Torque Converter Clutch Control Valve

Torque Converter Clutch Control Valve

Outline
^ The torque converter clutch control valve locks or releases the torque converter clutch by switching the oil passage of the torque converter pressure. Switching of the torque converter oil passage takes place via the torque converter clutch solenoid operation.

Operation
^ Spring force operates on the right side of the valve and pushes the valve to the left. Conversely, torque converter clutch solenoid output pressure (10) is applied to the left side of the valve and pushes the valve to the right.

Releasing torque converter clutch
^ Since torque converter clutch solenoid pressure (10) isn't applied to the valve, the valve is positioned on the left side by spring force. At this time, the torque converter pressure flows through oil passage (46) to oil passage (48) and is applied to the torque converter clutch releasing pressure passage of the torque converter. As a result, the torque converter is released.

Locking torque converter clutch
^ Torque converter clutch solenoid output pressure (10) is applied to the valve and moves the valve to the right. At this time, oil passages (46) and (48) are blocked and the torque converter pressure that was applied to the torque converter clutch releasing passage is drained from drain port (X). Also, the torque convertor pressure flows through oil passage (46) to oil passage (47) and is applied to the torque converter clutch locking passage. As a result, the torque converter clutch is locked.

Smooth Torque Converter Clutch
^ Torque converter clutch solenoid output pressure (10) is gradually pressurized and is applied to the left end of the valve. Thus, the valve move gradually to the right and drain port (X) opens.
^ When drain port (X) begins to open, torque converter pressure (48) that was applied to the torque converter clutch release passage of the torque converter will gradually depressurize. Because of the balance between torque converter clutch solenoid output pressure (10) that was applied to the left of the valve, and spring force that was applied to the right of the valve, torque converter pressure (48) that was applied to the torque converter clutch release passage of the torque converter is controlled.
^ The torque converter that is applied to torque converter clutch release passage (48) is depressurized as torque converter clutch solenoid output pressure (10) becomes higher. Thus, smooth torque converter clutch takes place by gradual pressurization of torque converter clutch solenoid output pressure (10).