Research on clutch position control based on backstepping method for small-sized tractors

Tractors installed automated manual transmission can avoid discomfort for the drivers because of excessive limbs intervention as well as improve shift quality. Automatic clutch control is critical for the performance of the automated manual transmissions. For a good operation, precise and fast control of clutch position is mandatory. In order to meet these requirements, an enhanced strategy focused on the clutch is presented adopting a simple tracking control method based on the detailed models in this study. Clutch models including DC motor model and mechanical actuator model are established and transformed to a controllable model. On the basis of the control model, a clutch position tracking control scheme is proposed composed of motor control circuit and motor angle tracking controller designed according to the backstepping method. Simulations are carried out in comparation with the internal model control method, and the results demonstrate the effectiveness of the presented control scheme by superior rapidity and accuracy of the controller response for the clutch position tracking system.