CA2205559C - Shift control mechanism to manually shift an automatic transmission - Google Patents
Shift control mechanism to manually shift an automatic transmission Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2205559C CA2205559C CA002205559A CA2205559A CA2205559C CA 2205559 C CA2205559 C CA 2205559C CA 002205559 A CA002205559 A CA 002205559A CA 2205559 A CA2205559 A CA 2205559A CA 2205559 C CA2205559 C CA 2205559C
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- shift lever
- automatic transmission
- shift
- manually
- transverse
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- Expired - Lifetime
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Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16H—GEARING
- F16H59/00—Control inputs to control units of change-speed-, or reversing-gearings for conveying rotary motion
- F16H59/02—Selector apparatus
- F16H59/0204—Selector apparatus for automatic transmissions with means for range selection and manual shifting, e.g. range selector with tiptronic
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16H—GEARING
- F16H59/00—Control inputs to control units of change-speed-, or reversing-gearings for conveying rotary motion
- F16H2059/006—Overriding automatic control
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16H—GEARING
- F16H59/00—Control inputs to control units of change-speed-, or reversing-gearings for conveying rotary motion
- F16H59/02—Selector apparatus
- F16H2059/0239—Up- and down-shift or range or mode selection by repeated movement
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16H—GEARING
- F16H59/00—Control inputs to control units of change-speed-, or reversing-gearings for conveying rotary motion
- F16H59/02—Selector apparatus
- F16H59/08—Range selector apparatus
- F16H59/10—Range selector apparatus comprising levers
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Arrangement Or Mounting Of Control Devices For Change-Speed Gearing (AREA)
- Control Of Transmission Device (AREA)
Abstract
A shift control mechanism for an automatic transmission includes a housing having a shift control pattern with a longitudinal portion defining a plurality of automatic transmission operating settings and a transverse portion at one end of the longitudinal portion defining a plurality of manual transmission operating settings, a shift lever which is manually movable along the shift control portion for selecting the automatic transmission operating settings and for selecting the manual transmission operating settings, and a proximity switch assembly actuated by moving the shift lever to a first position in the transverse portion to send a signal to manually upshift the automatic transmission and to a second position in the transverse portion opposite the first position to send a signal to manually downshift the automatic transmission.
Description
8$=gT CONTROL M$cHAHISM TO
MANUAZ~T.Y BH~FT AN A'QTOMAT=C TRANSMISS=ON
The present inverition.relates generally to shift control mechanisms. for transmissions arid, more particularly, to a shift control mechanism to maaually shift an automatic transmission.
Automotive vehicles require a power train to transmit the force of..an engine to wheels~of the vehicle.
The_power train's main component is typically referred to as the "transmission". Engine torque and speed are converted in the transmission in accordance with the tractive-power. demand o~ the vehicle. Transmissions are generally referred to as manually actuated or automatic transmissions. Manual transmissions generally include mechanical mechanisms for coupling rotating gears to produce different ratio outputs to drive the wheels_ Automatic transmissions are designed to take automatic ' .control of the frictional unite, gear ratio selection and gear: shifting.
Recently, there has been a demand to provide an automatic transmission that may be manually shifted in addition to normal automatic transmission operation. .Such I:o shifting is typically provided by a shift control mechanism. An.~example of such a shift .control mechanism is disclosed in~U.S. Patent No. 4.,905,530 to Stehle et aI.
This patented shift control mechanism for an automatic transmission includes a selector lever to be operated manually. The selector lever is displaced in a ~irst shifting lane for selecting different transmission speeds during.normal automatic mode operation and transversely in a second shifting~lane to manually engage the desired .~for.ward speed. .However, there is a: need in .the art to _prov~.de a new and ituproved shift control mechanism.
Tt is, therefore, one object of the present invention to provide an improved shift control mechanism for an automatic transmission.
' ' WO 97/04251 PC"T/US96It2106 It is another obj ect of the present invention to provide ~ an improved shift control mechanism to w manually shift an automatic transmission.
To achieve the foregoing objects, the present invention is a shift control mechanism for an automatic transmission including a housing having a shift control patterp. with a longitudinal. portion defining a plurality of automatic transmission operating settings and a transverse portion at one end of the longitudinal portion defining a to plurality of manual transmission operating settings, The shift control mechanism also includes a shift lever which is manually movable along the shift control pattern for selecting the automatic transmission operating settings~and for selecting the manual transmission operating settings.
The shift control mechanism further includes ~a Fall Effect $ensor/switch assembly actuated by moving the shift lever to a first position in the transverse portion to send a signal to-manually upshift the automatic transmission and to a second-position in the transverse portion opposite the 2o first positionvto send a signal to manually downshift the automatic transmission.
One advantage of the present invention is that a sh~.ft control mechaizism. is provided for an automatic transmission. Another advantage of the present invention is that a shift control mechanism is provided for manually shifting an automatic transmission. Yet another adva.r~tage of the present invention is that the shift control mechanism uses a Hall Effect aensor/switch to sense the position of a shift lever to generate a signal to manually shift the automatic transmission.
According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a shift control mechanism for an automatic transmission comprising a housing including a shift control pattern having a longitudinal portion defining a plurality of automatic transmission operating settings and a transverse portion at one end of the longitudinal portion defining a plurality of manual transmission operating settings, a shift lever manually movable along the shift control pattern for selecting the automatic transmission operating settings and for selecting the manual transmission operating settings, and a proximity switch assembly actuated by moving the shift lever to a first position in the transverse portion to send a signal to manually upshift the automatic transmission and to a second position in the transverse portion opposite the first position to send a signal to manually downshift the automatic transmission, the proximity switch including a switch housing and a shift lever engagement member pivotally mounted to the switch housing and moveable with the shift lever to the first and second transverse positions to manually shift the automatic transmission, wherein the switch housing includes a plurality of support prongs, the shift lever engagement member including a body and a hub disposed at one end of the body, and a yoke disposed at the other end of the body opposite the hub and extending transversely to the body, the shift lever engagement member mounted on the support prongs at the hub, 4a the shift lever receivable by the yoke when the shift lever is in the transverse position.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a shift control mechanism for an automatic transmission comprising a housing including a shift control pattern having a longitudinal portion defining a plurality of automatic transmission operating settings and a transverse portion at one end of the longitudinal portion defining a plurality of manual transmission operating settings, a shift lever manually movable along the shift control pattern for selecting the automatic transmission operating settings and for selecting the manual transmission operating settings, and a proximity switch assembly actuated by moving the shift lever to a first position in the transverse portion to send a signal to manually upshift the automatic transmission and to a second position in the transverse portion opposite the first position to send a signal to manually downshift the automatic transmission, the proximity switch including a switch housing and a shift lever engagement member pivotally mounted to the switch housing and moveable with the shift lever to the first and second transverse positions to manually shift the automatic transmission, wherein the switch housing includes a plurality of support prongs, the shift lever engagement member including a body and a hub disposed at one end of the body, and a yoke disposed at the other end of the body opposite the hub and extending transversely to the body, the shift lever engagement member mounted on the support prongs at the hub, the shift lever receivable by the yoke when the shift lever is in the transverse position, and wherein the proximity switch assembly includes a centering mechanism disposed between the yoke and the hub to urge the shift lever 4b engagement member to a neutral position between the first and second transverse positions.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention wil~l.be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood after reading the subseguent description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
-FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a shift control mechanism,.~according to-the present-invention, illustrated in operational relationship with vehicle structure.
FIG. 2 i.s an enlarged plan view of the shift control mechanism cf. .FIG. 1.
FIG.. 3 is :a fragmentary side elevational view of the-shift control mechanism of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2 illustrating-the shift control. mechanism in a f irBt operational position.
FIG.-S is.a view similar to FIG. 4 illustrating the shift control mechanism in a second operational position.
l~IG. fi is a partial plan view of a shift control pattern for the shift control mechanism of FIG. 1.
rIG. 7 is an enlarged plan view of another embodiment, according to the present invention, of the shift contzol mechanism of FIG. 1.
S FIG. 8 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the shift control ruechanism of FIG.7.
FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along, lines 9-9 of FIG. 8.
FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 9 illustrating the shift control mechanism in a second operational position.
FIG. 1 I is a sectional view taken along lines 1 I-I 1 of FIG. 9.
Referring to Y 1G. l, a shut control mechanism 10, according to the pzesent invention, is illustrated in operational relationship with vehicle structure I2 such as a vehicle floor of an automotive vehicle (not shown). The shift control mechanism 10 is operatively connected to a key cylinder lock housing (not shown) and an automatic transmission (not ~sla~wn) via cables (not shown). The automatic transmission may be of the type iiisclosed in (J.S. Patent No. 4,875,391 to Leising et aL.
The connections of the shift control mechanism 10 to the automatic transmission and key cylinder lock housing are similar to that disclosed in tJ.S. Patent No 5,207,124 to Anderson et al..
Referring to FIGS. Ithrough 4, the shift control mechanism 10 includes a housing, generally indicated at 14. The housing l4 is generally rectangular in shape and has a bottom wall 16. 'Che housing 14 also has a pair of side walls 18 and spaced transversely and a pair of end walls 22 and 24 spaced longitudinally and extending upwardly generally perpendicular to the bottom wall 16. The Dousing further includes a cover 26 haying an arcuate-shaped cenlTal portion 28 and generally planar flange portions 30 secwed to a top edge of the walls 18, 20, 22, 24 by suitable means such as screws 32. It should be appreciated that the walls 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24 may be integral and formed as one-piece from a plastic material such as by molding.
Referring to FIGS, 2 and 6, the central portion 2$ of the cover 26 includes a shift 1 S control pattern fonxted by an inverted and generally 'f-shaped guide slot 34 extending therethroagh. The guide slot 34 has a longitudinal portion 36 with predetermined automatic ' ' WO 97/04251 PGT/US96/I2106 transmission operating gears or settings such as Park (p), Reverse (R) , Neutral (N) and Drive (D) for selecting transmission speeds to be automatically engaged in the automatic transm3.ssion during normal automatic transmission operation. The guide slot 34 has a transverse portion 38 at one end of the . longitudinal portion 36 ~rith predetermined manual tran'slnission operatizig settings such as Manual (M) , Upshift (f) and Downshift (-) to select and manually shift or engage the desired forE,ra.rd sp,~ed during manual operation of the automatic transmission. It should be appreciated that= the automatic transmission may be manually shifted by moving transversely from the M setting to either the + or - setti.ng.
Referring to FIGS. Z through 4, the shift control mechanism 10 also includes a~ shift lever 40 to shift the automatic transmission. The shift lever .g0 extends through the guide slot 34 in the cover- 26 and is manually operated or displaced through the Park (P), Reverse (R), Neutral (N) , Drive -(D) , . Manual. -(M) , upshift (:+) and downshift (-) settings. The shift lever 40 has a shift rod 42 slidably mounted therein. The shift lever ~40 also has a palm abutting knob 44 surrounding the shift lever 40 and a push button 46 extending from the palm abutting knob 44 for a function, as described. in U.S. patent No. 5, 207,124 to:
Anderson et al.
The shift control mechanism 1G further includes a mounting assembly, generally indicated at ~4~, for pivotally mounting the shift lever 40 within. the housing 14. The mounting assembly 48 includes a bracket 50 having . an inverted and generally- U-shape. ~ The bracket ~ 50 has a generally hor3,zorital base portion 52 with a central opening 54 and .leg portions 56 generally perpendicular 'to and at each end of the base portion 52. The base portion 52 has a bushing 5~ disposed in the central opening 54.,.~ The leg 1o portions 56 include an opening 58 extending t~herethrough near a free end thereof. The mounting assembly 48 also includes a pivot pin .60 for pivotally mounting the bracket 5o to the housing 14 . The pivot pin '60 is mounted between .mounting brackets 62 formed on the bottom~wall 16 of the housing. 14. The pivot pin 60 extenda~ through .the openings 58 of the leg portions 56 and a passageway 64 of the mounting brackets 62': It should be appreciated that the bracket 50.pivots or rotates longitudinally about. the pivot pin 60 The mounting assembly .48 also includes -a connecting member 66 for pivotally connecting .the shift lever 40 to the pivot. pin s0. The connecting metnbez~ 66 has a cavity 68 to forth a generally U-shaped cross-section.
The connecting member 66 also has a pair of transversely spaced and downwardly extending flanges. 'tG with openings ?2 PGTlUS96/I2106 extending therethrough. The pivot pin 6o extends through the openings 72 in the flanges 70 to allow the conx~ecting member 66 to pivot or -rotate Longitudinally about the pivot pin 60. The mounting assembly ~8 includes a cross-over pin 74 far pivotally connecting the shift lever 4o. to the connecting member 66-. The cross-over pin 74 .extends through openings ~in the shift lever 40 sad connecting member 66 to allow the shift lever 4Q to pivot or rotate transversely about the cross-over pin 74. It should be 1o appreciated that the connecting member 66 allows longitudinal pivotal- uiovement of the shift lever 40 in the longitudinal portion 36 of the guide slot 34 and the cross-over pin 74 allows transverse pivotal movement of the shift lever 4o in the transverse portion 38 0~ the guide --slot 34 .
It should also ~be appreciated'. that the longitudinal- portion 36 of the guide slot 34 prevents transverse pivotal movement of the shift lever 40 and guides the shift lever 4o along a predetermined path.
The mounting--assembly 48 may include a tubular member ~6 ~ with ~a bottom - seat- 78 secured to a left. end of the .bracket 50 by suitable means such as welding. The mounting assembly~may also .include a detente member 'so slidably mounted in the tubular member 76. and urged - upwardly therefrom by a .ooil spring 82 . mounted between the bottom seat 78 and a flange 84 Formed around the detente ' ' WO 97/04251 PCT/US96/12106 IO
member 80. The detent member 80 has an extended end s6 which is rounded and received in a plurality' of .rounded indentations ss formed in the inner surface of an edge portion of the central portion 28 of the cover 26. _a further e~cplanation of the structure and. operation ~aay b~e found in U. S. Patent No. ~5, 20?,124 t0 l,TlderBOn et al.
The mounting assembly 48 further includes a first guide member 90 having a central opening 92 disposed about the shift lever 40. The guide member 90 'has a plurality of 1o steps 94 spaced axially and formed in an outer periphery thereof for a , function to be described. The mouritil7g assembly 48 includes a second guide member 96 on an 3.nterior surface of the cover 26. Preferably, the second guide member 96 is integral with the cover 26. The scecond guide~member 96 has a cam profile or cooperating surface 98. The steps 94 of the guide member.90 form a generally point contact With the cooperating surface ~98 to nova therealong. The mounting assembly ~48 also .includes a retainer bushing 100 disposed about the shift lever 4o and a coil sprig 102 disposed about the shift lever 4o between the first guide member ~ 90 .and the retainer bushing io0.
The coil spring.102 urges the first guide member 90 axially a~tay from the retainer bushing 100. It should be appreciated that the retainer. bushing Zoo is fixedly WO 97/04251 PCT'/US96/I2106 secured to the shift lever 40 and the first guide member 90 is slidable along the.shift lever 40.
The shift control mechanism 10 also includes a switch assembly, generally indicated at 104, to send signals directly to a transmission controller (not shown) for shifting the automatic transmission, such a transmission controller is disclosed in U~.S.~~Patent No_ 4,~8?5.391 to Leising et al. The switch asaetiibly Z04 includes~switches 106 disposed on each transverse-side of to the slot 36 a.n the cover 26. The switches 106 are attached to the cover 26 by suitable means. The swite~hes 106 have a spring loaded contact 108 which extends outwardly over the + and ~ settings of the transverse portion 38. When the shift lever 40 contacts or deflects one. of~.th,e contacts los, the s~ritch 106 sends a signal to the transmission controller. The switches 106 are connected by~connectors (not shown) and electrical wires (not shown) to the ~transmi~ssion controller. It should be appreciated .that the transmission controller executes a command -to shift the automatic transmission, The shift control mechanism 10 further includes a return spring 110 for centering or urging the shift-lever 40 to the M setting. The return spring 110 has a coil portion 112 ~ secured to t~i~. cover 26 by suitable means such .as a fastener 113. The return spring 11o also has a pair of fingers 114 extending longitudinally and._"spaced transversely by a spacer ll6 extending upwardly from the cover 26. The shift lever 40 is disposed between the fingers 114. Alternatively, the return spring 11o may be S of the torsional type and disposed about the cross-over pin ?4 or a pair of springs of the compression type disposed on opposed sides of the shift lever 4b for centering or urging the shift 7.ever 40 to the M setting.
In operation, the shift lever ~0 is moved l0 longitudinally by an operator from the P setting. to either the R, H or D setting. . to allow normal automata:c operation of -the automatic transmission.. When tie shift lever 4o. a.s a.n the D setting, the operator may desire to manually shift the automatic transmission. T~f so, the shift lever ~-40 is l5 moved longitudinally by the operator from. the D setting to the M setting to allow manual shifting of the automatic transmission. If a. downshift is desired, the operator moves~transversely the shift lever 40~to the - setting to -downshift the automatic transmission. :When this occurs, 20 the shift- lever, 40 .contacts and deflects-the contact 108 of the switch 106 . to send a signal . to ~ the transmission controller which then.executes a command to.downshift the automatic transmission. As illustrated a.n FIG. S, the ..\
first guide member 90 moves down~rard7:y against the spring 25 102 and one of the fingers 114 of the return spring 110 is WO 97/04251 PC"T/US96/12106 deflected transversely. After zhe shift lever 40 is moved to the - setting, the operator releases the shift lever 40.
t,Then this occurs, the finger 114 moves the shift lever 40 transversely to the M setting and, as the coil spring 102 urges the first guide member 90 upwardly, the steps 94 of the-first guide member 9o slide_along the cooperating surface 98 of second guide member 96. It should be appreciated that the operation is similar for movement of the .shift lever 40 from the M setting to the f e.etting for ~an upshift of the automatic transmission.
Referring to FTGS. 7 through 1~, another embodiment of the shift control mechanism ZO includes a proximity switch assembly, generally indicated at 204 wherein like references numerals have been used to designate like structure as discussed above. ~As with the switch assembly l04 shown in the' other Figures, the proximity switch assembly 204 shown~in FIGS.~7. through 11 is actuated by moving the shi~.t lever 40 . ~. to a first position in the transverse portion 3.8 to send~a.signal to manually upshift the au_tomatic.yransmission. The.pro~cimizy switch assembly 20~ is also actuated when the .shift lever 4o is moved .to a second position in the transverse portion 38 opposite the first, position to send a sig'nal~ to -manually dot~mshift the automatic transmi.s.sion: A.s can best be seen 2s with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, the proximity switch WO 97/04251 PC'T/US96/12106 assembly 204 includes a switch housing, generally indicated at 206 and a shift lever engagement member,generally indicated at 208 . The shift lever engagement member 208 is pivotally mounted to the switch housing 206 and movable S with the shift lever 40 -tb the first and second transverse positions to tttanually shift the automatic transmission.
The switch housing 206 . includes a base support stud 212 operatively supporting the switch.housing 206 upon the bottom wall ~16 of the shift ~ control mechanism housing 14 .
In addition, the switch housing 206 includes a pair of horizontally-extending flanges 216 disposed on either side of the switch housing ~ 206 for. securing- the svritch housing 206 to the cover 26 of the shift control mechanism, housing ~14 by using.a pair of fasteners 218. The switch housing 206 further includes a.plurality. of support prongs 220 for a function to be described.
The shift lever engagement member 208 includes a body 222 and a hub. 224 disposed' at one end .of the body 222.
The shift lever engagement ~member_208 includes a magnet 209 recessed in the~sha.ft lever engagement member 208. ' The magnet 209 is located such that its travel .'crosses the Hall Effect sensor/switch 240 to be described. The shift lever engagement member 208 is mounted on the support,prongs 220 at the hub 224. The shift lever engagement member 208 alsc includes a yoke.226 disposed at the other end of the body yoke 226 extends transversely to the body 222. As can best be seen with reference to FIG. 7, the yoke 226 includes an arcuate recess 228. The shift lever 40 is receivable by the yoke 226 in the recess.228 when the shift lever 40 is S in the transverse portion 38.
Referring now to FIGS.~9 and ll; the proximity switch assembly' 204 inc7.udes a . centeririg mechanism, generally indicated at 230 which is dispose3.between the yoke 226 and the hub 224. The centering mechanism 230 10 urges the shift lever engagement member 208 to a neutral position between the first and second transverse positions.
The centering mechanism 230 includes a pair of arms 232 extending transversely from the body 222 in a direction opposite to the yoke 226 in spaced parallel relationship 15 with..respect to each.other. The centering mechanism 230 includes a coiled spring 234 captured .between a pair of .flanges 236 on the switch housing 206 and is compressible in the direction of both the first and second transverse positions to exert a centering force on the 'shift lever 2D engagement member 208 to urge the member 208..to the neutral position.
As best shown in .FIGS. 7 and 9, the switch ~hous.ing 206 also includes a compartment' 238 disposed in spaced relationship but''immediately adjacent the shift lever engagement member 208 at the yoke 226. The proximity _ 16 switch assembly 204 includes a proximity or Hall Effect senaor/switch 240 disposed within the compartment.238 and operatively cor~ziected to a power source through a connector 242. The Hall Effect sensor/switeh 240 is capable of sensing the movement of the shift lever engagement member 208 . With the shift .lever 40 as the shift lever 40 is moved to the first and second transverse positions. The Hall Effect sensor/switch~240 generates a signal in response to the movement of the magnet 209 on the shift lever engagement member 208 to manually upshift and downshift the automatic transmission. It should be appreciated that the Hall Effect sensor/switch 240 is conventional.
In operation, when the shift lever 40 and shift lever engagement member 208 are, moved to either the first is or second transverse positions within the transverse portion 38, the Hall Effect sensor/switch 240~senges the movement of~zhe'change in magnetic field provided by the magnet 209 and sends a signal. to .the transmission controller ~,thi.ch then~executes a command to downshift or upshift tha. automatic transmission. As -illustrated in FIG.
3.0,, c~rhea the shift lever 40 and thus the shift lever engagement member 208 are moved transversely, one of the arms 232 of the centering mechanism 230 will act to compress the coiled spring 234. After the operator releases the shift lever 40, the coiled spring 234 acts to ' WO 97/04251 exert a centering force on the shift lever engagement member 2os to urge the member 208 and shift lever 44 to the neutral position.
Accordingly, the shift control mechanism l0 allows an operator to choose complete automatic control of the automatic:transmission by leaving the shift lever 40 in the longitudinal portion 36 of the guide slot 34 or can change gears manually by moving the shift lever 4o in the transverse portion.38 of the guide slot 34. ..Also, the Zo shift 'control mechanism 10 may use a Hal3 Effect sensor/switch 240 to sense the position of the shift lever 40 to generate a signal to manually shift~the automatic transmission.
The present invention has been described in an illustrative manner. It is to be understood that the terminology~vrhich has.been used~is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation.
MANUAZ~T.Y BH~FT AN A'QTOMAT=C TRANSMISS=ON
The present inverition.relates generally to shift control mechanisms. for transmissions arid, more particularly, to a shift control mechanism to maaually shift an automatic transmission.
Automotive vehicles require a power train to transmit the force of..an engine to wheels~of the vehicle.
The_power train's main component is typically referred to as the "transmission". Engine torque and speed are converted in the transmission in accordance with the tractive-power. demand o~ the vehicle. Transmissions are generally referred to as manually actuated or automatic transmissions. Manual transmissions generally include mechanical mechanisms for coupling rotating gears to produce different ratio outputs to drive the wheels_ Automatic transmissions are designed to take automatic ' .control of the frictional unite, gear ratio selection and gear: shifting.
Recently, there has been a demand to provide an automatic transmission that may be manually shifted in addition to normal automatic transmission operation. .Such I:o shifting is typically provided by a shift control mechanism. An.~example of such a shift .control mechanism is disclosed in~U.S. Patent No. 4.,905,530 to Stehle et aI.
This patented shift control mechanism for an automatic transmission includes a selector lever to be operated manually. The selector lever is displaced in a ~irst shifting lane for selecting different transmission speeds during.normal automatic mode operation and transversely in a second shifting~lane to manually engage the desired .~for.ward speed. .However, there is a: need in .the art to _prov~.de a new and ituproved shift control mechanism.
Tt is, therefore, one object of the present invention to provide an improved shift control mechanism for an automatic transmission.
' ' WO 97/04251 PC"T/US96It2106 It is another obj ect of the present invention to provide ~ an improved shift control mechanism to w manually shift an automatic transmission.
To achieve the foregoing objects, the present invention is a shift control mechanism for an automatic transmission including a housing having a shift control patterp. with a longitudinal. portion defining a plurality of automatic transmission operating settings and a transverse portion at one end of the longitudinal portion defining a to plurality of manual transmission operating settings, The shift control mechanism also includes a shift lever which is manually movable along the shift control pattern for selecting the automatic transmission operating settings~and for selecting the manual transmission operating settings.
The shift control mechanism further includes ~a Fall Effect $ensor/switch assembly actuated by moving the shift lever to a first position in the transverse portion to send a signal to-manually upshift the automatic transmission and to a second-position in the transverse portion opposite the 2o first positionvto send a signal to manually downshift the automatic transmission.
One advantage of the present invention is that a sh~.ft control mechaizism. is provided for an automatic transmission. Another advantage of the present invention is that a shift control mechanism is provided for manually shifting an automatic transmission. Yet another adva.r~tage of the present invention is that the shift control mechanism uses a Hall Effect aensor/switch to sense the position of a shift lever to generate a signal to manually shift the automatic transmission.
According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a shift control mechanism for an automatic transmission comprising a housing including a shift control pattern having a longitudinal portion defining a plurality of automatic transmission operating settings and a transverse portion at one end of the longitudinal portion defining a plurality of manual transmission operating settings, a shift lever manually movable along the shift control pattern for selecting the automatic transmission operating settings and for selecting the manual transmission operating settings, and a proximity switch assembly actuated by moving the shift lever to a first position in the transverse portion to send a signal to manually upshift the automatic transmission and to a second position in the transverse portion opposite the first position to send a signal to manually downshift the automatic transmission, the proximity switch including a switch housing and a shift lever engagement member pivotally mounted to the switch housing and moveable with the shift lever to the first and second transverse positions to manually shift the automatic transmission, wherein the switch housing includes a plurality of support prongs, the shift lever engagement member including a body and a hub disposed at one end of the body, and a yoke disposed at the other end of the body opposite the hub and extending transversely to the body, the shift lever engagement member mounted on the support prongs at the hub, 4a the shift lever receivable by the yoke when the shift lever is in the transverse position.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a shift control mechanism for an automatic transmission comprising a housing including a shift control pattern having a longitudinal portion defining a plurality of automatic transmission operating settings and a transverse portion at one end of the longitudinal portion defining a plurality of manual transmission operating settings, a shift lever manually movable along the shift control pattern for selecting the automatic transmission operating settings and for selecting the manual transmission operating settings, and a proximity switch assembly actuated by moving the shift lever to a first position in the transverse portion to send a signal to manually upshift the automatic transmission and to a second position in the transverse portion opposite the first position to send a signal to manually downshift the automatic transmission, the proximity switch including a switch housing and a shift lever engagement member pivotally mounted to the switch housing and moveable with the shift lever to the first and second transverse positions to manually shift the automatic transmission, wherein the switch housing includes a plurality of support prongs, the shift lever engagement member including a body and a hub disposed at one end of the body, and a yoke disposed at the other end of the body opposite the hub and extending transversely to the body, the shift lever engagement member mounted on the support prongs at the hub, the shift lever receivable by the yoke when the shift lever is in the transverse position, and wherein the proximity switch assembly includes a centering mechanism disposed between the yoke and the hub to urge the shift lever 4b engagement member to a neutral position between the first and second transverse positions.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention wil~l.be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood after reading the subseguent description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
-FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a shift control mechanism,.~according to-the present-invention, illustrated in operational relationship with vehicle structure.
FIG. 2 i.s an enlarged plan view of the shift control mechanism cf. .FIG. 1.
FIG.. 3 is :a fragmentary side elevational view of the-shift control mechanism of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2 illustrating-the shift control. mechanism in a f irBt operational position.
FIG.-S is.a view similar to FIG. 4 illustrating the shift control mechanism in a second operational position.
l~IG. fi is a partial plan view of a shift control pattern for the shift control mechanism of FIG. 1.
rIG. 7 is an enlarged plan view of another embodiment, according to the present invention, of the shift contzol mechanism of FIG. 1.
S FIG. 8 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the shift control ruechanism of FIG.7.
FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along, lines 9-9 of FIG. 8.
FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 9 illustrating the shift control mechanism in a second operational position.
FIG. 1 I is a sectional view taken along lines 1 I-I 1 of FIG. 9.
Referring to Y 1G. l, a shut control mechanism 10, according to the pzesent invention, is illustrated in operational relationship with vehicle structure I2 such as a vehicle floor of an automotive vehicle (not shown). The shift control mechanism 10 is operatively connected to a key cylinder lock housing (not shown) and an automatic transmission (not ~sla~wn) via cables (not shown). The automatic transmission may be of the type iiisclosed in (J.S. Patent No. 4,875,391 to Leising et aL.
The connections of the shift control mechanism 10 to the automatic transmission and key cylinder lock housing are similar to that disclosed in tJ.S. Patent No 5,207,124 to Anderson et al..
Referring to FIGS. Ithrough 4, the shift control mechanism 10 includes a housing, generally indicated at 14. The housing l4 is generally rectangular in shape and has a bottom wall 16. 'Che housing 14 also has a pair of side walls 18 and spaced transversely and a pair of end walls 22 and 24 spaced longitudinally and extending upwardly generally perpendicular to the bottom wall 16. The Dousing further includes a cover 26 haying an arcuate-shaped cenlTal portion 28 and generally planar flange portions 30 secwed to a top edge of the walls 18, 20, 22, 24 by suitable means such as screws 32. It should be appreciated that the walls 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24 may be integral and formed as one-piece from a plastic material such as by molding.
Referring to FIGS, 2 and 6, the central portion 2$ of the cover 26 includes a shift 1 S control pattern fonxted by an inverted and generally 'f-shaped guide slot 34 extending therethroagh. The guide slot 34 has a longitudinal portion 36 with predetermined automatic ' ' WO 97/04251 PGT/US96/I2106 transmission operating gears or settings such as Park (p), Reverse (R) , Neutral (N) and Drive (D) for selecting transmission speeds to be automatically engaged in the automatic transm3.ssion during normal automatic transmission operation. The guide slot 34 has a transverse portion 38 at one end of the . longitudinal portion 36 ~rith predetermined manual tran'slnission operatizig settings such as Manual (M) , Upshift (f) and Downshift (-) to select and manually shift or engage the desired forE,ra.rd sp,~ed during manual operation of the automatic transmission. It should be appreciated that= the automatic transmission may be manually shifted by moving transversely from the M setting to either the + or - setti.ng.
Referring to FIGS. Z through 4, the shift control mechanism 10 also includes a~ shift lever 40 to shift the automatic transmission. The shift lever .g0 extends through the guide slot 34 in the cover- 26 and is manually operated or displaced through the Park (P), Reverse (R), Neutral (N) , Drive -(D) , . Manual. -(M) , upshift (:+) and downshift (-) settings. The shift lever 40 has a shift rod 42 slidably mounted therein. The shift lever ~40 also has a palm abutting knob 44 surrounding the shift lever 40 and a push button 46 extending from the palm abutting knob 44 for a function, as described. in U.S. patent No. 5, 207,124 to:
Anderson et al.
The shift control mechanism 1G further includes a mounting assembly, generally indicated at ~4~, for pivotally mounting the shift lever 40 within. the housing 14. The mounting assembly 48 includes a bracket 50 having . an inverted and generally- U-shape. ~ The bracket ~ 50 has a generally hor3,zorital base portion 52 with a central opening 54 and .leg portions 56 generally perpendicular 'to and at each end of the base portion 52. The base portion 52 has a bushing 5~ disposed in the central opening 54.,.~ The leg 1o portions 56 include an opening 58 extending t~herethrough near a free end thereof. The mounting assembly 48 also includes a pivot pin .60 for pivotally mounting the bracket 5o to the housing 14 . The pivot pin '60 is mounted between .mounting brackets 62 formed on the bottom~wall 16 of the housing. 14. The pivot pin 60 extenda~ through .the openings 58 of the leg portions 56 and a passageway 64 of the mounting brackets 62': It should be appreciated that the bracket 50.pivots or rotates longitudinally about. the pivot pin 60 The mounting assembly .48 also includes -a connecting member 66 for pivotally connecting .the shift lever 40 to the pivot. pin s0. The connecting metnbez~ 66 has a cavity 68 to forth a generally U-shaped cross-section.
The connecting member 66 also has a pair of transversely spaced and downwardly extending flanges. 'tG with openings ?2 PGTlUS96/I2106 extending therethrough. The pivot pin 6o extends through the openings 72 in the flanges 70 to allow the conx~ecting member 66 to pivot or -rotate Longitudinally about the pivot pin 60. The mounting assembly ~8 includes a cross-over pin 74 far pivotally connecting the shift lever 4o. to the connecting member 66-. The cross-over pin 74 .extends through openings ~in the shift lever 40 sad connecting member 66 to allow the shift lever 4Q to pivot or rotate transversely about the cross-over pin 74. It should be 1o appreciated that the connecting member 66 allows longitudinal pivotal- uiovement of the shift lever 40 in the longitudinal portion 36 of the guide slot 34 and the cross-over pin 74 allows transverse pivotal movement of the shift lever 4o in the transverse portion 38 0~ the guide --slot 34 .
It should also ~be appreciated'. that the longitudinal- portion 36 of the guide slot 34 prevents transverse pivotal movement of the shift lever 40 and guides the shift lever 4o along a predetermined path.
The mounting--assembly 48 may include a tubular member ~6 ~ with ~a bottom - seat- 78 secured to a left. end of the .bracket 50 by suitable means such as welding. The mounting assembly~may also .include a detente member 'so slidably mounted in the tubular member 76. and urged - upwardly therefrom by a .ooil spring 82 . mounted between the bottom seat 78 and a flange 84 Formed around the detente ' ' WO 97/04251 PCT/US96/12106 IO
member 80. The detent member 80 has an extended end s6 which is rounded and received in a plurality' of .rounded indentations ss formed in the inner surface of an edge portion of the central portion 28 of the cover 26. _a further e~cplanation of the structure and. operation ~aay b~e found in U. S. Patent No. ~5, 20?,124 t0 l,TlderBOn et al.
The mounting assembly 48 further includes a first guide member 90 having a central opening 92 disposed about the shift lever 40. The guide member 90 'has a plurality of 1o steps 94 spaced axially and formed in an outer periphery thereof for a , function to be described. The mouritil7g assembly 48 includes a second guide member 96 on an 3.nterior surface of the cover 26. Preferably, the second guide member 96 is integral with the cover 26. The scecond guide~member 96 has a cam profile or cooperating surface 98. The steps 94 of the guide member.90 form a generally point contact With the cooperating surface ~98 to nova therealong. The mounting assembly ~48 also .includes a retainer bushing 100 disposed about the shift lever 4o and a coil sprig 102 disposed about the shift lever 4o between the first guide member ~ 90 .and the retainer bushing io0.
The coil spring.102 urges the first guide member 90 axially a~tay from the retainer bushing 100. It should be appreciated that the retainer. bushing Zoo is fixedly WO 97/04251 PCT'/US96/I2106 secured to the shift lever 40 and the first guide member 90 is slidable along the.shift lever 40.
The shift control mechanism 10 also includes a switch assembly, generally indicated at 104, to send signals directly to a transmission controller (not shown) for shifting the automatic transmission, such a transmission controller is disclosed in U~.S.~~Patent No_ 4,~8?5.391 to Leising et al. The switch asaetiibly Z04 includes~switches 106 disposed on each transverse-side of to the slot 36 a.n the cover 26. The switches 106 are attached to the cover 26 by suitable means. The swite~hes 106 have a spring loaded contact 108 which extends outwardly over the + and ~ settings of the transverse portion 38. When the shift lever 40 contacts or deflects one. of~.th,e contacts los, the s~ritch 106 sends a signal to the transmission controller. The switches 106 are connected by~connectors (not shown) and electrical wires (not shown) to the ~transmi~ssion controller. It should be appreciated .that the transmission controller executes a command -to shift the automatic transmission, The shift control mechanism 10 further includes a return spring 110 for centering or urging the shift-lever 40 to the M setting. The return spring 110 has a coil portion 112 ~ secured to t~i~. cover 26 by suitable means such .as a fastener 113. The return spring 11o also has a pair of fingers 114 extending longitudinally and._"spaced transversely by a spacer ll6 extending upwardly from the cover 26. The shift lever 40 is disposed between the fingers 114. Alternatively, the return spring 11o may be S of the torsional type and disposed about the cross-over pin ?4 or a pair of springs of the compression type disposed on opposed sides of the shift lever 4b for centering or urging the shift 7.ever 40 to the M setting.
In operation, the shift lever ~0 is moved l0 longitudinally by an operator from the P setting. to either the R, H or D setting. . to allow normal automata:c operation of -the automatic transmission.. When tie shift lever 4o. a.s a.n the D setting, the operator may desire to manually shift the automatic transmission. T~f so, the shift lever ~-40 is l5 moved longitudinally by the operator from. the D setting to the M setting to allow manual shifting of the automatic transmission. If a. downshift is desired, the operator moves~transversely the shift lever 40~to the - setting to -downshift the automatic transmission. :When this occurs, 20 the shift- lever, 40 .contacts and deflects-the contact 108 of the switch 106 . to send a signal . to ~ the transmission controller which then.executes a command to.downshift the automatic transmission. As illustrated a.n FIG. S, the ..\
first guide member 90 moves down~rard7:y against the spring 25 102 and one of the fingers 114 of the return spring 110 is WO 97/04251 PC"T/US96/12106 deflected transversely. After zhe shift lever 40 is moved to the - setting, the operator releases the shift lever 40.
t,Then this occurs, the finger 114 moves the shift lever 40 transversely to the M setting and, as the coil spring 102 urges the first guide member 90 upwardly, the steps 94 of the-first guide member 9o slide_along the cooperating surface 98 of second guide member 96. It should be appreciated that the operation is similar for movement of the .shift lever 40 from the M setting to the f e.etting for ~an upshift of the automatic transmission.
Referring to FTGS. 7 through 1~, another embodiment of the shift control mechanism ZO includes a proximity switch assembly, generally indicated at 204 wherein like references numerals have been used to designate like structure as discussed above. ~As with the switch assembly l04 shown in the' other Figures, the proximity switch assembly 204 shown~in FIGS.~7. through 11 is actuated by moving the shi~.t lever 40 . ~. to a first position in the transverse portion 3.8 to send~a.signal to manually upshift the au_tomatic.yransmission. The.pro~cimizy switch assembly 20~ is also actuated when the .shift lever 4o is moved .to a second position in the transverse portion 38 opposite the first, position to send a sig'nal~ to -manually dot~mshift the automatic transmi.s.sion: A.s can best be seen 2s with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, the proximity switch WO 97/04251 PC'T/US96/12106 assembly 204 includes a switch housing, generally indicated at 206 and a shift lever engagement member,generally indicated at 208 . The shift lever engagement member 208 is pivotally mounted to the switch housing 206 and movable S with the shift lever 40 -tb the first and second transverse positions to tttanually shift the automatic transmission.
The switch housing 206 . includes a base support stud 212 operatively supporting the switch.housing 206 upon the bottom wall ~16 of the shift ~ control mechanism housing 14 .
In addition, the switch housing 206 includes a pair of horizontally-extending flanges 216 disposed on either side of the switch housing ~ 206 for. securing- the svritch housing 206 to the cover 26 of the shift control mechanism, housing ~14 by using.a pair of fasteners 218. The switch housing 206 further includes a.plurality. of support prongs 220 for a function to be described.
The shift lever engagement member 208 includes a body 222 and a hub. 224 disposed' at one end .of the body 222.
The shift lever engagement ~member_208 includes a magnet 209 recessed in the~sha.ft lever engagement member 208. ' The magnet 209 is located such that its travel .'crosses the Hall Effect sensor/switch 240 to be described. The shift lever engagement member 208 is mounted on the support,prongs 220 at the hub 224. The shift lever engagement member 208 alsc includes a yoke.226 disposed at the other end of the body yoke 226 extends transversely to the body 222. As can best be seen with reference to FIG. 7, the yoke 226 includes an arcuate recess 228. The shift lever 40 is receivable by the yoke 226 in the recess.228 when the shift lever 40 is S in the transverse portion 38.
Referring now to FIGS.~9 and ll; the proximity switch assembly' 204 inc7.udes a . centeririg mechanism, generally indicated at 230 which is dispose3.between the yoke 226 and the hub 224. The centering mechanism 230 10 urges the shift lever engagement member 208 to a neutral position between the first and second transverse positions.
The centering mechanism 230 includes a pair of arms 232 extending transversely from the body 222 in a direction opposite to the yoke 226 in spaced parallel relationship 15 with..respect to each.other. The centering mechanism 230 includes a coiled spring 234 captured .between a pair of .flanges 236 on the switch housing 206 and is compressible in the direction of both the first and second transverse positions to exert a centering force on the 'shift lever 2D engagement member 208 to urge the member 208..to the neutral position.
As best shown in .FIGS. 7 and 9, the switch ~hous.ing 206 also includes a compartment' 238 disposed in spaced relationship but''immediately adjacent the shift lever engagement member 208 at the yoke 226. The proximity _ 16 switch assembly 204 includes a proximity or Hall Effect senaor/switch 240 disposed within the compartment.238 and operatively cor~ziected to a power source through a connector 242. The Hall Effect sensor/switeh 240 is capable of sensing the movement of the shift lever engagement member 208 . With the shift .lever 40 as the shift lever 40 is moved to the first and second transverse positions. The Hall Effect sensor/switch~240 generates a signal in response to the movement of the magnet 209 on the shift lever engagement member 208 to manually upshift and downshift the automatic transmission. It should be appreciated that the Hall Effect sensor/switch 240 is conventional.
In operation, when the shift lever 40 and shift lever engagement member 208 are, moved to either the first is or second transverse positions within the transverse portion 38, the Hall Effect sensor/switch 240~senges the movement of~zhe'change in magnetic field provided by the magnet 209 and sends a signal. to .the transmission controller ~,thi.ch then~executes a command to downshift or upshift tha. automatic transmission. As -illustrated in FIG.
3.0,, c~rhea the shift lever 40 and thus the shift lever engagement member 208 are moved transversely, one of the arms 232 of the centering mechanism 230 will act to compress the coiled spring 234. After the operator releases the shift lever 40, the coiled spring 234 acts to ' WO 97/04251 exert a centering force on the shift lever engagement member 2os to urge the member 208 and shift lever 44 to the neutral position.
Accordingly, the shift control mechanism l0 allows an operator to choose complete automatic control of the automatic:transmission by leaving the shift lever 40 in the longitudinal portion 36 of the guide slot 34 or can change gears manually by moving the shift lever 4o in the transverse portion.38 of the guide slot 34. ..Also, the Zo shift 'control mechanism 10 may use a Hal3 Effect sensor/switch 240 to sense the position of the shift lever 40 to generate a signal to manually shift~the automatic transmission.
The present invention has been described in an illustrative manner. It is to be understood that the terminology~vrhich has.been used~is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation.
Claims (2)
1. A shift control mechanism for an automatic transmission comprising:
a housing including a shift control pattern having a longitudinal portion defining a plurality of automatic transmission operating settings and a transverse portion at one end of said longitudinal portion defining a plurality of manual transmission operating settings;
a shift lever manually movable along said shift control pattern for selecting said automatic transmission operating settings and for selecting said manual transmission operating settings; and a proximity switch assembly actuated by moving said shift lever to a first position in said transverse portion to send a signal to manually upshift the automatic transmission and to a second position in said transverse portion opposite said first position to send a signal to manually downshift the automatic transmission, said proximity switch including a switch housing and a shift lever engagement member pivotally mounted to said switch housing and moveable with said shift lever to said first and second transverse positions to manually shift the automatic transmission;
wherein said switch housing includes a plurality of support prongs, said shift lever engagement member including a body and a hub disposed at one end of said body, and a yoke disposed at the other end of said body opposite said hub and extending transversely to said body, said shift lever engagement member mounted on said support prongs at said hub, said shift lever receivable by said yoke when said shift lever is in said transverse position.
a housing including a shift control pattern having a longitudinal portion defining a plurality of automatic transmission operating settings and a transverse portion at one end of said longitudinal portion defining a plurality of manual transmission operating settings;
a shift lever manually movable along said shift control pattern for selecting said automatic transmission operating settings and for selecting said manual transmission operating settings; and a proximity switch assembly actuated by moving said shift lever to a first position in said transverse portion to send a signal to manually upshift the automatic transmission and to a second position in said transverse portion opposite said first position to send a signal to manually downshift the automatic transmission, said proximity switch including a switch housing and a shift lever engagement member pivotally mounted to said switch housing and moveable with said shift lever to said first and second transverse positions to manually shift the automatic transmission;
wherein said switch housing includes a plurality of support prongs, said shift lever engagement member including a body and a hub disposed at one end of said body, and a yoke disposed at the other end of said body opposite said hub and extending transversely to said body, said shift lever engagement member mounted on said support prongs at said hub, said shift lever receivable by said yoke when said shift lever is in said transverse position.
2. A shift control mechanism for an automatic transmission comprising:
a housing including a shift control pattern having a longitudinal portion defining a plurality of automatic transmission operating settings and a transverse portion at one end of said longitudinal portion defining a plurality of manual transmission operating settings;
a shift lever manually movable along said shift control pattern for selecting said automatic transmission operating settings and for selecting said manual transmission operating settings; and a proximity switch assembly actuated by moving said shift lever to a first position in said transverse portion to send a signal to manually upshift the automatic transmission and to a second position in said transverse portion opposite said first position to send a signal to manually downshift the automatic transmission, said proximity switch including a switch housing and a shift lever engagement member pivotally mounted to said switch housing and moveable with said shift lever to said first and second transverse positions to manually shift the automatic transmission;
wherein said switch housing includes a plurality of support prongs, said shift lever engagement member including a body and a hub disposed at one end of said body, and a yoke disposed at the other end of said body opposite said hub and extending transversely to said body, said shift lever engagement member mounted on said support prongs at said hub, said shift lever receivable by said yoke when said shift lever is in said transverse position, and wherein said proximity switch assembly includes a centering mechanism disposed between said yoke and said hub to urge said shift lever engagement member to a neutral position between said first and second transverse positions.
a housing including a shift control pattern having a longitudinal portion defining a plurality of automatic transmission operating settings and a transverse portion at one end of said longitudinal portion defining a plurality of manual transmission operating settings;
a shift lever manually movable along said shift control pattern for selecting said automatic transmission operating settings and for selecting said manual transmission operating settings; and a proximity switch assembly actuated by moving said shift lever to a first position in said transverse portion to send a signal to manually upshift the automatic transmission and to a second position in said transverse portion opposite said first position to send a signal to manually downshift the automatic transmission, said proximity switch including a switch housing and a shift lever engagement member pivotally mounted to said switch housing and moveable with said shift lever to said first and second transverse positions to manually shift the automatic transmission;
wherein said switch housing includes a plurality of support prongs, said shift lever engagement member including a body and a hub disposed at one end of said body, and a yoke disposed at the other end of said body opposite said hub and extending transversely to said body, said shift lever engagement member mounted on said support prongs at said hub, said shift lever receivable by said yoke when said shift lever is in said transverse position, and wherein said proximity switch assembly includes a centering mechanism disposed between said yoke and said hub to urge said shift lever engagement member to a neutral position between said first and second transverse positions.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US08/506,409 | 1995-07-24 | ||
| US08/506,409 US5722292A (en) | 1994-06-02 | 1995-07-24 | Shift control mechanism to manually shift an automatic transmission |
| PCT/US1996/012106 WO1997004251A1 (en) | 1995-07-24 | 1996-07-23 | Shift control mechanism to manually shift an automatic transmission |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2205559A1 CA2205559A1 (en) | 1997-02-06 |
| CA2205559C true CA2205559C (en) | 2007-05-01 |
Family
ID=38051345
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002205559A Expired - Lifetime CA2205559C (en) | 1995-07-24 | 1996-07-23 | Shift control mechanism to manually shift an automatic transmission |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2205559C (en) |
-
1996
- 1996-07-23 CA CA002205559A patent/CA2205559C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2205559A1 (en) | 1997-02-06 |
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| EEER | Examination request | ||
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Effective date: 20160725 |