Control system and method for vehicle with continuously variable transmission

Claim 2

In a vehicle having a continuously variable transmission between an engine and a drive axle, a control system for the vehicle equipped with the continuously variable transmission, said control system comprising: a steady state transmission ratio computing means for computing a steady state transmission ratio in accordance with an operating condition of the vehicle; a transmission ratio detecting means for detecting a current transmission ratio; an output shaft revolution speed detecting means for detecting an output shaft revolution speed of the transmission; a coefficient computing means for computing a coefficient determined by the operating condition of the vehicle; a shift speed determining means for determining a shift speed in shifting in accordance with at least said current transmission ratio, said output shaft revolution speed, and said coefficient; and a shift controlling means for controlling a shift element of the transmission in accordance with said shift speed so as approach to said steady state transmission ratio, wherein the shift speed determining means is connected with the transmission ratio detecting means, the output shaft revolution speed detecting means and the coefficient computing means, and receives a signal representing the current transmission ratio from the transmission ratio detecting means, a signal representing the output shaft revolution speed from the output shaft revolution speed detecting means, and a signal representing the coefficient from the coefficient computing means.

Claim 3

A control system for the vehicle with the continuously variable transmission as recited in claim 1 wherein the shift speed determined in said shift speed determining means is a decreasing function with respect to said current transmission ratio and said output shaft revolution speed, and an increasing function with respect to said coefficient.

Claim 4

A control system for the vehicle with the continuously variable transmission as recited in claim 2 wherein said coefficient computing means is a means for computing said coefficient in accordance with a relationship between said current transmission ratio and said steady state transmission ratio.

Claim 5

A control system for the vehicle with the continuously variable transmission as recited in claim 2 wherein said coefficient computing means is a means for computing said coefficient in accordance with a rate of change of said steady state transmission ratio.

Claim 6

A control system for the vehicle with the continuously variable transmission as recited in claim 2 wherein said coefficient computing means is a means for computing said a coefficient in accordance with a rate of change of a throttle opening degree.

Claim 7

A control system for the vehicle with the continuously variable transmission as recited in claim 1 wherein said coefficient computing means is a means for computing said coefficient in accordance with a relationship between said current transmission ratio and said steady state transmission ratio.

Claim 8

A control system as recited in claim 1 wherein said coefficient computing means is a means for computing said coefficient in accordance with a rate of change of said steady state transmission ratio.

Claim 9

A control system for the vehicle with the continuously variable transmission as recited in claim 1 wherein said coefficient computing means is a means for computing said coefficient in accordance with a rate of change of a throttle opening degree.

Claim 10

In a vehicle having a continuously variable transmission between an engine and a drive axle, a control system for the vehicle equipped with the continuously variable transmission, said control system comprising: a steady state transmission ratio computing means for computing a steady state transmission ratio in accordance with an operating condition of the vehicle; a transmission ratio detecting means for detecting a current transmission ratio; an output shaft revolution speed detecting means for detecting an output shaft revolution speed of the transmission; a coefficient computing means for computing a coefficient determined by the operating condition of the vehicle; a shift speed determining means for determining a shift speed in shifting in accordance with at least said current transmission ratio, said output shaft revolution speed, and said coefficient; and a shift controlling means for controlling a shift element of the transmission in accordance with said shift speed so as approach to said steady state transmission ratio, wherein said coefficient computing means comprises a current output power computing means for computing a current output power in accordance with the operating condition of the vehicle, and a steady state output power computing means for computing a steady state output power in accordance with the operating condition of the vehicle, and said steady state transmission ratio, and said coefficient computing means computes said coefficient in accordance with a relationship between said current output power and said steady state output power.

Claim 11

In a vehicle having a continuously variable transmission between an engine and a drive axle, a control system for the vehicle equipped with the continuously variable transmission, said control system comprising: a steady state transmission ratio computing means for computing a steady state transmission ratio in accordance with an operating condition of the vehicle; a transmission ratio detecting means for detecting a current transmission ratio; an output shaft revolution speed detecting means for detecting an output shaft revolution speed of the transmission; a coefficient computing means for computing a coefficient determined by the operating condition of the vehicle; a shift speed determining means for determining a shift speed in shifting in accordance with at least said current transmission ratio, said output shaft revolution speed, and said coefficient; and a shift controlling means for controlling a shift element of the transmission in accordance with said shift speed so as approach to said steady state transmission ratio, wherein said coefficient computing means comprises a current output power computing means for computing a current output power in accordance with the operating condition of the vehicle, and a steady state output power computing means for computing a steady state output power in accordance with the operating condition of the vehicle, and said steady state transmission ratio, and said coefficient computing means computes said coefficient in accordance with a relationship between said current output power and said steady state output power.

Claim 12

In a vehicle having a continuously variable transmission between an engine and a drive axle, a control system for the vehicle equipped with the continuously variable transmission, said control system comprising: a steady state transmission ratio computing means for computing a steady state transmission ratio in accordance with an operating condition of the vehicle; a transmission ratio detecting means for detecting a current transmission ratio; an output shaft revolution speed detecting means for detecting an output shaft revolution speed of the transmission; a coefficient computing means for computing a coefficient determined by the operating condition of the vehicle; a shift speed determining means for determining a shift speed in shifting in accordance with at least said current transmission ratio, said output shaft revolution speed, and said coefficient; and a shift controlling means for controlling a shift element of the transmission in accordance with said shift speed so as approach to said steady state transmission ratio, wherein the shift speed determined in said shift speed determining means is a decreasing function with respect to said current transmission ratio and said output shaft revolution speed, and an increasing function with respect to said coefficient, and wherein said coefficient computing means comprises a current output power computing means for computing a current output power in accordance with the operating condition of the vehicle, and a steady state output power computing means for computing a steady state output power in accordance with the operating condition of the vehicle, and said steady state transmission ratio, and said coefficient computing means computes said coefficient in accordance with a relationship between said current output power and said steady state output power.

Claim 13

In a vehicle having a continuously variable transmission between an engine and a drive axle, a control system for the vehicle equipped with the continuously variable transmission, said control system comprising: a steady state transmission ratio computing means for computing a steady state transmission ratio in accordance with an operating condition of the vehicle; a transmission ratio detecting means for detecting a current transmission ratio; an output shaft revolution speed detecting means for detecting an output shaft revolution speed of the transmission; a coefficient computing means for computing a coefficient determined by the operating condition of the vehicle; a shift speed determining means for determining a shift speed in shifting in accordance with at least said current transmission ratio, said output shaft revolution speed, and said coefficient; and a shift controlling means for controlling a shift element of the transmission in accordance with said shift speed so as approach to said steady state transmission ratio, wherein the shift speed determined in said shift speed determining means is a decreasing function with respect to said current transmission ratio and said output shaft revolution speed, and an increasing function with respect to said coefficient, and wherein said coefficient computing means comprises a current output power computing means for computing a current output power in accordance with the operating condition of the vehicle, and a steady state output power computing means for computing a steady state output power in accordance with the operating condition of the vehicle, and said steady state transmission ratio, and said coefficient computing means computes said coefficient in accordance with a relationship between said current output power and said steady state output power.

Claim 14

In a vehicle having a continuously variable transmission between an engine and a drive axle, a control system for the vehicle equipped with the continuously variable transmission, said control system comprising: a steady state transmission ratio computing means for computing a steady state transmission ratio in accordance with an operating condition of the vehicle; a transmission ratio detecting means for detecting a current transmission ratio; an output shaft revolution speed detecting means for detecting an output shaft revolution speed of the transmission; a coefficient computing means for computing a coefficient determined by the operating condition of the vehicle; a shift speed determining means for determining a shift speed in shifting in accordance with at least said current transmission ratio, said output shaft revolution speed, and said coefficient; and a shift controlling means for controlling a shift element of the transmission in accordance with said shift speed so as approach to said steady state transmission ratio, wherein said coefficient computing means comprises a current driving force computing means for computing a current vehicle driving force in accordance with the operating condition of the vehicle, and a steady state driving force computing means for computing a steady state vehicle driving force in accordance with the operating condition of the vehicle, and said steady state transmission ratio, and said coefficient computing means computes said coefficient in accordance with a relationship between said current vehicle driving force and said steady state vehicle driving force.

Claim 15

In a vehicle having a continuously variable transmission between an engine and a drive axle, a control system for the vehicle equipped with the continuously variable transmission, said control system comprising: a steady state transmission ratio computing means for computing a steady state transmission ratio in accordance with an operating condition of the vehicle; a transmission ratio detecting means for detecting a current transmission ratio; an output shaft revolution speed detecting means for detecting an output shaft revolution speed of the transmission; a coefficient computing means for computing a coefficient determined by the operating condition of the vehicle; a shift speed determining means for determining a shift speed in shifting in accordance with at least said current transmission ratio, said output shaft revolution speed, and said coefficient; and a shift controlling means for controlling a shift element of the transmission in accordance with said shift speed so as approach to said steady state transmission ratio, wherein said coefficient computing means comprises a current driving force computing means for computing a current vehicle driving force in accordance with the operating condition of the vehicle, and a steady state driving force computing means for computing a steady state vehicle driving force in accordance with the operating condition of the vehicle, and said steady state transmission ratio, and said coefficient computing means computes said coefficient in accordance with a relationship between said current vehicle driving force and said steady state vehicle driving force.

Claim 16

In a vehicle having a continuously variable transmission between an engine and a drive axle, a control system for the vehicle equipped with the continuously variable transmission, said control system comprising: a steady state transmission ratio computing means for computing a steady state transmission ratio in accordance with an operating condition of the vehicle; a transmission ratio detecting means for detecting a current transmission ratio; an output shaft revolution speed detecting means for detecting an output shaft revolution speed of the transmission; a coefficient computing means for computing a coefficient determined by the operating condition of the vehicle; a shift speed determining means for determining a shift speed in shifting in accordance with at least said current transmission ratio, said output shaft revolution speed, and said coefficient; and a shift controlling means for controlling a shift element of the transmission in accordance with said shift speed so as approach to said steady state transmission ratio, wherein the shift speed determined in said shift speed determining means is a decreasing function with respect to said current transmission ratio and said output shaft revolution speed, and an increasing function with respect to said coefficient, and wherein said coefficient computing means comprises a current driving force computing means for computing a current vehicle driving force in accordance with the operating condition of the vehicle, and a steady state driving force computing means for computing a steady state vehicle driving force in accordance with the operating condition of the vehicle, and said steady state transmission ratio, and said coefficient computing means computes said coefficient in accordance with a relationship between said current vehicle driving force and said steady state vehicle driving force.

Claim 17

In a vehicle having a continuously variable transmission between an engine and a drive axle, a control system for the vehicle equipped with the continuously variable transmission, said control system comprising: a steady state transmission ratio computing means for computing a steady state transmission ratio in accordance with an operating condition of the vehicle; a transmission ratio detecting means for detecting a current transmission ratio; an output shaft revolution speed detecting means for detecting an output shaft revolution speed of the transmission; a coefficient computing means for computing a coefficient determined by the operating condition of the vehicle; a shift speed determining means for determining a shift speed in shifting in accordance with at least said current transmission ratio, said output shaft revolution speed, and said coefficient; and a shift controlling means for controlling a shift element of the transmission in accordance with said shift speed so as approach to said steady state transmission ratio, wherein the shift speed determined in said shift speed determining means is a decreasing function with respect to said current transmission ratio and said output shaft revolution speed, and an increasing function with respect to said coefficient, and wherein said coefficient computing means comprises a current driving force computing means for computing a current vehicle driving force in accordance with the operating condition of the vehicle, and a steady state driving force computing means for computing a steady state vehicle driving force in accordance with the operating condition of the vehicle, and said steady state transmission ratio, and said coefficient computing means computes said coefficient in accordance with a relationship between said current vehicle driving force and said steady state vehicle driving force.

Claim 18

In a vehicle having a continuously variable transmission between an engine and a drive axle, a control system for the vehicle equipped with the continuously variable transmission, said control system comprising: a steady state transmission ratio computing means for computing a steady state transmission ratio in accordance with an operating condition of the vehicle; a transmission ratio detecting means for detecting a current transmission ratio; an output shaft revolution speed detecting means for detecting an output shaft revolution speed of the transmission; a coefficient computing means for computing a coefficient determined by the operating condition of the vehicle; a shift speed determining means for determining a shift speed in shifting in accordance with at least said current transmission ratio, said output shaft revolution speed, and said coefficient; and a shift controlling means for controlling a shift element of the transmission in accordance with said shift speed so as approach to said steady state transmission ratio, wherein said coefficient computing means is a means for computing said coefficient in accordance with a relationship between said current transmission ratio and said steady state transmission ratio, and wherein said relationship in said coefficient computing means is a difference between the steady state value and the current value.

Claim 19

In a vehicle having a continuously variable transmission between an engine and a drive axle, a control system for the vehicle equipped with the continuously variable transmission, said control system comprising: a steady state transmission ratio computing means for computing a steady state transmission ratio in accordance with an operating condition of the vehicle; a transmission ratio detecting means for detecting a current transmission ratio; an output shaft revolution speed detecting means for detecting an output shaft revolution speed of the transmission; a coefficient computing means for computing a coefficient determined by the operating condition of the vehicle; a shift speed determining means for determining a shift speed in shifting in accordance with at least said current transmission ratio, said output shaft revolution speed, and said coefficient; and a shift controlling means for controlling a shift element of the transmission in accordance with said shift speed so as approach to said steady state transmission ratio, wherein said coefficient computing means is a means for computing said coefficient in accordance with a relationship between said current transmission ratio and said steady state transmission ratio, and wherein said relationship in said coefficient computing means is a difference between the steady state value and the current value.

Claim 20

In a vehicle having a continuously variable transmission between an engine and a drive axle, a control system for the vehicle equipped with the continuously variable transmission, said control system comprising: a steady state transmission ratio computing means for computing a steady state transmission ratio in accordance with an operating condition of the vehicle; a transmission ratio detecting means for detecting a current transmission ratio; an output shaft revolution speed detecting means for detecting an output shaft revolution speed of the transmission; a coefficient computing means for computing a coefficient determined by the operating condition of the vehicle; a shift speed determining means for determining a shift speed in shifting in accordance with at least said current transmission ratio, said output shaft revolution speed, and said coefficient; and a shift controlling means for controlling a shift element of the transmission in accordance with said shift speed so as approach to said steady state transmission ratio, wherein said coefficient computing means is a means for computing said coefficient in accordance with a relationship between said current transmission ratio and said steady state transmission ratio, and wherein said relationship in said coefficient computing means is a ratio between the steady state value and the current value.

Claim 21

In a vehicle having a continuously variable transmission between an engine and a drive axle, a control system for the vehicle equipped with the continuously variable transmission, said control system comprising: a steady state transmission ratio computing means for computing a steady state transmission ratio in accordance with an operating condition of the vehicle; a transmission ratio detecting means for detecting a current transmission ratio; an output shaft revolution speed detecting means for detecting an output shaft revolution speed of the transmission; a coefficient computing means for computing a coefficient determined by the operating condition of the vehicle; a shift speed determining means for determining a shift speed in shifting in accordance with at least said current transmission ratio, said output shaft revolution speed, and said coefficient; and a shift controlling means for controlling a shift element of the transmission in accordance with said shift speed so as approach to said steady state transmission ratio, wherein said coefficient computing means is a means for computing said coefficient in accordance with a relationship between said current transmission ratio and said steady state transmission ratio, and wherein said relationship in said coefficient computing means is a ratio between the steady state value and the current value.

Claim 22

In a vehicle having a continuously variable transmission between an engine and a drive axle, a control system for the vehicle equipped with the continuously variable transmission, said control system comprising: a steady state transmission ratio computing means for computing a steady state transmission ratio in accordance with an operating condition of the vehicle; a transmission ratio detecting means for detecting a current transmission ratio; an output shaft revolution speed detecting means for detecting an output shaft revolution speed of the transmission; a coefficient computing means for computing a coefficient determined by the operating condition of the vehicle; a shift speed determining means for determining a shift speed in shifting in accordance with at least said current transmission ratio, said output shaft revolution speed, and said coefficient; and a shift controlling means for controlling a shift element of the transmission in accordance with said shift speed so as approach to said steady state transmission ratio, wherein said coefficient computing means comprises a steady state output power computing means for computing a steady state output power in accordance with the operating condition of the vehicle, and said steady state transmission ratio, and said coefficient computing means computes said coefficient in accordance with a rate of change of said steady state output power.

Claim 23

In a vehicle having a continuously variable transmission between an engine and a drive axle, a control system for the vehicle equipped with the continuously variable transmission, said control system comprising: a steady state transmission ratio computing means for computing a steady state transmission ratio in accordance with an operating condition of the vehicle; a transmission ratio detecting means for detecting a current transmission ratio; an output shaft revolution speed detecting means for detecting an output shaft revolution speed of the transmission; a coefficient computing means for computing a coefficient determined by the operating condition of the vehicle; a shift speed determining means for determining a shift speed in shifting in accordance with at least said current transmission ratio, said output shaft revolution speed, and said coefficient; and a shift controlling means for controlling a shift element of the transmission in accordance with said shift speed so as approach to said steady state transmission ratio, wherein said coefficient computing means comprises a steady state output power computing means for computing a steady state output power in accordance with the operating condition of the vehicle, and said steady state transmission ratio, and said coefficient computing means computes said coefficient in accordance with a rate of change of said steady state output power.

Claim 24

In a vehicle having a continuously variable transmission between an engine and a drive axle, a control system for the vehicle equipped with the continuously variable transmission, said control system comprising: a steady state transmission ratio computing means for computing a steady state transmission ratio in accordance with an operating condition of the vehicle; a transmission ratio detecting means for detecting a current transmission ratio; an output shaft revolution speed detecting means for detecting an output shaft revolution speed of the transmission; a coefficient computing means for computing a coefficient determined by the operating condition of the vehicle; a shift speed determining means for determining a shift speed in shifting in accordance with at least said current transmission ratio, said output shaft revolution speed, and said coefficient; and a shift controlling means for controlling a shift element of the transmission in accordance with said shift speed so as approach to said steady state transmission ratio, wherein the shift speed determined in said shift speed determining means is a decreasing function with respect to said current transmission ratio and said output shaft revolution speed, and an increasing function with respect to said coefficient, and wherein said coefficient computing means comprises a steady state output power computing means for computing a steady state output power in accordance with the operating condition of the vehicle, and said steady state transmission ratio, and said coefficient computing means computes said coefficient in accordance with a rate of change of said steady state output power.

Claim 25

In a vehicle having a continuously variable transmission between an engine and a drive axle, a control system for the vehicle equipped with the continuously variable transmission, said control system comprising: a steady state transmission ratio computing means for computing a steady state transmission ratio in accordance with an operating condition of the vehicle; a transmission ratio detecting means for detecting a current transmission ratio; an output shaft revolution speed detecting means for detecting an output shaft revolution speed of the transmission; a coefficient computing means for computing a coefficient determined by the operating condition of the vehicle; a shift speed determining means for determining a shift speed in shifting in accordance with at least said current transmission ratio, said output shaft revolution speed, and said coefficient; and a shift controlling means for controlling a shift element of the transmission in accordance with said shift speed so as approach to said steady state transmission ratio, wherein the shift speed determined in said shift speed determining means is a decreasing function with respect to said current transmission ratio and said output shaft revolution speed, and an increasing function with respect to said coefficient, and wherein said coefficient computing means comprises a steady state output power computing means for computing a steady state output power in accordance with the operating condition of the vehicle, and said steady state transmission ratio, and said coefficient computing means computes said coefficient in accordance with a rate of change of said steady state output power.

Claim 26

In a vehicle having a continuously variable transmission between an engine and a drive axle, a control system for the vehicle equipped with the continuously variable transmission, said control system comprising: a steady state transmission ratio computing means for computing a steady state transmission ratio in accordance with an operating condition of the vehicle; a transmission ratio detecting means for detecting a current transmission ratio; an output shaft revolution speed detecting means for detecting an output shaft revolution speed of the transmission; a coefficient computing means for computing a coefficient determined by the operating condition of the vehicle; a shift speed determining means for determining a shift speed in shifting in accordance with at least said current transmission ratio, said output shaft revolution speed, and said coefficient; and a shift controlling means for controlling a shift element of the transmission in accordance with said shift speed so as approach to said steady state transmission ratio, wherein said coefficient computing means comprises a steady state driving force computing means for computing a steady state vehicle driving force in accordance with the operating condition of the vehicle, and said steady state transmission ratio, and said coefficient computing means computes said coefficient in accordance with a rate of change of said steady state driving force.

Claim 27

In a vehicle having a continuously variable transmission between an engine and a drive axle, a control system for the vehicle equipped with the continuously variable transmission, said control system comprising: a steady state transmission ratio computing means for computing a steady state transmission ratio in accordance with an operating condition of the vehicle; a transmission ratio detecting means for detecting a current transmission ratio; an output shaft revolution speed detecting means for detecting an output shaft revolution speed of the transmission; a coefficient computing means for computing a coefficient determined by the operating condition of the vehicle; a shift speed determining means for determining a shift speed in shifting in accordance with at least said current transmission ratio, said output shaft revolution speed, and said coefficient; and a shift controlling means for controlling a shift element of the transmission in accordance with said shift speed so as approach to said steady state transmission ratio, wherein said coefficient computing means comprises a steady state driving force computing means for computing a steady state vehicle driving force in accordance with the operating condition of the vehicle, and said steady state transmission ratio, and said coefficient computing means computes said coefficient in accordance with a rate of change of said steady state driving force.

Claim 28

In a vehicle having a continuously variable transmission between an engine and a drive axle, a control system for the vehicle equipped with the continuously variable transmission, said control system comprising: a steady state transmission ratio computing means for computing a steady state transmission ratio in accordance with an operating condition of the vehicle; a transmission ratio detecting means for detecting a current transmission ratio; an output shaft revolution speed detecting means for detecting an output shaft revolution speed of the transmission; a coefficient computing means for computing a coefficient determined by the operating condition of the vehicle; a shift speed determining means for determining a shift speed in shifting in accordance with at least said current transmission ratio, said output shaft revolution speed, and said coefficient; and a shift controlling means for controlling a shift element of the transmission in accordance with said shift speed so as approach to said steady state transmission ratio, wherein the shift speed determined in said shift speed determining means is a decreasing function with respect to said current transmission ratio and said output shaft revolution speed, and an increasing function with respect to said coefficient, and wherein said coefficient computing means comprises a steady state driving force computing means for computing a steady state vehicle driving force in accordance with the operating condition of the vehicle, and said steady state transmission ratio, and said coefficient computing means computes said coefficient in accordance with a rate of change of said steady state driving force.

Claim 29

In a vehicle having a continuously variable transmission between an engine and a drive axle, a control system for the vehicle equipped with the continuously variable transmission, said control system comprising: a steady state transmission ratio computing means for computing a steady state transmission ratio in accordance with an operating condition of the vehicle; a transmission ratio detecting means for detecting a current transmission ratio; an output shaft revolution speed detecting means for detecting an output shaft revolution speed of the transmission; a coefficient computing means for computing a coefficient determined by the operating condition of the vehicle; a shift speed determining means for determining a shift speed in shifting in accordance with at least said current transmission ratio, said output shaft revolution speed, and said coefficient; and a shift controlling means for controlling a shift element of the transmission in accordance with said shift speed so as approach to said steady state transmission ratio, wherein the shift speed determined in said shift speed determining means is a decreasing function with respect to said current transmission ratio and said output shaft revolution speed, and an increasing function with respect to said coefficient, and wherein said coefficient computing means comprises a steady state driving force computing means for computing a steady state vehicle driving force in accordance with the operating condition of the vehicle, and said steady state transmission ratio, and said coefficient computing means computes said coefficient in accordance with a rate of change of said steady state driving force.

Claim 30

In a vehicle having a continuously variable transmission between an engine and a drive axle, a control method for the vehicle with the continuously variable transmission, said control method comprising the steps of: computing a steady state transmission ratio in accordance with an operating condition of the vehicle, detecting a current transmission ratio, detecting an output shaft revolution speed of the transmission, computing a coefficient determined by the vehicle operating condition, determining a shift speed in accordance with at least said current transmission ratio, said output shaft revolution speed and said coefficient, and controlling a shift element of said transmission in accordance with said shift speed so as to approach to said steady state transmission ratio, wherein the method further comprises a step for determining a fraction whose numerator is equal to the coefficient, and whose denominator is proportional to said current transmission ratio and proportional to said output shaft revolution speed and for determining the shift speed in accordance with the fraction.

Claim 31

In a vehicle having a continuously variable transmission between an engine and a drive axle, a control method for the vehicle with the continuously variable transmission, said control method comprising the steps of: computing a steady state transmission ratio in accordance with an operating condition of the vehicle, detecting a current transmission ratio, detecting an output shaft revolution speed of the transmission, computing a coefficient determined by the vehicle operating condition, determining a shift speed in accordance with at least said current transmission ratio, said output shaft revolution speed and said coefficient, and controlling a shift element of said transmission in accordance with said shift speed so as to approach to said steady state transmission ratio, wherein the method further comprises a step for determining a fraction whose numerator is equal to the coefficient, and whose denominator is proportional to said current transmission ratio and proportional to said output shaft revolution speed and for determining the shift speed in accordance with the fraction.

Claim 32

In a vehicle having a continuously variable transmission between an engine and a drive axle, a control system for the vehicle equipped with the continuously variable transmission, said control system comprising: a steady state transmission ratio computing means for computing a steady state transmission ratio in accordance with an operating condition of the vehicle; a transmission ratio detecting means for detecting a current transmission ratio; an output shaft revolution speed detecting means for detecting an output shaft revolution speed of the transmission; a coefficient computing means for computing a coefficient determined by the operating condition of the vehicle; a shift speed determining means for determining a shift speed in shifting in accordance with at least said current transmission ratio, said output shaft revolution speed, and said coefficient; and a shift controlling means for controlling a shift element of the transmission in accordance with said shift speed so as approach to said steady state transmission ratio, wherein the shift speed determining means includes a means for determining a fraction whose numerator is equal to the coefficient, and whose denominator is proportional to said current transmission ratio and proportional to said output shaft revolution speed.

Claim 33

In a vehicle having a continuously variable transmission between an engine and a drive axle, a control system for the vehicle equipped with the continuously variable transmission, said control system comprising: a steady state transmission ratio computing means for computing a steady state transmission ratio in accordance with an operating condition of the vehicle; a transmission ratio detecting means for detecting a current transmission ratio; an output shaft revolution speed detecting means for detecting an output shaft revolution speed of the transmission; a coefficient computing means for computing a coefficient determined by the operating condition of the vehicle; a shift speed determining means for determining a shift speed in shifting in accordance with at least said current transmission ratio, said output shaft revolution speed, and said coefficient; and a shift controlling means for controlling a shift element of the transmission in accordance with said shift speed so as approach to said steady state transmission ratio, wherein the shift speed determining means includes a means for determining a fraction whose numerator is equal to the coefficient, and whose denominator is proportional to said current transmission ratio and proportional to said output shaft revolution speed.

Claim 34

In a vehicle having a continuously variable transmission between an engine and a drive axle, a control system for the vehicle equipped with the continuously variable transmission, said control system comprising: a steady state transmission ratio computing means for computing a steady state transmission ratio in accordance with an operating condition of the vehicle; a transmission ratio detecting means for detecting a current transmission ratio; an output shaft revolution speed detecting means for detecting an output shaft revolution speed of the transmission; a coefficient computing means for computing a coefficient determined by the operating condition of the vehicle; a shift speed determining means for determining a shift speed in shifting in accordance with at least said current transmission ratio, said output shaft revolution speed, and said coefficient; and a shift controlling means for controlling a shift element of the transmission in accordance with said shift speed so as approach to said steady state transmission ratio, wherein said coefficient computing means is a means for computing said coefficient in accordance with a relationship between said current transmission ratio and said steady state transmission ratio, and wherein said coefficient computing means is a means for determining the coefficient which is an increasing function of an absolute value of a difference between said current transmission ratio and said steady state transmission ratio and said steady state transmission ratio.

Claim 35

In a vehicle having a continuously variable transmission between an engine and a drive axle, a control system for the vehicle equipped with the continuously variable transmission, said control system comprising: a steady state transmission ratio computing means for computing a steady state transmission ratio in accordance with an operating condition of the vehicle; a transmission ratio detecting means for detecting a current transmission ratio; an output shaft revolution speed detecting means for detecting an output shaft revolution speed of the transmission; a coefficient computing means for computing a coefficient determined by the operating condition of the vehicle; a shift speed determining means for determining a shift speed in shifting in accordance with at least said current transmission ratio, said output shaft revolution speed, and said coefficient; and a shift controlling means for controlling a shift element of the transmission in accordance with said shift speed so as approach to said steady state transmission ratio, wherein said coefficient computing means is a means for computing said coefficient in accordance with a relationship between said current transmission ratio and said steady state transmission ratio, and wherein said coefficient computing means is a means for determining the coefficient which is an increasing function of an absolute value of a difference between said current transmission ratio and said steady state transmission ratio and said steady state transmission ratio.

Claim 36

In a vehicle having a continuously variable transmission between an engine and a drive axle, a control system for the vehicle equipped with the continuously variable transmission, said control system comprising: a steady state transmission ratio computing unit that calculates a steady state transmission ratio in accordance with an operating condition of the vehicle; a transmission ratio detector that detects a current transmission ratio; an output shaft revolution speed detector that detects an output shaft revolution speed of the transmission; a coefficient computing unit that calculates a coefficient determined by the operating condition of the vehicle; a shift speed determining unit that calculates a shift speed in shifting in accordance with at least said current transmission ratio, said output shaft revolution speed, and said coefficient; and a shift controller that controls a shift element of the transmission in accordance with said shift speed so as to approach said steady state transmission ratio, wherein the shift speed determining unit is connected with the transmission ratio detector unit, the output shaft revolution speed detector and the coefficient computing unit, and receives a signal representing the current transmission ratio from the transmission ratio detector, a signal representing the output shaft revolution speed from the output shaft revolution speed detector, and a signal representing the coefficient from the coefficient computing unit.

Claim 37

In a vehicle having a continuously variable transmission between an engine and a drive axle, a control system for the vehicle equipped with the continuously variable transmission, said control system comprising: a steady state transmission ratio computing unit that calculates a steady state transmission ratio in accordance with an operating condition of the vehicle; a transmission ratio detector that detects a current transmission ratio; an output shaft revolution speed detector that detects an output shaft revolution speed of the transmission; a coefficient computing unit that calculates a coefficient determined by the operating condition of the vehicle; a shift speed determining unit that calculates a shift speed in shifting in accordance with at least said current transmission ratio, said output shaft revolution speed, and said coefficient; and a shift controller that controls a shift element of the transmission in accordance with said shift speed so as to approach said steady state transmission ratio, wherein the shift speed determining unit is connected with the transmission ratio detector unit, the output shaft revolution speed detector and the coefficient computing unit, and receives a signal representing the current transmission ratio from the transmission ratio detector, a signal representing the output shaft revolution speed from the output shaft revolution speed detector, and a signal representing the coefficient from the coefficient computing unit.

Claim 38

A control system for the vehicle with the continuously variable transmission as recited in claim 22, wherein said coefficient computing unit calculates said coefficient in accordance with a relationship between said current transmission ratio and said steady state transmission ratio.

Claim 39

A control system according to claim 23 wherein said coefficient computing unit calculates the coefficient as an increasing function of an absolute value of a difference between said current transmission ration and said steady state transmission ratio.

Claim 40

A control system as recited in claim 22 wherein said coefficient is calculated in accordance with a rate of change of said steady state transmission ratio.

Claim 41

A control system according to claim 22 wherein the shift speed determining unit also determines a fraction whose numerator is equal to the coefficient, and whose denominator is proportional to said current transmission ratio and proportional to said output shaft revolution speed.

Claim 42

In a vehicle having a continuously variable transmission between an engine and a drive axle, a control system for the vehicle equipped with the continuously variable transmission, said control system comprising: a steady state transmission ratio computing unit that calculates a steady state transmission ratio in accordance with an operating condition of the vehicle; a transmission ratio detector that detects a current transmission ratio; an output shaft revolution speed detector that detects an output shaft revolution speed of the transmission; a coefficient computing unit that calculates a coefficient determined by the operating condition of the vehicle; a shift speed determining unit that calculates a shift speed in shifting in accordance with at least said current transmission ratio, said output shaft revolution speed, and said coefficient; and a shift controller that controls a shift element of the transmission in accordance with said shift speed so as to approach said steady state transmission ratio, wherein said coefficient computing unit calculates said coefficient in accordance with a relationship between said current transmission ratio and said steady state transmission ratio, and wherein said relationship is a difference between the steady state transmission ratio and the current transmission ratio.

Claim 43

In a vehicle having a continuously variable transmission between an engine and a drive axle, a control system for the vehicle equipped with the continuously variable transmission, said control system comprising: a steady state transmission ratio computing unit that calculates a steady state transmission ratio in accordance with an operating condition of the vehicle; a transmission ratio detector that detects a current transmission ratio; an output shaft revolution speed detector that detects an output shaft revolution speed of the transmission; a coefficient computing unit that calculates a coefficient determined by the operating condition of the vehicle; a shift speed determining unit that calculates a shift speed in shifting in accordance with at least said current transmission ratio, said output shaft revolution speed, and said coefficient; and a shift controller that controls a shift element of the transmission in accordance with said shift speed so as to approach said steady state transmission ratio, wherein said coefficient computing unit calculates said coefficient in accordance with a relationship between said current transmission ratio and said steady state transmission ratio, and wherein said relationship is a difference between the steady state transmission ratio and the current transmission ratio.

Claim 44

In a vehicle having a continuously variable transmission between an engine and a drive axle, a control system for the vehicle equipped with the continuously variable transmission, said control system comprising: a steady state transmission ratio computing unit that calculates a steady state transmission ratio in accordance with an operating condition of the vehicle; a transmission ratio detector that detects a current transmission ratio; an output shaft revolution speed detector that detects an output shaft revolution speed of the transmission; a coefficient computing unit that calculates a coefficient determined by the operating condition of the vehicle; a shift speed determining unit that calculates a shift speed in shifting in accordance with at least said current transmission ratio, said output shaft revolution speed, and said coefficient; and a shift controller that controls a shift element of the transmission in accordance with said shift speed so as to approach said steady state transmission ratio, wherein said coefficient computing unit calculates said coefficient in accordance with a relationship between said current transmission ratio and said steady state transmission ratio, and wherein said relationship is a ratio between the steady state transmission ratio and the current transmission ratio.

Claim 45

In a vehicle having a continuously variable transmission between an engine and a drive axle, a control system for the vehicle equipped with the continuously variable transmission, said control system comprising: a steady state transmission ratio computing unit that calculates a steady state transmission ratio in accordance with an operating condition of the vehicle; a transmission ratio detector that detects a current transmission ratio; an output shaft revolution speed detector that detects an output shaft revolution speed of the transmission; a coefficient computing unit that calculates a coefficient determined by the operating condition of the vehicle; a shift speed determining unit that calculates a shift speed in shifting in accordance with at least said current transmission ratio, said output shaft revolution speed, and said coefficient; and a shift controller that controls a shift element of the transmission in accordance with said shift speed so as to approach said steady state transmission ratio, wherein said coefficient computing unit calculates said coefficient in accordance with a relationship between said current transmission ratio and said steady state transmission ratio, and wherein said relationship is a ratio between the steady state transmission ratio and the current transmission ratio.

Claim 46

In a vehicle having a continuously variable transmission between an engine and a drive axle, a control system for the vehicle equipped with the continuously variable transmission, said control system comprising: a steady state transmission ratio computing unit that calculates a steady state transmission ratio in accordance with an operating condition of the vehicle; a transmission ratio detector that detects a current transmission ratio; an output shaft revolution speed detector that detects an output shaft revolution speed of the transmission; a coefficient computing unit that calculates a coefficient determined by the operating condition of the vehicle; a shift speed determining unit that calculates a shift speed in shifting in accordance with at least said current transmission ratio, said output shaft revolution speed, and said coefficient; and a shift controller that controls a shift element of the transmission in accordance with said shift speed so as to approach said steady state transmission ratio, wherein said coefficient computing unit includes a current output power computing unit that computes a current output power in accordance with the operating condition of the vehicle, and a steady state output power computing unit that computes a steady state output power in accordance with the operating condition of the vehicle, and said steady state transmission ratio, and said coefficient computing unit calculates said coefficient in accordance with a relationship between said current output power and said steady state output power.

Claim 47

In a vehicle having a continuously variable transmission between an engine and a drive axle, a control system for the vehicle equipped with the continuously variable transmission, said control system comprising: a steady state transmission ratio computing unit that calculates a steady state transmission ratio in accordance with an operating condition of the vehicle; a transmission ratio detector that detects a current transmission ratio; an output shaft revolution speed detector that detects an output shaft revolution speed of the transmission; a coefficient computing unit that calculates a coefficient determined by the operating condition of the vehicle; a shift speed determining unit that calculates a shift speed in shifting in accordance with at least said current transmission ratio, said output shaft revolution speed, and said coefficient; and a shift controller that controls a shift element of the transmission in accordance with said shift speed so as to approach said steady state transmission ratio, wherein said coefficient computing unit includes a current output power computing unit that computes a current output power in accordance with the operating condition of the vehicle, and a steady state output power computing unit that computes a steady state output power in accordance with the operating condition of the vehicle, and said steady state transmission ratio, and said coefficient computing unit calculates said coefficient in accordance with a relationship between said current output power and said steady state output power.

Claim 48

In a vehicle having a continuously variable transmission between an engine and a drive axle, a control system for the vehicle equipped with the continuously variable transmission, said control system comprising: a steady state transmission ratio computing unit that calculates a steady state transmission ratio in accordance with an operating condition of the vehicle; a transmission ratio detector that detects a current transmission ratio; an output shaft revolution speed detector that detects an output shaft revolution speed of the transmission; a coefficient computing unit that calculates a coefficient determined by the operating condition of the vehicle; a shift speed determining unit that calculates a shift speed in shifting in accordance with at least said current transmission ratio, said output shaft revolution speed, and said coefficient; and a shift controller that controls a shift element of the transmission in accordance with said shift speed so as to approach said steady state transmission ratio, wherein said coefficient computing unit includes a current driving force computing unit that calculates a current vehicle driving force in accordance with the operating condition of the vehicle and a steady state driving force computing unit that calculates a steady state vehicle driving force in accordance with the operating condition of the vehicle, and said steady state transmission ratio, and said coefficient computing unit calculates said coefficient in accordance with a relationship between said current vehicle driving force and said steady state vehicle driving force.

Claim 49

In a vehicle having a continuously variable transmission between an engine and a drive axle, a control system for the vehicle equipped with the continuously variable transmission, said control system comprising: a steady state transmission ratio computing unit that calculates a steady state transmission ratio in accordance with an operating condition of the vehicle; a transmission ratio detector that detects a current transmission ratio; an output shaft revolution speed detector that detects an output shaft revolution speed of the transmission; a coefficient computing unit that calculates a coefficient determined by the operating condition of the vehicle; a shift speed determining unit that calculates a shift speed in shifting in accordance with at least said current transmission ratio, said output shaft revolution speed, and said coefficient; and a shift controller that controls a shift element of the transmission in accordance with said shift speed so as to approach said steady state transmission ratio, wherein said coefficient computing unit includes a current driving force computing unit that calculates a current vehicle driving force in accordance with the operating condition of the vehicle and a steady state driving force computing unit that calculates a steady state vehicle driving force in accordance with the operating condition of the vehicle, and said steady state transmission ratio, and said coefficient computing unit calculates said coefficient in accordance with a relationship between said current vehicle driving force and said steady state vehicle driving force.

Claim 50

In a vehicle having a continuously variable transmission between an engine and a drive axle, a control system for the vehicle equipped with the continuously variable transmission, said control system comprising: a steady state transmission ratio computing unit that calculates a steady state transmission ratio in accordance with an operating condition of the vehicle; a transmission ratio detector that detects a current transmission ratio; an output shaft revolution speed detector that detects an output shaft revolution speed of the transmission; a coefficient computing unit that calculates a coefficient determined by the operating condition of the vehicle; a shift speed determining unit that calculates a shift speed in shifting in accordance with at least said current transmission ratio, said output shaft revolution speed, and said coefficient; and a shift controller that controls a shift element of the transmission in accordance with said shift speed so as to approach said steady state transmission ratio, wherein said coefficient computing unit includes a steady state output power computing unit that computes a steady state output power in accordance with the operating condition of the vehicle, and said steady state transmission ratio, and said coefficient computing unit calculates said coefficient in accordance with a rate of change of said steady state output power.

Claim 51

In a vehicle having a continuously variable transmission between an engine and a drive axle, a control system for the vehicle equipped with the continuously variable transmission, said control system comprising: a steady state transmission ratio computing unit that calculates a steady state transmission ratio in accordance with an operating condition of the vehicle; a transmission ratio detector that detects a current transmission ratio; an output shaft revolution speed detector that detects an output shaft revolution speed of the transmission; a coefficient computing unit that calculates a coefficient determined by the operating condition of the vehicle; a shift speed determining unit that calculates a shift speed in shifting in accordance with at least said current transmission ratio, said output shaft revolution speed, and said coefficient; and a shift controller that controls a shift element of the transmission in accordance with said shift speed so as to approach said steady state transmission ratio, wherein said coefficient computing unit includes a steady state output power computing unit that computes a steady state output power in accordance with the operating condition of the vehicle, and said steady state transmission ratio, and said coefficient computing unit calculates said coefficient in accordance with a rate of change of said steady state output power.

Claim 52

In a vehicle having a continuously variable transmission between an engine and a drive axle, a control system for the vehicle equipped with the continuously variable transmission, said control system comprising: a steady state transmission ratio computing unit that calculates a steady state transmission ratio in accordance with an operating condition of the vehicle; a transmission ratio detector that detects a current transmission ratio; an output shaft revolution speed detector that detects an output shaft revolution speed of the transmission; a coefficient computing unit that calculates a coefficient determined by the operating condition of the vehicle; a shift speed determining unit that calculates a shift speed in shifting in accordance with at least said current transmission ratio, said output shaft revolution speed, and said coefficient; and a shift controller that controls a shift element of the transmission in accordance with said shift speed so as to approach said steady state transmission ratio, wherein said coefficient computing unit includes a steady state driving force computing unit that computes a steady state vehicle driving force in accordance with the operating condition of the vehicle, and said steady state transmission ratio, and said coefficient computing unit calculates said coefficient in accordance with a rate of change of said steady state driving force.

Claim 53

In a vehicle having a continuously variable transmission between an engine and a drive axle, a control system for the vehicle equipped with the continuously variable transmission, said control system comprising: a steady state transmission ratio computing unit that calculates a steady state transmission ratio in accordance with an operating condition of the vehicle; a transmission ratio detector that detects a current transmission ratio; an output shaft revolution speed detector that detects an output shaft revolution speed of the transmission; a coefficient computing unit that calculates a coefficient determined by the operating condition of the vehicle; a shift speed determining unit that calculates a shift speed in shifting in accordance with at least said current transmission ratio, said output shaft revolution speed, and said coefficient; and a shift controller that controls a shift element of the transmission in accordance with said shift speed so as to approach said steady state transmission ratio, wherein said coefficient computing unit includes a steady state driving force computing unit that computes a steady state vehicle driving force in accordance with the operating condition of the vehicle, and said steady state transmission ratio, and said coefficient computing unit calculates said coefficient in accordance with a rate of change of said steady state driving force.