Power transmission device with clutch control system
US7588133B2 (en) 2004-09-01 2009-09-15 Magna Powertrain Usa, Inc. Clutch control system for power transmission devices

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2211577B (en) 1991-05-08
GB8724986D0 (en) 1987-12-02

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
732E Amendments to the register in respect of changes of name or changes affecting rights (sect. 32/1977)
732E Amendments to the register in respect of changes of name or changes affecting rights (sect. 32/1977)
PCNP Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20051026