Clutch/Actuator System

Fig 1: Identifying Clutch Assembly, Clutch Engagement System Bearing Assembly, Actuator Lever 1, 2 And Guide Tube

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

The clutch and actuator sub - system consists of engine crankshaft mounted rotating components. These include, a center flywheel, odd and even clutch pressure plates, clutch actuating mechanisms and engagement components. The clutch actuators are independent systems within the clutch housing that apply an axial force to the clutch diaphragm springs causing their respective clutch to apply. This apply force is reacted back into the transaxle through the input shaft unlike a manual transaxle dry clutch system, no thrust is applied to the engine crankshaft. Normally the clutch capacity commands are mutually exclusive (to prevent tie-up) with minor overlaps to allow synchronous shifting. A clutch "touch point" position must be established by a learning algorithm within the system software. Establishing the touch point is the system's method for ensuring that the displacement-based clutch actuation system is properly calibrated. This is necessary so that the clutch capacity can be controlled correctly by the TCM and be engaged and released to the required torque capacity and within the required time.