Method of controlling a continuously variable transmission automatically or as a driver-controlled manual stepped transmission

Method for controlling a motor vehicle continuously variable transmission having an electrohydraulic control, a selector device, and a controllable engaging clutch, comprising the step of, in a first operating mode, automatically selecting and adjusting a transmission gear ratio, and in a second operating mode simulating a multi-step transmission with preset gear ratios directly influenceable by the driver wherein upon a transition from the first operating mode to the second operating mode, the gear ratio set upon leaving the first operating mode is retained and, at a first selection of a preset gear ratio,

• a next gear ratio in a shift direction is selected when a difference between the gear ratio set when leaving the first operating mode and the next gear ratio in the shift direction is greater than a preset value in the range of half the difference between the next gear ratio in the shift direction and the next gear ratio opposite the shift direction, and
• a next gear ratio but one in the shift direction is selected when the difference between the gear ratio set when leaving the first operating mode and the next gear ratio in the shift direction is less than a preset value in the range of half the difference between the next gear ratio in the shift direction and the next gear ratio opposite the shift direction.

Method for controlling a vehicle continuously variable transmission having an electrohydraulic control, a selector device, and a controllable engaging clutch, comprising the step of automatically selecting and adjusting, in a first operating mode automatically, a transmission gear ratio, and in a second operating mode simulating a multi-step transmission with preset gear ratios directly influenceable by the driver wherein upon a transition from the second operating mode to the first operating mode, the gear ratio set upon leaving the second operating mode is initially retained and, within one of a predetermined time and a predetermined change rate representative of a non-abrupt chance, an adjustment is made to the gear ratio maintained in the first operating mode.

Apparatus for controlling a motor vehicle continuously variable transmission having an electrohydraulic control, a selector device and a controllable engaging clutch, wherein the selector device has a first notch for the operation of the transmission in an operating mode which automatically selects a gear ratio and a second notch for operating the transmission in a driver-influenced operating mode in which a preset gear ratios are selected whereby, with a motion of an operating element from a central position of the second notch in a first direction, a next higher gear ratio is selected, and upon moving in a second-direction opposite the first direction, a next lower gear ratio is selected.