Importance

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Abstract

A control system for the control of a fluid pressure-operated clutch (12) is provided. It includes a fluid pressure-operated clutch actuator (14) and a source of pressurized fluid (15). A fluid flow control valve (18) controls the flow of pressurized fluid to and exhaust of fluid from the actuator. A manually operable clutch control member (19) (e.g. a pedal) is connected via a linkage (20) to the valve (18) to enable engagement/disengagement of the clutch by operation of the control member. An electrical actuator (33) is also provided for operation of the valve, and hence clutch, independently of the manually operable clutch control member. The system further includes a sensor (19a) for sensing the position of the clutch control member and an electrical control circuit (21) for independent control of the valve in response to predetermined vehicle operating criteria. The electrical control circuit is capable of commanding complete disengagement of the clutch irrespective of the position of the clutch control member but is only capable of commanding a level of clutch engagement up to that set by the clutch control member position.

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First Claim