JP3100596B2 - Electrical transmission control mechanism - Google Patents

Description

Description: FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to mechanisms for controlling the operation of a transmission, and more particularly, to a plurality of clutch actuations operatively associated with a transmission, such as a vehicle. The present invention relates to a manually operated and electrically operated control mechanism for shifting a solenoid.

U.S. Pat.No. 3,417,635 issued to RRDay et al. On Dec. 24, 1968 describes a swinging motion parallel to the steering wheel between forward and reverse positions to change the speed range. A single-shaft control lever mounted on a steering column that rotates about its own axis is disclosed. The control lever moves the two spool valves via the two link mechanisms. CW on September 17, 1985
U.S. Pat.No. 4,541,497 issued to Riediger et al. Is capable of swinging about a raised, fixed axis between a forward position to steer the vehicle in one direction and a rearward position to steer the vehicle in the other direction. FIG. 4 illustrates another control mechanism that uses a laterally extending steering arm attached to the control arm. The grip portion of the steering arm is rotatable about its own axis to change the direction of the vehicle. In this case, a separate speed lever is used to control the speed step of the transmission, and a separate mechanical linkage is used to couple the steering arm, gripper and speed lever to the remotely located spool valve. You. U.S. Patent 3,41
Nos. 7,635 and 4,541,497 generally show widely used but relatively complex and costly mechanical linkages for coupling operator control to a remotely located transmission. Although generally successful,
Such mechanical linkages are difficult to assemble, disassemble and adjust. In addition, because the position of the operator's controls and transmissions varies from vehicle to vehicle, an independent linkage must be provided for each vehicle. Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a reliable, economical, electrically operated transmission control mechanism that is universally adaptable to a wide range of applications.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,138,966, issued to DDKempf et al. On June 30, 1964, discloses a transmission control mechanism utilizing a plurality of microswitches mounted in a fixed position and actuated by a cam. These microswitches occupy a large space and are relatively expensive because they have resilient metal arms that are configured to withstand fracturing fatigue over a long period of use. In addition, each of the solenoids operated by this control mechanism has a normal, continuously grounded line. In this configuration, one of these solenoids
If a short circuit occurs in a wire or an element connected in series to the power line connected to the vehicle, unexpected movement of the vehicle will occur. For example, when the engine is running and the transmission is in the neutral position, the tool may collide with the control member during a service check and power may be supplied to one of the solenoids via this short. This is unlikely, but is possible, especially in the case of worn out dirty mechanisms.

A preferred alternative to a flexible arm microswitch is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,158,404 issued to S. Yamashita et al. On June 19, 1979. This patent discloses a rotary switch device utilizing a rotatable member that supports a plurality of radially oriented contact elements resiliently biased in a stationary member support set direction of contact members arranged in an arcuate configuration. Is shown. Upon actuation of the remotely located gearshift lever, the contact element is rotated to selectively sweep or bridge the contact member and energize one solenoid valve actuator for the input clutch. Although this type of rotary switch device is desirable from a compact point of view, it is not sufficient from a reliability and low cost standpoint, and the rotary switch device still requires multiple synchronizer machines to shift the transmission. Reliant on physical movement. U.S. Pat. No. 4,745,826, issued to S. Nishikawa et al. On May 24, 1988, discloses this preferred embodiment of a transfer gear mechanism to provide two and four wheel high speed drive and four wheel low speed drive. A switch device of the type is disclosed. However, this mechanism requires a complex electronic control unit, does not efficiently integrate and position the switch device in a desired location very close to the operator's hand, and provides a desired degree of reliability and service time for the mechanism. Does not include the electrical system associated with the switch device provided.

What is needed is an electrical system utilizing an easy-to-operate and compact control assembly located in close proximity to the operator's hand and including one or more reliable rotary switching devices therein. Transmission control mechanism. The control assembly should be shiftable between many operating positions with minimal effort, and appropriate detent means are provided to allow the individual shifting positions to be easily and positively selected. Should be. In addition, the control assembly should desirably be composed essentially of an electrically non-conductive material, such as a lightweight and durable plastic, to remove dust and moisture from the electrical circuitry contained therein. Should be actively sealed for removal. Also, the control assembly and the electrical circuits used therein should be compatible with the wide range of shift patterns and vehicle types of the control assembly, so as to actively control the solenoid leads operated during the shift process. It is desirable to conform to.

The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems set forth above.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an electrical transmission control mechanism for shifting a transmission by selectively controlling a plurality of clutch actuation solenoids, the control assembly comprising: a control assembly; A supporting assembly movably supported, and a supply side and a ground side lead of one solenoid disconnected from a supply side and a ground side lead of another solenoid in response to the rotation of the control assembly about a central axis. And an electrical transmission control mechanism including electrical means for shifting the transmission.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a control assembly, a support assembly rotatably supporting the control assembly for limited rotation about an axis, and actuating individual solenoids with a swinging motion of the control assembly. Electrical means for changing the speed ratio of the transmission and / or the rotational direction of the transmission output.
An electrical transmission control mechanism for shifting a transmission by controllably operating a plurality of clutch actuation solenoids is provided. Preferably, the electrical means is connected between the control assembly and the support assembly, the rotary switch device including a switching contact board defining a plurality of contact members disposed at a predetermined radius about the axis, and connected to the control assembly. And a plurality of radially oriented wiper members for bridging engagement with the selected contact member pair.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrical transmission control mechanism for shifting a transmission by controllably operating a plurality of directional clutch operating solenoids and a plurality of speed clutch operating solenoids. The first and second control members are rotatably supported by support means, and are provided with electrical means for changing the speed ratio and / or the rotational direction of the transmission output. The electrical means includes a switching contact board each of which defines a plurality of contact members provided at a predetermined radius from a central axis, and a plurality of radially oriented wipers bridgingly engaging the selected pair of contact members. And first and second rotary switch devices including a member. When the first control member is moved, it causes a relative sweeping movement between the wiper and the contact member of the first rotary switch device, and the selected direction clutch actuation solenoid is actuated. Similarly, when the second control member is moved,
The rotary switch device is operated to operate the selected speed clutch operating solenoid.

In the illustrated embodiment, the control member is advanced,
It extends radially outward of a control assembly that is pivotally supported about an axis that is generally up between neutral and reverse positions. The control member is further rotatable about its own axis to establish one of a plurality of transmission gear ratios. The first rotary switch device is associated with the rotation of the control assembly about the raised axis and the second rotary switch device is associated with the rotation of the control member about its own axis. These switching devices are compactly and efficiently contained in a plurality of plastic elements and are associated with an electrical circuit to achieve the operating mode described above. Further, these rotary switch devices disconnect both leads of one solenoid and connect both leads of the other solenoid in response to rotation of the control assembly and / or rotation of the control member.
And this is highly desirable from a reliability and security point of view. The electrical circuit further includes means for preventing the start of the engine when the control member is in the forward or reverse position and sounding an alarm when the reverse position is selected. Further, in the neutral position, the electrical circuit ensures that one particular speed clutch has been engaged.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, actuation of a plurality of electromagnetic actuators or clutch actuating solenoids 14 causes a normal power shift
An electrical transmission control mechanism 10 for shifting the transmission is shown. These transmissions typically include a plurality of fluid-operated disk-type clutches or brakes, and are either planetary gear trains or countershaft gear trains. In this embodiment, when one actuator 16 is operated, the six solenoids 14a to 14f can be selectively operated.

The transmission control mechanism 10 includes a stationary lower support assembly 18 and an upper control or turret assembly 20 having an actuator 16 mounted on the support assembly for limited rotation about a raised or substantially vertical central axis. Contains. The support assembly has a lower housing 24, an upper housing 26 connected to the lower housing to define a contoured cavity 28, and a retaining cap 30 defining a semi-cylindrical cavity 32. The retaining cap is releasably secured to the upper housing by a plurality of fasteners or bolts threaded to the upper housing, so that these members have a raised central axis 38 substantially parallel to the central axis of the support assembly. . A conventional steering wheel column 36 is clamped in opposing cavities.

Referring to FIG. 4, the lower housing 24 binds and holds the upwardly directed outer peripheral edge 40 and a plurality of electric wires collectively defining the first wire harness 46 in a waterproof position. It has a raised cylindrical passage 42 for receiving a pot-like grommet 44. The upper housing 26 has a downwardly directed outer peripheral edge 48 that matches the outer peripheral edge 40 of the lower housing, and a seal ring 50 is inserted around the support assembly 18 between these edges to provide support assembly and control. A substantially enclosed chamber 52 is defined between the assemblies. The upper housing further includes a first cylindrical bore 54, a large diameter second cylindrical bore 56, and a downwardly directed shoulder 58 concentrically disposed along the central axis 22 between the bores. Have. Further, the upper end surface of the upper housing defines an upwardly directed annular bearing seat 60 and an annular seal engagement sheet 62.

The pivotable upper control assembly 20 is releasable with a lower plate member 64 and only one fixture shown, but with multiple fixtures or screws 68 that extend upward and screw into the turret member. Includes an upper turret member 66 connected to each other. A blind cylindrical passage 70 is defined radially in the turret member for receiving the actuator 16 including the tubular handle or first control member 72 extending radially outward from the central axis 22. Then, the holding pin 74 is pressed into the turret member and the handle to fix them. The other cylindrical passage 76 is the second wire harness 78
Are defined in the turret member concentric with the pivot axis 22 intersecting the passage 70 so as to extend therethrough and through the tubular handle. A downwardly directed annular groove 80 in the turret member receives a seal ring 82 that rotates with the turret member and sealingly engages the seat 62.
The turret member has a downward bearing seat 84 that engages the upward bearing seat 60 of the upper housing 26, thereby supporting the turret member.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the actuator 16 includes a mounting portion 86 on the annular handle 72 and a twistable gripping portion 88 provided at the distal end of the handle. The mounting portion includes a collar 90, a metal roll pin 92, a flanged tubular metal guide 93, and an annular support member 94 seated on the guide and secured to a handle or first control member 72. The grip portion 88 serves as a second control member and further includes a tubular handgrip 96 rotatably coupled with the tubular handle body 98, and a cylindrical insert or wiper retaining plug 100 seated in the tubular grip. In.

A first descent device 102 moves the hand grip portion about the central axis 104 of the tubular handle 72 to the mounting portion 8.
It is provided to ensure that the hand grip portion (grip portion) 88 is positively indexed when twisted and rotated on 6. The detent device comprises a plurality of aligned cylindrical passages 10
5 and a corresponding plurality of pockets 106 formed in the flanged wear-resistant tubular metal guide 93 and the support member 94 so as to be substantially equally spaced around the axis 104. The detent device further includes a plurality of movable cylindrical pockets 10 formed in the handle body 98.
8, a plurality of ball bearing members 110, the spring force is balanced to reduce the warpage at the outer peripheral portion, and each compression spring is selected by biasing each ball bearing member in the axial direction. It is defined by a plurality of coiled compression springs 112 received in movable pockets 108 that engage guide passages 105 and stationary pockets 106 that are aligned with one another. This causes the handgrip portion 88 to rotate a predetermined angle, eg, approximately 30 °, between the stationary pockets 106 to achieve one of the transmission gear ratios or transmission output speeds. As shown in FIG. 2, the present embodiment includes first, second, third and fourth transmissions 12.
Marks 114 are provided on the rotatable handle body 98 to align with the stationary pointer 116 on the collar 90 so that the speed range can be easily selected.

The handgrip portion 88 has an axially oriented detent device 102 for radial compactness, but as shown best in FIG. A second detent device 118 of the type described is provided between the control assembly 20 and the support assembly 18.
Although only partially shown, the contoured bore 56 is provided with a plurality of triangular recesses 120 in a peripheral arc at approximately equal intervals about the axis 22 and each of the lower plate members 64 has Plunger 124 with semi-cylindrical round nose 126
Has a plurality of radially extending cavities 120 that open radially outwardly. With the plungers symmetrically arranged and the forces about the raised axis 22 balanced, each of the corresponding plurality of coiled compression springs 128 fits into each recess in a precisely indexed relationship with each plunger. Forcibly move radially outward so that they meet. Thus, the actuator 16
By moving the control assembly 20 between the stationary recesses 120 by a predetermined angle, for example, about 15 °, the control assembly 20 is rotated about the raised axis. As shown in FIG. 2, a rotatable mark 130 is provided on the rotatable turret member 66 so that the center position of the handle or the first control member 72 corresponds to the neutral operation mode of the transmission 12. Turning the handle clockwise or clockwise corresponds to the forward mode, and turning the handle counterclockwise or counterclockwise corresponds to the reverse mode.

As best shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the transmission control mechanism 10 includes rugged but compact electrical means 131 therein for selectively activating the solenoids 14a-14f. In. The electrical means includes a first rotary switch device 132 which is activated by the sweeping movement of the handle 72 and includes a plurality of pin and socket type connectors, generally designated 135, for supporting interface board. It has a stationary first printed circuit board or direction change contact board 133 electrically coupled to and seated at 134. The supporting interface board 134 is connected to the second wire harness 78 by the connector 139.
The first wire harness is electrically coupled to the lower end of the first wire harness and is substantially sandwiched between the lower housing 24 and the upper housing 26.
It is electrically coupled to the upper end of 46. Direction switching contact board
On the upper surface of 133, a plurality of raised contact members (contact members) 136 are provided in five groups 136a-136d, 136f-13.
6i, 136k-136n, 136p-136s, and 136u-136x are arranged at a predetermined radius. A plurality of electrically conductive tracks 137 formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the non-conductive board electrically connect each of these contacts to a plurality of edge connectors or terminals. Tracks formed on the underside of the contact board are not shown in FIG. 6 for clarity,
Each edge connector is electrically connected directly to one or more contact members, which are indicated by the reference signs (') associated with the corresponding contact numbers. Therefore, the edge connector is supported interface board 13
Convenient to combine four.

The first switching device 132 further includes five equally-spaced wipers 138a-138e associated with the rotatable control assembly 20. Each of these wiper members, while only one representative wiper member 138 is shown in FIG. 4, is generally radially arranged as shown in phantom in FIG. And a contact engagement surface for electrically sweeping contact with a selected pair of contact members 136 on the direction switching contact board 133. FIG. 8 shows either a rectangular wiper surface 140 as shown or a generally pie-shaped wiper surface not shown and a cavity formed at right angles to the wiper surface and suitable for receiving a coiled compression spring 144. 9 shows an embodiment of an exemplary wiper member 138 having 142. The wiper member is preferably stamped out of a sheet material such as brass, mechanically folded into the desired shape and its surface
A wear-resistant coating is provided on 140. As typically shown in FIG. 4, the wiper holding plate member 64
Defines a plurality of contoured cavities 146 for receiving individual wiper members and compression springs against rotation. As the wiper members 138a-138e are forcibly moved downward relative to the selected, raised and grouped contact members 136,
These cavities are substantially equally spaced around central axis 22.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, electrical means
131 further includes a second rotary switching device 147 which is activated by the limited rotational movement of the gripping portion 88. The second switching device includes a second printed circuit board or speed switching contact board 148 electrically coupled to the upper end of the second wire harness 78. The speed switching contact board is seated on the support member 94 of the mounting portion 86 and has two groups 150a-150e and 150f-
It has a plurality of upstanding contact members (contact members) 150 arranged separately in 150j. In this embodiment, only one wiper member 152 is shown in FIG. 3, but the second switching device rotates with the gripping part, as shown in phantom in FIG. It has two diametrically arranged radially oriented wiper members 152a and 152b. As used herein, the term "radially-oriented wiper member" means that the wiper surface 140 extends radially from each axis 22 and 104. Each wiper member 152a and 152b is axially parallel to axis 104 by a coiled compression spring 154 and viewed in FIG. 3 such that each engages a selected grouped contact member pair 150. And is biased rightward at a predetermined angle. In this connection,
The top surface of each of the contact members 136 and 150 is preferably dome-shaped and is coated with an electrically conductive, wear-resistant material for good electrical contact with the individual wiper members. It is desirable.

The first wire harness 46 shown in FIG. 1 has a supply side and accessory actuation part 156 and a solenoid actuation part 158, and the electrical means 131
The transmission control mechanism 10 shown is shown in the overall electrical schematic. Nine wires 160a-160i are provided in connection with the supply side and the accessory working portion, and twelve wires 162a-162l in connection with the solenoid working portion.
Is provided. The connection of these lines is as shown below.

160a: 1st power supply 164 160b: Common ground 166 160c: 2nd power supply 168 160d: Backup alarm section 170 160e: Third power supply 172 160f: Start relay 174 160g: Start relay 174 160h: Key switch 176 to 160i: Key switch 176 to 162a: Forward clutch solenoid 14a via supply lead 162b: Forward clutch solenoid 14a via ground lead 162c: Reverse clutch solenoid via supply lead 162d to the reverse clutch solenoid 14b via the grounding lead 162e: to the first speed clutch solenoid 14c via the supply lead 162f: 162g to the first speed clutch solenoid 14c via the grounding lead 162h to the second speed clutch solenoid 14d via the supply side lead wire 162i: to the second speed clutch solenoid 14d via the ground side lead wire 162i: Third speed clutch solenoid via the supply side lead wire 162j to the third speed clutch solenoid 14e via the ground side lead 162k: to the fourth speed clutch solenoid 14f via the supply side lead 162l: the fourth speed clutch solenoid 14f via the ground side lead As shown in FIG. 7, the electric means 131 suppresses the spike voltage generated by deenergizing the solenoids 14a to 14f, and the service life of the wiper members 138 and 152 of the contact members 136 and 150. Is included. The spike voltage suppressing means is connected to the supply lead wires 16 connected to the respective solenoids.
2a, 162c, 162e, 162g, 162i, 162k and ground lead 162b,
162d, 162f, 162h, 162j, 162l include a plurality of diodes 180a-180f that are individually electrically connected. Each of these diodes is positioned substantially across one of the solenoids electrically downstream of the respective wiper member. With this configuration, a surge voltage of the positive supply lead is supplied to the ground lead according to a predetermined setting of the diode. These diodes are connectable to a support interface board 134 in the support assembly 18, as represented by one diode in FIG.

Alternate Embodiment Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, an alternative embodiment of the electrical transmission control mechanism 10 'is to move the upper support assembly 20' to a predetermined angular position of the raised axis 22 'relative to the lower support assembly 18'. And an interlock device 190 for positioning. More specifically, handle 7
2 'is locked in the nine o'clock position shown in FIG. 9 corresponding to the neutral position by the interlocking action of the outwardly extending tang or arm 191 and the rotatable docking element 192. The tongue 191 is fixed to the control assembly and is rotatable with the control assembly between the forward-neutral-reverse positions as in the first embodiment, but the locking element 192 is cantilevered from the support assembly 18 '. It is mounted on a pin 193 extending in the form of a beam. Lock element 1
92 has a downwardly facing locking slot 195 so that the locking element 192 can be pushed by the vehicle operator only when the handle 72 'is in the neutral position.
It is manually rotated about the central axis 196 of the 93 and engages with the tongue 191. Usually, for example, the locking element is an axis
The tongue 191 is rotated about 196 away from the tongue 191 so that when the handle 72 'is swung to the forward and reverse gear operative positions, a pair of angularly formed Surfaces 197 and 198 spaced apart from each other
Rocked between.

Industrial Applicability Not shown, but assuming that the engine or vehicle power source is not rotating, the handle of control assembly 20
When 72 is in the forward or reverse mode, the electrical transmission control mechanism 10 does not allow the engine to be started. That is, reference numerals 136a-136d in FIG.
Are positioned relative to the wiper member 138a such that no current flows therethrough in the forward or reverse position. Current can flow between contact elements 136b and 136d only when wiper member 138a is in the center position shown in FIG. 6, which corresponds to the neutral position of the handle. When the neutral start switch is closed, as shown on the right side of FIG. 7, the key switch 176 associated with lines 160h and 160i electrically connects the start relay 174 associated with lines 160f and 160g. Connected to. In this state, if the operator operates the key switch in the usual manner, a current flows through the start relay, and the engine can be started as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

While the engine is running, the transmission 12 is supplied with hydraulic power to operate the vehicle by selective operation of one of the two directional solenoids 14a and 14b and one of the four speed solenoids 14c-14f. . For example, assuming that grip portion 88 of FIG. 3 has been rotated about axis 104 to a position corresponding to the first or low gear position, opposing wiper members 152a and 152b are in the position shown in FIG. As can be seen from the circuit diagram of FIG. 7, each contact pair 150d and 150e and 150i and 15i
0j makes electrical contact. However, if the handle 72 is in the center neutral position, the fifth position shown in FIG.
Group contact member 136u-136x wiper member 13
8e power from line 160a and contact member 136x,
Since it is not connected to any of the contact members 136u and 136w and to the line 150e connected thereto, no current is directed to the grip portion. Rather, wiper member 138c electrically connects contact members 136l and 136n so that second power supply 168 and line 160c conduct power to the positive lead of fourth speed solenoid 14 via line 162k. The ground line 162l of the fourth speed solenoid is connected to the ground line 160b by a wiper member 138b via a direct connection between the contact members 136g and 136i. Therefore,
According to one feature of the present invention, in the neutral state, the grip portion 88
No electric power flows through the vehicle, so that even if an unexpected electric short circuit occurs in the grip portion, the vehicle does not start moving. Independent of the rotation position of the grip, the handle
The feature that certain clutches of transmission 12 are engaged when 72 is in a neutral state ensures that the transmission operates at the desired gear ratio. In this case, the automatic operation of the fourth speed solenoid 14f or the highest speed clutch, since many elements of the transmission 12 are operated in the most desirable state to minimize overspeed during the vehicle's fallback mode. Is desirable.

Next, assuming that the vehicle operator wishes to move forward in the first speed, the grip portion 88 is already in the first speed mode, so that the handle 72 need only be moved forward, thereby causing the control assembly 20 to move in the axis Rotate around 22 to enter forward control mode. The second one shown in FIGS. 6 and 7
The group of contact members 136f-136i and the third group of contact members 136k-136n are connected to the second power source 168 and the first power source 168.
Power from power supply 164 is coupled to positive lines 162a and 162e of forward clutch solenoid 14a and first speed clutch solenoid 14c, respectively. At the same time, the ground lines 162b and 162f of the same solenoid are connected to the electrical ground 166. More specifically, the contact members (contact members) 136k and 136n, 136f and 136i, 150d and 150e, and 150i of FIG.
And 150j are the wiper members 13 shown in FIG. 5 and FIG.
8c, 138b, 152a and 152b are connected to each other. In the advanced position, contact members 136x and 136u are electrically coupled by wiper member 138e.

The shift from the forward first speed to the forward second speed is performed by the grip portion 88.
In the second gear mode. Thereby, contact members 150d and 150e and 150i and 15
0j is disconnected, and the contact members 150c connected to the first power source 164 and the electrical ground 166, respectively.
And 150e, 150h and 150j.

Further rotate the grip portion 88 to advance from the second forward speed to the third forward speed.
When the gears are shifted to high speed, the wiper members 152a and 152b cut off the electrical connection between the contact members 150c and 150e, 150h and 150j, and connect the contact members 150b and 150e,
It is coupled to a power supply 164 and an electrical ground 166.

Similarly, when shifting from the third forward speed to the fourth forward speed, the electrical connection between the contact members 150b and 150e and between the contact members 150g and 150j is cut off, and the contact members 150a, 150e and 150f are disconnected.
And 150j are coupled to a first power supply 164 and an electrical ground 166, respectively.

When the control handle 72 is shifted from the neutral position to the reverse mode with the grip portion 88 in the first gear position, the contact member
The second power supply 168 is connected to the power line 162c of the reverse solenoid 14b via 136m, 136n and the wiper member 138c. Further, the ground 166 is connected to the ground line of the reverse solenoid through the contact members 136i and 136h and the wiper member 138b.
162d. In this mode, the fourth
Group contact member 136p-136s wiper member 13
Since 8d extends radially between contact members 136r and 136s and contact members 136q and 136s are always electrically connected, contact members 136q and 136r are electrically connected. As a result, the third accessory power supply 172 is connected to the backup alarm device 170, and the surrounding people are warned that the vehicle is backed up for safety reasons.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the electrical means 131 is structurally simple, compact and robust. Further, the electrical means includes spike voltage suppression means 178, and contacts 136 and 150 and wiper members 138 and 152.
Are configured and arranged to provide a long service life. The first rotary switch device 132 is particularly compact in the direction of the axis 22 and is housed in the support assembly 18 and the control assembly 20 in a protected manner. Similarly, the second rotary switch device 147 is radially compact and particularly compact in the direction of the axis 104, so that it is protected and stored in a gripping portion 88 that is easily gripped. Many parts of each component of the transmission control mechanism 10 are formed of a non-conductive plastic, such as nylon, which is filled with a dimensionally stable inorganic material that has strength over a wide temperature range. The first and second detent devices 102 and 108 provide the operator with a good feeling to positively establish the forward-neutral-reverse mode and the first, second, third and fourth speed modes, respectively. The electrical switch device then achieves a number of functions that maximize the safe operation of the transmission 12 and the vehicle to which it is mounted, in a particularly efficient manner. The double failure shutdown mode of the mechanism, called "ground switch", which disconnects both leads of one clutch actuating solenoid and connects both leads of the other solenoid, is a prior art mechanism. It is particularly desirable in comparison with the function stop mode due to one failure adopted in the above. In other words, the mechanism requires two failures or an unexpected electrical event before the solenoid is inadvertently activated, whereas a conventional device would inadvertently activate the solenoid with one failure.

Other aspects, objects, and advantages of the present invention can be obtained from a study of the drawings, the description and the appended claims.

[Brief description of the drawings]

1 is a schematic rear view of an electric transmission control mechanism constructed according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the control mechanism shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged schematic enlarged view of a portion of the control mechanism shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, with the upper half broken away to show a cross-section to show its structure in detail. FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view of another part of the control mechanism shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, showing details of its structure. FIG. 5 is a schematic enlarged plan view showing only the speed change contact board cut along line VV in FIG. 3; FIG. 6 is cut along line VI-VI in FIG. FIG. 7 is an enlarged schematic plan view showing only the direction switching contact board; FIG. 7 is an electric circuit diagram of the electric transmission control mechanism of the present invention; FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a typical wiper member shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a partial schematic plan view of an alternative embodiment of the electrical transmission control mechanism, showing an associated useful interlock device. FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view of the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 10: electrical transmission control mechanism, 12: transmission, 14: clutch operating solenoid, 72: handle, 88: gripping part, 136: contact member, 138: wiper member

Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Daniel Ross-Extland, United States, 61554 Illinois, Pekin, Sheridan Road 3220 (56) References JP-A-1-168526 (JP, A) JP-A-51-82933 ( JP, A) Japanese Utility Model 60-106832 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B60K 20/00-20/08 F16H 59/00 H01K 9/54

Claims (10)

(57) [Claims] An electrical transmission control mechanism for shifting a transmission by controllably actuating a plurality of clutch actuating solenoids, each having a supply lead and a ground lead, the control assembly comprising: a control assembly; A support assembly rotatably supporting the control assembly about an axis; disconnecting both supply and ground leads of at least one of the solenoids in response to pivotal movement of the control assembly about a central axis. Electrical means for connecting both the supply and ground leads of at least one other of said solenoids and shifting at least one speed and direction of the transmission; said electrical means comprising one electrical Ensures that mechanical failures do not cause unexpected shifts in the transmission Electrical transmission control mechanism. 2. The printed circuit board having a plurality of contact members connected to the support assembly and sweeping engagement with the contact members on the printed circuit board in response to rotation of the control assembly about a central axis. The electrical transmission control mechanism according to claim 1, including a plurality of radially extending wiper members connected to the control assembly. 3. The control assembly includes a first control member and a second control member on the first control member, the electrical means having a plurality of second contact members connected to the first control member. A second contact member on another printed wiring board that is swept and engaged with the second printed circuit board in response to rotation of the second control member.
3. The electrical transmission control mechanism according to claim 2, including a plurality of other wiper members connected to the control member. 4. A plurality of contact members on the printed circuit board, the first group of wiper members including a first group of raised contact members connecting a power supply to a selected supply lead in response to a sweeping motion of the first one of the wiper members. 3. The electrical transmission control mechanism of claim 2 including a second group of raised contact members connecting the electrical ground to a selected ground lead in response to a second sweep of the wiper members. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the electrical means includes neutral start means for ensuring power supply for starting only when the control member is positioned in a neutral operating mode, wherein the neutral start means includes a plurality of wiper members. 5. The electrical transmission control mechanism according to claim 4, including a third group of raised contact members provided on the printed wiring board, cooperatively engaged by a third one of the wiper members. 6. The electrical means includes a plurality of raised contact members disposed at a predetermined radius about a central axis, and a plurality of radially oriented members arranged to bridge and engage the pair of contact members. A plurality of clutch actuating solenoids including a forward solenoid and a reverse solenoid, wherein a first one of the wiper members and a first plurality of the contact members cooperate to provide power to the forward solenoid and The electrical transmission control mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the electrical transmission control mechanism is connected to one of the reverse solenoids. 7. An electrical transmission control mechanism for shifting a transmission by controllably operating a plurality of clutch actuating solenoids, the control assembly comprising: a control assembly; and a control assembly rotatable about a central axis at a limited rotational angle. An electrical means for altering at least one output speed ratio of the transmission and the direction of rotation of the output of the transmission by electrically operating individual solenoids with the oscillating motion of the control assembly; A rotary switch connected between the general control assembly and the support assembly having a printed wiring board defining a plurality of raised contact members disposed at a predetermined radius about a central axis; Device and selected pairs of contacts connected to the control assembly A first and second radially oriented wiper member bridgingly engaging the member, a power supply, and a common electrical ground, the first wiper member connecting the selected solenoid to ground and other An electrical transmission control mechanism adapted to disconnect the solenoid from ground, and wherein the second wiper member connects the selected solenoid to a power source and is adapted to disconnect the other solenoid from the power source. 8. The control assembly includes a first control member defining a second axis extending substantially radially outward from the central axis, and a second control member mounted on the first control member. An electrical means connected to the first control member, another rotary switch device having another printed wiring board defining another plurality of raised contact members disposed at a predetermined radius around the second axis; A plurality of other radially-directed wipers connected within the second control member for bridging engagement with a selected one of the plurality of contact members by rotational movement of the second control member about the second axis. 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the member includes a member.
An electrical transmission control mechanism as described. 9. A power supply is connected to a printed wiring board of another rotary switch device, wherein the rotary switch device transmits electric energy when the rotary switch device is in the neutral position and the printed wiring of another rotary switch device. 8. The electrical transmission control mechanism according to claim 7, further comprising means for interrupting supply to the plate. 10. An electrical transmission control mechanism for shifting a transmission by controllably operating a plurality of directional clutch operating solenoids and a plurality of speed clutch operating solenoids, comprising: a stationary member; first and second control members. Supporting the first control member so as to make a relative rotation about the first axis on the stationary member, and making the second control member make a relative rotation about the second axis on the first control member. And a means for changing at least one speed ratio of the transmission and a direction of rotation of the transmission, including first and second rotary switch devices, wherein the first rotary switch device comprises: A first printed wiring board defining a plurality of first contact members disposed at a predetermined radius from the first axis; A second wiper member, the second rotary switch device defining a plurality of second contact members disposed at a predetermined radius from the second axis, and a plurality of radially extending second contact members. A first wiper member, the first control member causing a relative sweeping movement between the first wiper member and the first contact member of the first rotary switch device, thereby causing the directional clutch actuating solenoid to rotate. Being movable to selectively activate one, the second control member causes a relative sweeping movement between the second wiper member and the second contact member of the second rotary switch device;
An electrical transmission control mechanism movable thereby to selectively activate one of the speed clutch actuating solenoids.