Machine element or mechanism – Control lever and linkage systems – Multiple controlled elements
Patent
1998-04-29
2000-07-04
Fenstermacher, David M.
Machine element or mechanism
Control lever and linkage systems
Multiple controlled elements
7447312, F16H 5902, B60K 2002
Patent
active
060822139
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates in general to a control device for the transmission of a vehicle, and more particularly, allowing for automatic and manual modes of operation.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The gear lever assembly is a very common application of control devices of the present type for manual and automatic gearboxes. An example of a gear lever assembly allowing both automatic and manual gear-shifting can be found for example in U.S. Pat. No. 5,062,314. This document discloses a gear lever which can be moved about a transverse main axis, for displacement between different operational conditions in an automatic gear-shifting mode. The gear lever can also be moved about a second axis, which is transverse to the main axis, for changing between the automatic gear-shifting mode and a manual gear-shifting mode. Due to the fact that the second axis of rotation is supported on a hub on the first axis, any clearances in the various components will be added and will be enlarged at the gear lever knob. This may impart a feeling of lack of stability and uncertainty as to whether the correct gear position is engaged.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object of the invention is to provide a simple and highly stable assembly which provides distinct gear positions and which may accommodate high forces.
In one embodiment of the present invention there is described a control device comprising a control lever, a control bracket having a guide track, the control lever having a first pivotable hinge wherein the control lever is pivotally arranged in relationship to the control bracket for displacement between a plurality of control positions with a first control movement, wherein the control positions of the control lever about the first pivotable hinge are adapted to be transferred into corresponding operating conditions, the control lever further adapted to carry out a second control movement by turning the control lever about a second pivotable hinge forming a pivot center, a locking device which during displacement of the control lever to the second control movement locks the pivotable movement of the control lever about the first pivot hinge and changes the pivot center for the control lever to the second pivotable hinge, the second pivotable hinge including a transverse shaft which is translationally moveable in the guide track for determining the control movement of the control lever and for locking the translational displacement of the shaft in a predetermined control condition whereby the change of the pivot center for the control lever is carried out, the control bracket including a housing having two wall sections extending on each side of the control lever and having the guide track in each wall section, and a mechanical transmission element for the transfer of at least one operating condition operatively coupled to the control lever.
The present invention further includes a bearing ball at the end of the control lever, and a bearing cup arranged in the control bracket to form part of the first pivotable hinge, the bearing cup allowing the displacement of the control lever to the second control movement about the second pivotable hinge by means of positionally guiding the movement of the bearing ball within the bearing cup.
The present invention further includes that the bearing cup is in the form of tracks which allow both a rotational movement and a translational displacement of the bearing ball.
The present invention further includes that the tracks for the bearing ball comprise a first section for rotational movement of the bearing ball in a predetermined position for pivoting of the control lever about the first pivotable hinge, for translational displacement to a second section which presents an angle in relationship to the first section, and for translational displacement of the bearing ball along the second section for pivoting the control lever about the second pivotable hinge.
The present invention further includes two electrical switches for detection of at least four positions
REFERENCES:
patent: 4912997 (1990-04-01), Malcolm et al.
patent: 5044220 (1991-09-01), Raff et al.
patent: 5062314 (1991-11-01), Maier et al.
patent: 5070740 (1991-12-01), Giek et al.
patent: 5140866 (1992-08-01), Schetter et al.
patent: 5339705 (1994-08-01), Shirahama et al.
patent: 5768944 (1998-06-01), Inuzuka et al.
patent: 5799539 (1998-09-01), Haase
patent: 5845535 (1998-12-01), Wakabayashi et al.
patent: 5852953 (1998-12-01), Ersoy
patent: 5862708 (1999-01-01), Shamoto
Fenstermacher David M.
Scandmec AB
LandOfFree
Control device for the transmission of a vehicle does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Control device for the transmission of a vehicle, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Control device for the transmission of a vehicle will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1475888