Device for controlling the operation of clutch for fluid torque converter

An apparatus for controlling the operation of a clutch for a torque converter of a transmission of a vehicle having a throttle-operated engine wherein the clutch is operated by differential fluid pressure thereacross between a direct coupling state and a slipping state, the apparatus including;

• means for fluid pressurizing the clutch to cause the direct coupling state at relatively high speeds of the vehicle and depressurizing the clutch to cause the slipping state at relatively low speeds of the vehicle including means responsive to the engine throttle for pressurizing the clutch in proportion to the throttle position.

An apparatus for controlling the operation of a clutch for a torque converter of a transmission of a vehicle having a throttle-operated engine wherein the clutch is operated by differential fluid pressure thereacross between a direct coupling state and a slipping state, the apparatus including;

• means for fluid pressurizing the clutch to cause the direct coupling state at relatively high speeds of the vehicle and controlled depressurizing of the clutch to cause the slipping state at relatively low speeds of the vehicle including means provided on the clutch and responsive in proportion to the magnitude of torque being transmitted through the clutch to cause pressurized fluid to flow through the clutch to tend to reduce the differential pressure thereacross and depressurize the clutch at the lower levels of transmitted torque, and to prevent that fluid flow through the clutch and depressurizing at higher levels of transmitted torque.

An apparatus for controlling the operation of a clutch for a torque converter of a transmission of a vehicle having a throttle-operated engine wherein the clutch is operated by differential fluid pressure thereacross between a direct coupling state and a slipping state, the apparatus including means for fluid pressurizing the clutch to cause the direct coupling state at relatively high speeds of the vehicle and depressurizing the clutch to cause the slipping state at relatively low speeds of the vehicle including valve means for controlling the fluid pressure maintained on the clutch for allowing pressurizing or causing depressurizing of the clutch, said valve means including first check valve means set to open at a pressure for maintaining said direct coupling state and second check valve means having means responsive to the vehicle speed for varying the pressure relief level thereof in proportion to the vehicle speed, said first and second check valves positioned in parallel flow relationship.

For use in a wheeled vehicle having an internal combustion engine provided with an air intake having a throttle valve, the improvement comprising, in combination:

• a change speed transmission, a fluid torque converter having a first part driven by the engine and a second part connected to drive certain of the wheels through said change speed transmission, a releasable clutch for connecting said first and second parts of said torque converter in direct driving relationship, means including an hydraulic circuit for driving the vehicle from said engine through said transmission at a plurality of speed ratios, said means including a manually operable transmission ratio selector, and also including an operator responsive to vehicle speed as modified by the selector, said operator acting to engage said clutch when the vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined level, and control means in said hydraulic circuit responsive to the vehicle speed to prevent engagement of the clutch when the vehicle speed is below a predetermined minimum and including means for controlling and varying the pressure in the clutch in proportion to the vehicle speed at speeds below the predetermined level and above a second, lower predetermined level.

For use in a wheeled vehicle having an internal combustion engine provided with an air intake having a throttle valve, the improvement comprising, in combination:

• a change speed transmission, a fluid torque converter having a first part driven by the engine and a second part connected to drive certain of the wheels through said change speed transmission, a releasable clutch for connecting said first and second parts of said torque converter in direct driving relationship, means including an hydraulic circuit for driving the vehicle from said engine through said transmission at a plurality of speed ratios, said means including a manually operable transmission ratio selector, and also including an operator responsive to vehicle speed as modified by the selector, said operator acting to engage said clutch when the vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined level, and control means in said hydraulic circuit responsive to both vehicle speed and throttle valve opening to cause controlled slipping of the clutch when either the vehicle speed or the opening through said engine throttle valve is below a predetermined minimum.

For use in a wheeled vehicle having an internal combustion engine provided with an air intake having a throttle valve, the improvement comprising, in combination:

• a change speed transmission, a fluid torque converter having a first part driven by the engine and a second part connected to drive certain of the wheels through said change speed transmission, a releasable clutch for connecting said first and second parts of said torque converter in direct driving relationship, means including an hydraulic circuit for driving the vehicle by the engine through said transmission at a plurality of speed ratios, said means including a manually operable transmission ratio selector, and also including an operator responsive to vehicle speed as modified by the selector, said operator acting to close said clutch when the vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined level, control means in said hydraulic circuit responsive to the vehicle speed to prevent closing of the clutch when the vehicle speed is below a predetermined minimum, and said clutch including fluid by-pass means operable to by-pass fluid in proportion to the magnitude of torque being transmitted therethrough to allow slipping of the clutch at low torque levels regardless of vehicle speed.