The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 28, 2003
Filed:
Apr. 20, 2001
Kazuo Koumura, Anjo, JP;
Masao Saitou, Anjo, JP;
Masayuki Kuwata, Anjo, JP;
Muneo Kusafuka, Anjo, JP;
Aisin AW Co., Ltd., , JP;
Abstract
In an automatic transmission having a torque converter interposed between an engine and a transmission mechanism, the torque converter includes a lock-up clutch capable of directly coupling an output shaft of the engine and an input shaft of the transmission mechanism. A speed difference detector is provided for detecting a difference between engine rotational speed and input shaft rotational speed. An engine speed controller means is also provided for controlling the engine speed to cause the speed difference to converge within a predetermined range. By detecting the speed difference, it is possible to precisely detect the actual vehicle state, and to reliably and smoothly engage the lock-up clutch without generating shift shock in any vehicle state. With this structure, the lock-up clutch can be reliably engaged and the engine brake can be secured.