Claims:1. A system (100) for controlling a wet clutch (C) in a vehicle, said system (100) comprising:
a clutch control valve (102) in fluid communication with the wet clutch (C); and
an accumulator (104) adapted to accommodate pressurized fluid therein, wherein said accumulator (104) is in fluid communication with the wet clutch (C) through said clutch control valve (102).

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said accumulator (104) is adapted to allow pressurized fluid flow therefrom to the wet clutch (C) through said clutch control valve (102) thereby facilitating engagement of the wet clutch (C) in an instant manner on dis-engagement of a clutch pedal (P) of the vehicle.

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said system (100) includes,
a main valve body (101) adapted to accommodate said clutch control valve (102) and said accumulator (104) therein;
a sequencing valve (106) located inside said main valve body (101), said sequencing valve (106) is in fluid communication with said accumulator (104) and said clutch control valve (102) through said main valve body (101);
a lubrication relief valve (108) located inside said main valve body (101) and is in fluid communication with said sequencing valve (106);
a tank (110) adapted to store the fluid; and
a pump (112) adapted to circulate the fluid from said tank (110) to said main valve body (101),
wherein
said main valve body (101) includes a fluid inlet port (101A) adapted to facilitate entry of fluid which is circulated by said pump (112) from said tank (110) to said main valve body (101); and
said main valve body (101) includes an inlet fluid gallery (101GA) adapted to allow fluid flow from said fluid inlet port (101A) of said main valve body (101) to said sequencing valve (106).

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said accumulator (104) includes,
a sleeve (104SL) adapted to be located in said main valve body (101);
a movable member (104P) adapted to be movably connected to an inner portion of said sleeve (104SL);
an end plug (104EP) adapted to be inserted into said main valve body (101) at a predefined location;
a spring (104S), where one end of said spring (104S) is engaged with said movable member (104P) and another end of said spring (104S) is engaged with said end plug (104EP); and
a stopper (104ST) located inside said end plug (104EP) and is connected to said end plug (104EP),
wherein
said movable member (104P) is adapted to be moved with respect to said sleeve (104SL) in a direction towards said stopper (104) to accommodate the pressurized fluid therein when the pressurized fluid pushes said movable member (104P) in the direction towards said stopper (104).

5. The system (110) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said sequencing valve (106) includes,
a spool sleeve (106SS) located in said main valve body (101), wherein said spool sleeve (106SS) defines a fluid inlet port (106AI), a fluid outlet port (106AP), a lubrication port (106AL) and a tank port (106AT);
a sequencing valve spool (106VS) received by said spool sleeve (106SS);
a spool end plug (106ASE) inserted into said main valve body (101) at a predefined location and is engaged with said spool sleeve (106SS);
a spring end plug (106ASE), where a portion of said spring end plug (106ASE) is inserted into said main valve body (101) at a predefined location; and
a spool spring (106AS), where one end of said spool spring (106AS) is engaged with said sequencing valve spool (106VS) and another end of said spool spring (106AS) is engaged with said spring end plug (106ASE),
wherein
said fluid outlet port (106AP) of said spool sleeve (106SS) is adapted to facilitate exit of fluid from said sequencing valve (106) to said clutch control valve (102) and said accumulator (104) through a clutch fluid gallery (101GB) defined in said main valve body (101); and
said fluid inlet port (106AI) of said spool sleeve (106SS) is adapted to facilitate entry of fluid from said inlet fluid gallery (101GA) of said main valve body (101) to said sequencing valve (106).

6. The system (110) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said sequencing valve spool (106VS) is adapted to be moved to a tank position in which said sequencing valve spool (106VS) is adapted to bypass (discharge) the fluid therefrom to said tank (110) when the fluid pressure in clutch fluid line/ clutch fluid gallery (101GB)) exceeds the preset relief pressure of said sequencing valve (106); and
said sequencing valve spool (106VS) is adapted allow a downstream fluid flow therefrom to a lubricant gallery (101GC) defined in said main valve body (101) through said lubrication port (106AL) of said spool sleeve (106SS) therein to allow fluid flow to the wet clutch (C) thereby facilitating lubrication of the wet clutch (C).

7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said lubrication relief valve (108) includes,
a lubrication relief valve spool (108VS) adapted to be located in said main valve body (101);
a spring end plug (108SE) inserted at one end of said main valve body (101); and
a spool spring (108AS) loaded into said lubrication relief valve spool (108VS), where one end of said spool spring (108AS) is engaged with said lubrication relief valve spool (108VS) and another end of said spool spring (108AS) is engaged with said spring end plug (108SE),
wherein
said lubrication relief valve spool (108VS is adapted to be moved to a tank position in which said lubrication relief valve spool (108VS) is adapted to bypass (discharge) the fluid therefrom (lubrication line/ lubrication gallery (101GC) to said tank (110) through a tank port (101TL) defined in said main valve body (101) when the fluid pressure in lubrication line/ lubrication gallery (101GC) exceeds preset relief pressure of said lubrication relief valve (108).

7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, said clutch control valve (102) includes,
a spool sleeve (102SS) adapted to be located in said main valve body (101) at a predefined location, wherein said spool sleeve (102SS) defines a fluid inlet port (102SI), a clutch port (102SC) and a tank port (102ST);
a clutch valve spool (102VS) adapted to be received by said spool sleeve (102SS);
a spool end plug (102SE), where a portion of said spool end plug (102SE) is inserted into main valve body (101) at predefined location and is engaged with said spool sleeve (102SS);
a first spring (102AS), where one end of said first spring (102AS) is engaged with one end of said clutch valve spool (102VS) and another end of said first spring (102AS) is engaged with said spool end plug (102SE);
a piston (102PN) loaded into one end of said clutch valve spool (102VS);
a plunger (102PR), where a portion of said plunger (102PR) is received by said main valve body (101), wherein said plunger (102PR) is coupled to the clutch pedal (P) of the vehicle;
a second spring (102BS), where a portion of said second spring (102BS) is loaded into another end of said clutch valve spool (102VS) and another portion of said second spring (102BS) is loaded into one end of said plunger (102PR) thereby connecting said clutch valve spool (102VS) with said plunger (102PR);
a plunger end plug (102PRE), where a portion of said plunger end plug (102PRE) is inserted into said main valve body (101) at predefined location; and
a plunger spring (102PRS), where one end of said plunger spring (102PRS) is engaged with the one end of said plunger (102PR) and another end of said plunger spring (102PRS) is engaged with said plunger end plug (102PRE).

8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said clutch valve spool (102VS) is adapted to be moved between one of a clutch engaged position and a clutch dis-engaged position on disengagement and engagement of the clutch pedal (P) respectively;
said clutch valve spool (102VS) in the clutch engaged position is adapted to allows fluid flow therefrom to the wet clutch (C) through the clutch port (102SC) of said spool sleeve (102SS), where the fluid flow to the tank port (102ST) is blocked by said clutch valve spool (102VS) in the clutch engaged position; and
said clutch valve spool (102VS) in the clutch disengaged position is adapted to allow fluid flow from the wet clutch (C) to the tank (110) through the tank port (102ST) of said spool sleeve (102SS), where the fluid inlet port (102SI) is blocked (closed) by the clutch valve spool (102VS) in the clutch disengaged position.

9. A method (200) for controlling a wet clutch (C) in a vehicle, said method (200) comprising:
circulating, by a pump (112) a fluid from a tank (110) to a main valve body (101);
allowing, by the main valve body (101), the fluid flow to a sequencing valve (106);
allowing, by the sequencing valve (106), the fluid to flow to an accumulator (104) and a clutch control valve (102);
directing, by the clutch control valve (102), the fluid flow therefrom to the wet clutch (C) to maintain the wet clutch (C) in an engaged position when a clutch valve spool (102AS) of the clutch control valve (102) is in a clutch engaged position;
directing, by the clutch control valve (102), the fluid flow from the wet clutch (C) to the tank (110) thereby disengaging the wet clutch (C) in response to movement of the clutch valve spool (102AS) of the clutch control valve (102) to a clutch dis-engaged position; and
allowing, by the accumulator (104), pressurized fluid flow therefrom to the wet clutch (C) through the clutch control valve (102) thereby facilitating engagement of the wet clutch (C) in an instant manner on dis-engagement of a clutch pedal (P) of the vehicle.

10. The method (200) as claimed in claim 9, wherein said method (200) includes,
allowing, by the sequencing valve (106), the fluid flow to a lubricant gallery (101GC) defined in the main valve body (101);
lubricating the wet clutch (C) by allowing the fluid flow from the lubricant gallery (101GC) to the wet clutch (C);
bypassing, by the sequencing valve (106), the fluid therefrom (clutch fluid line/ clutch fluid gallery (101GB)) to the tank (110) when the fluid pressure in clutch fluid gallery (101GB exceeds a preset relief pressure of the sequencing valve (106); and
bypassing, by a lubrication relief valve (108), the fluid therefrom (lubrication line/ lubricant gallery (101GC)) to the tank (110) when the fluid pressure in lubrication line/ lubricant gallery (101GC) exceeds preset relief pressure of the lubrication relief valve (108).
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to wet clutch control valves in vehicles and more particularly to a system and a method for controlling a wet clutch in off-road vehicles such as tractors.

BACKGROUND
[002] Generally, utility vehicles are made for doing an off-road work including agriculture, horticulture, construction, mining, industry etc., These utility vehicles are specially made for performing a particular kind of work. For example, conventional tractor is specially designed for doing agricultural work, conventional bulldozers are used for doing construction work, conventional excavators are made for used mining work and conventional forklifts are used for performing industry works. Usually, such vehicles include a dry clutch which is operated by a clutch pedal. The dry clutch is used for engaging or disengaging an engine with respect to a gearbox of the vehicle. Dry clutches are subjected to wear and tear in which the clutch components are required to be replaced over time. On the other hand, wet clutches has a better lifetime when compared to the dry clutches. A wet clutch control valve is used to control hydraulic oil flow to the wet clutch for operating the wet clutch thereby coupling or de-coupling the engine with respect to the gearbox. Wherever, the wet clutch is dis-engaged for shifting gear in the vehicle, the re-engagement of the wet clutch is not instantaneous which is turn results in speed drop of the vehicle and a short lag in power transfer from the engine to the gearbox, which is undesirable and may not provide a good gear shift feel to the user in the vehicle. Therefore, controlling the wet clutch for instantaneous engagement of the wet clutch while shifting gears in vehicle is difficult and is one of the challenges posed to original equipment manufacturers (OEM’s).
[003] Therefore, there exists a need for a system and a method for controlling the wet clutch in a vehicle, which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS

[004] The principal object of embodiments herein is to provide a system for controlling a wet clutch in off-road vehicles such as tractors.
[005] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide a method for controlling the wet clutch in off-road vehicles such as tractors.
[006] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the wet clutch control system which facilitates instant engagement of the wet clutch thereby facilitating instant power transfer flow from the power source (engine) to the power transmission unit (gearbox) of the vehicle while shifting gear in the vehicle.
[007] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the wet clutch control system which enhances the life of the wet clutch and enables the wet clutch to perform like a dry clutch.
[008] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the wet clutch control system which is cost-effective and easy to manufacture.
[009] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the wet clutch control system which enhances the performance of the wet clutch.
[0010] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the single wet clutch control system with an integral lubrication for the wet clutch thereby eliminating the need for separate lubrication system.
[0011] These and other objects of embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with following description and accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0012] The embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0013] Fig. 1A depicts a hydraulic circuit diagram of a system for controlling a wet clutch in a vehicle in which a clutch control valve is in a clutch engaged position, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0014] Fig. 1B depicts a hydraulic circuit diagram of the wet clutch control system in which the clutch control valve is in a clutch disengaged position, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0015] Fig. 2 depicts a cross-sectional view of a clutch control valve of the wet clutch control system, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0016] Fig. 3 depicts a cross-sectional view of an accumulator of the wet clutch control system, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0017] Fig. 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of a sequencing valve of the wet clutch control system, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0018] Fig. 5 depicts a cross-sectional view of a lubrication relief valve of the wet clutch control system, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0019] Fig. 6 depicts a cross-sectional view of the sequencing valve, the main valve body, the accumulator and the clutch control valve, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0020] Fig. 7A depicts a schematic diagram of wet clutch control system in which the clutch control valve is in the clutch engaged position, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0021] Fig. 7B depicts a schematic diagram of wet clutch control system in which the clutch control valve is in the clutch dis-engaged position, according to embodiments as disclosed herein; and
[0022] Fig. 8 depicts a flowchart indicating a method for controlling a wet clutch in the vehicle, according to embodiments as disclosed herein.

 
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0024] The embodiments herein achieve a system and a method for controlling a wet clutch in off-road vehicles such as tractors. Further, embodiments herein achieve the wet clutch control system which facilitates instant engagement of the wet clutch thereby facilitating instant power transfer flow from the power source (engine) to the power transmission unit (gearbox) of the vehicle while shifting gear in the vehicle. Furthermore, embodiments herein achieve which enhances the life of the wet clutch and enables the wet clutch to perform like a dry clutch. Further, embodiments herein achieve wet clutch control system with an integral lubrication for the wet clutch thereby elimination the need for separate lubrication system. Referring now to the drawings Figs. 1 through 8, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0025] Fig. 1A depicts a hydraulic circuit diagram of a system (100) for controlling a wet clutch (C) in a vehicle in which a clutch control valve (102) is in a clutch engaged position, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. Fig. 1B depicts a hydraulic circuit diagram of the wet clutch control system (100) in which the clutch control valve (102) is in a clutch disengaged position, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the wet clutch control system (100) includes a clutch control valve (102), an accumulator (104), a sequencing valve (106), a lubrication relief valve (108), a tank (110) and a pump (112). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the system (100) is explained herein with below reference to controlling a single wet clutch (C) of off-road vehicle such as tractor, where the wet clutch (C) is used to engage or dis-engage the power source (engine) with respect to a power transmission unit (gearbox) of the vehicle. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to use/practice the system (100) for controlling the wet clutch (C) of any other vehicles without otherwise deterring the intended function of the wet clutch control system (100) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. Further, in another embodiment, the system (100) includes a directional control valve (not shown) for controlling engaging or disengaging of a dual wet clutch (C) by controlling fluid flow between the dual wet clutch (C) and the clutch control valve (102) through the directional control valve (not shown).
[0026] The main valve body (101) is adapted to accommodate the clutch control valve (102), the accumulator (104), the sequencing valve (106) and the lubrication relief valve (108) at corresponding locations therein. The main valve body (101) defines a fluid inlet port (101A) adapted to facilitate entry of fluid flow from the pump (112) to the main valve body (101). The main valve body (101) includes an inlet fluid gallery (101GA), a clutch fluid gallery (101GB) and a lubricant gallery (101GC), (as shown in fig. 5 to fig. 7B). The inlet fluid gallery (101GA) of the main valve body is adapted to allow fluid flow from the fluid inlet port (101A) of the main valve body (101) to the sequencing valve (106). The clutch fluid gallery (101GB) of the main valve body (101) is adapted to allow fluid flow from the sequencing valve (106) to the clutch control valve (102) and the accumulator (104).
[0027] Fig. 2 depicts a cross-sectional view of a clutch control valve (102) of the single wet clutch control system (100), according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The clutch control valve (102) is adapted to control fluid (input fluid) flow to the wet clutch (C) thereby facilitating engagement (clutch engaged position) of the wet clutch (C). In the clutch engaged position, the wet clutch (C) engages the power source (engine) with a power transmission unit (gearbox) of the vehicle. The clutch control valve (102) is adapted to control the fluid flow from the wet clutch (C) to the tank (110) thereby facilitating disengagement (clutch dis-engaged position) of the wet clutch (C) on engagement (pressing) of the clutch pedal (P) of the vehicle. In the clutch dis-engaged position, the wet clutch (C) dis-engages the power source (engine) from power transmission unit (gearbox) of the vehicle. The clutch control valve (102) in fluid communication with the wet clutch (C). The clutch control valve (102) includes a plunger (102PR), a plunger spring (102PRS), a plunger end plug (102PRE), a clutch valve spool (102VS), a spool sleeve (102SS), a spool end plug (102SE), a first spring (102AS), a second spring (102BS) and a piston (102PN). The clutch control valve (102) is located in in the main valve body (101). The spool sleeve (102SS) of the clutch control valve (102) is located in the main valve body (101). The clutch valve spool (102VS) is received by the spool sleeve (102SS) of the clutch control valve (102). In an embodiment, the clutch valve spool (102VS) is manually (mechanically) operated by the clutch pedal (P) through the plunger (102PR). In alternate embodiment, the clutch valve spool (102S) of the clutch control valve (102) can be electronically operated by using any one of solenoids and linear actuator based on inputs from a controller unit. One end of the first spring (102AS) is engaged with one end of the clutch valve spool (102VS) and another end of the first spring (102AS) is engaged with the spool end plug (102SE). The piston (102PN) is loaded into one end of the clutch valve spool (102VS). The piston (102PN) is adapted sense the oil pressure. A portion of the spool end plug (102SE) of the main control valve (102) is inserted into the main valve body (101) and is engaged with the spool sleeve (102SS). The spool end plug (102SE) is opposite and spaced away from the plunger end plug (102PRE). A portion of the second spring (102BS) is loaded into another end of the clutch valve spool (102VS) and another portion of the second spring (102BS) is loaded into one end of the plunger (102PR) thereby connecting the clutch valve spool (102VS) with the plunger (102PR). A portion of the plunger (102PR) of the clutch control valve (102) is received by the main valve body (101). The plunger (102PR) is positioned above the clutch valve spool (102VS). The plunger (102PR) is coupled to the clutch pedal (P) of the vehicle. One end of the plunger spring (102PRS) is engaged with the one end of the plunger (102PR) and another end of the plunger spring (102PRS) is engaged with the plunger end plug (102PRE). A portion of the plunger end plug (102PRE) is inserted into another end of the main valve body (101). Further, the spool sleeve (102SS) defines a fluid inlet port (102SI), a clutch port (102SC) and a tank port (102ST). The fluid inlet port (102SI) of the spool sleeve (102SS) is adapted to facilitate entry of fluid into the clutch control valve (102) when the clutch valve spool (102VS) is in a clutch engaged position. The clutch port (102SC) of the spool sleeve (102SS) is adapted to facilitate exit of fluid from the clutch control valve (102) to the wet clutch (C) when the clutch valve spool (102VS) is in the clutch engaged position thereby maintaining the wet clutch (C) in the engaged position. The tank port (102ST) of the spool sleeve (102SS) is adapted to facilitate exit of fluid from the wet clutch (C) to the tank (110) through the clutch control valve (102) when the clutch valve spool (102VS) is in a clutch disengaged position. The valve spool (102VS) is adapted to be moved between one of the clutch engaged position and the clutch dis-engaged position on disengagement and engagement of the clutch pedal (P) respectively. In the initial position (clutch engaged position), the clutch valve spool (102VS) allows fluid flow from the fluid inlet port (102SI) to the clutch port (102SC) of the spool sleeve (102SS), where the fluid flow to the tank port (102ST) is blocked by the clutch valve spool (102VS) in the clutch engaged position. In the clutch disengaged position, the clutch valve spool (102VS) allows fluid flow from the wet clutch (C) to the tank (110) through the tank port (102ST) of the spool sleeve (102SS), where the fluid inlet port (102SI) is blocked (closed) by the clutch valve spool (102VS) in the clutch disengaged position.
[0028] Fig. 3 depicts a cross-sectional view of an accumulator (104) of the single wet clutch control system (100), according to embodiments as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the accumulator (104) is adapted to accommodate pressurized fluid therein, wherein the accumulator (104) is in fluid communication with the wet clutch (C) through the clutch control valve (102). The accumulator (104) is adapted to allow pressurized fluid flow therefrom to the wet clutch (C) through the clutch control valve (102) thereby facilitating instant engagement of the wet clutch (C) on dis-engagement of the clutch pedal (P) of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the accumulator (104) includes a movable member (104P), a sleeve (104SL), a spring (104S), a stopper (104ST) and an end plug (104EP). The accumulator (104) is located in the main valve body (101). The sleeve (104SL) of the accumulator (104) is inserted into the main valve body (101). The movable member (104P) is movably connected to the sleeve (104SL). The movable member (104P) is adapted to be moved with respect to the sleeve (104SL) in a direction towards the stopper (104) to accommodate the pressurized fluid therein when the pressurized fluid pushes the movable member (104P) in the direction towards the stopper (104). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the movable member (104P) is considered to be a piston. The stopper (104ST) is located inside the end plug (104EP) and is connected to the end plug (104EP). The stopper (104ST) is adapted to stop the movement of the movable member (104P) beyond a predefined position in the sleeve (104SL). One end of the spring (104S) is engaged with the movable member (104P) and another end of the spring (104S) is engaged with the end plug (104EP).
[0029] Fig. 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of a sequencing valve (106) of the wet clutch control system (100), according to embodiments as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the sequencing valve (106) is adapted to bypass (discharge) the fluid therefrom (clutch fluid line) to the tank (110) when the fluid pressure in (clutch fluid line/ clutch fluid gallery (101GB)) exceeds a preset relief pressure of the sequencing valve (106). The sequencing valve (106) is adapted to maintain required fluid pressure in the wet clutch (C) to enable the clutch liners to be in engaged position when the clutch control valve (102) is in the clutch engaged position. The sequencing valve (106) is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet port (101A) of the main valve body (101). The sequencing valve (106) is in fluid communication with the clutch control valve (102) and the accumulator (104). The sequencing valve (106) is in lubricant (fluid) communication with the wet clutch (C) through the lubricant gallery ((101GC) (lubricant line)) defined in the main valve body (101). In an embodiment, the sequencing valve (106) includes a sequencing valve spool (106VS), a spool end plug (106SE), a spool sleeve (106SS), a spool spring (106AS) and a spring end plug (106ASE). The sequencing valve (106) is located in the main valve body (101). The spool sleeve (106SS) of the sequencing valve (106) is located in the main valve body (101). The sequencing valve spool (106VS) is received by the spool sleeve (106SS). The spool end plug (106ASE) is inserted into one end of the main valve body (101) at predefined location and is engaged with the spool sleeve (106SS). The spool end plug (106ASE) is opposite and spaced away from the spring end plug (106ASE). One end of the spool spring (106AS) is engaged with the sequencing valve spool (106VS) and another end of the spool spring (106AS) is engaged with the spring end plug (106ASE). A portion of the spring end plug (106ASE) is inserted into another end of the main valve body (101). Further, the spool sleeve (106SS) of the sequencing valve (106) defines a fluid inlet port (106AI), a fluid outlet port (106AP), a lubrication port (106AL) and a tank port (106AT). The fluid inlet port (106AI) of the spool sleeve (106SS) is adapted to facilitate entry of fluid from the inlet fluid gallery (101GA) of the main valve body (101) to the sequencing valve (106). The fluid outlet port (106AP) of the spool sleeve (106SS) is adapted to facilitate exit of fluid from sequencing valve (106) to clutch control valve (102) and the accumulator (104) through the clutch fluid gallery (101GB) of the main valve body (101). The lubrication port (106AL) of the spool sleeve (106SS) is adapted to facilitate fluid flow from the sequencing valve (106) to wet clutch (C) through the lubricant gallery (101GC) defined in the main valve body (101) when the sequencing valve spool (106VS) is moved to a lubrication position.
[0030] Fig. 5 depicts a cross-sectional view of a lubrication relief valve (108) of the single wet clutch control system (100), according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The lubrication relief valve (108) is in fluid communication with the sequencing valve (106). In an embodiment, the lubrication relief valve (108) is adapted to bypass (discharge) the fluid therefrom (lubrication line/ lubrication gallery (101GC)) to the tank (110) when the fluid pressure in lubrication line/ lubrication gallery (101GC) exceeds preset relief pressure of the lubrication relief valve (108) thereby protecting the lubrication gallery (101GC) and the sequencing valve (106) from high pressure spikes. In an embodiment, the lubrication relief valve (108) includes a lubrication relief valve spool (108VS), a spool spring (108AS) and a spring end plug (108SE). The lubrication relief valve (108) is located in the main valve body (101). The lubrication relief valve spool (108VS) is received by the main valve body (101). The spool spring (108AS) is loaded into the lubrication relief valve spool (108VS), where one end of the spool spring (108AS) is engaged with the lubrication relief valve spool (108VS) and another end of the spool spring (108AS) is engaged with the spring end plug (108SE). The spring end plug (108SE) is inserted at one end of the main valve body (101) for loading the lubrication relief valve spool (108VS) against the main valve body (101). The lubrication relief valve spool (108VS) is adapted to be moved to a tank position in which the lubrication relief valve spool (108VS) is adapted to bypass (discharge) the fluid therefrom (lubrication line/ lubrication gallery (101GC)) to the tank (110) through a tank port ((101TL), (as shown in fig. 5)) defined in the main valve body (101), when the fluid pressure in lubrication line exceeds preset relief pressure of the lubrication relief valve (108) thereby protecting the lubrication gallery (101GC) and the sequencing valve (106) from high pressure spikes. The tank port (101TL) is located in vicinity of the lubrication relief valve spool (108VS).
[0031] The tank (110) is adapted to store the fluid. The pump (112) is adapted to circulate the fluid from the tank (110) to the clutch control valve (102) and the accumulator (104) through the sequencing valve (106) and the main valve body (101).
[0032] Fig. 8 depicts a flowchart indicating a method (200) for controlling the wet clutch (C) of the vehicle, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the method (200) is explained herein below with reference to controlling the wet clutch (C) in an off-road vehicle such as tractor. However, it is also within the scope of this invention to practice/implement the entire steps of the method (200) in a same manner or in a different manner or with omission of at least one step to the method (200) or with any addition of at least one step to the method (200) for controlling the wet clutch (C) in any other vehicles without otherwise deterring the intended function of the method (200) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. At step (202), the method (200) includes, circulating, by a pump (112) a fluid from a tank (110) to a main valve body (101). At step (204), the method (200) includes, allowing, by the main valve body (101), the fluid flow to a sequencing valve (106). At step (206), the method (200) includes, allowing, by the sequencing valve (106), the fluid to flow to an accumulator (104) and a clutch control valve (102). At step (208), the method (200) includes, directing, by the clutch control valve (102), the fluid flow therefrom to the wet clutch (C) to maintain the wet clutch (C) in an engaged position when a clutch valve spool (102AS) of the clutch control valve (102) is in a clutch engaged position. At step (210), the method (200) includes, directing, by the clutch control valve (102), the fluid flow from the wet clutch (C) to the tank (110) thereby disengaging the wet clutch (C) in response to movement of the clutch valve spool (102AS) of the clutch control valve (102) to a clutch dis-engaged position. At step (212), the method (200) includes, allowing, by the accumulator (104), pressurized fluid flow therefrom to the wet clutch (C) through the clutch control valve (102) thereby facilitating engagement of the wet clutch (C) in an instant manner on dis-engagement of a clutch pedal (P) of the vehicle. Further, the method step (212) includes allowing, by the sequencing valve (106), the fluid to flow to the wet clutch (C) through the clutch control valve (102) at the same time when the accumulator (104) allows fluid flow therefrom to the wet clutch (C) through the clutch control valve (102).
[0033] Further, the method (200) includes, allowing, by the sequencing valve (106), the fluid flow to a lubricant gallery (101GC) defined in the main valve body (101). The method (200) includes, lubricating the wet clutch (C) by allowing the fluid flow from the lubricant gallery (101GC) to the wet clutch (C). Further, the method (200) includes, bypassing, by the sequencing valve (106), the fluid therefrom (clutch fluid line/ clutch fluid gallery (101GB)) to the tank (110) when the fluid pressure in clutch fluid gallery (101GB) exceeds a preset relief pressure of the sequencing valve (106). Furthermore, the method (200) includes bypassing, by a lubrication relief valve (108), the fluid therefrom (lubrication line/ lubrication gallery (101GC)) to the tank (110) through a tank port (101TL) defined in the main valve body (101) when the fluid pressure in lubrication line/ lubrication gallery (101GC) exceeds preset relief pressure of the lubrication relief valve (108).
[0034] The technical advantages of the wet clutch control system (100) are as follows. The wet clutch control system (100) is used for instant engagement of the wet clutch thereby facilitating instant power transfer flow from the power source (engine) to the power transmission unit (gearbox) of the vehicle while shifting gear in the vehicle. The wet clutch control system (100) is cost-effective and easy to manufacture. The wet clutch control system enhances the life of the wet clutch and enables the wet clutch to perform like a dry clutch. The wet clutch control system includes an integral lubrication for the single wet clutch thereby eliminating the need for separate lubrication system. The single wet clutch control system enhances the performance of the single wet clutch.
[0035] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modifications within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.