Abstract: An input device having keys for selecting rearward driving (R), neutral position (N) and forward driving (D), as well as a decrementing control switch (5) and incrementing control switch (4) for manually lowering and raising the gear stage. Starting from the gearbox mode of the input device and the forward driving (ASM) operating state, a tempomat mode (TM) can be adopted by actuating the key (D). The actuation of the operating elements is interpreted in the tempomat mode as a command for the tempomat, it being possible, in particular, for the decrementing and incrementing control switches (4, 5) to be used for lowering or raising the desired speed. A return to the gearbox mode takes place through renewed actuation of the “D” key or actuation of the brake (6).

Abstract: A propulsion system designed for hybrid vehicles utilizing a first torque path from a coupled motor generator system and internal combustion engine through and automatically shifted manual transmission having a secondary torque path from a secondary torque source to the wheels. The system incorporates the high-efficiency of a manual transmission with the smoothness of the most advanced automatic transmissions by utilizing a second torque path to maintain driver requested torque during shifts and braking requests.

Abstract: A work vehicle such as an agricultural tractor includes means for the operator to select between manual or automatic engine speed control and to select among multiple automatic modes each having a different amount by which the engine speed is reduced when the load is reduced and the transmission is up-shifted to maintain the vehicle ground speed. This enables the operator to match the degree of engine speed reduction to the particular task at hand for improved performance and productivity. Preferably, the transmission is an infinitely variable transmission whereby the engine speed and the transmission can both be varied infinitely.

Abstract: If a throttle valve is fully-closed, it is determined whether or not a transmission is to be downshifted, by determining whether or not an acceleration of the vehicle is equal to or greater than a downshift criterion value. The downshift criterion value is set as a value that decreases as the vehicle speed deviation, which is a difference between a vehicle speed and a target vehicle speed, increases. By using a downshift criterion value, an increase in the vehicle speed deviation resulting from a quick downshift on a steep downhill can be restrained. On a gentle downhill, a downshift is not performed even if the vehicle speed deviation assumes a significant value. Thus, it becomes possible to inhibit the vehicle speed from becoming lower than the target vehicle speed during a short period after downshift. Accordingly, an increase in fuel consumption and deterioration of noise of the engine can be restrained.

Abstract: A driving force control device, which controls a driving force by changing a gear ratio of an automatic transmission, comprises: a virtual throttle opening converter for converting a target driving force into a virtual throttle opening by using a target driving force characteristic and a detected vehicle speed; a throttle opening information selector for selecting the virtual throttle opening from the virtual throttle opening converter as throttle opening information when the driving force is controlled, and selecting an actual throttle opening from the throttle opening sensor as throttle opening information when the driving force is not controlled; and a target input revolutionary speed calculator 123d that calculates the target input revolutionary speed according to the selected throttle opening information, the detected vehicle speed and one shift map. The Continuously variable transmission determines an achievable gear ratio according to the target input revolutionary speed.

Abstract: A method is presented for improved interaction between driver demand, cruise control system and traction control system in an internal combustion vehicle. Desired engine output torque is adjusted based on the above inputs and vehicle operating conditions. This method improves drive feel and customer satisfaction with vehicle performance.

Abstract: An automatic gear change controller, having a constant speed travel mode, which can transmit torque to wheels of a vehicle according to changes in the travel load of the vehicle even though a gear shift mode is changed to the manual gear shift mode. When the gear shift mode is set in the manual gear shift mode and the travel mode is set in a constant speed travel mode, a constant speed travel controller generates a downshift command signal. In this case, when the accelerator pedal is depressed beyond a predetermined amount, the gear shift stage of the automatic transmission is downshifted.

Abstract: An apparatus for changing the transmission ratio of a continuously adjustable transmission as part of a cruise control system for motor vehicles, this part being provided with a controller (18) for the formation of a change value (ISOLL) for the transmission ratio as a function of the difference by which the actual value of the speed of travel (VIST) in overrun operation exceeds a stipulated value (VSCHRUB). An adding stage (20) is used for the formation of a desired value (ISOLL—F) for the transmission ratio from the change value (ISOLL) and the stored desired value (IVSCHUB) of the transmission ratio at the beginning of overrun operation, it being possible for this desired value (ISOLL—F) to be fed to a transmission-ratio controller for the transmission. As a result, a defined increase in vehicle speed leads to a similar change in the transmission ratio in each vehicle-speed range, and the transmission intervention is always ended exactly at the same transmission ratio at which it began.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining an acceptable torque level to be applied to at least one clutch pack (of an automobile) which includes the requirement of internal slip to transmit torque. The automobile includes a plurality of wheels. A velocity is sensed at each of the plurality of wheels of the automobile. A speed information value is calculated. The speed information value is a function of the sensed velocities at each of the plurality of wheels. The speed information value is then compared with a calibration table. Finally, the acceptable torque level is determined primarily from the calibration table based on the speed information value.

Abstract: A vehicle speed control system is adapted to a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission with a torque converter. The vehicle speed control system detects whether the automatic transmission is put in a lock-up condition, and corrects a command drive torque according to the lock-up condition of the automatic transmission. Particularly, the vehicle speed control system decreases a correction quantity of the command drive torque when the automatic transmission is put in the un-lockup condition. Therefore, the vehicle speed control system can adapt its response characteristic to a controlled system response characteristic which varies according to the lock-up condition of the transmission.

Abstract: A system for controlling internal combustion engine performance in accordance with driver behavior includes a vehicle control computer operable to receive a plurality of vehicle operating parameter signals and control engine fueling based thereon. In accordance with an operational status, or an operational state determined over a predefined time interval, of one or more of the vehicle operating parameter signals, the system is operable to control available engine performance. Both the operational status and operational state of the various vehicle operating parameters are the result of the manner in which the driver operates the vehicle. The control system of the present invention is thus operable to reward/penalize driver performance by correspondingly adding/subtracting available engine performance in the form of available engine output power and/or available vehicle speed.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling the switching in of ancillary equipment driven by an engine of a vehicle, the ancillary equipment being arranged to be driven by the engine until at least a minimum operating level relating to the status of the ancillary equipment is attained.

Abstract: When a cold start condition exists, an electronic gear control (4) calculates for an automatic transmission (3) driven by an internal combustion engine (1) the energy throughput of the internal combustion engine (1). The energy throughput is added up and compared with a limit value. The shift points of the automatic transmission (3) are pushed up to higher values as long as the calculated value remains less than the limit value.

Abstract: An auto-cruise controller to control the throttle angle of an engine so that the actual vehicle speed is equal to the target vehicle speed. In the controller, the pressure control of a lock-up clutch of an automatic transmission is conducted based on an amount of control of the lock-up pressure calculated corresponding to the traveling conditions of the vehicle when the throttle is fully closed, and when the vehicle is descending a slope during the auto-cruise control.

Abstract: A device for controlling the vehicle to travel at a constant speed, which clearly distinguishes a downhill road over a flat road while the vehicle is traveling at a constant speed, and resets or resumes the overdrive position in order to stably maintain a vehicle speed at all times. The device comprises a downhill control means 10 for resetting the overdrive position of an automatic transmission 2 when the vehicle is traveling a downhill, wherein the downhill control means includes a downhill state detection means 13 for detecting the downhill state of the vehicle based on the throttle opening degree &thgr; and the vehicle speed Vs, and an overdrive reset means 14 for resetting the overdrive position of the automatic transmission in response to the downhill state, wherein the reset state of the overdrive position is maintained while the downhill state is being detected, and the throttle valve opening degree is used as a reference for judging that the overdrive is resumed from the state of being shifted down.

Abstract: A vehicle and engine control system controls engine torque to maintain positive torque at a transmission input to prevent the transmission gears from separating. By maintaining a positive engine torque, the transmission is prevented from operating in or through the zero torque, or lash, zone. This prevents poor vehicle driveability that would otherwise result from operation in the lash zone. The control systems uses closed loop control based on a desired and actual turbine speed ratio, or slip ratio, to guarantee positive torque applied to the transmission.

Abstract: A control system/method to minimize unwanted upshifts in an automated mechanical transmission system (12). Upshifts are prohibited unless throttle position (THL) has achieved a substantially steady-state value (.vertline.(d/dt(THL)).vertline.<REF-1) or a speed value (ES, IS, OS) exceeds a reference (OS<REF-2).

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle with an engine-CVT power train senses operator's desire relative to movement of the vehicle and translates the sensed operator's desire into a predetermined variable indicative of drive force applicable to the vehicle drive wheel. In integrated control mode, the predetermined variable indicative of drive force controls the engine throttle and the ratio of the CVT. In individual control mode, the integrated control is put out of operation and the sensed operator's desire controls the engine throttle and the ratio of the CVT. The control system provides an improved control over the transition period between the control modes.

Abstract: A down-shift control system is provided, by which if sufficient torque cannot be obtained for an acceleration request or intention at a shift position, a down-shift operation is suitably performed so as to realize a reliable driving capability and no shift-busy phenomenon occurs.

Abstract: The contents of a ROM are highly reliably changed while the ROM is attached to a substrate. A vehicle control device has an electrically programmable nonvolatile memory storing a vehicle control program. A ROM update process includes a collation in which a check is made to determine whether the updating of the ROM was correctly executed. An abnormal process ensures an output from the control device clearly is an abnormal control amount under even ordinary vehicle drive conditions.

Abstract: A transmission torque of a friction part during a shift is requested in accordance with an input rotation speed and an input torque of the friction part of an automatic transmission and a target torque during the shift determines. An output torque of an engine is reduced in accordance with a difference between the transmission torque and the target torque. A control transmission torque supplied to the friction part is determined in accordance with the torque difference and the transmission torque, thereby an operation force to the friction part is determined and the operation force is supplied to the friction part. A control apparatus and method for the automatic transmission is provided wherein a stable shift time can obtain and a shift shock can be suppressed.

Abstract: An shift control strategy for controlling an automatic transmission based on acceleration. The shift control strategy determines a learned vehicle inertia as well as road load torque and expected torque in an upshift gear. A projected post shift acceleration is predicted based on the expected torque, road load torque and inertia of the vehicle. If vehicle speed and throttle position are within an allowable shift zone and if the predicted post shift acceleration exceeds a threshold value, the vehicle automatic transmission is allowed to upshift. The predicted post upshift acceleration value is determined as a function of a selected one of the possible downshifts and is compared to a threshold value. A downshift of the automatic transmission to the selected downshift is allowed if the post downshift acceleration value is less than the threshold value.

Abstract: A power transfer system for a vehicle having a power source and a driveline, the power transfer system including a power-interrupt auto-manual transmission, an electronic control unit and electronic throttle controls. In the preferred embodiment, the power transfer system includes an epicyclic gearset for providing a level of drive torque to the driveline during the shifting of the transmission so as to eliminate the undesirable sensations experienced by the vehicle operator during the shifting of the transmission. The electronic throttle controls allow the rotational speed of the engine to be maintained at a desired level while the shift is being performed so as to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. Alternate embodiments of the present invention utilize a secondary power source powered by a source of stored energy to provide the driveline with drive torque during a shift.

Abstract: A control device of an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle includes lock-up control means for controlling a coupling state between input and output elements of a torque converter clutch. This control device is used with an engine, which includes an electronic throttle control device that electrically controls a throttle valve, accelerator position detecting means for detecting an accelerator pedal position, a cruise control device that controls an opening of the throttle valve to maintain a vehicle speed at a predetermined vehicle speed, for enabling constant-speed running of the vehicle, and target throttle opening setting means for calculating a pseudo accelerator pedal position, and setting a target throttle opening based on the pseudo accelerator pedal position, when the cruise control device is in operation.

Abstract: A system for managing engine retarding torque during coast mode operation includes a control computer operable in one embodiment to control boost pressure, engine compression brake setting and/or engine accessory deactivation upon detection of coast mode operation with the engine compression brakes enabled. In another embodiment, the control computer is operable to determine a current engine retarding torque value, based either on an estimation thereof as a function of current boost pressure and engine compression brake setting or based on a mass estimation technique accounting for the grade of the road, and control boost pressure, engine compression brake operation and/or engine accessory deactivation to thereby control engine retarding torque upon detection of coast mode operation with the engine brakes enabled.

Abstract: An interactive cruise control system and method for providing automatic speed control of a vehicle with improved shifting of an automatic transmission. The system and method controls speed of a vehicle equipped with cruise control and minimizes downshifts in an automatic transmission of the vehicle. Vehicle speed is detected and compared with a setpoint speed which is associated with the cruise control system. Transmission gear shifting is determined based on predetermined shift schedule points. Determined transmission gear downshifts are prevented for a kickdown delay period based on vehicle speed loss and the presence of vehicle deceleration. Also provided is an overspeed reduction method for causing a transmission downshift during an overspeed condition with the throttle closed. Further, the system provides hunting prevention between both second gear and third gear as well as between third gear and fourth gear for a four speed automatic transmission.

Abstract: An anti-hunt transmission control strategy for controlling an automatic transmission so as to prevent the occurrence of a shift hunting condition. The control strategy determines a learned vehicle inertia as well as road load torque and expected torque in an upshift gear. A projected post shift acceleration is predicted based on the expected torque, road load torque and inertia of the vehicle. If vehicle speed and throttle position are within an allowable shift zone and if the predicted post shift acceleration exceeds a threshold value, the vehicle automatic transmission is allowed to upshift. Otherwise, should the predicted post shift acceleration not exceed the threshold value, an upshift is prevented.

Abstract: An interactive cruise control system and method for providing automatic speed control of a vehicle with improved shifting of an automatic transmission. The system and method controls speed of a vehicle equipped with cruise control and minimizes downshifts in an automatic transmission of the vehicle. Vehicle speed is detected and compared with a setpoint speed which is associated with the cruise control system. Transmission gear shifting is determined based on predetermined shift schedule points. Determined transmission gear downshifts are prevented for a kickdown delay period based on vehicle speed loss and the presence of vehicle deceleration. Also provided is an overspeed reduction method for causing a transmission downshift during an overspeed condition with the throttle closed. Further, the system provides hunting prevention between both second gear and third gear as well as between third gear and fourth gear of a four speed automatic transmission.

Abstract: A method for automatically resuming vehicle speed control after a gear change of the vehicle's manual transmission. The method may be implemented as a subroutine in the vehicle's general control software. After disengagement of the clutch, the subroutine suspends the automatic speed control system and then periodically checks to determine if the driver has shifted gears within a predetermined time period. This determination is made by checking to see if the clutch has once again been engaged with the transmission in gear. If this occurs within the predetermined time period, then the control system automatically resumes the speed control of the engine. The determination of whether the transmission has been placed into another gear is made by an examination of calculated gear ratios, rather than by the addition of a hardware sensor.

Abstract: An interactive cruise control system and method for providing automatic speed control of a vehicle with improved shifting of an automatic transmission. The system and method controls speed of a vehicle equipped with cruise control and minimizes downshifts in an automatic transmission of the vehicle. Vehicle speed is detected and compared with a setpoint speed which is associated with the cruise control system. Transmission gear shifting is determined based on predetermined shift schedule points. Determined transmission gear downshifts are prevented for a kickdown delay period based on vehicle speed loss and the presence of vehicle deceleration. Also provided is an overspeed reduction method for causing a transmission downshift during an overspeed condition with the throttle closed. Further, the system provides hunting prevention between both second gear and third gear as well as between third gear and fourth gear of a four speed automatic transmission.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for limiting the speed of a motor vehicle. The method intervenes to limit the engine torque while the actual speed is still below the maximum speed, but yet a demand by the driver for a speed above the maximum speed is detected. In this case, an acceleration-regulating system intervention takes place first and, if the speed further approaches the maximum speed, a speed-regulating system intervention takes place, allowing the actual speed to be brought gently to the set maximum speed. In the case of speeds demanded by the driver which are below the maximum speed, the driving response remains determined solely by the driver. It is advantageous to combine the speed limitation with cruise control, with selective activation of one of the two operating modes.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has a multi-speed automatic transmission and a cruise control system. A method of shift control when the cruise control system is enabled infers from a plurality of factors based on cruise control error quantities the desirability of forcing a downshift to a lower speed ratio.

Abstract: When an overdrive cut is performed to an automatic transmission control when climbing uphill slopes, the actuator position An is stored in overdrive cut aperture storage value C with overdrive cut demands to the automatic transmission executed until the actuator position changes by a first predetermined value Ct1. If the condition C-An>Ct1 is satisfied for a predetermined period of time T0 until timer counter TMR becomes zero, then restoration to overdrive is allowed. Accordingly, even when cruising along long uphill roads, up-shifts to overdrive are prohibited during this time and because there are no up-shifts to overdrive during this time, vehicular speed does not change in fixed periods and thus, a high-level of passenger comfort is achieved.

Abstract: At a torque converter characteristic assuming unit, during non gear shift, gear ratio and an input shaft torque are assumed and also during gear shift, accessory torque is assumed. So as to correct the accessory torque a deviation between pump torque and engine torque is learned and this value is given to the accessory torque, thereby the input shaft torque can be executed and assumed. A drive shaft torque is obtained from a drive shaft torque calculating unit, a control period of the drive shaft torque is determined, a reference drive shaft torque is determined during torque control period from a reference drive shaft torque setting unit. A deviation between the reference drive shaft torque and the drive shaft torque is obtained from a torque deviation executing unit. An engine controlling unit varies the engine torque by controlling an ignition period so as to decrease substantially zero the deviation.

Abstract: A sensor failure and erroneous signal detection system for use in automobiles equipped with cruise control. This system prevents cruise control from operating if certain predetermined conditions occur. Further, the system will determine if the cruise control signal has been erroneously generated and set up an error "flag". A failure is determined in the cruise control system if either one of the following conditions is present when a cruise control signal is generated: (1) the vehicle is traveling below a predetermined speed; (2) the brake switch is on; (2) the shift range is in "N", "R" or "P"; or (4) either (1), (2) or (3) continues for a predetermined period of time. Upon occurrence of (1), (2), (3), or (4), an error has been detected and the automatic transmission is instructed to return to normal operation.

Abstract: A control system and method for an automated mechanical transmission system (310) operable in a hold mode of operation (H) is provided. When operating in the hold mode of operation, if override conditions (ES>ES.sub.MAX, ES<ES.sub.MIN, cruise control resume mode) are sensed, the hold mode is overridden and a shift from the currently engaged gear ratio (GR.sub.C) into a desirable gear ratio (GR.sub.D) is automatically initiated.

Abstract: A control system for an automatic transmission is constructed so that when failing to detect an operation of skid reduction control, an optimum hydraulic pressure value is determined based on a basic line pressure determined by throttle opening degrees, etc. and a correction value thereof, and an optimum hydraulic pressure signal is provided to a hydraulic pressure adjusting actuator. At this time, the correction value is modified so that a shift time upon current shift approaches a reference shift time. On the other hand, when detecting an operation of skid reduction control, at least modification of the correction value is prohibited.

Abstract: A speed selector (24, 25, 40) actuates a computer (32, 35, 38, 39) to calculate optimum engine speed, speed-change rate and gear ratio for achieving a selected speed of a motor vehicle (18). An actuator (36) then accomplishes throttling of an engine (19) with a throttling means (20) and gear changes of a transmission (21) as necessary to achieve the selected vehicle speed with least-possible fuel consumption and exhaust smog. When a desired change in speed is made, it is maintained in a cruise-control mode with optimized rates of change of throttling and gear-shifting for necessary changes in engine speed for varying terrain and driving conditions.

Abstract: A running control apparatus for an engine-driven vehicle includes a throttle command setting unit for setting a throttle command value based on an accelerator operation degree detected by an accelerator operation degree detector, and a throttle opening and closing driving unit controlled by a throttle opening and closing control unit for adjusting the opening of a throttle valve to the throttle command value, the throttle command value being set to change at a change rate smaller than a change rate of the accelerator operation degree in a region where the accelerator operation degree is small, while, to change at the change rate larger than the change rate of the accelerator operation degree in a region where the accelerator operation degree is large, and the running control apparatus further includes an A/T load signal setting unit and an automatic transmission control unit, in which the A/T load signal setting unit sets an A/T load signal so that the A/T load signal approximates to the throttle command valu

Abstract: A control system for controlling automatic shifting of a manual/automatic transmission is disclosed including a cruise control system and an auto-shift mode for controlling automatic upshift and downshift operations between the top two gears of a heavy duty truck transmission. Certain failures of equipment or incorrect driving habits of operators are corrected for with algorithms which prevent undesirable operating conditions which compromise the acceptability of an electronically controlled heavy duty truck transmission equipped vehicle. The mechanism by which auto-shift operation of the transmission is requested is also compared with parameters such as vehicle speed and engine speed in order to determine whether gears should be engaged or disengaged, the gears being those subject to auto-shift control of the system controller.

Abstract: An engine-transmission control system is disclosed which provides for variable shift points of a manual/automatic transmission during cruise control and non-cruise control operation of the vehicle. Vehicle speed, engine speed, and engine loading are variables used individually or in combination in order to determine when shifting of the automatically controllable gear ratio operation states of the manual/automatic transmission will occur. In addition, the system includes modes of operation which include algorithms for determining varying gear shift points so that gear shifting of the top two gears occurs at various vehicle speeds dependent upon input parameters to the cruise control system and additionally in response to which cruise control mode of operation is currently selected by the driver.

Abstract: A method of and system for controlling the speed of a motor vehicle based on a control characteristic so that the speed of the vehicle follows a target speed. The system estimates a dynamic characteristic of the motor vehicle to adjust the control characteristic when the motor vehicle is under a cruising control. The system includes a sensor for detecting a speed of the motor vehicle and a sensor for detecting an operating position of an actuator which adjusts a travelling speed of the motor vehicle. In the system, the detected vehicle speed and actuator operating position are converted into data in terms of an imaginary operating point. The imaginary operating point remains constant because it is not affected by variations of a static characteristic of the motor vehicle. The dynamic characteristic of the motor vehicle is estimated on the basis of the conversion data. This arrangement can accurately estimate the dynamic characteristic of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a marine engine capable of effectively suppressing a great variation in the rotational speed of the engine due to a great variation in an intake air pressure particularly when the engine is trolling. In one form, an air/fuel ratio of a mixture supplied to the engine is made constant to maintain engine output power at a constant level. In another form, the intake air pressure, based on which the engine is controlled, is averaged in such a manner as to reduce a variation in the engine rotational speed by using a greater averaging coefficient during trolling than at other times. In a further form, if a variation in the intake air pressure is less than a predetermined value, the intake air pressure is used controlling the engine, whereas if otherwise, another engine operating parameter such as an opening degree of a throttle valve is used instead of the intake air pressure.

Abstract: A variable power drivetrain engine control system for a heavy duty vehicle such as a tractor/trailer combination or truck is disclosed. The engine control system provides higher output capability for the engine of the vehicle in accordance with certain detected conditions. If the vehicle speed falls a predetermined DELTA miles/hour below a LEARNED SPEED of the vehicle, the engine is enabled to operate at a higher power output capability until the vehicle resumes the LEARNED SPEED. Further, high output capability is enabled when the vehicle deceleration is in excess of a predetermined deceleration rate. Again, the high output capability is disabled once the vehicle retains the LEARNED SPEED velocity. The quantity DELTA can be variable with respect to actual vehicle speed to provide more responsive operation of the variable power drivetrain system thereby providing improved responsiveness to road conditions in accordance with relative vehicle speed.

Abstract: A control system for controlling automatic shifting of a manual/automatic transmission is disclosed including a cruise control system and an auto-shift mode for controlling automatic upshift and downshift operations between the top two gears of a heavy duty truck transmission. Certain failures of equipment or incorrect driving habits of operators are corrected for with algorithms which prevent undesirable operating conditions which compromise the acceptability of an electronically controlled heavy duty truck transmission equipped vehicle. The mechanism by which auto-shift operation of the transmission is requested is also compared with parameters such as vehicle speed and engine speed in order to determine whether gears should be engaged or disengaged, the gears being those subject to auto-shift control of the system controller.