Electrical Actuator Patents (Class 74/473.12)
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Patent number: 12066099Abstract: A shift-by-wire system physically prevents shifting to the R/N/D gear position and shifting to the P gear position from being simultaneously performed. The shift-by-wire system includes a body configured to have a Hall sensor provided therein, a knob installed so as to be rotatable around an axis of the body, a button assembly moving in an axial direction of the body and having a magnet provided to sense rotated and moved states thereof using the Hall sensor and rotate together with the knob, and a concurrent operation limiting unit to mechanically limit movement of the button assembly in a state in which the knob is manipulated so as to be rotated, and to mechanically limit rotation of the knob in a state in which the button assembly is manipulated so as to be moved.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2023Date of Patent: August 20, 2024Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA CORPORATION, SL CorporationInventors: Hee En Zoo, Ki Young Song, Woo Duck Kim, Sung Tae Kim, Sang Eun Bae
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Patent number: 12060936Abstract: An electronic shift control apparatus includes a shift dial that is operated by a driver to select an R-range, an N-range, and a D-range, a P-range motor that is operated to select a P-range, and a haptic motor that generates a haptic signal. When a driver shifts into a specific shift range of a vehicle by operating the shift dial or the P-range button, the haptic signal is configured to be transmitted to the driver.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2023Date of Patent: August 13, 2024Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation, SL CorporationInventors: Sung Hoon Lee, Han Gil Park, Ki Young Song, Sang Jin Meun
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Patent number: 12025216Abstract: A control system for preventing a drop in driving force in a vehicle having a momentary type shifting device. In the shifting device, the N position corresponding to the N range and the default position are located between the D position corresponding to the D range and B position corresponding to the B range. The controller is configured to establish the neutral range in a case that the shift lever which is moved to the N position is maintained thereto for the threshold, and the neutral range maintaining action is executed after the lapse of the threshold time.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2023Date of Patent: July 2, 2024Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Kazuhiro Ozawa
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Patent number: 12025217Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus includes: (a) a shift control portion for controlling switching of a power transmission apparatus between a parking position and a non-parking position; (b) a fail-safe portion for executing a fail-safe operation for inhibiting an electric actuator from being re-driven, when detecting an abnormality of the electric actuator; (c) a power-supply control portion for switching a supplier of an electric power to the electric actuator, from a first power supply to a second power supply, in case of determining a power supply failure of the first power supply; and (d) an abnormality-detection stop portion configured, in case of occurrence of a power-supply failure state of the first power supply during the switching from the non-parking position to the parking position, to stop the fail-safe portion from detecting the abnormality of the electric actuator, until the electric power supplier has been switched to the second power supply.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2023Date of Patent: July 2, 2024Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yusuke Yamauchi, Takashi Yuma, Hiroshi Shibata, Kenyu Suzuki
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Patent number: 11940833Abstract: An input apparatus, in particular a joystick, has an operating device, a magnetorheological braking device, and a control device for actuating the braking device. The operating device has a support and an operating lever that is pivotable about at least one pivot axis. A sensor senses a pivot angle of the operating lever. The braking device is coupled to the pivot axis in order to damp, in a controlled manner by way of the control device, a pivot movement of the operating lever. The control device actuates the braking device depending on a control command and converts the control command into a haptic signal, preferably a defined sequence of deceleration torques, which can be perceived on the operating lever. A user, as a result of an input made, can receive haptic feedback (so-called force feedback).Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2020Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: INVENTUS Engineering GmbHInventor: Stefan Battlogg
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Patent number: 11859710Abstract: A control unit for an automatic transmission of a vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes a gear selection operating element which allows a user of the vehicle to set different drive positions of the transmission, but not individual gears, by actuating the gear selection operating element. The control unit is configured to determine that a drive position “L” has been set using the gear selection operating element, and in response thereto, the control unit is also configured to provide a graphical user interface on a screen of the vehicle. The user interface allows a manual gear shift of the transmission.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2020Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Stephan Peters, Benjamin Sprengart
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Patent number: 11708907Abstract: A method is provided for checking engagement and disengagement of a parking brake finger, which selectively blocks or blocks a shaft of the transmission. A motor-driven rotary selection plate is selectively controlled to butt against the transmission casing at the two ends of its travel, and is immobilized therebetween in a first functional engagement position and in a second functional disengagement position that correspond to the Park and non Park positions of the parking brake finger when the drive motor of the plate stops exerting torque thereon. The angular movements of the plate between its abutment positions are measured and incremented using a computer to determine whether the engagement position and disengagement position of the plate that is reached every time the drive motor is stopped corresponds to a command instruction given to the motor.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2019Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Julien Le-Romancer, Jeremy Mourgue
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Patent number: 11661139Abstract: An electromechanical control system for a bicycle has a switch device, the switch device operating a switch between at least three positions. A control communication device transmits signals responsive to operation of the switch. The electromechanical control system includes an operation device configured to respond to signals transmitted by the control communication device. Signals transmitted by the control communication device include commands to listen and commands to operate.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2018Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: SRAM, LLCInventor: Brian Jordan
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Patent number: 11591045Abstract: An operating device for a human powered vehicle comprises a base member and an operating member configured to be movably coupled to the base member. A controller is configured to generate an operation signal in response to an operation of an electrical switch. An electric generator is configured to generate electric power in response to the operation of the electrical switch. A power storage is configured to store the electric power generated by the electric generator. The electrical switch and the electric generator is provided on a first location. The power storage is provided on a second location different from the first location. The second location is defined on at least one of the operating member and a surface of the base member.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2018Date of Patent: February 28, 2023Assignee: SHIMANO INC.Inventors: Takafumi Nishino, Shingo Sakurai
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Patent number: 11541962Abstract: A bicycle seatpost system comprises an electric actuator, a remote controller, and a seatpost controller. The seatpost controller is configured to control the electric actuator to change a state of the bicycle seatpost assembly to an adjustable state based on one of a first control signal and a second control signal. The remote controller includes a first operating part configured to receive a first user input and a second operating part configured to receive a second user input. The remote controller is configured to generate the first control signal having a constant signal length regardless of an operation period of the first user input. The remote controller is configured to generate the second control signal having a signal length corresponding to the operation period of the second user input.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2020Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: SHIMANO INC.Inventors: Nobukatsu Hara, Hiroshi Matsuda
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Patent number: 11506283Abstract: An actuating mechanism includes a gear shifting motor, a first transmission gear, second transmission gears, gear shifting screws, a push block, a shift fork, a shift block and a linear driving device. An output shaft of the gear shifting motor is provided thereon with the first transmission gear engaged with the second transmission gears; the second transmissions gears are fixedly connected to the gear shifting screws; the gear shifting screws are in screw thread connection with the push block provided thereon with a through hole; one end of the shift block is connected to the linear driving device, and the other end is aligned with a groove on the shift fork after inserting into the through hole. The linear driving device corresponding to a shift position drives the shift block; the gear shifting motor drives the first transmission gear; and the second transmission gears drive the gear shifting screws.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2018Date of Patent: November 22, 2022Assignee: WEICHAI POWER CO., LTD.Inventors: Wenchao Che, Yong Fang, Dejun Wang, Yunqian Qiao, Lipeng Sun
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Patent number: 11505271Abstract: An operating device is provided for a human-powered vehicle. The operating device basically includes a base, a first operating member and a first electric switch. The first operating member is movably arranged with respect to the base from a first position to a second position. The first electric switch is provided to the base. The first operating member is configured to activate the first electric switch at least two distinct times in response to a progressive movement of the first operating member from the first position towards the second position.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2020Date of Patent: November 22, 2022Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Kentaro Kosaka
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Patent number: 11499633Abstract: A transmission for a drivetrain of a motor vehicle, including a transmission casing which is or can be at least partially filled with oil and wherein a parking lock is arranged, wherein the parking lock includes a parking lock gear, which is connected rotationally conjointly to a transmission shaft and which has a locking toothing, and a locking pawl, which is mounted pivotably on the transmission casing and which has a locking tooth which, when the locking pawl is pivoted into a locking position, can be placed in positive locking engagement with the locking toothing of the parking lock gear, wherein the locking pawl is actuatable by an electromechanical parking-lock actuator which is arranged within the transmission casing. The invention furthermore relates to a motor vehicle which has a transmission of the type.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2019Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Assignee: FTE automotive GmbHInventors: Sonja Lenke, Samir (Sam) Elflein
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Patent number: 11440611Abstract: An operating switch device for a human-powered vehicle comprises an assist operating switch and a coupling structure. The assist operating switch is configured to receive a user operation input to operate an assist driving unit configured to assist a human power. The coupling structure is configured to detachably couple the assist operating switch to a base member of an operating device configured to be mounted to a handlebar. The base member includes a base body including a grip portion provided between a coupling end configured to be coupled to the handlebar and a free end opposite to the coupling end.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2019Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: SHIMANO INC.Inventors: Toshio Tetsuka, Taihei Nishihara
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Patent number: 11441674Abstract: A strength of an outer side portion in a second direction of a shift body is increased. In a shift device, when a lever is placed in an ‘M’ position, a right avoidance hole of the lever avoids interference with a right restricting portion, rotational movement of a left restricting surface of the lever is restricted by a left restricting portion, and an operation to rotationally move the lever towards the right side is restricted. Furthermore, when the lever is placed in a ‘D’ position, a left avoidance hole of the lever avoids interference with the left restricting portion, rotational movement of a right restricting surface of the lever is restricted by the right restricting portion, and an operation to rotationally move the lever towards the left side is restricted. The right avoidance hole and the left avoidance hole can be made smaller, so that the strength of both outer side portions in a lateral directions of the lever can be increased.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2018Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHOInventors: Takahiro Hirashita, Hiroki Ono, Masaaki Shiozaki
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Patent number: 11391369Abstract: The present invention relates to a shift-by-wire (SBW) device and, more specifically, to an actuator and reduction gear structure of a shift-by-wire device. A shift-by-wire device according to the present invention comprises: a housing; a motor which generates torque by means of an applied current; a hollow rotor shaft; a reduction gear which receives the transmission of the torque of the motor, converts same and transmits same to an output; an output shaft which passes through inside the rotor shaft, has an encoder magnet provided on one end thereof, has the other end directly connected to a manual shaft, and transmits the torque increased by means of the reduction gear to a detent plate; and a controller disposed inside the housing and for detecting the position of the output from the encoder magnet.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2019Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Assignee: Hyundai Kefico CorporationInventors: Young Dae Min, Ho Young Kim, Ji Hwan Oh, Nam Kyu Kim
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Patent number: 11221070Abstract: The disclosure relates to an actuating device for actuating an emergency release of a transmission, including a parking lock, which transmission is mechanically locked by the parking lock when the parking lock is activated, of a motor vehicle, having at least one vehicle-fixed actuating element, by which the parking lock is manually and mechanically deactivatable, and having a tool formed separately from the actuating element via which the actuating element is manually and mechanically actuatable to manually deactivate the parking lock, wherein the actuating element comprises a roller rotatable around an axis of rotation which is rotatable around the axis of rotation by the tool to thus actuate the actuating element.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2018Date of Patent: January 11, 2022Assignee: AUDI AGInventors: Georg Scheiblecker, Bodo Wilke, Maximilian Steffan, Iris Puckelwaldt
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Patent number: 11199423Abstract: A gearshift device is provided. The gearshift device includes a magnetic plate and sensors for sensing the magnetic plate to output a gear signal. The magnetic plate includes M coding regions for distinguishing M gears, and at least two coding regions of the M coding regions share a same region of the magnetic plate. M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2017Date of Patent: December 14, 2021Assignees: KOSTAL (SHANGHAI) MANAGEMENT CO., LTD., SHANGHAI KOSTAL-HUAYANG AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventors: Yueyue Bao, Hu Zhou
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Patent number: 11162580Abstract: An angle calculation unit calculates a motor angle based on a motor rotation angle signal acquired from a motor rotation angle sensor that detects a rotational position of a motor. An acceleration variation calculation unit calculates an acceleration variation parameter related to an amount of variation in motor acceleration, based on the motor angle. An idle running determination unit determines the end of an idle running state in which the motor is rotating within the range of play, based on the acceleration variation parameter. A target setting unit sets a target motor angle by adopting an angle correction value that is a value corresponding to the motor angle at the end of the idle running state. A drive control unit controls the drive of the motor such that the motor angle becomes the target motor angle.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2020Date of Patent: November 2, 2021Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Shigeru Kamio
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Patent number: 11162578Abstract: A shift device for a vehicle includes: a shift body that is moved and whose shift position is changed to a plurality of shift positions; a moving unit that moves the shift body; and a restricting body that restricts movement of the shift body by the moving unit at a predetermined shift position among the plurality of shift positions.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2018Date of Patent: November 2, 2021Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHOInventors: Naomi Asahina, Yutaka Inamura, Kenji Nakanishi
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Patent number: 11112242Abstract: A light receiver designed to determine a position or orientation relative to a reference light wherein the light receiver comprises an elongated rod-shaped light receptor with two ends, a light coupler, a light guide, and light detection means at both ends and a signal processor to process the electric signals of the detection means and to determine the relative position and/or orientation by a comparative evaluation of the electric signals. The light guide serves as a light propagation path of defined length for light coupled into the light guide by the light coupler and the signal processor determines the position and/or orientation based on light propagation speed of the reference light propagating in the light guide.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2018Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Assignee: LEICA GEOSYSTEMS AGInventors: Peter Seitz, Thomas Ammer, Jürg Hinderling
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Patent number: 11092438Abstract: A light receiver designed to determine a position or orientation relative to a reference light wherein the light receiver comprises an elongated rod-shaped light receptor with two ends, a light coupler, a light guide, and light detection means at one or both ends for detection of guided reference light and a signal processor to process the at least one detection signal of the detection means and to determine the position by an evaluation of the detection signal. The light coupler comprises light absorbing and emitting material like fluorescent or phosphorescent material.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2018Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignee: LEICA GEOSYSTEMS AGInventors: Peter Seitz, Thomas Ammer, Martin Winistörfer
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Patent number: 11067164Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic gear shifter assembly for a dual-mode flying and driving vehicle. The electronic gear shifter assembly may include a lever moveable between a first shifting path that includes at least one drive-related operating position, and a second shifting path that includes at least one flying-related operating position.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2017Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: Terrafugia, Inc.Inventors: Julie Henion, Kevin Colburn, Carl C. Dietrich, Dagny Dukach, Edmund Golaski, Andrew Heafitz, Elizabeth Von Der Heydt, Lluis Penalver-Aguila, Bryan Sandoz, Ethan Stowe
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Patent number: 11054025Abstract: A jamming protection apparatus of a shift lever for a vehicle includes a shift lever rotatably provided in a housing. A contact portion is provided in the shift lever and is provided with an elastically behaving bullet. A detent portion is disposed such that the bullet of the contact portion is brought in contact with the detent portion in the housing. The detent portion is moveably seated in the housing and is provided with a grooved bottom configured such that the bullet moves over the grooved bottom when the shift lever is rotated. A behavior generator is connected to the detent portion and is configured such that the detent portion is moved by an operation of the behavior generator.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2019Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATIONInventor: Jae Sung Heo
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Patent number: 10955053Abstract: A manual unlocking device for a parking lock mechanism includes an operation lever that rotates when the parking lock mechanism is switched from a locked state to an unlocked state. The operation lever is arranged outside an occupant space of a vehicle cabin and is configured that a tool can be coupled to a rotation center thereof from the occupant space. The manual unlocking device for the parking lock mechanism is configured to switch the parking lock mechanism from the locked state to the unlocked state by integral rotation of the operation lever with the tool when the tool, which is coupled to the operation lever, rotates in a state where the tool is arranged on the rotation center of the operation lever.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2017Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, TOYODA IRON WORKS CO., LTD.Inventors: Hiroyuki Tateno, Kiyonori Takagi, Koichi Okuda, Atsushi Kawamoto, Ryuji Ibaraki, Yuji Yasuda, Haruhisa Suzuki, Hideki Matsubo, Junya Abe
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Patent number: 10935126Abstract: At a shift lever device, at a time when a lever is rotated in a left-right direction, a joint of the lever moves a joint tube of a link in an up-down direction. Moreover, at a time when the lever is rotated in a front-rear direction, a link operating portion of the lever rotates an operation tube of the link in the front-rear direction around the joint side. Here, at the time when the lever is rotated in the left-right direction, the joint is moved in the left-right direction with respect to the joint tube. Therefore, the need to provide parts between the lever and the joint can be eliminated, and a number of parts can be reduced.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2017Date of Patent: March 2, 2021Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHOInventors: Naomi Asahina, Yutaka Inamura, Kenji Nakanishi, Keisuke Kameyama, Mizuho Maruyama
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Patent number: 10913508Abstract: A bicycle operation device is provided that allows for easy operation of operation units. The bicycle operation device includes a clamp, a first operation unit and a second operation unit. The clamp is attachable to a handlebar of a bicycle. The first operation unit including an operation lever, and is coupled to the clamp. The second operation unit includes an electric switch and is attached to the clamp.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2017Date of Patent: February 9, 2021Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Atsushi Komatsu, Takehiko Nakajima, Takafumi Nishino
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Patent number: 10882580Abstract: A bicycle component mounting device comprises a base member, a holding member, a movable member, and a guide structure. The base member includes a mounting portion. The holding member is movably mounted to the mounting portion. The movable member is movably mounted relative to the base member to push the holding member relative to the mounting portion. The guide structure is configured to guide the holding member relative to the mounting portion in a guide direction inclined relative to a longitudinal axis in response to a movement of the movable member. The guide structure includes a recess and a protrusion. The recess is provided at one of the mounting portion and the holding member. The protrusion is configured to be disposed in the recess and provided at the other of the mounting portion and the holding member.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2016Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Assignee: SHIMANO INC.Inventors: Yasuyuki Komada, Kohei Ohyabu
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Patent number: 10871221Abstract: The shift by wire gear shift actuator includes a selector knob rotatable by the user for selecting a gearshift position for controlling a vehicle transmission, and a display arrangement associated with the selector knob for sequentially and dynamically providing optical indications according to gearshift positions simulating a rotational movement of the selector knob. This informs the user about an auto park feature when the vehicle transmission is being automatically driven into a park gearshift position under a determined condition such as for example when a person intends to exit the car, when the vehicle is turned off, when the driver's door is open with the safety belt unlatched, etc.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2018Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Assignee: FICO TRIAD, S.A.Inventors: Marc Dominguis Botella, Jaume Ferre Ripoll
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Patent number: 10871220Abstract: An automatic transmission shifter mechanism that is selectable between an automatic transmission mode and a manual shifting mode, including a shifter assembly configured to move in a first range of movement to be positioned in the automatic transmission mode, and to move in a second range of movement to selectively shift gears up and down in the manual shifting mode, a first sensor configured to sense that the shifter assembly is in the automatic transmission mode in response to the shifter assembly being in the first range of movement, and at least a second sensor configured to sense gear changes in the manual shifting mode, wherein the shifter assembly is configured to be selectively moved laterally from the first range of movement to the second range of movement when in a drive mode in the first range of movement.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2018Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Assignee: Lokar, Inc.Inventors: Kevin Ford, Scott Thiel
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Patent number: 10801610Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an automotive transmission, and more particularly, to an automotive transmission capable of reducing a space required for a gear shift operation and preventing an erroneous operation. The automotive transmission includes a shift operation unit including a plurality of touch operation units, a shift operation detector configured to detect a touch operation on one of the plurality of touch operation units, and a controller configured to determine a shift stage based on the detected touch operation. The plurality of touch operation units include a first touch operation unit configured to enable selection of one of a plurality of shift stages in one of a plurality of operation modes, and a second touch operation unit configured to operate in one of the plurality of operation modes based on an operation state of the first touch operation unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2019Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: SL CorporationInventor: Hongjun Cha
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Patent number: 10788123Abstract: A shifter assembly having a housing supporting a detent locking wheel with a biasing return spring. A plunger housing subassembly is rotatably supported within the locking wheel and operating in response to an external input to be rotated between each of Park, Reverse, Neutral and Drive gear shift positions. An electric motor is supported by the housing and is linked to a lock lever, an extending portion of the lock lever engaging the locking wheel. A PCB board is integrated into the housing and is communicable with at least one external sensor associated with a driver exit condition. Upon a triggering of the exit condition with the shifter in other than a Park position, the motor being energized to retract the lock lever to permit the return spring to rotate the wheel to the Park position.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2018Date of Patent: September 29, 2020Assignee: Kuster North America, Inc.Inventors: Yong Qiang Wang, Christopher Edward Curtis, Scott Hengy
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Patent number: 10759495Abstract: An integrated handlebar for a bicycle includes a handlebar and at least one integrated control device, wherein the handlebar has at least two free ends and the integrated control device includes a base engaged with at least one of the free ends, a brake lever and an electronic controller. The brake lever has a front end pivotally connected with the base and a rear end. The brake lever has a mounting portion, being located at a distance not greater than ¾ length of the brake lever from the rear end and not directly on the rear end. The electronic controller includes an operation member disposed on the brake lever, which includes at least one operation part adapted to be triggered by fingers of a rider to control an action of the operation member so as to drive the electronic controller to output an electronic signal to an electronic component.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2018Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: TIEN HSIN INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.Inventor: Mark Vandermolen
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Patent number: 10690235Abstract: The present invention relates to an attachment mechanism, a gearshift lever housing, a force transmitting element, a shift device, and a method for attaching a shift device, which reduce a system noise that is transmitted from an engine compartment into a motor vehicle interior space. The attachment mechanism comprises an aperture for receiving the gearshift lever device, a bearing surface section at least partially encompassing the aperture, for bearing on a bearing element, a sealant receiver disposed in the bearing surface section, and a mount for supporting a section of a force transmitting device, by means of which the gearshift lever device can be connected to a motor vehicle transmission device in a shift-effecting manner, wherein the mount is disposed on a side of the bearing surface section facing away from the sealant receiver.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2014Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Joachim Spratte, Andreas Salum
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Patent number: 10591058Abstract: A shifter assembly having a housing supporting a detent locking wheel with a biasing return spring. A plunger housing subassembly is rotatably supported within the locking wheel and operating in response to an external input to be rotated between each of Park, Reverse, Neutral and Drive gear shift positions. A solenoid is supported by the housing and is linked to a lock lever assembly pivotally engaged in the housing in proximity to the locking wheel, an extending portion of the lock lever assembly engaging the locking wheel. A PCB board is integrated into the housing and is communicable with at least one external sensor associated with a driver exit condition. Upon a triggering of the exit condition with the shifter in other than a Park position, the solenoid being energized to retract the lock lever assembly to permit the return spring to rotate said wheel to the Park position.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2018Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: Kuster North America, Inc.Inventors: Yong Qiang Wang, Brian Mayville
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Patent number: 10563756Abstract: The current embodiments provide a control lever. The control lever may have a first connection unit with a plurality of inputs and at least one output. The at least one output may be configured for outputting an operation signal that represents the position of the control lever. The number of inputs of the plurality of inputs may exceed the number of outputs of the at least one output. The first connection unit may be configured to couple a first input of the plurality of inputs to the at least one output at a first point in time, and the connection unit may be configured to connect a second input of the plurality of inputs to the at least one output at a second point in time subsequent to the first point in time.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2014Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignees: ZF Friedrichshafen AG, Lemförder Electronic GmbHInventors: Ralf Pfeifer, Andreas Peukert
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Patent number: 10502313Abstract: A selector lever for a transmission of a vehicle may include a monostable control element. Actuation of the monostable control element, without moving the selector lever, may triggers engagement of a parked position of the transmission when the transmission is not in the parked position and the drive motor is running. Further, actuation of the monostable control element may trigger a start process of the drive motor when the drive motor is off. Further, actuation of the monostable control element may trigger a shutdown process of the drive motor when the transmission is in the parked position and the drive motor is in on.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2014Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Peter Spoerl, Walter Hecht, Franz-Josef Schuler
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Patent number: 10371252Abstract: The disclosure provides a device for regulating a movement of an operating element for an automatic transmission of a vehicle. The device comprises a rotatable shaft and a bearing element for bearing the operating element. The bearing element can be moved together with the operating element relatively to the shaft with respect to a first axis of movement and between a rest position and a deflection position with respect to a second axis of movement. The device is characterized in that on the shaft are arranged a locking element for locking the movement of the bearing element from the rest position to the deflection position and/or a resetting element for resetting the bearing element from the deflection position to the rest position.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2014Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Ludger Rake, Sascha Rosentreter, Karsten Straßburg
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Patent number: 10371251Abstract: The disclosure provides a device for adjusting a movement of an operating element for an automatic transmission of a vehicle. The device comprises a rotatable shaft and a bearing apparatus for the supporting of the operating element. At the same time, by means of the operating element, the bearing apparatus can be moved with the operating element in relation to the shaft toward a first movement axis and between a resting position and a deflecting position toward a second movement axis. The device is characterized by a blocking element for blocking a movement of the bearing apparatus from the resting position to the deflecting position. An actuating element for actuating the blocking element and a resetting element for resetting the bearing apparatus from the deflecting position to the position are arranged on the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2014Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Joerg Meyer, Sascha Rosentreter
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Patent number: 10295049Abstract: An apparatus for controlling automatic transmission includes: an automatic gear-shift mode for automatically selecting a gear position based on a driving condition of a vehicle; and a manual gear-shift mode for selecting the gear position based on an output of an up-shift instructing unit or a down-shift instructing unit, and sets a predetermined time period for maintaining the manual gear-shift mode when the up-shift instructing unit is operated, to be shorter than the predetermined time period when the down-shift instructing unit is operated, when the gear position is at or higher than a predetermined gear position.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2015Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Michio Kojima, Yuichiro Takemori
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Patent number: 10234030Abstract: A motor controller includes a first forward driver rotating a motor in a forward rotation direction, a torque short determiner determining short of a switch torque, a backward driver driving the motor up to an extreme position in the backward rotation direction in a switch torque short case, and a second forward driver rotating the motor from the extreme position to a target position. When the second forward driver drives the motor, a drive objet is rotated not only by a motor torque but also by a twist backlash torque from a rotation transmission part. Further, after a rotation of the motor in the forward rotation direction, the backward rotation operation of the motor is performed only in the switch torque short case, thereby reducing a shift position switch time in a switch torque sufficient case.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2017Date of Patent: March 19, 2019Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Seiji Nakayama
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Patent number: 10234028Abstract: A gear shift control system may include an output mechanism, first and second drive members and a drivetrain. The first drive member may be coupled to the output mechanism to drive the output mechanism and cause a transmission shift. The drivetrain includes a first input driven by the drive member during a first mode of operation and an output coupled to both the first input and the output mechanism to drive the output mechanism as commanded by the drive member. During a second mode of operation a second input is coupled to the output and a second drive member is coupled to the second input to drive the output mechanism through the second input and the output to cause a transmission gear shift. The second drive member may be laterally offset from the drivetrain and axially positioned within an axial height of the drivetrain.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2015Date of Patent: March 19, 2019Assignee: Dura Operating, LLCInventors: Jinseok Jeon, Brian D. Howe, Yang Soo Cho
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Patent number: 10227104Abstract: A bicycle control device mounting assembly for mounting a bicycle control device to a bicycle handlebar having a handlebar central axis and a handlebar opening disposed in the handlebar a distance removed from an end of the handlebar. The bicycle control device mounting assembly comprises a connector assembly. The connector assembly comprises a first connector moveable relative to the handlebar central axis within a first mounting adjustment range and a second connector moveable relative to the handlebar central axis within a second mounting adjustment range.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2015Date of Patent: March 12, 2019Assignee: SRAM, LLCInventors: Chen-Yi Yang, Chih-Min Chang, Nathan Schickel
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Patent number: 10220915Abstract: A bicycle bar end attachment includes a main body, a shoe, a compression member, a rotation member, a transmission structure and a fixing structure. The main body is insertable into a bicycle handlebar, and includes a first threaded portion. The shoe is located between an inner surface of the handlebar and the main body. The compression member includes a second threaded portion engaged with the first threaded portion and a first pressing surface contacting one end of the shoe. The rotation member includes an exposed portion accessible from outside the handlebar and a second pressing surface contacting the other end of the shoe. The transmission structure transmits rotation of the rotation member to the compression member. The fixing structure holds the shoe between the compression member and the rotation member, and moves the shoe in a radial direction of the handlebar to fix the main body to the handlebar.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2017Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Takafumi Katsura
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Patent number: 10112678Abstract: A bicycle operating device comprises a base member, an operating member, a hydraulic unit, an electrical switch, a wireless communicator, and a power supply. The base member includes a first end to be mounted to a bicycle handlebar and a second end opposite to the first end. The operating member is pivotally coupled to the base member about a first pivot axis. The wireless communicator is electrically connected to the electrical switch to wirelessly transmit a signal to an additional component in response to an input operation. The power supply is electrically connected to the wireless communicator to supply electrical power to the wireless communicator. The hydraulic unit at least partly overlaps with at least one of the wireless communicator and the power supply when viewed from a first direction parallel to the first pivot axis.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2016Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignee: SHIMANO INC.Inventors: Atsushi Komatsu, Takafumi Nishino, Takehiko Nakajima
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Patent number: 10113636Abstract: A device and method for manually controlling a system including a first lever movable between multiple positions and a movable component. The method including: activating a manual engagement device; engaging a manual control to couple a first lever and a movable component; disengaging an automatic control coupling the first lever and the movable component; and moving the movable component by moving the first lever.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2015Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignee: INTEVA PRODUCTS, LLCInventors: John R. Rice, Ian J. Dow, Donald M. Perkins
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Patent number: 10107393Abstract: A method of providing improved control and response to an electronic transmission range selection system comprehends providing a virtual null position for the electronic transmission range selection device including the steps of determining the current position of the shift lever, confirming the position of the shift lever, virtual Null and physical Reverse to Neutral confirmation timer thresholds are selected, the timers are incremented, a determination is made that the timers have started, a determination is made that the virtual Null timer has expired, whereupon a virtual Null request is generated. Subsequent steps determine if the physical Neutral timer has expired and command the transmission to Neutral. In related method steps, a current range of the transmission is determined, the state of a shift interlock button is determined, and certain shift changes are accepted or rejected.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2016Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Ming Zhao
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Patent number: 10102724Abstract: An operating device for operating an electrical bicycle component includes an annular base element, annular actuating element and first electrical contact switch. The annular base element is configured to be non-rotatably mounted about a bicycle handlebar. The annular actuating element is rotatable relative to the annular base element from a neutral position to a first actuating position. The annular actuating element is pre-loaded into the neutral position. The first electrical contact switch is actuated when the annular actuating element is moved from the neutral position to the first actuating position to generate a first sensory feedback.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2017Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: SRAM DEUTSCHLAND, GMBHInventors: Sven Baumann, Jochen Bierwerth, Wolfram Frank, Chris Hilton
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Patent number: 9963200Abstract: A bicycle control apparatus is basically configured to control at least one shifting device having a plurality of gear stages. The bicycle control apparatus includes a shifting input device, at least one detection sensor and a controller. The at least one detection sensor detects the gear stage of the at least one shifting device. The controller controls the at least one shifting device. The controller controls the at least one shifting device to upshift or to downshift in a state in which the detected gear stage matches a prescribed condition, upon receiving the prescribed shift command is input via the shifting input device.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2015Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Etsuyoshi Watarai
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Patent number: 9939060Abstract: In a shift lever device, at a time when a shift lever is pivotally operated in a front-rear direction, a retainer and a link are pivoted integrally with the shift lever, and a pivot portion is pivoted in the front-rear direction. Further, at a time when the shift lever is pivotally operated in a left-right direction, the shift lever is pivoted with respect to the retainer, and the link is pivoted, and the pivot portion is thereby pivoted in the left-right direction. Moreover, a position of the pivot portion is detected by a detecting mechanism, and a shift position of the shift lever is detected. Therefore, the shift position of the shift lever can be detected via the link.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2014Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHOInventors: Daisuke Kato, Wataru Yumoto, Reiji Higuchi, Takehiro Niwa