Device for automatic actuation of an automobile clutch

Abstract

Apparatus for automatic actuation of a clutch of an automobile with a manual shift transmission. A pneumatic servo motor controls clutch engagement. A control mechanism, for example a microprocessor, controls the servo motor as a function of accelerator pedal position and/or input and output clutch speeds during starts from stop (initial transmission input speed .perspectiveto.O). The rotation speed of the engine attains a prescribed value preassigned as a function of the accelerator pedal position. For each pedal position, signals to control valves cause the servo motor to vary clutch engagement based on the difference between prescribed and detected engine speeds. The signals can be pulse signals variable in frequency and/or duration by the control mechanism. During starting from stop, for pedal depressions above idle, the rotational speed of the engine remains below maximum tractive power for that pedal position. In a range of pedal positions approaching maximum depression, in one embodiment, the engine speed increases discretely to the maximum tractive power figure at or near maximum depression. In another embodiment the discrete speed increase to the maximum tractive power speed occurs before maximum pedal depression. As the pedal approaches maximum depression, a threshold of increased resisting force occurs. Air pressure variation can be detected, electrically indicated, and that variable employed to modify prescribed engine speed.