Method of controlling a torque transmission system and torque transmission system for carrying out the method of controlling

Abstract

A method of monitoring a torque transmission system with a manually switchable gearbox in the power train of a motor vehicle involves the utilization of at least one sensor unit at the input side of the torque transmission system to ascertain relevant positions of the shift lever of the gearbox and the driving torque of the engine of the motor vehicle. The thus obtained shift lever signals are memorized, together with comparison signals which are obtained as a result of filtering of the shift lever signals, and various characteristics of such signals are recognized and identified to indicate the intention of the operator of the vehicle regarding the switching of the gearbox. The thus obtained switching intention signals are transmitted to a controlled clutch operating system.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A torque transmission system for transmitting torque from an input side to an output side of a drive train of a motor vehicle having an engine and a cone pulley gearbox, the torque transmission system comprising: 
 at least one component adapted to transmit torque, wherein the torque transmission system is controlled in such a way that the torque which can be transmitted by the torque transmission system is always less than the torque which can be transmitted by the cone pulley gearbox.    
     
     
         2 . The torque transmission system according to  claim 1 , wherein the cone pulley gearbox comprises: 
 a variator assembled of two pairs of cone pulley sets;    an endless torque transmitting device; and    a control system, which regulates the contact pressure of the endless torque transmitting device between the pairs of cone pulley sets.    
     
     
         3 . The torque transmission system according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one component comprises at least one clutch a torque-flow path before or after the cone pulley gearbox.  
     
     
         4 . The torque transmission system according to  claim 1 , wherein the torque transmission is controlled to prevent rotary oscillations originating from the engine and causing an excessive contact pressure to be exerted on the endless drive.  
     
     
         5 . The torque transmission system according to  claim 2 , wherein the torque transmission system is controlled to protect the variator from torque surges at the output side.  
     
     
         6 . The torque transmission system according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one component comprises a discrete safety clutch.  
     
     
         7 . The torque transmission system according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one component comprises a lockup clutch of a torque converter.  
     
     
         8 . The torque transmission system according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one component comprises a clutch of a turning set.  
     
     
         9 . The torque transmission system according to  claim 2 , wherein said torque transmission system has an additional clutch for adjusting the variator.  
     
     
         10 . A torque transmission system for transmitting torque from an input side to an output side of a drive train of a motor vehicle having an engine and a cone pulley gearbox, the torque transmission system comprising: 
 at least one clutch for transmitting torque, wherein the at least one clutch is controlled in such a way that the torque which can be transmitted by the torque transmission system is always less than the torque which can be transmitted by the cone pulley gearbox.    
     
     
         11 . The torque transmission system according to  claim 10 , wherein the cone pulley gearbox comprises: 
 a variator assembled of two pairs of cone pulley sets;    an endless torque transmitting device; and    a control system, which regulates the contact pressure of the endless torque transmitting device between the pairs of cone pulley sets.    
     
     
         12 . The torque transmission system according to  claim 10 , wherein the at least one clutch is selected from the group consisting of a discrete safety clutch; a lockup clutch of a torque converter, and a clutch of a turning set.  
     
     
         13 . The torque transmission system according to  claim 10 , wherein said torque transmission system includes an additional clutch for adjusting the variator.