Interrelated power delivery controls – including engine control – Transmission control – Engine starting interlock
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-10
2001-03-20
Estremsky, Sherry (Department: 3681)
Interrelated power delivery controls, including engine control
Transmission control
Engine starting interlock
C200S061270, C200S061540
Reexamination Certificate
active
06203469
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to an operating apparatus for use in connection with a dual-mode transmission. More particularly the present invention relates to an operating apparatus for electrically controlling the switching operation between an automatic (AUT) and manual (MAN) mode position.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Japanese Utility Model Preliminary Publication No. 5-33432 discloses an operating apparatus for an automatic transmission. The operating apparatus is provided with switches that are operated at corresponding mode positions. The apparatus is designed to be operated in two directions in order to guide the driver not to improperly operate the transmission. However, the apparatus has no function that inhibits the mix-operation.
An object of the invention is to provide an operating apparatus for an automatic transmission, the apparatus having a column type rotary knob that restricts the direction of operation of a shift lever, thereby inhibiting misoperation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention recognizes the disadvantages and limitations commonly associated with the operating apparatus of conventional automatic/manual, i.e., dual-mode, transmissions.
By constructing an operating apparatus for a dual-mode transmission in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the functionality and maintenance of the transmission system can be improved. Further, the present invention provides a number of advantages over the prior art in addition to significantly reducing the likelihood of mix-operation or misoperation. For instance, the present invention provides a compact shift lever-operating apparatus that can be pivoted in generally upward and downward directions as well as generally forward and rearward directions. At the same time, the present invention also permits a large number of functions to be included in a single shift lever that can be used to perform operations in both the automatic and manual mode. Further, by permitting a switch (such as an A/T switch) to operate when the shift lever is in the automatic mode position, and prohibiting it from operating when the shift lever is in the manual mode position, the operation provides virtually fool-proof operation. Moreover, the present inventions provides the additional advantage of allowing the shift lever to be controlled to pivot to the manual mode position only when the shift lever is in the D (or drive) range in the automatic mode position. The present invention also restricts the instances in which the rotary knob can be rotated, thus preventing, for example, abnormal start of an automobile.
The foregoing improve the operability of column-type shift levers and prevent a significant amount of misoperation of the lever, thus providing an improved measure of safety.
Additionally, when a third stopper, such as one in the shape of a hollow cylinder, is included in the shift lever and a cord is inserted therethrough for connection to a solenoid, the third stopper provides additional protection for the cord and reduces the number of parts and associated assembly time. Thus, the present invention can also lead to improved efficiency and reduce manufacturing time.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, an operating apparatus for a dual-mode transmission is provided that includes a rotary knob-equipped shift lever, wherein the shift lever may be disposed near a steering column of an automobile. The operating apparatus is electronically controllable and is capable of changing the running range of a dual-mode transmission. In a preferred embodiment, the shift lever has a rotary knob provided at a tip thereof and a first shaft formed at a base portion thereof. The knob can be operated to switch the running range of an automatic transmission. The first shaft may be rotatably journaled in an inner case with the shift lever being positioned pivotally upward and downward about the first shaft. The inner case includes a second shaft that is rotatably supported on a case provided to the steering column. The inner case is rotatable together with the shift lever about the second shaft in forward and rearward directions.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, the shift lever may include a shaft hollow cylinder through which a shaft is rotatably inserted, the shaft having one end over which the knob is fitted and the other end to which a movable body is fixed, wherein the movable body has a first operating rod that engages an A/T mode switch when the shift lever is at an AUT mode position, and a second operating rod that engages a mode selector switch that detects whether the shift lever is at the AUT mode position or a MAN mode position, wherein the inner case has a third operating rod that operates a manual mode switch when the shift lever is at the MAN mode position.
In a still further embodiment of the present invention, wherein the first operating rod has the first operating rod at an upper portion or a lower portion thereof, the first operating rod engaging an engagement portion of the A/T mode switch when the shift lever is at the AUT mode position, the inner case has a second stopper; wherein when the shift lever is at the MAN mode position, the second stopper abuts the movable body disengaged from the engagement portion to prevent rotation of the movable body.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the movable body has a pivot-limiting strap that projects from a lower portion or an upper portion of the movable body toward an inner wall of the inner case, the pivot-limiting strap abutting the first stopper of the inner case to prevent pivotal movement of the inner case when the rotary knob is at any one of P, R, and N ranges and the shift lever is pivoted from the AUT mode position toward the MAN mode position; wherein the pivot-limiting strap permits pivoting of the shift lever from the AUT mode position to the MAN mode position when the rotary knob is at the D range.
In still yet another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the shift lever includes a solenoid fitted to the shaft hollow cylinder through which the shaft is axially mounted, the solenoid includes a plunger that causes a clutch to move so that an engagement portion of the clutch engages and disengages a toothed portion formed in the movable body.
In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, the solenoid is actuated in response to signals generated by a key switch, a stop lamp switch, a vehicle speed sensor, and an engine rotation sensor.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, wherein the movable body has a first resiliently-limiting element which is resiliently mounted into a peripheral portion of the movable body and abuts a first groove formed in an inner wall of the shift lever, the shift lever has a second resiliently-limiting element which is resiliently mounted thereto and abuts a second groove formed in the inner wall of the inner case to support the shift lever at the AUT mode position and the MAN mode position. The shift lever has a third resiliently-limiting element that is resiliently mounted to the shift lever and abuts a third groove formed in an inner wall of the case and permits the shift lever to automatically return from an acceleration position and a deceleration position to a neutral position.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, the case is formed with a cutout so that when the shift lever is pivoted to the AUT mode position, the cutout engages a third stopper formed at a lower portion of the shift lever to prevent the shift lever from being pivoted in forward and rearward directions.
In accordance with still yet another aspect of the present invention, the third stopper of the shift lever is formed in a shape of a hollow cylinder through which a cord is inserted for electrical connection of the solenoid.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4379954 (1983-04-01), Iwata et al.
patent: 5581058 (1996-12-01), Javery et al.
patent: 5854458 (1998-12-01), Ramamurthy et al.
patent: 4-2333938 (1994-04-01
Estremsky Sherry
Kananen Ronald P.
Niles Parts Co., Ltd.
Rader Fishman & Grauer
Waddell Tisha D.
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