Prevention Of Reverse Shift Patents (Class 74/473.22)
  • Patent number: 11334106
    Abstract: An operator control device has an actuation unit on a console unit. The actuation unit movable between an idle position and one or more actuation positions. The actuation unit is fixable in the idle position by a retaining device. In order to leave the idle position, it is necessary to overcome a retaining force provided by the retaining device. The retaining device has a coupling device with a coupling element that is magnetically couplable to the actuation unit and to the console unit in order to magnetically fix the actuation unit in at least the idle position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: INVENTUS Engineering GmbH
    Inventors: Philipp Doenz, Stefan Battlogg
  • Patent number: 10174831
    Abstract: A vibration isolation system reduces rattling in a reverse lockout mechanism for a manual shifter. A shaft retained in a shifter housing has an upper end for a shift knob and an enlarged barrel section proximate the housing. A lockout skirt slides on the shaft between upper and lower positions. The lockout skirt has a shoulder extending radially outward, and the housing includes a stop block such that the shaft is prevented from pivoting to a reverse gear position when the lockout skirt is in the lower position and is free to move to the reverse gear position when the lockout skirt is in the upper position. A spring retained on the shaft biases the lockout skirt toward the lower position. A plurality of lubricated O-rings are disposed on the shaft to define sliding interfaces between the lockout skirt and the shaft and between the lockout skirt and the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Athanasios K. Teknos, Chin L. Vong, Jeffrey M. Albers, Stephen M. Duane, Todd C. Trombley, James R. Backus
  • Patent number: 10094468
    Abstract: When a shift lever is moved to a shift position corresponding to a first gear position etc., the shift lever is urged by its own weight to a neutral position, which is disadvantageous for the shift lever in terms of gear slip-out after shifting. However, a counter mass is moved to a position reached by turning a second predetermined angle, larger than a first predetermined angle corresponding to the neutral position, downward with respect to a vertical line passing through a center of turn of the counter mass. Meanwhile, the shift lever is urged by the weight of the counter mass in the direction away from the neutral position, so that gear slip-out after shifting can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takao Ohki, Yasuhiro Hada, Yoshitaka Furuta
  • Patent number: 9851002
    Abstract: A shift control apparatus of a manual transmission is disclosed. To change the gear, the shift control apparatus of a manual transmission according to the embodiment of the present invention includes: a shift lever which is movable in a shift direction and in a select direction; a select lock unit which includes a shaft for limiting the select directional movement of the shift lever; and a controller which controls the select lock unit to limit the select directional movement of the shift lever on the basis of a speed of a vehicle. As a result, a driver can safely shift the gear by preventing unintended shifting to R gear and sense the state of a select lock. Also, the select lock unit is implemented by one solenoid, so that it is possible to reduce the cost thereof, to prevent the overheating of the solenoid, and thus, to extend the life span.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: KYUNG CHANG INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyeong-Seok Hong, Dong-Won Kim
  • Patent number: 9816605
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to various shift selector assemblies having a shift gate with a plurality of indentations corresponding to transmission shift selections. At least one of the indentations is configured to have a flexible depth so as to selectively restrict and accept a pawl pin, thereby mitigating shift position overshoot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Donald Morrissett
  • Patent number: 9671012
    Abstract: A vehicle shift lever apparatus may include a support bracket configured to be coupled to a vehicle body, an actuating bar disposed at the support bracket so as to elastically move axially and rotate axially, a shift lever coupled to the actuating bar to move the actuating bar axially or rotate the actuating bar axially depending on an operation thereof, and a cable interlocked with the actuating bar to longitudinally guide the axial movement or the axial rotation of the actuating bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Eun Sik Kim
  • Patent number: 9216759
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a steering apparatus for a vehicle, and an embodiment of the present invention can improve a repair efficiency of a vehicle due to easy detachment between a dust cap and an inner cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: MANDO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ki Hwan Kim
  • Patent number: 9109688
    Abstract: A lever having a trigger that is retractable against a travel limiter for engagement of the reverse gear; the lever is interlocked with a means for being switched from one position, allowing the engagement and selection of gears, to another position for applying the parking brake, with the possibility of selecting and engaging a gear; the lever base has a spherical body equipped with a multi-directional movement capability in a mounting, while being equipped for the engagement and selection of gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: DURA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS SAS
    Inventor: Dominique Beaufils
  • Patent number: 8960040
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Orson S. Wang
  • Patent number: 8910536
    Abstract: A locking device for inhibiting the engagement of the reverse gear of a motor vehicle transmission has an inhibitor (2) arranged in a housing (1). The inhibitor (2) prevents the movement of a transmission part (15) of the transmission in a first position and permits the movement of the transmission part (15) in a second position. A sensor (8) for indicating the engaged reverse gear is further provided in the housing (1). The inhibitor (2) is axially movable in the housing (1) and follows the movement of a core part (3), which is likewise movable in the axial direction through a solenoid arrangement (18) provided in the housing (1). The coil (5) of the solenoid arrangement (18) surrounds the core part (3). The solenoid arrangement (18) is arranged in a chamber (9) of the housing (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Methode Electronics Malta, Ltd.
    Inventor: Alexander Galea
  • Patent number: 8773252
    Abstract: A gear lever locking device to be installed inside a gear lever cover panel is characterized in that it comprises an auxiliary connector transverse stud and a gear lever connector which is slidable in accordance with the movement of a gear lever. On an auxiliary connector, there is provided a plurality of stud holes for use with a gear lever transverse stud having a stud end pushing mechanism. The stud end pushing mechanism receives the force exerted from a locking mechanism by a pressing means. The gear lever locking device according to the present invention includes screw guards and a cover wall that have been designed to cover a locking mechanism installation portion to prevent any removal of fastening screws or a gear sling, to prevent disassembling or breaking of the locking mechanism of the gear lever locking device to improve safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Inventors: Kamol Kantajaraniti, Somchai Tiemsiriwat
  • Publication number: 20140165765
    Abstract: An exemplary transmission may have a reverse shift rail and a locking mechanism to ensure that the reverse shift rail stops in a neutral position when disengaging from the other gear range. The reverse shift rail may be configured to move axially in a first direction to place the transmission in a drive gear, and in a second direction for a reverse gear. The transmission may also include a rail selector configured to engage with the reverse shift rail, and a reverse inhibitor configured to selectively dampen the reverse shift rail from moving in the second direction. An exemplary locking mechanism may include a main body and an arm extending from the main body. When the reverse shift rail disengages from the drive gear, the arm may be configured to contact the reverse inhibitor to substantially inhibit the movement of the reverse shift rail in the second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Carlos Fontana
  • Patent number: 8707817
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naoki Itazu, Yoshinobu Nozaki
  • Publication number: 20140069221
    Abstract: A restricting pin is provided so as to be slidable in a moving direction of a front end of a reverse restricting member provided at a select lever for selecting forward and reverse fork shafts switching a shift gear(s), and is biased toward the reverse restricting member. A lockout lever that can be inserted into/detached from between the restricting pin and the front end of the reverse restricting member is biased toward an insertion side by a spring, and at a vehicle speed less than a predetermined vehicle speed. A front end of an advancing operating rod of the actuator contacts and is detached against the force of the spring. At a vehicle speed not less than a predetermined vehicle speed, the front end of the reverse restricting member contacts the inserted lockout lever, thereby preventing the select lever from moving to a reverse select position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: AISIN AI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takahiro Ishida, Takafumi Yamada, Masaya Ichikawa, Yasuhiro Nitta
  • Publication number: 20140060228
    Abstract: A locking device for inhibiting the engagement of the reverse gear of a motor vehicle transmission has an inhibitor (2) arranged in a housing (1). The inhibitor (2) prevents the movement of a transmission part (15) of the transmission in a first position and permits the movement of the transmission part (15) in a second position. A sensor (8) for indicating the engaged reverse gear is further provided in the housing (1). The inhibitor (2) is axially movable in the housing (1) and follows the movement of a core part (3), which is likewise movable in the axial direction through a solenoid arrangement (18) provided in the housing (1). The coil (5) of the solenoid arrangement (18) surrounds the core part (3). The solenoid arrangement (18) is arranged in a chamber (9) of the housing (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: METHODE ELECTRONICS MALTA LTD.
    Inventor: Alexander GALEA
  • Patent number: 8290671
    Abstract: A control system for an automatic transmission that does not require a cut-off valve, and that can inhibit a reverse control even if a detection unit for detecting a shift range fails. The control system includes a first friction engagement element, which is engaged in predetermined forward and reverse shift speeds, a detection unit that detects a shift range from shift ranges that include a forward range and a reverse range; a failure judgment unit for judging failure of the detection unit, and an avoidance unit for shifting to a forward shift speed that does not engage the first friction engagement element if the failure judgment unit determines that the detection unit has failed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Aisin Aw Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaki Nishide, Shinichiro Murakami, Keisuke Umenaka
  • Patent number: 8230756
    Abstract: A shifter assembly may include a shift lever, an actuation member, a coupling, a first cable and a second cable. The shift lever may be connected to a housing for pivotable motion relative to the housing. The actuation member may be connected to the shift lever and may be movable relative thereto between a first position and a second position. The coupling may be connected to the shift lever and may include first and second members slidably engaging each other. The first cable may have a first end connected to the second member and a second end that can be coupled to a reverse lockout mechanism. The second cable may be connected to the actuation member and the second member of the coupling such that movement of the actuation member relative to the shift lever causes corresponding motion of the second member relative to the shift lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Charles Pajtas, Shawn E. Bronner, Lisa Lortie
  • Patent number: 8191443
    Abstract: A reverse inhibitor mechanism for a transmission of an all terrain vehicle, in which a shift drum is jounalled to a side wall opposite the transmission case so as to be rotatably supported thereon, and a reverse inhibitor arm is detachably engaged with the reverse inhibitor groove formed in the outer circumferential surface of the shift drum to regulate a reverse setting. A reverse inhibitor shaft having the reverse inhibitor arm supported at one end thereof is positioned within the transmission case. The other end of the reverse inhibitor shaft is rotatably journaled to one of the opposite side walls of the transmission case from the inside of the transmission case. A distal end of the reverse inhibitor arm which swings by the rotation of the reverse inhibitor shaft is brought into engagement with the reverse inhibitor groove during assembly of the reverse inhibitor mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroatsu Inui, Hiromi Sumi, Shinya Koyama, Eiji Kittaka
  • Patent number: 8117938
    Abstract: A shifter incorporates a shape memory alloy wire (SMA actuator) to control movement of a blocker to selectively prevent moving a shift lever (or pawl) out of its park position until predetermined vehicle conditions are met. A mechanical fuse (i.e., flexible overload spring) prevents damage to the SMA actuator where the shift lever (or pawl) can be frictionally stopped from movement despite the contraction of the SMA actuator. The control circuit for the SMA actuator includes a photo-electric switch for stopping electrical power to the SMA actuator when the shift lever is moved from its park position, and the shift lever includes structure for mechanically continuing to hold the switch open while out of park. Further, the control circuit is operably connected to an ignition key retaining mechanism so that the ignition key cannot be removed when the lever is not in its park position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: GHSP, Inc.
    Inventor: David M. Mitteer
  • Patent number: 8091446
    Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle is disclosed. The transmission has a reverse gear locking device that includes a rotating shaft having a longitudinal axis, the rotating shaft adapted for rotational movement about its longitudinal axis, and a lock connected to the rotating shaft and positioned in alignment with a stopper extending from the shift drum of the transmission. The initial position of the lock prevents the shift drum from engaging the reverse gear. A rotational movement of the rotating shaft tilts the lock out of alignment with the stopper and allows the shift drum to engage the reverse gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: BRP-Powertrain GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Roland Ennsmann
  • Publication number: 20110290058
    Abstract: A gear shift lever is provided with damping device of a vehicle. The damping device damps the returning of a reverse gear blocking element in the axial direction of the gear shift lever into a blocking position. For this, the damping device has a first rigid ring element in the axial direction of the gear shift lever, which surrounds the gear shift lever and has projections distributed on the periphery in axial direction. In addition, the damping device has a second rigid ring element, which has recesses in the region of the projections of the first ring element. On the reverse gear blocking element and on the gear shift lever, radial shoulders are arranged, against which the two rigid ring elements support themselves axially.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Thorsten HAHN, Jochen THUR
  • Publication number: 20110042157
    Abstract: A vehicle (1) having a frame, at least two wheels (14, 16), a straddle seat (28), a handlebar (18) with first (20) and second (22) handles, an engine (30), and a semi-automatic transmission (32). A reverse actuator (152) is electronically connected to a control unit (46) of the semi-automatic transmission. At least one shifter (108) is electronically connected to the control unit such that moving the at least one shifter to an up-shift position causes the control unit to send a signal to the semi-automatic transmission to shift up and moving the at least one shifter to the down-shift position causes the control unit to send a signal to the semi-automatic transmission to shift down. The control unit sends a signal to the semi-automatic transmission to select the at least one reverse gear (34) only when the reverse actuator is actuated while the at least one shifter is moved. A method of controlling a semi-automatic transmission is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Roger Rioux, Jean-Philippe Houle
  • Patent number: 7779715
    Abstract: A shifter includes an actuator, such as a shape memory alloy wire, to control movement of a set of strategically placed magnets on lever-position-controlling components of a vehicle transmission shift lever. In one arrangement, the actuator controls movement of a carrier carrying one or more of the magnets, the magnets controlling a position of a blocking member to prevent moving a pawl out of park position until predetermined vehicle conditions are met. Alternatively, the magnets can be carried by a cam, or slide, or wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Grand Haven Stamped Products, a division of JSJ Corporation
    Inventor: David M. Mitteer
  • Patent number: 7603926
    Abstract: A shifting device for the powerless transmission of shift commands to an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle, with a housing and with a gearshift lever (1) mounted pivotably in a shift gate, wherein the shifting device has a first and a second shift stop (7, 15; 9, 16) for the gearshift lever (1), each shift stop comprising a housing-side stop (7, 9) and a gearshift lever-side stop (15, 16), with a detection device for these two shift positions (12, 13), and an inoperative position (11), into which the gearshift lever (1) pivots by itself from a deflected shift position (12, 13), driven by a restoring force, is located between these shift positions (12, 13). An actuating device (3, 4) at the gearshift lever (1), disengages gearshift lever-side stop (15) of shift position (12) and the gearshift lever (1) can be deflected to another shift stop (8, 17) beyond the shift position (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: ZF Lemfolder Metallwaren AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Kliemannel, Jörg Meyer
  • Patent number: 7562602
    Abstract: A gearshift lever with a reverse gear lock-out, having a manual gearshift lever with a gearshift knob, beneath which are placed the control line sheath, the ball, an elbow lever, and the transmission mechanism to actuate reverse gear. There is a lever of the reverse gear lock-out that can pivot around a pin in the housing, on which the transmission mechanism acts, and that blocks the motion of the elbow lever. The elbow lever has one shaft that can pivot on the housing and another shaft that receives a selector finger of the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Teleflex Automative Germany GmbH
    Inventors: Bohuslav Blascok, Martin Knagge
  • Publication number: 20090107277
    Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle is disclosed. The transmission has a reverse gear locking device that includes a rotating shaft having a longitudinal axis, the rotating shaft adapted for rotational movement about its longitudinal axis, and a lock connected to the rotating shaft and positioned in alignment with a stopper extending from the shift drum of the transmission. The initial position of the lock prevents the shift drum from engaging the reverse gear. A rotational movement of the rotating shaft tilts the lock out of alignment with the stopper and allows the shift drum to engage the reverse gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: BRP-ROTAX GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Roland ENNSMANN
  • Patent number: 7406893
    Abstract: In a clearance-free supporting structure for a pivotal axle applicable to an operation device of a multi-stage automatic transmission, at least one pair of first projections is formed on a housing between which the pivotal axle is inserted to enable a pivotal movement of the pivotal axle, a pair of left and right truncated cone shaped portions are formed on the pivotal axle, at least one pair of second projections is formed on the housing to graspably contact with the pair of left and right truncated cone shaped portions to enable the pivotal movement of the pivotal axle, at least one recessed portion formed on the housing at a position placed in proximity to a base portion of each of the pair of first projections to enable a slidable contact thereof with the pivotal axle, and a biasing device biases the pivotal axle to be pressed toward the recessed portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Fuji Kiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Sakon, Norihito Shioji
  • Patent number: 6834563
    Abstract: A shifting system for a motor vehicle transmission shifts the transmission into the neutral and returns a steering column shift lever to the neutral position from the reverse position, when the vehicle speed is above a pre-determined positive value and the shift lever is shifted into the reverse position. The system may further shift the transmission into the neutral and returns the steering column shift lever to the neutral position from the forward drive position, when vehicle speed is below a pre-determined negative value and the shift lever is shifted into the forward drive position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventor: Juergen Seekircher
  • Patent number: 6736020
    Abstract: In a changing system in a manual transmission in which a reverse idling gear is slid and meshed simultaneously with a first reverse gear secured to one of a main shaft and a counter shaft and with a second reverse gear mounted on a sleeve of a preselected synchronizing mechanism mounted on the other of the main shaft and the counter shaft, thereby establishing a reverse speed stage, an interlock plate is formed into a shape for inhibiting the movement of a preselected shifting piece in the same direction as a direction of sliding of the reverse idling gear, when a shifting arm having a drive portion engaged with a reverse shifting piece is turned for shifting to establish a reverse speed stage. Thus, it is possible to inhibit the movement of the sleeve of the preselected synchronizing mechanism, when the reverse speed stage is to be established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigeru Koyama, Sunao Ishihara, Toshiharu Kumagai
  • Patent number: 6725738
    Abstract: A gear shift apparatus for a manual transmission utilizes an actuator to prevent a miss shift manipulation from a forward gear stage to a reverse gear stage. The gear shift apparatus permits the driver to forcedly release a mis-shift preventing state with a smaller force. In the gear shift apparatus for a manual transmission, a select cam is responsive to a selecting manipulation to pivotally move to forward positions corresponding to forward select positions and a reverse position corresponding to a reverse select position. A restraint cam is driven to a prohibiting position by a plunger when a solenoid is energized to prohibit the select cam from pivotally moving to the reverse position. In this prohibiting state, as the select cam is pivotally moved toward a forward position in response to a manipulation for selecting a forward select position, a release protrusion of the select cam presses the restraint cam to pivotally move the same from the prohibiting state to a permitting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kiyokazu Okubo, Takayuki Yakou, Yasushi Onuma, Keiji Nemoto, Kazufumi Hosoda
  • Publication number: 20030019311
    Abstract: In changing system in a manual transmission in which a reverse idling gear is slid and meshed simultaneously with a first reverse gear secured to one of a main shaft and a counter shaft and with a second reverse gear mounted on a sleeve of a preselected synchronizing mechanism mounted on the other of the main shaft and the counter shaft, thereby establishing a reverse speed stage, an interlock plate is formed into a shape such that it inhibits the movement of a preselected shifting piece in the same direction as a direction of sliding of the reverse idling gear, when a shifting arm having a drive portion engaged with a reverse shifting piece is turned for shifting to establish a reverse speed stage. Thus, it is possible to inhibit the movement of the sleeve of the preselected synchronizing mechanism, when the reverse speed stage is to be established, whereby the reverse shifting load can be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Shigeru Koyama, Sunao Ishihara, Toshiharu Kumagai
  • Publication number: 20030010145
    Abstract: A shifting system for a motor vehicle transmission shifts the transmission into the neutral and returns a steering column shift lever to the neutral position from the reverse position, when the vehicle speed is above a pre-determined positive value and the shift lever is shifted into the reverse position. The system may further shift the transmission into the neutral and returns the steering column shift lever to the neutral position from the forward drive position, when vehicle speed is below a pre-determined negative value and the shift lever is shifted into the forward drive position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Applicant: DaimlerChrysler AG.
    Inventor: Juergen Seekircher
  • Patent number: 6286384
    Abstract: A shift control apparatus for use in a change-speed gearbox of motor vehicles includes a housing, a selector shaft axially slidably and rotatably supported in the housing and operatively connected to a gear selector lever for axial displacement of the selector shaft to realize a preselection of a shifting lane and rotation of the selector for shift into a selected gear, a shifter finger secured to the selector shaft and engaging slidable shifter forks or shifter bars, and a restraining mechanism for preventing a misshift between a reverse gear and a forward gear positioned in a same shifting lane. The restraining mechanism includes a transmission element mounted in fixed rotative engagement to the selector shaft and having a flanged edge, and a restraining member rotatable and axially moveable in parallel relationship to the selector shaft. The restraining member has a locking surface forming a deflector ramp for support of the flanged edge of the transmission element, thereby effecting a deflection, i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: INA Wälzlager Schaeffler oHG
    Inventor: Peter Schnapp
  • Patent number: 6186021
    Abstract: A shifter for a manual transmission is provided in which a shifter shaft is rotatably supported about an axis. A radial arm is carried for rotation about the axis by the shifter shaft. A shifter pin is provided on an axis substantially parallel the axis of the shifter shaft. The shifter pin is supported by the radial arm and has one cross section with a first thickness and a second cross section having a second thickness. A substantially planar plate is fixed to the transmission housing radially spaced from the axis. A shift gate is provided in the plate. The shift gate has an arcuate slot with a length, a first width, and a second width longitudinally spaced from the first width. The shift gate is engaged by the shifter pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerd Wollschlaeger
  • Patent number: 6176809
    Abstract: A shifter construction for shifting a transmission includes a base, a shift lever pivotally supported on the base at a main pivot for movement between a plurality of gear positions including a particular gear position, and an ignition switch constructed to move between a key-released position and a key-retaining position. An interlock cam is pivotally supported on the base at an interlock pivot and operably connected to the shift lever and to the ignition switch. The interlock cam is movable between a locked position where the interlock cam prevents the shift lever from moving from the particular gear position but allows the ignition switch to be moved, and an unlocked position where the shift lever is allowed to move but the ignition switch is held in the key-retaining position. The interlock cam has an interlock stop spaced from the interlock pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Grand Haven Stamped Products
    Inventors: Piet Visser, Stephen D. Wexall