In this post we have to discuss about Scania opticruise–Semi automatic gearbox system.
Opticruise:
When the vehicle is equipped with fully automatic Opticruise, the vehicle has no clutch pedal, instead the system has a clutch actuator which automatically manages the engagement and disengagement process. The clutch actuator controls a clutch cylinder electrically.In turn disengages the clutch hydraulically.The clutch actuator as a component is called the ECA.
ECA:
ECA means Electrical Clutch Actuator and it is an electro-hydraulic actuator consisting of an electric motor connected to a hydraulic system, comprising a master cylinder and a slave cylinder. The electric motor actuates the piston in the master cylinder .In turn causes the piston in the slave cylinder to depress the clutch lever.
The clutch actuator has two sensors to determine the position of the clutch actuator, i.e. whether the clutch is engaged or disengaged. The sensors are an angle sensor .This sensors is located on the electric motor and a position sensor which is located on the slave cylinder.
Starting:
When driving off in a vehicle that is equipped with a fully automatic Opticruise, the accelerator pedal position is converted to a torque request in the powertrain. Opticruise brings the engine up to a speed at which it can supply the requested torque and then uses the clutch actuator to move the clutch to a position at which it transfers the required torque. When the slipping via the clutch has disappeared, the clutch is closed completely.
Gear change:
When the vehicle is equipped with a fully automatic Opticruise, the system will use the clutch when changing gear. When the gear is to be disengaged, the clutch is opened to make sure that there is no torque load in the power train. The clutch is then closed and the new gear is engaged with the help of the engine. The clutch is used when changing gear to provide greater comfort when gears are disengaged. During split gear changes, the clutch is opened to engage the split gear, then the clutch is closed again. By using the clutch during split gear changes, neutral does not need to be engaged first, which results in quicker gear changes.
Stopping:
At the time of driving forwards, the clutch is opened when the driver depresses the brake and the engine speed approaches idling speed. When driving on a level surface and with manovering mode engaged, the clutch is opened when the engine speed approaches idling speed even if the driver is not pressing the brake
When driving on a level surface without manovering mode engaged, the clutch does not disengage when the engine speed approaches idling speed, but continues to be engaged. This means that the engine drives the vehicle forwards at idling speed
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