DE112009000860T5 - Flash Memory Signature Calibration - Google Patents

Abstract

A coupling device system for use in a motor vehicle (30), the coupling device system comprising:
a coupling device (10) comprising
a drive element (12) and at least one output element (14);
at least one regulating clutch assembly (50) selectively coupling the drive member (12) to the at least one output member (14), the regulating clutch assembly (50) including an electric clutch operating member (54) and a plurality of clutch plates (80), wherein at least one first clutch plate (82) is coupled to the drive element (12) of the plurality of clutch plates (80) and at least one second clutch plate (84) is coupled to the at least one output element (14) and disposed adjacent to the at least one first clutch plate (82) is and
a memory chip (88) integrated into the coupling device (10) configured to store data relating to at least one measured characteristic of the coupling device (10), wherein the memory chip (88) is configured to interface with a vehicle controller (42) communicates.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Scope of the invention

The present invention generally relates to coupling assemblies. More particularly, the invention relates to electrically actuated clutch assemblies.

2. Description of the Related Art

Electromagnetic coil activated or energized clutches are common components in rotating power transmission systems, both in fixed applications and in motor vehicles. Such electromagnetic clutches may be broadly characterized as providing two-point energy transfer or regulatory energy transfer. In the first case, jaw clutches are used, which may include auxiliary synchronization devices, while in the latter case friction clutch packs are used with a plurality of nested friction plates or discs. In either case, an electromagnetic actuator that displaces or compresses components of the clutch after energizing with a translational movement activates the clutch and disables or disengages the clutch after shutdown.

One type of torque transmitting device in the form of an electrically actuated clutch proportionally transmits torque from a drive shaft to an output shaft based on the current supplied to an electric actuator (supplied as a constant current level based on the supplied voltage or at a mid level by pulse width modulation of supplied voltage or in another modulation type). Each design requires the supply of a certain amount of current to the electric actuator to cause the clutch to transmit a given torque value.

There is a continuing pressure to reduce the consumption of electric power consumption of automotive components in order to reduce fuel consumption and to gain even more benefits from this reduction. Control torque feedback systems have been provided by interactive torque management systems that measure the amount of torque applied to determine the minimum amount of torque required. The supply of the minimum amount of torque required is helpful in reducing the consumption of electric current and may also reduce component wear. Similarly, there is also a need to provide accurate torque transfer to dictate vehicle dynamics in a prescribed manner that promotes increased vehicle stability. To provide this functionality, the amount of torque transferred to the wheels during this process, and thus the need for torque feedback, must be known.

Some torque transmitting devices include an electric clutch operating member having a solenoid. A solenoid is a wire coil that provides a magnetic force when a current is passed through it. A magnet can generate regulated magnetic fields, and therefore magnets are often used as electromagnets to generate line forces. Accordingly, a solenoid has a fixed stator and a movable armature. Solenoids can be used in many applications, such as actively controlled clutches and differentials. In these types of applications, it is common practice to apply a known amount of input to the solenoid to obtain a predictable output. However, one factor that affects the power output of a solenoid is the air gap between the stator and the armature. In a solenoid used in an AWD clutch, it has been difficult to directly measure or monitor the air gap. Therefore, it is difficult to predict the input amount required to obtain desired delivery amounts.

Due to manufacturing and component variations between units of a given design, the actual current required to produce a particular torque transfer varies. In other words, for a given stream, the amount of torque that each unit transmits is often different. Thus, typically, the exact calibration curve of the coupling device is unknown, in other words, the exact amount of input current required to achieve a desired torque output is not accurately known. Therefore, it has to be estimated and different means have been used. There is still a need for a vehicle controller to be able to more accurately determine the amount of current required to achieve a given torque output.

A powertrain control unit (PCU) may be configured to supply power to engage the electric actuator if desired. For an example Torque is transmitted from a front-wheel differential to a rear axle of a motor vehicle. As the amount of power required to transmit each of a number of desired torques varies, existing powertrain controls are programmed to use averages. This results in inconsistencies between vehicles when the torque transmitting device is engaged. As a result, too much or too little torque may be transmitted, which may result in hard or soft engagement with, for example, the rear axle.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

By satisfying the above needs, as well as overcoming the enumerated disadvantages and other limitations of the prior art, the present invention provides a coupling device system configured to provide a calibration curve to a vehicle controller that closely matches the calibration curve of the particular vehicle coupling device equivalent.

In one aspect, a coupling device system for use in a motor vehicle having a coupling device and a memory chip is provided. The clutch device includes a drive element, at least one output element and at least one regulating clutch assembly that selectively couples the input member to the output member. The regulating clutch assembly includes an electric clutch operating member and a group of clutch plates. The group of clutch plates includes one or more first clutch plates coupled to the drive element and one or more second clutch plates coupled to the output element disposed adjacent the first clutch plate (s). The memory chip is integrated with the coupling device and is configured to store data related to at least one measured feature of the coupling device. The memory chip is also configured to communicate with a vehicle controller.

In another aspect, there is provided a method of providing a calibration curve of a clutch device having an electric clutch operator with a solenoid assembly for a vehicle controller. The method includes steps of measuring at least one feature of the coupling device resulting in characteristic data, writing the characteristic data to a memory chip, wherein the memory chip is in communication with a vehicle controller and integrated with the coupling device, and transmitting the characteristic data of the memory chip to the vehicle controller.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following specification with reference to the drawings and claims appended to and part of this specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

1 is a schematic drawing of a motor vehicle with a coupling device system according to the present invention;

2 Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a coupling device system according to the principles of the present invention;

3 Fig. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a coil terminal in accordance with the principles of the present invention; and

4 FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a method for providing a calibration curve of a clutch controller for a vehicle controller according to the principles of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Now referring to 1 is a coupling device system with a coupling device 10 according to the present invention in a motor vehicle 30 shown installed. The car 30 has a drive source 32 such as an internal combustion engine or electric motor. A plurality of wheels 34 is via a drive element 36 and output elements 38 with the source of motion 32 connected. Two output elements 38 are with the drive element 36 shown coupled, wherein any embodiment of the coupling device 10 is used. In this example, a differential couples 40 the two output elements 38 to the output shaft 14 the device 10 ,

A digital powertrain control (PCU / Powertrain control unit) 42 is on the electric clutch actuator 54 the coupling device 10 for example with a cable 44 attached. The PCU 42 is configured to be the electric clutch actuator 54 provides a series of electrical currents based on a desired amount of torque supplied by the drive element 36 on the output elements 38 is to be transferred. The desired torque amount can be obtained from the PCU 42 by Reading a plurality of sensors 46 be determined, the information about the operating condition of the motor vehicle 30 provide. It should be noted that the current supplied to the electric clutch operating member may be supplied as a constant current level based on supplied DC voltage or as an intermediate level by pulse width modulation of supplied voltage or from another modulation scheme. This invention is further applicable to any approach in which it is beneficial to provide a supplied signal (whether as a DC, pulse or otherwise modulated signal supplied as a current, voltage or coded signal) having a desired value on modulated torque transmission through the coupling device 10 to relate to. In addition, a desired level of current supplied (DC or in some way pulsed) may be generated by a feedback feed within the PCU in which a supplied voltage is adjusted in accordance with the resulting observed current flow.

Now referring to 2 is a sectional view of the coupling device 10 of the present invention illustrated in more detail. As main components, the coupling device 10 a drive element 12 on top of that by a regulating clutch assembly 50 , which is a ball ramp actuator 52 selectively with an output member 14 is coupled. The drive element 12 may be in a substantially coaxial relationship with the output member 14 be arranged as in 2 represented, or the drive and output elements 12 . 14 may have been arranged in a different ratio, such as in a substantially perpendicular relationship. An example of a coupling device having one or more regulating clutch assemblies with a ball ramp actuator is shown in FIG U.S. Patent No. 6,905,008 by Kowalsky, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Another example is in the U.S. Patent No. 5,839,328 by Showalter, to which reference is made in its entirety.

The regulating clutch assembly 50 selectively transfers torque from the drive element 12 on the output element 14 by activation of an electric clutch actuating element 54 the regulating clutch assembly 50 , The electric clutch actuator 54 may be operable to be a pilot clutch pack 56 as described below, or the pilot clutch pack 56 may be omitted, and the electric clutch actuator 50 Can a main clutch pack 58 engage in any other appropriate way.

The electric clutch actuator 54 can also be a magnetic coil 60 which can be energized to form an annular solenoid plunger 62 pushes to the left, as in 2 illustrated. When the solenoid plunger 62 moved to the left, the air gap closes between the frusto-conical surfaces 64 . 66 and the magnetic plunger 62 moves the bolts 68 to the left. Bolts 68 become so on a printing plate 70 attached that then, when the bolts 68 Force of the magnetic solenoid plunger moving to the left 62 move to the left, the pressure plate 70 moved to the left, so they the control clutch pack 56 compresses. The pilot clutch pack 56 has a first plurality of control clutch plates 71 on that with the drive element 12 and a second plurality of control clutch plates 73 coupled with a clutch hub 72 is coupled. The anchor 64 may be annular, as in cross section in FIG 2 represented, or the anchor 64 may be linear or may be any other suitable shape without going beyond the spirit and scope of the present invention.

After it is compressed, the clutch clutch pack will take 56 the ball ramp actuator 52 engaged to torque between the input and output elements 12 . 14 through the control and main clutches 56 . 58 transferred to. More specifically, the clutch hub 72 freely rotatable on the output element 14 arranged. A plurality of ramp-shaped recesses 74 is in a circular pattern around the axis of the output element 14 arranged around. Inside the recesses 74 are load transfer elements such as ball bearings 76 or similar components arranged along by through the recesses 74 Rolling fixed ramps. An annular element 78 is in opposite relationship to the clutch hub 72 arranged and has a same plurality of recesses 74 with complementary dimensions. After compressing the pilot clutch pack 56 becomes the clutch hub 72 from the annular element 78 pulled away, causing the ball bearings 76 be initiated at the recesses 74 to go up. If the ball bearings 76 at the recesses 74 drive up, the clutch hub 72 and the annular element 78 drifted apart. When the annular element 78 from the clutch hub 72 is driven away, the annular element acts 78 as a pressure applying plate for squeezing the main clutch pack 58 ,

After compression, the main clutch pack transmits 58 Torque on the output element 14 , More specifically, the main clutch pack 58 a plurality of nested clutch plates 80 on. A first plurality 82 the clutch plates 80 is with the drive element 12 coupled, for example, by the force of the above-described Steuerkupplungspackung 56 either directly coupled or selectively coupled. A second plurality 84 of coupling plates 80 is with the output element 14 coupled. When compressed, the first and second multiples turn 82 . 84 of coupling plates 80 together, and the main clutch pack 58 thereby couples the drive element 12 to the output element 14 , In some embodiments, the nested clutch plates could 80 only a first coupling plate 82 and a second clutch plate 84 without going beyond the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The coupling 10 could have many other suitable configurations, which need not necessarily include a ball ramp actuator and primary and secondary clutch packs, without going beyond the spirit and scope of the present invention. Other examples include, but are not limited to, electromechanical or electro-hydraulic devices. So could the clutch assembly 50 For example, be a single-stage clutch, in which the force is supplied by a cylinder-piston assembly. The coupling 10 may include any suitable electric motor configured to support the clutch plates 80 mechanically compresses without going beyond the spirit and scope of the present invention. An electrohydraulic device may include an electric pump and / or an electrically activated valve around the clutch plates 80 to compress hydraulically.

Furthermore, the magnetic coil could 60 , the coil housing 62 and the anchor 64 have other appropriate embodiments, without going beyond the spirit and scope of the present invention. So could the case 62 and the anchor 64 for example, having frusto-conical surfaces such as those used in the U.S. Patent No. 6,905,008 by Kowalsky et al. which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

When subjected to an electric current, the solenoid generates 60 a magnetic field whose strength is referred to as magnetic flux Φ. When a coil of N windings carrying a current i is wound around a magnetic core, the magnetomotive force (mmf) F generated by the coil, generated by the coil, generates a flux .phi Core is concentrated, and is believed to be uniform across the cross section of the core.

When a magnetic flux Φ is generated, a magnetic force f acts on the armature 64 so that the anchor 64 to the bobbin case 62 is drawn and the air gap x between the anchor 64 and the coil housing 62 closes. When the anchor 64 to the bobbin case 62 moved, is the regulating clutch assembly 50 activated such that it selectively torque from the drive element 12 on the output element 14 transfers as described above.

In modern clutching systems, it is desirable to determine the input current required to produce a particular torque output. Therefore, a calibration curve is usually obtained on a test stand at the end of a clutch assembly line. Typically, the calibration curve includes the measurement of that from the coupling device 10 delivered torque as a function of the solenoid 60 supplied stream. In some other embodiments, the current could be a component other than a solenoid coil 60 without going beyond the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The coupling device 10 has a memory chip 88 on, in the coupling device 10 integrated and configured to collect and / or store data relating to at least one measured characteristic of the particular coupling device 10 Respectively. In the present embodiment, the memory chip 88 with the calibration curve data including data points for the torque output as a function of the solenoid coil 60 supplied stream can be described. Such data points can be measured on a test bench such as an end of line test bench and into the memory chip 88 to be written. The memory chip is configured to send this data to a vehicle controller, such as the PCU 42 transmitted.

All desirable data of the coupling device 10 can be measured on the test bench, for example, the current can be measured with a current probe, and the torque output can be measured with a force sensor, for example. Other parameters of interest could also be measured and stored on the memory chip 88 such as temperature, air gap, and resistance, ie any electrical signal could be sent to the memory chip 88 transmitted and stored there. The data could be collected on the test bench and, for example, via a pin assignment from the test bench to the memory chip 88 on the memory chip 88 to be written. Later, the memory chip could 88 be connected to a pin assignment of the vehicle controller, which will be described in more detail below.

The memory chip 88 is preferably a flash memory such as the Catalyst CAT93C66SA. Other suitable memory chips include, but are not limited to, the Atmel AT24C04B, the Atmel AT25040A, the NXP PCA24S08, and the ST MicroM95256.

During or after assembly of the vehicle, the unique torque profile or calibration curve for the particular unit of the coupling device becomes 10 in the vehicle 30 is installed in the memory chip 88 is stored, transmitted to the memory of the vehicle controller and stored therein. The vehicle controller could have a pinout to connect to the memory chip 88 to be connected, and that could be on the memory chip 88 stored data to the torque / current data (or other, on the memory chip 88 contained data), for example, to write to the EEPROM in the controller. Thereby, a mating pair is formed, resulting in a more uniform and improved engagement of the coupling device 10 through the PCU 42 (or other vehicle controller) has the result.

The memory chip 88 could be configured to suit the vehicle controller (such as the PCU 42 ) periodically provides data according to a predetermined time interval. In this way, the vehicle controller would be able to adjust the calibration curve of the coupling device 10 at periodic intervals. Therefore, if either the regulator or the coupling device would 10 or both would be outsourced from a particular vehicle into the memory chip 88 written calibration curve will soon be read by the controller. In other words, if a new coupling device 10 would be installed in a vehicle, then the software logic of the controller could be written so that the controller would be able to the memory chip 88 in the new coupling device 10 to read to get the new calibration curve. The alternative would be that if a new vehicle controller were installed in a vehicle, the software logic of the new controller could be written so that the new controller would be able to get the calibration curve from the existing coupling device 10 through the memory chip 88 to read.

In some forms of the present invention, the memory chip 88 be configured to provide data to the vehicle controller when prompted by the vehicle controller. In other words, instead of or in addition to that, it means the memory chip 88 reads periodically, the controller could be configured to change the memory chip 88 reads, if desired. The memory chip 88 For example, could be read when the coupling device 10 or the vehicle governor or both within a vehicle, or after another triggering event.

The memory chip 88 is so in the coupling device 10 integrated that characteristic data on the memory chip 88 to be written, that of the particular coupling device 10 correspond, in which it is integrated. In other words, the memory chip contains 88 preferably data that matches exactly that coupling device 10 in which it is integrated. This integration eliminates maintenance issues with matched controllers and coupling devices 10 eliminated, and the coupling device 10 and the controller need not be tuned over the life of the vehicle because a calibration curve of a new coupling device system may be read by the controller, or because a new controller may present an existing calibration curve directly from the memory chip 88 can read.

It is therefore preferred that the memory chip 88 in the particular coupling device 10 remains whose data it contains. For this purpose, the memory chip 88 within the coupling device 10 be mounted as in 2 shown. It is understood that the memory chip 88 at each point of the coupling device 10 could be applied without going beyond the spirit and scope of the present invention. The built-in memory chip 88 is installed in communication with the vehicle controller, and the vehicle controller in turn is in communication with the solenoid 60 installed, and controls the electrical signals transmitted thereon, based in part on the basis of the memory chip 88 received calibration curve.

The alternative would be that by reference to 3 the memory chip 88 at a coil connection 90 could be attached to the solenoid 60 the electric clutch actuating element 54 the coupling device 10 can be attached. The coil connection 90 can be attached to the solenoid coil in any suitable way 60 attached, such as in a manner known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Similar to a built-in memory chip 88 at the coupling device 10 is appropriate is a memory chip 88 at the coil terminal 90 is mounted, in communication with the vehicle controller installed, and the vehicle controller in turn is in communication with the solenoid 60 Installed. For other variants, the integrated memory chip 88 attached to any other suitable system component.

For some forms, the memory chip 88 removable on the coupling device 10 , the coil connection 90 or any other system component, for example, a repair or replacement of the memory chip 88 to enable.

In other cases, the electric clutch actuator 54 have other suitable configurations, rather than a magnetic coil 60 and a pilot clutch pack 56 exhibit. Other examples include, but are not limited to, electromechanical or electro-hydraulic devices. The coupling device 10 may include any suitable electric motor configured to receive the nested clutch plates 80 mechanically compresses without going beyond the spirit and scope of the present invention. An electrohydraulic device may include an electric pump and / or an electrically activated valve around the nested clutch plates 80 to compress hydraulically.

Now referring to 4 becomes a procedure 100 for providing a calibration curve of a clutch device comprising an electric clutch actuator with a solenoid assembly for a vehicle controller, shown in block diagram form. The procedure 100 according to the present invention comprises a step 102 for measuring at least one feature of the coupling device, resulting in characteristic data. Typically, a plurality of features are measured. For example, the step 102 measuring the values of torque output of the clutch device and values of the current drawn by the solenoid of the clutch device, each torque value corresponding to a current value. Such characteristic data results in a torque-current calibration curve.

The procedure 100 further includes a step 104 writing the characteristic data to a memory chip, wherein the memory chip communicates with a vehicle controller and is integrated in the coupling device. Another Step 106 of the procedure 100 includes the transmission of the characteristic data from the memory chip to the vehicle controller.

The procedure 100 could further include the installation of the coupling device, the memory chip and the vehicle controller in a motor vehicle. The coupling device could be of the type described above, such as a coupling device 10 that is a driving element 12 , at least one output element 14 and at least one regulating clutch assembly 50 having the drive element 12 selectively with the at least one output element 14 coupled, with the regulating clutch assembly 50 an electric clutch actuator 54 and a plurality of clutch plates 80 comprising a first plurality 82 of coupling plates 80 having, with the drive element 12 coupled, and a second plurality 84 of coupling plates 80 having, with the at least one output element 14 coupled and with the first plurality 82 of coupling plates 80 is nested. Furthermore, the coupling device 10 Be part of a four-wheel clutch system.

As those skilled in the art will readily appreciate, the above description is intended as an illustration of the implementation of the principles of this invention. The description is not intended to limit the scope or application of this invention in that the invention is susceptible to changes, modifications, and alterations without departing from the spirit of this invention as defined in the following claims.

SUMMARY

A clutch device system for use in a motor vehicle is provided with a clutch device and a memory chip. The clutch device includes a drive member, an output member and at least one regulating clutch assembly that selectively couples the input member to the output member. The regulating clutch assembly includes an electric clutch actuator and clutch plates. The clutch plates include at least a first clutch plate coupled to the drive element and at least one second clutch plate coupled to the output element. The second clutch plate is disposed adjacent to the first clutch plate. The memory chip is integrated with the coupling device and is configured to store data relating to a measured feature of the coupling device. The memory chip is also configured to communicate with a vehicle controller. A method of providing a calibration curve of the clutch controller for the vehicle controller is also disclosed.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 6905008 [0018, 0024]
• US 5839328 [0018]

Claims (19)

Coupling device system for use in a motor vehicle ( 30 ), the coupling device system comprising: a coupling device ( 10 ), comprising: a drive element ( 12 ) and at least one output element ( 14 ); at least one regulating coupling assembly ( 50 ), which the drive element ( 12 ) selectively with the at least one output element ( 14 ), wherein the regulating clutch assembly ( 50 ) an electric clutch actuating element ( 54 ) and a plurality of coupling plates ( 80 ), wherein of the plurality of coupling plates ( 80 ) at least one first coupling plate ( 82 ) with the drive element ( 12 ), and at least one second coupling plate ( 84 ) with the at least one output element ( 14 ) and to the at least one first coupling plate ( 82 ) is disposed adjacent, and one in the coupling device ( 10 ) integrated memory chip ( 88 ) configured to store data relating to at least one measured feature of the coupling device ( 10 ), wherein the memory chip ( 88 ) is configured to operate with a vehicle controller ( 42 ) communicates. Coupling device system according to claim 1, wherein the data is one with the coupling device ( 10 ), wherein the curve is a function of torque versus current. Coupling device system according to claim 2, wherein the memory chip ( 88 ) is configured to be connected to the vehicle controller ( 42 ) Provides data. Coupling device system according to claim 3, wherein the memory chip ( 88 ) is configured to be connected to the vehicle controller ( 42 ) provides data periodically according to predetermined time intervals. Coupling device system according to claim 4, wherein the memory chip ( 88 ) is configured to be connected to the vehicle controller ( 42 ) Provides data as it is received from the vehicle controller ( 42 ). Coupling device system according to claim 1, wherein the memory chip ( 88 ) on the coupling device ( 10 ) is attached. Coupling device system according to claim 6, wherein the memory chip ( 88 ) on the coupling device ( 10 ) is attached. Coupling device system according to claim 1, further comprising a coil terminal ( 90 ) provided on the electric clutch actuating element ( 54 ), wherein the memory chip ( 88 ) at the coil terminal ( 90 ) is attached. Coupling device system according to claim 1, wherein the memory chip ( 88 ) detachable on the coupling device ( 10 ) is attached. Coupling device system according to claim 1, wherein the electric clutch actuating element ( 54 ) a magnetic coil ( 60 ) having. Coupling device system according to claim 10, wherein the at least one first coupling plate ( 82 ) a plurality of first coupling plates ( 82 ) and the at least one second coupling plate ( 84 ) a plurality of second clutch plates ( 84 ), wherein the first and second pluralities of clutch plates ( 82 . 84 ) are nested. Coupling device system according to claim 11, wherein the coupling device ( 10 ) further comprises: a pilot clutch pack ( 56 ) comprising a first plurality of control clutch plates ( 71 ), which with the drive element ( 12 ), and a second plurality of control clutch plates ( 73 ) with a clutch hub ( 72 ), wherein the second plurality of control clutch plates ( 73 ) with the first plurality of control clutch plates ( 71 ) is nested; and one to the pilot clutch pack ( 56 ) adjacent pressure plate ( 70 ), wherein the energization of the magnetic coil ( 60 ) a magnetic plunger ( 62 ) is displaced with a translational movement, whereby the pressure plate ( 70 ), the control coupling ( 56 ) to compress. Coupling device system according to claim 12, wherein the compression of the control clutch packing ( 56 ) a ball ramp actuator ( 52 ) is engaged to the clutch plates ( 80 ) of a main clutch pack ( 58 ) of the regulating clutch assembly ( 50 ) to compress. Procedure ( 100 ) for providing a calibration curve of a coupling device ( 10 ), which is an electric clutch actuator ( 54 ) with a magnet coil assembly for a vehicle controller ( 42 ), the method ( 100 ) Comprising: measuring at least one feature of the coupling device ( 10 ), which results in characteristic data; Writing the characteristic data to a memory chip ( 88 ), wherein the memory chip ( 88 ) with a vehicle controller ( 42 ) in Communication link is and in the coupling device ( 10 ) is integrated; and transmission of the characteristic data from the memory chip ( 88 ) to the vehicle controller ( 42 ). Procedure ( 100 ) according to claim 14, wherein the step ( 102 ) of measuring at least one feature of the coupling device ( 10 ) measuring a plurality of features of the coupling device ( 10 ). Procedure ( 100 ) according to claim 14, further comprising the installation of the coupling device ( 10 ), the memory chip ( 88 ) and the vehicle controller ( 42 ) in a motor vehicle ( 30 ). Procedure ( 100 ) according to claim 14, wherein the characteristic data are the values of the torque output of the coupling device ( 10 ) and values of the current supplied by the solenoid coil ( 60 ), wherein each value of the torque output corresponds to a current value, resulting in a calibration curve. Procedure ( 100 ) according to claim 17, wherein the coupling device ( 10 ) a drive element ( 12 ), at least one output element ( 14 ) and at least one regulating coupling assembly ( 50 ), which the drive element ( 12 ) selectively with the at least one output element ( 14 ), wherein the regulating clutch assembly ( 50 ) the electric clutch actuating element ( 54 ) and a plurality of coupling plates ( 80 ) having a first plurality ( 82 ) of coupling plates ( 80 ), which with the drive element ( 12 ) and a second plurality ( 84 ) of coupling plates ( 80 ), which with the at least one output element ( 14 ) and with the first plurality ( 82 ) of coupling plates ( 80 ) is nested. Procedure ( 100 ) according to claim 18, wherein the coupling device ( 10 ) Is part of a four-wheel clutch system.

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