Clutch Capacity Control for Faster Manual Disconnection Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clutch control systems experience delays in clutch disconnection due to hydraulic pressure drops, leading to inferior disconnection responsiveness during manual operation intervention, especially when the clutch capacity is controlled using hydraulic pressure.
Innovation Solution
A clutch control device that includes a control unit capable of setting a connection lower limit target value for clutch capacity based on the operation of a clutch lever, allowing for quicker disconnection and improved responsiveness by transitioning to clutch control based on the operation target value when the lever reaches a predetermined position, and maintaining the clutch in a connected state before disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If clutch capacity is controlled using hydraulic pressure, then the clutch can be smoothly controlled during automatic operation, but friction (pressure drop) occurs in the hydraulic pressure passage causing delay in clutch disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit sets the control target value to a connection lower limit target value obtained by changing the operation target value to the clutch disconnection side when the clutch operator operation amount reaches a predetermined value. This preliminary action prepares the hydraulic pressure in advance for quick disconnection, reducing the delay caused by hydraulic friction.
2Speed
If the control target value follows the operation target value during manual intervention, then the clutch disconnection responsiveness is improved, but the clutch may slip before reaching the disconnection position
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit changes the control target value parameter to a connection lower limit target value (which is higher than the normal operation target value) when the clutch operator operation amount reaches a predetermined value. This parameter change ensures the clutch does not slip while still improving disconnection responsiveness.
3Speed
If the clutch is completely disconnected immediately upon operator operation, then disconnection responsiveness is maximized, but the transition becomes abrupt causing strange feeling to the driver
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit sets the control target value to the connection lower limit target value in advance when the clutch operator operation amount reaches a predetermined value (before complete disconnection). This preliminary action allows smooth transition while preparing for quick disconnection, improving both responsiveness and driver comfort.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution inhibits delays in clutch disconnection operations, enhances disconnection responsiveness, and allows for proportional disconnection control based on clutch lever operations, ensuring timely and accurate reflection of user requests.
Implementation Method 1
the clutch capacity is controlled using hydraulic pressure
Implementation Method 2
a clutch operation amount sensor that is configured to convert an amount of operation of the clutch operator into an electric signal
Data Source
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AI summary
This clutch control device includes an engine (13), a transmission gear (21), a clutch device (26), a clutch actuator (50), a control unit (60), a clutch operator (4b), and a clutch operation amount sensor (4c), wherein the control unit (60) is configured to enable intervention of a manual clutch operation according to the clutch operator (4b) during automatic control of the clutch device (26) according to the clutch actuator (50), and the control unit (60) is configured to set a control target value of a clutch capacity to a connection lower limit target value (Px) acquired by changing an operation target value (Pv) corresponding to an amount of operation of the clutch operator (4b) to a clutch disconnection side in a case in which the amount of operation of the clutch operator (4b) based on an output value of the clutch operation amount sensor (4c) reaches a predetermined value (θ2) set in advance at a time of performing a clutch disconnection operation through the intervention of the manual clutch operation.