Patent ID: 7212899

Claim:
An automated transmission for a vehicle comprising a multi-ratio gear box connected to an engine by means of a transmission clutch, a transmission brake acting on a component of the transmission between the transmission clutch and the driven wheels of the vehicle, an electronic control unit, means for sensing actuation of the transmission brake and sending a signal indicative thereof to the control unit, means for sensing the engine torque and sending a signal indicative thereof to the control unit, means for sensing the vehicle speed and sending a signal indicative thereof to the control unit, means for sensing whether a gear downshift is requested or in operation and sending a signal indicative thereof to the control unit, and means for sensing whether an operating brake of the vehicle is applied and sending a signal indicative thereof to the control unit; characterized in that the control unit controls operation of the transmission brake to apply a braking torque to the transmission, if the engine torque is negative, the vehicle speed is above a predetermined value, a gear downshift has been requested or is in progress and the operational brakes of the vehicle are not applied.