Transmission with durability enhancement techniques

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to durability enhancement techniques for a dry-clutch vehicle transmission. A cooling system that provides a direct convective cooling path to friction surfaces is disclosed. Also disclosed is a continuously variable clutch wear compensation assembly configured to adjust the position of clutch assembly components on-demand or as needed.

1 . A dry-clutch transmission, comprising:
 a clutch assembly having a pressure plate;   a clutch compensation assembly including:
 an electric motor; 
 a cam interface between the pressure plate and motor, the motor configured to move the cam interface; and 
 a controller configured to control the electric motor. 
   
     
     
         2 . The transmission of  claim 10 , further comprising:
 a position sensor configured to measure a distance to clutch engagement;   wherein the controller is configured to control the clutch compensation assembly according to sensor readings.   
     
     
         3 . The transmission of  claim 10 , wherein the clutch compensation assembly includes a worm and pinion gear coupled to a portion of the cam interface to enable motor to move the cam interface. 
     
     
         4 . The transmission of  claim 12 , wherein the cam interface includes two matable surfaces, one surface coupled to the pinion gear and the other surface coupled to the pressure plate. 
     
     
         5 . The transmission of  claim 13 , wherein the matable surfaces comprise two angled surfaces with complementary angles. 
     
     
         6 . A clutch wear compensation assembly, comprising:
 an actuator configured to continuously adjust the position of a clutch pressure plate on an as-needed basis.   
     
     
         7 . The transmission of claim  15 , wherein the actuator is configured to reverse adjustments. 
     
     
         8 . The transmission of claim  15 , wherein the clutch compensation assembly includes a ramped surface configured to interface with a portion of the clutch pressure plate. 
     
     
         9 . The transmission of claim  15 , further comprising:
 a controller having clutch wear compensation logic configured to adjust clutch pressure plate position according to a clutch actuation condition.   
     
     
         10 . The transmission of claim  18 , wherein the clutch actuation condition is a distance to clutch engagement. 
     
     
         11 . A transmission control unit, comprising:
 fan control logic configured to control a fan according to a inferred clutch temperature; and   clutch wear compensation logic configured to adjust clutch pressure plate position according to a clutch actuation condition.   
     
     
         12 . The control unit of claim  20 , wherein the fan control logic is configured to increase fan speed when the inferred clutch temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold. 
     
     
         13 . The control unit of claim  20 , wherein the clutch actuation condition is a distance to clutch engagement.