4 ECM Automated Clutch Schaeffler Group（4 ECM自动离合器舍弗勒集团）.pdfVIP

The Automated Clutch - The New LuK ECM Dipl. Ing. Burkhard Kremmling Dr. Techn. Robert Fischer Introduction Manual transmissions have the advantage over automatic transmissions in that the driver has free choice of gears and does not feel dictated to by an automaton. Already in the 60s, automotive manufacturers began to offer automated clutch operating systems designed to simplify vehicle operation. In the past, interest in these systems has been very limited. These early systems were functionally inadequate, maintenance-intensive and prone to frequent repairs; disadvantages that could be eliminated with modern vehicle electronics. In the meantime, automated clutch operating systems have been used in formula 1 and rally vehicles, which proves that they are equal to the most demanding conditions. Traffic density is constantly increasing, and currently has reached a level where automated clutch systems become interesting. The data illustrated in Figure 1 are taken from the Allgemeine Deutsche Automobil-Club (ADAC) study [1] in which all significant traffic jams on the German Autobahn system were recorded during the summer vacation travel period. Figure 1 shows the number of traffic jams that were longer than 20 km. This number increased by 20 % in only a year, i.e. from 75 traffic jams in 1992 to 90 traffic jams in 1993. The ECM system relieves drivers of having to concentrate on operating the vehicle and thus allows them to turn their attention to the actual traffic situation. This leads to the conclusion that ECM will decrease accident frequency. 85 100 90 c i f 75 f m a k