Creep-inhibiting device for an automotive vehicle equipped with an

Abstract

A creep-inhibiting device for use in an automotive vehicle equipped with an engine and a transmission mechanism coupled in series to a fluid coupling and having a frictionally engaging element. The device includes engine load sensor means for producing a signal fluid having a pressure representative of engine load, control means interposed between the frictionally engaging element and an operating fluid source, and a fluid line for delivering the signal fluid from the engine load sensor means to the control means. The control means is adapted to control the power transmission capacity of the frictionally engaging element within a range from substantially zero to a predetermined value in dependence on the signal fluid pressure supplied thereto, to inhibit creeping of the vehicle when the engine is in a no-load state. Selector valve means is arranged in the fluid line and adapted to assume a first position wherein it allows the signal fluid to flow in both directions from the engine load sensor means to the control means and vice versa when the pressure of the signal fluid is lower than a predetermined value, and to assume a second position wherein it allows the signal fluid to flow in a sole direction from the engine load sensor means to the control means when the pressure of the signal fluid is higher than the predetermined value.