AUBURN HILLS, Mich., June 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Closely networked systems and
components developed by Continental Automotive Systems help advance
Volkswagen's new Passat to the front of the class. Continental helped develop
and produce cutting edge technologies to optimize braking, shifting, ride and
performance features of the new model.
Double-clutch transmission: tough conditions for control functions
The double-clutch transmission in the new Passat sets a benchmark in
drivetrain technology, combining the comfort and convenience of an automatic
with the sporting performance and fuel economy of a manual gearbox. The key
advantage of this new transmission is its use of two clutches. As one clutch
disengages for an up-shift, the second one engages immediately, bringing the
next gear into action. There is no acceleration gap like a conventional
manual gearbox. The power losses associated with a conventional automatic are
also a thing of the past. Yet the new unit is just as convenient as an
automatic transmission -- there is no clutch pedal to operate.
The driver just accelerates and brakes -- everything else is handled by a
Continental Temic mechatronic control unit with smart electronics and sensors
integrated into the transmission housing. In an environment that can reach
temperatures of 293 degrees the nerve center of the transmission synchronizes
operation of the two clutches with the gearshifts. It also shares information
with the engine management unit that automatically throttles the fuel supply
at just the right moment to avoid any jolts or unpleasant noise -- all in the
space of milliseconds. The driver can leave gear shifting to the electronics
or shift manually by tapping the selector paddle. It is as convenient as an
automatic but offers all the driving pleasure and fuel economy of a manual
gearbox.
CAN Gateway: keeping the data highway flowing
In the new Passat, the switches, sensors and motors for electronic
functions are networked. A CAN (Controller Area Network) bus interlinks all
these components on a common cable system which one could imagine as a bus
route from A to A with stops at B, C, D, E and F. This configuration saves
wiring and reduces weight at the same time as enhancing reliability. The
challenge is to make sure that the individual control commands (window down,
change radio station, adjust seat or door mirror) all reach the correct
destination quickly, reliably and without interfering with other equipment.
Like all other Volkswagen vehicles, the new Passat uses a CAN gateway from
Continental Temic for this purpose. This control unit recognizes which
signals are to be transmitted to each destination within the vehicle and can
also identify their priority. For example, if the commands "close sliding
roof" and "switch on brake light" meet on the data highway, the second signal
is given absolute priority because it is safety-relevant. Recognizing the
priorities at once, the CAN gateway makes sure that the signal from the brake
light switch on the brake booster reaches the brake lights as fast as
possible.
Brake system: comfort, performance and quality
For the first time on a volume production model, a "no-contact" brake
light switch is located on the Passat master cylinder. It has the advantage
of better protection against damage and no mechanical wear compared to a
conventional mechanical switch.
Initiating emergency braking in the Passat takes very little effort. The
brake booster developed and supplied by Continental Teves has a two-stage
design. If the driver presses the brake pedal quickly, indicating a possible
emergency situation, the second stage of the brake booster cuts in, enabling
even inexperienced drivers to make a quick emergency stop using the ABS. With
some engine options, the ABS fluid return pump is also brought into action to
provide additional boost.
At the front wheels, the latest Continental Teves fist frame brake
calipers convert hydraulic force into braking performance. The unique design
of these calipers allows the use of brake disks that would normally require a
much larger wheel. The result is outstanding deceleration without any of the
disadvantages associated with large wheels such as higher cost and additional
unsprung weight. Continental Teves also supplies front-axle brake hoses for
the Passat.
The Passat uses Continental Teves sensors to feed information on the speed
of each wheel to the electronic brake system. This data is essential for the
ABS, the traction control system (ASR) and the electronic stability control
system (ESC). Precise information on wheel rotation direction and speed
allows these systems to keep wheel slip in the ideal range for optimal
traction under all conditions.
Precision wheel-speed sensors are also a key element in the new Passat's
Deflation Detection System (DDS). This system detects loss of air pressure in
a tire by continuously comparing the speeds of the four wheels. Simply put, a
deflated tire turns faster than a fully inflated one. Continental Teves
supplies both the wheel speed information software and the sensors.
Durable quality: rubber, plastic and hoses
Making quality visible -- ContiTech company Benecke-Kaliko has put this
principle into practice in the new Passat by developing very high-quality trim
components. For example, Benecke-Kaliko supplies plastic foils for the
instrument panel, door trim panels and the interior trim of the luggage space.
These components are designed for long service lives and are extremely durable
even with little care. They give a high-quality look to interior areas that
drivers and passengers touch and see every day, and retain their finish even
after many years of use.
Where reliable and robust technical systems and components are required,
Volkswagen has also opted for ContiTech products. Parts supplied by ContiTech
for Volkswagen's new mid-range Passat include axle boots and shock absorber
bellows, as well as transmission oil cooler piping, turbocharger lubrication
lines and air conditioning lines, all designed to help these systems offer
long service lives with no repairs. High-performance V-belts and V-ribbed
belts drive ancillaries, and ContiTech bearings and dampers minimize
unpleasant vibrations.
With 2004 sales of approximately $15.6 billion (US), Continental AG is a
major supplier of brake systems, chassis components, vehicle electronics,
tires and technical rubber products. Continental Automotive Systems' North
American operation is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich. and is a leading
global supplier of quality automotive systems that contribute to driver
safety, comfort and peace-of-mind. For additional information, visit our
media website http://www.contitevesna.com/index2.htm .
SOURCE Continental Automotive Systems
 back to top
Related links:
http://www.conti-online.com
http://www.contitevesna.com
http://www.contitevesna.com/index2.htm
Company News On-Call:
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/437525.html
CONTACT:
Jim Gill, M.S., APR of Continental Automotive
Systems, +1-248-393-5210, +1-248-882-6309 (cell),
jim.gill@usa.contiteves.com
|
