Machine element or mechanism – Control lever and linkage systems – Multiple controlled elements
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-02
2001-05-29
Bucci, David A. (Department: 3682)
Machine element or mechanism
Control lever and linkage systems
Multiple controlled elements
C074S473180, C074S473280, C074S473330, C074S473340
Reexamination Certificate
active
06237435
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a maneuvering apparatus, comprising a maneuvering lever and a maneuvering console and provided with at least a first pivot hinge by means of which the lever is articulated relative to the maneuvering console for switching between a number of maneuvering positions intended to be converted to corresponding operational states of a device which is to be maneuvered.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
For a general type of maneuvering apparatus, namely gear controls for motor vehicles, there are a number of known arrangements. These are generally designed in principle for a specific movement pattern, such as, for example, the gear controls for manual gear boxes or for automatic transmissions. The most common type of automatic transmissions are fully automatic with automatic gear changing between different gear stages, but in recent times automatic transmissions have been developed which give the driver the option to simply determine the desired gear position by lightly pivoting the gear lever to and fro with short movements.
An object of the present invention is to provide a basic design for maneuvering apparatus which can be used for several different types of maneuvering applications.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, this and other objects have now been realized by the invention of apparatus for control of the operational states of a device comprising a maneuvering console, a maneuvering lever mounted in the maneuvering console whereby the maneuvering lever can be articulated between a plurality of maneuverable positions corresponding to the operational states of the device, the maneuvering console comprising a housing including a plurality of inner surfaces and including a first groove and at least one track on at least one of the plurality of inner surfaces, a first support member defining a first pivot hinge for the maneuvering lever and comprising a ball and socket joint whereby the first support member permits the maneuvering lever to pivot about an unlimited number of spatial pivot axes with respect to the housing, a second support member defining a second pivot hinge, the first pivot hinge and the second pivot hinge defining a first pivot axis, whereby the maneuvering lever can be maneuvered about the first pivot axis, and a third support member having a longitudinal axis, the second support member including a first pin member mounted along the first pivot axis and prestressed towards the first groove, and the third support member including a second pin member mounted along the longitudinal axis of the third support member and prestressed towards the at least one track.
In accordance with one embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, the first pivot axis and the longitudinal axis of the third support member each intersect the first pivot hinge.
In accordance with another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, the apparatus includes a holder mounted on the maneuvering lever, the first and second pin members being mounted on the holder.
In accordance with another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, the at least one track includes a plurality of indentations, thereby defining a plurality of distinct positions for the maneuvering lever along the at least one track.
The objects of the present invention are achieved by means of a maneuvering apparatus which is characterized by the pivot hinge forming a first support member for the maneuvering lever in the maneuvering console, in that the pivot hinge is arranged to permit pivoting of the maneuvering lever relative to the maneuvering console about an unlimited number of spatial pivot axes, a second support member for the maneuvering lever relative to the maneuvering console forming a second pivot hinge for the maneuvering lever, which together with the first pivot hinge defines a pivot axis for the maneuvering lever, in that the second support member is prestressed towards a groove of the maneuvering apparatus, and a third support member forming a control member which is prestressed towards at least one defined track in the maneuvering apparatus.
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patent: 4519266 (1985-05-01), Reinecke
patent: 4912997 (1990-04-01), Malcolm et al.
patent: 5309784 (1994-05-01), Kobayashi et al.
patent: 5339705 (1994-08-01), Shirahama et al.
patent: 0 358 894 (1990-03-01), None
patent: 0 756 112 A1 (1997-01-01), None
Grönhage Anders
Skogward Kenneth
Bucci David A.
Joyce William C.
Kongsberg Automotive AB
Lerner David Littenberg Krumholz & Mentlik LLP
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