Control apparatus for vehicle provided with an automatic transmission, and method of controlling the same

A control apparatus for a vehicle that is provided with an engine and an automatic transmission connected to the engine, the control apparatus comprising:

• a detection device that detects an operating state of the transmission;
• a torque regulating mechanism that regulates a torque of the engine;
• means for determining whether a rapid torque reduction or a smooth torque reduction is required based on the operating state of the transmission;
• means for performing a first torque reduction control when the rapid torque reduction is required, the first torque reduction control being a control whereby the torque of the engine is reduced rapidly and temporarily by:
• (a) an ignition timing delay of the engine, and/or
• (b) a reduction of a fuel amount supplied to the engine;
• means for performing a second torque reduction control when the smooth torque reduction is required, the second torque reduction control being a control whereby the torque of the engine is reduced continuously, and more smoothly than in the first torque reduction control by reducing an engine intake air amount;
• and
• means for, when the rapid torque reduction is required and the first torque reduction control is performed, switching to the second torque reduction control from the first torque reduction control, if the first torque reduction control continues for a predetermined period of time.

A control method for a vehicle that is provided with an engine, an automatic transmission connected to the engine, a detection device that detects an operating state of the transmission, and a torque regulating mechanism that regulates a torque of the engine, the control method comprising the steps of:

• determining whether a rapid torque reduction or a smooth torque reduction is required based on the operating state of the transmission;
• performing a first torque reduction control when the rapid torque reduction is required, the first torque reduction control being a control whereby the torque of the engine is reduced rapidly and temporarily by:
• (a) an ignition timing delay of the engine, and/or
• (b) a reduction of a fuel amount supplied to the engine;
• performing a second torque reduction control when the smooth torque reduction is required, the second torque reduction control being a control whereby the torque of the engine is reduced continuously, and more smoothly than in the first torque reduction control by reducing an engine intake air amount;
• and
• when the rapid torque reduction is required and the first torque reduction control is performed, switching to the second torque reduction control from the first torque reduction control, if the first torque reduction control continues for a predetermined period of time.