Variable electronically controlled shift points for a cruise control system

摘要

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. In addition, control of the automatic shifting of the manual/automatic transmission when the cruise control system is inactive or disabled is determined according to algorithms designed to optimize fuel economy as well as improve driveability of the vehicle and reduce driver fatigue.