# Patent

## Title
Shift control method of automatic transmission

## Abstract

A shift control method of an automatic transmission according to this invention controls a shift from an N speed achieved by engagement of first and second frictional elements to an N−3 speed achieved by engagement of third and fourth frictional elements, wherein release of the second frictional element begins after release of the first frictional element begins and engagement of the fourth frictional element begins after engagement of the third frictional element begins, and wherein the engagement of the third frictional element is completed substantially at the same time that the release of the second frictional element is completed.

## Background
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2007-0116625, filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Nov. 15, 2007, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
(a) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a skip-shift control method of an automatic transmission. More particularly, the present invention relates to a shift control method of an automatic transmission that controls a skip-shift from an N speed achieved by engagement of first and second frictional elements to an N−3 speed achieved by engagement of third and fourth frictional elements.
(b) Description of the Related Art
Generally, one frictional element is released and another frictional element is engaged according to a clutch-to-clutch shift control. However, during a specific skip-shifting process, two frictional elements may be released and two other frictional elements may be engaged.
Particularly, in the case of a kick-down 6 to 3 skip-shift where three speed steps are shifted, generally two frictional elements must be released and two other frictional elements must be engaged. However, it is understood that shift control of releasing two frictional elements and engaging two other frictional elements is hard to be realized.
Therefore, much research on two shifting processes that are successively performed in the case of a skip-shift, such as a 6 to 3 shift, has been conducted. For example, a 4 to 3 shift is performed after a 6 to 4 shift is completed so as to perform a 6 to 3 shift.
However, according to such a conventional 6 to 3 skip-shift control method, since two shifting processes are successively performed, shifting time may be taken long. That is, since the 4 to 3 shift is performed after the 6 to 4 shift is completed, the shifting time may be long.
In addition, since the 4 to 3 shift is performed after the 6 to 4 shift is completed, the shifting process may not be smoothly performed and a driver's shift feel deteriorates.
To solve such problems, many shift control methods of an automatic transmission where a first shift from a 6 speed to a 4 speed and a second shift from the 4 speed to a 3 speed are overlapped have been researched. In such a shift control method, a second shift from a middle speed between the 6 speed and the 3 speed to the 3 speed is overlapped with a first shift from the 6 speed to the middle speed when a 6 to 3 shift signal is detected.
However, according to such a shift control method, a shift torque of the middle speed may be generated and a double shift feel may be felt since shifting from the 6 speed to the 3 speed is performed by way of the middle speed. Further, shift shock may occur.
More concretely, in a case in which a shift is performed according to the conventional shift control method, a turbine speed remains at the middle speed for a while, and output torque fluctuates seriously, as shown in FIG. 6.
The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the invention and therefore it may contain information that does not form the prior art that is already known in this country to a person of ordinary skill in the art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has been made in an effort to provide a shift control method of an automatic transmission having advantages of improving shift feel as a consequence of a middle speed between an N speed and an N−3 speed not being realized when a shift from the N speed to the N−3 speed is performed.
A shift control method of an automatic transmission according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may control a shift from an N speed achieved by engagement of first and second frictional elements to an N−3 speed achieved by engagement of third and fourth frictional elements, wherein release of the second frictional element begins after release of the first frictional element begins and engagement of the fourth frictional element begins after engagement of the third frictional element begins, wherein the engagement of the third frictional element is completed substantially at the same time that the release of the second frictional element is completed.
The release of the second frictional element and the engagement of the fourth frictional element may begin at a first shift synchronizing point.
The third frictional element may be in a neutral state at the first shift synchronizing point.
The first shift synchronizing point may be reached when a current gear ratio is the same as a first predetermined gear ratio.
The fourth frictional element keeps a stand-by pressure at a second shift synchronizing point.
The second shift synchronizing point may be reached when a current gear ratio is the same as a second predetermined gear ratio.
The engagement of the third frictional element and the release of the second frictional element may be completed at a third shift synchronizing point.
The third shift synchronizing point may be reached when a current gear ratio is the same as a third predetermined gear ratio.
The engagement of the third frictional element and the release of the second frictional element may be simultaneously completed.
The above features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from or are set forth in more detail in the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, and the following Detailed Description of the Invention, which together serve to explain by way of example the principles of the present invention.



BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above and other features of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to certain exemplary embodiments thereof illustrated the accompanying drawings which are given hereinbelow by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a power train of an automatic transmission that is applicable to a shift control method of a 6-speed automatic transmission according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an operational chart of a power train of an automatic transmission that is applicable to a shift control method of an automatic transmission according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a system that performs a shift control method of an automatic transmission according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a shift control method of an automatic transmission according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a graph showing a control hydraulic pressure, an input speed, and an output speed or an exemplary shift control method of an automatic transmission according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a graph showing a turbine speed and an output torque when a shift is performed according to a conventional shift control method.
FIG. 7 is a graph showing a turbine speed and an output torque when a shift is performed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.



It should be understood that the appended drawings are not necessarily to scale, presenting a somewhat simplified representation of various preferred features illustrative of the basic principles of the invention. The specific design features of the present invention as disclosed herein, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, locations, and shapes will be determined in part by the particular intended application and use environment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
Hereinafter reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described below. While the invention will be described in conjunction with exemplary embodiments, it will be understood that present description is not intended to limit the invention to those exemplary embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover not only the exemplary embodiments, but also various alternatives, modifications, equivalents and other embodiments, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
An exemplary embodiment of the present invention will hereinafter be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a power train of an automatic transmission that is applicable to a shift control method of an automatic transmission according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, a power train of an automatic transmission that is applicable to a shift control method of an automatic transmission according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes first, second, and third planetary gear sets PG1, PG2, and PG3.
The first planetary gear set PG1 is a single pinion planetary gear set and includes a first sun gear S1, a first planet carrier PC1, and a first ring gear R1 as operational members thereof. A first pinion gear P1, being engaged with the first ring gear R1 and the first sun gear S1, is connected to the first planet carrier PC1.
The second planetary gear set PG2 is a single pinion planetary gear set, and includes a second sun gear S2, a second planet carrier PC2, and a second ring gear R2 as operational members thereof. A second pinion gear P2, being engaged with the second ring gear R2 and the second sun gear S2, is connected to the second planet carrier PC2.
The third planetary gear set PG3 is a double pinion planetary gear set, and includes a third sun gear S3, a third planet carrier PC3, and a third ring gear R3 as operational members thereof. A third pinion gear P3, being engaged with the third ring gear R3 and the third sun gear S3, is connected to the third planet carrier PC3.
In addition, the power train of an automatic transmission includes an input shaft 100 for receiving torque from an engine (not shown), an output gear 110 for outputting torque from the power train, and a transmission case 120.
According to the power train of an automatic transmission, the first planet carrier PC1 is fixedly connected to the second ring gear R2.
The second planet carrier PC2 is fixedly connected to the third planet carrier PC3.
The first ring gear R1 is fixedly connected to the third ring gear R3.
The third sun gear S3 always acts as an input element by being fixedly connected to the input shaft 100.
The first planet carrier PC1 always acts as an output element by being fixedly connected to the output gear 110.
The third planet carrier PC3 is variably connected to the input shaft 100 via a first clutch C1.
The second sun gear S2 is variably connected to the input shaft 100 via a second clutch C2.
The first sun gear S1 is variably connected to the transmission case 120 via a first brake B1 and is subjected to a stopping operation of the first brake B1.
The second sun gear S2 is variably connected to the transmission case 120 via a second brake B2 and is subjected to a stopping operation of the second brake B2.
The third planet carrier PC3 is variably connected to the transmission case 120 via a third brake B3 and is subjected to a stopping operation of the third brake B3.
In addition, a one-way clutch F1, being disposed between the third planet carrier PC3 and the transmission case 120, is disposed in parallel with the third brake B3.
FIG. 2 is an operational chart of a power train of an automatic transmission that is applicable to a shift control method of an automatic transmission according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 2, the first brake B1 and the one-way clutch F1 are operated at a first forward speed D1, the first and second brakes B1 and B2 are operated at a second forward speed, and the first brake B1 and the second clutch C2 are operated at a third forward speed P3. The first brake B1 and the first clutch C1 are operated at a fourth forward speed D4, the first and second clutches C1 and C2 are operated at a fifth forward speed D5, and the first clutch C1 and the second brake B2 are operated at a sixth forward speed D6.
In addition, the second clutch C2 and the third brake B3 are operated at a reverse speed R.
Hereinafter, up-shifting processes for the power train of an automatic transmission shown in FIG. 1 will be described in detail.
In a shifting process from the first forward speed D1 to the second forward speed D2, the second brake B2 is operated. In this case, the one-way clutch F1 is automatically released without an additional control.
In a shifting process from the second forward speed D2 to the third forward speed D3, the second brake B2 is released and the second clutch C2 is operated.
In a shifting process from the third forward speed D3 to the fourth forward speed D4, the second clutch C2 is released and the first clutch C1 is operated.
In a shifting process from the fourth forward speed D4 to the fifth forward speed D5, the first brake B1 is released and the second clutch C2 is operated.
In a shifting process from the fifth forward speed D5 to the sixth forward speed D6, the second clutch C2 is released and the second brake B2 is operated.
Down-shifting processes are opposite to the up-shifting processes.
Hereinafter, skip down-shifting processes for the power train of the automatic transmission shown in FIG. 1 will be described in detail.
In a skip-shifting process from the sixth forward speed D6 to the fourth forward speed D4, the second brake B2 is released, and the first brake B1 is operated.
In a skip-shifting process from the fifth forward speed D5 to the third forward speed D3, the first clutch C1 is released and the first brake B1 is operated.
In a skip-shifting process from the fourth forward speed D4 to the second forward speed D2, the first clutch C1 is released, and the second brake B2 is operated.
In a skip-shifting process from the third forward speed D3 to the first forward speed D1, the second clutch C2 is released. The one-way clutch F1 is automatically operated.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a system that performs a shift control method of an automatic transmission according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 3, a system that performs a shift control method of an automatic transmission according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a throttle opening detector 200, a vehicle speed detector 210, a turbine speed detector 220, a hydraulic pressure detector 240, a transmission control unit 250, and a hydraulic pressure control unit 270.
The throttle opening detector 200 detects a throttle opening that is operated in accordance with an operation of an acceleration pedal, and transmits a signal corresponding thereto to the transmission control unit 250.
The vehicle speed detector 210 detects a vehicle speed and transmits a signal corresponding thereto to the transmission control unit 250.
The turbine speed detector 220 detects a current turbine speed operated as an input torque of the automatic transmission from an angular change of a crank shaft, and transmits a signal corresponding thereto to the transmission control unit 250.
The hydraulic pressure detector 240 detects hydraulic pressures applied to respective off-going and on-coming elements and transmits a signal corresponding thereto to the transmission control unit 250.
The transmission control unit 250 can be realized by one or more processors activated by a predetermined program, and the predetermined program can be programmed to perform each step of a shift control method of an automatic transmission according to an embodiment of this invention.
The transmission control unit 250 receives the throttle opening, vehicle speed, turbine speed, and hydraulic pressure signals from the throttle opening detector 200, the vehicle speed detector 210, the turbine speed detector 220, and the hydraulic pressure detector 240, respectively.
In addition, the transmission control unit 250 calculates a current gear ratio based on the vehicle speed and the turbine speed detected by the vehicle speed detector 210 and the turbine speed detector 220.
The transmission control unit 250 generates a hydraulic pressure shift signal corresponding to the input signals detected by the throttle opening detector 200, the vehicle speed detector 210, the turbine speed detector 220, and the hydraulic pressure detector 240 and outputs the hydraulic pressure shift signal to the hydraulic pressure control unit 270.
In addition, the transmission control unit 250 includes a map table 260.
Data of the throttle opening detected by the throttle opening detector 200 in accordance with the vehicle speed at each shift speed is stored in the map table 260. Therefore, the transmission control unit 250 calculates a target shift speed in accordance with the throttle opening, signal and the vehicle speed signal, and determines whether a shifting condition is satisfied.
In addition, off-going hydraulic pressure of an off-going element and on-coming hydraulic pressure of an on-coming element at each shift speed are stored in the map table 260.
Further, gear ratios at each speed are also stored in the map table 260.
Such data of throttle opening, on-coming and off-going hydraulic pressures, and gear ratios stored in the map table 260 may be pre-set by a person of ordinary skill in the art according to vehicle and engine types that are applicable to a shift control method of an automatic transmission according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The hydraulic pressure control unit 270 receives the hydraulic pressure shift signal from the transmission control unit 250 and controls hydraulic pressures applied to respective off-going and on-coming elements. The hydraulic pressure control unit 240 includes at least one of control valves and solenoid valves that control the hydraulic pressure applied to respective off-going and on-coming elements.
Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 4, a shift control method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a shift control method of an automatic transmission, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
In a shift control method of an automatic transmission according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an N shift speed may be achieved by engagement of first and second frictional elements, and an N−3 shift speed be achieved by engagement of third and fourth frictional elements.
As shown in FIG. 4, in a state in which a vehicle is driven at the N shift speed at step S300, the transmission control unit 250 determines whether an N to N−3 shift signal is detected at step S310. The N to N−3 shift signal is generated when the throttle opening in accordance with the vehicle speed is larger than or equal to a predetermined throttle opening.
If the transmission control unit 250 does not detect the N to N−3 shift signal at the step S310, the vehicle continues to be driven at the N shift speed at the step S300. If the transmission control unit 250 detects the N to N−3 shift signal at the step S310, the transmission control unit 250 begins release of the first frictional element at step S320 and engagement of the third frictional element at step S330. The release of the first frictional element and the engagement of the third frictional element may begin simultaneously.
Here, the beginning of the release of frictional element and the engagement of the frictional element means that hydraulic pressure of each frictional element is started to be controlled. That is, the beginning of the release of the frictional element means that the hydraulic pressure applied to the frictional element is reduced to “0” gradually or quickly, and the beginning of the engagement of the frictional element means that the hydraulic pressure of the frictional element is increased to on-coming pressure gradually or quickly.
While performing the release of the first frictional element and the engagement of the third frictional element, the transmission control unit 250 determines whether a first shift synchronizing point is reached at step S340. As shown in FIG. 5 as an exemplary embodiment, the first shift synchronizing point may be reached when the current gear ratio is the same as a first predetermined gear ratio, and the first predetermined gear ratio may be a gear ratio of a middle speed (here, an N−1 speed). The middle speed is a speed where torque transmission in a shifting process can be minimized.
If the first shift synchronizing point is not reached at the step S340, the transmission control unit 250 continues to perform the release of the first frictional element and the engagement of the third frictional element. If the first shift synchronizing point is reached at the step S340, the transmission control unit 250 completes the release of the first frictional element at step S350 and begins release of the second frictional element at step S360. At this time, hydraulic pressure of the first frictional element is quickly reduced to “0”.
In addition, the transmission control unit 250 begins engagement of the fourth frictional element at step S370. Accordingly, the complete release of the first frictional element, the start of release of the second frictional element, and the start of engagement of the fourth frictional element may begin simultaneously.
After that, the transmission control unit 250 determines whether a second shift synchronizing point is reached at step S380. As shown in FIG. 5, the second shift synchronizing point may be reached when a current gear ratio is the same as a second predetermined gear ratio, and the second predetermined gear ratio may be 50% of a gear ratio at the N−3 speed.
If the second shift synchronizing point is not reached at the step S380, the transmission control unit 250 continues to perform the release of the second frictional element and the engagement of the fourth frictional element. If the second shift synchronizing point is reached at the step S380, the transmission control unit 250 continues the engagement of the fourth frictional element at step S390 with an increase of hydraulic pressure by a constant slope and controls the second frictional element to maintain its standby-state at step S400. That is, hydraulic pressure applied to the second frictional element is maintained at a stand-by pressure.
After that, the transmission control unit 250 determines whether a third shift synchronizing point is reached at step S410. As shown in FIG. 5, the third shift synchronizing point may be reached when the current gear ratio is the same as a third predetermined gear ratio, and the third predetermined gear ratio may be 95% of the gear ratio at the N−3 speed.
If the third shift synchronizing point is not reached at the step S410, the transmission control unit 250 continues the engagement of the fourth frictional element with an increase of hydraulic pressure by a constant slope and continues the second frictional element to maintain its standby state. If the third shift synchronizing point is reached at the step S410, the transmission control unit 250 completes the release of the second frictional element at step S420 and completes the engagement of the fourth frictional element at step S430 and of the third frictional element at step S440. That is, the hydraulic pressure applied to the second frictional element is reduced to “0”, and hydraulic pressure of the third and fourth frictional element is increased to the on-coming pressure.
Referring to FIG. 5, a shift control method of a 6-shift automatic transmission according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be further described in detail.
FIG. 5 is a graph showing control hydraulic pressure, an input speed, and an output speed of an exemplary shift control method of an automatic transmission according to an embodiment of the present invention.
For better comprehension and ease of description, a 6 to 3 shift will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to a 6 to 3 shift and is applicable to all N to N−3 shifts, such as a 5 to 2 shift.
In a shift control method of an automatic transmission according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, one example of the first, second, third, and fourth frictional elements is described in Table 1.










TABLE 1





First frictional
Second frictional
Third frictional
Fourth frictional


element
element
element
element







Second brake
First clutch
Second clutch
First brake









As shown in FIG. 5, in a state where the vehicle is driven at the N speed, the transmission control unit 250 receives the N to N−3 shift signal and begins the release of the first frictional element and the engagement of the third frictional element. That is, the hydraulic pressure of the first frictional element is reduced, and the hydraulic pressure of the third frictional element is maintained at the stand-by pressure after being increased to a pre-charge pressure. The hydraulic pressure of the first frictional element is sufficiently reduced such that the first frictional element is in the neutral state at the first shift synchronizing point. The reason why the hydraulic pressure of the first frictional element is sufficiently reduced is that the middle speed (N−1 speed) between the N speed and the N−3 speed cannot be achieved. If the middle speed (N−1 speed) is achieved, a driver feels a double shift feel of a shift from the N speed to the middle speed (N−1 speed) and a shift from the middle speed to the N−3 speed. Therefore, the shift from the N speed to the N−3 speed is controlled such that the turbine speed of the middle speed can be realized but the middle speed cannot be achieved.
After that, the transmission control unit 250 determines whether the first shift synchronizing point is reached. The first shift synchronizing point may be reached when the current gear ratio is the same as the first predetermined gear ratio, and the first predetermined gear ratio may be the same as the gear ratio of the middle speed (N−1 speed). In addition, the middle speed (N−1 speed) is a speed where torque transmission in a shifting process can be minimized. If the present invention is applied to a 6 to 3 shift, the middle speed is a 5 speed.
If the first shift synchronizing point is reached, the transmission control unit 250 releases the hydraulic pressure of the first frictional element completely and begins the release of the second frictional element. That is, a slope of the turbine speed is controlled by reducing the hydraulic pressure of the second frictional element. As described above, the reason why the release of the second frictional element begins after the first shift synchronizing point where the hydraulic pressure of the third frictional element is maintained at the stand-by pressure is that the middle speed cannot be achieved. In addition, the transmission control unit 250 begins the engagement of the fourth frictional element and the hydraulic pressure of the fourth frictional element is maintained at the stand-by pressure after being increased to the pre-charge pressure. The release of the second frictional element and the engagement of the fourth frictional element may simultaneously begin, and thereby hydraulic pressure control can be facilitated.
After that, the transmission control unit 250 determines whether the second shift synchronizing point is reached. The second shift synchronizing point may be reached when the current gear ratio is the same as the second predetermined gear ratio, and the second predetermined gear ratio may be 50% of the gear ratio at the N−3 speed. If the second shift synchronizing point is reached, the transmission control unit 250 increases the hydraulic pressure with a constant slope for the engagement of the fourth frictional element. In addition, the transmission control unit 250 maintains the hydraulic pressure of the second frictional element to be a specific value X1.
Then, the transmission control unit 250 determines whether the third shift synchronizing point is reached. The third shift synchronizing point may be reached when the current gear ratio is the same as the third predetermined gear ratio, and the third predetermined gear ratio may be 95% of the gear ratio at the N−3 speed.
The third shift synchronizing point is reached, the transmission control unit 250 completes the release of the second frictional element and the engagement of the fourth and third frictional element. That is, the hydraulic pressure of the second frictional element is reduced to “0”, and the hydraulic pressure of the third and fourth frictional element is increased by a constant slope to an on-coming pressure respectively.
As shown in FIG. 7, if a shift is performed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, turbine speed rises smoothly and change of output torque is small. Therefore, shift feel may improve.
As described above, since a middle speed between an N speed and an N−3 speed is not achieved when a shift from the N speed to the N−3 speed is performed, shift feel may improve.
In addition, since release of the second frictional element and engagement of the third frictional element simultaneously begin, hydraulic pressure control may be facilitated.
While this invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be practical exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

## Claims

1. A shift control method of an automatic transmission that controls a shift from an N speed achieved by engagement of first and second frictional elements to an N−3 speed achieved by engagement of third and fourth frictional elements,
wherein initial release of the second frictional element begins after initial release of the first frictional element begins, and
initial engagement of the fourth frictional element begins after initial engagement of the third frictional element begins,
wherein engagement of the third frictional element is completed substantially at the same time that release of the second frictional element is completed.

2. The shift control method of claim 1, wherein the initial release of the first frictional element and the initial engagement of the third frictional element begin substantially at the same time.

3. The shift control method of claim 1, wherein the initial release of the second frictional element and the initial engagement of the fourth frictional element begin and release of the first frictional element is completed at a first shift synchronizing point.

4. The shift control method of claim 3, wherein the third frictional element is in a neutral state at the first shift synchronizing point.

5. The shift control method of claim 4, wherein the first shift synchronizing point is reached when a current gear ratio is the same as a first predetermined gear ratio.

6. The shift control method of claim 5, wherein the first predetermined gear ratio is substantially the same as a gear ratio of an N−1 speed.

7. The shift control method of claim 2, wherein the second friction element maintains a predetermined hydraulic pressure, the third frictional element is in a neutral state, and a hydraulic pressure of the fourth frictional element is increased with a predetermined slope at a second shift synchronizing point.

8. The shift control method of claim 7, wherein the second shift synchronizing point is reached when a current gear ratio is the same as a second predetermined gear ratio.

9. The shift control method of claim 8, wherein the second predetermined gear ratio is about 50 percent of a gear ratio of an N−1 speed.

10. The shift control method of claim 3, wherein the engagement of the third and fourth frictional elements and the release of the second frictional element are completed after a third shift synchronizing point.

11. The shift control method of claim 8, wherein the third shift synchronizing point is reached when a current gear ratio is the same as a third predetermined gear ratio.

12. The shift control method of claim 8, wherein the third predetermined gear ratio is about 95 percent of a gear ratio of an N−1 speed.