An automated power train of a motor vehicle with emergency control in the event of malfunction

摘要

In an automated transmission comprising a clutch 2 and a gearbox 3, one or both being controlled by actuators 11, 8, means are provided to allow manual engagement or disengagement of the clutch 2 or an alteration in the condition of the gearbox 3, into or out of neutral or between ratios, should an associated actuator or its control 7 fail. If an actuator is self-locking the connection between the actuator and the controlled component is made engagable and disengageable to allow manual disconnection, e.g. using tools, and subsequent manual change of the state of the controlled component. Where such disconnection is not necessary a remote manual operating means, e.g. a Bowden cable, may be used or accessible levers or control shafts may protrude from the transmission. Pointers or other indicators may be provided to aid manual operation. The actuators may be electric motors acting though gearing either directly or through fluid columns on the controlled components.