Abstract A variable-speed drive (1) is activated by an actuator (4) controlled by an electronic control system (5) on the basis of engine and vehicle operating parameters. The control system according to the present invention is characterised by the fact that it comprises an actuating member (9) located and operated manually on the gear lever (8); a detector (11) for detecting the position of the actuating member (9) and generating electric signals proportional to the same; and at least an electric circuit (12) for generating electric signals for controlling and setting the actuator (4) to predetermined positions corresponding to velocity ratios of the variable-speed drive (1) proportional to the aforementioned electric control signals.
An automatic transmission control system for cars comprising a variable-speed drive (1) enabling the velocity ratio of an input shaft (2) and an output shaft (3) to be varied continuously; said drive (1) being activated by an actuator (4) controlled by an electronic control system (5) on the basis of engine and vehicle operating parameters; and said transmission also comprising a gear lever (8) with a number of settings, at least one of which enables said actuator (4) to receive electric signals from said control system (5) for activating said variable-speed drive (1); characterised by the fact that it comprises an actuating member (9) located and operated manually on said gear lever (8); a detector (11) for detecting the setting of said actuating member (9) and generating electric signals proportional to the same; and at least an electric circuit (12) for generating electric signals for controlling and setting said actuator (4) to predetermined positions corresponding to velocity ratios of said variable-speed drive (1) proportional to said electric control signals.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
27 words
A control system as claimed in Claim 1, characterised by the fact that said actuating member (9) consists of the grip (13) of said gear lever (8).
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
72 words
A control system as claimed in Claim 2, characterised by the fact that said lever (8) presents a cylindrical, laterally-projecting appendix (14) having its axis (a) perpendicular to the operating plane of said lever (8); said grip (13) rotating about said axis (a), and being defined by an outer surface (15) off-centered in relation to said axis (a), so as to produce an eccentric grip portion (13a) in relation to the same.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
A control system as claimed in Claim 3, characterised by the fact that said eccentric grip portion (13a) faces the front of the vehicle.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
50 words
A control system as claimed in Claim 4, characterised by the fact that said position detector (11) is so arranged as to generate electric signals for reducing said velocity ratio when said grip (13) is rotated so as to bring said eccentric portion (13a) towards the driver of the vehicle.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
A control system as claimed in Claim 3, 4 or 5, characterised by the fact that said outer surface (15) of said grip (13) presents a substantially drop-shaped section perpendicular to said axis (a).
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
51 words
A control system as claimed in one of the foregoing Claims, characterised by the fact that the cylindrical surface of said appendix (14) presents a scale (16) with which cooperates a mark (17) on said grip (13) for indicating the position of said grip (13) in relation to said appendix 814).
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
42 words
A control system as claimed in Claim 7, characterised by the fact that said scale (16) and/or said mark (17) are so formed on said appendix (14) and said grip (13) as to be perceptible over the driver's portion of the vehicle.