Importance

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Abstract

A clutch control system for the automatic control of a motor vehicle clutch (14) which connects an engine (10) with a gearbox (12) under the control of a driver-operated gear ratio selector member (24). The control system includes an electric control unit (36) which controls the level of clutch engagement in response to an engine speed error signal (E) derived from a comparison of current engine speed (Ve) and a reference speed signal (Vr) generated by the control unit. A sensing means (19a) is provided to detect a 'foot-off' condition of an engine controlling accelerator pedal (19) and to provide and indication of the full range of movement of the accelerator pedal from the 'foot-off' condition to the fully depressed position. The electronic control unit (36) responds to an accelerator pedal 'foot-off' signal to ensure that the reference speed signal is above the engine idle signal by a predetermined amount to prevent creeping of the associated vehicle due to partial clutch engagement at engine idle. In the 'foot-on' condition of the accelerator pedal, the reference speed signal is switched to a level determined by accelerator pedal position which is close to engine idle speed at low levels of accelerator pedal depression so that the clutch will engage to a torque transmitting level thus allowing the vehicle to be maneuvered at low engine speeds.

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First Claim