Control Convertible Between Automatic And Manual Operation Patents (Class 74/473.18)
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Publication number: 20100300232Abstract: An automated motorcycle transmission comprises a shift actuator (1) for engaging the gears of the transmission. The shift actuator (1) is a three-position actuator with self-maintaining end position stability which has first and second stable end positions and a stable central position. The shift actuator (1), when in the first end position, corresponds to a first gear of the transmission, the shift actuator (1), when in the second end position, corresponds to other gears of the transmission, and the shift actuator (1), when in the central position, corresponds to a neutral position of the transmission.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2010Publication date: December 2, 2010Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AGInventors: Mauro ZANELLA, Michael PANTKE
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Patent number: 7784375Abstract: An electrical shifting device for a vehicle includes a shift lever, a slider, and an actuator. The lever is rotatable about perpendicular axes to be able to deflect from a neutral position in anyone of different deflection directions. The lever includes a projection which extends along a first deflection direction. The slider is displaceable along a slider direction perpendicular to the first deflection direction. The slider has stages each engageable with the lever projection to limit the lever deflection in the first deflection direction. Each stage is different to limit the deflection of the lever in the first deflection direction to a different extent as a function of which stage engages the lever projection. The actuator positions the slider along the slider direction such that a selected slider stage engages the lever projection thereby allowing the lever deflection in the first deflection direction to be limited to different extent.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2008Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Leopold Kostal GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Michael Bleckmann, Peter Molkow, Corinna Machatzke, Thomas Luksch
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Publication number: 20100206118Abstract: In vehicular control method and apparatus for a shift-by-wire device, a selected shift position is modified to at least one of a vehicular parking position, a neutral position, and a traveling position, the selected shift position is modified to the vehicular parking position when a power switch is switched to an OFF position, and the modification of the shift position to the vehicular parking position is inhibited when an operation pattern of an operation input section while the power switch is in the ON position is made coincident with the operation pattern prescribed as a cipher code which inhibits the shift position modification to the vehicular parking position, the operation patterns being constituted by a combination of operation patterns which would not be carried out in the operation section during an ordinary traveling.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2010Publication date: August 19, 2010Inventors: Fumitaka Nagashima, Yoshiaki Ueda, Ryusuke Oshiro, Tomoyuki Suwabe
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Patent number: 7770486Abstract: In an automatic transmission, a shift lever is operable to move to one of a plurality of shift positions corresponding to ranges established as selectable options. The plurality of shift positions are each configured as one of a momentary position allowing the shift lever to automatically return to a home position and a retention position allowing the shift lever to be held therein. A return mechanism for causing the shift lever held in the retention position to return to the home position is provided. The return mechanism is enabled on one of conditions that the parking switch be turned on and that an ignition switch be turned off. In a manual transmission, a return mechanism for causing the shift lever held in a gear stage to return to a home position is provided, and the return mechanism is enabled on condition that an ignition switch be turned off.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2005Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Akio Morita, Yasushi Ohkawa, Yoshiharu Saito, Tomohiro Sakuraba, Atsushi Komatsu, Kotaro Hiramine, Shusaku Noguchi, Yoshinori Furusawa, Makirou Ishimoto
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Patent number: 7747372Abstract: Systems and methods for user control of vehicular transmission shift points. In one embodiment, a user may control a transmission shift point by adjusting a selector having non-discrete selectable positions. Such selector may generate a signal indicative of its position to a transmission controller. The transmission controller may receive the signal from the selector and determine at least one transmission shift point based upon the selector position. The transmission controller may thereby control the transmission to effectuate a gear change when the shift point is achieved. In some embodiments, the selector may comprise a rotary potentiometer, a rotary encoder, an inline potentiometer, an inline encoder or the like.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2007Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth Michael Mathis
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Publication number: 20100107798Abstract: A shifting device for an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle, with a gear-shift lever, which can be moved in an automatic shift track to select several gear-shift positions, and with a latching mechanism, which comprises latching positions assigned to the gear-shift positions and also comprises at least one latching element, which cooperates with an arresting gate comprising several gate sections. The operating convenience can be improved by designing the arresting gate in such a way that that gate sections for the latching element form stable latching positions assigned to the gear-shift positions, into which latching positions the associated latching element is pretensioned by the force of a spring and out of which the latching element can be moved against the force of a spring.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2009Publication date: May 6, 2010Applicant: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventor: MICHAEL SICKART
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Publication number: 20100101353Abstract: An actuating device for selecting shift positions of a shift-by-wire gear shifting transmission. The actuating device comprises a selector lever that may be moved between at least a drive position and a parking lock position, the lever having stable selector lever settings, and a locking device for locking the selector lever in the parking lock position. The locking device comprises an actuator device such that the selector lever may be moved from the drive position into the park position by way of the locking and actuator devices. The actuating device makes it possible that the position of the selector lever of the actuating device matches the actual shifting state of the transmission at all times, and thereby offers reliable optical and tactile feedback for the driver of the actual shifting state of the transmission and may also serve as a mechanical emergency actuator for the parking lock.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2008Publication date: April 29, 2010Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AGInventors: Andreas Giefer, Jorg Meyer, Ludger Rake
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Patent number: 7694604Abstract: A shifting mechanism for an automated or automatic transmission includes a selection lever that can be shifted in a first shift gate between automatic selection stages. The selection lever can be shifted, via a first lateral gate, to a second shift gate in order to allow the manual selection of individual transmission gears, and via a second lateral gate, with which various modes, for example an automatic or a manual mode, can be activated using the selection lever. In addition to three stable positions for the selection stages, the selection lever has a fourth stable position, from which all driving modes can be set.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2006Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Michael Sickart, Michael Funk, Peter Baur
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Publication number: 20100024584Abstract: An actuating device for selecting shift positions of a shift-by-wire gearshift transmission. The actuating device comprises a selector lever that is movable between stable lever positions from at least one drive mode position to a parking lock position, a detent device with a spring-loaded detent element, a detent guide-plate and a separating device with an actuator-operated thrust wedge. The detent element and the detent guide-plate can be moved by the thrust wedge from a first position, in which the detent element engages in a shift track of the detent guide-plate, to another second position in which the detent element is disengaged from the shift track of the guide-plate. The actuating device enables automatic return of the selector lever to the parking lock position and thus provides the driver with correct visual and tactile feedback about the actual shift status of the transmission.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2008Publication date: February 4, 2010Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AGInventors: Andreas Giefer, Jorg Meyer, Ludger Rake
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Patent number: 7650807Abstract: A method for adjusting an automatic transmission ratio by a driver includes imposing a ratio change required by the driver to the transmission when first conditions are fulfilled, maintaining the ratio until second conditions for returning to operation in an automatic mode are fulfilled, and automatically restoring the automatic mode when the second conditions are fulfilled.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2005Date of Patent: January 26, 2010Assignee: Renault S.A.S.Inventors: Carine Poisson, Christian Taffin
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Patent number: 7650849Abstract: An indicator for an AT vehicle is disclosed wherein even when a shift lever boot is greatly flexed downward during shift operation of a shift lever, boot penetration restricting device, provided inside an open window of an indicator, prevents the shift lever boot from flexing and penetrating into a lower area of the open window portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2006Date of Patent: January 26, 2010Assignees: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Fuji Kiko Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yusuke Aso, Tomohiro Takahira
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Patent number: 7650811Abstract: A shifting device includes a housing, a shift lever, and a sensor unit. The shift lever is moved along frontward or rearward and leftward or rightward to select one of shift positions. The sensor unit is of a non-contact type and detects the selected shift position. The sensor unit includes a plurality of sensors and a magnet. The relative positions of the sensors and the magnet are variable. The sensor unit detects the selected shift position according to the relative positions. According to movement of the shift lever, at least one of the group of the sensors and the magnet is moved along a first movement axis and a second movement axis. The first and second movement axes extend in different directions.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2007Date of Patent: January 26, 2010Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki SeisakushoInventors: Kazuhito Matsui, Masahiro Taniguchi, Osamu Shoji, Noriyuki Suzuki
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Patent number: 7614319Abstract: An arrangement for controlling gear positions in a car includes a console having a wall, and one or more sensors arranged in connection to the console wall. The arrangement additionally includes a gear lever and a code device constructed to interact with the one or more sensors. The code device is connected to the gear lever so that the code device moves upon motion of the gear lever. The code device is pivotably secured adjacent to the gear lever, and the arrangement can bias the code device in a direction toward the console wall. The arrangement can further include an arm by which the code device is pivotably secured in the gear lever.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2004Date of Patent: November 10, 2009Assignee: Kongsberg Automotive ABInventors: Bengt Hermansson, Frank Dankbaar
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Patent number: 7597019Abstract: A transmission operating apparatus for a vehicle includes a shift lever manipulable by a driver, and at least one counterforce applying unit which electrically applies a counterforce counteracting a shifting operation of the shift lever to the shift lever corresponding to a respective position of the shift lever. The counterforce to be applied to the shift lever by the counterforce applying unit is changed when predetermined conditions are satisfied.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2006Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shinichi Yone
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Patent number: 7597021Abstract: A control apparatus of a vehicular automatic transmission includes a control device designed to control gear changes of the transmission on the basis of operation or control signals from a first manual gearshifting part and a second manual gearshifting part. When it determines a multiple operation of the first and second manual gearshifting parts, the control device executes the operation signal from the first manual gearshifting part.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2005Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shinichi Nishio, Hiroyuki Takeo, Hideki Machino
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Patent number: 7574937Abstract: A control device for electronic multi-step gear shifting control of an automatic transmission for motor vehicles functions to shift gears by means of the tip actuation of a selector lever with a shifting journal that can be pivoted from the automatic shift lane into the multi-step shift lane. The control device is configured as a tip shifting module in the form of a compact modular component with a sturdy housing. The tip shifting module serves to secure and hold in place several mechanical modules and electronic modules located therein and convert the mechanical shifting movement of the selector lever imparted on the input side into electric control signals that can be tapped at the output side of the module. A multi-track encoded magnet arranged in the housing of the module together with several Hall sensors ensures a reliable generation of switching signals.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2005Date of Patent: August 18, 2009Assignee: Teleflex Automotive Germany GmbHInventors: Andreas Waldow, Stephan Grossmann, Axel Wack, Guido Naumann, Markus Jaekel
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Patent number: 7536972Abstract: Shift lever apparatus includes: a shift lever adapted to be shifted in a longitudinal direction to select one of ranges in an automatic mode and to be inclined in a lateral direction to select a range in a manual mode; a frame member; a longitudinal slide plate slidable in the frame member in the longitudinal direction together with the shift lever; and a lateral slide plate slidable in the lateral direction relative to the longitudinal slide plate in accordance with a shift operation of the shift lever. The lateral slide plate includes a current shift position indicator to indicate a current shift position of the shift lever. The lateral slide plate further includes a buffer portion to mitigate impact at an end of a stroke of the lateral slide plate in the lateral direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2006Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: Fuji Kiko Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takayoshi Suzuki, Tomohiro Takahira
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Patent number: 7530285Abstract: A selector device for an automated or automatic transmission, in particular of a motor vehicle, has a selector lever which is adjustable in an automatic selector gate to switch between automatic operating positions and can be moved via a transverse gate into a tip-action selector gate in which it is adjustable to shift between transmission gears. Here, the selector lever has one stable operating position in the tip-action selector gate, to which stable operating position the selector lever automatically returns from all the labile positions of the three gates. To increase operating comfort and to increase operational safety, a transmission controller is configured such that, after an automatic operating position is selected, it only switches to the selected automatic operating state when the selector lever resumes its stable operating position.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2006Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. f. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Markus Rettenmaier, Michael Sickart
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Patent number: 7490527Abstract: A control system for an automatically shifting transmission is described. A direct upshifting or downshifting starting from the automatic mode is permitted, by using a corresponding programming of the electronic control device when a certain selecting device is operated, without transition into the manual mode taking place. A gear change following this upshifting or downshifting is implemented, corresponding to the shifting logic of the automatic mode. In the case of a multiple operation, multiple direct upshifts or downshifts can also be permitted, without leaving the automatic mode.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2007Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellscaftInventors: Emanuel Fuchs, Frank Gielisch, Cedric Dubreuil, Eva-Farangis Rahimi-Nedjat, Tobias Falck
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Patent number: 7472621Abstract: A shift device includes a housing, a shift lever, a sensor unit. The shift lever is moved forward and rearward, and leftward and rightward of the shift device for selecting the connection state of the transmission of a vehicle. The sensor unit is attached to the housing. The sensor unit includes a first MRE element, a second MRE element, a light sensor, a first microswitch, and a second microswitch, which are integrated. The first MRE element, the second MRE element, and the light sensor detect the position of the shift lever in the front-rear direction. The first and second microswitches detect the position of the shift lever in the left-right direction.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2006Date of Patent: January 6, 2009Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki SeisakushoInventors: Noriyasu Syamoto, Isamu Matsushima, Noriyuki Suzuki
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Publication number: 20080264194Abstract: A bimodal shifter assembly provides a radically simplified mechanical arrangement for movement of the shifter in each of two modes along distinct shift paths.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2007Publication date: October 30, 2008Applicant: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLCInventors: Darrell S. Bowman, H. Lenora Hardee, Joseph T. Penaloza, Mary Mc. Wesler
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Patent number: 7421923Abstract: An electronic gear shifter structure for a vehicle shift-by-wire system includes a shift lever that is manipulated for gear changes and equipped at one side surface thereof with a park range switch. An indicator is equipped at one side thereof with a gear range displayer for showing the present gear position according to the movement of the shift lever by a driver. A base plate is situated underneath the shift lever and indicator.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2006Date of Patent: September 9, 2008Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.Inventor: Young Kwang Kim
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Patent number: 7406889Abstract: A gear selection position displaying device includes a path display portion (56) which displays a movement path of a gearshift lever, lever position display portions (circled portions of 51c, 53b, 53c, 53d and 55b) which display the position of the gearshift lever, and gear range display portions (51a, 52a, 54a and 55a, and symbol imparted portions of 51c, 53b, 53c, 53d and 55b) which display gear ranges which are selected at the gear selection positions, respectively. When a momentary area where the gearshift lever is automatically restored to a home position is selected, a display on the gear range display portions (52a, 54a) which corresponds to the momentary area so selected is deleted (52b, 54b), whereas a gear range corresponding to the selected momentary area is displayed (53c, 53d) on the gear range display portions (53c, 53d).Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2006Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yasushi Okawa
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Publication number: 20080168762Abstract: A method for opening a mobile cowl actuated by a motor and equipping a turbojet thrust reverser that includes at the start of the opening phase, a bridling step whereby the speed of the mobile cowl is maintained lower or equal to a predetermined threshold speed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2007Publication date: July 17, 2008Applicant: AIRCELLEInventors: Michel Philippe Dehu, Fabrice Henri Emile Metezeau, Pierre Andre Marcel Baudu, Vincent Pierre Germain Le-Coq
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Publication number: 20080098844Abstract: A control lever may be prevented from moving from a particular shift position when a shift lever is moved from a particular shift position in an automated gear change mode selection area, and a coupled state with the shift lever has been released. In a shift lever device, when a shift lever moves from the D position that is in an automatic gear change area to a manual gear change area, coupled to this movement, a striker plate slides along a width direction from a released position to a constrained position. In doing so, a stopper member prevents movement along a shift direction of the striker plate that is in the constrained position, preventing movement along the shift direction of a support lever, which has been integrated to the striker plate moving in the shift direction, and the shift lever.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2007Publication date: May 1, 2008Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHO, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Masashi KATO, Kenichi TAKEUCHI
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Patent number: 7337051Abstract: A shift control apparatus for controlling shifting actions of a step-variable automatic transmission having a plurality of selectable groups of forward-drive positions (e.g., normal-spread group and narrow-spread or wide-spread group) having respective different sets of speed ratios, the automatic transmission having an automatic shifting mode in which the shifting actions take place automatically and a manual shifting mode in which the shifting actions are manually controllable, the shift control apparatus including a drive-position-group selecting portion operable upon switching of a shifting mode of the automatic transmission from the automatic shifting mode to the manual shifting mode, to select one of the selectable groups of forward-drive positions in the manual shifting mode, on the basis of the group which was selected last in the automatic shifting mode.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2004Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hirofumi Ota, Atsushi Honda, Akiharu Abe, Atsushi Tabata
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Patent number: 7322457Abstract: A shifting device (1) for the mechanical coupling-free transmission of shift commands to an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle (shift-by-wire shifting), with at least one housing and/or one frame and one selector lever for the manual selection of shift commands for the vehicle transmission in at least one shift gate. The selector lever can be moved manually into at least four positions (P, R, N, D), pivotable about at least one shift axis. A transmission device(s) transmits the shift commands without mechanical coupling with the vehicle transmission (shift by wire). A mechanical coupling (16) is provided between the selector lever (2) and the transmission of the vehicle. This mechanical coupling (16) activates the parking brake exclusively and automatically when the selector lever (2) is engaged in the P position and is automatically uncoupled from the selector lever when the selector lever (2) is pivoted out beyond the adjacent position.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2005Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Assignee: ZF Lemförder MetallWaren AGInventors: Andreas Giefer, Jörg Meyer
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Patent number: 7293480Abstract: A shifting device includes a housing, a shift lever, and a sensor unit. The shift lever is moved along frontward or rearward and leftward or rightward to select one of shift positions. The sensor unit is of a non-contact type and detects the selected shift position. The sensor unit includes a plurality of sensors and a magnet. The relative positions of the sensors and the magnet are variable. The sensor unit detects the selected shift position according to the relative positions. According to movement of the shift lever, at least one of the group of the sensors and the magnet is moved along a first movement axis and a second movement axis. The first and second movement axes extend in different directions.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2003Date of Patent: November 13, 2007Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki SeisakushoInventors: Kazuhito Matsui, Masahiro Taniguchi, Osamu Shoji, Noriyuki Suzuki
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Patent number: 7219572Abstract: A compact shift device for shifting gears of a vehicle transmission. The shift device includes a shift lever movable in a first direction and a second direction to shift the gears of the transmission. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction. A first movable member is connected to the shift lever to move in cooperation with the shift lever for detecting the position of the shift lever in the first direction. A second movable member is connected to the shift lever to move in cooperation with the shift lever for detecting the position of the shift lever in the second direction. The first and second movable members move along the same plane.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2003Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki SeisakushoInventor: Noriyasu Syamoto
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Patent number: 7210370Abstract: A shifting device (4) is provided for an automatic transmission and has an additional manual shifting function. The device includes a selector lever (6), which is mounted pivotably on a gear shift lever (10) such that different, automatically shiftable gears can be preset in a first shift gate (1) and individual, manually shiftable gears can be preset in a second shift gate (2). A housing (5) is provided, in which the gear shift gate (10) is mounted with the selector lever (6) pivotably in such a way that shifting between a predetermined gear (“D”) of the first shift gate (1) and a neutral position (“M”) of the second shift gate (2) is made possible. The further shifting from the predetermined gear (“D”) of the first shift gate (1) into at least one other gear (“3”) of the first shift gate is prevented by a lock, which is overcome by the actuation of an actuating element.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AGInventors: Andreas Giefer, Jörg Meyer
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Patent number: 7200477Abstract: A driver-aid method for shifting gears in an automatic transmission, wherein an automatic operating mode of the automatic transmission provides for shifting automatically by means of an optimization strategy based on information signals. Manual shifting of the gears of the vehicle by means of a control device is permitted even in automatic operating mode: a) if the shift requested manually by the driver is compatible with the set optimization strategy, a physical return is transmitted to the driver informing the driver of the compatibility of the shift requested; and b) if the shift requested manually by the driver is not compatible with the set optimization strategy, a physical return is transmitted to the driver informing the driver of the incompatibility of the shift requested.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2005Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: C.R.F. Societa Consortile per AzioniInventor: Gianfranco Burzio
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Patent number: 7174802Abstract: An automatic transmission shifter assembly for automotive vehicles includes a shift lever, a gate plate formed with a gate passage, and a slide block having an engagement recess to be engaged with the shift lever, wherein the slide block is adapted to be moved frontwardly and rearwardly in response to the manipulation of the shift lever. The shifter assembly is provided with a noise-reducing member made of a flexible material, and attached onto the shift lever to extend from a region allowing the noise-reduction member to be brought into contact with the gate passage to a region allowing the noise-reduction member to be engaged with the engagement recess. The shifter assembly can effectively suppress hitting noises.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2003Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Delta Kogyo Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hiroyuki Wakayama
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Patent number: 7131347Abstract: A manual gearshift device for an automotive automatic transmission operative in an automatic shift mode in which a gear ratio is automatically varied according to driving conditions and a manual mode in which a gear ratio is manually changed is disclosed. The manual gear shift device, that is installed to spokes of a steering wheel extending in substantially diametrically opposite horizontal directions, comprises a first gearshift switch which is installed to one of the spokes at an obverse side of the steering wheel and provides a shift-up command signal and a second gearshift switch, desirably different in shape and operative direction from the first gearshift switch, which is installed to one of the spokes at a reverse side of the steering wheel and provides a shift-up command signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2005Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Kazuhiko Yoshikawa, Yoshinori Ohtsubo, Yasuyuki Inai, Kouji Furukawa, Akira Nakayama, Shingo Kunihiro, Akiko Ogasawara
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Patent number: 7114410Abstract: In a select system for an automatic transmission in which switchover between a mechanical automatic mode and an electrical manual mode is achieved by a lateral shift of a select lever, the select lever has an engaging protrusion extending a distance to one side, which remains inserted in an engaging groove opened in a rotatable linkage member. When the select lever is in the automatic mode, the linkage member is rotatable with the lever operation by engagement between the engaging protrusion and a part of the engaging groove so as to achieve mechanical transmission control of the automatic transmission. When the select lever is in the manual mode, the engaging protrusion, while disengaging from the part of the engaging groove, restricts rotation of the linkage member so as to prevent the mechanical transmission control.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2003Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kunihiro Nagasawa
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Patent number: 7107868Abstract: A transmission operating apparatus A mainly includes: a forward/backward direction sensor 3 which detects positions of a shift lever 1 manipulated by the driver; an operation mode selecting switch 7 which selects one of two operation modes to be manipulated by the shift lever 1; a forward/backward manipulation reaction force actuator 9; and a controller 4. The controller 4 further includes: an operation panel setting section 4A which virtually sets an operation panel corresponding to the operation mode selected by the operation mode selecting switch 7; a reaction force control section 4B which sets a reaction force corresponding to the position of the shift lever 1 in accordance with the operation panel; and a transmission control section 4C which controls a transmission 6 based on the position of the shift lever 1 in relation to the operation panel.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2003Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Shinichi Yone
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Patent number: 7086306Abstract: A shift device includes a housing, a shift lever, a sensor unit. The shift lever is moved forward and rearward, and leftward and rightward of the shift device for selecting the connection state of the transmission of a vehicle. The sensor unit is attached to the housing. The sensor unit includes a first MRE element, a second MRE element, a light sensor, a first microswitch, and a second microswitch, which are integrated. The first MRE element, the second MRE element, and the light sensor detect the position of the shift lever in the front-rear direction. The first and second microswitches detect the position of the shift lever in the left-right direction.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2002Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: Kabushiki, Kaisha, Tokai, Rika, Denki SeisakushoInventors: Noriyasu Syamoto, Isamu Matsushima, Noriyuki Suzuki
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Patent number: 7069807Abstract: A vehicle transmission detent assembly is provided that includes a housing having a bore. A movable shift rail is supported by the housing and includes a recess at least partially aligned with the bore. A detent is at least partially arranged within the bore and engages the recess. A biasing member generates a force on the detent and urges the detent into engagement with the recess. An adjustment member threadingly received within a portion of the housing coacts with the biasing member. Upon manipulation of the adjustment member, the biasing member may be moved between a plurality of compressive states in which each of the states generates a different force on the detent. In this manner, the biasing spring may be compressed or uncompressed to provide a desired shift feel.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2003Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Assignee: ZF Meritor, LLC.Inventors: Matthew Girlando, Landon Ball, Patrick L. Scheib
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Patent number: 7028575Abstract: Monostable shifting mechanism, in which two shifting channels are provided for the shift lever. “Monostable” means that the shifting element or the shift lever has only one stable position. As a function of the actual “operating condition” of the shifting mechanism, certain other operating conditions can be selected by means of the deflection of the shift lever. For this purpose, the shift lever is deflected manually in either one or the other shifting channel and, after the release, automatically returns into the stable starting position from any possible deflected position.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2003Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AGInventors: Rudolf Ehrmaier, Norbert Woeste, Josef Neuner
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Patent number: 7028576Abstract: A shift lever assembly (10) including a base member (14) and a shift lever (12); the shift lever (12) being pivotally mounted to the base member (14). The shift lever (12) is pivotally adjustable by an operator, relative to the base member (14), along a shift lever path from an initial position to at least one further position. The pivotal mounting of the shift lever (12) to the base member (14) is configured to enable the shift lever (12) to be mounted in a plurality of pivotal mounting configurations relative to the base member (14). Each pivotal mounting configuration defines a unique shift lever path relative to the base member (14).Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2005Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Assignee: M.T.M. PTY LTDInventor: Witold Zelman
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Patent number: 7001308Abstract: A shift device for an automatic transmission of a vehicle, particularly of a motor vehicle, is proposed in which the request to change the current ratio of the automatic transmission upon reaching preset operating states of the vehicle can be automatically generated or by manual input in a manual shifting mode. A pulse counter is here provided by way of successive pulses and manual input can be functionally interlinked wherein a shift signal can be generated depending on the linkage.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2002Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Markus Henneken, Friedemann Jauch, Franz-Josef Schuler, Thomas Mauz, Michael Kiefer
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Patent number: 6948399Abstract: A manual gearshift device for an automotive automatic transmission operative in an automatic shift mode in which a gear ratio is automatically varied according to driving conditions and a manual mode in which a gear ratio is manually changed is disclosed. The manual gear shift device, that is installed to spokes of a steering wheel extending in substantially diametrically opposite horizontal directions, comprises a first gearshift switch which is installed to one of the spokes at an obverse side of the steering wheel and provides a shift-up command signal and a second gearshift switch, desirably different in shape and operative direction from the first gearshift switch, which is installed to one of the spokes at a reverse side of the steering wheel and provides a shift-up command signal.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2002Date of Patent: September 27, 2005Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Kazuhiko Yoshikawa, Yoshinori Ohtsubo, Yasuyuki Inai, Kouji Furukawa, Akira Nakayama, Shingo Kunihiro, Akiko Ogasawara
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Patent number: 6945132Abstract: A column-type shift lever structure for an automatic transmission with a manual shifting mode, which permits a diver to manually shift a gear at his convenience, thus providing more dynamic driving feel and improving performance and convenience of the vehicle. An upper plate is rotated by a shift lever, a lower plate has locking jaws that perform catching and releasing actions when the shift lever is pivoted, and a cable actuating lever is pivoted by a ball joint to actuate a transmission control cable. The shift lever can be rotated to a predetermined manual shifting mode set up by the lower plate. A select switch is provided for transmitting a signal causing the transmission to be converted from a driving mode to a manual shifting mode or vice versa to a TCU.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2003Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Assignee: Kia Motors CorporationInventor: Yoong Kwang Kim
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Patent number: 6931961Abstract: A gate change unit for generating gate-changing signals for an automatic gearbox comprises a cover, a gate which is located in the cover and which permits displacement movements and/or pivoting movements in a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction in the plane of the gate change unit, a gear change lever which is guided in the gate and can be displaced and/or pivoted in the longitudinal direction and/or the transverse direction, a housing or carrier part which is connected to the cover, and electrical switch elements, the electrical switch elements generating electrical gear change signals in accordance with the displacement of the gear change lever, which signals are used to control the automatic gearbox. The electrical switch elements are arranged directly on a conductive element, in the form of a printed circuit board or a conductive foil, which is connected to the housing or to the carrier part.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2002Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Assignee: Cherry GmbHInventors: Guenter Bauer, Thomas Schober
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Patent number: 6918314Abstract: An actuator for a vehicle transmission having both a shift-by-wire mode and a manual override mode includes a motor and a gear assembly driven by the motor when the vehicle transmission is in a shift-by-wire mode. An output member of the gear assembly is configured to mate with the vehicle transmission. A release member is operable to drive the gear assembly when the vehicle transmission is in a manual override mode.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2002Date of Patent: July 19, 2005Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Yong Q. Wang
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Patent number: 6904822Abstract: A signal transmitter for setting the operating states of an automatic gear shifting mechanism having a selector, deflectable in at least three direction, and automatically returnable into a normal position X, by which a shift position R for engaging a reverse gear, a shift position N for the interruption of torque transmission in the gear change mechanism, a shift position D for engaging a forward gear are made. Additionally, the selector can be deflected in a direction for shift position N, N1, N2 for the interruption of torque transmission in the gear change mechanism starting from the normal position X, then another direction different from the first direction and its opposite direction for selecting other shift positions R or D starting from the shift positions N, N1, N2, and again deflected in the first direction after deflecting to other direction for selecting the other shift positions R or D.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2002Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: ZF Lemförder Mētallwaren AGInventors: Jörg Meyer, Andreas Giefer
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Patent number: 6895833Abstract: The shift-lever apparatus of an automatic transmission for enabling manual mode operation includes a housing, a shift-lever connected to a rotating unit disposed at a lower portion of the housing such that the shift-lever can rotate about the rotating unit, and a base member fixed to the shift-lever and enclosed by the housing, such that the base member moves according to the movement of the shift-lever. The apparatus also includes “+” and “?” switches, each being disposed at either side of the base member, such that the “+” and “?” switches are selectively operated according to the movement of the shift-lever. Finally, the apparatus includes a switch operating unit disposed at the base member such that the switch operating unit selectively presses the “+” and “?” switches.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2002Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Yang-Rae Cho
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Patent number: 6892599Abstract: A gear shift device for vehicles with a mechanical, manually operable gearbox (9) for the vehicle (2). A gear level (1) is linked to the hydraulic master (55, 55?, 56, 56?) to respective slave cylinders (8, 18) for engagement or disengagement of gears during a manual mode of operation for the gear shift device. The gear level (1) is arranged to be brought from a position, wherein a gear is engaged, via a neutral or free position. By means of the gear level (1), the gear shift device can be brought into an automatic mode of operation (A). An electronic control device (44) is arranged to receive signals concerning a chosen mode of operation and driving parameter values. When an automatic mode of operation is chosen, the connection between the master cylinders (5, 15) and the slave cylinders (8, 18) is broken, and a connection is established between the control device (44) and the slave cylinders (8, 18) for automatic control of the slave cylinders.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2001Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: Kongsberg Automotive ASAInventor: Sven Bjørkgård
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Patent number: 6865967Abstract: A select member has a stopper arm, is pivotally connected to a case and is pivotal about a first axis substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the case. A shift lever is connected to the select member and pivotal about a second axis substantially in parallel with the longitudinal axis and has a portion that passes through a gate slot. A lock lever is pivotal into the window to block gthe stopper arm. An actuating mechanism permits the lock lever to selectively assume a position wherein the lock lever blocks movement of the stopper arm.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2002Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: Fuji Kiko Co., Ltd.Inventors: Norihito Shioji, Mitsuo Narazaki
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Patent number: 6857335Abstract: A manipulation lever can be manipulated to select a first mode for automatically changing the drive range of an automatic transmission or a second mode for changing the drive range by manually manipulating the manipulation lever. The manipulation lever is shifted between the first mode in which a control lever moves mechanically with the manipulation lever and the second mode in which the control lever does not move with the manipulation lever. A first guide portion guides the manipulation lever and a second guide portion guides the clutch lever. When the manipulation lever is arranged at the drive position, the first and second guide portions permit the manipulation lever to be disengaged from the clutch lever. When the manipulation lever is arranged at positions other than the drive position, the first and second guide portions keep the manipulation lever to be engaged with the clutch lever.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2002Date of Patent: February 22, 2005Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki SeisakushoInventor: Keiji Kahara
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Patent number: 6848331Abstract: A shift lock apparatus has a shift lever operated selectively in a first and second directions to switch a gear of a vehicle. The change gear is operated based the manual operation of the lever shifted in the first direction. The gear is automatically operated when the lever is shifted in the second direction. A lock member is rotatably supported around an axis extending perpendicular to a plane including lines each extending in the first direction and in the second direction. A plurality of regulating portions are disposed in said lock member. The regulating portion is capable of regulating the shift lever that moves in the first and the second directions.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2002Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki SeisakushoInventor: Noriyasu Syamoto