Abstract: Automatic engaging method (and disengaging method) for a coupling-independent power take-off (32), which power take-off (32) is driven by an internal combustion engine (1) arranged in a vehicle. The vehicle is equipped with an automatic stage-geared gearbox (9) and an automated disk clutch (3). The control unit (45) registers that engagement of he power take-off (32) is requested; the control unit (45) disengages the disk clutch (3); the control unit (45) reduces the engine speed or stops the engine (1); the control unit (45) engages the power take-off (32); the control unit (45) couples the disk clutch (3) together or, if the engine (1) is stopped, starts the engine (1) and couples the disk clutch (3) together.

Abstract: A transmission shift mechanism for use with a vehicle transmission. The transmission shift mechanism includes a user-operated selector and a sub-assembly operably disposed between said user-operated selector and the vehicle transmission. The sub-assembly includes a torque-transfer member having a first portion and a second portion wherein the first portion is pivotally secured to the transmission shift mechanism about a pivot axis and the second portion defines a section of a substantially spherical surface which is engageably disposed within a non-linear camming slot defined by the transmission shift section. The torque-transfer member takes the form of a molded polymeric body with a sheet metal insert disposed within the molded polymeric body. The second portion of the torque-transfer member may include flats to reduce the volume of polymeric material required in the manufacture of the member. A method of manufacturing such a torque-transfer member or crank arm is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is a transmission shifting system for a vehicle, the vehicle having a transmission having a push-pull and rotating member for operating the transmission movable in an H pattern. In detail, the invention includes a first reversible electric motor coupled to the member for moving the member backwards and forwards. A second reversible electric motor is coupled to the member for rotating the member clockwise and counter-clockwise. A transmission shifter control system is provided for sequencing the operation of the first and second motors so to move the member in the H pattern upon receipt of an actuation signal.

Abstract: To provide a power switchover apparatus for a hybrid vehicle, which can perform power switchover smoothly. Target follow-up control is started, and when the engine speed reaches a clutch-in speed of a starter clutch, the input power shaft of a continuously variable transmission starts rotation. The speed of the output power shaft also begins to gradually rise in response to the starting of rotation. The engine speed then reaches a target, and transmission ratio raising control of raising the transmission ratio based on the difference between the motor speed of a drive shaft and the speed of a driven side pulley is started. The motor speed Nm of the drive motor and the speed of the driven side power transmission pulley then become equal to each other and the one-way clutch is placed into a connected state. Consequently, the transmission ratio raising control is stopped and normal control is entered.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drive device for a working vehicle whereby gear change shock during the forward/reverse running changeover action can be reduced while achieving shortening of cycle time and protecting various clutch mechanisms in the transmission. If a reverse running command is output from a running control device while the vehicle is running forward, an ECMV controls a braking force of a brake device so as to reduce a vehicle speed through a first prescribed speed to a second prescribed speed, and disengages the forward clutch. When the vehicle speed reaches the first prescribed speed, the ECMV puts the reverse clutch in a slipping action condition and, after the vehicle speed reaches the second prescribed speed, gradually engages the reverse clutch.

Abstract: A starting clutch control device includes a starting clutch disposed between an engine and a transmission installed to a vehicle. A torque coefficient setting section sets a torque coefficient based on a clutch speed ratio of the starting clutch and a throttle opening of the engine. A torque coefficient correction section increases the torque coefficient by a torque coefficient correction amount, increasing the torque coefficient by a progressively larger torque coefficient correction amount as the throttle opening increases, in order to increase the torque coefficient within a region of smaller clutch speed ratios (e.g., clutch speed ratios less than approximately 0.5). A hydraulic pressure control section controls hydraulic pressure supplied to the starting clutch based on the torque coefficient and the rotational speed of the engine.

Abstract: A transmission having plural clutches includes a first clutch for connecting and disconnecting transmission of driving force to a first input shaft including a driving gear configured to be engaged with a driven gear provided at an output shaft of the transmission driven by a driving force generating device, a second clutch operating independently from the first clutch for connecting and disconnecting transmission of driving force to a second input shaft including a driving gear configured to be engaged with a driven gear provided at the output shaft, a driving force detection device for detecting driving force, a slip detection device for detecting physical quantity related to a slip of a driving wheel, and a device for controlling the second clutch for importing the physical quantity related to the slip and the driving force and for controlling engagement ratio of the second clutch where the first clutch is engaged.

Abstract: A method for controlling a drive train (40) of a motor vehicle (42), to a method for controlling a clutch device (46), and to a drive train of a motor vehicle (42), said drive train (40) being operated in a first operating mode, the normal load operation, in which the internal combustion engine (44) moves the motor vehicle (42) against the resistances opposing the movement of a motor vehicle (42), the play in the load direction pre-determined by the rotary direction of the motor output shaft (78) being closed. The drive train (40) operating outside said normal load operation is operated under pre-determined conditions in a second operating mode in which a first load is introduced into a drive train section, causing the play at the drive-end of said load introduction point to be closed or to remain closed, said first load being such that it would not be sufficient to overcome the resistances opposing the movement of the motor vehicle (42) in the plane.

Abstract: A multi-mode hybrid transmission has speed control provided via an open loop model derived as a function of preselected transmission accelerations and controlled and uncontrolled transmission torques. Motor torques are selected as the controlled torques and other preselected transmission torques are selected as the uncontrolled torques. The control also employs a closed loop control effort responsive to at least one preselected transmission speed error.

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: If a user presses a clutch pedal to perform gear-shifting operation while a vehicle is traveling, a clutch disc, which has been engaged with a flywheel rotating with an engine, is brought to partial clutch engagement and slides on an end surface of the flywheel to generate friction. Thus, a first phenomenon in which a decreasing rate of the engine rotation speed rapidly increases occurs. Then, a second phenomenon in which the clutch disc is completely disengaged from the flywheel to eliminate the friction and the decreasing rate of the engine rotation speed returns to an original state occurs. If the first and second phenomena are detected successively when neither an engine side nor a power transmission system side transmits power for varying an engine rotation speed, it is determined that the clutch disc is disengaged.

Abstract: A vehicle having an automatic transmission includes a roll-back detector that generates a roll-back signal indicating a vehicle roll-back event. A controller receives the roll-back signal and determines whether the automatic transmission is in a forward drive mode having first and second torque transfer elements engaged. The controller engages a third torque transfer element to prevent the vehicle roll-back event.

Abstract: A method for determining a transmittable torque of a clutch of an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle, in particular an automated shift transmission, uses the clutch for transmitting torque from an engine shaft to a transmission input shaft and uses a synchronizing device for selectively engaging and disengaging a gear stage in the automatic transmission. The gear stage is pre-synchronized with the synchronizing device by applying a given synchronizing force to the synchronizing device but without engaging the gear stage. Speeds of the engine shaft and of the transmission input shaft are measured. The torque transmitted by the clutch is determined by comparing the speeds of the engine shaft and of the transmission input shaft while taking into account a current synchronizing force.

Abstract: Within the framework of the method for the prevention of a decreasing rotary speed of a motor by the closing of a converter clutch during a constant gas pedal positioning in a continuously automatic transmission with a variator and a hydrodynamic converter, a decreasing motor speed of rotation is avoided by an increase of the speed of rotation of the primary disk of the variator (turbine).

Abstract: In a specific control state, confirmation is made whether or not the present torque limiter value exceeds a maximal value of an allowed torque value in the specific control state, and in the event that the present torque limiter value exceeds the maximal value of the allowed torque value in the specific control state, the torque limiter value is slowly lowered by subtracting a constant A1 from the present torque limiter value, while in the event of transition from the specific control state to an ordinary control state, the torque limiter value is slowly raised to the maximal torque limiter value in the ordinary control state by adding a constant A2 to the present torque limiter value. Thus, excessive change of torque at transition of a control state can be suppressed, and adverse effects on driving stability and driving performance under the specific control state can be minimized.

Abstract: An automatic transmission ratio shift control system and method for a powertrain having an engine and multiple-ratio gearing controlled by friction elements actuated by hydraulic pressure, an electronic controller for establishing torque transitions among the friction elements as the gear ratio changes, the engine speed being controlled by an electronic throttle control. The strategy employs an electronic throttle and closed loop engine speed control and uses fuel and air as an energy source to increase engine speed during a power-off downshift. The engine speed is boosted to a level close to the synchronous speed in conjunction with release of the off-going friction element. The on-coming friction element is then applied as the engine speed approaches a desired speed. The engine speed increase is timed to lead an increase in torque converter speed.

Abstract: A control device for a drive line of a vehicle, in which a drive line from a power source to drive wheel includes a wheel control for controlling the speed of the wheels, and a connection mechanism for increasing/decreasing a torque transmission capacity between the power source and the drive wheels. The control device includes a trouble detector for detecting that the wheel control is in a situation unable to control the speed of the wheels normally. A braking detector detects that a braking operation to brake the rotation of the wheels is executed. And, a torque interruption control reduces the torque transmission capacity by the connection mechanism, when it is detected by the trouble detector that the wheel control cannot control the speed of the wheels normally and when it is detected by the braking detector that the braking operation to brake the rotation of the wheels is executed.

Abstract: A car system and control method in which transmission shifting is controlled such that synchronizer damage is avoided. A state discrimination device detects or infers the state of each frictional surface of the synchronizers. A synchronizer for forming an intermediate transfer path is selected according to a parameter indicating the state of the frictional surface detected or inferred by the state discrimination device. Engine torque control reduces the engine torque according to a parameter indicating the state detected or inferred by the state discrimination device.

Abstract: An automated vehicle transmission having a wet clutch and an auxiliary motor that is operatively connected to the transmission to overcome residual torque forces in the wet clutch. Residual torque forces in the wet clutch may prevent disengagement of a gear train and also prevent the transmission from shifting into neutral. A control system determines whether residual torque is resisting the disengagement of the gear train for more than a predetermined time period. According to the method, if a shift is delayed for more than the predetermined time period, the auxiliary motor is actuated to apply an oppositely oriented torque to the transmission gear train to overcome the residual torque and allow the transmission to shift into neutral.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting a torque and for operating a motor vehicle having a drive motor with an automated or automatic transmission in the drive train. A driver-identifying lock recognition system, as well as a transmission control unit that includes a memory function for storing driver-related parameters, especially for improving driving comfort, are provided.

Abstract: Described is a method for controlling and regulating a drive train of a vehicle comprising one drive unit, one transmission and one output unit. The transmission has controllable free-wheel device corresponding with toothed wheel pairs for disconnecting or connecting an old or a new gear and located on the input side one clutch. In the presence of a shifting signal for carrying out a higher traction shift, an input torque of the drive unit is quickly reduced so that a first vibration is induced in the drive unit. During a subsequent shifting, an operative connection is abruptly created between a free-wheel device and a toothed wheel pair corresponding therewith in a manner such that a second vibration counteracting the first vibration is produced in the drive train. With the engagement of the new gear the operative connection of the old gear is canceled as a result of a torque reversal from a pull torque to a push torque.

Abstract: On recognition of a slow driving condition within which a creeping function is activated, a set wheel torque is derived by a wheel torque interpretation (56), such that firstly a target speed is achieved and subsequently the vehicle is maintained within a speed range about the target speed.

Abstract: A method of double-downshifting from a first gear ratio to a second gear ratio includes the steps of first reducing torque transfer from a first clutch to a first driven gear. Engine speed then increases. Next, torque transfer from a second clutch to a third driven gear is increased while simultaneously the first clutch is disengaged from the first driven gear. Torque transfer from the second clutch to the third driven gear is then reduced. Torque transfer from the second clutch to the third driven gear is next increased. The first clutch is engaged to the second driven gear. Then, torque transfer from the first clutch to the second driven gear is increased while simultaneously the torque transfer from the second clutch to the third driven gear is reduced. Finally, the second clutch is disengaged from the third driven gear.

Abstract: A controller (12) controls the engaging force of a lockup clutch (2c) connecting an engine (1) and an automatic transmission (3) via an engaging force regulating mechanism (11, 13). The controller (12) sets a target relative rotation speed (?SLPT) according to a difference between a target engine rotation speed (TGT_EREV) and an input rotation speed (PriREV) of the automatic transmission (3). When an initial engine rotation speed (ST_EREV) is smaller than the target engine rotation speed (TGT_EREV), the controller (12) causes the target relative rotation speed (?SLPT) to gradually vary from an initial relative rotation speed (ST_SREV) to a predetermined target change-over relative rotation speed (CHG_REV). By controlling the engaging force regulating mechanism (11, 13) on the basis of the target relative rotation speed (?SLPT) set in this way, a prompt and appropriate lockup operation of the lockup clutch (2c) is realized in response to the vehicle conditions.

Abstract: A method for changing gear in an automated change-speed gearbox of a motor vehicle with an automated clutch arranged between an engine and the change-speed gearbox includes engaging the clutch up to a slip limit during a downshift from an original gear to a target gear to increase the rotational speed of an input shaft of the change-speed gearbox.

Abstract: A method of controlling the pressure applied to the engaged clutch of a vehicle having a dual clutch transmission to control the torque transferred across the engaged clutch thereby providing engine speed control for each gear based on the engine throttle position. The method includes the steps of determining the engine throttle position, determining the currently engaged gear of the transmission, and sensing the speed of the clutch. An engine stall speed is selected for the current gear and engine throttle position from a look-up table, and then a target engine speed based on the engine stall speed and the clutch speed is continuously redetermined, the clutch speed increasing in response to the increasing engine speed.

Abstract: A method of double-downshifting from a first gear ratio to a second gear ratio includes the steps of first reducing torque transfer from a first clutch to a first driven gear. Engine speed then increases. Next, torque transfer from a second clutch to a third driven gear is increased while simultaneously the first clutch is disengaged from the first driven gear. Torque transfer from the second clutch to the third driven gear is then reduced. Torque transfer from the second clutch to the third driven gear is next increased. The first clutch is engaged to the second driven gear. Then, torque transfer from the first clutch to the second driven gear is increased while simultaneously the torque transfer from the second clutch to the third driven gear is reduced. Finally, the second clutch is disengaged from the third driven gear.

Abstract: The comfort level gear shift motor vehicle with an automated gear-shifting transmission is determined by shift parameters, which are dependent on driving parameters and on a shift program mode. The shift program mode identified through a characteristic parameter, which can vary a range of parameter values corresponding to a range of shift program modes. The method has the steps of detecting current values the driving parameters, detecting a current value of the characteristic parameter, determining respective minimum and maximum values that each of said shift parameters can assume within the range of characteristic parameter values as a function of the current driving parameter values, calculating actual shift parameter values as intermediate values between said maximum and minimum values for each of said shift parameters based on said current value of the characteristic parameter, and performing the gear shift with the actual shift parameter values.

Abstract: A method, an apparatus, and their utilization in operating a motor vehicle having a drive motor with an automated or automatic transmission in the drive train for transmitting a torque, a driver-identifying lock recognition system, as well as a transmission control unit that is equipped with a memory function, especially for improving driving comfort, are proposed, wherein it or they are characterized by at least one of the characterizing features contained in the application documents, or by a combination of at least two of those characterizing features.

Abstract: A coordinated control of a drive train during a gear shift is described. The core of the control lies in establishing an optimal system trajectory for the states of the internal combustion engine and the clutch for the shift operation and in supplying this trajectory to a subordinate control and regulation. Here, the determination of the optimal system trajectory occurs as a function of the stipulations of a higher-order system for controlling the drive train. In particular, it is provided for the optimal system trajectory to be adapted to the driving situation, the driver type, the operating conditions of the assemblies, and the state of the assemblies themselves. Here, the determination of the optimal system trajectory occurs via a real-time optimization algorithm that is executed during driving operation. In this manner, optimal shift operation is attained under all operating conditions that unites a high degree of comfort with a low loss of traction.

Abstract: A method of controlling a drive train of a motor vehicle having an engine, wheels, a wheel slip control system, and an automatic transmission having a clutch, the clutch capable of being opened and closed, wherein the automatic transmission is controlled based upon signals generated by the wheel slip control system.

Abstract: In either a pull-mode operating state or a push-mode operating state, a clutch arrangement assigned to the first gearbox input shaft and a clutch arrangement assigned to the second gearbox input shaft are actuated in such a way and a torque-generating arrangement comprising a drive unit is controlled in such a way that, when a shift is to be made between a first gear assigned to a first gearbox input shaft and a second gear assigned to a second gearbox input shaft, at least one of the following criteria with respect to the shifting sequence comprising the shift in question is fulfilled:

Abstract: Method for reclosure of the clutch during a change of gear, wherein the clutch is closed in order to adjust the angular speed of the drive shaft to match the angular speed of the primary shaft of the gearbox; the power supply to the engine is stopped, so as not to generate useful torque, the clutch is quickly disposed in a predetermined position, such as to transmit constant torque, which is substantially equal to the drive torque supplied by the engine immediately before the change of gear, and the clutch is kept in the predetermined position, until synchronization of the drive shaft and the primary shaft takes place.

Abstract: Device for controlling a clutch, which is connected to an actuator, which can activate the clutch itself; the control device comprises a position sensor, which can detect the position of the clutch, in order to supply a measuring position signal to a main control device, which receives as input information signals, and generates as output a control signal to control the actuator, a monitoring circuit, which can detect a state of malfunctioning of the position sensor, in order to supply a malfunctioning signal, and an auxiliary control device, which can be activated in the presence of a malfunctioning signal, in order to transfer control of the actuator from the main control device to the auxiliary control device.

Abstract: In a motor vehicle with a drivetrain having a multiple-clutch transmission, particularly a dual clutch device, and a corresponding transmission, an associated control device allocates different shifting forces or shifting force curves to occurring shift demands based on at least one of input data, operating states of the transmission, operating states of the clutch device, operating states of the drive unit, and driving states of the motor vehicle. By means of the actuating mechanism associated with or belonging to the transmission, respective gears are engaged with the respective associated shifting force or the respective associated shifting force curve and/or respective gears are released with the respective associated shifting force or with the respective associated shifting force curve.

Abstract: A motor vehicle transmission system blocks the disengagement of the clutch (14) and the shifting of the transmission (12) into neutral for starting the engine (10), if the transmission is already in gear at the time the system is switched on. The blocking is canceled if the main brake (58) is applied and the application of the brake (58) is confirmed by a brake sensor (56), or if the driver moves a shifter element (24) from a non-neutral shift-gate position to the neutral shift-gate position after the system has been turned on.

Abstract: A control system/method for controlling a vehicle drivetrain (10) including an engine (18), a transmission (12) and, a centrifugal clutch (20) for drivingly coupling the engine output (136) to the transmission input shaft (28) during vehicle launch. A system controller (50) issues command output signals (56) for controlling engine speed (ES) on a closed loop basis.

Abstract: A decelerator control system includes a first control member, a machine control device, an engine, at least one brake, and a transmission. The first control member is manually moveable and is adapted to produce a first operator control signal. The machine control device is adapted to receive the first operator control signal and responsively produce an engine control signal, a brake control signal, and a transmission control signal. The engine is adapted to receive the engine control signal and responsively control the speed of the engine. The brake is adapted to receive the brake control signal and responsively control an engagement of the brake. The transmission is adapted to receive the transmission control signal and responsively control an engagement of the transmission.

Abstract: A control strategy and method for controlling friction element engagement and disengagement time for an automatic transmission when the transmission is operating at cold ambient temperatures. During drive-to-reverse or reverse-to-drive friction element engagements with power on, the strategy compensates for a tendency of an oncoming friction element to gain capacity before an off-going clutch loses capacity, thereby avoiding a potential friction element tie-up condition when the transmission is operated with intermediate or high levels of engine torque as the friction elements are sequentially engaged and disengaged during cold rock cycling.

Abstract: A control apparatus and method of a vehicle is provided for correcting a lowered value of the output shaft torque in the gear shifting and suppressing a input shaft speed on the basis of the lowered torque correction. The input shaft torque is adjusted at the termination of the gear shifting on the basis of the lowered torque correction.

Abstract: In a control method for an automatic transmission, it is first determined if the automatic transmission is in a fourth speed and the vehicle is being driven in a power off state, then a damper clutch operation slip control signal is output when the vehicle is in a power off state. Next, an engine fuel cut-in rpm reduction signal is output to engine control unit when a damper clutch is operated by the damper clutch operation slip control signal. A lower engine fuel cut-in signal is transmitted from the engine control unit according to the output engine fuel cut-in rpm reduction signal. Then, it is determined if engine output is undergoing continuous reduction, and a duty ratio is controlled using a learned value during 4-3 shifting when engine output is being reduced.

Abstract: An automatic start controlling apparatus for automatically starting an internal combustion engine. A transmission is coupled to the engine. The transmission has a clutch, which is actuated by an oil pump other than the engine when the engine stops. The transmission has an input shaft and an output shaft. The input shaft is connected to the engine. The automatic start controlling apparatus has a controller. When the engine is automatically started, the controller detects whether the clutch is completely engaged. When the controller judges that the clutch is partially engaged, the controller reduces the output torque of the engine or limits an increase of the output torque.

Abstract: A control system/method for controlling a vehicle drivetrain (10) including an engine (18), a transmission (12) and, a centrifugal clutch (20) for drivingly coupling the engine output (136) to the transmission input shaft (28) during vehicle launch. A system controller (50) issues command output signals (56) for controlling engine speed (ES) on a closed loop basis.

Abstract: A control system for an internal combustion engine equipped with an automatic transmission capable of performing controls of the engine at a minimum fuel-performance cost or fuel consumption even in a nonlock-up state by correcting a target driving power so as to conform with a transmission efficiency of the automatic transmission.

Abstract: A decelerator control system includes a first control member, a machine control device, an engine, at least one brake, and a transmission. The first control member is manually moveable and is adapted to produce a first operator control signal. The machine control device is adapted to receive the first operator control signal and responsively produce an engine control signal, a brake control signal, and a transmission control signal. The engine is adapted to receive the engine control signal and responsively control the speed of the engine. The brake is adapted to receive the brake control signal and responsively control an engagement of the brake. The transmission is adapted to receive the transmission control signal and responsively control an engagement of the transmission.

Abstract: The invention proceeds from a system for adjusting a motor vehicle transmission, which is changeable in its transmission gear ratio, the transmission having an efficiency characteristic which is dependent on the transmission gear ratio. A first quantity is detected which represents the actual transmission output rpm and a second quantity is determined which represents a desired value for the drive torque. Then, a desired rpm of the vehicle engine is determined at least in dependence upon the detected first quantity and the determined second quantity and in dependence upon the efficiency characteristic of the transmission. The adjustment of the transmission gear ratio takes place in dependence upon the desired rpm of the vehicle engine which is so determined. With the invention, transmission influences are considered in the determination of the optimal transmission gear ratio within a system for the coordinated drive train control.

Abstract: A vehicular transmission system (10) including a centrifugally operated master friction clutch (20) for drivingly coupling an engine (18) to an input shaft (28) of a mechanical transmission (12). Closed loop engine speed (ES) control is utilized to control engagement of the clutch during vehicle launch conditions.

Abstract: A shift control apparatus and a shift control method for the automatic transmission, which can reduce the required value of the drive force for the shift actuator, to make the automatic transmission cheaper and to improve install character thereof. The shift control apparatus includes a transmission 2, a clutch 3, a first drive means 4, 6 for operating the clutch, a second drive means 5 and 6 for operating a synchro mechanism, a third drive means 6 and 31 for varying the number of rotation of an engine, and a control unit 30 for controlling the first, second and third drive means. The control unit 30 has a clutch control portion 18 to control the first drive means, a synchro control portion 19 to drive the second drive means the engine, and an engine control portion 20 to control the third drive means.

Abstract: There is provided temporary high-speed gear setting means which causes an automatic transmission to accomplish first-speed gear after it has once been set to second speed gear, for instance, which is selected as a specific high-speed gear upon switching from a non-drive range to the drive range. While it is made possible to manually switch between gear-shifting control operation in automatic mode performed according to preset shifting characteristics and manual mode in which gear-shifting operation is manually performed by a driver, priority is given to accomplishment of the first-speed gear the temporary high-speed gear setting means when the automatic transmission is switched to the manual mode while it is set to the aforementioned specific high-speed gear by the aforementioned temporary high-speed gear setting means.

Abstract: Device for controlling a clutch, which is connected to an actuator, which can activate the clutch itself; the control device comprises a position sensor, which can detect the position of the clutch, in order to supply a measuring position signal to a main control device, which receives as input information signals, and generates as output a control signal to control the actuator, a monitoring circuit, which can detect a state of malfunctioning of the position sensor, in order to supply a malfunctioning signal, and an auxiliary control device, which can be activated in the presence of a malfunctioning signal, in order to transfer control of the actuator from the main control device to the auxiliary control device.