Clutch system

US8187148B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG · DE

Inventors

• Rainer Petzold · Friedrichshafen, DE
• Martin Miller · Markdorf, DE
• Mario Steinborn · Friedrichshafen, DE
• Peter Herter · Ravensburg, DE
• Franz Bitzer · Friedrichshafen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 29, 2007
• Grant date: May 29, 2012
• Expiry date: Jul 8, 2029

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16D2500/7104
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A clutch system for producing and interrupting a force flow between the engine and transmission of a motor vehicle, with a clutch, which is disengaged unless actuated, and one or more valves, which regulate the flow of pressure medium and which are electrically actuated by a control and regulation unit. If there is electrical failure while driving and when a gear is engaged or when the vehicle is stationary, the engine is running and a transmission gear is engaged, unintended clutch engagement is prevented. The valves are designed such that if there is a failure of the voltage supply and consequently also of the actuation of the valves by the electronic control and regulation system, the operating condition of the clutch existing at the time of failure, namely the disengaged or engaged operating condition, remains as it is.