Patent ID: 6308812
Filing Date: 2001-10-30
Classification: F15B,F16D

Abstract:
A work vehicle configured for selectively applying power to a load and comprising:a vehicle structure;a plurality of ground support devices movably secured to the vehicle structure;an engine mounted on the vehicle structure;a source of hydraulic fluid at a pressure;a clutch for selectively coupling the engine to the load in response to a control signal, the clutch including a clutch actuator configured for engaging the clutch upon receipt of an actuating fluid at at least a first predetermined pressure, the clutch configured to dissipate heat of engagement to a flow of a lube fluid; anda clutch control valve including an electrical solenoid located intermediate the fluid source and the clutch and disposed in the path of the actuating fluid and the lube fluid, the control valve configured to:control flow of the lube fluid to the clutch to a first predetermined rate while the clutch is not engaged in response to a first electrical signal applied to the electrical solenoid;control flow of the lube fluid to the clutch to a second predetermined rate at least for a predetermined length of time prior to engagement of the clutch in response to a second electrical signal applied to the electrical solenoid; andcontrol flow of the actuating fluid at a predetermined pressure to the clutch actuator after the flow rate of the lube fluid has been increased.