Patent ID: 6227999
Filing Date: 2001-05-08
Classification: B60W,F16D,Y10T

Abstract:
An apparatus for controlling an engagement rate of a clutch having an input member and an output member for selectively connecting an engine to a transmission, the apparatus comprising:a sensor for generating a signal which is representative of the rotational speed of the input member of the clutch;a sensor for generating a signal which is representative of the rotational speed of the output member of the clutch;a controller for generating a first control signal when the difference between said clutch input member speed signal and said clutch output member speed signal is less than a predetermined value and for generating a second control signal when the difference between said clutch input member speed signal and said clutch output member speed signal is greater than said predetermined value, said first and second control signals being representative of first and second engagement rates of the clutch, respectively;a sensor for generating a signal that is representative of the amount of torque generated by the engine, said predetermined value being increased in response to a decrease in engine torque; anda clutch actuator for controlling the engagement rate of the clutch in response to said first and second control signals.