Patent ID: 6049752
Filing Date: 2000-04-11
Classification: F16H,Y10T

Abstract:
A lockup control apparatus for use with an automotive vehicle including an engine, an automatic transmission and a torque converter having a lockup clutch operable on a variable engagement force to provide a controlled degree of mechanical connection between the engine and the automatic transmission during deceleration, comprising:means for sensing vehicle operating conditions and means for sensing engine output;means for detecting a driver's operation to change one of acceleration and steady conditions to a deceleration condition; andcontrol means for controlling the engagement force applied to the lockup clutch, the control means including means for calculating a first value based on the sensed vehicle operating conditions, means for calculating a second value based on the sensed engine output, means for setting the lockup engagement force at a value substantially equal to the first value plus the second value when the engine output remains in a first state after the driver's operation is detected, and means for decreasing the set lockup engagement force at a predetermined rate to the first value after the engine output achieves a second state.