Automatic Clutch Control for Saddle-Riding Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automatic gearshift control devices for saddle-riding vehicles experience variations in friction clutch performance due to individual differences and wear, leading to inconsistent ride feel and deteriorated vehicle speed response, especially during half-clutch operations.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that control the clutch connecting speed based on the reduction rate of the difference in rotational numbers between the driving and driven sides, using sensors to detect rotational speeds and adjust the clutch connection speed to reach a predetermined target value, which is set according to throttle opening, to ensure smooth clutch engagement and improved ride quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional half-clutch control is used with fixed connection speed, then the control system is simple, but the ride feel deteriorates due to friction clutch variations and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch connection speed is changed from a fixed value to a dynamically adjustable parameter based on the detected difference in rotational speeds. The control device adjusts the connection speed according to the detected rotational speed difference, making the system adaptive to varying friction clutch conditions and wear states, thereby maintaining consistent ride feel.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces feedback by detecting the rotational speeds of both the driving side and driven side of the friction clutch, calculating the difference, and using this information to adjust the clutch connection speed. This closed-loop control ensures that the connection process adapts to actual clutch conditions, improving reliability and ride feel consistency.
2Productivity
If clutch connection speed is increased to reduce connection time, then productivity improves, but ride comfort deteriorates due to shock and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The connection speed is dynamically adjusted during the clutch engagement process rather than maintaining a constant high speed. The control device modifies the connection speed based on the detected rotational speed difference, allowing faster connection when appropriate while reducing speed when the rotational difference is small to avoid shock and vibration, thus balancing productivity and ride comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch connection process is divided into multiple stages with different speed characteristics. The control device performs periodic adjustments to the connection speed based on the detected rotational speed difference, using a multi-phase connection strategy that transitions from higher speeds to lower speeds as the clutch engages, reducing harmful vibrations while maintaining overall connection efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method to automatically control a power transmission of a vehicle, in particular of a saddle-riding type vehicle, performing on and off operation of a friction clutch provided between a driving side power transmission mechanism and a driven side power transmission mechanism, and shifting of gears of a transmission, wherein a clutch connecting speed is controlled on the basis of a reduction rate of a difference in rotational numbers of the driving side power transmission mechanism and the driven side power transmission mechanism during half-clutch control