Clutch Release Control Using Dual Position and Load Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clutch systems face challenges in controlling the connection and disconnection of the clutch device due to reliance on hydraulic pressure, making it difficult to estimate the operating position accurately, especially near the touch point where connection starts.
Innovation Solution
A clutch control device that includes a clutch actuator, a release mechanism, and detection parts to detect the output value and operation amount of the clutch actuator and release mechanism, allowing for optimal control by switching parameters based on the clutch's operation state, including manual intervention detection and clutch connection point adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hydraulic pressure control is used to disconnect the clutch, then the clutch capacity can be controlled by load, but the operating position of the driven member cannot be accurately estimated
Solution Approach 1:
A release mechanism is introduced as an intermediary component between the hydraulic actuator and the clutch device. This release mechanism includes a release shaft that rotates to disengage the clutch, and its rotation angle is detected by a rotation angle sensor. The rotation angle serves as an intermediary parameter that accurately reflects the operating position of the driven member, solving the problem of inaccurate estimation in purely hydraulic control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces part of the hydraulic control system with a mechanical rotation-based system. Instead of relying solely on hydraulic pressure to indicate clutch state, the system uses the rotation angle of the release shaft (a mechanical parameter) to accurately determine the operating position. This mechanical substitution enables precise measurement of the driven member's position while maintaining hydraulic control for clutch capacity adjustment.
2Measurement precision
If the clutch control system uses multiple detection parameters, then the control precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two distinct detection components: a load sensor for detecting clutch capacity and a rotation angle sensor for detecting operating position. Each sensor handles a specific aspect of clutch state, allowing the control unit to process information in a modular fashion. This segmentation improves measurement precision without creating a monolithic complex detection system, as each component has a dedicated function.
Solution Approach 2:
The release mechanism serves multiple functions: it mechanically transmits the disengagement force from the hydraulic actuator to the clutch device, and simultaneously provides a measurable rotation angle that indicates the operating position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate detection mechanisms, as the release mechanism's own motion provides the measurement signal, thereby improving precision without proportionally increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
This clutch control device includes a clutch device connecting and disconnecting power transmission between a prime mover and an output target, a clutch actuator outputting a driving force for operating the clutch device, a release mechanism operating the clutch device by receiving a driving force of the clutch actuator, a control unit driving and controlling the clutch actuator, a first detection part detecting an output value of the clutch actuator, and second detection parts detecting an amount of operation of the release mechanism, in which the control unit controls an operation of the clutch actuator by selectively using detection information of the first detection part and detection information of the second detection parts.