Method and apparatus for automatic transmission cruise control

Patent · Tue Apr 21 04:00:00 EDT 1987

OSTI ID:6547668

Katou, Y; Yoshida, K

A method is described of automatically controlling the speed of an automotive vehicle having an engine and a transmission and a transmission control circuit, at a preselected target value, comprising the steps of: (a) using a vehicle speed control device to vary the opening degree of a throttle valve associated with the engine in a manner to maintain the preselected target speed; (b) limiting the degree to which the vehicle speed control device opens the throttle valve to a predetermined maximum opening value which is less than that which will cause the transmission control circuit of the transmission to induce a downshift if the vehicle speed falls below the target level; (c) using the vehicle speed control device to induce a downshift from a predetermined gear ratio to the next lower one, if the load on the engine increases to a level whereat the vehicle speed cannot be maintained at the target speed without opening the throttle valve beyond the maximum opening value; and (d) maintaining the downshift until a predetermined phenomenon occurs.

• Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Yokohama
• Patent Number(s): US 4658929
• OSTI ID: 6547668
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS
330602* -- Vehicle Design Factors-- Engine-Transmission Matching
CONTROL EQUIPMENT
CONTROL SYSTEMS
ENGINES
EQUIPMENT
FLOW REGULATORS
GEARS
MACHINE PARTS
MECHANICAL TRANSMISSIONS
SPEED REGULATORS
VALVES
VEHICLES
VELOCITY