Control system for torque converter

Abstract

A control system for a torque converter includes a lock-up clutch provided in the torque converter for connecting input and output members of the torque converter directly, and a shift valve having first and second spools disposed in series in a sleeve for shifting an introduction of an engaging and releasing pressure acting on the lock-up clutch in accordance with positions of the first and second spools. The first spool is subjected to a first hydraulic pressure at one end thereof. The second spool is subjected to a second hydraulic pressure at one end thereof opposite to the one end of the first spool. The first and second spools are subjected to a third hydraulic pressure therebetween. The control system further has a first control device for controlling the first hydraulic pressure, and an adjusting valve for controlling the releasing pressure of the lock-up clutch. The shift valve provides the first and second spools with first, second and third positions corresponding to a converter condition, lock-up condition and slip condition, respectively. The shift valve is shifted between the second and third positions when the releasing pressure is relatively low so that the releasing pressure is continuously changed irrespective of the shifting action among the first, second and third positions of the shift valve. An abrupt change in the engaging force of the lock-up clutch is prevented.