Method of Input Power on/Off Discrimination for an Automatic Vehicular Transmission System

The present invention relates to a method of input power on/off discrimination for an automatic vehicular transmission system, and more particularly, to a method of input power on/off discrimination based on an output torque of an engine transmitted to an input shaft of an automatic transmission system, in which the result of discrimination is suitably used for the selection of the transmission control logic of the transmission system.

In a conventional transmission control method for an electronically-controlled, automatic vehicular transmission system, the transmission control logic varies depending on the power on/off state of the input torque of the transmission system. In an operation of shift-up from a lower gear ratio mode to a higher one, for example, if the input torque is in a power-on state, a frictional engagement element on the release side is first gradually disengaged so that the rotating speed of an input shaft of the transmission system is temporarily increased to a level a little higher than that of the input shaft speed immediately before the start of transmission control. Thereafter, a frictional engagement element on the connection side is caused to start engagement, and its engaging force is then adjusted. The input shaft speed is gradually reduced toward a rotating speed for the establishment of the higher gear ratio mode, while its changing rate is being adjusted to a predetermined value. When the input shaft speed attains the speed for the higher gear ratio mode, the engagement of the connection-side engagement element is completed.

If the input torque is in the power-off state at the time of the shift-up operation, on the other hand, the release-side frictional engagement element is disengaged on delivery of a shift command, while the connection-side engagement element is kept stand-by at a position just short of an engagement start position until the rotating speed of the input shaft is lowered to a predetermined level. When the input shaft speed is lowered to the predetermined level, the connection-side engagement element is caused to start engagement, and its engaging force is enhanced gradually. The input shaft speed is gradually reduced toward the rotating speed for the establishment of the higher gear ratio mode, while its changing rate is being adjusted to the predetermined value. When the input shaft speed attains the speed for the higher gear ratio mode, the engagement of the connection-side engagement element is completed.

In an operation of shift-down from a higher gear ratio mode to a lower one, moreover, if the input torque is in the power-on state, the release-side frictional engagement element is first gradually disengaged. The rotating speed of the input shaft is gradually increased toward a rotating speed for the establishment of the lower gear ratio mode, while its changing rate is being adjusted to a predetermined value. Since the engine is in its power-on state, the input shaft speed increases by itself if only part of the friction torque of the release-side engagement element is removed. After the input shaft speed is temporarily increased to a level a little higher than that of the speed for the lower gear ratio mode, the connection-side engagement element is caused to start engagement, while keeping this speed level of the input shaft, and its engaging force is increased gradually. Thus, the engagement of the connection-side engagement element is completed.

If the input torque is in the power-off state at the time of the shift-down operation, on the other hand, the release-side frictional engagement element is gradually disengaged so that the rotating speed of the input shaft is temporarily lowered to a level a little lower than that of the input shaft speed immediately before the start of transmission control. Thereafter, the connection-side frictional engagement element is caused to start engagement, and its engaging force is increased gradually. The input shaft speed is gradually increased toward the rotating speed for the establishment of the lower gear ratio mode, while its changing rate is being adjusted to the predetermined value. When the input shaft speed attains a speed level a little lower than the speed for the lower gear ratio mode, the engagement of the connection-side engagement element is completed.

In the aforementioned transmission control method using the transmission control logic varying according to the power on/off state of the input torque, it is essential to discriminate the power on/off state correctly. Conventionally, the discrimination of the power on/off state is based on the polarity, i.e., acceleration or deceleration of the engine output. Such a conventional method is subject to the following drawbacks.

In the discrimination method described above, if the operation is in an up-shift mode, for example, the power-off state is detected even when the engine output is only slightly decelerating or negative. Therefore, the release-side frictional engagement element is disengaged at once, while the connection-side engagement element is kept at the stand-by position until the rotating speed of the input shaft is lowered to the predetermined level. Thus, the input shaft speed cannot readily lower, so that the start of the engagement of the connection-side frictional engagement element is delayed.

In the case of a down-shift mode, moreover, the power-on state is detected even when the engine output is only slightly positive. Accordingly, automatic increase of the rotating speed of the input shaft is awaited, and the input shaft speed cannot readily increase. Thus, the completion of the engagement of the connection-side engagement element is delayed.

The primary object of the present invention is to provide a method of input power on/off discrimination for an automatic vehicular transmission system, capable of proper and secure discrimination of the power on/off state of the input torque of a transmission system, and of quickly finishing transmission control by selecting the transmission control logic of the transmission system in accordance with the result of the discrimination.

According to the present invention, there is provided a method of input power on/off discrimination for an automatic vehicular transmission system having an input shaft to which an output torque of an engine is transmitted, the method being adapted, for example, for the selection of the transmission control logic of the transmission system. The output torque of the engine transmitted to the input shaft is detected. If the detected output torque takes a value such that the rotating speed changing rate of the input shaft during transmission control is higher than a predetermined target value, it is concluded that the engine is in a power-on state. If the detected output torque takes a value such that the rotating speed changing rate is lower than the predetermined target value, on the other hand, it is concluded that the engine is in a power-off state.

Preferably, the output torque of the engine is transmitted to the input shaft of the transmission system through a driving force transmission apparatus capable of detecting transmission torque. In this case, the speed changing rate of the engine and the transmission torque of the driving force transmission apparatus are detected, and the detected transmission torque and the product of the detected engine speed changing rate and a predetermined value are added so that the resulting sum is used as the value of the output torque of the engine. The power-on or -off state is discriminated by the output torque thus calculated.

The present invention is based on the understanding that the power on/off discrimination for the input torque should be effected depending on whether the rotating speed of the input shaft of the transmission system can be changed at a predetermined target changing rate when all the frictional engagement elements concerned in the transmission control are disengaged. Thus, even though the engine output is positive, for example, the power-on state cannot be detected unless the input torque takes a value such that the rotating speed changing rate of the input shaft of the transmission system, at the time of transmission control, is higher than the predetermined target value. In consequence, the transmission control does not require any long time.

The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be more apparent from the ensuing detailed description taken in conneciton with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of an automatic transmission with a torque converter, to which the present invention is applied;

FIG. 2 is a gear train diagram showning part of the internal arrangment of a gear transmission 30 shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a hydraulic circuit diagram showing part of the internal arrangement of a hydraulic circuit 40 shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart for a main routine illustrating hydraulic control processes executed during transmission control by means of a transmission control unit (TCU) 16 shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a timing chart illustrating the way pulse signals from an engine speed (Ne) sensor 14, used to calculate an engine speed Ne, are produced;

FIG. 6 is a shift map showing transmission control regions defined by a throttle valve opening and a transfer drive gear speed No;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a power on/off decision routine executed by means of the transmission control unit (TCU) 16;

FIGS. 8 to 12 are flow charts illustrating processes of hydraulic control executed in a power-on up-shift mode by means of the transmission control unit (TCU) 16;

FIGS. 13(a), 13(b) and 13(c) are timing charts showing time-based transitions of a turbine speed Nt and the transfer drive gear speed No and transitions of the respective duty factors of release- and connection-side solenoid valves, used in the power-on up-shift mode;

FIGS. 14, 15 and 16 are flow charts illustrating processes of hydraulic control executed in a power-on down-shift mode by means of the transmission control unit (TCU) 16;

FIGS. 17(a), 17(b) and 17(c) are timing charts showing time-based transitions of the turbine speed Nt and the transfer drive gear speed No and transitions of the respective duty factors of the release- and connection-side solenoid valves, used in the power-on down-shift mode;

FIGS. 18, 19 and 20 are flow charts illustrating processes of hydrauli control executed in a power-off up-shift mode by means of the transmission control unit (TCU) 16;

FIGS, 21(a), 21(b) and 21(c) are timing charts showing time-based transitions of the turbine speed Nt and the transfer drive gear speed No and transitions of the respective duty factors of the release- and connection-side solenoid valves, used in the power-off up-shift mode;

FIGS. 22, 23 and 24 are flow charts illustrating processes of hydraulic control executed in a power-off down-shift mode by means of the transmission control unit (TCU) 16;

FIGS. 25(a), 25(b) and 25(c) are timing charts showing time-based transitions of the turbine speed Nt and the transfer drive gear speed No and transitions of the respective duty factors of the release- and connection-side solenoid valves, used in the power-off down-shift mode; and

FIG. 26 is a timing chart for illustrating time-based transitions of the throttle valve opening, turbine shaft torque, and output shaft torque used in a lift-foot up-shift mode.

FIG. 1 shows an outline of an electronically-controlled automatic vehicular transmission with a torque converter according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, an internal combustion engine 10, which is e.g. a 6-cylindered engine, has a crankshaft 10a fitted with a flywheel 11. One end of a drive shaft 21 of a torque converter 20, for use as a driving force transmission device, is coupled mechanically to the crankshaft 10a via the flywheel 11. The torque converter 20 includes a casing 20a, a pump 23, a stator 24, and a turbine 25. The pump 23 is coupled to the other end of the drive shaft 21 through an input casing 22 of the converter 20, and the stator 24 is coupled to the casing 20a by means of a one-way clutch 24a. The turbine 25 is connected to an input shaft 30a of a gear transmission 30.

In the present embodiment, the torque converter 20 is provided with a direct-coupled clutch of a slip-type, e.g., a damper clutch 28, which is disposed between the input casing 22 and the turbine 25. Even when it is engaged or directly coupled, the damper clutch 28 allows a suitable slip between the pump 23 and the turbine 25 of the torque converter 20 which are coupled mechanically and directly to each other. The slippage of the damper clutch 28, i.e., the torque transmitted through the clutch 28, is externally controlled by means of a hydraulic damper clutch control circuit 50.

The hydraulic damper clutch control circuit 50 includes a damper clutch control valve 52 and a damper clutch control solenoid valve 54. The solenoid valve 54 is a normally-closed on-off valve, whose solenoid 54a is connected electrically to a transmission control unit (hereinafter referred to simply as TCU) 16. The damper clutch control valve 52 serves to change an oil passage for operating oil to be supplied to the damper clutch 28, and to control the oil pressure acting on the clutch 28. To attain this, the control valve 52 is composed of a spool 52a and a spring 52c. The spring 52c is contained in a left-end chamber 52b, fronted by the left end face, as illustrated, of the spool 52a, and serves to urge the spool 52a to the right of FIG. 1. The left-end chamber 52b is connected with a pilot oil passage 55 which communicates with a pilot hydraulic source (not shown). The pilot oil passage 55 is connected with a branch passage 55a which extends to the drain side. The solenoid valve 54 is located in the middle of the branch passage 55a. The level of a pilot oil pressure supplied to the left-end chamber 52b is controlled as the solenoid valve 54 is opened or closed. The pilot oil pressure from the pilot hydraulic source is also supplied to a right-end chamber 52d which is fronted by the right end face of the spool 52a.

When the pilot oil pressure acts on the left-end chamber 52b to cause the spool 52a of the damper clutch control valve 52 to move to the right limit position, a torque converter (T/C) lubricating oil pressure, supplied to the torque converter 20, is fed through an oil passage 56, the control valve 52, and the oil passage 57 into a hydraulic chamber, which is defined between the input casing 22 and the damper clutch 28. Thereupon, the damper clutch 28 is disengaged. On the other hand, when the pilot oil pressure is not fed into the left-end chamber 52b so that the spool 52a moves to the left limit position as illustrated, a line pressure from a hydraulic pump (not shown) is fed through an oil passage 58, the control valve 52, and an oil passage 59 into an oil chamber, which is defined between the damper clutch 28 and the turbine 25. Thus, the damper clutch 28 is frictionally engaged with the input casing 22. When the duty factor (the ratio of the solenoid valve to the duty cycle time) Dc of the damper clutch solenoid valve 54 is controlled by means of the TCU 16, the spool 52a is moved to the position where the resultant force of the urging force of the spring 52c and the pilot oil pressure acting on the left-end chamber 52b balances with the urging force of the pilot oil pressure acting on the right-end chamber 52d. An oil pressure corresponding to the moved position is supplied to the damper clutch 28, whereby a transmission torque Tc of the clutch 28 is adjusted to a required value.

The gear transmission 30 includes a gear train adapted for four forward gear ratios and one backward gear ratio, for example. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing part of the arrangement of the gear transmission 30. First and second driving gears 31 and 32 are lossely fitted on the input shaft 30a for rotation, and hydraulic clutches 33 and 34, for use as frictional engagement elements for transmission control, are fixed to that portion of the input shaft 30a between the driving gears 31 and 32. The driving gears 31 and 32 are adapted to rotate in one with the input shaft 30a when they engage the clutches 33 and 34, respectively. An intermediate transmission shaft 35, which extends parallel to the input shaft 30a, is connected to a driving axle by means of a final reduction gear system (not shown). The intermediate transmission shaft 35 is fixedly fitted with first and second driven gears 36 and 37, which are in mesh with the first and second driving gears 31 and 32, respectively. When the clutch 33 engages the first driving gear 31, the rotation of the input shaft 30a is transmitted to the clutch 33, first driving gear 31, first driven gear 36, and intermediate transmission gear 35. Thus, a first transmission control mode (e.g., first gear ratio mode) is established. When the clutch 34 engages the second driving gear 32 after the clutch 33 is disengaged, the rotation of the input shaft 30a is transmitted to the clutch 34, second driving gear 32, second driven gear 37, and intermediate transmission shaft 35. Thus, a second transmissin control mode (e.g., second gear ratio mode) is established.

FIG. 3 shows a hydraulic circuit 40 which supplies oil pressure to the hydraulic clutches 33 and 34. The hydraulic circuit 40 includes first and second hydraulic control valves 44 and 46 and solenoid valves 47 and 48. Spools 45 and 49 are slidably fitted in bores 44a and 46a of the first and second hydraulic control vavles 44 and 46, respectively. Thus, right-end chambers 44g and 46g are defined which are fronted by the respective right end faces of the spools 45 and 49. Springs 44b and 46b, which are contained in the chambers 44g and 46g, respectively, urge their corresponding spools 45 and 49 to the right of FIG. 3. The first and second hydraulic control valves 44 and 46 are formed, respectively, with left-end chambers 44h and 46h which are fronted by the respective left end faces of the spools 45 and 49. These chambers 44h and 46h communicate with the drain side by way of orifices 44i and 46i, respectively.

The solenoid valve 47 is a normally-open three-way valve which has three ports 47c, 47d and 47e. The valve 47 is composed of a vavle plug 47a, a spring 47b, and a solenoid 47f. The spring 47b serves to urge the valve plug 47a toward the port 47e, thereby closing the port 47e. When the solenoid 47f is excited, it causes the valve plug 47a to move toward the port 47c against the urging force of the spring 47b, thereby closing the port 47c. The solenoid valve 48, on the other hand, is a normally-closed three-way valve which has three ports 48c, 48d and 48e. The valve 48 is composed of a valve plug 48a, a spring 48b, and a solenoid 48f. The spring 48b serves to urge the valve plug 48a toward the port 48c, thereby closing the port 48c. When the solenoid 48f is excited, it causes the valve plug 48a to move toward the port 48e against the urging force of the spring 48b, thereby closing the port 48e. The respective solenoids 47f and 48fof the solenoid valves 47 and 48 are connected to the output side of the TCU 16.

An oil passage 41, which extends from the aforesaid hydraulic pump (not shown), is connected to ports 44c and 46c of the first and second hydraulic control valves 44 and 46. One end of oil passage 41a is connected to a port 44d of the first hydraulic control valve 44, and the hydraulic clutch 33 is connected to the other end of the oil passage 41a. One end of an oil passage 41b is connected to a port 46d of the second hydraulic control valve 46, and the hydraulic clutch 34 is connected to the other end of the oil passage 41b. An oil passage 42, which extends from the aforesaid pilot hydraulic source (not shown), is connected to ports 44e and 46e, communicating with the left-end chambers 44h and 46h of the first and second hydraulic control valves 44 and 46, respectively, and also to the ports 47c and 48c of the solenoid valves 47 and 48, respectively. The ports 47d and 48d of the solenoid valves 47 and 48 are connected, respectively, to ports 44f and 46f which communicate with the right-end chambers 44g and 46g of the first and second hydraulic control valves 44 and 46 by means of pilot oil passages 42a and 42b, respectively. The ports 47e and 48e of the solenoid valves 47 and 48 communicate with the drain side.

The oil passage 41 is used to supply the first and second hydraulic control valves 44 and 46 with an operating oil pressure or line pressure, which is adjusted to a predetermined level by means of a pressure-regulating valve (not shown) or the like. The pilot oil passage 42 is used to supply the first and second hydraulic control valves 44 and 46 and the solenoid valves 47 and 48 with a pilot oil pressure, which is adjusted to a predetermined level by means of another pressure-regulating valve (not shown) or the like.

When the spool 45 of the first hydraulic control valve 44 moves to the left of FIG. 3, a land 45a of the spool 45, having so far been closing the port 44c, allows the port 44c to open, so that the operating oil pressure is fed to the clutch 33 through the oil passage 41, the ports 44c and 44d, and the oil passage 41a. When the spool 45 moves to the right, the port 44c is closed by the land 45a, while the port 44d communicates with a drain port 44j, so that the oil pressure inside the clutch 33 is discharged to the drain side. When the spool 49 of the second hydraulic control valve 46 moves to the left of FIG. 3, a land 49a of the spool 49, having so far been closing the port 46c, allows the port 46c to open, so that the operating oil pressure is fed to the clutch 34 through the oil passage 41, the ports 46c and 46d, and the oil passage 41b. When the spool 49 moves to the right, the port 46c is closed by the land 49a, while the port 46d communicates with a drain port 46j, so that the oil pressure inside the clutch 34 is discharged to the drain side.

Returning to FIG. 1, a ring gear 11a is fitted on the outer periphery of the flywheel 11, and is in mesh with a pinion 12a of a starter 12. The ring gear 11a has a predetermined number of the teeth (e.g., 110 teeth), and an electromagnetic pickup (hereinafter referred to as Ne sensor) 14 is opposed to the ring gear 11a. The Ne sensor 14, which is used to detect the rotational speed Ne of the engine 10, as described in detail later, is connected electrically to the input side of the TCU 16.

A turbine speed sensor (Nt sensor) 15, a transfer drive gear speed sensor (No sensor) 17, a throttle valve opening sensor (.theta.t sensor) 18, an oil temperature sensor 19, etc. are also connected to the input side of the TCU 16. The Nt sensor 15 and the No sensor 17 are used to detect the respective speeds Nt and No of the turbine 25 of the torque converter 20 and a transfer drive gear (not shown). The .theta.t sensor 18 serves to detect the opening .theta.t of throttle valve (not shown) which is disposed in the middle of suction passage (not shown) of the engine 10. The oilk temperature sensor 19 is used to detect the temperature Toil of the operating oil discharged from a hydraulic pump (not shown). Detection signals from these sensors are supplied to the TCU 16.

The operation of the gear transmission with the aforementioned construction will now be described.

The TCU 16 contains therein memories, such as a ROM, RAM, etc., central processing unit, I/O interface, counter, and the like. The TCU 16 performs hydraulic control for the transmission control in the following manner, in accordance with a program stored in the memories.

The TCU 16 repeatedly executes a main program routine shown in FIG. 4 with a predetermined cycle, e.g., 35-Hz cycle. In this main program routine, various initial values, as mentioned later, are first read or set in step S10. Then, the TCU 16 reads the detection signals from the various sensors, including the Ne sensor 14, Nt sensor 15, No sensor 17, .theta.t sensor 18, and oil temperature sensor 19, and stores the signals therein (step S11). Thereafter, the TCU 16 calculates and stores necessary parameter values for the transmission control, based on the detection signals, in the following manner.

First, the TCU 16 calculates the engine speed Ne and its changing rate .omega.e on the basis of the detection signal from the Ne sensor 14 (step S12). The Ne sensor 14 delivers one pulse signal to the TCU 16 every time it detects four of the teeth of the ring gear 11a during one revolution of the gear 11a. Then, TCU 16 measures the period of time tp (sec) required for the detection of the last 9 pulses out of those pulse signals which are supplied during one duty cycle, i.e., in 28.6 msec (35 Hz), as shown in FIG. 5. Thereafter, the TCU 16 calculates the engine speed Ne (rpm) in accordance with the following equation (1), and stores in the memories the obtained value as an engine speed (Ne).sub.n for the present duty cycle. ##EQU1##

Based on an engine speed (Ne).sub.n-1 stored in the last duty cycle and the engine speed (Ne).sub.n stored in the present duty cycle, the engine speed changing rate .omega.e (rad/sec.sup.2) is calculated as follows and then stored: ##EQU2## where there are relations .DELTA.Ne=(Ne).sub.n -(Ne).sub.n-1 and T=(T1+T2)/2, and T1 and T2 are periods of time (sec) between the respective count end points of the periods tp in the last and present duty cycles and between the respective count start points thereof, respectively.

Then, the TCU 16 proceeds to step S13, and calculates the net torque Te of the engine and the torque (hereinafter referred to as turbine shaft torque) Tt (kg.multidot.m) of the output shaft of the torque converter.

The relationships fo the friction torque Tb of the clutch on the release or connection side, obtained during the transmission control, to the turbine shaft torque Tt and the turbine speed changing rate .omega.t during the transmission control may be given as follows:

where a and b are constants which depend on the shift pattern or shift schedule (type of transmission control), such as shift-up from first gear ratio to second or shift-down from fourth gear ratio mode to third, the moments of inertia of various rotating parts, etc. As seen from equation (A1), the clutch friction torque Tb, that is, the operating oil pressure for the clutches 33 and 34, can be set without receiving the influences of lowering of the engine performance, change of engine water temperature, etc., if it is determined on the basis of the turbine shaft torque Tt and the turbine speed changing rate .omega.t. Empirical formulas and data obtained in consideration of these circumstances may be readily applied to engines of different types.

If the turbine speed changing ratre .omega.t is expected to be subjected to feedback control for a target value, despite the change of the turbine shaft torque Tt, what is required is not to correct the deviation of the changing rate .omega.t from the target value afterward, but to increase or decrease the friction torque Tb, i.e., the operating oil pressure of the clutches 33 and 34, by a margin corresponding to the variation of the turbine shaft torque Tt. By doing this, stable transmission control can be effected with high follow-up performance, without requiring any substantial correction gain for feedback control.

If the time-based change of the turbine shaft torque Tt at the start of the generation of the friction torque of the connection-side clutch can be estimated at the start of the transmission control, the clutch friction torque can be changed while controlling the turbine speed changing rate .omega.t around the target value, in accordance with equation (A1). Therefore, such a change of the torque Tt is empirically obtained in advance. Based on empirical data thus obtained, the change of the turbine shaft torque Tt, at the start of the actual generation of the torque of the connection-side clutch, is estimated. By applying the estimated value to equation (A1), the oil pressure supplied to the clutch can be adjusted to change the friction torque Tb so that the target value of the turbine speed changing rate .omega.t can be obtained according to equation (A1). By doing this, the turbine speed changing rate .omega.t can be accurately controlled around the target value from the start of the generation of the friction torque of the connection-side clutch. Thus, the feeling of operation for the transmission control can be improved.

Thereupon, the turbine shaft torque Tt is calculated according to equation (4), using the net engine torque Te calculated according to equation (3), and these calculated values are stored in the memories: ##EQU3## Here Te is a net torque which is obtained by subtracting the friction loss, oil pump driving torque, etc. from an average torque produced by the explosion of the engine 10, and C is a torque capacity coefficient, which is read from a torque converter characteristic table, previously stored in the memories, in accordance with the ratio e (=Nt/Ne) of the turbine speed Nt to the engine speed Ne. After the speed ratio e is first calculated according to the turbine speed Nt, detected by means of the Nt sensor 14, and the engine speed Ne detected in the aforesaid manner, the torque capacity coefficient C is read from the memories in accordance with the calculated speed ratio e. I.sub.E is the moment of inertia of the engine 10, which is fixed value set for each engine type, and t is a torque ratio, which is also read from the aforesaid torque converter characteristic table in accordance with the speed ratio e (=Nt/Ne).

Tc is the transmission torque of the damper clutch 28, which, in the direct-coupled clutch of this slip type, is given by ##EQU4## where Pc, A, r, and .mu. are the supplied oil pressure, piston pressure receiving area, friction area, and coefficient of friction, respectively, of the damper clutch 38. Equation (5) can be obtained because the supplied oil pressure Pc of the damper clutch 28 is proportional to the duty factor Dc of the damper clutch solenoid valve 54. In equation (5), a1 and b1 are constants which are set according to the shift mode. The value Tc calculated by equation (5) is effective only if it is positive. If it is negative, Tc is regarded as Tc=0.

The instantaneous values fo the net engine torque Te and the turbine shaft torque Tt, calculated and stored in this manner, can be calculated on the basis of the engine speed Ne detected by the Ne sensor 14, the turbine speed Nt detected by the Nt sensor 15, and the duty factor Dc of the damper clutch solenoid valve 54. As seen from equations (3) and (4), moreover, the engine output torque Te is calculated including the term (I.sub.E .times..omega.e), so that it hardly receives the influence of the turbine speed changing rate .omega.t or friction torque Tb. Therefore, if the friction torque Tb is adjusted, that is, if the supplied pressure of the clutch is adjusted, in order to set the changing rate .omega.t to the target value, the turbine shaft torque Tt never changes. Thus, these two torques cannot interfere with each other, and therefore, never entail any uncontrollable situations. In the middle of the transmission control, in particular, if the friction torque Tb is adjusted so as to correct variation of the turbine shaft torque Tt, which is caused by disturbance attributable to acceleration work or the like, the aforesaid interference cannot be entailed. Thus, the transmission control can be performed with satisfactory responsiveness.

Then, in step S14, the TCU 16 determines the transmission gear ratio mode to be established in the gear transmission 30, on the basis of the opening .theta.t of the throttle valve and the transfer drive gear speed No. FIG. 6 shows transmission control regions for the first transmission control mode (hereinafter referred to as first gear ratio mode) and the second transmission control mode (hereinafter referred to as second gear ratio mode) one grade higher than the first mode. In FIG. 6, the full line represents a boundary line between the regions for the first and second gear ratio modes, provided for the shift-up operation from the first gear ratio mode to the second. The broken line represents a boundary line between the first and second gear ratio mode regions provided for the shift-down operation from the second gear ratio mode to the first. The TCU 16 determines the transmission gear ratio mode to be established according to the shift map of FIG. 6, and stores data representing the predetermined mode in the memories in advance.

Then, the TCU 16 proceeds to step S15, and executes a power on/off discrimination routine. FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing this routine. First, a discrimination value Tto is set in step S151. The value Tto is calculated as follows:

where a2 and Ni are predetermined values previously set in accordance with the shift schedule. The values a2 and Ni are negative in an up shift mode and positive in a down-shift mode. Then, the TCU 16 determines whether the turbine shaft torque Tt, calculated in step S13, is greater than the discrimination value Tto (step S152). If the conclusion is YES, power-on shift is identified (step S153). If NO, power-off shift is identified (step S154). The TCU 16 stores the memories with the result of power on/off discrimination (step S155), and then returns to the main routine shown in FIG. 4.

The above method of power on/off discrimination is based on the following principle. Generally, equation (6) is obtained if the turbine shaft torque T, the turbine speed changing rate .omega.t for transmission control, and the clutch friction torque Tb are replaced by 0, .omega.to, and Tto, respectively, in equation (A1) which represents the relationships of the value Tb to the values Tt and .omega.t. When no other elements except the clutches are operating, the power on/off discrimination is effected depending on whether or not the turbine shaft torque Tt produced is great enough to ensure the target value .omega.to. Thus, the following drawbacks of the conventional discrimination method, in which the power on/off discrimination depends simply on the polarity or acceleration sense of the engine output, can be eliminated.

More specifically, the transmission control system using different logics for power-on and -off states is subject to the following drawbacks.

(1) If the engine output is somewhat negative in the up shift mode, the power-off state will be detected wrongly. As a result, the connection-side friction element (clutch) is left disengaged, so that the transmission control cannot be completed.

(2) If the engine output is somewhat positive in the down-shift mode, on the other hand, the power-on state will be detected wrongly. Accordingly, automatic increase of the rotating speed of the input shaft of the transmission is awaited, so that the connection-side friction element (clutch) fails to be connected. Thus, the transmission control cannot be completed.

A lift-foot up-shift operation or a down-shift operation with a driver's foot on an accelerator pedal requires as fast power on/off discrimination as possible. The turbine shaft torque Tt used in the aforesaid power on/off discrimination is, so to speak, an imaginary turbine shaft torque which is obtained by multiplying the net engine torque Te, obtained from equation (3), by the torque ratio t. Thus, the power on/off discrimination can be achieved more quickly than the discrimination using an actual turbine shaft torque Tt' (=T.times.CNe.sup.2 +Tc) which is obtained by omitting the term (I.sub.E .times..omega.e) from equation (4). Thus, during the lift-foot up- shift operation, for example, the shock of speed reduction can be avoided, in a low gear ratio mode, if the reduction of the engine output is sensed as soon as possible so that the release-side element (clutch) is disengaged without delay. Referring to FIG. 26, when the accelerator pedal is released so that the up shift mode is established (FIG. 26(a)), the actual turbine shaft torque Tt' and the imaginary turbine shaft torque Tt change along the broken and full lines of FIG. 26(b), respectively. Accordingly, the power-off state can be detected at time t1 of FIG. 26(b) when the imaginary turbine shaft torque Tt is used, and at time t2 when the actual turbine shaft torque Tt' is used. Thus, with use of the imaginary torque Tt, the power-off discrimination can be performed faster by .DELTA.t (=t2-t1) than when the actual torque Tt' is used. Correspondingly, the release-side element can be disengaged more quickly, so that the shock of speed reduction can be avoided without a drop (see hatched region of FIG. 26(c)) of the output shaft torque.

Returning to FIG. 4, the TCU 16 then determines whether the transmission control region to be established, which is determined in step S14, is different from the result obtained in the preceding duty cycle. If there is no difference, the program returns to step S11, and step S11 and the subsequent steps are repeated again. If the transmission control region is changed, on the other hand, a shift signal correspondikng to the shift pattern discriminated in steps S14 and S15 is outputted (step S17), whereupon the program returns to step S11.

FIGS. 8 to 12 are flow charts showing processes of hydraulic transmission control for a power-on up-shift mode. Referring to FIG. 13, the processes of hydraulic control will be described in connection with the case of shift-up operation from the first gear ratio mode to the second, by way of example.

In response to a shift signal for a power-on up-shift from the first gear ratio mode to the second, the TCU 16 first calculates the respective initial duty factors D.sub.U1 and D.sub.U2 of the solenoid valves 47 and 48 according to the following equations (8) and (9) (step S20).

where Tt is the turbine shaft torque value calculated and stored in step S13 of FIG. 4 for each duty cycle, and a4, c4, a5, and c5 are constants applied to the case of the shift-up operation from the first gear ratio mode to the second.

Then, the TCU 16 adjusts the duty factory D.sub.LR of the normally-open solenoid valve 47 to the initial duty factory D.sub.U1 set in step S20, and delivers an output signal such that the solenoid valve 47 is operated with the duty factor D.sub.LR. Thereupon, the first-speed clutch 33, as a release-side frictional engagement element, starts to be supplied with an initial oil pressure corresponding to the initial duty factor D.sub.U1, so that a piston (not shown) of the clutch 33 is retreated toward a position just short of the position where the clutch 33 slips (step S21; time t1 of FIG. 13(b)). Meanwhile, the TCU 16 sets the duty factor D24 of the normally-closed solenoid valve 48 to 100%, and delivers an output signal such that the solenoid valve 48 is operated with the duty factor D24. Thereupon, a piston of the second-speed clutch 34, as a connection-side frictional engagement element, is advanced to a position just short of the position where the clutch 34 starts to engage (at time t1 of FIG. 13(c)), and an initial pressure supply period T.sub.S1 is set in a timer (step S22). This timer may be a hard timer contained in the TCU 16, or a so-called soft timer which times the supply period T.sub.S1 as the program is executed. The initial pressure supply period T.sub.S1 takes a predetermined value such that the piston of the connection-side clutch 34 can be advanced to the predetermined position just short of the engagement start position if the clutch 34 is supplied with the operating oil pressure with 100-% duty factor all during the period T.sub.S1.

The TCU 16 waits until a predetermined period t.sub.D, i.e., one duty cycle (28.6 msec in this embodiment), terminates (step S23), and then adds a predetermined duty factor .DELTA.D1 to the duty factor D.sub.LR set in the preceding duty cycle, thus providing a new duty factor D.sub.LR. Then, the TCU 16 delivers an output signal such that the solenoid valve 47 is operated with the duty cycle D.sub.LR (step S24). The added predetermined duty factor .DELTA.D1 is set to a value such that the duty factor D.sub.LR of the solenoid valve 47 increases at a predetermined rate (e.g., 4% per second) (see the transition of the duty factor D.sub.LR from time t1 to t2 in FIG. 13(b)). The TCU 16 determines whether the initial pressure supply period T.sub.S1, set in step S22, is over (step S25). If the period T.sub.S1 is not over, the program returns to step S23, and steps S23, S24, and S25 are repeated.

If the conclusion of step S25 is YES, that is, when the second-speed clutch 34 advances to the predetermined position just short of the engagement position after the termination of the initial pressure supply period T.sub.S1, the program proceeds to step S27 of FIG. 9. In step S27, the TCU 16 adjusts the duty factor D24 of the solenoid value 48 to a predetermined value D24min, and then delivers a driving signal such that the valve 48 is operated with the duty factor D24 (at time t2 of FIG. 13(c)). The predetermined value D24min is a duty factor value such that the operating oil pressure supplied to the second-speed clutch 34 via the second hydraulic control valve 46 is kept at a hold pressure without increasing or decreasing. When the predetermined period t.sub.D for one duty cycle terminates (step S28), the TCU 16 adds the predetermined duty factor .DELTA.D1 to the duty factor D.sub.LR of the solenoid valve 47 set in the preceding duty cycle, thereby providing a new duty factor D.sub.LR, and adds a predetermined duty factor .DELTA.D2 to the duty factor D24 of the solenoid valve 47, thereby providing a new duty cycle D24. Then, the TCU 16 delivers an output signal such that the solenoid valves 47 and 48 are operated with the new duty factors D.sub.LR and D24, respectively (step S30). The added predetermined duty factor .DELTA.D2 is set to a value such that the duty factor D24 of the solenoid valve 48 increases at a predetermined rate (e.g., 15% per second) (see the transition of the duty factor D24 from time t2 to t3 in FIG. 13(c)).

Subsequently, the program proceeds to step S32, whereupon the TCU 16 calculates an actual slipping rate N.sub.SR according to equation (10), and compares the calculated value with a predetermined discrimination value .DELTA.N.sub.SR1 (e.g., 10 rpm). There is a relation:

where Ntc1 is a calculated turbine speed for the first gear ratio mode, which is obtained by multiplying the transfer drive gear speed No, detected by means of the No sensor 17, by a predetermined number.

If the actual slipping rate N.sub.SR is smaller than the predetermined discrimination value .DELTA.N.sub.SR1 (N.sub.SR <.DELTA.N.sub.SR1), the program returns to step S28, whereupon the TCU 16 repeats the operations of steps S28 to S32. Thus, the first-speed clutch 33 on the release side is gradually disengaged, while the second-speed clutch 34 on the connection side is yet to start engagement, although it is gradually moved from the predetermined position just short of the engagement start position to the engagement side. In such a situation, the turbine speed Nt gradually increases (in the latter half of a control section A of FIG. 13(a)) as the first-clutch 33 is disengaged. Thus, in the control section A (between time t1 for shift signal output and time t3 for the detection of the actual slipping rate N.sub.SR attaining the predetermined discrimination value .DELTA.N.sub.SR1 or more), the first-speed clutch 33 is gradually disengaged before the friction torque of the second-speed clutch 34 is produced. By doing this, the actual slipping rate N.sub.SR is increased toward a predetermined target slipping rate N.sub.SO mentioned later. When it is detected that the actual slipping frequency N.sub.SR is not less than the predetermined discrimination value .DELTA.N.sub.SR1 (N.sub.SR .gtoreq..DELTA.N.sub.SR1), the program proceeds to step S34 shown in FIG. 10.

In step S34, the TCU 16 adjusts the duty factor D24 of the connection-side solenoid valve 48 to the initial duty factor D.sub.U2 calculated in step S20, and delivers an output signal such that the solenoid valve 48 is operated with the duty factor D24. At the same time, the TCU 15 subtracts a predetermined duty factor .DELTA.D4 (e.g., 2 to 6%) from the duty factor D.sub.LR of the release-side solenoid valve 47 set in the preceding duty cycle, thereby providing a new duty factor D.sub.LR. Using the duty factor D.sub.LR as an initial value, hydraulic control is started such that the actual slipping rate N.sub.SR is feedback-controlled for the predetermined target slipping rate N.sub.SO (step S35). Thus, the TCU 16 waits until one duty cycle ends in step S36, then sets the duty factor D.sub.LR of the release-side solenoid valve 47 for each duty cycle in the following manner, and delivers a driving signal such that the solenoid valve 47 is operated with the set duty factor D.sub.LR (step S38). There is a relation:

where e.sub.n is the difference (e.sub.n =N.sub.SO -N.sub.SR) between the actual slipping rate N.sub.SR and the target slipping rate N.sub.SO for the present duty cycle, and e.sub.n-1 is the difference between the actual slipping rate N.sub.SR and the target slipping rate N.sub.SO for the preceding duty cycle. K.sub.P1 and K.sub.D1 are a proportional gain and a differential gain, respectively, which are set to their respective predetermined values. (Di).sub.n is an integral term, which is calculated as follows:

where (Di).sub.n-1 is an integral term set in the preceding duty cycle, and K.sub.I1 is a integral gain set to a predetermined value.

D.sub.H1 is a correction of the turbine shaft torque set in accordance with a variation .DELTA.Tt of the turbine shaft torque caused when the engine torque Te is changed by accleration work during the transmission control operation. The variation .DELTA.Tt is first calculated, and the correction D.sub.H1 responsive to the variation .DELTA.Tt is then calculated as follows:

where .DELTA.Tt, in this power-on region, is given by

In a power-off region mentioned later, .DELTA.Tt is

where (Tt).sub.n and (Tt).sub.n-1 are turbine shaft torques for the present and preceding duty cycles, respectively, which are set in step S13 of FIG. 4. In equation (12), a6 is a constant previously set in accordance with the shift schedule. As seen frolm equations (11a) and (12), the integral term (Di).sub.n includes the duty factor correction D.sub.H1 which can be obtained on the basis of the variation .DELTA.Tt of the turbine shaft torque. Accordingly, the duty factor D.sub.LR can be corrected without delay behind the change of the turbine shaft torque. Thus, the aforesaid integral, proportional, and differential gains for the feedback control need not be set to great values, so that stable control can be effected with satisfactory follow-up performance.

Subsequently, the TCU 16 determines whether the actual slipping rate N.sub.SR is not more than a negative predetermined slipping rate .DELTA.N.sub.S1 (e.g., -3 to -7 rpm) (step S40). If the conclusion of step S40 is NO, the program returns to step S36, whereupon the TCU 16 repeatedly executes steps S36 to S40 until the actual slipping rate N.sub.SR becomes not more than the predetermined frequency .DELTA.N.sub.S1. Thereupon, the duty factor D.sub.LR of the release-side solenoid valve 47 is feedback-controlled so that the difference between the actual slipping rate N.sub.SR and the target slipping rate N.sub.SO is reduced, or that the rates N.sub.SR and N.sub.SO are equal. On the other hand, the duty factor D24 of the connection-side solenoid valve 48 is kept constant at the level of the initial duty factor D.sub.U2. As a result, an operating oil pressure corresponding to the initial duty factor D.sub.U2 of the solenoid valve 48 is supplied to the second-speed clutch 34 via the second hydraulic control valve 46, so that the piston (not shown) of the clutch 34 gradually moves to the engagement side. Thus, the clutch 34 starts to engage, so that the turbine speed Nt is motivated to lower. Since the engine 10 is in the power-on state, however, the turbine speed Nt can be prevented from lowering by setting the duty factor D.sub.LR of the release-side solenoid valve 47 to a greater value. However, when the engagement of the engagement-side clutch 34 advances so that the engaging force of the clutch 34 exceeds the relatively great value of the duty factor D.sub.LR of the release-side solenoid valve 47, the turbine speed Nt starts to lower. At time t4 to FIG. 13(a)), the actual slipping rate N.sub.SR becomes not more than the negative predetermined slipping rate .DELTA.N.sub.S1. When this is detected (YES in step S40), the program advances to step S42 shown in FIG. 11. Thus, hydraulic control in a control section B (between times t3 and t4) shown in FIG. 13 is finished.

If the actual slipping rate N.sub.SR is found to be not more than the negative predetermined slipping rate .DELTA.N.sub.S1 in the control section B, step S42 of FIG. 11 is executed. If it is detected twice in two consecutive duty cycles, for example, in the control section A that the actual slipping rate N.sub.SR is lowered to the level of the negative predetermined slipping rate .DELTA.N.sub.S1 or less by any disturbance, the hydraulic control in the control section B may be omitted. In this case, the program proceeds directly to step S42 of FIG. 11, whereupon hydraulic control in a control section C is started.

In hydraulic control operations in the control section C and control sections D and E subsequent thereto, the duty factor D24 of the connection-side solenoid valve 48 is feedback-controlled so that the difference between the turbine speed changing rate .omega.t and the predetemrined target turbine speed changing rate .omega.to is minimized. Thus, the turbine speed Nt is gradually decreased toward a calculated turbine speed Ntc2 for the second gear ratio mode. The TCU 16 first adjusts the duty factor D.sub.LR of the release-side solenoid valve 47 to a predetermined duty factor D.sub.LR max, and delivers a driving signal such that the solenoid valve 47 is operated with the adjusted duty factor D.sub.LR (step S42). The predetermined duty factor D.sub.LR max is set to a value such that the operating oil pressure supplied through the first hydraulic control valve 44 to the first-speed clutch 33 can be kept at a fixed pressure (hold pressure), and that the piston of the clutch 33 can be held in a position corresponding to time t4 of FIG. 13(b). Until the transmission control is practically completed thereafter (between times t4 and t8 of FIG. 13(b)), the duty factor D.sub.LR of the release-side solenoid valve 47 is kept at the level of the predetermined duty factor D.sub.LR max which provides the hold pressure for the first-speed clutch 33.

Then, after the predetermined period t.sub.D terminates (step S43), the program advances to step S44. In step S44, the target turbine speed changing rate .omega.to is set as follows:

where a7 and b7 are set to predetermined values (negative values) corresponding to the control sections C, D and E. In the control section C immediately after the after of the feedback control, the values a7 and b7 are adjusted so that the target turbine speed changing rate .omega.to is set to a value such that the turbine speed Nt decreases gradually. In the control section D next to the control section C, the changing rate .omega.to is adjusted so that its absolute value is greater than in the section C. Thus, in the section D, the turbine speed Nt decreases more sharply. In the control section E during which the engagement of the second-speed clutch 34 finishes, the absolute value of the changing rate is reduced again to prevent the shock of the transmission control (see the time-based transition of the turbine speed Nt of FIG. 13(a)).

Then, the TCU 16 calculates and sets the duty factor D24 of the connection-side solenoid valve 48 according to the following equation (16), using the duty factor obtained, as an initial value, at time t4 when it is detected that the actual slipping rate N.sub.SR is reduced to the level of the negative predetermined slipping rate .DELTA.N.sub.S1 or less. Then, the TCU 16 delivers a driving signal such that the solenoid valve 48 is operated with the set duty factor D24 (step S46). There is a relation:

where E.sub.n is the difference (E.sub.n =.omega.to-.omega.t) between the actual turbine speed changing rate .omega.t and the target turbine speed changing rate .omega.to for the present duty cycle set in step S44. Based on actual turbine speeds (Nt).sub.n and (Nt).sub.n-1 for the present and preceding duty cycles, the actual changing rate .omega.t is obtained as follows:

E.sub.n-1 is the difference between the actual turbine speed changing rate .omega.t and the target turbine speed changing rate .omega.to for the preceding duty cycle. K.sub.P2 and K.sub.D2 are a proportional gain and a differential gain, respectively, which are set to their respective predetermined values. (Di).sub.n is an integral term, which is calculated as follows:

where (Di).sub.n-1 is an integral term set in the preceding duty cycle, and K.sub.I2 is a integral gain set to a predetermined value.

D.sub.H1 is a correction of the turbine shaft torque set in accordance with a variation .DELTA.Tt of the turbine shaft torque caused when the engine torque Te is changed by acceleration work during the transmission control operation. The correction D.sub.H1 is obtained according to the same equations as equations (12) to (14).

D.sub.H2 is a corrected duty factor for the change of the target turbine speed changing rate, which is used only when the control section changes from C to D or from D to E. This value is obtained as follows:

where (.omega.to).sub.n is a target turbine speed changing rate to be used for the present duty cycle and the subsequent duty cycles, and (.omega.to).sub.n-1 is a target turbine speed changing rate having so far been used for the preceding duty cycles. In equation (19), moreover, .alpha. is a constant set according to the shift schedule.

Like the integral term of the duty factor D.sub.LR of the release-side solenoid valve 47 calculated in the control section B, the integral term (Di).sub.n of the duty factor D24 calculated for each duty cycle is corrected on the basis of the duty factor correction D.sub.H1, i.e., the variation .DELTA.Tt of the turbine shaft torque. When the control section is changed, the integral term (Di).sub.n is corrected in accordance with the variation .DELTA. .omega.to of the target turbine speed changing rate. Accordingly, the duty factor D24 can be corrected without delay behind the changes of the turbine shaft torque and the target turbine speed changing rate. Thus, the aforesaid integral, proportional, and differential gains for the feedback control need not be set to great values, so that hunting-free stable control can be effected with satisfactory follow-up performance.

After calculating the duty factor D24 and delivering the driving signal in step S46, the TCU 16 proceeds to step S48, and determines whether the turbine speed Nt has attained a predetermined speed Ntc20 which is higher than the calculated turbine speed Ntc2 for the second gear ratio mode by .DELTA.Ntc2 (e.g., 80 to 120 rpm). If the conclusion of step S46 is NO, the program returns to step S43, and the operations of steps S43 to S48 are repeated.

At the time immediately after the control section C is entered, the engagement of the connection-side clutch 34 is just started. Therefore, the shock of the transmission control at the start of the engagement can be avoided by reducing the turbine speed Nt at the aforesaid target turbine speed changing rate .omega.to. When the turbine speed Nt is reduced to the level of the product of the transfer drive gear speed No and a predetermined coefficient (e.g., 2.8), the TCU 16 concludes that the control section C is left, that is, the control section D is entered, and changes the absolute value of the target changing rate .omega.to in step S44 into a greater value (at time t5 of FIG. 13(a)).

If the absolute value of the target turbine speed changing rate .omega.to is changed into the greater value, the duty factor D24 of the connection-side solenoid valve 48 is adjusted (during the period between times t5 and t6 of FIG. 13(c)) to a value greater than the value set in the control section C. Thus, the turbine speed Nt is quickly lowered substantially at the target changing rate .omega.to. The greater the absolute value of the target value .omega.to, the higher the transmission-control responsiveness will be.

Subsequently, when the turbine speed Nt is further reduced to the level of the product of the transfer drive gear speed No and another predetermined coefficient (e.g., 2.2), that is, when the piston of the second-speed clutlch 34 is gradually moved close to the engagement end position, the TCU 16 concludes that the control section D is left, that is, the control section E is entered, and changes the absolute value of the target turbine speed changing rate .omega.to in step S44 into a value smaller than the value set in the control section D (at time t6 of FIG. 13(a)). If the absolute value of the target turbine speed changing rate .omega.to is changed into the smaller value, the duty factor D24 of the connection-side solenoid valve 48 is adjusted (during the period between times t6 and t7 of FIG. 13(c)) to a value smaller than the value set in the control section D. Thus, the turbine speed Nt is slowly lowered substantially at the target changing rate .omega.to. As a result, the release-side clutch 33 is disengaged completely, so that the transmission-control shock can be avoided near the time when the engagement of the connection-side clutch 34 is completed.

If the conclusion of step S48 is YES, that is, when the turbine speed Nt attains the level of the predetermined speed Ntc20 just higher than the calculated turbine speed Ntc2 for the second gear ratio mode (at time t7 of FIG. 13(c)), the TCU 16 sets a predetermined period T.sub.SF (e.g., 0.5 sec) in the aforesaid timer (step S50), and waits until the period T.sub.SF terminates (step S51). By doing this, the TCU 16 can securely complete the engagement of the connection-side clutch 34.

When the predetermined period T.sub.SF terminates so that the conclusion of step S51 is YES, the TCU 16 sets both the duty factors D.sub.LR and D24 of the release- and connection-side solenoid valves 47 and 48 to 100%, and delivers a driving signal such that the solenoid valves 47 and 48 are operated with the duty factors D.sub.LR and D24 (at time t8 of FIGS. 13(b) and 13(c)). Thus, the hydraulic transmission control for the power-on up-shift from the first gear ratio mode to the second is completed.

FIGS. 14 to 16 are flow charts showing processes of hydraulic transmission control for a power-on down-shift mode. Referring to FIG. 17, the processes of hydraulic control will be described in connection with the case of shift-down operation from the second gear ratio mode to the first, by way of example.

In response to a shift signal for a power-on down-shift from the second gear ratio mode to the first, the TCU 16 first calculates the respective initial duty factors D.sub.d1 and D.sub.d2 of the solenoid valves 47 and 48 according to the following equations (21) and (22) which resemble equations (8) and (9), respectively (step S60).

where a8, c8, a9, and c9 are constants applied to the case of the shift-down operation from the second gear ratio mode to the first.

Then, the TCU 16 adjusts the duty factor D24 of the release-side solenoid valve 48 to the initial duty factor D.sub.d1 set in step S60, and delivers an output signal such that the solenoid valve 48 is operated with the duty factor D24. Thereupon, the second-speed clutch 34, for use as the release-side frictional engagement element, starts to be supplied with an initial oil pressure corresponding to the initial duty factor D.sub.d1, so that the piston (not shown) of the clutch 34 is retreated toward a position just short of the position where the clutch 34 slips (step S62; time t10 of FIG. 17(b)). Meanwhile, the TCU 16 sets the duty factor D.sub.LR of the connection-side solenoid valve 47 to 0%, and delivers an output signal such that the solenoid valve 47 is operated with the duty factor D.sub.LR. Thus, the normally-open solenoid valve 47 is fully opened. Thereupon, the piston of the first-speed clutch 33, for use as the connection-side frictional engagement element, is moved toward a position just before the clutlch 33 starts to engage (at time t10 of FIG. 17(c)), and an initial pressure supply period T.sub.S2 is set in the timer (step S64). If the normally-open solenoid valve 47 is driven to supply the connection-side clutch 33 with the opening oil pressure with 0-% duty factor all during the period T.sub.S2, the piston of the clutch 33 can be advanced to the predetermined position just short of the engagement start position.

The TCU 16 determines whether the initial pressure supply period T.sub.S2, set in step S64, is over (step S66). If the period T.sub.S2 is not over yet, the TCU 16 waits until the period T.sub.S2 terminates, repeatedly executing the operation of step S66.

If the conclusion of step S66 is YES, that is, when the first-speed clutch 33 advances to the predetermined position just short of the engagement position after the termination of the initial pressure supply period T.sub.S2, the program proceeds to step S68 of FIG. 15. In step S68, the TCU 16 adjusts the duty factor D.sub.LR of the connection-side solenoid value 47 to the predetermined value D.sub.LR max for the hold pressure, and then delivers a driving signal such that the valve 47 is operated with the duty factor D.sub.LR (at time t11 of FIG. 17(c)). The duty factor D.sub.LR of the connection-side solenoid valve 47 is kept at the level of the predetermined duty factor D.sub.LR max for the hold pressure on the first-speed clutch 33 until the turbine speed Nt attains, thereafter, the calculated turbine speed Ntc1 for the first gear ratio mode (during the period between times t11 and t15 of FIG. 17(a)).

Meanwhile, the piston of the release-side clutch 34 gradually moves to the side for disengagement, thereby reducing the friction torque of the clutch 34, so that the turbine speed Nt starts of increase gradually. Then, the TCU 16 determines whether the turbine speed Nt is increased above a first predetermined discrimination value (e.g., 1.5.times.No) (step S70). If the discrimination value (1.5.times.No) is not exceeded, the TCU 16 waits until the predetermined speed value is exceeded, repeating the discrimination of step S70.

If the turbine speed Nt exceeds the speed (1.5.times.No) (at time t12 of FIG. 17(a)), then it indicates that hydraulic transmission control in a control section A of FIG. 17 is finished, and that a control section B is entered. In step S71 subsequent to step S70, the TCU 16 waits until one duty cycle terminates. Thereafter, the TCU 16 starts a hydraulic control operation such that the turbine speed Nt is increased toward the calculated turbine speed Ntc1 for the first gear ratio mode while adjusting the turbine speed changing ratio .omega.t by feedback control. Thus, in hydraulic control operations in the control section B and control sections C and D subsequent thereto, the duty factor D24 of the release-side solenoid valve 48 is feedback-controlled so as to take a value such that the difference between the changing rate .omega.t and the predetermined target turbine speed changing rate .omega.to is minimized. Also, the turbine speed Nt is gradually increased toward the level of the calculated turbine speed Ntc1 for the first gear ratio mode.

In step S72, the TCU 16 first sets the target turbine speed changing rate .omega.to as follows:

where a10 and b10 are constants which are set to predetermined values (positive values) corresponding to the control sections B, C and D. In the control section B immediately after the start of the feedback control, the values a10 and b10 are adjusted so that the target turbine speed changing rate .omega.to is set to a value such that the turbine speed Nt increases gradually. In the control section C next to the control section B, the changing rate is adjusted to a greater value than in the section B. Thus, in the section C, the turbine speed Nt increases more sharply. In the control section D during which turbine speed Nt approaches the calculated turbine speed Ntc1 for the first gear ratio mode, the changing rate is reduced again to prevent an overshoot of the turbine speed Nt (see the time-based transition of the turbine speed Nt of FIG. 17(a)).

Then, the TCU 16 calculates and sets the duty factor D24 of the release-side solenoid valve 48 according to the same equations as equations (16) and (18), using the duty factor obtained, as an initial value, at time t12 when the turbine speed Nt exceeds the speed (1.5.times.No). Then, the TCU 16 delivers a driving signal such that the solenoid valve 48 is operated with the set duty factor D24 (step S74). The integral, proportional, and differential gains K.sub.I2, K.sub.P2, and K.sub.D2 in equations (16)and (18) are set to their respective optimum values for the shift schedule in the power-on-down-shift mode.

After calculating the duty factor D24 and delivering the driving signal in step S74, the TCU 16 proceeds to step S76, and determines whether the turbine speed Nt has attained the level of the calculated turbine speed Ntc1 for the first gear ratio mode. If the conclusion of step S76 is NO, the program returns to step S71, and the operations of steps S71 to S76 are repeated.

At the immediately after the control section B is entered, the disengagement of the release-side clutch 34 is just started. Therefore, an overshoot of the turbine speed Nt can be avoided by increasing the turbine speed Nt at the aforesaid target turbine speed changing rate .omega.to. When the turbine speed Nt is increased to the level of the product of the transfer drive gear speed No and a predetermined coefficient (e.g., 1.7), the TCU 16 concludes that the control section B is left, that is, the control section C is entered, and changes the target turbine speed changing rate .omega.to into a greater value in step S72 (at time t13 of FIG. 17(a)).

If the target turbine speed changing rate .omega.to is changed into the greater value, the duty factor D24 of the release-side solenoid value 48 is adjusted (during the period between times t13 and t14 of FIG. 17(b)) to a value smaller than the value set in the control section B. Thus, the turbine speed Nt is quickly increased substantially at the target changing rate .omega.to. The greater the target changing rate .omega.to, the higher the transmission-control responsiveness will be.

Subsequently, when the turbine speed Nt is further increased to the level of the product of the transfer drive gear speed No and another predetermined coefficient (e.g., 2.4), that is, when the second-speed clutch 34 is gradually disengaged so that the turbine speed Nt approaches the calculated turbine speed Ntc1 for the first gear ratio mode, the TCU 16 concludes that the control section C is left, that is, the control section D is entered, and changes the target turbine speed changing rate .omega.to in step S72 into a value smaller than the value set in the control section C (at time t14 of FIG. 17(a)). If the target turbine speed changing rate .omega.to is changed into the smaller value, the duty factor D24 of the release-side solenoid valve 48 is adjusted (during the period between times t14 and t15 of FIG. 17(b)) to a value greater than the value set in the control section C. Thus, the turbine speed Nt is slowly increased substantially at the target changing rate .omega.to, and therefore, can be prevented from substantially overshooting the calculated turbine speed Ntc1 for the first gear ratio mode.

If the conclusion of step S76 is YES, and when the turbine speed Nt is found to be on the same level as the calculated turbine speed Ntc1 for the first gear ratio mode (at time t15 of FIG. 17(a)), the hydraulic control operation in the control section D is finished, and a hydraulic control operatoin in a control section E is started. In the hydraulic control operation in the control section E, the duty factor D24 of the release-side solenoid valve 48 is feedback-controlled so that the difference between the actual slipping rate N.sub.SR and the target slipping rate N.sub.SO (e.g., 20 rpm) is minimized, and the engagement of the first-speed clutch 33 on the connection side is gradually strengthened in the meantime. Thus, in step S78, the TCU 16 adjusts the duty factor D.sub.LR of the connection-side solenoid valve 47 to the initial duty factor D.sub.d2, which, set in step S60, is smaller than the duty factor D.sub.LR max, and delivers a driving signal such that the solenoid valve 47 is operated with the duty factor D.sub.LR (at time t15 of FIG. 17(c)). Thereupon, the piston of the first-speed clutch 33 on the connectio side starts to move gradually to the engagement side.

Subsequently, the TCU 16 waits until the predetermined period t.sub.D terminates in step S79, then calculates the duty factor D24 fo the release-side solenoid valve 48 for each duty cycle, according to the following equations (24) and (24a) which resemble equations (11) and (11a), respectively, and delivers a driving signal such that the solenoid valve 48 is operated with the duty factor D24 (step S80). There are relations:

where (Di).sub.n-1 is an integral term set in a preceding duty cycle. Used as the initial value is a duty factor which is set immediately before time t15 when it is detected that the calculated turbine speed Ntc1 for the first gear ratio mode is exceeded by the turbine speed Nt. K.sub.I1, K.sub.P1, and K.sub.D1 are integral, proportional, and differential gains, which are set to their respective optimum values for the power-on down-shift mode. In equation (24), e.sub.n is the difference (e.sub.n =N.sub.SO -N.sub.SR) between the actual slipping rate N.sub.SR and the target slipping rate N.sub.SO for the present duty cycle, and e.sub.n-1 is the difference between the actual slipping rate N.sub.SR and the target slipping rate N.sub.SO for the preceding duty cycle.

D.sub.H1 is a correction of the turbine shaft torque set in accordance with a variation .DELTA.Tt of the turbine shaft torque caused when the engine torque Te is changed by acceleration work during the transmission control operation. The value D.sub.H1 is calculated according to equations (12) to (14).

Then, in steps S82 to S85, the TCU 16 determines whether it is detected in two consecutive duty cycles that the absolute value of the actual slipping rate N.sub.SR is smaller than a predetermined value (e.g., 5 rpm). More specifically, in step S82, the TCU 16 determines whether the absolute value of the actual slipping rate N.sub.SR is smaller than the predetermined value (5 rpm). If the conclusion of step S82 is NO, the TCU 16 resets a flag value FLG to 0 (step S83). Thereupon, the program returns to step S79, and the operations of steps S79 to S82 are repeated. If the friction torque of the connection-side clutch 33 is small, and as long as the reduction of the friction torque of the clutch 34, i.e., the degree of disengagement thereof, is made greater than the increase of the friction torque of the clutch 33 by the feedback control so that the torque to increase the turbine speed Nt by means of the engine 10 in the power-on state is prevailing, the turbine speed Nt can be kept at a level higher than the calculated turbine speed Ntc1 for the first gear ratio mode by the target slipping rate N.sub.SO. If the friction torque of the clutch 33 becomes higher, however, the turbine speed Nt gradually lowers so that the conclusion of step S82 turns to YES, whereupon the operation of step S84 is executed.

In step S84, the TCU determines whether the flag value FLG is equal to 1. If the turbine speed Nt lowers so that the conclusiokn of step S82 becomes YES for the first time, the conclusion of step S84 is NO. In this case, the flag value FLG is adjusted to 1 in step S85, whereupon the program returns to step S79, and the operations of steps S79 and S80 are executed. If it is detected twice, for two consecutive duty cycles, again in step S82 that the absolute value of the actual slipping rate N.sub.SR is smaller than the predetermined value (5 rpm) (at time t16 of FIG. 17(a)), the conclusion of step S84 is YES. Thus, hydraulic control in the control section E is finished, and the operation of step S87 is executed.

In step S87, the TCU 16 sets both the duty factors D.sub.LR and D24 of the connection- and release-side solenoid valves 47 and 48 to 0%, and delivers no driving signal to the valves 47 and 48. Thus, the disengagement of the second-speed clutch 34 and the engagement of first-speed clutch 33 are finished, whereupon the hydraulic transmission control for the power-on down-shift from the second gear ratio mode to the first is completed.

FIGS. 18 to 20 are flow charts showing processes of hydraulic transmission control for a power-off up-shift mode. Referring to FIG. 21, the processes of hydraulic control will be described in connection with the case of shift-up operation from the first gear ratio mode to the second, by way of example.

In response to a shift signal for a power-off up-shift from the first gear ratio mode to the second, the TCU 16 first calculates the initial duty factor D.sub.U2 of the connection-side solenoid valves 48 according to the same equation as equation (9) (step S90).

Then, the TCU 16 adjusts the duty factor D.sub.LR of the release-side solenoid valve 47 to the predetermined duty factor D.sub.LR max for the hold pressure, and delivers an output signal such that the solenoid valve 47 is operated with the duty factor D.sub.LR. Thereupon, the piston (not shown) of the first-speed clutch 33, for use as the release-side frictional engagement element, is retreated toward a stand-by posiiton where the clutch 33 slips entirely and the engagement can be resumed at once (step S92); time 21 of FIG. 21(b)). When the engine 10 is in a power-off operation mode, there is no possibility of the turbine speed Nt overshooting even if the release-side clutch 33 is disengaged immediately after the delivery of the shift signal. On the contrary, a transmission control shock may possibly be caused unless the clutch 33 is released without delay. Meanwhile, the TCU 16 sets the duty factor D24 of the connection-side solenoid valve 48 to 100%, and delivers an output signal such that the solenoid valve 48 is operated with the duty factor D24, i.e., a driving signal to fully open the solenoid valve 48. Thereupon, a piston of the second-speed clutch 34, for use as a connection-side frictional engagement element, is advanced toward a position just before the clutch 34 starts to engage (at time t21 of FIG. 21(c)), and the initial pressure supply period T.sub.S1 is set in the timer (step S93).

The TCU 16 determines whether the initial pressure supply period T.sub.S1, set in step S93, is over (step S95). If the period T.sub.S1 is not over, the step S95 is repeated until the period T.sub.S1 terminates.

If the conclusion of step S95 is YES, that is, when the second-speed clutch 34 advances to the predetermined position just short of the engagement position after the termination of the initial pressure supply period T.sub.S1, the program proceeds to stop S96. In step S96, the TCU 16 adjusts the duty factor D24 of the connection-side solenoid value 48 to the initial duty factor D.sub.U2 calculated in step S90, and then delivers a driving signal such that the valve 48 is operated with the duty factor D24 (at time t22 of FIG. 21(c)). When the predetermined period t.sub.D for one duty cycle terminates (step S98), the TCU adds a predetermined duty factor .DELTA.D5 to the duty factor D24 of the solenoid valve 48 set in the preceding duty cycle, thereby providing a new duty factor D24, and delivers an output signal such that the solenoid valve 48 is operated with the new duty factor D24 (step S99). The added predetermined duty factor .DELTA.D5 is set to a value such that the duty factor D24 of the solenoid valve 48 increases at a predetermined rate (e.g., 14 to 17% per second) (see the transition of the duty factor D24 from time t22 to t23 in FIG. 21(c)).

Subsequently, the program proceeds to step S100, whereupon the TCU 16 calculates the actual slipping rate N.sub.SR according to equation (10), and compares the calculated value with a negative predetermined discrimination value .DELTA.N.sub.SR2 (e.g., -8 to -12 rpm).

If the actual slipping rate N.sub.SR is greater than the predetermined discrimination value .DELTA.N.sub.SR2 (N.sub.SR >.DELTA.N.sub.SR2), the program returns to step S98, whereupon the TCU 16 repeats the operations of steps S98 to S100, thereby gradually increasing the duty factor D24 of the solenoid valve 48. Thus, the connection-side clutch 34 starts to engage, so that the friction torque of the clutch 34 increases gradually. Thereupon, the turbine speed Nt lowers gradually, so that the conclusion of step S100 becomes YES. Then the program proceeds to step S102 of FIG. 19, whereupon hydraulic control in a control section A is finished, and hydraulic control in a control section B is started.

In the hydraulic control operations in the control section B and control sections C and D subsequent thereto, the duty factor D24 of the connection-side solenoid valve 48 is feedback-controlled so that the difference between the turbine speed changing rate .omega.t and the predetermined target turbine speed changing rate .omega.to is minimized. Thus, the turbine speed Nt is gradually decreased toward the calculated turbine speed Ntc2 for the second gear ratio mode.

After waiting until one duty cycle or the predetermined period t.sub.D terminates in step S102, the program first sets the target turbine speed changing rate .omega.to to predetermined values previously stored corresponding to the control sections B to D. In the control section B immediately after the start of the feedback control, the target turbine speed changing rate .omega.to is set to a value such that the turbine speed Nt decreases gradually. In the control section C next to the control section B, the changing rate .omega.to is adjusted so that its absolute value is greater than in the section B. Thus, in the section C, the turbine speed Nt decreases more sharply. In the control section D during which the engagement of the second-speed clutch 34 substantially finishes so that the turbine speed Nt approaches the turbine speed Ntc2 for the second gear ratio mode, the absolute value of the changing rate is reduced again to prevent the shock of the transmission control (see the time-based transition of the turbine speed Nt of FIG. 21(a)).

Then, the TCU 16 calculates and sets the duty factor D24 of the connection-side solenoid valve 48 according to equations (16) and (18), using the duty factor obtained, as an initial value, at time t23 when it is detected that the actual slipping rate N.sub.SR is reduced to the level of the negative predetermined slipping rate .DELTA.N.sub.S2 (e.g., -8 to -12 rpm) or less. Then, the TCU 16 delivers a driving signal such that the solenoid valve 48 is operated with the set duty factor D24 (step S106). The integral, proportional, and differential gains K.sub.12, K.sub.p2, and K.sub.D2 in equations (16) and (18) are set to their respective optimum values for the shift schedule in the power-off up-shift mode.

After calculating the duty factor D24 and delivering the driving signal in step S106, the TCU 16 proceeds to step S107, and determines whether the turbine speed Nt is lowered to the predetermined speed Ntc20 which is higher than the calculated turbine speed Ntc2 for the second gear ratio mode by .DELTA.Ntc2 (e.g., 80 to 120 rpm). If the conclusion of step S107 is NO, the program returns to step S102, and the operations of steps S102 to S107 are repeated.

At the time immediately after the control section B is entered, the engagement of the connection-side clutch 34 is just started. Therefore, the shock of the transmission control at the start of the engagement can be avoided by reducing the turbine speed Nt at the aforesaid target turbine speed changing rate .omega.to. When the turbine speed Nt is reduced to the level of the product of the transfer drive gear speed No and a predetermined coefficient (e.g., 2.8), the TCU 16 concludes that the control section B is left, that is, the control section C is entered, and changes the absolute value of the target changing rate .omega.to in step S104 into a value greater than the value used in the control section C (at time t24 of FIG. 21(a)).

If the absolute value of the target turbine speed changing rate .omega.to is changed into the greater value, the duty factor D24 of the connection-side solenoid valve 48 is adjusted (during the period between times t24 and t25 of FIG. 21(c)) to a value greater than the value set in the control section B. Thus, the turbine speed Nt is quickly lowered substantially at the target changing rate .omega.to set in this manner. The greater the absolute value of the target value .omega.to, the higher the transmission-control responsiveness will be.

Subsequently, when the turbine speed Nt is further reduced to the level of the product of the transfer drive gear speed No and another predetermined coefficient (e.g., 2.2), that is, when the piston of the second-speed clutch 34 is gradually moved close to the engagement end position, the TCU 16 concludes that the control section C is left, that is, the control section D is entered, and changes the absolute value of the target turbine speed changing rate .omega.to in step S104 into a value smaller than the value set in the control section C (at time t25 of FIG. 21(a)). If the absolute value of the target turbine speed changing rate .omega.to is changed into the smaller value, the duty factor D24 of the connection-side solenoid valve 48 is adjusted (during the period between times t25 and t26 of FIG. 21(c)) to a value smaller than the value set in the control section C. Thus, the turbine speed Nt is slowly lowered at a rate substantially equal to the target changing rate .omega.to. As a result, the turbine speed Nt is changed so smoothly into the calculated turbine speed Ntc2 for the second gear ratio mode that the transmission-control shock can be avoided near the time when the engagement of the connection-side clutch 34 is completed.

If the conclusion of step S107 is YES, that is, when the turbine speed Nt attains the level of the predetermined speed Ntc20 just higher than the calculated turbine speed Ntc2 for the second gear ratio mode (at time t26 of FIG. 21(c)), the TCU 16 sets a predetermined period T.sub.SF (e.g., 0.5 sec) in the aforesaid timer (step S109), and waits until the period T.sub.SF terminates (step S110). By doing this, the TCU 16 can securely complete the engagement of the connection-side clutch 34.

When the predetermined period T.sub.SF terminates so that the conclusion of step S110 is YES, the program proceeds to step S112, and the TCU 16 sets both the duty factors D.sub.LR and D24 of the release- and connection-side solenoid valves 47 and 48 to 100%, and delivers a driving signal such that the solenoid valves 47 and 48 are operated with the duty factors D.sub.LR and D24 (at time t27 of FIGS. 21(b) and 21(c)). Thus, the hydraulic transmission control for the power-off up-shift from the first gear ratio mode to the second is completed.

FIGS. 22 to 24 are flow charts showing processes of hydraulic transmission control for a power-off down-shift mode. Referring to FIG. 25, the processes of hydraulic control will be described in connection with the case of shift-down operation from the second gear ratio mode to the first, by way of example.

In response to a shift signal for a power-off down-shift from the second gear ratio mode to the first, the TCU 16 first calculates the respective initial duty factors D.sub.d1 and D.sub.d2 of the solenoid valves 47 and 48 according to equations (21) and (22) (step S114). The values a8, c8, a9, and c9 in equations (21) and (22) are set to their respective optimum values for the power-off down-shift from the second speed to the first.

Then, the TCU 16 adjusts the duty factor D24 of the release-side solenoid valve 48 to the initial duty factor D.sub.d1 set in step S114, and delivers an output signal such that the solenoid valve 48 is operated with the duty factor D24. Thereupon, the piston (not shown) of the second-speed clutch 34, for use as the release-side frictional engagement element, is retreated toward the position just before where the clutch 34 slips (step S115; time t31 of FIG. 25(b)). Meanwhile, the TCU 16 sets the duty factor D.sub.LR of the connection-side solenoid valve 47 to 0%, and delivers an output signal such that the solenoid valve 47 is operated with the duty factor D.sub.LR. Thereupon, the piston of the first-speed clutch 33, for use as the connection-side frictional engagement element, is moved toward a position just short of the position where the clutch 33 starts to engage (at time t31 of FIG. 25(c)), and the initial pressure supply period T.sub.S2 is set in the timer (step S116).

The TCU 16 waits until the predetermined period t.sub.D, i.e., one duty cycle (28.6 msec), terminates (step S118), and then subtracts a predetermined duty factor .DELTA.D6 from the duty factor D24 set in the preceding duty cycle, thus providing a new duty factor D24. Then, the TCU 16 delivers an output signal such that the solenoid valve 48 is operated with the duty cycle D24 (step S120). The subtracted predetermined duty factor .DELTA.D6 is set to a value such that the duty factor D24 of the solenoid value 48 decreases at a predetermined rate (e.g., 8 to 12% per second) (see the transition of the duty factor D24 from time t31 to t33 in FIG. 25(b)). The TCU 16 determines whether the initial pressure supply period T.sub.S2, set in step S116, is over (step S122). If the period T.sub.S2 is not over, the program returns to step S118, and steps S118 to S122 are repeated. As a result, the duty factor D24 of the solenoid valve 48 is gradually reduced so that the release-side clutch 34 gradually moves toward the engagement start position.

If the conclusion of step S122 is YES, that is, when the first-speed clutch 33 advances to the predetermined position just short of the engagement start position after the termination of the initial pressure supply period T.sub.S2, the program proceeds to step S124 of FIG. 23. In step S124, the TCU 16 adjusts the duty factor D.sub.LR of the solenoid value 47 to the initial duty factor D.sub.d2 calculated in step S114, and then delivers a driving signal such that the valve 47 is operated with the duty factor D.sub.LR (at time t32 of FIG. 25(c)). Thereupon, the piston of the connection-side clutch 33 continues to move gradually toward the engagement start position. The duty factor D.sub.LR of the solenoid valve 47 is kept at the level of the initial duty factor D.sub.d2 until a control section C (mentioned later) is entered (at time t34 of FIG. 25(c)).

Subsequently, when the predetermined period t.sub.D for one duty cycle terminates (step S125), the TCU 16 continues (step S126) the calculation of the new duty factor D24 and delivery of the output signal for the valve operation therewith in the same manner as in step S120. Then, the program proceeds to step S128, whereupon the TCU 16 calculates an actual slipping rate N.sub.SR according to equation (25), and compares the calculated value with a negative predetermined discrimination value .DELTA.N.sub.SR2 (e.g., -8 to -12 rpm). There is a relation:

where Ntc2 is a calculated turbine speed for the second gear ratio mode, which is obtained by multiplying the transfer drive gear speed No by a predetermined number.

If the actual slipping rate N.sub.SR is greater than the negative predetermined discrimination value .DELTA.N.sub.SR2 (N.sub.SR >.DELTA.N.sub.SR2), the program returns to step S125, whereupon the TCU 16 repeats the operations of steps S125 to S128. Thus, the second-speed clutch 34 on the release side is gradually disengaged. If the first-speed clutch 33 on the connection side, at this time, is yet to start engagement, the turbine speed Nt gradually decreases in the latter half of a control section A of FIG. 25(a) (between time t31 for shift signal output and time t33 for the detection of the actual slipping rate N.sub.SR attaining the predetermined discrimination value .DELTA.N.sub.SR2 or less). When it is detected that the actual slipping rate N.sub.SR is not more than the predetermined discrimination value .DELTA.N.sub.SR2 (N.sub.SR <.DELTA.N.sub.SR2), the program proceeds to step S130.

In step S130, the TCU 16 adds a predetermined duty factor .DELTA.D7 (e.g., 2 to 6%) to the duty factor D24 of the release-side solenoid valve 48 set in the preceding duty cycle, thereby providing a new duty factor D24. Using this duty factor D24 as an initial value, the TCU 16 starts feedback control such that the difference e.sub.n (=N.sub.S1 -N.sub.SR) between the actual slipping rate N.sub.SR and a predetermined target slipping rate N.sub.S1 (e.g., -20 rpm) is minimized. When the connection-side clutch 33 is yet to start engagement, the turbine speed Nt tends to lower, due to reduction of the friction torque, if the duty factor D24 of the release-side clutch 34 is set to a smaller value. If the duty factor D24 is set to a greater value, on the other hand, the friction torque increases, so that the turbine speed Nt tends to increase. Thus, the turbine speed Nt can be kept at a predetermined value through the feedback control of the duty factor D24.

Thereupon, the TCU 16 waits until one duty cycle ends in step S132, and then sets the duty factor D24 of the release-side solenoid valve 48 for each duty cycle according to equations (24) and (24a) (step S134). The integral, proportional, and differential gains K.sub.I1, K.sub.P1, and K.sub.D1 in equations (24) and (24a) are set to their respective optimum values for the power-off down-shift mode.

Subsequently, the TCU 16 determines whether the actual slipping rate N.sub.SR is not less than a predetermined slipping rate .DELTA.N.sub.S2 (e.g., 3 to 8 rpm) (step S135). If the conclusion of step S135 is NO, the program returns to step S132, whereupon the TCU 16 repeatedly executes steps S132 to S135 until the actual rate N.sub.SR becomes not less than the predetermined rate .DELTA.N.sub.S2. Thereupon, the duty factor D24 of the release-side solenoid valve 48 is feedback-controlled so that the difference between the actual slipping rate N.sub.SR and the target slipping rate N.sub.S1 is reduced, or that the rates N.sub.SR and N.sub.S1 are equal. On the other hand, the duty factor D.sub.LR of the connection-side solenoid valve 47 is kept constant at the level of the initial duty factor D.sub.d2. As a result, an operating oil pressure corresponding to the initial duty factor D.sub.d2 of the solenoid valve 47 is supplied to the first-speed clutch 33 via the first hydraulic control valve 44, so that the clutch 33 starts to engage, and the piston (not shown) of the clutch 33 gradually moves to its engagement end position. As the piston of the clutch 33 moves in this manner, the turbine speed Nt starts to increase. The duty factor D24 of the solenoid valve 48 is set to a smaller value such that the increase of the turbine speed Nt is canceled, so that the value of the duty factor D24 diminishes gradually. Although the duty factor D24 of the release-side solenoid valve 48 is set to the smaller value, the turbine speed Nt increases due to an increase of the engaging force of the engagement-side clutch 33. At time t34 of FIG. 25(a), therefore, the actual slipping rate N.sub.SR becomes not less than the predetermined slipping rate .DELTA.N.sub.S2. When the TCU 16 detects this (YES in step S135), the program advances to step S136 shown in FIG. 24. Thus, hydraulic control in a control section B (between times t33 and t34) shown in FIG. 25 is finished.

If the actual slipping rate N.sub.SR is found to be not less than the predetermined slipping rate .DELTA.N.sub.S2 in the control section B, step S136 of FIG. 24 is executed. If it is detected twice in two consecutive duty cycles, for example, in the control section A that the actual slipping rate N.sub.SR is increased to the level of the predetermined slipping rate .DELTA.N.sub.S2 or more by any disturbance, the hydraulic control in the control section B may be omitted. In this case, the program proceeds directly to step S136 of FIG. 24, whereupon hydraulic control in the control section C is started.

In hydraulic control operations in the control section C and control sections D and E subsequent thereto, the duty factor D.sub.LR of the connection-side solenoid valve 47 is feedback-controlled so that the difference between the turbine speed changing rate .omega.t and the predetermined target turbine speed changing rate .omega.to is minimized. Thus, the turbine speed Nt is gradually increased toward a calculated turbine speed Ntc1 for the first gear ratio mode.

In step S136, the TCU 16 first adjusts the duty factor D24 of the release-side solenoid valve 48 to a predetermined duty factor D24min for the aforesaid hold pressure so that the hold pressure is supplied to the second-speed clutch 34. After waiting until the predetermined period t.sub.D terminates (step S138), the TCU 16 reads out a predetermined value previously stored in the memories, corresponding to each of the control sections C, D and E, and sets the read value as the target turbine speed changing rate .omega.to (step S139). In the control section C immediately after the start of the feedback control, the target turbine speed changing rate .omega.to to be read in this manner is set to a small value such that the turbine speed Nt decreases gradually. In the control section D next to the control section C, the changing rate .omega.to is set to a greater value than in the section C. Thus, in the section D, the turbine speed Nt decreases more sharply. In the control section E during which the engagement of the first-speed clutch 33 finishes, the changing rate is reduced again to prevent the shock of the transmission control (see the time-based transition of the turbine speed Nt of FIG. 25(a)).

Then, the TCU 16 calculates and sets the duty factor D.sub.LR of the connection-side solenoid valve 47 according to the following equations (26) and (26a) similar to equations (16) and (18), respectively, using the initial duty factor D.sub.d2 obtained, as an initial value, at time t34 when it is detected that the actual slipping rate N.sub.SR is increased to the level of the predetermined slipping rate .DELTA.N.sub.S2 or more. Then, the TCU 16 delivers a driving signal such that the solenoid valve 47 is operated with the set duty factor D.sub.LR (step S140). There are relations:

where (Di).sub.n-1 is an integral term set in the preceding duty cycle, K.sub.I1, K.sub.P1, and K.sub.D1 are integral, proportional, and differential gains, which are set to their respective optimum values for the power-off down-shift mode. In equations (26) and (26a), moreover, E.sub.n is the difference between (E.sub.n =.omega.to-.omega.t) between the actual turbine speed changing rate .omega.t and the target turbine speed changing rate .omega.to for the present duty cycle set in step S139, and E.sub.n-1 is the difference between the actual turbine speed changing rate .omega.t and the target turbine speed changing rate .omega.to for the preceding duty cycle.

D.sub.H1 is a correction of the turbine shaft torque set in accordance with a variation .DELTA.Tt of the turbine shaft torque caused when the engine torque Te is changed by acceleration work during the transmission control operation. The correction D.sub.H1 is calculated according to equations (12) to (14).

D.sub.H2 is a corrected duty factor for the change of the target turbine speed changing rate, which is used only when the control section changes from C to D or from D to E. This value is obtained from equations (19) and (20). In equation (19), the coefficient .alpha. is set to an optimum value for the transmission control pattern of the power-off down-shift mode.

After calculating the duty factor D.sub.LR and delivering the driving signal in step S140, the TCU 16 proceeds to step S142, and determines whether the turbine speed Nt has attained a predetermined speed Ntc10 which is lower than the calculated turbine speed Ntc1 for the first gear ratio mode by a predetermined value (e.g., 80 to 120 rpm). If the conclusion of step S142 is NO, the program returns to step S138, and the operations of steps S138 to S142 are repeated.

At the time immediately after the control section C is entered, the engagement of the connection-side clutch 33 is just started. Therefore, the shock of the transmission control at the start of the engagement can be avoided by increasing the turbine speed Nt at the aforesaid target turbine speed changing rate .omega.to. When the turbine speed Nt is increased to the level of the product of the transfer drive gear speed No and a predetermined coefficient (e.g., 1.7), the TCU 16 concludes that the control section C is left, that is, the control section D is entered, and changes the target changing rate .omega.to in step S139 into a greater value (at time t35 of FIG. 25(a)).

If the target turbine speed changing rate .omega.to is changed into the greater value, the duty factor D.sub.LR of the connection-side solenoid valve 47 is adjusted (during the period between times t35 and t36 of FIG. 25(c)) to a value smaller than the value set in the control section C. Thus, the turbine speed Nt is quickly increased substantially at the target changing rate .omega.to. The greater the target value .omega.to, the higher the transmission-control responsiveness will be.

Subsequently, when the turbine speed Nt is further increased to the level of the product of the transfer drive gear speed No and another predetermined coefficient (e.g., 2.4), that is, when the piston of the first-speed clutch 33 is gradually moved close to the engagement end position so that the turbine speed Nt approaches the calculated turbine speed Ntc1 for the first gear ratio mode, the TCU 16 concludes that the control section D is left, that is, the control section E is entered, and changes the target turbine speed changing rate .omega.to in step S139 into a value smaller than the value set in the control section D (at time t36 of FIG. 25(a)). If the target turbine speed changing rate .omega.to is changed into the smaller value, the duty factor D.sub.LR of the connection-side solenoid valve 47 is adjusted (during the period between times t36 and t37 of FIG. 25(c)) to a value greater than the value set in the control section D. Thus, the turbine speed Nt is slowly increased substantially at the target changing rate .omega.to. As a result, the transmission-control shock can be avoided near the time when the engagement of the connection-side clutch 33 is completed.

If the conclusion of step S142 is YES, that is, when the turbine speed Nt attains the level of the predetermined speed Ntc10 just lower than the calculated turbine speed Ntc1 for the first gear ratio mode by the predetermined value (80 to 120 rpm) (at time t37 of FIG. 25(c)), the TCU 16 immediately sets both the duty factors D24 and D.sub.LR of the release- and connection-side solenoid valves 48 and 47 to 0%, and delivers a driving signal such that the solenoid valves 48 and 47 are operated with the duty factors D24 and D.sub.LR, respectively (at time t37 of FIGS. 25(b) and 25(c)). Thus, the hydraulic transmission control for the power-off down-shift from the second gear ratio mode to the first is completed.

In connection with the above embodiment, only the processes of hydraulic control operation for the transmission control or shift between the first and second gear ratio modes have been described herein for simplicity of illustration. It is to be understood, however, that processes of hydraulic transmission control operation for any other combination of transmission gear ratio modes, e.g., for shift between second and third gear ratio modes, can be explained in like manner.

In the embodiment described above, moreover, the hydraulic clutches are used as the frictional engagement elements for transmission control. Alternatively, however, transmission control brakes may be used for this purpose.

According the above described embodiment, furthermore, the engine torque detection method and the hydraulic control method for a transmission control apparatus utilizing the detection method of the present invention is applied to an automatic transmission control apparatus with a torque converter. The driving force transmission apparatus is not, however, limited to a hydro-dynamic power transmitting device, such as the torque converter, or a slip-type direct-coupled clutch, such as the damper clutch 28. Various other transmission apparatuses may be used for this purpose, provided they can substantially determinately set the transmission torque from the rotating speed of an input or output shaft, or can externally control the transmission torque so that control parameter values corresponding to the transmission torque can be detected. These available transmission apparatuses include a slip-controlled electromagnetic-powder clutch, viscous clutch, etc., for example.

The engine torque detection method according to the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be also applied to hydraulic control for the damper clutch 28 or other slip-type direct-coupled clutches, current control for electromagnetic-powder clutches, engine torque control, traction control, etc. In the engine torque control, the fuel supply is adjusted so that the difference between the engine torque value and a target torque value based on the car speed and the accelerator pedal stroke is minimized. In the traction control, hunting is prevented by varying the reduction rate of the engine torque when the racing acceleration is high. If the detected engine torque is greater than a predetermined value, its reduction rate is set to a high level. If the detected value is smaller than the predetermined level, on the other hand, the reduction rate is lowered.