Method for adapting gear selection in a vehicle

US8554431B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• VOLVO LASTVAGNAR AB · SE

Inventors

• Anders Eriksson · Torslanda, SE
• Anders Lindgren · Alvesta, SE

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 31, 2006
• Grant date: Oct 8, 2013
• Expiry date: Jul 11, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16H2061/023
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A method for adapting gear selection in a vehicle, the vehicle including an engine with an engine output shaft connected to an automated mechanical transmission via a clutch, a transmission output shaft connected to at least one driven wheel of the vehicle, an arrangement for registering whether a towed vehicle is connected to said vehicle, and at least one control unit for receiving input signals including signals indicative of the towed vehicle connection, and for processing the signals in accordance with programmed logic rules to issue gear selection command output signals to the transmission for gear shifting, where the control unit, when sensing that a towed vehicle has been connected to the vehicle, changes an originally selected first gear to a lower second gear having a higher starting gear ratio compared to the first gear. The towed vehicle connection registering arrangement registers at least bounce from when the vehicle bounces into the towed vehicle for connecting the towed vehicle to the vehicle. A more sure registration of whether a towed vehicle is connected to the vehicle or not is obtained.