Method for determining and selecting the optimal gear before driving into a curve for a motor vehicle having an automatic transmission

US9043104B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG · DE

Inventors

• Michael Kiefer · Rochester, US
• Franz Schuler · Kreßbronn, DE
• Uwe Reitemeier · Meckenbeuren, DE
• Andreas Maus · Friedrichshafen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 14, 2010
• Grant date: May 26, 2015
• Expiry date: Jul 16, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16H2059/666
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A method of determining and shifting to an optimal gear in a vehicle prior to entering a curve in a vehicle which comprises an automatic transmission. A curve speed limit is determined for an anticipated curve which is recognized by a navigation device, an anticipated road pattern and dependent on the vehicle and curve or road data, and a sportiness indicator (Ftyp). For each anticipated curve, an actual, optimal gear is determined, based on the determined curve speed limit and the sportiness indicator (FTyp) and, after determining the optimal gear, the method performs a check to determine whether or not the optimal gear deviates from the engaged gear (RGA_DEST). When a deviation is recognized and a driver reaction, which causes a deceleration of the vehicle and/or a reduction of the vehicle speed, is present, a down shift down to the actual, optimal gear occurs.