IP Library Granted Patent US 8,585,545
Granted Patent B2
US 8,585,545 · App. 12/637,675 · Granted Nov 19, 2013

Method of controlling an electro-actuated clutch for determining the closing position

Inventor: Stefano Giorgini (Bologna, IT)
Assignee: Magneti Marelli S.p.A.
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,585,545
App. No.
12/637,675
Granted
Nov 19, 2013
Kind
B2
Abstract

A method of controlling an electro-actuated clutch in an internal combustion engine, the clutch including a clutch mechanism, an electric motor for actuating the clutch mechanism, and a mechanical transmission, which is interposed between the electric motor and the clutch mechanism. During a manufacturing phase of the system, a detachable connection is established in the mechanical transmission, wherein a first element simply rests on a second element to divide the electro-actuated clutch into a first part, arranged upstream of the detachable connection, and a second part, arranged downstream of the detachable connection. During operation, a first position signal generated by a first position sensor mechanically connected to a point of the first portion of the electro-actuated clutch is read, as is a second position signal generated by a second position sensor mechanically connected to a point of the second portion of the electro-actuated clutch. The first position signal is compared with the second position signal. A position in which the first position signal starts differing from the second position signal is recognized, and an estimate made of a closing position of the clutch mechanism coinciding with the position in which the first position signal starts differing from the second position signal.

Claims (12)

1. A method of controlling an electro-actuated clutch in an internal combustion engine, said clutch comprises a clutch mechanism, an electric motor for actuating the clutch mechanism, and a mechanical transmission, which is interposed between the electric motor and the clutch mechanism; the method comprising:

establishing, during a manufacturing phase of the system, a detachable connection in the mechanical transmission, wherein a first element simply rests on a second element to divide the electro-actuated clutch into a first part, arranged upstream of the detachable connection, and a second part, arranged downstream of the detachable connection;

reading a first position signal generated by a first position sensor mechanically connected to a point of the first portion of the electro-actuated clutch;

reading a second position signal generated by a second position sensor mechanically connected to a point of the second portion of the electro-actuated clutch;

comparing the first position signal with the second position signal;

recognizing a position in which the first position signal starts differing from the second position signal; and

estimating a closing position of the clutch mechanism coinciding with the position in which the first position signal starts differing from the second position signal.

2. A system including an electro-actuated clutch in an internal combustion engine, said clutch comprises a clutch mechanism, an electric motor for actuating the clutch mechanism, and a mechanical transmission, which is interposed between the electric motor and the clutch mechanism; the system comprising:

a detachable connection in the mechanical transmission, wherein a first element simply rests on a second element to divide the electro-actuated clutch into a first part, arranged upstream of the detachable connection, and a second part, arranged downstream of the detachable connection;

a first position sensor mechanically connected to a point of the first portion of the electro-actuated clutch configured to generate a first position signal;

a second position sensor mechanically connected to a point of the second portion of the electro-actuated clutch configured to generate a second position signal;

a controller configured to compare the first position signal with the second position signal and to recognize a position in which the first position signal starts differing from the second position signal, and to estimate a closing position of the clutch mechanism coinciding with the position in which the first position signal starts differing from the second position signal.

Assignments (2)
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Oct 16, 2020
From: MAGNETI MARELLI S.P.A.
To: MARELLI EUROPE S.P.A.
Reel/Frame 054090/0733 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Feb 2, 2010
From: GIORGINI, STEFANO
To: MAGNETI MARELLI S.P.A.
Reel/Frame 023886/0981 →
Priority Claims (1)
EP 08425818 · Dec 29, 2008 · regional
Continuity (1)
Related Publication 20100160112A1 · Jun 24, 2010