Transmission Controlled By Flexible Cable Patents (Class 74/473.15)
  • Patent number: 11890929
    Abstract: A steering column assembly that includes an upper jacket and a gear shift assembly. The upper jacket extends along a steering column axis. The gear shift assembly includes a shift assembly bracket and shift shaft assembly. The shift assembly bracket has a column mounting portion that is operatively connected to the upper jacket and a cradle portion extends from the column mounting portion. The cradle portion has a first sidewall and a second sidewall each extending from a base. The shift shaft assembly extends at least partially through the first sidewall and the second sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Michael C. Vermeersch, Melvin L. Tinnin, Arthur W. Nellett
  • Patent number: 11781644
    Abstract: A selector assembly includes a housing having a spherical cavity and a detent cavity that form a continuous selector cavity. A selector slidably operates within the selector cavity and about a center point of the spherical cavity. The selector includes a spheroid member that is contained within the spherical cavity and slidably engages a guide surface that defines the spherical cavity. A first pivot includes a first rotational axis that extends through the center point of the spherical cavity. A second pivot includes a second rotational axis that extends through the center point of the spherical cavity. A detent pin is biased toward a detent surface of the detent cavity and slidably engages the detent surface to define a plurality of selector positions of the selector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: GHSP, Inc.
    Inventors: Kirk Ypma, Dapeng Xu, Shavin Zhang, Rorbin Luo
  • Patent number: 11654831
    Abstract: A console assembly for a vehicle includes a unitary main body. The unitary main body includes a first side wall, a second side wall, and a top finish portion that extends between the first and second side walls. The top finish portion defines at least one of a shifter receiving aperture and a cup holder opening. A cross bracket is coupled to the first and second side walls and extends between the first and second side walls of the unitary main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuti Sinha, Mohamed A. Elmadari, Chad M. Bross, Patrick T. Beaudoin, Martin J. Drumb
  • Patent number: 10870346
    Abstract: A shift lever mounting bracket includes a vehicle-side fixing plate having a virtually flat shape; a lever-side fixing plate having a virtually flat shape; a connecting plate having a virtually flat shape, and extending virtually parallel to both a direction orthogonal to the vehicle-side fixing plate and a direction orthogonal to the lever-side fixing plate; a vehicle-side bend part connecting a part of an edge of the vehicle-side fixing plate with a part of an edge of the connecting plate; and a lever-side bend part connecting a part of an edge of the lever-side fixing plate and a part of the edge of the connecting plate. The entirety of the shift lever mounting bracket is constituted with a continuous flat plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: ALPS ALPINE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masanori Fujita
  • Patent number: 10197159
    Abstract: A clevis assembly for use in a gear shift assembly of a vehicle, wherein the clevis assembly comprises a clevis bracket having a first end and a second end, the clevis bracket configured to be linked to a gear shift lever at the first end thereof. The clevis assembly further comprises at least one additional member configured to be coupled to the second end of the clevis bracket, wherein the at least one additional member comprises one or more contact surfaces configured to interact with one or more components of the gear shift assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AG
    Inventors: Marvin Miller, Christian Pichonnat
  • Patent number: 10054219
    Abstract: A joystick control is disclosed for a change speed gearbox having a support body, an axle rotatably supported by the body, an operating lever connected to the axle by a pivot pin having an axis perpendicular to that of the axle such that the operating lever is rotatable about the axis of the axle and is pivotable relative to the axle about the axis of the pivot pin, two actuating members rotatably supported by the axle and arranged one on each side of the operating lever, each actuating member being connectible to a respective Bowden cable to extend and retract the cable in response to rotation of the actuating member about the axle, and mating formations on the operating lever and the actuating members operative to engage the operating lever selectively for rotation with one or the other of the actuating members in dependence upon the direction in which the operating lever is pivoted relative to the axle about the pivot pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Sergio Magrini, Gianpaolo Pasini, Ivano Resca
  • Patent number: 9937790
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for a vehicle shift mechanism is provided and includes a steering column having a stationary portion and a moveable portion. The mounting assembly also includes a column clamping structure of the stationary portion surrounding a portion of the moveable portion of the steering column. The mounting assembly further includes a shifter operatively coupled to the moveable portion of the steering column at a first coupling position located on a first side of the column clamping structure and at a second coupling position located on a second side of the column clamping structure. The mounting assembly yet further includes a stationary portion aperture defined by the stationary portion of the steering column, the stationary portion aperture extending from the second side of the column clamping structure in a longitudinal direction of the steering column, the second coupling position located within the stationary portion aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael C. Vermeersch, Arthur W. Nellett
  • Patent number: 9458931
    Abstract: A shift lever apparatus for a vehicle may include a shift lever that may be pivotable in a front-rear direction for selecting P-, R-, N-, and D-ranges and in a left-right direction for selecting an M-range, a lever bracket to which the shift lever may be pivotably coupled at a predetermined position of the lever bracket, a sliding block slidably coupled to the lever bracket and slidable straight on the lever bracket, wherein the sliding block includes a cable connection portion integrally formed thereto to be connected with a cable, and a displacement conversion mechanism that converts a front-rear pivot displacement of the shift lever into a straight sliding displacement of the sliding block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Won Jin Jeong, Deok Ki Kim
  • Patent number: 9268353
    Abstract: An operating mechanism for a Bowden cable comprises a support bracket, an operating lever, a hub mounted on the support bracket for rotation about a first axis by the operating lever, a transmission lever connectable to the Bowden cable and mounted on the support bracket for pivoting about a second axis orthogonal to the first axis, and an actuating arm connected at one end to the hub and connected at its end remote from the huh by a sliding ball and socket joint to the transmission lever so that rotation of the hub about said first axis causes rotation of the transmission lever about the second axis to extend and retract the Bowden cable. In the invention, sliding axis of the ball and socket joint is inclined relative to both the first axis and the second axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Sergio Magrini
  • Patent number: 9255636
    Abstract: In a shift lever device (10), due to a tilt shaft (58) being nipped between peripheral surfaces of lower supporting holes (20) of a shift lever plate (12) and peripheral surfaces of upper supporting holes (38A) of a shift lever guide (26), a shift lever (52) is supported so as to be able to tilt around the tilt shaft (58). A shift position of the shift lever (52) is changed due to the shift lever (52) being tiltingly operated while being guided by a guide hole (30) of the shift lever guide (26) and passed within a passage hole (64) of a cover (62). Here, the strength of the shift lever guide (26) is made to be large as compared with that of the cover (62). Moreover, when load is inputted from the shift lever (52) to the shift lever guide (26), rotation of the shift lever guide (26) is stopped by the shift lever plate (12). Therefore, the shift lever (52) can be tiltably supported properly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHO, NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD
    Inventors: Kenji Nakanishi, Daisuke Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20150090061
    Abstract: A manual gear shifter assembly includes a shifter housing, a shift lever pivotally mounted to the shifter housing displaceable in a select direction to move between at least a first shift gate and a second shift gate, and in at least one shift direction for shifting the gears of the transmission, a shift cable coupled to the shift lever and the transmission, a blocker mounted in the shifter housing and operatively cooperating with the shift lever, a select lever pivotally mounted to the shifter housing with the select lever cooperating with the shift lever to allow displacement of the shift lever in the select direction to move between the shift gates, and a solenoid disposed in the shifter housing and cooperating with the blocker to physically block the displacement of the shift lever into a predetermined gear for inhibiting shifting of the transmission during a predetermined condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Kenneth Skogward, Sofie Rydell Wigren, Russell Staniek, Jeff Behounek, Jonathan Warner Love
  • Publication number: 20150033897
    Abstract: A shift drive unit includes a shift drive gear, and a shift arm which meshes with the shift drive gear. A throttle drive unit includes a throttle drive gear, a slide member, and a throttle arm. When a control lever is pivoted in a shift operation range, rotation of the shift drive gear is transmitted to the shift arm. When the control lever is pivoted in a throttle operation range, rotation of the throttle drive gear is transmitted to the throttle arm via the slide member, and a throttle cable is thereby operated. A friction mechanism includes a brake shoe and a disc spring unit. When the control lever is pivoted in the throttle operation range, the brake shoe contacts a brake portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: Keishi WASHINO
  • Patent number: 8904897
    Abstract: A device for controlling a device for locking a motor-vehicle gear change in a parking condition includes a transmission which connects the gear change lever to a driven member movable between an operative position and an inoperative position, respectively for engagement and disengagement of the locking device. The transmission is connected to the driven member through a rotatable drum with a cylindrical surface having a cam-track cooperating with a cam-following element. The cam-track is designed so as to cause engagement of the locking device when the transmission is subjected to a pulling action or to a pushing action, depending upon the requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Fiat Powertrain Technologies S.p.A.
    Inventor: Mario Scavarda
  • Patent number: 8893571
    Abstract: A transmission shift assembly for a vehicle and a method of monitoring the same includes a transmission having a shift position member movable between a plurality of gear positions. A linkage is coupled to an actuator and movable between a plurality of positions in response to movement of the actuator. A cable having first and second ends is coupled to the linkage and the shift position member respectively for transferring movement from the actuator to the shift position member. A plurality of sensors are spaced from each other and disposed about the first end of the cable such that movement of the cable relative to said linkage causes the sensors to monitor movement of the shift position member between the gear positions for achieving a proper position of the shift position member in one of the gear positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventor: James E. Rouleau
  • Patent number: 8813606
    Abstract: A transmission includes a case having an internal space; a first partition wall which is provided in the case and forms a boundary between a first chamber which is arranged in the case and houses a rotating object, and a second chamber which is arranged in the case, is connected to the first chamber, and maintains equal pressure between the first chamber and outside air; a second partition wall which is provided in the case and forms a boundary between the second chamber and a third chamber which is arranged in the case and stores fluid below the second chamber; and a third partition wall which is provided in the case and forms a boundary between the first chamber and the third chamber. A first hole and a second hole are formed in that order from the first chamber side in the second partition wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Kato, Masashi Ikemura, Takeshi Ishiwada, Kazuaki Nakamura, Fuminori Monji, Tadanori Fujii, Tatuya Ishiguro, Hiroyuki Ogasawara, Hiroki Goshima
  • Patent number: 8812207
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting and correcting mismatches between an electronic shifter position and a vehicle's actual transmission gear. The method and system implement a correction scheme that may initially set a period for manual correction, if possible, then initiate automatic correction if correction is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignees: Chrysler Group LLC, Kostal of America
    Inventors: Brian L Wagoner, Eugene Karpinsky, Matthew S Martin, Michael F Tefend, Steven R Hoskins
  • Publication number: 20140157932
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a shift lever operating force transferring device of a manual transmission. The device includes a shift cable that connects a shift lever with a control shaft. Furthermore, the shift cable absorbs vibration and shock transmitted to the shift lever. Additionally, the device includes a bush insertion groove in which a select bush 32 is inserted and a closing member configured to seal the bush insertion groove from the exterior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Won Jin Jeong, Woo Deok Kim, Deok Ki Kim
  • Patent number: 8656802
    Abstract: A shifter assembly for providing mechanical and electronic actuation to a transmission and a method of operating the same is disclosed. A shift lever is pivotable about a first axis in a first mode for providing mechanical actuation, and a second mode for providing electronic actuation to the transmission. An arm is pivotable about the first axis concurrently with the shift lever in at least the first mode. The arm includes a first and second engagement surface. The shifter assembly includes a cam pivotable about a second axis between a first and second position. The first engagement surface urges the cam to move between the first and second positions as the shift lever pivots in the first mode. The second engagement surface abuts the cam as the shift lever pivots in the second mode such that the arm pivots about the first axis while the cam remains stationary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Kongsberg Automotive AB
    Inventors: Jeff Behounek, Kenneth Skogward
  • Patent number: 8616082
    Abstract: The control device comprises an elongated mechanical transmission member (10; 110) interposed between the gearbox and a control member (100) for transmitting to the gearbox the commands imparted through the control member, in such a manner that the gear engaged by means of the gearbox is linked to the linear position of the transmission member (10; 110). The device is provided with a position sensor (26; 126) comprising a movable reference element (28; 128), the movement of which is univocally determined by the movement of a rigid end portion (14; 114) of the transmission member (10; 110), and a stationary detection element (30) for detecting the position of the reference element (28; 128). The reference element (28; 128) is mechanically connected to the rigid end portion (14; 114) and spaced apart from it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Sila Holding Industriale S.p.A.
    Inventors: Guido Panizza, Kamal Mourad, Edoardo Mongarli
  • Publication number: 20130291674
    Abstract: A bicycle shift control device comprises a control body supported by a mounting member, wherein the mounting member defines a handlebar mounting axis (HB); a movable operating body; a transmission that converts movement of the operating body into rotation of the control body; and an interface member movably mounted relative to the operating body. The interface member pivots around a pivot axis (P) for moving the operating body, wherein the pivot axis (P) is inclined relative to the handlebar mounting axis (HB). The interface member comprises a lever including an operating force receiving member and an operating force applying member extending from the operating force receiving member. The operating force receiving member extends from the pivot axis (P), and free ends of the operating force receiving member and the operating force applying member are spaced apart from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: Tatsuya Kawakami
  • Publication number: 20130283956
    Abstract: A bracket assembly is configured for supporting a connector of a shift cable assembly on a transmission. The bracket assembly includes a first section and a second section. The first section defines a groove configured for receiving the connector. The second section is pivotably attached to the first section. The second section is pivotable relative to the first section between an open position and a closed position. The second section is configured for capturing the connector within the groove when the connector is received within the groove and the second section is in the closed position. The second section is configured to allow the connector to be removed from the groove when the second section is in the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: John N. Grifka
  • Publication number: 20130255423
    Abstract: A shifter assembly that includes a base and a shift lever pivotal relative to the base along a straight shift path. A cable mount is linked to the shift lever and a cable is attached to the cable mount. A clutch is linked with the shift lever and cable mount. The clutch selectively transmits motion of the shift lever to the cable mount for a first travel position and decouples the cable mount from the shift lever at a second travel position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: DURA GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Jeremy Gill, Sai Her, Timothy J. Waterman
  • Publication number: 20130199326
    Abstract: An actuation device for selecting gear settings of a shift-by-wire gear shifting transmission comprises an actuation element, a mechanical transference for actuating the parking brake, and a coupling device disposed between the actuation element and the mechanical transference. An actuation of the transference occurs selectively by the actuation element only when the parking brake setting is selected or de-selected at the shift lever. It is possible, structurally as well as with respect to its installment, to simplify the transference mechanism necessary for the selective actuation of the transference means for the parking brake. Structural space and costs can be reduced, and the actuation device can be designed to be smooth and quiet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventors: Andreas Giefer, Ludger Rake
  • Publication number: 20130133458
    Abstract: A device for controlling a device for locking a motor-vehicle gear change in a parking condition includes a transmission which connects the gear change lever to a driven member movable between an operative position and an inoperative position, respectively for engagement and disengagement of the locking, device. The transmission is connected to the driven member through a rotatable drum with a cylindrical surface having a cam-track cooperating with, a cam-following element, The cam-track is designed so as to cause engagement of the locking device when the transmission is subjected to a pulling action or to a pushing action, depending upon the requirements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: Fiat Powertrain Technologies S.p.A
    Inventor: Mario SCAVARDA
  • Publication number: 20130118284
    Abstract: The guide element has two opposed hooks in alignment, one of which is intended to be positioned angularly so as to bear and butt in a recess formed in the support mount, while the other hook is designed to bear on an elastic member belonging to said mount so as to trigger the pivoting movement of a tilting latch which engages with said other hook, under a tilting effect of said guide element that corresponds to a position of coupling with the support mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: DURA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS SAS
    Inventors: Philippe Pradier, Jerome Dhelft, Julien Desgraz
  • Publication number: 20130061706
    Abstract: A latching shifter mated with a shift-by-wire transmission in which the gear cam includes a momentary shift lever position which is spring biased toward the drive gear notch. A driver is enabled to shift the transmission into a desired gear by passing the shift lever into and out of the momentary shift lever position in the event of autonomous shifting by the transmission or to otherwise provide a selected gear of the transmission. Preferably a dynamically changeable gear shift display is provided, the indicia of which is responsive to the gear status of the transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Orson S. Wang
  • Patent number: 8365856
    Abstract: A shifting system for a motorcycle includes a shift link mechanism for transmitting operational force during a gear shifting operation. The shift link mechanism is arranged between a shift spindle and a change pedal operated by a shifting movement. A motion capture mechanism is provided on the shift link mechanism so as to transmit the operational force from the change pedal to the shift spindle via an resilient member including a compressive coil spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mikio Kashiwai, Kanau Iwashita, Yoshihisa Ieda, Hisashi Matsuo
  • Publication number: 20120325039
    Abstract: A derailleur for an electric bicycle is composed of a control unit, a gearshift drive unit, and a gearshift cable connected with the gearshift drive unit and the control unit. The gearshift traction (F1) required by the gearshift controller, the output torsion (T) of the gearshift drive unit, the radius (R) of the reel, and a bend radius of the gearshift cable, and the bend radius r of the gearshift cable satisfy the formula r?R?(T/F1). In this way, when the gearshift drive unit can drive the control unit for gearshift, figure out the minimum bend radius of the gearshift cable, so that the need for electricity can be reduced and the applicable electric motor can be adopted to enable the derailleur to be lightweight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventors: Chi-Chang CHENG, Meng-Jie Tsai
  • Publication number: 20120318091
    Abstract: The subject invention provides for a motion transmitting remote control assembly for transmitting motion in a curved path, including a terminal body defining a longitudinal axis and a cavity. The terminal body further defines a first opening extending transverse to the longitudinal axis. A locking member is disposed within the cavity and is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking member has a trigger portion retaining the locking member in the unlocked position and a securing portion. A biasing member is disposed within the cavity and abuts the locking member. The terminal body further defines a second opening extending transverse to both the longitudinal axis and the first opening into the cavity. The second opening provides access to the trigger portion to release the locking member from the unlocked position to the locked position and the securing portion at least partially closes the second opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: Kongsberg Driveline Systems I, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry Edward Koontz, Jonathan Warner Love
  • Patent number: 8328683
    Abstract: A transmission assembly for an electric vehicle includes a transmission having an input shaft, an output shaft, and a gear train coupled between the input shaft and the output shaft. A motor includes an output coupled to the input shaft of the transmission. A motor controller is electrically connected to the motor and controls a rotating speed of the motor. A gear controller is electrically connected to the motor controller. The gear controller outputs a speed request signal to the motor controller, and the motor controller controls the rotating speed of the motor based on the speed request signal, allowing smooth engagement between the gear train and the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: National Pingtung University of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Chyuan-Yow Tseng, Chiu-Feng Lin, Li-Wen Chen
  • Patent number: 8328455
    Abstract: An end-connector of a select cable for a manual transmission is configured to allow a driver to perform a sufficiently smooth selecting operation even with small force by ball joint type combination between a rear protrusion of a fastener and a ball portion of a connector pin. The end-connector includes a connector housing integrally connected with both ends of a select cable and having a housing hole formed through the left and right sides, a fastener inserted in the housing hole of the connector housing, with one end protruding through the housing hole, an elastic clip member fixed to the connector housing and restraining the end of fastener which protrudes from the housing hole to prevent the fastener from separating from the housing hole, and a connector pin assembled with the fastener to freely rotate with the other end of the fastener in the housing hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Kyung Chang Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Myunglyul Na, Kyujung Kim
  • Publication number: 20120210814
    Abstract: A cable transmission shift converter for use when replacing the transmission in a right hand drive vehicle with a transmission designed for a left hand drive vehicle. A mounting bracket is mounted directly to a firewall adjacent the steering column of the vehicle, while a second angled bracket is mounted to the left side of the replacement transmission. When the driver shifts the vehicle into gear, the steering column shift selector lever actuates a connector rod to transmit movement through the control cable to a second connector rod, which activates a crank arm that translates the movement to the transmission shift lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: Robert L. Jones, JR., Steve Phillips
  • Publication number: 20120132027
    Abstract: An external gearshift for a manual-shift transmission has a housing in which a shift selector lever is moveably mounted in two degrees of freedom, to which jackets of two control cables are fastened and in which cores of the two control cables are coupled to the shift selector lever. The housing comprises at least two housing parts fastened to one another, wherein a first of the two housing parts serves for mounting the shift selector lever and the jackets of the control cables are fastened to the second housing part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Sascha BRUDER, Thorsten HAHN
  • Publication number: 20120118094
    Abstract: A device has, in a vicinity of the lever and gearbox, members capable of being rotated as a result of displacement of the lever in order to exert a pull on strands of flexible cables attached to the members, regardless of the direction of angular displacement of the lever corresponding to gear shifting or gear selection. In the vicinity of the lever, one of the members is directly secured to the lever to constitute a shifting member, while the other member is controlled by the lever via a return element and constitutes a selection member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: DURA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS SAS
    Inventors: Philippe Pradier, Xavier Lecrinier, Francois Matraglia
  • Patent number: 8146455
    Abstract: A fitting for a terminal connection in a core-adjuster assembly has a generally annular isolator with a generally central bore defining a connector pin socket and a reverse clip cap socket, and a reverse clip cap configured to be received substantially concentrically by the reverse clip cap socket of the isolator and defining a connector pin end socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Gregory Phillip Ruhlander
  • Publication number: 20120067155
    Abstract: An actuating device for selecting gear steps of a shift-by-wire gearshift transmission with a base housing, a selection lever, a mechanical transmission means for actuating the parking lock, and with a coupling element are arranged between the selection lever and the transmission means. The transmission means is selectively actuated by the coupling element only during selection and/or deselection of the parking lock position on the selection lever. The coupling element has an end which is linearly guided in a slot and an end which is pivotally guided in certain sections in the base housing. The coupling element and the selection lever are kinematically coupled with each other by way of a swivel support. The structure and the installation of the mechanical transmission linkage required for selectively actuating the transmission means to the parking lock can be simplified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventor: Berthold Grosse Kohorst
  • Publication number: 20120067154
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a transmission shift assembly for a vehicle and methods of monitoring and controlling the same. The transmission shift assembly includes a transmission having a shift position member movable between a plurality of gear positions, an actuator configured to move the shift position between the gear positions, and a linkage coupled to the actuator and movable between a plurality of positions in response to movement of the actuator. The assembly further includes a controller to control the actuator, an ignition to receive a key, and at least one key sensor positioned within the ignition and configured to transmit a signal to the controller upon sensing removal of the key, the controller controlling the actuator to move the shift position member to a predetermined gear position upon receiving the signal from the key sensor that the key has been removed from the ignition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: NEXTEER (BEIJING) TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: James E. Rouleau
  • Patent number: 8113081
    Abstract: A universal shifter system that is adaptable to any of a variety of locations in a vehicle has a shift assembly with a frame supporting a shaft for rotation about a primary axis. An end of the shaft is exposed axially through the frame for circumferentially indexed attachment of either a shift arm or a cam device of the system dependent upon the selected system location in the vehicle. A side mount feature has a secondary axis that traverses the primary axis. The cam device rotates about both axes when selected. A shifter mechanism is supported by the frame and is constructed and arranged to rotate the shaft between park and drive positions. Preferably, a flexible park lock cable interfaces between the shifter mechanism and a start device of the vehicle to prevent the shaft from rotating from the park and into the drive position if the start device is not in a predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventors: Tamara Reppuhn, Michael C. Vermeersch
  • Publication number: 20110296943
    Abstract: The invention relates to an actuation device for a shift-by-wire-actuated gearshift transmission. It includes a shifter base and an actuating element pivotally supported in a bearing location of the shifter base. The actuation device further includes at least one actuator for blocking the actuation element. Here, the actuator, in addition to its blocking function, is configured for generating mechanical vibrations or oscillations. A tactile feedback for the user of the actuation device with low design complexity is provided for flexible, tactile signaling of switching processes or locked actuation positions of a selection lever. Existing actuation devices can potentially be upgraded for tactile feedback purely by software-side changes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventor: Andreas PEUKERT
  • Publication number: 20110265596
    Abstract: The invention relates to a control system, comprising—a first assembly (14), fitted to the cabin (12) of the heavy goods vehicle (11) with at least one control cable, one end of which is designed to be fitted to a gear lever (24) of the heavy goods vehicle, the other end being connected to a operating means such as to move the operating means between first and second positions on a movement of the gear lever (24) by a user, a second assembly (31) mounted on the chassis (13) of the heavy goods vehicle (11) and comprising at least one control cable, one end of which is connected to an operating means and the other end of which is designed to be connected to a gearbox (40) of the heavy goods vehicle such as to bring about a change of gear ratio on a movement of the operating means between the first and second positions, the two operating means cooperating with each other in the operating position of the cabin such that a movement of the operating means of the first assembly (14) brings about a movement of the op
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: SOCIETE EUROPEENNE DE FABRICATIONS INDUSTRIELLES- SEFI
    Inventor: Michel Ferron
  • Patent number: 8047595
    Abstract: A powered actuator includes a rotating output member that may be operatively connected to one or more cables or mechanical links for release/actuation of a lock, latch, or the like, of a vehicle seat or other component. The powered actuator may be configured to provide a required force on the release cable and/or a required distance of travel. The actuator may also be configured to provide for proper timing of the movement of the release cables if required for a particular application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Grand Rapids Controls Company, LLC
    Inventor: James W. Bach
  • 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
  • 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: 20110126658
    Abstract: In a gear shaft mechanism is provided that includes, but is not limited to a gear stick passing through slots in a plate to operate a shifter mechanism to move control cables, The gear stick is not pivotally mounted and performs only translational movements. The shaft is fixed to a bar member that is constrained to slide in a first direction relative to a frame member and the frame member is arranged to slide relative to a fixed support in a second direction. The second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. A first pivot is arranged to slide on the bar member and the mechanism further includes, but is not limited to a two-armed lever pivoted at the junction of its arms to a second pivot fixed to said fixed support, a first arm of the lever being pivotally connected to the first pivot. The control cables are respectively connected to a second arm of the lever and the frame member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Marten WITTORF
  • Patent number: 7913799
    Abstract: The invention provides a working vehicle which can easily couple the accelerator arm of the governor of the engine and the shift peal in spite that the rotating speed of the engine can be easily changed on the basis of the operation of the shift pedal, and the manufacturing cost can be easily reduced. In a working vehicle provide with an engine mounted to a traveling machine body provided with traveling wheels, a hydraulic continuously variable transmission shifting a power from the engine, and a shift pedal operating so as to increase and decrease a shift output of the hydraulic continuously variable transmission and an accelerator arm of the engine are coupled via an interlocking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinya Kawashiri, Norikazu Nakayama
  • Patent number: 7874603
    Abstract: A console retainer mounts to a floor of a motor vehicle and receives a floor transmission shifter assembly. The shifter assembly has a forward end and a rearward end. The console retainer includes a frame portion for coupling to the floor and configured to receive at least one console trim piece. A pair of lateral side walls are integrally formed with the frame portion as a molded thermoplastic unit, wherein the lateral side walls are substantially parallel to delimit a mounting space for the shifter assembly therebetween, wherein the lateral side walls each have a forward retention feature for fixedly retaining the forward end of the shifter assembly, and wherein the lateral side walls each have a rearward retention feature for fixedly retaining the rearward end of the shifter assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Automotive Components Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Stoner
  • Publication number: 20100275715
    Abstract: One implementation of a shift cable assembly may include a conduit, a core received within the conduit, a rod coupled to an end of the core a slide tube within which a portion of the rod is received and a connector. The connector may have a plastic housing disposed about an end of the rod, a first insert carried by a portion of the plastic housing, a body, a second insert carried by the body, and a fastener interconnecting the first and second inserts. The first and second inserts may engage each other to hold the plastic housing and the body in fixed positions with respect to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: DURA GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Gregory P. Ruhlander
  • Patent number: 7779719
    Abstract: A combination of derailleur shifter and brake lever for bicycles includes a lever which can be pivoted relative to the handlebar so as to respectively control the braking mechanism and the derailleur gears. The lever has a rod connected thereto which controls a driving pawl unit which allows the rider to operate the rack of a driving unit to pull or release the derailleur cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventor: Douglas Chiang
  • Publication number: 20100160110
    Abstract: A transmission assembly for an electric vehicle includes a transmission having an input shaft, an output shaft, and a gear train coupled between the input shaft and the output shaft. A motor includes an output coupled to the input shaft of the transmission. A motor controller is electrically connected to the motor and controls a rotating speed of the motor. A gear controller is electrically connected to the motor controller. The gear controller outputs a speed request signal to the motor controller, and the motor controller controls the rotating speed of the motor based on the speed request signal, allowing smooth engagement between the gear train and the output shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: National Pingtung University of Science & Technology
    Inventors: Chyuan-Yow Tseng, Chiu-Feng Lin, Li-Wen Chen
  • Publication number: 20100095794
    Abstract: To provide a dual-system switch device for a transmission, using conventional components, without newly preparing a new dual-system switch device, a switch device 1 for a transmission comprises: a main inhibitor switch 11 which is connected to a shift cable 32 moving in accordance with the select position of a shift lever 3 operated by a driver, and which detects the select position of the shift lever in accordance with the movement of the shift cable 32; and a sub-inhibitor switch 13 which is connected to the shift cable 32 via a connecting member, and which detects the select position of the shift lever in accordance with the movement of the shift cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventor: Masahiro Matsushita