WO1982001093A1

WO1982001093A1 - Transmission control linkage

Info

Publication number: WO1982001093A1
Application number: PCT/US1980/001274
Authority: WO
Inventors: W Shipitalo; N Jirousek
Original assignee: W Shipitalo; N Jirousek
Priority date: 1980-09-22
Filing date: 1980-09-22
Publication date: 1982-04-01

Abstract

Herein an apparatus (10) is provided for moving a first member (12) in a desired manner in response to conventional movement of a second or control member (24). The first member (12) is mounted for rotation about its axis and translation along its axis. The second member (24) is mounted for controlling such movements. A linkage (46, 49) is provided for rotating the member (12) on translation of the control member (24) and for translating the member (12) on rotation of the control member (24). The control member (24) can be conventional gear shift lever (24). Through utilizing the linkage (46, 49), the gear shift lever (24), when moved through a normal "H" pattern (34), provides the desired motion of the member (12), which can be a shift rail (12) of a transmission (13). An operator can then shift gears in a vehicle by moving its gear shift lever (24) in a conventional manner, and the resulting movement of the shift rail (12) is such as to properly engage and disengage gears (39, 41, 47) in a compact transmission (13).

Description

Transmission Control Linkage

Technical Field

This invention relates generally to control linkages and more particularly to transmission control linkages.

Background Art

A single shift rail structure has been developed which is selectively engageable with three or more gears of different speeds. In order to be able to use only a single shift rail to accomplish this, it has been necessary to provide both rotary and translatory motion to that shift rail. Basically, positioning of the rail to a first rotational position allows it to engage one gear, or one of a pair of gears, on translation of the rail while it is still within the first rotational position. Return of the rail to a neutral translatory position, and rotation to a second rotational position allows the rail to selectively engage with either one other gear, or either one of a pair of othe gears, when the rail is translated in one or both directions from its neutral position.

It is desirable to selectively provide the above-described rotary and translatory motion to the shift rail via moving a relatively conventional gear lever in a conventional shift pattern, for example a conventional "H" shift pattern.

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

In one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus has a first longitudinally extending member having first member first and second end portions and a first axis which is mounted for rotation about the first axis and for axial translation. A second longitudinally extending member has a second axis and is mounted for rotation about the second axis and for axial translation. An improvement comprises rotating means for rotating the first member in a first rotational direction about the first axis in response to axial movement of the second member in a first direction along the second axis and in a second rotational direction about the first axis in response to axial movement of the second member in a second direction along the second axis. The improvement also includes translating means for axially translating the first member in a first direction along the first axis in response to rotation of the second member in a first rotational direction about the second axis and in a second direction along the first axis in response to rotation of the second member in a second rotational direction about the second axis. In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, an apparatus is provided which includes a frame and a first lever having a first end portion, a second end portion and a central portion and being pivotally mounted to the frame at the central portion about the first pivot axis. A universal joint having first and second races also is part of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus, with one of the races being attached to the second end portion of the first lever. A member, having an axis and mounted to extend from another of the races of the universal joint, also forms part of the apparatus. A second lever is provided having a first end portion, a second end portion and a central portion, the central portion of the second lever being pivotted to the central portion of the first lever about a second pivot axis which is generally orthogonal to the first pivot axis. Means are also provided for rotating the member about its axis in response to pivotting of the second lever about the second pivot axis.

Utilizing the apparatus as set out above, a conventional "H" (or partial "H" ) pattern can be provided for a conventional gear shift lever. Movement of the gear shift lever through such a pattern will lead to proper translation and rotation of a shift rail of a mechanical transmission. Thus, when the gear shift lever is rotated about its longitudinal axis the shift rail will be translated, and when the gear lever is translated along its axis, the shift rail will be rotated about its axis. A relatively uncomplicated overall linkage thus allows the use of a single shift rail to provide shifting between three or four gears (without the use of an additional shift rail).

Brief Description Of The Drawings

Figure 1 illustrates, in partial side view, partially in section, an improved apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 illustrates, in partially exploded diametric view, partially in phantom, a portion of the improved apparatus of Figure 1 in a first mode of operation;

Figure 3 Illustrates, In diametric view, partially in phantom, a portion of the Improved apparatus of Figure 1 in a second mode of operation; Figure 4 illustrates a gear lever portion of the Improved apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present Invention and the interconnection of the apparatus of Figure 1 with that of Figures 2 and 3; Figure 5 illustrates an "H" pattern through which the gear lever of Figure 4 Is movable in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 6 illustrates, in side section partial view, a mechanical transmission motivatable by an improvement in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention and its connection to such embodiment.

Best Mode For Carrying Out The Invention For convenience, and also since the invention was originally developed for such use, the following description is directed to an aspect of the present invention wherein movement of a gear shift lever is translated into movement of a shift rail. However, it should be noted that the Invention can also find use In other fields, for example, in providing both linear and rotary motion to a valve spool or the like.

Adverting to Figures 1, 2 and 3 of the drawings, an apparatus 10 is shown having a first longitudinally extending member, for example, a shift rail 12 of a mechanical transmission 13, the rail 12 having a first end portion 14 and a second end portion 16 (Figure 6). The shift rail 12 has a first axis 18 and is mounted for rotation about the first axis 18 and for axial translation along the first axis 18 at bearings 20 and 22. A second longitudinally extending member, for example a conventional gear shift member 24 motivated by a gear shift lever 25 (Figure 4), having a second axis 26 and being mounted for rotation about and for axial translation along the second axis 26, as at a guide 28, also forms a part of the apparatus 10. Generally the first axis 18 and the second axis 26 are spaced unequal distances one from the other or, In other words, are neither parallel nor colinear, since if such were the case somewhat simpler mechanisms could be used to provide the desired motions of the shift rail 12 on movement of the gear shift lever 24.

It will be noted (Figure 4) that the gear shift lever 25 will generally be bent adjacent a top portion 30 thereof and will extend to a handle 32 for operator control of gear shifts of an associated vehicle. The top portion 30 of the gear shift lever 24 (Figure 4) will generally be movable in a conventional "H" (or partial "H") shaped pattern 34 (Figure 5). Movement of the handle 32 to place the top portion 30 of the gear shift lever 25 in one of the first and second gear positions leads to rotation of the gear shift member 24 about its axis 26. Movement of the top portion 30 of the gear shift lever 25 along the cross member of the "H" pattern 34 leads to translational movement of the gear shift member 24 up or down along Its axis 26. Referring to Figure 6, the shift rail 12 of the associated transmission is of a nature wherein a first shift fork 35 carried by it may move into engagement with a first synchronizer ring 37 or a second synchronizer ring 36 to engage first 39 or second 41 gears when the shift rail 12 Is in a first rotational position about its axis 18 and wherein a second shift fork 43 may move a third synchronizer ring 45 to engage third (and a fourth gear if present) gear 47 If the shift rail 12 is rotated to a second rotational position about its axis 18. Movement of the forks 35,43 to cause engagement of the various gears 39,41,47 takes place by longitudinal translation of the shift rail 12 along its axis 18. The first shift fork 35 does not move longitudinally with the shift rail 12 when the shift rail 12 is in its second rotational position and the second shift fork 43 does not move longitudinally with the shift rail 12 when the shift rail 12 is in its first rotational position.

In accordance with the present invention, rotating means 49 (see Figure 2) serves for rotating the shift rail 12 in a first rotational direction (arrow 38) about its axis 18, in response to axial movement of the gear shift member 24 in a first direction (arrow 40) along its axis 26. The rotating means 49 also serves for rotating the first member 12 In a second rotational direction (arrow 42) about its axis 18, In response to axial movement of the gear shift member 24 In a second direction (arrow 44) along its axis 26. The movement of the shift rail 12 occurs through Intermediate like movements of a linkage assembly 86 which is described in detail below. The particular rotating means 49 will also be described in more detail below.

Also in accordance with the present invention, translating means 46 (see Figure 3) serves for axially translating the shift rail 12 in a first direction (arrow 48) along its axis 18, in response to rotation of the gear shift member 24 in a first rotational direction (arrow 50) about its axis 26. The translating means 46 also serves for axially translating the shift rail 12 in a second direction

(arrow 52) along its axis 18, in response to rotation of the gear shift member 24 in a second rotational direction (arrow 54) about its axis 26.

The preferred translating means 46 (Figure 3) includes a first lever assembly 56 (also shown In partial phantom view in two shifted positions) having a first end portion 58, a second end portion 60 and a central portion 62. The central portion 62 of the first lever assembly 56 is pivotally connected to a bracket 63 which extends from a frame 64 (Figures 1 and 4) about a first pivot axis 66 which is generally normal to the gear shift member 24. Means 68, in the embodiment illustrated a fork 70 (also shown in partial phantom view in one shifted position) in which a ball 72 on the first end portion 58 of the first lever assembly 56 fits, serves for pivotting the first lever assembly 56 In a first pivotal direction (arrow 74) about the first pivot axis 66 in response to rotation of the gear shift member 24 in the first rotational direction (arrow 50) about its axis 26. The means 68 also serves for pivotting the first lever assembly 56 in a second pivotal direction (arrow 76) about the first pivot axis 66, in response to rotation of the gear shift member 24 in the second rotational direction (arrow 54) about its axis 26.

Means 78 (Figure 3) serves for axially translating the shift rail 12 in the first direction (arrow 48) along its axis 18, In response to pivotting of the first lever assembly 56 in its first pivotal direction (arrow 74) about the first pivot axis 66. The means 78 also serves for axially translating the first member 12 In the second direction (arrow 52) along its axis 18, In response to pivotting of the first lever assembly 56 in its second pivotal direction (arrow 76) about the first pivot axis 66. The preferred means 78 includes a universal bearing 80, e.g., a ball 82 fitting in a socket 84. The bearing 80 serves for connecting the second end portion 60 of the first lever assembly 56 to transmit linear motion to the previously mentioned linkage assembly 86 (see Figures 1, 2 and 3), which has a longitudinal axis 87. The rotating means 49 (Figure 2) preferably includes a second lever assembly 88 (also shown in partial phantom view in one shifted position) having a first end portion 90, a second end portion 92 and a central portion 94. The second lever assembly 88 is pivotally connected to the first lever assembly 56 at its central portion 62 about a second pivot axis 96. The second pivot axis 96 is generally normal to the first pivot axis 66.

The linkage assembly 86 (Figures 1 and 2) has a first end portion 98 and a second end portion 100 with the first end portion 98 being pivotally connected to the slide rail 12 at Its first end portion 14 about a third pivot 102 (seen best in Figure 3), generally a universal joint. Thus, the linkage assembly 86 provides a linkage between the axial translating means 78 and the slide rail 12. The third (universal) pivot 102 transmits the required rotary (and linear) motion to the shift rail 12.

Means 104 (Figure 2) are provided for pivotting the second lever assembly 88 in a first pivotal direction (arrow 106) about the second pivot axis 96, in response to translation of the gear shift lever 24 in its first direction (arrow 40) along its axis 26. The pivotting means 104 also serves for pivotting the second lever assembly 88 in a second pivotal direction (arrow 108) about the second pivot axis 96, in response to translation of the gear shift lever 24 in its second direction 44 along its axis 26.

The means 104 (Figure 2) includes a fork 110 having a central slot 112 which fits about a post 114 which extends generally normal from the gear shift member 24. More particularly, the post 114 extends from a stub shaft 116 (also shown in partial phantom view in one shifted position) which is offset from the longitudinal axis 26 of gear shift member 24 by a bracket 118. As the gear shift member 24 moves axially along its axis 26, the post 114 pushes the inside surface of the slot 112 of the fork 110, thus causing the second lever assembly 88 to rotate about the second pivot axis 96. This causes a link 120 to be moved through action of a pivot pin 122 which connects to the second end portion 92 of the second lever assembly 88. Movement of the link 120 causes rotation of a crank 124 which is pivotally attached to the link 120 at a universal bearing 126, generally a ball and socket bearing. The crank 124 acts upon the linkage assembly 86, to which it is attached, to cause the linkage assembly 86 to rotate about the assembly axis 87. This in turn causes the shift rail 12 to rotate via force being translated by the third pivot 102.

Means 128 (Figure 2) serves for rotating the shift rail 12 In Its first rotational direction (arrow 38) about Its axis 18, In response to pivotting of the second lever assembly 88 in its first pivotal direction (arrow 106) about the second pivot axis 96. The means 128 also serves for rotating the first member 12 in its second rotational direction (arrow 42) about its axis 18, In response to pivotting of the second lever assembly 88 in its second pivotal direction (arrow 108) about the second pivot axis 96. The illustrated means 128 includes a structure 130 connecting the second end portion 92 of the second lever assembly 88 generally orthogonally to the second end portion 100 of the linkage assembly 86. In this manner, rotation of the second lever assembly 88 about the second pivot axis 96 leads to rotation of the linkage assembly 86, which, acting via the third pivot 102 causes the shift rail 12 to rotate about its axis 18.

Industrial Applicability

An improved apparatus 10 as described in detail above is particularly useful for providing translation and rotation of a shift rail which engages a mechanical transmission selectively in one of three or more gears on movement of a conventional gear shift lever through a conventional "H" shift pattern. In operation, movement of the top portion 30 of the gear shift lever 24 in the "H" shaped pattern 34 (Figure 5) to its first, second or third gear position leads to rotation of the gear shift member 24 about its axis 26 (Figures 3 and 4). Movement of the top portion 30 of the gear shift lever 25 along the cross member of the pattern 34 leads to translation of the gear shift member 24 along Its axis 26 (Figures 2 and 4). When the gear shaft member 24 rotates about its axis 26, the translating means 46 (Figure 3) axially translates the shift rail 12 along its axis 18. When the gear shift member 24 is translated along its axis 26, the rotating means 49 (Figure 2) rotates the shift rail 12 (Figure 1) about its axis 18. The just described translation and rotation of the shift rail 12 leads to the desired engagement and disengagement of the gears 39,41 and 47 (Figure 6). When both translatory and rotary motion of the shift rail is accomplished, this allows the gears of the transmission to be relatively close together and also allows the gears to be engaged utilizing only a single shift rail for as many as four (or even more) gears. Accordingly, a relatively compact transmission can be used. Such compact transmissions are particularly useful in lift trucks. It should also be noted that an apparatus as described herein has other uses as well, for example, in providing translation and rotation of a valve stem.

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

Claims

1. In an apparatus (10) having a first longitudinally extending member (12) having first (14) and second (16) end portions and a first axis (18) and being mounted for rotation about said first axis (18) and for axial translation, a second longitudinally extending member (24) having a second axis (26) and being mounted for rotation about said second axis (26) and for axial translation, the Improvement comprising: rotating means (49) for rotating said first member (12) in a first rotational direction (38) about said first axis (18) in response to axial movement of said second member (24) in a first direction (40) along said second axis (26) and in a second rotational direction (42) about said first axis (18) in response to axial movement of said second member (24) in a second direction (44) along said second axis (26); and translating means (46) for axially translating said first member (12) in a first direction (48) along said first axis (18) in response to rotation of said second member (24) in a first rotational direction (50) about said second axis (26) and in a second direction (52) along said first axis (18) in response to rotation of said second member

(24) in a second rotational direction (54) about said second axis (26).

2. The apparatus (10) as set forth in claim 1, further including: a frame (64); and wherein said translating means (46) includes a first lever assembly (56) having a first end portion 58, a second end portion (60), a central portion (62) and a first pivot axis (66), said central portion (62) being pivotally connected to said frame (64) about said first pivot axis (66), means (68) for pivotting said first lever assembly (56) in a first pivotal direction (74) about said first pivot axis (66) in response to rotation of said second member (24) in said first rotational direction (50) about said second axis (26) and in a second pivotal direction (76) about said first pivot axis (66) in response to rotation of said second member (24) in said second rotational direction (54) about said second axis (26) and means (78) for axially translating said first member (12) in said first direction (48) along said first axis (18) in response to pivotting of said first lever assembly (56) in said first pivotal direction (74) about said first pivot axis (66) and in said second direction (52) along said first axis (18) in response to pivotting of said first lever assembly (56) in said second pivotal direction (76) about said first pivot axis (66).

3. The apparatus (10) as set forth in claim 2, wherein said axial translating means (78) includes a universal bearing (80) connecting said second end portion (60) of said first lever assembly (56) to said first member (12).

4. The apparatus (10) as set forth in claim 2, wherein said rotating means (49) includes a second lever assembly (88) having a first end portion (90), a second end portion (92) a central portion (94) and a second pivot axis (96), said central portion (94) being pivotally connected to said central portion (62) of said first lever assembly (56) about a second pivot axis (96), means (104) for pivoting said second lever assembly (88) In a first pivotal direction (106) about said second pivot axis (96) in response to translation of said second member (24) in said first direction (40) along said second axis (26), and in a second pivotal direction (108) about said second pivot axis (96) in response to translation of said second member (24) in said second direction (54) along said second axis (26), and means (128) for rotating said first member (12) in said first rotational direction (38) about said first axis (18) in response to pivoting of said second lever assembly (88) in said first pivotal direction (106) about said second pivot axis (96), and in said second rotational direction (42) about said first axis (18) in response to pivoting of said second lever assembly (88) in said second pivotal direction (108) about said second pivot axis (96).

5. The apparatus (10) as set forth in claim 4, wherein said rotating means (128) includes a structure (130) connecting said second end portion (92) of said second lever assembly (88) to said first member (12).

6. The apparatus (10) as set forth in claim 4 further including: a linkage assembly (86) having first (98) and second (100) end portions and an axis (87), said first end portion (98) being pivotally connected to said first end portion (14) of said first member (12), said second end portion (100) being connected to said translating means (78) and said rotating means (128).

7. The apparatus (10) as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first member (12) is a shift rail (12) for a mechanical transmission (13) and said second member (24) is a gear shift member (24).

8. The apparatus (10) as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first (18) and second (26) axes are spaced at unequal distances one from the other.

9. An apparatus (10) for selectively rotating a member (86) about a longitudinal axis (87) thereof and for translating the member (26) along said axis (87), comprising: a frame (64); a first lever assembly (56) having a first end portion (58), a second end portion (60) a central portion (62) and a first pivot axis (66) being pivotally mounted to said frame (64) at said central portion (62) and pivotally movable about said first pivot axis (66), said second end portion (60) being pivotally connected to said member (86); a second lever assembly (88) having a first end portion (90), a second end portion (92), a central portion (94) and a second pivot axis (96), said central portion (94) of said second lever assembly (88) being pivotally connected to said central portion (62) of said first lever assembly (56) and pivotally movable about said second pivot axis (96), said pivot axis (96) being generally orthogonal to said first pivot axis (66); and means (120,124) for rotating said member (86) about said axis (87) in response to pivotting of said second lever assembly (88) about said second pivot axis (96).

10. An apparatus (10) as set forth In claim 9, wherein said means (120,124) Includes a linkage (124) connecting said second end portion (92) of said second lever assembly (88) generally orthogonally to said member (86).

11. An apparatus (10) as set forth in claim 9, further including: a first longitudinally extending control member (12) having first (14) and second (16) end portions and a first axis (18) and being mounted for rotation about said first axis (18) and for axial translation, said first end (14) of said control member (12) being pivotally attached to said member (86).

12. An apparatus (10) as set forth in claim 11, further including: a second longitudinally extending control member (24) having a second axis (26) and being mounted for rotation about said second axis (26) and for axial translation; and means (68) for pivoting said first lever assembly (56) in a first pivotal direction (74) about said first pivot axis (66) in response to rotating said second member (24) in a first rotational direction (50) about said second axis (26) and in a second pivotal direction (76) about said first pivot axis (66) in response to rotating said second member (24) in a second rotational direction (54) about said second axis (26) and means (78) for axially translating said first member (12) in a first direction (48) along said first axis (18) in response to pivoting of said first lever assembly (56) in said first pivotal direction (74) about said first pivot axis (66) and in a second direction (52) along said first axis (18) in response to pivoting of said first lever assembly (56) in said second pivotal direction (76) about said first pivot axis (66).