Abstract: An actuator for the change speed shaft of a motor vehicle automatic transmission comprises a housing, an actuating shaft rotatably mounted in the housing, an electric motor, a reversible, low-loss reduction gearing by which the rotor of the electric motor is directly coupled to the actuating shaft, a pretensioned spiral spring forming an energy storing means by which the actuating shaft may be driven into the parking position independently of the electric motor, an electronic controller for driving the electric motor as a function of control signals, a coupling means for coupling the actuating shaft to the change speed shaft of the automatic transmission. Rotation of the actuating shaft by the coupling means is converted into angles of rotation of the change speed shaft which correspond to the control signals. The actuator replaces a conventional gearshift lever on an automatic transmission.

Abstract: A shifting device for an automatic transmission controlled by an electronic control device (2) for vehicles, especially for motor vehicles, is described, which has a first shifting device (4), in which different gears to be shifted automatically can be preselected by manual selection, and a second shifting device (9), which can be actuated by device of a selector device (5) and in which the selector device (5) is held in the neutral middle position, from which it can be moved by manual actuation in a first direction (15) for inducing upshiftings and in a second direction (16) for inducing downshiftings, wherein the shifting movements of the selector device (5) are detected by device of sensors and are sent as signals to the control device (2).

Abstract: A shift device that prevents an operator from unintentionally operating the shift lever. The shift device has a plurality of shift ranges and sets a predetermined range from the plurality of shift ranges. The shift device includes a shift lever for setting the predetermined shift range, a control circuit, and a notification device. The control circuit determines whether an operator has unintentionally operated the shift lever. The notification device notifies the operator that the operator has unintentionally operated the shift lever in accordance with the determination of the control circuit.

Abstract: An electric driving device for a transmission can be reduced in size with a simple structure, and can be installed in a small-sized car, such as a passenger car. In this electric driving device, a shift shaft 2 effects a selecting operation by its displacement in the axial direction and a shifting operation by its rotation. The displacement of the shift shaft 2 in the axial direction is effected by rocking and displacing a rocking arm 18 by means of a first actuator 13 or 113. Rotation of the shift shaft 2 is effected by pushing and/or pulling a rocking arm 20 by means of a second actuator 21. This driving arm 20 is fixedly disposed on the outer peripheral surface of a spline tube 5 which is brought into spline-engagement with the shift shaft 2.

Abstract: A shift device has an operation member for operating a vehicular automatic transmission. The operation member is formed to conform to the shapes of a hand and fingers of a driver.

Abstract: A device is provided for shifting a mechanical shifter between a first shifting state and at least one second shifting state, especially for engaging and disengaging a parking brake for an automatic transmission. An adjusting member (4) is coupled with the shifter for shifting between the shifting states. A control member (5) is provided that can be coupled with the adjusting member (4). A coupling device (5, 6, 7, 12) can be actuated by an electric signal. By this coupling device (5, 6, 7, 12) the adjusting member (4) and the control member (5) can be coupled with one another. The coupling device (5, 6, 7, 12) is designed such that the adjusting member (4) and the control member (5) are uncoupled from one another in case of loss of the electric signal. A drive (8, 9, 10, 11) is coupled with the control member (5) for driving the control member (5).

Abstract: A bolt fastening structure is comprised of a fastened member and a fastening seat. The fastened member has a bolt hole for inserting a bolt and a pair of slits disposed around the bolt hole. The fastening seat has a pair of leg portions and a connecting portion integrally connecting the leg portions. The leg portions have a length which is substantially as same as a depth dimension of the bolt hole of said fastened member. The leg portions are inserted to the slits, respectively. By fastening the bolt with a threaded hole of a second fastened member, upper and lower surfaces of the leg portions are fitted to a head of the bolt and the second fastened member.

Abstract: The first gear/reverse gate switch of the present invention includes a detent switch including a contact pin and a contact switch. When a manual transmission is shifted to a gear not in the first gear/reverse gate, the contact pin of the detent switch engages a recessed portion on a detent mechanism such that the contact pin does not engage the contact switch. This indicates that the transmission is not in a gear in the first gear/reverse gate. When the manual transmission is shifted to a gear in the first gear/reverse gate, the interlock moves the detent, pushing the contact pin into engagement with the contact switch. This indicates that the transmission is in a gear in the first gear/reverse gate. The spring forces the detent into a “relaxed position” when not in the first gear or the reverse gate, breaking switch contact.

Abstract: According to the invention, a gate change unit for generating gate-changing signals for an automatic gearbox comprises a cover of the gate change unit, a gate which is located in the cover and which permits displacement movements and/or pivoting movements in a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction in the plane of the gate change unit, a gear change lever which is guided in the gate and can be displaced and/or pivoted in the longitudinal direction and/or the transverse direction, a housing or carrier part which is connected to the cover, and electrical switch elements (for example slider tracks and slider contacts or microswitches), the electrical switch elements generating electrical gear change signals in accordance with the displacement of the gear change lever, which signals are used to control the automatic gearbox.

Abstract: A unit for the servo-assisted operation of a motor-vehicle gearbox comprises an actuator which can control the combined movement of a pair of mechanical operating members of the gearbox, for selection and engagement, respectively, in order to engage one of the transmission ratios of the gearbox in dependence on the position of a remote gearshift lever. The actuator is remote from the gearbox and is connected to the mechanical operating members by means of push-pull cables.

Abstract: A shift actuator for a transmission, which actuates, in a direction of shift, a shift lever of the transmission. The shift actuator comprises an operation rod that engages with an operation member linked to the shift lever, a magnetic moving means disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the operation rod, a cylindrical fixed yoke surrounding the magnetic moving means, and a pair of coils arranged on the inside of the fixed yoke neighboring in the axial direction.

Abstract: A gear change device comprising a select actuator for operating a shift lever in a direction of selection and a shift actuator for operating the shift lever in a direction of shift, wherein the select actuator comprises a casing, a shift lever support member that is disposed in the casing so as to slide in an axial direction and supports the shift lever, a magnetic moving means disposed on the outer periphery of the shift lever support member, a cylindrical fixed yoke surrounding the magnetic moving means, and a coil disposed on the inside of the fixed yoke.

Abstract: A shift actuator for a transmission, which actuates, in a direction of shift, a shift lever for operating a synchronizing device of the transmission, the shift actuator comprising a first electromagnetic solenoid and a second electromagnetic solenoid for actuating an operation member coupled to the shift lever in the directions opposite to each other. Each of the first electromagnetic solenoid and the second electromagnetic solenoid comprises a casing, a fixed iron core disposed in the casing, a moving iron core arranged to be allowed to approach, and separate away from, the fixed iron core, an operation rod mounted on the moving iron core to engage with the operation member, and an electromagnetic coil arranged between the casing and the fixed iron core as well as the moving iron core.

Abstract: An actuator for actuating an element of an automated clutch or of an automated transmission in a motor vehicle. The actuator includes a housing that receives a toothed rack and a gear that meshingly engages with the toothed rack. An electric motor is drivingly connected with the gear for shifting the position of the toothed rack relative to the housing. The actuator is spring biased in a predetermined direction by a spring that extends between a point on the toothed rack and a point on the housing. The electric motor and the gear can be fastened to the housing as preassembled unit.

Abstract: Maneuvering apparatus is disclosed including a console, a maneuvering lever disposed relative to the console and movable between a plurality of predetermined positions, a planar detector mounted with respect to the console, a code bar mounted parallel to the planar detector for interacting with the planar detector based upon the relative positions of the code bar and the planar detector, the planar detector adapted to detect the relative position of the code bar, and a connector for connecting the maneuvering lever to the code bar whereby movement of the maneuvering lever between the plurality of positions causes the code bar to move substantially only in a single plane parallel to the detector.

Abstract: An actuator/sensor assembly is mounted on a housing of an operating handle. The assembly includes a sensor with a sensor casing, from which protrudes a rotatable sensor shaft. The sensor casing includes a threaded section which extends concentric to the sensor shaft and which is inserted into an opening in the housing. A bearing member is screwed onto the threaded section to clamp the housing between the sensor casing and the bearing member and fix the sensor to the housing. The actuator, such as a control knob, is coupled to the sensor shaft by a coupler. The actuator is rotatably supported on the bearing member and consequently on the housing. Transverse forces acting upon the knob are absorbed by the bearing member and transmitted to the housing so that the sensor shaft is not subject to lateral forces from the knob. The coupler transmits rotational movements from the knob to the sensor shaft and allows for misalignment between the knob and the sensor shaft.

Abstract: A shift switch control device for selection lever units of automatic transmissions is disclosed. The shift switch control device has a selection lever for selecting a desired range within a transmission pattern during the automatic transmission mode and performing an up- or down-shifting operation during the manual transmission mode. A rotary plate is provided at the selection lever, and has up- and down-shift switches at its top end, with a projection provided at the central portion of the rotary plate. A manipulation lever is installed at the top of the selection lever at a position between the up- and down-shift switches, and turns on or off the up- or down-shift switch. A projection guide plate, having an inclined surface at one end thereof, is provided on the selection lever. The control device also has a rotary plate return means for giving an elastic returning force to the rotary plate.

Abstract: The present invention intends to provide a controlling device for transmission in which locking action of the locking mechanism is not hindered by a part of the controlling device such as an actuator, when a fork shaft as an operating mechanism is held at a neutral position. For such purpose, the controlling device for transmission includes plural fork shafts, a selecting member selectively engaging with one of the fork shafts, a selecting actuator for moving the selecting member to engage with the fork shaft, a shifting actuator for applying load to the fork shaft engaged by the selecting member, and locking mechanism for locking the fork shafts. In such controlling device, the selecting actuator is constructed to move the selecting member to a non-engaging position not engaging with any of the fork shafts.

Abstract: An actuating device for an operating element such as a clutch (4) in the power train between the engine (2) and the driven wheels (12) of a motor vehicle consists of a parallel arrangement of at least two actuators (25a, 25b) that are controlled by an electronic control device (31) so that they can work simultaneously or one after the other, or with a partial time overlap where one starts to work after an initial current surge to the other has subsided.

Abstract: A 2-L slider supported by a shaft so as to be slidable in a predetermined range substantially in a vehicle transverse direction that, when pressed by a shift lever which is being a select-operated to an “L” position, slides toward a detent wall against an urging force of a compression coil spring. At this time, a cam portion provided at the 2-L slider presses a press receiving block provided at a shift lock plate downward. Thus, a slider which slides with the shift lock plate moves downward. A position detecting mechanism detects that the slider has moved downward. The position detecting mechanism is not a mechanism specially provided for detecting select operation to the “L” position, but a mechanism for detecting whether or not the shift lever is positioned at a “P” position. Therefore, costs can be kept down.

Abstract: A range shift display unit including a target range detection device that detects a selected target range and generates a range signal corresponding to the detected target range and a display processing device for driving a display portion corresponding to the target range by a driving method for a predetermined target range. Since the display portion corresponding to the target range is driven by a driving method for a predetermined target range based on the range signal, the driver can identify which range the target range is by seeing the display device.

Abstract: An assembly for shifting gear positions (10 and 110) in an electronically controlled transmission including a single lever control for moving between various gear positions. The assembly includes a shift lever (118) mounted to either a column support (14) or a base (112). The shift lever (118) either moves a detent finger (38) between a plurality of gear positions or moves a plurality of detent valleys (26) of a detent housing (20) into contact with a detent finger mechanism (22). The distal end (36) of the detent finger (38) includes a magnet (32) for generating a magnetic field. The detent valleys (26 and 126) represent each gear position and a Hall effect sensor (30) is disposed in the predetermined depth of each detent valley (26 and 126). The sensor (30) is activated by the magnetic field generated by the magnet (32) attached to the distal end (36) of the detent finger (38). In response, the sensor (30) generates an output voltage to a control module.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for manually shifting an electrically controlled transmission (14) to a desired gear setting in the event of a failure includes unlocking a manual shift mechanism (90) from a non-actuatable condition. The manual shift mechanism (90) is linearly moved from the non-actuated condition toward an engageable position with a link arm (70) to linearly move the link arm in response to further linear movement of the manual shift mechanism after engagement therewith. A transmission gear (16) is rotated to manually shift the transmission (14) to the desired gear setting through linear motion of the link arm (70).

Abstract: An apparatus for shifting a transmission coupled to an engine including a controller for shifting the transmission between operating modes, a control lever for switching the transmission, and an actuator for actuating the control lever in response to shifting of the controller. The apparatus includes a longitudinal tube connected to the controller, a cylindrical slide connected to the actuator for actuating the control lever in response to shifting of the controller, the longitudinal tube being coaxial with the cylindrical slide, a detector for detecting relative displacement between the longitudinal tube and the cylindrical slide, and a spring acting between the longitudinal tube and the cylindrical slide to prevent relative displacement between them until a force acting on one of them exceeds the spring force of the spring.

Abstract: An integrated shift motor and electronic controller reduces weight and provides improved performance. The shift control motor includes an output shaft having a first sensor wheel and adjacent sensor which provide signals regarding the rotation and direction of rotation of the motor. The motor drives a gear train having an output member which is coupled to and rotates a shift rail. A sensing wheel is disposed on the output member and adjacent sensors provide signals regarding the angular position of the output member. The sensors drive a microcontroller which in turn drives the shift control motor. Preferably, the sensors, the drive motor, the gear train and the microcontroller are all disposed in a housing. The rotating shift rail includes a pair of spaced-apart followers which engage a cam member which bi-directionally positions a shift fork associated with a multiple position clutch or shift collar.

Abstract: A motor vehicle having a driving engine and an automatically shifted transmission, particularly an automatic transmission, includes at least one selector lever used as the operating element. With this selector lever, a driver triggers an electric transmission control device which, as a function of an operating position for the automatically shifted transmission selected on the selector lever and of other operating parameters of the motor vehicle, controls the automatically shifted transmission. By deflecting the selector lever, certain operation positions of the automatically shifted transmission are selected. This selector lever can be moved along at least one shifting channel, for preselecting individual driving positions in the automatic operation, into at least two deflecting directions. The lever automatically returns from the two deflecting positions always into the same starting position.

Abstract: A control device for controlling a gear shift rod, and having a control shaft connected to the gear shift rod; a linear actuator for effecting given axial displacements or given angular displacements of the control rod to shift between two gear engagement positions in the same range; a first cam guide device for converting, on command, the axial or angular displacements into combined axial-angular displacements, so as to shift between consecutive gears in consecutive ranges; and a second cam guide device for converting, on command, the axial or angular displacements into combined axial-angular displacements, so as to shift between nonconsecutive gears in not necessarily consecutive ranges.

Abstract: An actuator for the change speed shaft of a motor vehicle automatic transmission comprises a housing, an actuating shaft rotatably mounted in the housing, an electric motor, a reversible, low-loss reduction gearing by which the rotor of the electric motor is directly coupled to the actuating shaft, a pretensioned spiral spring forming an energy storing means by which the actuating shaft may be driven into the parking position independently of the electric motor, an electronic controller for driving the electric motor as a function of control signals, a coupling means for coupling the actuating shaft to the change speed shaft of the automatic transmission. Rotation of the actuating shaft by the coupling means is converted into angles of rotation of the change speed shaft which correspond to the control signals. The actuator replaces a conventional gearshift lever on an automatic transmission.

Abstract: A gear-shift device for a change-speed gearbox, includes a shift actuator, a selection actuator, an actuator which is arranged such that it can be displaced exclusively axially with regard to a housing, an auxiliary transmission for converting a rotary motion into a reciprocating motion, a brake which is connected to the selection actuator and an engageable and disengageable locking device. These components are arranged in terms of their action in such a manner that two of the three actuators are arranged fixed in terms of movement with respect to one another and are connected to the third actuator by the auxiliary transmission. The selection actuator is fixed either in a rotationally fixed or axially undisplaceable manner with regard to the housing. A fixed slotted shift guide can be provided singly or together with a slotted change-interlock guide for the shift actuator, with the guide plate being used as a brake and locking device.

Abstract: A power train for us in a motor vehicle has a prime mover (such as a combustion engine), an automated gearbox which transmits torque to the wheels of the vehicle, a friction clutch between the prime mover and the gearbox, a computerized control unit which receives signals from several sensors, and one or more actuators which operate the clutch and/or the gearbox in response to signals from the control unit. The actuator for selecting the gear ratio of the gearbox and for shifting the gearbox into and from selected gears employs two transmissions each of which has a worm gearing receiving torque from a discrete electric motor of the actuator and a spur gearing which transmits motion from the respective worm gearing to a mobile component of the gearbox. The connection between the worm and spur gearings in at least one of the transmissions can comprise a damper cooperating with one or more sensors serving to transmit signals to the control unit.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for controlling the operational states of a motor vehicle comprising a maneuvering console including a maneuvering lever, a pivot hinge for the maneuvering lever so that the maneuvering lever can be actuated into a number of positions corresponding to the operational states of the motor vehicle, the pivot hinge being mounted to permit pivoting of the maneuvering lever with respect to the maneuvering console about an unlimited number of spatial pivot axes, a plurality of hydraulic pistons and cylinders mechanically coupled to the maneuvering lever for selectively limiting the pivoting movement of the maneuvering lever, a plurality of sensors for detecting a maneuvering force applied to the maneuvering lever and the position of the maneuvering lever so that the pivoting movement of the maneuvering lever can be selectively limited by the plurality of hydraulic pistons and cylinders based upon those detections, and a controller for controlling the plurality of hydraulic pistons and cylinder

Abstract: An actuating device for automatic operation of a gear change in a transmission that produces a change in predetermined translation ratios of the gear change transmission in any desired sequence comprises first and second drives that are in active connection with a selector shaft. The first drive is connected to the selector shaft via a guide mechanism which comprises at least one constraint guide that corresponds to a shifting path. The second drive is in active connection with the selector shaft for providing an operating force in the axial direction and an operating force in the circumferential direction of the selector shaft. The resulting movement depends on the operating position of the guide mechanism.

Abstract: An electronic shifter assembly is provided. The shifter assembly includes a shift lever, a position sensor and first and second mechanisms. The position sensor is operable for sensing a position of the shift lever and producing a position signal in response thereto. The first mechanism is coupled to one of the position sensor and the shift lever and includes a structure having a plurality of detents. The second mechanism is coupled to the other one of the position sensor and the shift lever and includes an assembly which engages the plurality of detents to resist relative movement between the shift lever and the position sensor.

Abstract: A shift lever system for a vehicle having longitudinal and lateral directions.

Abstract: A shift switch-actuating mechanism for a dual mode shift lever unit is provided, including a shift lever pivotally connected to a pivot shaft supported by a lever housing and a cable block pivotally mounted on the pivot shaft outside the lever housing, the lever housing having an opening on its wall facing the cable block such that the shift lever and the cable block interact with each other, wherein the shift switch-actuating mechanism is mounted on an upper wall of the shift lever housing below an indicator panel so as to be operated in a manual mode and includes a base plate having an indented portion for receiving the shift lever, an up shift switch mounted on the base plate for detecting up shift manipulations of the shift lever, a down shift switch oppositely mounted on the base plate for detecting down shift manipulations of the shift lever, a manual mode switch mounted inside the indented portion of the base plate for detecting manual mode conversion of the shift lever, and a switch actuator for mount

Abstract: A control device for an infinitely variable transmission includes a control lever that is movable along a guide slot and whose position within the slot indicates the commanded speed and direction. The control lever is moved forward from a zero speed position to a maximum forward speed position. Between the zero speed position and maximum forward speed position is a set point position corresponding to a set point speed. A set speed adjuster, such as a potentiometer, enables the operator to adjust the set point speed that is commanded when the control lever is placed in the set point position. The speed for positions of the control lever between the zero and the set point positions varies proportionally between zero and the set point speed. Likewise, the speed for positions of the control lever between the set point position and the maximum forward speed position varies proportionally between the set point speed and the maximum forward speed.

Abstract: A transmission shift control assembly comprising a housing (12) presenting a support (16) and a lever (18) pivotally is supported by the housing (12) for movement between shift positions. A mechanical connection (20) produces rectilinear movement in response to pivotal movement of the lever (18) and a core element (28) is connected to the mechanical connection (20) for receiving the rectilinear movement. A casing (30) movably supports the core element (28) and is supported in the support (16). The casing (30) includes a swivel tube (32) supported by a fitting (34) for swiveling movement relative thereto. The invention is characterized by an electrical sensor (46) supported by the swivel tube (32) for measuring the rectilinear movement of the core element (28).

Abstract: A single actuator such as an electric motor is used to actuate a shift range changing mechanism of an automatic transmission. The motor has a plurality of torque generating units each of which is capable of generating a torque sufficient to effect any shift range changes of the shift range changing mechanism. All of the torque generating units are driven electrically normally in response to a shift range change command. Operation of each torque generating unit is monitored separately from each other. When one of the torque generating units fails in operation, the torque generating unit in failure is not driven but the other torque generating units are driven to effect a shift range change. The failure of the torque generating units is indicated on an indicator in a vehicle. The motor may be a brushless type or a reluctance type.

Abstract: An X-Y shifter control (68) allows independent and simultaneous control of the X—X motor (32) and Y—Y motor (36). Required X—X movements of thie shift member (34) are initiated when the shift member is within a band (84) of the neutral (20) Y—Y position.

Abstract: A shifter system for shifting a transmission on a vehicle includes a shifter having a manually-operated shift lever movable between various gear positions, an electrical sensing device on the shifter for sensing positions of the shift lever, and a controller electrically connected to the sensing device and constructed to control shifting of a transmission based on signals from the sensing device indicative of the position of the shift lever. The controller and the sensing device as a system are capable of sensing speed of movement of the shift lever and the controller is programmed to change control of the shifting of the transmission in accordance therewith. In one form, the sensing device includes one of a continuous output potentiometer, a discrete output potentiometer, a membrane potentiometer, and a deformable variable-resistance potentiometer.

Abstract: An external electronic shift system is provided that is adapted to electronically shift an existing automatic transmission for a vehicle. The automatic transmission includes gearing movable to a plurality of different gear positions, and further includes an actuator rod connected to the gearing that is rotatable to selectively shift the gearing between the gear positions. A control unit is programmed to receive electrical signals from a shifter and generate signals to control shifting of the transmission. A stepper motor unit is mechanically attached to the actuator rod and electrically connected to the control unit. The stepper motor unit is configured to selectively rotate the actuator rod to shift the transmission in response to the signals received from the control unit.

Abstract: A shift tower housing for a vehicle transmission that can receive either a push button selector or a lever selector at a comfortable and ergonomic location. The surfaces of both the push button and the lever selectors are at about 15% to the horizontal, which renders surface indicia on the selectors in a comfortable vision range for the operator. The inclined upper surfaces of the selectors also places lever and push buttons at comfortable ergonomic position for the operator. Replacing a single mounting part can make a conversion from a push button selector unit to a push button selector unit. The shift tower also includes mounting mechanism upon which a stand-alone electronic control unit is mounted, that is compatible with either the push button selector or the lever selector control. The vibrations of the shift tower are minimized as a result of mounting it directly to vehicle floor support member.

Abstract: An ergonomic shifter mountable to a handlebar of a motor vehicle, the shifter comprising a housing mountable to the handlebar and a unitary shifter toggle switch movably connected to the housing, the unitary shifter toggle switch being movable from a neutral position to an upshift position and a downshift position. Preferably, the unitary shifter toggle switch is pivotally connected to the housing. Preferably, the shifter is mounted to the handlebar adjacent a gripping portion of the handlebar so that the driver can easily upshift or downshift the vehicle. Preferably, the unitary shifter toggle switch has a plurality of small protrusions for enhancing a driver's grip.