U.S. patent application number 11/284794 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-01 for control of an automatic transmission by the evaluation of the speed of activation of the gear stage range.
Invention is credited to Volker Bachmann, Rudolf Kalthoff, Mario Steinborn.
Application Number | 20060116235 11/284794 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35636689 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060116235 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bachmann; Volker ; et
al. |
June 1, 2006 |
Control of an automatic transmission by the evaluation of the speed
of activation of the gear stage range
Abstract
A procedure for controlling an automatic transmission. Via a
gear range shifter, a change of gear range both between the forward
travel gear range and the reverse travel gear range as well as also
between a fast gear mode and a creeper gear mode can be carried
out. A control apparatus selects a transmission gear to be engaged,
with consideration given to data, which has been input by an
operator with the aid of a gear range shifter for the manual choice
of a driving gear area. The gear range shifter possesses a
D-shifting position for selecting a forward travel gear range, an
N-position for the selection of an idle running position of the
automatic transmission and an R-position for the selection of a
reverse travel gear range, and that the automatic transmission can
be driven in a fast gear mode as well as in a creeper gear
mode.
Inventors: |
Bachmann; Volker;
(Eriskirch, DE) ; Steinborn; Mario;
(Friedrichshafen, DE) ; Kalthoff; Rudolf;
(Weingarten, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DAVIS & BUJOLD, P.L.L.C.
FOURTH FLOOR
500 N. COMMERCIAL STREET
MANCHESTER
NH
03101-1151
US
|
Family ID: |
35636689 |
Appl. No.: |
11/284794 |
Filed: |
November 22, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
477/34 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16H 61/70 20130101;
F16H 2059/6823 20130101; F16H 63/44 20130101; F16H 59/68 20130101;
Y10T 477/6407 20150115; F16H 61/20 20130101; F16H 2061/168
20130101; F16H 2306/52 20130101; F16H 2300/18 20130101; Y10T 477/60
20150115; F16H 2306/46 20130101; F16H 2312/06 20130101; B60W
30/18054 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
477/034 |
International
Class: |
B60W 10/04 20060101
B60W010/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 26, 2004 |
DE |
10 2004 057 127.9 |
Claims
1-11. (canceled)
12. A method for controlling an automatic transmission, the method
comprising the steps of; selecting with a control apparatus, one
transmission gear to be engaged, from a plurality of transmission
gear stages, giving consideration to data, which is input from an
operator with aid of a gear range shifter for a manual choice of a
gear range, the gear range shifter possessing at least a D-shift
position for a choice of a forward gear range, an N-position for
selecting an idle position of the automatic transmission and an
R-shift position for a choice of a reverse direction gear area, and
the automatic transmission can be driven in a fast gear mode as
well as in a creeper gear mode, the control apparatus contributing
to evaluation of an adjustment speed of the gear range shifter to
determine as to whether one of a creeper gear mode or a fast gear
mode should be activated.
13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising the step
of shifting the automatic transmission with the control apparatus,
in a creeper gear mode, by an adjustment of the gear range shifter
from the N-position into one of the D-position or into the
R-position, if the adjusting speed of the gear range shifter is
less than a first limiting value and shifts, in a fast gear mode,
if the adjusting speed is at a value greater than a limiting
value.
14. The method according to claim 12, further comprising the step
of shifting the automatic transmission with the control apparatus,
in a creeper gear mode, by an adjustment of the gear range shifter
from the N-position into one of the D-position or into the
R-position, if the adjusting speed of the gear range shifter is
greater than a first limiting value and shifts, in a fast gear
mode, if the adjusting speed is less than a limiting value.
15. The method according to claim 12, further comprising the step
of shifting the automatic transmission with the control apparatus
shifts by an adjustment of the gear range shifter from one of the
R-position into the D-position or by an adjustment from the
D-position into the R-position, therewith retaining the prior
engaged mode, if the speed of adjustment lies greater than a second
limiting value and changes into the respective other mode, if the
adjustment speed is less than the second limiting value.
16. The method according to claim 12, further comprising the step
of shifting the automatic transmission with the control apparatus
by an adjustment of one of the gear range shifter from the
R-position into the D-position or by an adjustment from the
D-position into the R-position, therewith retaining the prior
engaged mode, if the speed of adjustment is less than a second
limiting value and changes into the respective other mode if the
adjustment speed is in excess of the second limiting value.
17. The method according to claim 12, further comprising the step
of shifting the automatic transmission with the control apparatus
by an adjustment of one of the gear range shifter from the
R-position into the D-position or by an adjustment from the
D-position into the R-position and engages the creeper gear mode,
if the adjustment speed is less than the a third limiting value and
the fast gear mode is engaged if the adjusting speed is in excess
of the third limiting value.
18. The method according to claim 12, further comprising the step
of shifting the automatic transmission with the control apparatus
by an adjustment of one of the gear range shifter from the
R-position into the D-position or by an adjustment from the
D-position into the R-position and engages the creeper gear mode,
if the adjustment speed is in excess of a third limiting value and
engages the fast gear mode, if the adjustment speed is less than a
third limiting value.
19. The method according to claim 12, further comprising the step
of shifting the automatic transmission with the control apparatus
by an adjustment of one of the gear range shifter from the
R-position or the D-position into the N-position and places a
retention of the gear range shifter in the N-position in the
creeper gear mode for a time interval in excess of a fourth
limiting value.
20. The method according to claim 12, further comprising the step
of shifting the automatic transmission with the control apparatus
by an adjustment of the gear range shifter from one of the
R-position or the D-position into the N-position and places a
retention of the gear range shifter in the fast gear mode in the
N-position for a time interval greater than a fourth limiting
value.
21. The method according to claim 12, further comprising the step
of declaring one or more of the respectively active mode and the
change of the mode to the driver by one of acoustically, optically
and by sense of touch.
22. An apparatus for controlling an automatic transmission,
according to a method comprising the steps of selecting with a
control apparatus, one transmission gear to be engaged, from a
plurality of transmission gear stages, giving consideration to
data, which is input from an operator with aid of a gear range
shifter for a manual choice of a gear range, the gear range shifter
possessing at least a D-shift position for a choice of a forward
gear range, an N-position for selecting an idle position of the
automatic transmission and an R-shift position for a choice of a
reverse direction gear area, and the automatic transmission can be
driven in a fast gear mode as well as in a creeper gear mode, the
control apparatus contributing to evaluation of an adjustment speed
of the gear range shifter to determine as to whether one of a
creeper gear mode or a fast gear mode should be activated, the gear
range shifter is a rotary shifter with exactly three shifting
positions.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority from German Application
Serial No. 10 2004 057 127.9 filed Nov. 26, 2004.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention concerns a procedure for the control of an
automatic transmission.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Automatic transmissions have been used for a considerable
time in different types of motor vehicles, such as, for example,
trucks of medium and heavy weight. Varying from most passenger car
transmissions, commercial vehicle transmissions exhibit not only a
greater number of gear positions, but include certain gears, which
are not provided for use in normal driving operations and are
designed to be predominate for starting operations of a loaded
vehicle, and/or for use on steep inclines and/or for maneuvering.
These additional gears permit very slow movement at a very high
torque which is transferred to the gears. In the following, these
additional gears are designated as "creeper gears", while the gears
used generally for normal driving are termed "fast gears".
[0004] Since automatized gear selection apparatuses show in many
respects essential advantages in comparison to a manual gear choice
made by the driver, these apparatuses are increasingly being
installed for heavy vehicles, which employ creeper gears. When this
is the case, then, within arm's reach of the driver, at least one
gear selection succession is presented, which exhibits three
adjustments, namely D, N and R. In the automatized gear range
shifter apparatus, in the D-position of the range of gear
positions, automatically the respective optimal forward gear is
selected without the involvement of the driver or following a
displayed confirmation, the driver makes an optional setting of the
D-position. When this occurs, the gear to be engaged, for example,
is determined with consideration given to: speed of rotation of the
motor, motor load, vehicle speed, acceleration, charted motor
performance, and possibly additional parameters. In the N-position
of the gear range shifter, the transmission is shifted into a
neutral position and in the R-position, the reverse gear is
engaged, that is to say, the most applicable of various reverse
gears is selected.
[0005] From his own selection, the driver additionally has a
functionally extended gear range shifter by which he can influence
an automatic shifting apparatus. This can include, for example,
additional shifting positions available to the gear range shifter
positions, which can be designated as first, second, third and the
like. However, these additional positions considerably diminish the
number of the shiftable forward gears. Alternative to this or in
addition thereto, the driver often cannot activate, in the given
range of gears integrated in the gear range shifter, either an up
or down shift. In this situation, the transmission is initiated, to
shift one stage up or down from an automatically selected gear. On
the other hand, the driver may choose a fully manual mode, for
example, by an additional engagement at the M-position of the gear
range shifter and shifts the transmission in a method similar to a
Tiptronic-Shift wherein the choice is made in a sequential manner
and each shifting activation corresponds to a gear change in a
chosen direction.
[0006] An automatic shifting apparatus in any case cannot reliably
discern whether a driver, by his setting of the gear range shifter
into the D position of the forward gear range or into the
R-position of the reverse gear range, has the intention of moving
the vehicle with millimeter precision at creep speed, in order, for
example, to carry out an intricate vehicle maneuver or whether the
driver plans a normal startup or reverse action. On this account,
for the choice of the creep speed mode or the fast mode, it is
necessary that an intention of the driver be separately determined
and announced.
[0007] DE 40 06 653 A1 makes known a shifting apparatus for the
semi-automatic shifting of multistage gear change transmissions,
which has a gear choice apparatus and a gear range shifter. The
said gear range shifter is designed as a rotational shifting means
and, besides governing the positions D, N and R, the device can
additionally control an M-position, which enables a manual
selection of gears. Additionally it is possible that still further
positions for shifting programs (not further detailed), namely
X.sub.1 and X.sub.2 can be provided, whereby following the
direction of the said rotational shifting means the shift series
succession M-D-N-R-X.sub.1-X.sub.2 becomes available.
[0008] Even if, in an extension of the disclosure of DE 40 06 653
A1, an assumption might be made, that the driving programs X.sub.1
and X.sub.2 are provided for creeper gears in a forward or in a
reverse direction, then, in spite of the operational security of
the gear range shifter, which passes through a great number of
shifting positions, this security is strongly limited, especially
in a situation of operation without foresight--that is to say,
operation without the driver giving attention to the involved
operating elements. In addition, a gear range shifter must be
activated to allow exiting from the driving programs X.sub.1 or
X.sub.2 and to obtain the choice of the normal driving position,
the same must skip over a great many interposed gear stages.
[0009] If, for example, an assumption is made, that X.sub.1
represents a creeper gear program for forward movement, a driver
finds himself under an obligation to drive a few meters in the
direction of a loading ramp or some other targeted position. If, at
the desired position and then he would want to precisely position
the vehicle, he is obliged to first choose the D-position, in order
to subsequently shift through the N-position and the R-position
into the X.sub.1-position. A smooth switchover between creeper gear
and fast gear, in this case, is not possible. In addition, the risk
exists of an unforeseen choice of a wrong gear range and especially
a gear range in a direction contrary to that desired.
[0010] DE 100 16 582 A1 and DE 101 05 749 A1 disclose similar gear
range shifters, wherein the positions for forward and reverse
creeping gear, however, are to be found at end locations of the
rotational scale on different sides and thereby the shift-positions
between the reverse travel gear range and the reverse creep gear
range are proximal to one another and thus permit safe gear
changing. In any case, the switchover between the creep travel gear
range for forward and reverse gearing in this instance, requires a
shifting movement passing over a number of other gear range. This
is quite unfavorable for a maneuvering operation, which often is
marked by repeated and quick gear changing between forward and
reverse creeper gears.
[0011] Giving consideration to the above background, the purpose of
the invention is to present a control procedure for an automatic
transmission, wherein, by means of a gear range shifter, in a
simple and intuitive operational manner for the driver, a change of
a gear range can be employed both between the forward gear range
and the reverse gear range, as well as between a fast gear mode and
a creeper gear mode.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The invention bases itself on the principle, that
information regarding the intention of the driver can be made
evident by the activation of a gear range shifter, not only on the
basis of a presently engaged position of the shifting means, but
also from the kind of activation and especially from the speed of
that activation. The speed of the activation of the gear range
shifter, that is to say, the time interval between an exiting from
a released position and the acceptance of a desired position of the
gear range shifter serves as a criterion as to whether or not the
driver desires the engagement of a creeper gear mode or a fast gear
mode, that is, to establish an exchange between the stated
modes.
[0013] Accordingly, the invention progresses from a procedure for
the control of an automated shifting transmission, wherein a
control apparatus, functioning among a multitude of transmission
gears, makes a selection of a transmission gear to be engaged, with
the aid of information which has been made available from an
operator with the help of a gear range shifter for the manual
choosing of a driving gear range, whereby the gear range shifter
possesses at least a D-shift position for the selection of a
forward gear range, an N-position for the selection of a stillstand
condition of the automatic transmission and an R-shifting position
for the choice of a reverse travel gear, and wherein the automatic
transmission can be operated in a fast gear mode as well as in a
creeper mode gear.
[0014] Accompanying this action, the fast gear mode encompasses
particularly that transmission ratio, which, under usual
circumstances, would be used in normal driving operation. Contrary
to this, in this case, the creeper mode encompasses such gearing as
enables a very slow speed of driving and could cause a very high
torque to be available on the driven gears. This latter gear would
be used first, for maneuvering, but second, could very well be of
value on steep inclines and/or in a case of a severe carried load
or again, where the driving ground consists of loose soil or
sand.
[0015] Which gears, i.e., which gear ratios should be respectively
selected as creeper gears and which as fast gears, cannot be
universally determined, but must be considered in regard to the
individual vehicle and must meet its purpose of application and the
surmised operational environment. It is also possible, that a
classification as to fast and creeper gears is not statistically
founded, but is made to fit, in accord with a choice of an operator
or dependent upon the ambient physical surroundings. It is also
possible that individual gears of both gear range can be used in
combination and can thus be engaged both in creeper gear mode as
well as in fast mode.
[0016] Finally it is possible, that the control can change from
creeper gear mode to fast gear mode, without explicit input of the
operator, if for example, a certain speed in the highest speed of
the creeper gear mode is exceeded and simultaneously the loading
demand on the motor remains below an allowed threshold for more
than an preselected time. At the least, the forward drive gear
range incorporates, besides gearing of the fast mode, also a
creeper mode.
[0017] It is obvious, that the gear range, which is here designated
with D, N and R, can also be referenced by optional other letters,
signs or symbols. Also it is possible, that besides the three named
shifting positions of the gear range shifter, yet an optional
number of additional shifting positions are provided. For example,
these additional shifting stations can relate to the upper limits
of the selectable gears within one gear range. They can, however,
also respectively designate individually discrete gear stages,
which can enter into engagement upon the selection of the
appropriate shifting position.
[0018] To achieve the given purpose, it is additionally provided,
that the control apparatus is to at least include an evaluation of
the speed of adjustment of the gear range shifter as it makes a
decision, whether a creeper gear mode or a fast gear mode should be
activated.
[0019] The speed of adjustment, in this respect, can be determined
directly by means of a speed sensor, which measures speed in either
a rotary or a linear path. It is, however, both simpler and more
favorable in cost, to determine the time elapsed between the
exiting of one shifting position and the engagement of a targeted
position. Finally, it is possible to determine by shifting actions
skipping over several shift positions, how long the shifting time
took between one or more shift positions, which lie between the
abandoned position and the target position. In the most simple case
of this, a limiting value can be set. By the under stepping of this
limiting value, the corresponding position is either has no
validity as shifted or is not detected as shifted. In this case,
for example, with a series of R-N-D of the shifting positions, in a
rapid change from the R-position into the D-position, the
N-position would be either not detected or ignored, wherewith from
the known shifting series succession from R direct to N a statement
in regard to shifting speed is made evident.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] In one embodiment of the invention, provision is made, that
the control apparatus shifts the automatic transmission by means of
an adjustment of the gear range shifter from the N-position into
the D-position or into the R-position. This would be done in a
creeper gear mode, if the shifting speed of the gear range shifter
lies less than a first limiting value and shifts into a fast gear
mode, if the shifting speed lies greater than the limiting
value.
[0021] Considerations may be made on a basis, that in an everyday,
normal operation of a motor vehicle, a desire can arise to shift
into the fast gear by a quick activation, since an experienced
driver, following the starting of the motor, casually chooses the
gear range in the same way as a driver of a passenger vehicle with
a manual transmission, without thinking in what way he engages the
first gear. Both occur, without the driver applying himself to the
procedure and generally even at a relatively high operational
speed.
[0022] Contrary to this, maneuvering operation or even a starting
in deep sand or starting with a heavy load on steep inclines
characterizes itself by means of a relatively intended activation
of the operational element, whereby the driver applies himself to
concentrate entirely on the operation of the vehicle. On this
account, it is possible in these situations, that a better
procedure would be, that the driver himself, because of the complex
operation and increased tension, attends to the gear range shifter
in a slower manner. In addition, it is easier for the driver, in
this highly attentive driving phase, to let himself remember a
likewise critical, i.e. slower operation.
[0023] In accord with another variant of the procedure, at any
event, it can be provided, that the control apparatus shifts, by
means of an adjustment of the gear range shifter from the
N-position into the D-position or into the R-position in a creeper
mode, if the adjustment speed of the gear range shifter is above a
first limiting value but shifts into the fast mode, if the
adjustment speed is less than the limiting value.
[0024] This can be favorable for vehicles or for application
purposes, wherein maneuvering operations take up a major portion of
the operation of the vehicle, since then, by means of the rapid
shifting movement, the driver is relieved, during the said
maneuvering, of having to take cognizance of a slow activation of
the gear range shifter. The insignificantly shorter shifting time
is, in this case, more of psychological importance than of an
operational economic meaning, since the lengthening of the shifting
time by means of the slow activation of the gear range shifter is
mostly of a duration running clearly less than one second.
[0025] While, up to now shifting procedures out of the neutral
position have been described, in particular, in the case of
maneuverability, shift changes between forward and reverse
frequently occur. These are to be explained and described in the
following.
[0026] In accord with a first variant of a hereto related
embodiment, provision can be made, that the control apparatus, by
means of an adjustment of the gear range shifter can shift the
automatic transmission from the R-position into the D-position, or
shift from the D-position into the R-position, while leaving a
prior mode intact, if the shifting speed lies above a second
limitation. However, if the shifting speed lies at a value less
than the second limitation, the control apparatus would effect a
change into the respective other mode. This is a favorable action,
because a change of mode, thus a change between the creeper mode
and the fast mode, or the reverse, comes about very seldom, as
compared to a change between forward and reverse gears within the
same mode. In addition, from the act of mode changing, an
indication is given of a very intended use of the of gear range
shifter and also, to a great extent, of a superior degree of
attentiveness on the part of the driver. In this way, the known,
slow service can be employed by the driver more for a change of
mode than for continued operation within the same mode.
[0027] However, even here, in certain cases it can be more
favorable, to turn the control directly about, namely so, in that
the control apparatus permits the prior selected mode to remain in
force when it directs the automatic transmission by means of an
adjustment of the gear range shifter to shift from the R-position
into the D-position or by another adjustment, from the D-position
into the R-position, if the speed of adjustment lies less than the
second limiting value, but changes into the respective other mode,
if the speed of adjustment lies greater than the second limiting
value.
[0028] This method of operation for control is advantageous for
vehicles which frequently approach loading docks with the rear
side. This action takes place best when the vehicle is in the
creeper mode. In the case of a turn-around of direction, as a rule,
there is little reason for operating in a creeper mode, since the
vehicle is no longer maneuvering, but, as a rule, starts into a
more lengthy stretch of travel. This kind of controlling can also
take care, that in a case of choice of a reverse gear from the
normal gear selection, only a fast gear would be chosen, if this is
demanded by the driver by known, slow, activation of the gear range
shifter. Otherwise, a slower and thereby safer creeper gear would
be selected.
[0029] If during the aforesaid characteristics of the procedure in
accord with the invention, a change of mode was activated by a
slow/fast activation of the gear range shifter, it would be
possible in an alternative, related embodiment, that the driver,
independently of the actual, active mode could determine by means
of the activation speed of the gear range shifter, could directly
determine, whether or not a gear of the creep modus or a gear of
the fast gear mode should be applied.
[0030] Further in this matter, the control apparatus directs the
automatic transmission a demand, by an adjustment of the gear range
shifter to shift from the R-position into the D-position or from
the D-position into the R-position in the creeper mode, if the
speed of the shifting was lower than a third limiting value, and
calls for the fast gear mode, insofar as the adjustment speed lies
above the third limiting value.
[0031] Since it very well may occur, that a driver brings the gear
range shifter, for example, into the R-position, but decides,
without actually resetting, to first move a short piece forward, it
could happen, that the driver loses sight of which mode he
previously activated. This is of little importance to the present
variant, since the choice of the mode is independent of the
previously activated mode.
[0032] In many cases, and analogous to already made embodiments, it
is of advantage, in a case of an known, small activation speed, to
activate the creeper gear mode and at a more rapid vehicle speed,
to activate the fast gear mode, in order that in normal road
driving, the fast gear mode may be selected at rapid activation
speeds.
[0033] However, even in this case, it is possible that the exactly
reversed control operation can be of value in certain
circumstances, namely the control apparatus directs the automatic
transmission, by means of an adjustment of the gear range shifter,
to shift from the R-position into the D-position or to shift by
changing from the D-position into the R-position in the creeper
mode, if the shifting speed lies above a third limiting value, and
shifts in the fast mode, if the shifting speed lies less than the
third limiting value.
[0034] In particular, this is a case for vehicles, wherein the
maneuvering operations make up an essential part, or the greater
part their operation, since the driver of this maneuvering vehicle
can then, in a routine manner, with a rapid shifting between the
R-position and the D-position individually select the creeper gear
mode.
[0035] Especially, with some of the last named procedure variants,
it can be of value to determine what is to occur in the case of a
choice of the N-position--besides the shifting of the transmission
into a neutral state.
[0036] In the most simple case, when in the N-position gear of the
gear range shifter, the transmission runs, in reference to the
mode, again in an idling basic position, whereby, upon the next
gear setting in the D-position or the R-position, the mode to be
selected is dependent upon the speed of the shifting. For this
procedure, as described in the opening passages, however, it is
necessary also, by the adjustment of the gear range shifter between
two neighboring shift positions to determine a shifting speed,
which subsequently calls for an increase in cost.
[0037] Considerably simpler, in the determination of shifting
speed, is a shift movement skipping at least one intermediate
position, thus, for example, from D through N to R, or the reverse
thereof. First, as the shifting path increases, so does the
shifting time, so that the determination of the speed value would
be easier, second, many shifting devices are so designed, so that
they retain one shift position intact over a relatively large
shifting path, in order that by pretensioned springs, the devices
can change very rapidly into the neighboring shift state. In the
case of this type of shifting, because of the activation between
two neighboring shifting positions, the determination of the
activation speed cannot be computed out of the shift-signals or the
determination can only be computed at an unreasonably high cost.
Insofar as these shifting devices, however, are shifted only
between two positions, then the determination of a measurement for
the activation speed is possible by means of the time interval of
the functioning of the shifting device in the intermediate position
is very simple and comfortable.
[0038] It is fully in accord with shifting technology and relates
to the evaluation effort in the determination of the speed of
actuation of the gear range shifter, and particularly favorable if
the control apparatus of the automatic transmission, first, by a
direction from the gear range shifter to change from the R-position
or the D-position into the N-position and second places it in the
creeper mode by a retention of the range shifter in this N-position
for a period of time above a fourth limiting value.
[0039] This represents a choice of the creeper mode during slow
shifting and beyond this, leads to a preinstallation of the creeper
gear mode at the choice of the N-position. This preinstallation can
especially be of value for maneuvering vehicles, particularly in
connection with shifting processes, since here, by the first
shifting, after the setting of an idle run, first the slower and
thereby safer creeper gear mode is activated. If the driver desires
the fast gear mode, then this mode can be engaged with little
effort, in that the driver, first chooses the R-position and
immediately thereafter shifts into the D-position with appropriate
rapidity, this being also true in a reversed sequence.
[0040] Obviously, the above may be advantageous for many
applications, if the control apparatus first, activates the
automatic transmission by a demand of the gear range shifter to
shift from the R-position or the D-position into the N-position and
second, engages the fast gear mode by a retention of the gear range
shifter in the said N-position for a period of time greater than a
fourth limiting value in the fast gear mode. In this way, a fast
gear is automatically made available, after a selection of the idle
run by the first selection of the driving gear, which is favorable,
especially in normal driving practice.
[0041] For all the above explained procedures, it is desirable,
that the currently activated mode and/or the change of the mode, be
made known to the driver in an acoustic manner, and/or optically
and/or by a sense of touch. In this way, the driver is continually
made aware of the mode in force, that is to say, he would be made
especially aware thereof in a case of a mode change.
[0042] For the implementing of the invented procedure, it is
advantageous if the gear range shifter is a rotary shifter,
preferably a rotary shifter with exactly three shift positions.
[0043] Rotary shifters show themselves as especially advantageous
in cockpit arrangements and a rotary shifter with only three
shifting positions is particularly excellent without having to
optically seek them out--thus the driver need not take his eyes
from the street traffic. Obviously the invented procedure can allow
itself to be used with other operational elements and especially
functions with disk shifting or with floor shifting apparatuses in
accord with the type of conventional shifting paths for passenger
vehicles having automatic shifting. Also, consideration can be
given to the fact, that besides the described three shifting
position, additional shifting positions can be provided for special
purposes. In this case, however, a clearly touch sensitive
separation of the positions D, N and R from the other positions is
advisable, in order to make possible a blind operation free of
question.
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