Machine element or mechanism – Control lever and linkage systems – Multiple controlled elements
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-08
2001-10-02
Herrmann, Allan D. (Department: 3682)
Machine element or mechanism
Control lever and linkage systems
Multiple controlled elements
C074S473230, C074S473280
Reexamination Certificate
active
06295886
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to shifters for motor vehicles, and more particularly, to a shifter which offers normal automatic shifting or electronic manual shifting.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The subject matter of the instant invention relates to transmission shifters for motor vehicles, particularly so called “floor shifters”, where the shifter is mounted on the floor or bottom pan of the motor vehicle. The instant invention can be employed to operate electronic and/or cable controlled transmissions. The shifters are used by vehicle operators to select the transmission mode of operation and in turn performance of the vehicle. Transmission shifters are well known in this art. Examples of conventional shifters are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,905,530; 4,987,792; 5,009,128; 5,044,220; 5,062,314; 5,070,740; 5,197,344; and 5,070,740; the disclosure of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
There is a need in this art for a transmission shifter that effectively operates electronic or cable controlled transmissions and, in some cases, transmissions having both electronic and cable controls. There is also a need in this art for a shifter that provides tactile feedback as to the operational position of the shifter, particularly as the shifter moves between automatic mode and electronic mode.
In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide a transmission shifter capable of alternating between cable control of the transmission and electronic control of the transmission which is of simple and elegant construction.
It is an additional object of at least certain preferred embodiments of the present invention to provide a transmission shifter for a motor vehicle having tactile feedback as to the operational position of the shifter. It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a transmission shifter for a motor vehicle, which is highly reliable in operation. Additional objects and optional features of the invention will be apparent from the following disclosure and detailed discussion of preferred embodiments.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The shifter of the instant invention solves problems associated with conventional shifters by providing a mechanism that is capable of operating electronic and/or cable controlled transmissions. The shifter of the instant invention can be employed in a conventional manner to position linearly an automatic transmission in Park (P), Reverse (R), Neutral (N), Drive (D) and in some cases Low (L). The inventive shifter can be converted from the conventional manner to an electronic shifter having a manual shift pattern. Electronic shifting with a manual shift pattern is sometimes referred to as “autostick”. The shifter is operated in a conventional (i.e., cable-driven) manner about a first axis and converted to an electronic shifter by being operated about a second axis.
The inventive shifter can be employed in an automatic mode (cable controlled) and a manual mode (electronic actuated or controlled) as a result of having a primary and secondary axis of motion. It should be understood that the terms automatic, conventional or cable are used essentially synonymously when referring to the mode of the transmission shifter. Similarly, the terms electronic, manual or autostick are also used here are essentially synonymous. In preferred embodiments, the dual functioning shifter (cable/automatic mode and electronic/manual mode) satisfies the following operational criteria.
1) The automatic mode requires moving a cable typically during the fore/aft motion of the shifter lever (as a result of moving among P,R,N,D,L).
2) The cable exhibits no motion during the fore/aft motion of the control lever in the manual/electronic mode. The cable is maintained in position to prevent accidental motion from outside forces during manual mode.
3) Motion of the shifter lever about the secondary axis does not occur in any position except the position in which it is intended.
4) There is a tactile operator detection of the shifter position during secondary axis motion.
5) The shifter lever is retained in its secondary axis position when not moved by the operator.
6) The control lever is self-centering when in manual mode.
To satisfy these criteria, in accordance with one aspect the instant invention comprises a transmission shifter having a detent surface provided with a series of detents, a cable actuator, a shifter lever operatively connected to the base, movable along a first gear shift gate in automatic mode and a second gear shift gate in manual mode with the shift gates connected by a connecting gate, and a pawl mounted on the cable actuator, movable between an engaged position where the pawl engages the detent surface to a disengaged position where the pawl is free of the detent surface, wherein as the shifter lever moves along the first gear shift gate the cable actuator moves with the shifter lever, and the shifter lever moves independent of the cable actuator as the shifter lever moves along the second gear shift gate. Tactile detents may be molded unitary with the transmission cable actuator or the shift lever. By molding components multiple functions of the inventive shifter into unitary components, the cost of manufacturing the shifter assembly is reduced.
From the foregoing disclosure and the following more detailed description of various preferred embodiments it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention provides a significant advance in the technology and art of transmission shifters. Particularly significant in this regard is the potential the invention affords for reduced cost and simplified construction of transmission shifters offering the option of either automatic or autostick shifter control. Additional features and advantages of various preferred embodiments will be better understood in view of the detailed description provided below.
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Dura Global Technologies
Herrmann Allan D.
McDermott Peter
LandOfFree
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