Vehicle Clutch Control Device for Smooth Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control systems for actuator-driven clutches in vehicles fail to smoothly engage the clutch while the vehicle is traveling, leading to abrupt rotational speed changes and undesirable braking forces, which deteriorate riding comfort.
Innovation Solution
A control device and method that includes an engagement control module and a determination module to assess rotational speeds on both sides of the clutch, restricting engagement if the downstream rotational speed is significantly higher than the upstream speed to prevent abrupt changes and maintain riding comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the clutch is engaged while the vehicle is traveling under momentum with downstream rotational speed higher than upstream rotational speed, then the clutch engagement function is achieved, but the riding comfort deteriorates due to abrupt rotational speed decrease and large braking force
Solution Approach 1:
The control device performs preliminary assessment of rotational speed conditions before executing clutch engagement. By checking whether downstream rotational speed exceeds upstream rotational speed before engagement, the system prevents harmful engagement under momentum conditions, thereby maintaining riding comfort while ensuring reliable clutch engagement when appropriate
2Device complexity
If the starting control system is used for clutch engagement, then the clutch engagement control is simplified, but the rotational speed on the downstream side of the clutch is not taken into consideration causing abrupt rotational speed decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The control device introduces feedback by continuously monitoring and comparing rotational speeds on both sides of the clutch. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect when downstream rotational speed exceeds upstream rotational speed, enabling the control device to restrict engagement and prevent abrupt rotational speed changes, thereby maintaining speed stability
Data Source
AI summary
A control device for a transmission including a clutch driven by an actuator mechanism, such as a motor, is provided. The control device controls the actuator so that the rider does not perceive generation of a braking force when the clutch is shifted from a disengaged state to an engaged state while traveling, thereby enhancing riding comfort. In performing the control to actuate a clutch from a disengaged state to an engaged state, the control device makes a determination about whether or not to restrict engagement of the clutch based on information about a rotational speed on an upstream side of the clutch and information about a rotational speed on a downstream side of the clutch. If it is determined that engagement of the clutch is to be restricted, the control device delays engagement of the clutch until the engine speed is increased to an acceptable level.