Park-lock Device Patents (Class 192/220.2)
  • Patent number: 11913540
    Abstract: A selecting member for a vehicle includes a lever that is operable between a plurality of selector positions. A base includes a plurality of steps that correspond to the plurality of selector positions. A pawl actuator includes a pawl having a rack and a pinion gear that is rotationally operated by a motor. The motor selectively and rotationally operates the pinion gear to actuate the pawl relative to the plurality of steps. An interface is coupled with the lever that actuates the motor. Operation of the motor operates the pawl relative to the plurality of steps and allows the pawl actuator to be manipulated relative to the base to align the pawl with a step of the plurality of steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: GHSP, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn Clapp, Nicholas Spitler, Daniel Kushner, Kristopher Alan Harrington
  • Patent number: 11808347
    Abstract: An automatic park lock for an off road or recreational utility vehicle includes a shift interlock solenoid with a spring biased plunger engaging and locking an operator shift lever in the park position. A cam surface on the operator shift lever slopes between a first end and a second end, and has a groove to lock the plunger to the park position. A controller energizes the shift interlock solenoid to retract the plunger when a plurality of operating parameters are satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Stephan R. Hayden, Donald W. Ertmer, Nathan L. Yolitz
  • Patent number: 11486493
    Abstract: A vehicular parking lock mechanism includes a parking gear, a parking pole, a lock member, and a lock releasing member. The parking pole includes a first parking pole member having a meshing tooth, and a second parking pole member having a cam protrusion. When the lock releasing member is pulled in one direction, and the second parking pole member is moved to a manually released position, the cam protrusion is disengaged from a second roller of the lock member, and the meshing tooth of the first parking pole member comes out of the parking gear, so that the parking lock mechanism is released from the parking locked state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masaru Morise
  • Patent number: 11346444
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an actuation system for a parking mechanism in a transmission system of a vehicle. In one example, a system may include an actuator coupled to a lever arm via one or more parallel axis gears, and a shaft connecting the lever arm to a pawl of the parking mechanism, the lever arm non-back drivable at each of a first state and a second state of the actuation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Z. Creech
  • Patent number: 11346442
    Abstract: A shift operation determination apparatus includes: an operation member rotatably attached to the vehicle; an operation detection section configured to detect a position of the operation member; a lock mechanism configured to regulate a rotation of the operation member; a braking operation detection section configured to detect a braking operation of the vehicle; a shift determination section configured to determine any one of a plurality of shift ranges including a first range for parking and a second range different from the first range, based on the position of the operation member; and a lock control section configured to cause the lock mechanism to regulate the rotation of the operation member from a first position corresponding to the first range to a second position corresponding to the second range when the braking operation is not detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kenichi Harada
  • Patent number: 11168788
    Abstract: A parking lock module has a housing, in which, for the actuation of a parking lock, a positioning member is movable between a locking position and an unlocking position. The positioning member is selectively fixable in a position relative to the housing with an arresting device, which has a detent element interacting with the positioning member. The detent element is movable with an actuator between arresting and release positions. A sensor arrangement with a position detector, which is positionally fixed relative to the housing, and a position encoder, which, for the detection of the respective position, is operatively connected to the positioning member or to the detent element. The electromagnetic actuator is activatable with a circuit board attached to the housing and bears the position detector of the sensor arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: FTE automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Gebert, Steve Selch, Andreas Schwipp
  • Patent number: 11118673
    Abstract: A brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) solenoid includes a solenoid housing having an inner surface defining a lock pin cavity. The solenoid also includes a lock pin positioned within the lock pin cavity, the lock pin moveable between a first position and a second position. The solenoid further includes a bumper protruding into the lock pin cavity and stationary relative to the lock pin, the bumper defining the first position of the lock pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Michael C. Vermeersch, Christopher F. Watz, Jason L. Myers
  • Patent number: 11022218
    Abstract: A parking lock for a transmission of a motor vehicle having an interlocking element of a connecting rod that is biased against a parking lock disengagement direction to bring and keep a ratchet tooth of a locking pawl in engagement with a tooth space of a parking interlock gear during an engagement of the parking lock. The connecting rod is provided a spring force acting in a parking lock engagement direction from an inserting spring and a compressive force acting in the parking lock disengagement direction from a hydraulically actuatable actuator having first piston pressurizable to disengage the parking lock. A detent device actuatable by an electromagnet mechanically fixes the first piston in either a latched or unlatched piston position associated with an engaged or disengaged position of the parking lock, respectively. A system determines a current engagement position of the detent device by assessing an inductance at the electromagnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Thomas Schwegler, Florian Weinl, Michael Jud, Armin Haugg, Julia Klein
  • Patent number: 10871226
    Abstract: A manual park release device includes a base portion. A handle portion is rotatably coupled to the base portion to move from a retracted position to an extended position. The handle portion during rotation toward the extended position exerts a pulling force to displace a tension cable connected to an automatic transmission of an automobile vehicle to change from a first park gear to a second neutral gear. A first locking feature releasably restricts rotational movement of the handle portion away from the retracted position. A second locking feature releasably restricts rotational movement of the handle portion away from the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Inventors: David Legault, Jian Ming Yan, Chadd Beals
  • Patent number: 10823286
    Abstract: An actuating device (19) for manually releasing a parking lock device (9) of a transmission (1) includes a manual actuator (18) and a pivotably mounted actuating shaft (20). The actuating shaft (20) includes a shaft outer section (20a), to which the manual actuator (18) is attached, and includes a shaft inner section (20b), on which a parking disk (15) is mounted. The parking disk (15) includes a recess (21), and on which an engaging piece is mounted, which includes a projection (23) engaging into the recess (21). The engaging piece is an engaging lever (22) which includes a foot section (22a) for mounting the engaging lever (22) on the shaft inner section (20b) of the actuating shaft (20), and includes the projection (23) on a head section (22b) positioned opposite a foot section (22a). An associated parking lock device (9), transmission (1), and assembly method are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Tobias Schlosser, Tobias Miller, Adalbert Schoida, Michael Linkens, Matthias List
  • Patent number: 10690237
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of controlling a system for neutral range parking of a vehicle. The power of the vehicle is turned off based on operation of a start button when a shift range of a vehicle transmission is a P-range. It is determined whether a brake pedal is operated after the power is turned off and, when the brake pedal is determined to be operated after the power is turned off, an automatic lever solenoid valve of the transmission is operated to allow the transmission to shift from the P-range to another shift range by releasing engagement between the automatic lever solenoid valve and an engaging lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Bum Jun Kim, Yong Ik Kim
  • Patent number: 10663060
    Abstract: A shift lever mechanism has a neutral (N) range shift lock, the shift lever mechanism configured such that when shifting from a drive (D) range to a park (P) range, rotation of a shift lever is confined to the N range, and then, when a shift condition to the P range is satisfied, the shift lever is rotated to allow shifting to the P range, thereby preventing damage to a parking mechanism due to driver error when shifting to the P range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, SL Corporation
    Inventors: Sun Il Kim, Eun Sik Kim, Jee Hyuck Choi, Jeong Seon Min, Seong Uk Bae, Sun Joo Kim, Jin Won Ko, Yang Rae Cho, Man Young Cheon
  • Patent number: 10598281
    Abstract: An override mechanism for a shift-by-wire transmission includes a housing having a first pin aperture and a shaft extending into the housing. The override mechanism further includes a reel plate having a second pin aperture. The reel plate is rotatably fixed to the shaft and rotatable within the housing. The override mechanism further includes a spring biasing the reel plate to a first angular position, and a pull-pin removably disposable within the first and second pin apertures to retain the reel plate in a second angular position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Emad Al-Regib, Todd Curtis Spaulding, Craig Matthew Renneker, Bryant L. Poynter, Susan Wyatt
  • Patent number: 10495223
    Abstract: A parking actuator assembly for an automatic transmission includes a park pawl that is rotatable between an in-park position and an out-of-park position. An actuator assembly is configured to be moved between a park-actuated position and a park-disengaged position, the actuator assembly being configured to rotate the park pawl into the in-park position when the actuator is moved into the park-actuated position. An actuator rod is slidably coupled to the actuator assembly. In some forms, the actuator assembly remains in contact with the park pawl from the park-actuated position to the park-disengaged position. In some forms, at least one latching solenoid is included, and the latching solenoid(s) as well as a park actuator motor may be disposed within a main transmission system. A verification sensor may be included to determine the position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Dumitru Puiu, Vijay A. Neelakantan, Gurdeep Singh, Ryan M. Jenness
  • Patent number: 10458542
    Abstract: A shifter system assembly for a steering column constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure includes a shifter mechanism and a brake transmission shift interface (BTSI). The shifter mechanism receives a shift lever and selectively moves between a “Park” position and an out of “Park” position. The BTSI assembly comprises a BTSI pin assembly and a solenoid coil. The BTSI pin assembly includes a blocking pin, a solenoid pin and a coupler. The solenoid pin is separate and distinct from the blocking pin. The coupler couples the blocking pin and the solenoid pin. The BTSI pin assembly moves between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position the blocking pin inhibits movement of the shifter mechanism out of the “Park” position. In the retracted position, the blocking pin allows movement of the shifter mechanism to the out of “Park” position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignees: ThyssenKrupp Presta AG, thyssenkrupp AG
    Inventor: Mark Shogren
  • Patent number: 10208858
    Abstract: A parking pawl module includes a first actuator, a gearbox including at least one gear carrier where the at least one gear carrier supports a hub configured to rotate when the first actuator rotates, and a disconnect module. The disconnect module includes: an output coupler having a first surface and a second surface; an actuation feature disposed on the first surface; and a torsion spring having a first end connected to the output coupler and a second end connected to the hub or the at least one gear carrier. The disconnect module also includes an actuation mechanism disposed on the second surface of the output coupler. The actuation mechanism is configured to mesh with the hub. The first actuator controls movement of the at least one hub, the actuation feature, and the actuation mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Rodrigues, Mitul Patel
  • Patent number: 10088040
    Abstract: A park lock system for a shifter of an automatic transmission, according to one embodiment, includes a blocking member pivotal between a locked position to prevent movement of the shifter and an unlocked position for allowing movement of the shifter. At least a portion of the blocking member may include hard magnetic properties, such as having a permanent magnet coupled therewith. An electromagnet may have a core member proximate the magnetic portion of the blocking member to cause the blocking member to move to or remain in the locked position when the electromagnet is de-energized. Accordingly, when the electromagnet is energized, the electromagnet may be configured to generate a magnetic field in repelling polarity to the magnetic portion that causes the blocking member to move to the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: GHSP, Inc.
    Inventors: David Michael Mitteer, Ian Patrick Sage
  • Patent number: 9970536
    Abstract: A shift device is configured including a restriction member and a release section. The restriction member stops a detent pin that has been moved at a release position, restricting movement of a shift lever to a third shift position when the shift lever is moved from a first shift position to a second shift position. When the shift lever has been moved at the second shift position, by the detent pin being moved to the release position from a non-release position, the release section releases the restriction of movement of the shift lever toward the third shift position by the restriction member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Norihiro Yamamura, Shosaku Watarai, Munetoshi Makimura, Atsushi Ishida
  • Patent number: 9927028
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an operating apparatus for an emergency release cable, which is capable of significantly improving durability and reliability and increasing the convenience of a driver and a passenger by preventing a malfunction of an emergency release lever through a structure which prevents abrasion of a fixing structure of the emergency release lever connected to the emergency release cable and a structure which automatically switches a transmission to the parking position as the fixing structure of the emergency release lever is released when the engine and the transmission are restarted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: INFAC Corporation
    Inventors: Young Kyu Shin, Sung Joon Lee
  • Patent number: 9784362
    Abstract: A vehicle drive device includes: an oil pump; an oil cooler; a bypass oil passage configured to bypass the oil cooler; a control valve; and a control unit. The control unit keeps the control valve in a first state while a temperature of oil circulated by the oil pump is lower than a predetermined value, and switches the control valve to a second state when the temperature of the oil circulated by the oil pump becomes not lower than the predetermined value while the control valve is in the first state. The control unit changes a voltage command value of an electric motor to a value smaller than a voltage command value corresponding to a required output of the electric motor after elapse of a predetermined period from a time the control valve is switched to the second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kensuke Akimoto, Yoshinobu Nozaki, Hirotatsu Kitabatake
  • Patent number: 9657836
    Abstract: A parking mechanism arrangement for a motor vehicle transmission has a housing and a shaft supported so that it can rotate in relation to the housing. A parking mechanism gear is rotationally fixed to the shaft and comprises a parking mechanism tooth system. A parking mechanism pawl is supported so that it can pivot about a pawl axis in relation to the housing and comprises a pawl tooth, which is capable of engaging in a tooth space of the parking mechanism tooth system in order to establish a locked position. An actuating mechanism comprises an actuating element, which acts upon an actuating portion of the parking mechanism pawl in order to pivot the parking mechanism pawl from a release position into the locked position. The actuating element is embodied as a cam ring, which is arranged concentrically with the shaft and which comprises a cam portion, which acts on the actuating portion in order to establish the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: GETRAG GETRIEBE-UND ZAHNRADFABRIK HERMANN HAGENMEYER GMBH & CIE KG
    Inventor: Andras Kristofcsak
  • Patent number: 9522596
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided with a steering wheel which is rotatable about a steering axis, a transmission, and a manually actuable selector device. The selector device is provided for selecting different states of the transmission, is arranged at a distance from the steering wheel on a side of the latter which faces away from a driver, and has a selector element which is rotatable or pivotable about an axis of rotation or pivot axis which is substantially transverse to the steering axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Matthias Lindner, Thomas Tille
  • Patent number: 9518657
    Abstract: A parking lock arrangement for a motor vehicle transmission has a housing. A parking lock wheel is connectable to a shaft of the motor vehicle transmission. A parking lock pawl is pivotable between a parking lock position and a release position about a pawl axis mounted on the housing. In the parking lock position, the parking lock pawl is in engagement with the parking lock wheel and prevents the rotation thereof. The parking lock arrangement comprises an actuating mechanism for the parking lock pawl and an actuator arrangement for the actuating mechanism. The actuator arrangement has a control member which is movable between a home position and a parking position and is coupled to the actuating mechanism. An actuating member is coupled to the control member via a releasable coupling device and to the actuating mechanism, wherein the actuating member is furthermore mechanically preloaded in one direction in order, via the actuating mechanism, to press the parking lock pawl into the parking lock position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: GETRAG Getriebe- und Zahnradfabrik Hermann Hagenmeyer GmbH & Cie KG
    Inventor: Andras Kristofcsak
  • Patent number: 9377764
    Abstract: A plug lock device includes a release switch arranged in a vehicle and a lock mechanism switched between a lock state and an unlock state. The lock mechanism restricts removal of a power plug from an inlet of the vehicle when in the lock state and permits removal of the power plug from the inlet when in the unlock state. The lock mechanism is switched from the lock state to the unlock state when the release switch is operated and wireless communication is established between the vehicle and an authentic electronic key. The lock mechanism is switched to the unlock state even though the wireless communication between the vehicle and the electronic key is not established when the release switch is operated as long as an ignition of the vehicle is activated and a particular switch arranged in the vehicle is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Tomohiro Inoue, Keigo Nishimoto
  • Patent number: 9327683
    Abstract: A steering apparatus which includes: an inner column (3); an outer column (4) fitted with the inner column (3) in such a manner that it is movable in a telescopic manner; a steering shaft (102) which is rotatably supported on the inner column (3) and outer column (4), and on the vehicle body rearward side of which a steering wheel (103) can be mounted; a lock apparatus (7) including a lock pin (73A) which can be operated by an actuator to thereby prevent the rotation of the steering shaft (102); and, a lock housing (71) which is formed integrally with the outer column (4) and stores the lock apparatus (7) therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: NSK LTD.
    Inventor: Seiichi Moriyama
  • Patent number: 9272690
    Abstract: Parking lock arrangement, having a parking lock mechanism, which can be moved between a parking lock position and a release position, and having an operating device which is supported so that it can rotate about a first axis and which is designed, through rotation, to operate the parking lock mechanism. The parking lock arrangement further has an actuating mechanism and a coupling device which couples the operating device to the actuating mechanism. The actuating mechanism is supported so that it can rotate about a second axis relative to a drum, which is rotatable about the second axis via a drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: GETRAG GETRIEBE-UND ZAHNRADFABRIK HERMANN HAGENMEYER GMBH & CIE KG
    Inventor: Georg Burgardt
  • Patent number: 9239108
    Abstract: In general, a shift-by-wire transmission range selector system consistent with the present disclosure may include an actuator one or more electric motors to allow the actuator to operate for shifting the gear position of a transmission. In the event of a power or system failure, a fail safe release motor may be actuated by energy stored in a capacitor. The fail safe release motor drives a slide cam to release a trigger arm. Upon release of the trigger arm, a spring-driven mechanism safely returns the transmission to the PARK position by rotating an output shaft. A redundant control link may be provided, configured to actuate the fail safe release motor in the event of a power or system failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: Stoneridge Control Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Ganter, Robert DiTommaso, Norman Poirier
  • Patent number: 9205813
    Abstract: In case of power supply loss, a parking lock is operated by moving a piston of a hydraulic actuator rightward by use of hydraulic pressure accumulated in an accumulator. If a hydraulic pressure generating source becomes unable to generate line pressure due to its failure after the power supply loss, it is desirable that the parking lock be releasable to tow a vehicle, for example. In that time, because the hydraulic pressure in the accumulator has got out via an orifice, the parking lock can be released by moving the piston in the hydraulic actuator leftward by use of a manual operation device without interruption by the hydraulic pressure accumulated in the accumulator. Because the hydraulic pressure in the accumulator is automatically released via the orifice, a complicated mechanism for enabling the manual operation device to work without interference from the hydraulic actuator becomes unnecessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hirotaka Yokota, Shunsuke Yoshida, Yutaka Ishikawa, Tetsuya Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 9205812
    Abstract: A parking lock device of a gearbox is provided. The device includes a gearbox shaft, a gearbox housing, a locking ring which may be displaced axially along the gearbox shaft, a control ring which may be moved axially relative to the locking ring and the gearbox shaft. A movement of the control ring relative to the locking ring axially along the gearbox shaft causes an axial movement of the locking ring axially along the gearbox shaft, and the control ring displaces the locking ring in an activated state axially along the gearbox shaft to a predetermined axial position along the gearbox shaft. The gearbox shaft, the gearbox housing and the locking ring are designed and adapted to one another in such a way that in an activated state of the locking ring there is a positive engagement between the gearbox shaft, the gearbox housing and the locking ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Neumayer Tekfor Holding GmbH
    Inventor: Steffen Konstanzer
  • Patent number: 9121500
    Abstract: A device for operating a parking brake of a motor vehicle, wherein the parking lock includes an actuatable actuator element for disengaging the parking lock counter to a restoring pressure, and an actuatable holding device for holding the parking lock when the latter is disengaged. The device includes a selector control lever and a transmission control device communicating therewith, the selector control device actuating the holding device and the transmission control device actuating the actuator element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Dietmar Schuller, Martin Bauer
  • Publication number: 20150034450
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention there is provided a method of manually releasing power actuated vehicle park means in the absence of power, the method comprising the steps of: rotating a power actuated selector shaft from a park mode position in which one or more wheels are locked by the park means to a park release mode position in which the one or more wheels are released by the park means; and locking the selector shaft in the release mode position by means of locking means, whereby the successive steps of rotating the selector shaft to the release mode position and subsequently locking the selector shaft in the release mode position comprise manual translation or rotation of one or more members in first and second directions respectively, the first direction being different from the second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: John Spooner, Graham Tarvar
  • Patent number: 8919218
    Abstract: The automatic transmission system includes a shift lever for changing stages by a user, a shift-lock device for fixing or releasing the shift lever, and a control unit including a shift control logic changing the stages of the transmission in accordance with the stage changed by the shift lever and a shift-lock control logic controlling the shift-lock device by stages for an initial time and a maintenance time after the initial time from when the stages may be changed such that the shift lever may be fixed, in order to shift-lock the shifted shift lever when the stages may be changed by the shift control logic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Sungil Lee, Hangil Park, Changhyun Lee
  • Patent number: 8789643
    Abstract: A motor control apparatus includes an electric motor, a homing control section, a distance determination section, and a forbiddance section. The electric motor moves a control object equipped to a vehicle at least between two positions. The homing control section executes a homing control for controlling the electric motor to move the control object so that the control object press-contacts a stopper wall when an initialization condition is satisfied. The distance determination section determines whether a user of the vehicle is apart from the vehicle at a distance greater than a predetermined distance. The forbiddance section forbids the homing control during a period, which starts at a time of the homing control execution and ends at a time when the user of the vehicle is apart from the vehicle farther than the predetermined distance, even when the initialization condition is satisfied during the period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoya Iwami, Katsuki Ishigaki, Kenji Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20140041986
    Abstract: Actuator arrangement for a drive train. The actuator arrangement has an actuator pump driven by electric motor, and a clutch actuator, which is designed for actuation of a friction clutch of the drive train and which is connected to a discharge port of the actuator pump. The actuator arrangement has a parking lock actuator, which is designed for actuation of a parking lock arrangement of the drive train. The parking lock actuator has an open position, in which the parking lock arrangement is released, and a closed position, in which the parking lock arrangement is closed. The parking lock actuator is likewise connected to the discharge port of the actuator pump. The parking lock arrangement can be retained in at least one of the open position and the closed position by means of a retaining device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: GETRAG Getriebe- und Zahnradfabrik Hermann Hagenmeyer GmbH & Cie KG
    Inventors: Guenter Ruehle, Stefan Rothvoss, Alexander Kiehlneker, Christian Anzt
  • Patent number: 8634995
    Abstract: A voting strategy is used to determine the mode state of a transmission when a vehicle is restarted. A Powertrain Control Module, a Transmission Range Control Module, and a Gear Shift Module communicate through a communication network during execution of the voting strategy. Each module stores a remembered mode state (Normal, Neutral Hold, Neutral Tow, etc.) of the transmission in non-volatile memory. Upon module initialization, the Powertrain Control Module will compare its own remembered mode state of the transmission with the remembered mode state reported by the other two modules. A basic voting strategy is that if two of the three modules report the same remembered mode state then the Powertrain Control Module changes the transmission to that same mode state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brian J Deurloo, Mark Edward Zyskowski, Christopher Lee Danks, Richard Reynolds Hathaway, Jeffrey James Tumavitch
  • Publication number: 20130313066
    Abstract: A vehicle parking lock device stopping rotation of a parking gear formed on a rotating member coupled to drive wheels to stop rotation thereof, including: a parking pole having a claw portion for engagement with the parking gear, the parking pole being rotatable around a support shaft by pushing out a cam movable in an axial direction of the parking gear, the support shaft being in parallel with the axial direction; a stopper plate contacting the parking pole to regulate movement in the axial direction; and a spring contacting the parking pole to bias it in a direction of release of engagement between the claw portion and parking gear, the vehicle parking lock device being configured to dispose a contact point of the contact between the spring and parking pole closer to the stopper plate in the axial direction than a contact point between the parking pole and cam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuta Takahashi, Hiroki Morita, Takuya Kodama
  • Publication number: 20130161149
    Abstract: Upon shifting a parking lock device from an unlocked state to a locked state, the power supply to a motor is interrupted when a fitting member reaches a first position of an outer peripheral surface of a position determining plate. At that moment, the rotational energy of a rotation body is absorbed by a rotational energy absorption member. Also, upon shifting the parking lock device from the locked state to the unlocked state, the power supply to the motor is interrupted when the fitting member reaches a second position. At that moment, the rotational energy of the rotation body is absorbed by the rotational energy absorption member as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shinichiro Hazama, Tatsuya Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 8459433
    Abstract: A parking lock for an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle is provided, wherein the automatic transmission has an actuator which can disengage a locking element in the automatic transmission, the locking element is held in a locked position by spring force, and a locking assembly (1) is provided which is connected via an actuating element (2) to the locking element and which has a knee lever (3) which can fix the actuating element (2) so as to prevent engagement of the locking element in the automatic transmission. The invention is characterized in that the knee lever (3) fixes the actuating element (2) in an overextended position, wherein a fixed counter support (4) is attached at the overextended side of the knee lever (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignees: ZF Friedrichshafen AG, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
    Inventors: Michael Völz, Ludger Rake, Andreas Giefer, Sascha Rosentreter, Roland König
  • Patent number: 8412422
    Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus including a brake mechanism that produces braking force through actuation of a first actuator, a shift mechanism that changes the shift position of a transmission through actuation of a second actuator, a controller that controls the electric power supplied to the first actuator and the electric power supplied to the second actuator; a first electric power supply unit that supplies electric power to the controller; a second electric power supply unit that supplies electric power to the first actuator; and a third electric power supply unit that supplies electric power to the second actuator. An actuator control unit controls the electric power supplied to the second actuator from the second electric power supply unit or from the third electric power supply unit when the second actuator is not able to operate using electric power supplied from the first electric power supply unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Kamada, Yasushi Hanaki, Naoki Taki, Akira Nagasaka, Yoshinobu Nozaki, Akira Nagae
  • Patent number: 8397894
    Abstract: An apparatus for locking a shift lever of an automatic transmission in a vehicle may include a shift lock cam including a position converting member and being connected with a brake pedal wherein the shift lock cam is pivotally coupled to a shift lever housing and elastically supported by a first elastic member, and a shift lock release lever that is pivotally coupled to the shift lever housing and elastically supported by a second elastic member, wherein one end of the shift lock release lever is selectively coupled to a shift lever body and the other end of the shift lock release lever is eccentrically coupled to the position converting member of the shift lock cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Wonjin Jeong
  • Publication number: 20130020171
    Abstract: A parking brake system that uses a locking device to maintain a parking release condition may include a control lever that may be rotatably connected to the exterior of a transmission, a shift cable that may be rotatably connected to an end of the control lever, the locking device that may be connected to the other end of the shift cable and selectively maintains the parking release condition, and a parking device that includes a piston member in a cylinder and that may be connected to the end of the control lever and uses hydraulic pressure to move the control lever and the shift cable such that the parking release condition may be maintained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Sung Wook Jang, Tae Whan Kim, Da Hui Kim
  • Publication number: 20120325615
    Abstract: A parking brake (10) for a transmission (12) of a motorized vehicle (14). An anchor (24) is located to support an actuator (26) interposed between the anchor (24) and a parking pawl (22) when the parking pawl (22) is in the engaged position with a toothed parking gear (20). The anchor (24) is defined by a plurality of stacked laminas (30). Each of the plurality of stacked laminas (30) is rigid and has at least one peripherally extending surface (32), wherein the at least one peripherally extending surface (32) of at least two of the plurality of stacked laminas cooperate to define at least one load-bearing surface (34), and wherein the plurality of stacked laminas (30) are secured together to prevent relative movement of any one of the plurality of stacked laminas (30) with respect to another of the plurality of stacked laminas (30) when a load is transmitted through the parking pawl (22) from the at least one load-bearing surface (34).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: BORGWARNER INC.
    Inventor: Martin P. Keating
  • Publication number: 20120211326
    Abstract: A hydraulic control device for a hybrid transmission is designed such that the cooling and lubrication oil line of the system are in oil communication even before the main oil line pressure reaches the set pressure of the overflow valve, so as to lubricate the transmission as soon as possible. The hybrid transmission design further provides an overpressure protection for the cooler. The hybrid transmission further uses a proportional pressure reducing valve to control the lock-up clutch, thus making for the improvement of its braking performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicants: Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., Ltd, Shanghai Maple Guorun Automobile Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shufu LI, Jian YANG, Tong ZHANG, Wei YU, Zhitao MA, Haisheng YU, Yude XIANG
  • Patent number: 8219289
    Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus for a vehicle that includes a brake mechanism that produces braking force through the actuation of a first actuator and a shift mechanism that changes the shift position of a transmission through the actuation of a second actuator. The vehicle control apparatus includes: a controller that controls the electric power supplied to the first actuator and that controls the electric power supplied to the second actuator; a first electric power supply unit that supplies electric power to the controller; a second electric power supply unit that supplies electric power to the first actuator; and a third electric power supply unit that supplies electric power to the second actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Kamada, Yasushi Hanaki, Naoki Taki, Akira Nagasaka, Yoshinobu Nozaki, Akira Nagae
  • Patent number: 8104599
    Abstract: A hand-operated control lever release apparatus for a transmission of a vehicle includes a housing, a manual release lever rotatably mounted in the housing, a brake cam which is rotatably coupled to the housing through the cam shaft and the rotation of which is restrained by the manual release lever, a first cable connecting the manual release lever to a control lever for the transmission and unlocking the control lever in response to rotation of the manual release lever, and a second cable connecting the brake cam with a brake pedal. According to the apparatus, the control lever for the electronic transmission can be manually unlocked in response to rotation of the manual release lever, thereby actuating the movement of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: SL Corporation
    Inventors: Yong-Eon Jung, Hong-Jun Cha
  • Patent number: 7861839
    Abstract: A lock arrangement for a transmission, in particular in the form of a parking-lock arrangement for an automated transmission. The lock arrangement is prestressed by a first spring accumulator into a locking position in which the transmission is locked. The lock arrangement is capable of being shifted by means of an actuator from the locking position into a release position in which the transmission is released. The lock arrangement has an electronically activatable blocking device which is designed for blocking the lock arrangement mechanically in the locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: GETRAG Getriebe-und Zahnradfabrik Hermann Hagenmeyer GmbH & Cie KG
    Inventors: Mark Schweiher, Lothar Herdle, Armin Flaig
  • Publication number: 20100326787
    Abstract: The invention relates to an operating device for a vehicle having an automatic transmission and an electrically actuated parking brake system, comprising at least one mechanical actuation element for inputting operating commands of the vehicle user and a control unit for converting the operating commands into control signals to the transmission and the parking brake system, wherein according to the invention the actuation element (1) has at least two successive indexed positions (B, C) and a neutral position (A) and a return position (D), wherein an operating command to the parking brake system (4) for actuating the parking brake device is generated in the first indexed position, and an operating command to the transmission for actuating the parking lock device is generated in the second indexed position (C).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Andreas Giefer, Jorg Meyer, Ludger Rake
  • Patent number: 7814810
    Abstract: A shifter includes an actuator incorporating a shape memory alloy wire to control movement of lever-position-controlling components of a vehicle transmission shift lever. In one arrangement, the actuator controls movement of a cam to prevent moving a pawl out of park position until predetermined vehicle conditions are met. Alternatively, the actuator can be directly attached to the pawl itself for controlling movement of the pawl, or connected to a toggle linkage arrangement for controlling movement of the pawl. In still another arrangement, a magnet arrangement is used to motivate a pawl-blocking member. When necessary, a mechanical fuse is operably connected to the system to prevent damage to the shape memory alloy wire where there is risk of the pawl being frictionally stopped from movement despite the contraction of the shape memory alloy wire actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Grand Haven Stamped Products, a division of JSJ Corporation
    Inventor: David M. Mitteer
  • Publication number: 20080302629
    Abstract: A parking lock gear (1) for a parking lock arrangement for locking an output shaft of a transmission of a vehicle has teeth (5). An annular element (2) is fixed to the parking lock gear (1) and has outer teeth (3) which engage an actuated locking pawl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Josef HAUPT, Tobias Miller, Reinhard Schneider
  • Publication number: 20080277237
    Abstract: An actuating mechanism (1) for operating a parking-lock mechanism of the drive chain of a vehicle with an automatic drive. The actuating mechanism has a piston unit (4), a detent element and an electromagnetic operating device (6) for operating a release element (7), which is intended for deactivating the detent element (5). The piston unit communicates with an emergency unlocking mechanism (14) and is positioned to open the locking mechanism by way of the piston unit. The detent element, the piston unit and the release element interact such that the locking mechanism remains in the currently engaged state when the locking mechanism is open and the operating device is not electrified, as well as when the locking mechanism is closed and a fluid pressure is applied to the piston unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2005
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Uwe Ruhringer, Wolfgang Schmid, Thilo Schmidt