Interrelated power delivery controls – including engine control – Transmission control – With brake control
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-14
2001-05-15
Wright, Dirk (Department: 3681)
Interrelated power delivery controls, including engine control
Transmission control
With brake control
Reexamination Certificate
active
06231475
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.
Current state of the art transmission locks include devices such as ratchet-type mechanisms and locking-pin mechanisms. The present invention recognizes that these alternative transmission locks include numerous parts and components that increase manufacturing time and production costs. Moreover, because of the amount of moving parts included in these alternative transmission locks, they tend to rattle while the vehicle is in motion, and thus increase noise in the driver/passenger compartment.
The present invention has recognized these prior art drawbacks, and has provided the below-disclosed solutions to one or more of the prior art deficiencies.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A unidirectional ball clutch assembly for use in a vehicle transmission locking system includes a locking collar and a bearing support collar that is sized to be at least partially received in the locking collar. A bearing channel is established between the locking collar and the bearing support collar, and at least one ball bearing is disposed within the bearing channel. The bearing channel is configured to cause the ball bearing to prevent the locking collar from rotating with respect to the bearing support collar in a first direction.
In a preferred embodiment, the bearing channel is established between a cam surface that is defined by the locking collar and an outer surface that is defined by the bearing support collar. The bearing channel also includes a constant width portion and a variable width portion. Preferably, the locking collar forms a bore, the bearing support collar forms a bore, and the locking collar and the bearing support collar are disposed on a shaft sized to be received within both bores.
Also in a preferred embodiment, the clutch assembly includes a coil assembly adjacent to the bearing support collar. The coil assembly is capable of being energized to prevent any relative motion between the bearing support collar and the coil assembly, and the coil assembly includes at least one frame disposed around the shaft and a coil in a surrounding relationship with the frame. Moreover, the bearing support collar forms a bearing retainer flange to keep the bearing within the bearing channel. The bearing retainer flange is magnetically coupled to the coil assembly when the coil is energized to prevent the bearing support collar from moving relative to the coil assembly. Preferably, a coil housing surrounds the coil and the frame, and a connecting rod extends from the locking collar. The connecting rod is mechanically coupled to a transmission control linkage that in turn is mechanically coupled to an automatic transmission.
In another aspect of the present invention, a unidirectional ball clutch includes at least one bearing channel established between two concentric collars. The bearing channel has a constant width portion leading to a variable width portion, and at least one bearing is disposed within the bearing channel. The bearing cooperates with both portions to prevent rotational motion between the two concentric collars in a first direction, and to permit rotational motion between the collars in a second direction.
In yet 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, a ball clutch electrically coupled to the ignition switch and the brake pedal, and an automatic transmission mechanically coupled to the ball clutch.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4966262 (1990-10-01), Mieczkowski
Delphi Technologies Inc.
Dobrowitsky Margaret A.
Wright Dirk
LandOfFree
Unidirectional ball clutch does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Unidirectional ball clutch, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Unidirectional ball clutch will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2500400