Abstract
KEYWORDS:
automated manual transmission, clutch, gearbox, electro-pneumatic actuation, experiment
ABSTRACT:
The electro-pneumatic actuation systems have advantages like shock reduction during gear engagement or working fluid low price, which made them attractive for the heavy vehicle manufacturers, but not for the car manufacturers. Consequence of the pneumatic solutions spreading in the contemporary car suspension production, the pneumatic actuation of the automated powertrain components can be now reconsidered by car manufacturers because the disadvantage of an extra power supply disappears.
The aim of this work was to demonstrate that, also for small vehicles, the pneumatic energy can be used to assist the driver to control the traction.
The paper presents an electro-pneumatic prototype designed, virtually tested, realised and tuned to demonstrate the possibility to use such a system to actuate the clutch and the gearbox of a car.
The layout of actuators, solenoids, pneumatic and electric circuits is shown in schematics and photos. The most important problems solved during the working algorithm design and tuning stages, either by computer simulation or by test bench experiences, are also reviewed. Finally are presented some experimental records obtained by powertrain laboratory tests.