Abstract: A method includes switching a vehicle to a 4WD state by connecting a disconnector, maintaining the disconnector in the connected state for a predetermined maintenance time, determining whether a condition to be switched to a 2WD state is satisfied when the predetermined maintenance time period elapses, and disconnecting the disconnector when the condition to be switched to the 2WD state is satisfied.

Abstract: A system for operating at least one magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus may, in a first mode, vary an amount of torque transmission between a driving member and a driven member in the at least one magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus by actuating at least one coil in the at least one magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus. In a second mode, the system may cause torque transmission between the driven member and the driving member by setting a desired remanent magnetization level in a magnetic component of the at least one magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus by actuating the at least one coil in the at least one magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus.

Abstract: A detent mechanism 70 is provided for fixing a shift drum 58 in position at a rotation operation position where shift gears 36, 37 become engageable. The detent mechanism 70 includes a positioning rotation portion 71 formed in the shift drum 58, a positioning arm 72 engageable with a positioning action portion 74 formed in the positioning rotation portion 71 for fixing the shift drum 58 at a rotation position corresponding to a rotation operation position of the shift drum 58, and a positioning spring 73 for urging the positioning arm 72 for its engagement with the positioning action portion 74. The positioning arm 72, as being rotatably supported to a speed changing operation shaft 61 for rotating the shift drum 58, is extended from a speed changing operation shaft 61.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, land vehicles are provided as delivery vehicles and/or utility vehicles. A land vehicle includes a frame structure having a front cage that defines an operator cabin and a rear floor positioned rearward of the front cage. The frame structure supports a plurality of wheels to permit movement of the vehicle relative to an underlying surface in use of the land vehicle. An underside of the frame structure is disposed in confronting relation with the underlying surface.

Abstract: A control system for a movable body configured to move by utilizing a motor torque generated by a drive motor, is provided. The system includes the drive motor including a rotor configured to output a rotational force and provided with a variable-magnetic-force magnet, and a stator opposing the rotor with a gap therebetween and provided with a plurality of coils, a powertrain component provided so as to be associated with the drive motor, and a controller having a magnetization controlling module configured to control magnetizing current flowing through the coils so as to change a magnetic force of the variable-magnetic-force magnet. During a demagnetization control in which the magnetic force of the variable-magnetic-force magnet is reduced by the magnetization controlling module, the controller operates the powertrain component to suppress a decrease in a moving force applied to the movable body due to a decrease in the motor torque.

Abstract: A control system for a movable body configured to move by utilizing a motor torque generated by a drive motor, is provided. The system includes the drive motor including a rotor configured to output a rotational force and provided with a variable-magnetic-force magnet, and a stator opposing the rotor with a gap therebetween and provided with a plurality of coils. The device includes a powertrain component provided so as to be associated with the drive motor, and a controller having a magnetization controlling module configured to control magnetizing current flowing through the coils so as to change a magnetic force of the magnet. During a magnetization control in which the magnetic force of the magnet is increased by the magnetization controlling module, the controller operates the powertrain component to suppress an increase in a moving force applied to the movable body due to an increase in the motor torque.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing an engine clutch control includes transmitting an engine clutch operation start command from a controller to an engine clutch system, the engine clutch system including an engine clutch, detecting a hydraulic pressure generated during the operation of the engine clutch system, carrying out an oil leakage judgment mode using the controller to determine whether the hydraulic pressure is a normal hydraulic pressure where the operation of the engine clutch is available or if the hydraulic pressure an abnormal hydraulic pressure where the operation of the engine clutch is unavailable, and changing an operation mode to an emergency operation mode wherein the operation of the engine clutch is stopped in case of abnormal hydraulic pressure, and carrying out an operation mode change by operating the engine clutch in a case of normal hydraulic pressure, based on a control by the controller.

Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle presenting a plurality of wheels, an engine and a clutch for selectively connecting the engine to a number of the wheels includes receiving a torque control signal indicative of a demanded output torque of the engine, and observing a value of a first vehicle operation parameter being the vehicle speed or a parameter which is indicative of the vehicle speed, controlling the clutch so as to be engaged if the received torque control signal indicates that the demanded engine torque is minimal or below a first threshold value and the observed first vehicle operation parameter value is above a second threshold value, subsequently to the step of controlling the clutch so as to be engaged, performing a test disengagement of the clutch, including at least partly disengaging the clutch, observing a behavior, in response to the test disengagement, of a second vehicle operation parameter, and based at least partly on the observation of the behavior of the second vehicle operation para

Abstract: A method of controlling creep torque of a vehicle being provided with an Auto Hold function, includes: a brake detection step for detecting a brake signal of the vehicle; a braking step for activating a brake force and reducing creep torque according to the brake signal; a start detection step for detecting a start signal of the vehicle after the vehicle is stopped; and a starting step for deactivating the brake force and increasing the creep torque according to the start signal.

Abstract: A gearbox of a twin clutch includes dog portions of a movable gear and a fixed gear which may be disengaged and re-engaged with each other. A control device for a vehicle including the twin clutch includes a shift actuator control unit that, when shifting a gear to another speed, outputs a target position signal so as to shift a rotation position of a shift actuator to a gear shift position at which a gear shift operation is performed by a transmission, and a clutch control unit that outputs torque signals so as to connect a clutch that transmits power to, among movable gears and fixed gears, a movable gear or a fixed gear including a dog portion to be disengaged. The shift actuator control unit outputs the target position signal so as to return the rotation position of the shift actuator to a neutral position.

Abstract: An electromagnetic device for overspeed control of a propeller driven by an engine shaft comprises a clutch, an eddy-current coupler, and an electromagnetic brake. The clutch is disposed to mechanically decouple the propeller from the engine shaft. The eddy current coupler is disposed to electromagnetically couple the propeller to the engine shaft when the clutch mechanically decouples the propeller from the engine shaft. The electronic brake is disposed to artificially load the engine shaft when the propeller load on the engine shaft is reduced by mechanically decoupling the propeller from the engine shaft.

Abstract: A driven accessory comprising a first rotary clutch portion, a second rotary clutch portion, a wrap spring and an actuator. The actuator is selectively operable for generating a force that is applied to a second end of the wrap spring. The actuator includes an actuator input member that is rotatable about a rotary axis relative to the first rotary clutch portion. The actuator input member is axially movable along the rotary axis between a first position, in which the actuator input member is drivingly engaged to the first rotary clutch portion to cause the wrap spring to uncoil against a clutch surface on the first rotary clutch portion such that rotary power is transmitted between the first rotary clutch portion and the second rotary clutch portion, and a second position in which the actuator input member is disengaged from first rotary clutch portion.

Abstract: A method of operating a double clutch that is actuated by a hydrostatic actuating system having two clutch actuators assigned to two individual clutches and each clutch actuator including a pressure sensor for sensing the operating pressure of the respective clutch actuator, the method having the step of limiting a total actuating force of the double clutch in the event of a fault using the pressure values sensed by the pressure sensors.

Abstract: A method for performing gear shifting by engaging a coupling element with a gear wheel includes moving the coupling element relative to the gear wheel from a disengaged position to an engaged position, in which a particular gear is selected. A speed of the coupling element relative to a speed of the gear wheel is controlled during movement of the coupling element so that a speed difference is maintained until the coupling element reaches the engaged position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dual clutch transmission with two friction clutches and a method for controlling it, where the two friction clutches are actuated utilizing electromechanical disengaging units. To counteract lockup of the dual clutch transmission in the event of a failure of an electric motor, the functional capability of the electric motors is monitored. If the function of an electric motor is deficient, a signal is generated in the control device that brings about in the program sequence of the transmission control system a disengagement of all of the gears that are situated in a sub-drivetrain whose friction clutch is actuated by the affected electric motor. In this way it is possible to prevent lockup of the dual clutch transmission during a malfunction of an electric motor during a state in which torque is being transmitted to the sub-drivetrain.

Abstract: A four-wheel-drive-vehicle driving force distribution apparatus has an auxiliary transmission mechanism for switching motive power transmitted to an input shaft at least between two levels, a high speed and a low speed, and transmitting the motive power to a main output shaft; a friction clutch for selectively transmitting the motive power of the main output shaft to an auxiliary output shaft; a ball cam mechanism for changing the pressing force of the friction clutch in a non-step manner; and a shift mechanism for shifting the auxiliary transmission mechanism. A clutch control mechanism is provided between a drive member fixed to an output shaft of a motor and a pinion gear and changes the clutch pressing force caused by the ball cam mechanism corresponding to clockwise rotation of the drive member performed by a motor starting from a control starting point.

Abstract: In a clutch engaging and disengaging operation at the time of a shift change, a state in which the clutch position of the clutch is at a specific value between a first clutch position at which a half clutch state finishes and a second clutch position at which the clutch is in a mechanical maximum disengaged state is maintained until completion of a gear change is detected by a gear position sensor. Therefore, even if a dog abutment state occurs between first gears with engaging projections and second gears with engaging recesses, the dog abutment can be resolved properly.

Abstract: A vehicle shifting mechanism configured for actuation of a clutch and gear-shifting of a shift drum in a transmission is disclosed, which includes a camshaft linked to the shift drum; an actuating motor for driving the camshaft to allow the camshaft to make one revolution to shift the shift drum with one gear; and a cam connected to the camshaft to coaxially rotate with the camshaft and abutting against a release bearing actuating element to actuate engagement and disengagement of the clutch. The cam has a symmetrical contour such that the camshaft driven by the actuating motor is capable of making one unidirectional revolution to enable actuation of the clutch and the gear-shifting of the shift drum to occur concurrently.

Abstract: In a clutch engaging and disengaging operation at the time of a shift change, a state in which the clutch position of the clutch is at a specific value between a first clutch position at which a half clutch state finishes and a second clutch position at which the clutch is in a mechanical maximum disengaged state is maintained until completion of a gear change is detected by a gear position sensor. Therefore, even if a dog abutment state occurs between first gears with engaging projections and second gears with engaging recesses, the dog abutment can be resolved properly.

Abstract: Rotational driving force can be transferred to the follower side (clutch plate) of a friction clutch by adjusting the engagement condition of the clutch so that a first gear and a second gear of a dog-clutch-type transmission can rotate relative to each other. At the time of shift change during stop of the vehicle, the clutch can be further connected at a low speed after connection of the clutch until it reaches a reference clutch position.

Abstract: Rotational driving force can be transferred to the follower side (clutch plate) of a friction clutch by adjusting the engagement condition of the clutch so that a first gear and a second gear of a dog-clutch-type transmission can rotate relative to each other. At the time of shift change during stop of the vehicle, the clutch can be further connected at a low speed after connection of the clutch until it reaches a reference clutch position.

Abstract: The present invention is a transfer case incorporating the use of a single actuator having an input member selectively engagable to a primary output member, an actuator operatively associated with a clutch assembly and a range selector, a first one-way clutch operably associated with the actuator, and a second one-way clutch operably associated with the actuator. When the actuator is actuated in a first direction, the first one-way clutch will activate the range selector to couple the input member and the primary output member to have either of a direct drive ratio, or a reduced gear ratio. When the actuator is actuated in a second direction, the actuator will actuate the second one-way clutch to engage the clutch assembly, transferring rotational force from the primary output member to a secondary output member.

Abstract: An actuator for a clutch or gear mechanism in a motor vehicle comprises an electric motor and an incremental encoder. The encoder comprises a position measurement signal output at which a position measurement signal can be output which has a number of different signal states, each of which is assigned to a relative position between a primary part and a secondary part of the electric motor. For the commutation of the electric motor, the position measurement signal output is connected to a position measurement signal input of a control device for a motor winding of the electric motor. The control device comprises a device for checking the plausibility of the position measurement signal and is designed in such a manner that on the occurrence of an implausible signal state the power supply to the electric motor is disconnected and/or the power of the electric motor is limited.

Abstract: A cost for manufacturing an automatic transmission can be reduced since a separate solenoid valve for controlling a damper clutch is not required when a hydraulic control system of an automatic transmission for a vehicle includes: a regulator valve that forms a line pressure by regulating a hydraulic pressure generated by a hydraulic pump; a torque converter control valve that receives a hydraulic pressure from the regulator valve and supplies a torque converter operating pressure to a torque converter; and a damper clutch control valve that receives the hydraulic pressure of the torque converter control valve and selectively supplies the torque converter operating pressure and a damper clutch operating pressure, wherein the damper clutch control valve is controlled by a control pressure supplied from a switch valve that is controlled an operating pressure of an overdrive clutch that operates at third and fourth forward speeds.

Abstract: Engagement of a clutch is at least partially controlled based upon the difference in rotational speed between the drive side of the clutch and the driven side of the clutch. As the rotational speed difference varies, the approach rate of the drive side and the driven side also varies for at least part of the total distance defined between the drive side and the driven side when the clutch is disengaged.

Abstract: A system for transferring torque between a pair of independently, concurrently rotating shafts of a turbofan engine includes a magnetic gearbox. The magnetic gearbox has a first ring structure, a second ring structure and an intermediate ring structure. Each ring structure has an annular aperture therethrough and a plurality of permanent magnets embedded therein. The intermediate ring structure is disposed between the first and the second ring structures. Each ring structure is coaxially concentric with, and independently rotatable with respect to the remaining ring structures. The first and second ring structures are each coupled to separate ones of the rotating engine shafts, and the intermediate ring is operable to transfer torque between the pair of shafts. Preferably, the intermediate ring structure is coupled to a rotating machine. The rotating machine has a controller, and is operable for adjusting a ratio of torque transferred between the pair of shafts.

Abstract: A method of controlling the shifting of an automatic manual transmission is based on observer-based timing of different phases of the shift process. The observer-based control strategy includes simultaneous management of the engine throttle and transmission actuators. The torque characteristics of the transmission are also taken into consideration during control of the engine throttle, thereby minimizing shift time and wear on transmission components. The control strategy uses mathematical models called observers to monitor the value of inherent properties attributable to specific actuators and to provide signals used to implement parallel task execution.

Abstract: A method for controlling the safety mode of a four-wheel drive to control the magnetic clutch at a safety mode duty to reduce overload for a predetermined period of time when the slip of the magnetic clutch is greater than an allowable slip, despite controlling the magnetic clutch at its maximum duty.

Abstract: An improved control method activates an electric motor to drive a torque-to-thrust converter for controlling the torque capacity of a clutch mechanism. The control utilizes a model-based feed-forward control in combination with a closed-loop position feed-back control. The desired clutch torque capacity is characterized in terms of a desired motor position, and the feed-forward control models the motor speed and position response to changes in the desired motor position. The modeled speed and position, in turn, are used to create a feed-forward command, and the feed-forward command is combined with a feedback command based on actual position error.

Abstract: A motor vehicle power train with an engine, a transmission and a clutch includes a means to operate the transmission and/or clutch automatically through at least one electric actuator motor. The electric actuator motor, which acts on an input element of the transmission and/or clutch, comprises a brushless direct current motor.

Abstract: The engageable and disengageable friction clutch between the prime mover and the gearbox in the power train of a motor vehicle can be adjusted by an electric motor against the opposition of at least one resilient element by applying rest current from a source to an electric motor which opposes the bias of the resilient element in response to detection, by a sensor, that the bias of such resilient element upon a displaceable clutch actuating member exceeds the force then being exerted by the clutch. The application of rest current to the motor normally takes place when the vehicle is started and/or subsequent to shifting of the gearbox into a different gear. The thus actuated motor can prevent a worm wheel gearing or an analogous motor-operated component from partially disengaging the clutch when the disengagement is undesirable or harmful.

Abstract: A transmission for changing a ratio of a rotational number of a power source and a rotational number of an output shaft by shifting a gear train provided between the power source and the output shaft by moving a shift fork. The transmission includes a shift drum for moving the shift fork, a clutch provided between the power source and the gear train, a shift spindle for urging the shift drum and the clutch. When the shift spindle is pivoted, lift of a clutch is started by pivoting a clutch arm. In accordance with pivoting the shift spindle, a sub arm is pivoted and preload is applied on a master arm by a preload spring. Thereafter, when the sub arm is further pivoted, the master arm follows the sub arm and a shift drum is pivoted via index pins. Since the preload is applied, when the clutch is disengaged, the shift drum is pivoted immediately, a shift fork is displaced and gears are switched.

Abstract: An active bi-directional overrunning clutch that includes an oil housing. The clutch also includes a flange rotatably supported with respect to the oil housing. An input shaft is connected to the flange. The clutch further includes a plurality of rollers contacting the input shaft and a coupling. A roller cage positions the plurality of rollers with respect to the input shaft and coupling. The friction ground ring is in contact with the roller cage. The clutch also includes a worm gear in contact with the friction member.

Abstract: A vehicle has a power extraction mechanism 8, 9, 10a, 10b, 10c, which transmits the rotation of the power transmission mechanism to the auxiliary machines 20, 21, a solenoid clutch 11, which enables or disables the transmission of rotation to the auxiliary machines by the power extraction mechanism, and a determination device 30, 31, 32, which determines whether a control system of the motor 22 for auxiliary machines is operating abnormally or normally. The solenoid clutch 11 is maintained in a disengaged state when the control system of the motor 22 for the auxiliary machines is operating normally. In contrast, when an abnormality is detected in the control system, the auxiliary machines are driven by the rotational force of the power transmission mechanism because the solenoid clutch 11 is engaged at that time. In this manner, it is possible to maintain normal operation of the vehicle by driving the auxiliary machines even when there is an abnormality in the control system.

Abstract: A motor vehicle power train with an engine, a transmission and a clutch includes a means to operate the transmission and/or clutch automatically through at least one electric actuator motor. The electric actuator motor, which acts on an input element of the transmission and/or clutch, comprises a brushless direct current motor.

Abstract: An active bi-directional overrunning clutch that includes an oil housing. The clutch also includes a flange rotatably supported with respect to the oil housing. An input shaft is connected to the flange. The clutch further includes a plurality of rollers contacting the input shaft and a coupling. A roller cage positions the plurality of rollers with respect to the input shaft and coupling. The friction ground ring is in contact with the roller cage. The clutch also includes a worm gear in contact with the friction member.

Abstract: The power train of a motor vehicle has an automated transmission and/or an automated clutch, at least one control unit and at least one actor receiving signals from the control unit and serving to control the operation of the automated constituent or constituents of the power train. A reestablishable connection can be interrupted in the event of a malfunctioning of the power train, such as exhaustion of the supply of electrical energy, defectiveness of the actor and/or defectiveness of the automated constituent or constituents and/or defectiveness of the motion transmitting connection or connections between the actor and the automated constituent or constituents. This renders it possible to set the transmission in neutral or into another gear and/or to select the condition of the clutch in such a way that the vehicle can advance to a selected destination under it own power or that it can be towed to such destination.

Abstract: The actuating arrangement includes a torque transmitting system that includes a first device for initiating, discontinuing or regulating the transmission of torque. A transmission includes a second device for initiating a gear shifting operation within one of a plurality of gear shifting paths. The transmission further includes a third device for initiating the gear ratio selecting operation among the gear shifting paths. An electronic control unit is operatively connected to at least one actor. The at least one actor activates in a predetermined manner, one of the first device, second device and third device for the initiation of the transmission of torque, gear shifting or gear ratio selecting operation.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic control system with electronic control for a gearbox includes at least one actuator element device for receiving an analog measuring signal from the actuator element(s), a device for forming an actual actuator value from the analog measuring signal for the regulation of the actuator element(s), a computing device with a memory, and an output driver. At least one A/D converter is provided to convert the actual analog actuator element value (U1) and/or the analog actuator element measuring value into a digital value. A digital two-step controller regulates the actuator element(s) by a cyclically-called comparison of theoretical and actual values.

Abstract: A gear-mesh type automatic transmission system capable of controlling clutch coupling speed so as to mitigate shock likely to occur upon changeover of speed stage regardless of not only time-dependent deterioration of an electromagnetic clutch but also dispersion among individual clutches. The gear-mesh type automatic transmission system includes an electromagnetic clutch (2) for effectuating transmission and interruption of output power from an output shaft (21) of an engine (1) to an input shaft (22) of a gear-mesh type transmission (3), a shift/select actuator (5) for shifting a speed change gear to a shift/select position in the gear-mesh type transmission (3), a shift/select position sensor (6) for detecting a shift/select position of the speed change gear, and a control unit (4) for driving the shift/select actuator (5) in accordance with a shift lever position selected by a driver, to thereby change over automatically the gear-mesh type transmission (3) to a target speed stage.

Abstract: In a gear type automatic transmission system which senses a shift·select position of a gear transmission stage by a shift·select position sensor 6, then switches automatically the gear transmission stage of a gear type automatic transmission unit 3 into a target transmission stage by a gear switching actuator 5, and then transmits or cuts off a power from an output shaft 21 of an engine 1 to an input shaft 22 of the gear type automatic transmission unit 3 by an electromagnetic clutch 2, clutch engagement in starting is carried out more quickly than the normal operation, in the fault operation of the gear type automatic transmission unit. In addition, the clutch engagement to cause the vehicle to run at a creeping speed (creep) without depression of an accelerator pedal (partial clutch engagement) can be inhibited.

Abstract: A clutch between the combustion engine and the manual multiple-gear-ratio transmission in the power train of a motor vehicle is disengaged or otherwise adjusted in response to a signal from a control unit which processes signals transmitted by sensors serving to monitor the positions and/or the extent of movements of one or more mobile components of the manual transmission. A signal to disengage or to otherwise adjust the clutch is generated when the monitored position(s) of and/or the magnitude(s) of force(s) acting upon one or more mobile components indicate that the operator of the motor vehicle intends to shift the transmission into or from a selected gear ratio.

Abstract: A transmission for changing a ratio of a rotational number of a power source and a rotational number of an output shaft by shifting a gear train provided between the power source and the output shaft by moving a shift fork. The transmission includes a shift drum for moving the shift fork, a clutch provided between the power source and the gear train, a shift spindle for urging the shift drum and the clutch. When the shift spindle is pivoted, lift of a clutch is started by pivoting a clutch arm. In accordance with pivoting the shift spindle, a sub arm is pivoted and preload is applied on a master arm by a preload spring. Thereafter, when the sub arm is further pivoted, the master arm follows the sub arm and a shift drum is pivoted via index pins. Since the preload is applied, when the clutch is disengaged, the shift drum is pivoted immediately, a shift fork is displaced and gears are switched.

Abstract: A pump rod drive and torque release mechanism for use in association with a downhole pump positioned within a well. The pump rod drive and torque release mechanism comprises a central housing having a generally hollow interior, a drive shaft received within the central housing, a drive rod received within the central housing, and a torque transfer mechanism positioned within the central housing. The drive shaft may be operatively connected to a pump rod rotator to impart rotational movement to the drive shaft. The drive rod may be operatively connected to a downhole pump so as to enable transference of rotational energy from the drive rod to the downhole pump. The torque transfer mechanism has an engaged position wherein it operatively connects the drive shaft to the drive rod such that rotation of the drive shaft causes rotation of the drive rod. The torque transfer mechanism also has a disengaged position wherein it operatively disconnects the drive shaft from the drive rod.

Abstract: The power train of a motor vehicle has an automated transmission and/or an automated clutch, at least one control unit and at least one actor receiving signals from the control unit and serving to control the operation of the automated constituent or constituents of the power train. A preferably reestablishable connection can be interrupted in the event of a malfunctioning of the power train, such as exhaustion of the supply of electrical energy, defectiveness of the actor and/or defectiveness of the automated constituent or constituents and/or defectiveness of the motion transmitting connection or connections between the actor and the automated constituent or constituents. This renders it possible to set the transmission in neutral or into another gear and/or to select the condition of the clutch in such a way that the vehicle can advance to a selected destination under it own power or that it can be towed to such destination.

Abstract: The actuating arrangement includes a torque transmitting system that includes a first device for initiating, discontinuing or regulating the transmission of torque. A transmission includes a second device for initiating a gear shifting operation within one of a plurality of gear shifting paths. The transmission further includes a third device for initiating the gear ratio selecting operation among the gear shifting paths. An electronic control unit is operatively connected to at least one actor. The at least one actor activates in a predetermined manner, one of the first device, second device and third device for the initiation of the transmission of torque, gear shifting or gear ratio selecting operation.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle is driven by an engine and/or motor by tightening and releasing a clutch interposed between the engine and a transmission. A selector lever position is detected, and a clutch current is interrupted when the selector lever is not in a range for forward motion. In this way, the clutch current is forcibly interrupted when the vehicle is not moving forward, so tightening of the clutch is definitively prevented even if a clutch current control CPU operates incorrectly.

Abstract: The power train of a motor vehicle has an automated transmission and/or an automated clutch, at least one control unit and at least one actor receiving signals from the control unit and serving to control the operation of the automated constituent or constituents of the power train. A preferably reestablishable connection can be interrupted in the event of a malfunctioning of the power train, such as exhaustion of the supply of electrical energy, defectiveness of the actor and/or defectiveness of the automated constituent or constituents and/or defectiveness of the motion transmitting connection or connections between the actor and the automated constituent or constituents. This renders it possible to set the transmission in neutral or into another gear and/or to select the condition of the clutch in such a way that the vehicle can advance to a selected destination under it own power or that it can be towed to such destination.

Abstract: A clutch between the combustion engine and the manual multiple-gear-ratio transmission in the power train of a motor vehicle is disengaged or otherwise adjusted in response to a signal from a control unit which processes signals transmitted by sensors serving to monitor the positions and/or the extent of movements of one or more mobile components of the manual transmission. A signal to disengage or to otherwise adjust the clutch is generated when the monitored position(s) of and/or the magnitude(s) of force(s) acting upon one or more mobile components indicate that the operator of the motor vehicle intends to shift the transmission into or from a selected gear ratio.