Interrelated power delivery controls – including engine control – Transmission control – With brake control
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-31
2001-11-20
Wright, Dirk (Department: 3681)
Interrelated power delivery controls, including engine control
Transmission control
With brake control
C188S166000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06319169
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to electro-mechanical locking mechanisms for motor vehicle transmissions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Many vehicles available today are equipped with a safety mechanism that prevents an automatic transmission from being shifted into gear unless the driver is pressing the brake pedal. This safety feature prevents a vehicle from inadvertently being shifted into gear when the driver is out of the vehicle or when he or she is not yet ready to move.
As recognized by the present invention, a magnetic brake can be used to prevent a gear shift lever from rotating with respect to the locking device. A magnetic brake can include a coil package axially aligned with a disk-shaped plate. When the coil is energized, the plate is drawn into contact with the coil package and is held in place by the force of magnetic attraction therebetween. The magnetic brake provides a force that as a practical matter may not be overcome by a torque created on the magnetic brake by a driver attempting to place a vehicle in gear.
The present invention understands that in order to provide an axial force large enough to withstand the torque necessary to place a vehicle into gear, a relatively large coil package that uses substantial power when energized is undesirable because it is expensive and bulky.
The present invention has recognized these drawbacks, and has provided the below-disclosed solutions to one or more of the prior art deficiencies.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A magnetic brake for use in a vehicle transmission lock includes a housing that defines an axis and includes an end that is circumscribed by a seat that establishes an oblique angle relative to the axis. The magnetic brake further includes a plate with a peripheral surface that is complementarily shaped with the seat. The plate is movable between an unlocked position, wherein the plate is distanced from the housing and the plate is able to rotate with respect to the housing, and a locked position, wherein the perimeter surface of the plate engages the seat and the plate is unable to rotate with respect to the housing.
In a preferred embodiment, magnetic brake includes a coil disposed within the housing. The coil is energizable to move the plate from the unlocked position to the locked position. Additionally, the magnetic brake includes a spring washer that biases the plate toward the unlocked position. Preferably, the oblique angle between the seat and the axis is between ten degrees and fifteen degrees (10°-15°).
In another aspect of the present invention, an electro-mechanical transmission locking system includes a vehicle power supply, an ignition switch electrically coupled to the vehicle power supply, a brake pedal switch, a magnetic brake electrically coupled to the ignition switch and the brake pedal, a transmission shift lever mechanically coupled to the magnetic brake, and an automatic transmission mechanically coupled to the transmission shift lever. In this aspect of the present invention, the magnetic brake defines a frusto-conical locking interface.
In yet anther aspect of the present invention, a magnetic brake for use in an automatic transmission locking system includes a housing having a closed end, an open end, and a continuous side wall therebetween. A seat circumscribes the open end of the housing and a central post extends from the closed end of the housing and establishes an annular chamber between the central post and the side wall. This aspect of the magnetic brake also includes a plate that forms a perimeter surface for engaging the seat. The plate is movable between an unlocked position, wherein the plate is distanced from the housing and the plate is able to rotate with respect to the housing, and a locked position, wherein the perimeter surface of the plate engages the seat and the plate is unable to rotate with respect to the housing. Furthermore, the magnetic brake includes a coil that is disposed around the central post within the annular chamber. The coil is energizable to move the plate from the unlocked position to the locked position.
The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
REFERENCES:
patent: Re. 36216 (1999-06-01), Telford
patent: 2075991 (1937-04-01), Kessler
patent: 2308966 (1943-01-01), Saurer
patent: 3994379 (1976-11-01), Miller et al.
patent: 4194610 (1980-03-01), Miller
patent: 4566575 (1986-01-01), Sekella
patent: 5035156 (1991-07-01), Roble
patent: 5460248 (1995-10-01), Korb et al.
patent: 5570760 (1996-11-01), Lai
Delphi Technologies Inc.
Dobrowitsky Margaret A.
Wright Dirk
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