Engine output reduced by clutch slip

摘要

A motor vehicle drive comprises a friction clutch 3 in the torque path between an engine 1 and a gearbox 7. Engine power or torque is controlled by an accelerator pedal 15 through an engine output control unit 11 and a controllable power adjusting device 9 e.g. injectors. To mitigate the effects of clutch fade caused by slippage heating, a slip control unit 39 reduces the engine output power or torque via the engine output control unit 11 for a predetermined period when the completely engaged clutch slips, as detected by clutch engagement state sensor 41 or 41' and clutch input 43 and output 45 speed sensors. Sensor 45 may be replaced by gearbox output speed sensor 49 and a ratio detector 51. The power/torque reduction period permits clutch cooling and the amount of reduction is variable depending on the amount of slip.