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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Direct-coupling control device for a hydraulic torque converter in an automatic transmission for automotive vehicles

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5744461

This patent describes a direct-coupling control device for a hydraulic torque in an automatic transmission for use in an automotive vehicle. This transmission includes a hydraulic torque converter having an input member and an output member, a hydraulic direct-coupling clutch arranged between the input member and the output member and operable to mechanically engage same with each other. The direct-coupling clutch is adapted to apply an engaging force dependent on the magnitude of pressure of operating fluid to the input member and the output member. An auxiliary transmission is connected to the output member of the torque converter and has gear trains for providing different transmission gear ratios, signal pressure generator for generates a signal fluid pressure proportional to the speed of the automotive vehicle, and selector means for selecting the gear trains of the auxiliary transmission in response to the signal fluid pressure generated by the signal pressure generating means. At least one parameter indicative of running conditions of the automotive vehicle is also included in the transmission. A direct-coupling control device consists of: modulator means for modulating at a constant rate. The signal fluid pressure is generated by the signal pressure generating means to produce a modulated output pressure which becomes larger than the signal fluid pressure by an amount increasing as the vehicle speed increases and means for supplying a modulated output pressure from the modulator means to the direct-coupling clutch as the operating fluid pressure.

Assignee:
Honda Giken Kogyo K.K., Tokyo
Patent Number(s):
US 4580464
OSTI ID:
5744461
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English