Patent ID: 7286922
Filing Date: 2007-10-23
Classification: F16H,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of operating a torque transmitting apparatus which receives torque from a rotary output element of a prime mover and transmits torque to a rotary input element of an automatic transmission in a power train of a vehicle, wherein the torque transmitting apparatus comprises a hydrokinetic torque converter and a slip clutch arranged in parallel to transmit torque between the output and input elements and wherein the amount of torque being transmitted by the clutch is controlled by a computerized regulating unit, the method comprising the steps of: regulating the amount of torque to be transmitted by the clutch as a function of the magnitude of torque being transmitted by the output element of the prime mover; calculating what amount of force will have to be applied to the clutch, so that the clutch will transmit said predetermined amount of torque, wherein the amount of torque is determined and the amount of force is calculated so that the clutch operates with a desired minimum amount of slip, and carrying out a compensation for long-term departures of the torque actually transmitted by the clutch from the predetermined torque.