Electrical Actuator Patents (Class 74/473.12)
  • Patent number: 8061230
    Abstract: A device for operating a gearbox, which operating device comprises a operating rod, a shift finger connected to the operating rod, and at least two electric motors acting upon the operating rod, the rotors of the electric motors being arranged on the operating rod so that a first electric motor is adapted to moving the operating rod by linear movement in the axial direction of the operating rod along the axis (A) of the operating rod and thus controls the lateral travel of the shift finger, and a second electric motor is adapted to effecting rotary movement to turn the operating rod about the axis (A) of the operating rod and thus controls the longitudinal travel of shift finger, when the respective electric motors are energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Scania CV AB (publ)
    Inventor: Jonas Udd
  • Patent number: 8051956
    Abstract: A driving device for a parking brake system includes a casing shift member, a brake cable and a driving member. The casing shift member includes a cable casing. The brake cable is mounted through the cable casing. The driving member has a driving unit connected to and driving the casing shift member to perform a longitudinal motion. Thus the cable casing applies a force on the brake cable so as to perform a brake work. Because the brake cable is tightened with the force provided by the cable casing, the brake cable is only bent slightly. Thus the curvature of the brake cable is small. That prevents the brake cable from being damaged and prolongs a life span of the brake cable. Moreover, a mechanical efficiency of the driving device is improved because the brake cable is tightened with the force provided by the cable casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Automotive Research & Testing Center
    Inventors: Chien-Tai Huang, Chien-Tzu Chen, Shou-Ti Cheng, Bo-Ruei Chen, Ming-Hu Huang
  • Publication number: 20110252920
    Abstract: A gear shifting device for shifting gears of a transmission comprises: at least one guide rail each extending in a longitudinal axis thereof; a plurality of shift effecting members (e.g., shift forks or the like) configured to move a plurality of corresponding sliding sleeves coupled to the guide rail for shifting gears upon actuation of a shift actuator, the shift effecting members each having a terminal end portion with a finger receiving opening formed therein, the finger receiving opening extending in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guide rail; and a shift shaft extending in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guide rail, the shift shaft having a shift finger coupled thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: HYUNDAI WIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas C. Bowen, Nam Huh
  • Patent number: 8035046
    Abstract: A control device (1) for a bicycle for providing at least one electrical-electronic command to at least one bicycle component is provided, comprising a support body (2), at least one switch (47, 48), and a respective manual actuation member (34, 35, 70), the switch (47, 48) and the respective manual actuation member (34, 35, 70) are included in a switch unit (30) so as to be integrally removable from the support body (2). By so including said components (47, 48, 34, 35, 70) in a self-standing switch unit (30), in the case of a failure or malfunction of the switch (47, 48), the switch unit (30) can be easily inspected and possibly replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventor: Bruno De Perini
  • Patent number: 8033937
    Abstract: An actuator device for a bicycle gearshift is provided. The actuator comprises an actuation mechanism, driven by a drive member and in turn to drives a derailleur of the gearshift. The mechanism comprising a member which—in the case of a knock to the mechanism—is subjected to a stress; the member is capable of elastically yielding when subjected to a stress above a predetermined stress threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventor: Mario Meggiolan
  • Publication number: 20110239805
    Abstract: In a transmission system for vehicles in which shift position changing drive means is coaxially connected to a shift drum selectively establishing a plurality of gear trains for respective gear steps capable of selective establishment in response to a turned position and a shift position sensor detects which one of the gear trains is being established, the number of component parts is reduced and assembly performance is enhanced while allowing for automatic gear shifting by use of a shift actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasushi FUJIMOTO, Kinya MIZUNO, Toshimasa MITSUBORI, Yoshiaki TSUKADA
  • Publication number: 20110219905
    Abstract: A system for shifting a transmission range includes a selector producing a signal representing a selected range, and the system has a primary state wherein a source of electric power shifts the transmission to the selected range in response to the signal, and a secondary state wherein a source of mechanical energy shifts the transmission to a Park range when the primary state is unable to shift the range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Ramasunder Krishnaswami, Matthew L. Fyie, Todd C. Spaulding, William R. Goodwin
  • Patent number: 8019519
    Abstract: A shift-by-wire control unit is provided that includes, but is not limited to a sensor for detecting the position of a shift lever, which is movable on a path between a neutral position and at least one shift position, a control circuit, and an actuator for driving a selector fork in accordance with a movement of the shift lever detected by the control unit. The control circuit is set up to predefine a setpoint position of the actuator for each detected position of the shift lever, the rate of change of the setpoint position as a function of the shift lever position being higher in a first area of the path adjacent to the neutral position than in a second area of the path, which is at a greater distance from the neutral position than the first area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Christian Ruebsam, Jan Sporleder
  • Publication number: 20110203401
    Abstract: A multiplexed electromechanical shift mechanism includes a single linear actuator with multiple independently selectable linkages actuating a clutch and multiple gears for use in motor vehicle transmissions such as a dual clutch transmission. The linear actuator may be a ball screw, a planetary roller screw or hydraulic or pneumatic operator capable of controlling bi-directional linear motion of an output member. A plurality of linear clutches selectively couple the output member to one of a plurality of linkages adapted to transfer the bi-directional motion of the output member. One of the linkages is coupled to and engages an input (main) clutch of the transmission and the remaining linkages are coupled to and bi-directionally translate shift forks and synchronizer clutches which achieve gear selection and engagement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Vijay A. Neelakantan, Bret M. Olson, James W. Haynes, Clinton E. Carey
  • Patent number: 7971498
    Abstract: A control device is provided for a technical system (17), e.g. for a shift-by-wire vehicle transmission. The control device includes a control (actuating) element, e.g. a rotary knob (1), with at least two shifting positions. The control element (1), itself, can rotate without limitation, whereas the control device has at least one stop device (2, 3), which can be adjusted in a controlled manner and which limits the angle of rotation (W) of the control element (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Joerg Meyer, Andreas Giefer
  • Patent number: 7966903
    Abstract: A rod-lock mechanism is provided in an automatic transmission for a vehicle. The rod-lock mechanism has an engaging pin which will be engaged with a rod when the rod is in its initial position, so as to hold the rod in its initial position. The rod-lock mechanism further has an electric actuator for driving the engaging pin when electric power is supplied, so that the engaging pin is brought out of engagement from the rod. A forced parking current supply unit controls electric power supply to the electric actuator. When the electric power is supplied to the electric actuator, the rod is moved in a direction of a parking position to bring a vehicle into a parking condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Kimura, Taku Itoh, Shigeru Yoshiyama
  • Patent number: 7964246
    Abstract: An insulation application system is provided that utilizes a sole power source to drive the system's multiple components. In one embodiment the system includes an insulation blower, a hydraulic drive, an electrical generator, and a vacuum fan that is powered by a power-take-off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Johns Manville
    Inventor: Thomas J. Fellinger
  • Publication number: 20110138953
    Abstract: A combination module for an appliance includes a transmission selector mechanism adapted to selectively operate transmission shift structure of the appliance, and a speed sensor mechanism adapted to sense the operative speed of a motive element of the appliance. In one example, the combination module further includes a single electrical connector adapted to electrically couple the transmission selector mechanism and the speed sensor mechanism to control circuitry of the appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: EMZ-Hanauer GmbH & Co KGaA
    Inventor: Anthony Lewis Durfee
  • Publication number: 20110132121
    Abstract: An apparatus for releasing a parking state of a shift-by-wire shifting device may include a housing fixed to a vehicle body, a driving screw rotatably coupled to the housing and threaded, a slider engaged to the driving screw and slidable along the driving screw, and a cable connected to the slider and transmitting a sliding motion of the slider to a transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicants: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hangil PARK, Changyun Lee, Jeongho Park
  • Publication number: 20110132122
    Abstract: An electronic shifting apparatus for a vehicle may include an operator movable along at least two or more straight paths, a shift lock assembly controlling a movement of the operator, a sensor detecting changes in position of the operator, a P-switch for selecting a P-range, a safety switch receiving an input from a driver, a controller outputting a shifting signal for controlling a transmission, wherein one of the straight paths sequentially have an R-temporary point for selecting a R-range, an NR-fixing point and an ND-fixing point for selecting an N-range, and a D-temporary point for selecting a D-range, wherein the ND-fixing point is connected with another straight path connecting an M-fixing point for selecting a neutral state in an manual mode, and both sides of the M-fixing point are connected with a (+)-temporary point (+) and a (?)-temporary point (?) through another straight line to operate the manual mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Hangil PARK, Namsik BAEK
  • Publication number: 20110126657
    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: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: STONERIDGE CONTROL DEVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Brian Ganter, Robert DiTommaso, Norman Poirier
  • Publication number: 20110113913
    Abstract: A gear shifting mechanism for vehicle automatic transmission, including a housing, a spline shaft installed in the housing, an axial position sensor and a radial rotary position sensor installed on the spline shaft, a shift finger connected with the spline shaft through a spline, a gear selecting device and a gear shifting device respectively selected and shifted a gear through the shift finger. The gear selecting device utilizes a gear selecting proportional electromagnet for moving the shift finger, and controls the automatic gear shift by adjusting the current. The gear selecting device utilizes restoring springs, and the restoring springs are multiple levels disposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Yong Zheng, Xinghui Lian
  • Publication number: 20110107864
    Abstract: An assembly for actuating a synchronizer includes a shift fork, a shift rail, and a permanent magnet connected to the shift rail. A first control coil is disposed in proximity to the permanent magnet. The first control coil is operable to produce a magnetomotive force on the permanent magnet in a first direction when a current is applied to the first control coil. A second control coil is disposed in proximity to the permanent magnet. The second control coil is operable to produce a magnetomotive force on the permanent magnet in a second direction when a current is applied to the second control coil. The permanent magnet is moved to a first position when the current is applied to the first control coil and the permanent magnet is moved to a second position when the current is applied to the second control coil. Movement of the magnet in turn moves the synchronizer between engaged positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Shushan Bai, Vijay A. Neelakantan, Paul G. Otanez
  • Patent number: 7938035
    Abstract: An actuating device for a transmission of a vehicle, particularly a commercial vehicle, a bus, or the like, moves a trip cam of the transmission forward or backward in the longitudinal direction, and in the transverse direction in one direction or the other transversely to the longitudinal direction. It has a spindle, which includes two axially adjacent thread sections with opposing thread directions, with a spindle nut on each thread section of the spindle, with a drive motor for each spindle nut to drive it in a rotary manner, and with a coupling member that engages with the trip cam and moves it in the longitudinal and transverse directions, and which is actuatable using the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: AMK Arnold Mueller GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Arnold Mueller
  • Patent number: 7926374
    Abstract: An electronic control system for a transmission includes a transmission controller selectively actuating the transmission between a plurality of gear positions including a reverse position and at least two forward positions, a manually-operable gear shifter selectively providing first command signals to the transmission controller to actuate the transmission between at least a portion of the plurality of gear positions, and a voice recognition system selectively providing second command signals to the transmission controller to actuate the transmission between only a portion of the plurality of gear positions. Preferably, the voice commands actuate the transmission only between the forward gear positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dan Strait, Brian Douglas Howe
  • Patent number: 7908940
    Abstract: A bar end electric shifter is provided with a handlebar mounting portion, an electrical switch housing portion, a first electrical shift operating member and a second electrical shift operating member. The handlebar mounting portion is configured to be fixedly mounted to a free end of a bicycle handlebar. The electrical switch housing portion extends longitudinally from the handlebar mounting portion. The electrical switch housing portion has first and second lateral sides with a center axis of the free end of the handlebar extends longitudinally through the electrical switch housing portion when the handlebar mounting portion is mounted to the free end of the bicycle handlebar. The first electrical shift operating member is located on one of the lateral sides of the electrical switch housing portion. The second electrical shift operating member is located on one of the lateral sides of the electrical switch housing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Naka, Kazuhiro Fujii, Toshio Tetsuka
  • Publication number: 20110056318
    Abstract: An operating device for a gear-changing transmission operated by shift-by-wire is disclosed. The operating device includes an operating element, rotatably or pivotally supported in a bearing position having a position sensor device, and a device for producing force-feedback. The force-feedback device includes an adjustable counterforce element acting on the operating element, wherein the counterforce element comprises a fluid having controllably variable viscosity. The operating device including the counterforce element is produced by a bearing gap of the bearing position of the operating element, with the bearing gap being filled with the fluid. A space-saving integration of the counterforce element of a force-feedback device is enabled into the joint of an operating lever. Thus, the cost, structural complexity, and installation space required for an operating device having force-feedback is significantly reduced. The haptics of a mechanical operating lever can be realistically emulated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Ludger Rake, Andreas Giefer
  • Publication number: 20110041639
    Abstract: The invention relates to a transmission actuator for a transmission, having a split sensor (16, 36), which is configured for detecting a switching position of a split phase rod of the transmission that can be longitudinally displaced in a split sensor measuring direction (RS) in longitudinal direction, a gate sensor (30), which is configured to detect a gate rod position of a gate rod of the transmission that can be longitudinally displaced in a gate sensor measuring direction (RG), and a gear sensor (34), which is configured for detecting a gear rod position of a gear rod of the transmission that can be longitudinally displaced in a gear sensor measuring direction (RN). The invention provides that two measuring directions (RS, RG) extend substantially parallel and span a measuring direction plane (E), and that the third measuring direction (RN) forms an obtuse angle (?) with the measuring direction plane (E).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Christian Brammer, Mike Heurich, Reiner Hölscher, Andreas Sievers, Tino Wiggers
  • Patent number: 7891266
    Abstract: A gear position display device includes a transmission having a plurality of gear positions, a speed-changing control portion outputting a speed-changing instruction, a display portion displaying a gear position of the transmission, and a detection portion detecting a speed-changing state of a gear position based on the speed-changing instruction, wherein a gear position based on the speed-changing instruction from the speed-changing control portion is displayed after the detection portion confirms actual starting of speed-changing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Motoaki Kamimura, Yasushi Kobiki, Yoshiharu Harada, Akio Murasugi
  • Publication number: 20110036191
    Abstract: A shifter assembly for use in conjunction with an electronically shifted manual transmission of a vehicle includes a shift lever, a shift knob disposed on the shift lever, a guide and at least one shifter tactile sensor. The shift lever may be disposed in the guide and is operable to move relative to the guide. The guide includes a pattern of shift lever positions corresponding to specific gear ratios of the transmission of the vehicle. When the shift lever is positioned in a specific shift lever position, a corresponding gear ratio of the transmission may be selected. The at least one shifter tactile sensor may be disposed on the shift knob. When pressure is applied to the shift knob, the at least one shifter tactile sensor may output a tactile signal indicating that pressure is being applied to the shift knob.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael John Wolterman
  • Publication number: 20110031085
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for coupling at least two freewheels (1, 2) independent of an associated shaft of a gear mechanism, comprising at least one shifting device that comprises an actuation device and a shifting device. Said shifting device can be axially displaced with the actuation device that is arranged at least partially in the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventors: Matthias Reisch, Wolfgang Rieger
  • Publication number: 20110013239
    Abstract: A transmission mechanism for switching output powers includes first to fourth transmission gears, first and second power-connecting members and a driving mechanism. The first power-connecting member coaxially disposed between the first and second transmission gears is moved axially, and connects the first and second transmission gears together to transmit power to the second transmission gear. The second power-connecting member coaxially disposed between the third and fourth transmission gears is moved axially and connects the third and fourth transmission gears together to transmit power to the fourth transmission gear. The driving mechanism synchronously drives the first and second power-connecting members to move axially to selectively connect the first transmission gear to the second transmission gear, or connect the third transmission gear to the fourth transmission gear. A scanning apparatus using the transmission mechanism is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Sung-Po CHENG
  • Publication number: 20110011197
    Abstract: A bar end electric shifter is provided for bicycle. The bar end electric shifter has a base member, a brake lever and a shift operating member. The base member includes a handlebar mounting portion and a brake lever mounting portion. The handlebar mounting portion is configured to be fixedly mounted to a free end of a handlebar. The brake lever is pivotally disposed on the brake lever mounting portion about a brake pivot axis. The brake lever includes an elongated brake operating portion extending from the brake pivot axis and a proximal portion adjacent to the brake pivot axis. The shift operating member is disposed on the proximal portion of the brake lever to move therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Kiwame OKU, Kazuhiro FUJII
  • Publication number: 20110005344
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an actuation device for a shift-by-wire-actuated speed change gearbox. The actuation device includes an operating lever (2), a position sensor (5) and a device for haptic emulation. The haptic emulation device includes a damping element (3) which is joined (8) on the base (10) of the actuation device, as well as a motor-driven actuator (6). According to the invention, the actuation device is characterized by a spring element (4) which has a known spring rate and is disposed within the operative connection (W) between the operating lever (2), the damping element (3) and the articulated joint (8). The invention enables determination of the position of the operating lever and of the operating force applied to the operating lever by way of the spring element, using only a single position sensor. The haptic of a mechanical operating lever can be completely emulated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: Lemforder Electronic GmbH
    Inventor: Rainer Haevescher
  • Publication number: 20110010064
    Abstract: A shifting apparatus includes an actuator to direct a travel range setting of a vehicle transmission, a selector to indicate a desired travel range setting, a transmission controller to move the actuator into the travel range setting in response to the desired travel range setting of the selector, and a restrictor to restrict an output of a drive motor if the vehicle transmission is in a travel range setting other than the desired travel range setting. A method to control a vehicle transmission includes detecting a travel range setting of the vehicle transmission, detecting a desired travel range setting of a selector, and entering a limp-home mode if the detected travel range setting is different from the desired travel range setting and a detected vehicle travel direction corresponding to the detected travel range setting is the same as a desired travel direction corresponding to the desired travel range setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hidekazu Funakoshi, Hiroaki Akazawa
  • Patent number: 7869925
    Abstract: A rotatable selector mechanism for a motor vehicle transmission has a selector knob rotatable in a housing to select an operating mode of the transmission among a number of selector positions indicated by a label (P, R, N, D, M). The selector mechanism further includes a detent plate which cooperates with a detent pin for maintaining the selector knob in each of positions. The detent plate is connected to position sensors for generating selector signals to a transmission control unit which supplies control signals to an actuator for operate the transmission according to the operating mode selected. The detent plate is also associated to the selector knob and to a drive correction means by means of clutch devices respectively to engage the detent plate to one of the selector knob and the drive correction means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Jaguar Cars Limited
    Inventors: Carl Pickering, Alister Whelan, Mike Richardson, Rob Jerger, Peter Hudson
  • Patent number: 7854180
    Abstract: A bicycle control device is provided with a brake bracket, a brake lever, a first gearshift operating part, a second gearshift operating part, a first electrical switch, and a second electrical switch. The brake bracket is mountable to a handlebar. The brake lever is pivotally mounted to the brake bracket. The first gearshift operating part is movable relative to the brake lever. The second gearshift operating part is separate from the first gearshift operating part and movable relative to the brake lever. The first electrical switch is operated with the first gearshift operating part. The second electrical switch is operated with the second gearshift operating part. The second gearshift operating part is arranged such that when the first gearshift operating part is moved relative to the brake lever, the second gearshift operating part moves relative to the brake lever along with the first gearshift operating part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Toshio Tetsuka
  • Patent number: 7845249
    Abstract: A single motor transmission shifting mechanism with exactly one electric motor for generating drive motions for selecting, and for generating drive motions for shifting gears of a motor vehicle transmission device, and with a threaded spindle for switching from a mode, in which selection motions can be effectuated, into a mode, in which shifting motions can be effectuated, and with a shifting shaft, which can be moved in axial direction for selecting, and which can be rotated around its longitudinal axis for shifting, wherein all components, transferring the drive load for shifting from the electric motor to the shifting shaft during shifting operation, maintain their axial position relative to the longitudinal axis of the threaded spindle during this shifting operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Mavinkal Jayaram, Trevor McConnell
  • Patent number: 7845248
    Abstract: A shift-by-wire control system includes a parking lock device that brings an output shaft of an automatic transmission device to a lock state when a range switching unit switches to the P-range. The parking lock device brings the output shaft to a lock-release state when the range switching unit switches to another shift range. An electric motor actuates the range switching unit and the parking lock device in accordance with an instruction of an operator. A manual device transmits manual operation force of the operator to the parking lock device when the electric motor stops. The manual device includes a one-way transmission unit permitting transmission of the manual operation force in a direction toward the lock state, and prohibiting transmission of the manual operation force in a direction toward the lock-release state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigeru Yoshiyama, Kiyoshi Kimura, Taku Itoh, Kenichi Oishi, Atsushi Kamada, Yoshinobu Nozaki
  • Publication number: 20100300233
    Abstract: A shift gate selector for an automated transmission of a motor vehicle comprises a selector rod (1) and first and second electromagnetic actuators (M1, M2) made as 2-position magnets, in particular bistable position magnets, which are actively connected to the selector rod (1) and are arranged in such a manner that depending on the combination of the positions of the actuators (M1, M2), one of four possible selection positions is obtained, each corresponding to a gate (W1, W2, W3, W4) to be selected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventor: Kai HEINRICH
  • Publication number: 20100300232
    Abstract: An automated motorcycle transmission comprises a shift actuator (1) for engaging the gears of the transmission. The shift actuator (1) is a three-position actuator with self-maintaining end position stability which has first and second stable end positions and a stable central position. The shift actuator (1), when in the first end position, corresponds to a first gear of the transmission, the shift actuator (1), when in the second end position, corresponds to other gears of the transmission, and the shift actuator (1), when in the central position, corresponds to a neutral position of the transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Mauro ZANELLA, Michael PANTKE
  • Patent number: 7841255
    Abstract: An electrical bicycle shift control device is provided that includes a handlebar mounting portion and an electrical shift control switch portion. The handlebar mounting portion is configured to be fixedly mounted in a free end of a handlebar. The electrical shift control switch portion is fixedly mounted to the handlebar mounting portion. The electrical shift control switch portion includes an operating member arranged and configured to be selectively moved relative to the handlebar mounting portion between a neutral position and a first actuating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Fujii
  • Publication number: 20100294067
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for electronically controllable transmission, and more particularly, an apparatus for electronically controllable transmission, the apparatus capable of shifting gears by moving a shift lever and sensing the magnetic flux density of a magnet, which moves in accordance with the rotation of the shift lever, by using a three-dimensional (3D) hall sensor. The apparatus includes: a shift lever including one end which is connected to a magnet and shifting gears by moving the shift lever; a shift lever body which is connected to the shift lever and is allowing the shift lever to move around shift axis or select axis; and a sensor unit including a 3D sensor which is mounted fixedly in the place intersecting the shift axis and select axis within the shift lever body and can sense the movement of the magnet around an X-axis, a Y-axis and a Z-axis as the magnet moves, wherein the 3D sensor is mounted at a tilted angle for providing at least two of three output signals with linearity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: SL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeong-Ho Bak, Byung-Ki Kim
  • Publication number: 20100294066
    Abstract: An operating device (40) for a state-changing element that is an embodiment of the present invention includes a detent mechanism (50) for displacing and positioning displacement members (22, 33) included in a state-changing element (10), an actuator (60) for driving the detent mechanism (50), and a control unit (5) that controls the actuator (60).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Naoki Itazu, Yoshinobu Nozaki
  • Patent number: 7810627
    Abstract: A drive force transmitting apparatus for a vehicle including a drive source, a drive force transmitting path adapted to be connected to a drive shaft to transmit a drive force from the drive source to the drive shaft, and a clutch mechanism capable of connecting and disconnecting the drive force transmitting path. The drive force transmitting apparatus further includes a parking mechanism provided in the drive force transmitting path and capable of stopping the rotation of the drive shaft and an actuator mechanism capable of selectively operating the clutch mechanism and the parking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Noriaki Saitoh
  • Publication number: 20100251846
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a sequential transmission of a vehicle is provided comprising a control motor that drives a selector drum for shifting gears wherein the apparatus measures torque applied to or position of the selector drum and controls the control motor to engage the gears, to accommodate for wear and transient gear interference or jamming.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: Dean Pick, Thomas Dowad
  • Publication number: 20100242656
    Abstract: A shift lever apparatus includes: a housing; a shift lever including a shift lever base member extending in the Z-axis direction, and being arranged to pivot about the shift shaft in the X-axis direction, and a shift lever movable member arranged to move between a first axial side and a second axial side in an axial direction relative to the shift lever base member, the shift lever being arranged to move from a reference position on the first axial side, through an N-position on the second axial side, to one of a pair of positions; an urging member; and a detent pin, the housing including a guide groove arranged to guide the detent pin along the Z-axis direction so as to guide the shift lever movable member only from the N-position to the reference position when the shift lever movable member is positioned on the second axial side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: Keisuke KINO
  • Publication number: 20100218633
    Abstract: A bicycle shifting control apparatus controls an electrical power supplied from a power supply to first and second gear shifting devices that are operated by first and second gear shift operating devices, respectively. The bicycle shifting control apparatus includes a first power supply sensor and a controller. The first power supply sensor detects a power level of the power supply. The controller receives a power level signal from the first power supply sensor. The controller performs a stopping operation of the first gear shifting device in response to the first power supply sensor detecting the power level of the power supply being below a first prescribed power level, but the controller transmits a second gear shift signal from the second gear shift operating device to the second gear shifting device to perform a second shifting operation of the second gear shifting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Tadashi ICHIDA, Takumi ONOGI, Kazuhiro FUJII, Masahiko FUKUDA, Haruyuki TAKEBAYASHI, Ryuichiro TAKAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20100212447
    Abstract: A shifting device is provided for a vehicle transmission with a selector lever pivotable within a shifting device housing about at least one axis of rotation for selecting gears defined within the vehicle transmission. A shift position of the selector lever is assigned to at least one gear. A locking device for the individual shift positions of the selector lever can be released as a function of given general data of the state of motor vehicle components such as the pedal mechanism and the engine. The locking device has a locking element displaceable by the selector lever analogously to the individual shift positions of the selector lever. The locking element has a plurality of locking devices, which correspond to the individual shift positions and which can be brought into a locking position and an unlocking position by at least one actuating device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Andreas Giefer, Jörg Meyer
  • Patent number: 7779713
    Abstract: The invention relates to a transmission device for motor vehicles, wherein the transmission device has several wheel sets for forming gears and wherein the transmission device has an internal gear shift and a gear actuator for actuating the internal gear shift for engaging and disengaging gears, and wherein the transmission device has a transmission housing in which the wheel sets provided for forming gears are held, wherein the gear actuator has two separate function modules, of which a first one is a drive module and of which a second is an actuating module, wherein the drive module has at least one, especially electronically-controlled, drive device like an electric motor and wherein during engaging and disengaging gears, the actuating module is in the power flow between the drive module and the internal gear shift and wherein the actuating module and the drive module are mounted separately on the transmission housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Bateiligungs KG
    Inventors: Matthias Ehrlich, Norbert Esly
  • Publication number: 20100192718
    Abstract: A gear actuation mechanism for an automatic transmission, comprising: a motor; first and second gear actuation shafts; means of selecting one power path from each of two sets of power paths in response to rotation of the first and second actuation shafts, respectively; and means of alternately driveably connecting the motor to either the first gear actuation shaft or the second gear actuation shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventor: Reid Alan Baldwin
  • Publication number: 20100183418
    Abstract: An arbor, arranged for attachment to a drilling rigs overhead support and drilling fluid circuit, has a cross frame with axles that support telescoping link arms to carry a single stand elevator at their lower end. The link arms have provision, at their top end, to tilt about a horizontal axis. The link arms can extend an amount greater than their minimum length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: PREMIERE, INC
    Inventors: Kris Henderson, Lee M. Robichaux, Joseph L. Hawkins, Lee J. Matherne, JR.
  • Patent number: 7761254
    Abstract: A machine having an operator interface for requesting an action from an actuator of the machine includes a movable component of the operator interface. The movable component is movable among at least two positions. One of a magnet and a Hall effect sensor is positioned to move in response to movement of the movable component. The other of the magnet and the Hall effect sensor has a stationary position relative to the movable component. A pulse width modulator is operably coupled to the Hall effect sensor for producing a first pulse width modulated signal. The first pulse width modulated signal is altered in response to movement of one of the Hall effect sensor and the magnet relative to the other. An electronic controller is in communication with the pulse width modulator and the actuator and is configured to actuate the actuator in response to evaluation of the first pulse width modulated signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Stephen Fouts, Matthew Vande Wiele, Rex Glover, Curtis Johnson, Kenneth Her, Roger Obourn, Dan Shearer
  • Publication number: 20100175494
    Abstract: An electronic selector lever module for generating gear shifting signals for an automatic transmission of a vehicle. The swivel motion of the gear selector lever, within a main shifting path, is transformed into rotational motion for an angle sensor. The sensor is positioned on a printed circuit board and is actuated by a rotor. To guide the rotor relative to the angle sensor, the rotor either surrounds a rounded part of the printed circuit board or surrounds a rotor guidance which is mounted on the printed circuit board. The mechanical linking point is a short sleeve at a slider, which both belong to the rotor, needed for the shifting path motion, and which also drive the tilting lever for the transverse motion. The slider can be moved, relative to the rotor, along rails, either radially and directly at the rotor, or tangentially to the pivot point of the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Thomas Schober, Thomas Deichler, Hans-Ludwig Gotz
  • Patent number: 7750624
    Abstract: An electronic shift lever assembly can select a gear position by sensing the movement of a shift lever in forward, backward, fight and left directions. The electronic shift lever assembly includes: a shift lever movable to select a gear position; a first sensor unit comprising a plurality of linear hall sensors for sensing vertical movement of the shift lever; and a second sensor unit comprising a plurality of switch hall sensors for sensing horizontal movement of the shift lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: SL Corporation
    Inventors: Chun-nyung Heo, Yong-eon Jung, Hea-seok Song