Control system for lock-up clutch in torque converter

Claim 2

A control system for a lock-up clutch in a torque converter including an input element driven by a power source and an output element hydraulically connected to the input element, the lock-up clutch being shiftable from a released position thereof to an engaged position thereof wherein mechanical driving connection between the input and output elements is established, the control system comprising: means for detecting the operating load on the power source and generating a load indicative signal; and means for controlling the lock-up clutch engagement speed in response to said load indicative signal.

Claim 3

A control system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said controlling means adjusts the engagement speed of the lock-up clutch in accordance with a control gain, and alters said control gain in response to said load indicative signal.

Claim 4

A control system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said detecting means determines the operating load on the power source based on a throttle opening degree of the power source and a revolution speed of the output element of the torque converter.

Claim 5

A control system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said controlling means adjusts engagement degree of the lock-up clutch in accordance with a control gain, and alters said control gain in response to said load indicative signal.

Claim 6

A control system as claimed in claim 4, wherein said detecting means determines the operating load on the power source based on a throttle opening degree of the power source and a revolution speed of the output element of the torque converter.

Claim 7

A control system for controlling a torque converter having an input element driven by a power source and an output element, the torque converter including a lock-up clutch, the lock-up clutch being shiftable from a released position thereof to an engaged position thereof wherein mechanical driving connection between the input and output elements of the torque converter is established, the control system comprising: means for detecting the operating load on the power source and generating a load indicative signal; means for hydraulically controlling engagement of the lock-up clutch in accordance with an electric control signal supplied thereto; and means for modifying said electric control signal in accordance with a control gain and varying said control gain with said load indicative signal.

Claim 8

A control system for controlling a torque converter having an input element driven by a power source and an output element, the torque converter including a lock-up clutch, the lock-up clutch being shiftable from a released position thereof to an engaged position thereof wherein mechanical driving connection between the input and output elements of the torque converter is established, the control system comprising: means for detecting the operating load on the power source and generating a load indicative signal; means for hydraulically controlling engagement of the lock-up clutch in accordance with an electric control signal supplied thereto; and means for modifying said electric control signal in accordance with a control gain and varying said control gain with said load indicative signal.

Claim 9

A control system for controlling a torque converter having an input element driven by a power source and an output element, the torque converter including a lock-up clutch, the lock-up clutch being shiftable from a released position thereof to an engaged position thereof wherein mechanical driving connection between the input and output elements of the torque converter is established, the control system comprising: means for detecting the operating load on the power source and generating a load indicative signal; means for hydraulically controlling engagement of the lock-up clutch in accordance with an electric control signal supplied thereto; and means for modifying said electric control signal such that varied in response to said load indicative signal.

Claim 10

A control system for controlling a torque converter having an input element driven by a power source and an output element, the torque converter including a lock-up clutch, the lock-up clutch being shiftable from a released position thereof to an engaged position thereof wherein mechanical driving connection between the input and output elements of the torque converter is established, the control system comprising: means for detecting the operating load on the power source and generating a load indicative signal; means for hydraulically controlling engagement of the lock-up clutch in accordance with an electric control signal supplied thereto; and means for modifying said electric control signal such that varied in response to said load indicative signal.

Claim 11

A control system for controlling a torque converter having an input element driven by a power source and an output element, the torque converter including a lock-up clutch, the lock-up clutch being shiftable from a released position thereof to an engaged position thereof wherein mechanical driving connection between the input and output elements of the torque converter is established, the control system comprising: means for detecting the operating load on the power source and generating a load indicative signal; means for hydraulically controlling engagement of the lock-up clutch in accordance with an electric control signal supplied thereto; and means for modifying said electric control signal in accordance with a control gain and varying said control gain in response to said load indicative signal such that the force with which the lock-up clutch is moved toward a predetermined degree of slidable engagement varies with said load indicative signal.

Claim 12

A control system for controlling a torque converter having an input element driven by a power source and an output element, the torque converter including a lock-up clutch, the lock-up clutch being shiftable from a released position thereof to an engaged position thereof wherein mechanical driving connection between the input and output elements of the torque converter is established, the control system comprising: means for detecting the operating load on the power source and generating a load indicative signal; means for hydraulically controlling engagement of the lock-up clutch in accordance with an electric control signal supplied thereto; and means for modifying said electric control signal in accordance with a control gain and varying said control gain in response to said load indicative signal such that the force with which the lock-up clutch is moved toward a predetermined degree of slidable engagement varies with said load indicative signal.