U.S. patent number RE31,451 [Application Number 06/425,329] was granted by the patent office on 1983-11-29 for manual transmission shifter for operating a transmission with elongated actuators such as flexible cables.
This patent grant is currently assigned to JSJ Corporation. Invention is credited to Charles Osborn.
United States Patent |
RE31,451 |
Osborn |
November 29, 1983 |
Manual transmission shifter for operating a transmission with
elongated actuators such as flexible cables
Abstract
A transmission shifter for vehicles, the shifter being of the
type for transmitting gear shift movements to a transmission
through a pair of .Iadd.elongated actuators such as
.Iaddend.flexible shielded cables. The shifter comprises a shift
lever which is pivotable about mutually orthogonal axes. Pivotal
movement of the shifter about one axis is translated into a linear
displacement of one of the .[.flexible shielded cables.].
.Iadd.actuators.Iaddend.. Pivotal movement of the shifter about the
other axis is translated .Iadd.through a member that is pivotably
mounted about an axis offset from the aforesaid orthogonal axis
.Iaddend.into a linear displacement of the other .[.flexible
shielded cable.]. .Iadd.actuator.Iaddend.. A push button actuated
lockout means is provided for locking out the reverse position.
Inventors: |
Osborn; Charles (Spring Lake,
MI) |
Assignee: |
JSJ Corporation (Grand Haven,
MI)
|
Family
ID: |
27026641 |
Appl.
No.: |
06/425,329 |
Filed: |
September 28, 1982 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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Reissue of: |
905123 |
May 12, 1978 |
04245521 |
Jan 20, 1981 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
74/473.15;
74/473.22; 74/473.3; 74/900 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60K
20/02 (20130101); F16C 11/0614 (20130101); F16H
59/0278 (20130101); F16H 61/36 (20130101); F16H
2059/026 (20130101); Y10T 74/2014 (20150115); F16H
2059/0282 (20130101); F16H 2059/048 (20130101); F16H
2059/0265 (20130101); Y10T 74/20049 (20150115); Y10T
74/20091 (20150115); F16H 2059/0273 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B60K
20/02 (20060101); F16H 61/26 (20060101); F16H
61/36 (20060101); F16H 59/02 (20060101); F16C
11/06 (20060101); G05G 009/16 (); F16H
057/06 () |
Field of
Search: |
;74/473R,473SW,475,476 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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807123 |
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Oct 1936 |
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FR |
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946867 |
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Dec 1948 |
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FR |
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2256466 |
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Dec 1973 |
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FR |
|
964188 |
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Jul 1964 |
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GB |
|
Other References
Webster's Third New International Dictionary, p. 1219, G & C.
Merriam Company, Publishers..
|
Primary Examiner: Herrmann; Allan D.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Price, Heneveld, Huizenga &
Cooper
Claims
I claim:
1. In a shifter for operating a manual transmission with a pair of
flexible cables comprising:
a gear selecting shift lever;
a pivotable shift lever carrier;
first and second generally orthogonal axes;
a stationary base for mounting the transmission shifter to an
automotive vehicle;
said shift lever being pivotable relative to said .[.carrier.].
.Iadd.base .Iaddend.about said first axis;
said carrier being pivotable relative to said base about said
second axis;
means for translating rotation of said shift lever about said first
axis to a cable displacement of one of said cables; and
means for translating rotation of said shift lever and said carrier
about said second axis to a cable displacement of said other of
said cables the improvement comprising:
said means for translating rotation of said shift lever and said
carrier about said second axis to the cable displacement of said
other cable comprises a member pivotably mounted on said base about
an axis offset from said first and second axes; .Iadd.
joint connection .Iaddend.means for operatively connecting said
carrier to said member.Iadd., said joint connection means providing
for articulated motion between said carrier and said member with
minimal lost motion.Iaddend.; and
means for securing the said other of said flexible cables to said
member.
2. The shifter of claim 1 wherein said shift lever includes lockout
means for locking said shift lever out of the reverse position.
3. The shifter of claim 1 .[.further including.]. .Iadd.wherein
said joint connection means further comprises .Iaddend.means for
accommodating flexible shielded cables at angles incident to said
first and second orthogonal axes without bending of said cables in
a manner that shortens cable life and effectiveness.
4. The shifter of claim 1 further including spring detent means for
improving the feel of the shifter.
5. The shifter of claim 4 wherein said spring detent means
comprises:
an undulated wire spring secured to said carrier;
a follower disposed on said shift lever for following said
undulated wire spring; and
depressions in said undulated wire to accommodate said follower
when said shift lever is in a fully engaged position.
6. The shifter of claim 5 wherein said follower comprises a roller
journaled on said shift lever at a point below said first axis said
roller including a circumferential groove for receiving said
spring.
7. The shifter of claim 1 wherein said means for translating
rotation of said shift lever about said first axis to a cable
displacement comprises:
a stamped metal handle bracket, said handle bracket being secured
to said shift lever and extending below said first axis; and
means for pivotally securing a flexible shielded cable to said
handle bracket below said first axis.
8. The shifter of claim 7 wherein said handle bracket further
includes a post including a rubber bumper, and said carrier further
includes a pair of opposing flanges, said post and said opposing
flanges defining the limits of rotation of said shift lever about
said first axis.
9. The shifter of claim 1 wherein said member is:
a bell crank pivotably mounted on said base;
means for connecting said .[.carrier.]. .Iadd.joint connection
means .Iaddend.to one end of said bell crank; and
means for pivotally securing a flexible shielded cable to the other
end of said bell crank.
10. The shifter of claim 9 .[.further including.]. .Iadd.wherein
said joint connection means further comprises .Iaddend.means for
accommodating flexible shielded cables at angles incident to said
first and second orthogonal axes without bending of said cables in
a manner that shortens cable life and effectiveness.
11. The shifter of claim 1 wherein said base comprises a stamped
metal base plate.
12. The shifter of claim 11 wherein said stamped metal base plate
includes:
means for securing the shifter to an automotive vehicle body;
means for securing the shields of a pair of flexible shielded
cables thereto; and
a stamped metal tower secured thereto for receiving said
carrier.
13. The shifter of claim 12 wherein said means for securing the
shields of a pair of flexible shielded cables comprises:
an extended portion of said stamped metal base formed at an angle
generally parallel to the incident angle of the incoming
cables;
a flange disposed on the end of said extended portion, said flange
extending in a direction generally orthogonal to the incident angle
of the cables;
grooved circumferential retaining cups for receiving a circlip
disposed on the shields of the cables; and
apertures in said flange for securing said grooved circumferential
retaining cups with a circlip.
14. The shifter of claim 1 wherein said carrier comprises a stamped
metal part.
15. The shifter of claim 1 wherein said shifter controls a four
forward speed manual transmission with an "H" pattern, movements of
the shift lever along the vertical sides of the "H" pattern being
accommodated by rotation of said shift lever about said first axis
and displacement of a first flexible, shielded cable, movement of
said shift lever horizontally on the "H" pattern between the sides
of the "H" pattern being accommodated by rotation of said shift
lever and said carrier about said second axis and displacement of a
second flexible shielded cable.
16. The shifter of claim 1 wherein said shifter is floor mounted
and controls the gear selection of a four speed forward mounted
transmission on a front wheel drive automotive vehicle.
17. The shifter of claim 16 further including spring detent means
for improving the feel of the shifter.
18. In a shifter for operating a manual transmission with flexible
cables comprising:
a gear selecting shift lever;
a pivotable shift lever carrier;
first and second generally orthogonal axes;
a stationary base for mounting the transmission shifter to an
automotive vehicle;
said shift lever being pivotable relative to said .[.carrier.].
.Iadd.base .Iaddend.about said first axis;
said carrier being pivotable relative to said base about said
second axis;
means for translating rotation of said shift lever about said first
axis to a cable displacement; and
means for translating rotation of said shift lever and said carrier
about said second axis to a cable displacement, the improvement
comprising:
said means for translating rotation of said shift lever about said
first axis to a cable displacement comprises;
a stamped metal handle bracket, said handle bracket being secured
to said shift lever and extending below said first axis; and
means for pivotally securing a flexible shielded cab to said handle
bracket below said first axis;
said stamped metal handle bracket further including an aperture
centered on said first axis;
a tube clinched in said aperture; and
a pin received in said tube for pinning and pivotably mounting said
stamped metal handle bracket to said carrier.
19. A shifter for operating a manual transmission with flexible
cables comprising:
a gear selecting shift lever;
a pivotable shift lever carrier;
first and second generally orthogonal axes;
a stationary base for mounting the transmission shifter to an
automotive vehicle;
said shift lever being pivotable relative to said .[.carrier.].
.Iadd.base .Iaddend.about said first axis;
said carrier being pivotable relative to said base about said
second axis;
means for translating rotation of said shift lever about said first
axis to a cable displacement; and
means for translating rotation of said shift lever and said carrier
about said second axis to a cable displacement, said means
comprising a bell crank pivotably mounted on said base;
means for connecting said carrier to one end of said bell crank;
and
means for pivotally securing a flexible shielded cable to the other
end of said bell crank; and
means for accommodating flexible shielded cables at angles incident
to said first and second orthogonal axes without bending of said
cables comprising:
a drive pin secured to said carrier, said .[.guide.]. .Iadd.drive
.Iaddend.pin being roughly parallel to said second axis; and
a ball and socket connection between said drive pin and said bell
crank, whereby said bell crank may be pivoted on said base about a
third axis canted with respect to said first and second orthogonal
axes and generally orthogonal to the incident angle of a flexible
shielded cable.
20. The shifter of claim 19 wherein said ball and socket connection
includes a socket injection molded on said bell crank.
21. A shifter for operating a manual transmission with flexible
cables comprising:
a gear selecting shift lever;
a pivotable shift lever carrier;
first and second generally orthogonal axes;
a stationary base for mounting the transmission shifter to an
automotive vehicle;
said shift lever being pivotable relative to said .[.carrier.].
.Iadd.base .Iaddend.about said first axis;
said carrier being pivotable relative to said base about said
second axis;
means for translating rotation of said shift lever about said first
axis to a cable displacement; and
means for translating rotation of said shift lever and said carrier
about said second axis to a cable displacement;
said shift lever including lockout means for locking said shift
lever out of the reverse position in which said lockout means
comprises:
a pawl pivotably mounted in said carrier, said pawl being spring
biased to a position at which it interferes with said base
preventing movement of said carrier and said shift lever to the
reverse position;
an aperture in said base; and
pawl actuating means disposed on said shift lever for pivoting said
pawl out of engagement with said base and into said aperture
allowing movement of said carrier and said shift lever to the
reverse position.
22. The shifter of claim 21 wherein said pawl further includes a
stop for engaging said base and defining a limit of rotation for
said pivotably mounted pawl.
23. The shifter of claim 21 wherein said pawl actuating means
comprises:
a push button disposed on top of said shift lever; and
means interconnecting said push button and said pawl for pivoting
said pawl when said push button is depressed.
24. The shifter of claim 23 wherein said means interconnecting said
push button and said pawl comprises:
a spring biased rod running the length of said shift lever, the
upper said rod spring biasing said push button up, the lower end of
said rod contacting said pawl; and
a platform on said pawl for receiving the lower end of said rod,
said platform being disposed on said pawl with respect to the pivot
point such that downward displacement of said push button and said
rod pivots said pawl out of engagement with said base.
25. A shifter for operating a manual transmission with flexible
cables comprising:
a gear selecting shift lever;
a pivotable shift lever carrier;
first and second generally orthogonal axes;
a stationary base for mounting the transmission shifter to an
automotive vehicle;
said shift lever being pivotable relative to said .[.carrier.].
.Iadd.base .Iaddend.about said first axis;
said carrier being pivotable relative to said base about said
second axis;
means for translating rotation of said shift lever about said first
axis to a cable displacement; and
means for translating rotation of said shift lever and said carrier
about said second axis to a cable displacement comprising:
a bell crank pivotably mounted on said base; and .Iadd.
joint connection means for operatively connecting said carrier to
said bell crank, said joint connection means providing for
articulated motion between said carrier and said bell crank with
minimal lost motion, said joint means including .Iaddend.a drive
pin secured to said carrier, said .[.guide.]. .Iadd.drive
.Iaddend.pin being roughly parallel to said second axis and said
drive pin engaging one end of said bell crank.
26. The shifter of claim 25 further including reverse lockout pawl
journaled on said drive pin.
27. The shifter of claim 25 wherein said drive pin extends through
an arcuate slot in said base, the ends of said arcuate slot
defining the limits of rotation of said carrier about said second
axis.
28. An "H" pattern shifter for remotely operating a manual
transmission with shielded flexible cables comprising:
a gear selecting shift lever;
a pivotable shift lever carrier;
first and second generally orthogonal axes;
a stationary base for mounting the transmission shifter to an
automotive vehicle;
said shift lever being pivotable relative to said .[.carrier.].
.Iadd.base .Iaddend.and about said first axis along the sides of
the "H" pattern;
said shift lever and said carrier being pivotable as a unit
relative to said base and about said second axis to link the sides
of the "H" pattern;
means for operatively connecting a flexible shielded cable to the
shift lever;
a bell crank pivotably mounted on said base about an axis offset
from said first and second axes.[., said carrier operatively
engaging one end of said bell crank; and.]..Iadd.;.Iadd.
joint connection means for operatively connecting one end of said
bell crank to said carrier, said joint connection means providing
for articulated motion between said carrier and said bell crank
with minimal lost motion; and .Iaddend.
means for connecting a flexible shielded cable to the other end of
said bell crank.
29. The shifter of claim 28 wherein said shift lever includes
lockout means for locking said shift lever out of the reverse
position.
30. The shifter of claim 28 .[.further including.]. .Iadd.wherein
said joint connection means further includes .Iaddend.means for
accommodating flexible shielded cables at .[.angle.]. .Iadd.angles
.Iaddend.incident to said first and second orthogonal axes without
bending of said cables in a manner that shortens cable life and
effectiveness.
31. The shifter of claim 30 wherein said means for accommodating
flexible shielded cables at angles incident to said first and
second orthogonal axes comprises:
a drive pin secured to said carrier, said guide pin being roughly
parallel to said second axis; and
a ball and socket connection between said drive pin and said bell
crank, whereby said bell crank may be pivoted on said base about a
third axis canted with respect to said first and second orthogonal
axes and generally orthogonal to the incident angle of a flexible
shielded cable.
32. The shifter of claim 31 wherein said ball and socket connection
includes a socket injection molded on said bell crank.
33. The shifter of claim 28 wherein said base comprises a stamped
metal base plate.
34. The shifter of claim 33 wherein said stamped metal base plate
includes:
means for securing the shifter to an automotive vehicle body;
means for securing the shields of a pair of flexible shielded
cables thereto; and
a stamped metal tower secured thereto for receiving said
carrier.
35. The shifter of claim 34 wherein said means for securing the
shields of a pair of flexible shielded cables comprises:
an extended portion of said stamped metal base extending in a
direction generally parallel to the incident angle of the incoming
cables;
a flange disposed on the end of said extended portion, said flange
extending in a direction generally orthogonal to the incident angle
of the cables;
grooved circumferential retaining cups for receiving a circlip
disposed on the shields of the cables; and
apertures in said flange for securing said grooved circumferential
retaining cups with a circlip.
36. The shifter of claim 28 wherein said carrier comprises a
stamped metal part.
37. The shifter of claim 28 .[.further including.]. .Iadd.wherein
said joint connection means further includes .Iaddend.a drive pin
secured in said carrier, said drive pin being disposed roughly
parallel to said second axis and said drive pin interconnecting
said carrier and said bell crank.
38. The shifter of claim 37 further including a reverse lockout
pawl journaled on said drive pin.
39. The shifter of claim 39 wherein said drive pin extends through
an arcuate slot in said base, the ends of said arcuate slot
defining the limits of rotation of said carrier about said second
axis.
40. The shifter of claim 28 wherein said shifter is floor mounted
and controls the gear selection of a four speed forward mounted
transmission on a front wheel drive automotive vehicle.
41. An "H" pattern shifter for remotely operating a manual
transmission with shielded flexible cables comprising:
a gear selecting shift lever;
a pivotable shift lever carrier;
first and second generally orthogonal axes;
a stationary base for mounting the transmission shifter to an
automotive vehicle;
said shift lever being pivotable relative to said .[.carrier.].
.Iadd.base .Iaddend.and about said first axis along the sides of
the "H" pattern;
said shift lever and said carrier being pivotable as a unit
relative to said base and about said second axis to link the sides
of the "H" pattern;
means for connecting a flexible shielded cable to the shift lever
below said first axis;
a bell crank pivotably mounted on said base about an axis offset
from said first and second axes, said carrier engaging one end of
said bell crank; and
means for connecting a flexible shielded cable to the other end of
said bell crank; said shift lever including:
a stamped metal handle bracket, said handle bracket being secured
to said shift lever and extending below said first axis;
an aperture disposed on said handle bracket and disposed on said
first axis;
a tube clinched in said aperture; and
a pin received in said tube for pinning and pivotably mounting said
handle bracket to said carrier.
42. The shifter of claim 41 wherein said handle bracket further
includes a post including a rubber bumper, and said carrier further
includes a pair of opposing flanges, said post and said opposing
flanges defining the limits of rotation of said shift lever about
said first axis.
43. An "H" pattern shifter for remotely operating a manual
transmission with shielded flexible cables comprising:
a gear selecting shift lever;
a pivotable shift lever carrier;
first and second generally orthgonal axes;
a stationary base for mounting the transmission shifter to an
automotive vehicle;
said shift lever being pivotable relative to said .[.carrier.].
.Iadd.base .Iaddend.and about said first axis along the sides of
the "H" pattern;
said shift lever and said carrier being pivotable as a unit
relative to said base and about said second axis to link the sides
of the "H" pattern;
means for connecting a flexible shielded cable to the shift lever
below said first axis;
a bell crank pivotably mounted on said base about an axis offset
from said first and second axes, said carrier engaging one end of
said bell crank; and means for connecting a flexible shielded cable
to the other end of said bell crank;
said shift lever including lockout means for locking said shift
lever out of reverse position, said lockout means comprising:
a pawl pivotably mounted in said carrier, said pawl being spring
biased to a position at which it interfers with said base
preventing movement of said carrier and said shift lever to the
reverse position;
an aperture in said base; and
pawl actuating means disposed on said shift lever for pivoting said
pawl out of engagement with said base and into said aperture
allowing movement of said carrier and said shift lever to the
reverse position.
44. The shifter of claim 43 wherein said pawl further includes a
stop for engaging said base and defining a limit of rotation for
said pivotably mounted pawl.
45. The shifter of claim 43 wherein said pawl actuating means
comprises:
a push button disposed on top of said shift lever; and
means interconnecting said push button and said pawl for pivoting
said pawl when said push button is depressed.
46. The shifter of claim 45 wherein said means interconnecting said
push button and said pawl comprises:
a spring biased rod running the length of said shift lever, the
upper said rod spring biasing said push button up, the lower end of
said rod contacting said pawl; and
a platform on said pawl for receiving the lower end of said rod,
said platform being disposed on said pawl with respect to the pivot
point such that downward displacement of said push button and said
rod pivots said pawl out of engagement with said base.
47. A floor mounted shifter for controlling with flexible cables
the gear selection of a four speed forward mounted manual
transmission on a front wheel drive of an automotive vehicle
comprising:
a gear selecting shift lever;
a pivotable shift lever carrier;
first and second generally orthogonal axes;
a stationary base for mounting the transmission shifter to an
automotive vehicle;
said shift lever being pivotable relative to said .[.carrier.].
.Iadd.base .Iaddend.about said first axis;
said carrier being pivotable relative to said base about said
second axis;
means for translating rotation of said shift lever about said first
axis to a cable displacement; and
means for translating rotation of said shift lever and said carrier
about said second axis to a cable displacement; and
a spring detent means for improving the feel of the shifter
including:
an undulated wire spring secured to said carrier;
a wire guided roller disposed on said shift lever for following
said undulated wire spring; and
depressions in said undulated wire to accommodate said roller when
said shift lever is in a fully engaged position.
48. In a shifter for operating a manual transmission with a pair of
flexible cables comprising:
a gear selecting shift lever;
a pivotable shift lever carrier;
first and second generally .[.orthogona.]. .Iadd.orthogonal
.Iaddend.axes;
a stationary base for mounting the transmission shifter to an
automotive vehicle;
said shift lever being pivotable relative to said .[.carrier.].
.Iadd.base .Iaddend.about said first axis;
said carrier being pivotable relative to said base about said
second axis;
first means for translating rotation of said shift lever about said
first axis to a cable displacement of one of said cables; and
second means for translating rotation of said shift lever and said
carrier about said second axis to a cable displacement of said
other of said cables the improvement comprising:
said pair of flexible cables including one cable being connected to
said first means and the other cable of said pair being connected
to said second means, said cables being arranged substantially
parallel to each other and extending in substantially straight
lines from their connections to said first and second means for at
least a portion of their length;
said cable connected to the first means including a pivotal
connection to said shift lever; and
said means for translating rotation of such shift lever and said
carrier to the displacement of said other cable comprising a member
pivotally mounted on said base about an axis offset from said first
and second axis with means for operatively connecting said carrier
to said member whereby movement of said carrier is translated to
pivotal movement of said member; .[.and.].
means for securing the said other of said flexible cables to said
member whereby the movement of said carrier translated to said
member is thereby translated to said cable along the straight line
along which the said other cable extends.Iadd.; and
said means for connecting said carrier to said one end of said
member comprising a universal connection wherein any binding is
eliminated.Iaddend..
49. The shifter of claim 48 wherein said member is a bell crank
pivotally mounted on said base; means for connecting said carrier
to one end of said bell crank; and means for pivotally securing the
other cable to the other end of said bell crank. .[.50. The shifter
of claim 48 in which the means for connecting the carrier to the
said one end of said member is a universal connection wherein any
binding is eliminated..]. .Iadd. 51. In a shifter for operating a
manual transmission with a pair of elongated actuators
comprising:
a gear selecting shift lever;
a pivotable shift lever carrier;
first and second generally orthogonal axes;
a stationary base for mounting the transmission shifter to an
automotive vehicle;
said shift lever being pivotable relative to said base about said
first axis;
said carrier being pivotable relative to said base about said
second axis;
means for translating rotation of said shift lever about said first
axis to an actuator displacement of one of said actuators; and
means for translating rotation of said shift lever and said carrier
about said second axis to an actuator displacement of said other of
said actuators the improvement comprising:
said means for translating rotation of said shift lever and said
carrier about said second axis to the actuator displacement of said
other actuator comprises a member pivotably mounted on said base
about an axis offset from said first and second axes;
joint connection means for operatively connecting said carrier to
said member; said joint connection means providing for articulated
motion between said carrier and said member with minimal lost
motion; and
means for securing the said other of said actuators to said member.
.Iaddend..Iadd. 52. The shifter of claim 51 wherein said member
comprises:
a bell crank pivotably mounted on said base;
said joint connection disposed on one end of said bell crank;
and
means for pivotally securing one of said actuators to the other end
of said bell crank. .Iaddend..Iadd. 53. The shifter of claim 51
wherein said shifter controls a four forward speed manual
transmission with an "H" pattern, movements of the shift lever
along the vertical sides of the "H" pattern being accommodated by
rotation of said shift lever about said first axis and displacement
of a first actuator, movement of said shift lever horizontally on
the "H" pattern between the sides of the "H" pattern being
accommodated by rotation of said shift lever and said carrier about
said second axis and displacement of said second actuator.
.Iaddend..Iadd. 54. A shifter for operating a manual transmission
with first and second elongated actuators comprising:
a gear selecting shift lever;
pivotable shift lever carrier;
first and second generally orthogonal axes;
a stationary base for mounting the transmission shifter to an
automotive vehicle;
said shift lever being pivotable relative to said base about said
first axis;
said carrier being pivotable relative to said base about said
second axis;
means for translating rotation of said shift lever about said first
axis to said first actuator displacement; and
means for translating rotation of said shift lever and said carrier
about said second axis to said second actuator displacement
comprising:
a bell crank pivotably mounted on said base; and
a drive pin secured to said carrier, said guide pin being roughly
parallel to said second axis and said drive pin engaging one end of
said bell
crank. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 55. An "H" pattern shifter for remotely
operating a manual transmission with elongated actuators
comprising:
a gear selecting shift lever;
a pivotable shift lever carrier;
first and second generally orthogonal axes;
a stationary base for mounting the transmission shifter to an
automotive vehicle;
said shift lever being pivotable relative to said base and about
said first axis along the sides of the "H" pattern;
said shift lever and said carrier being pivotable as a unit
relative to said base and about said second axis to link the sides
of the "H" pattern;
means for operatively connecting one of said actuators to the shift
levers;
a bell crank pivotably mounted on said base about an axis offset
from said first and second axes;
joint connection means for operatively connecting said carrier to
one end of said bell crank, said joint connection means providing
for articulated motion between said carrier and said one end of
said bell crank with minimal lost motion; and
means for connecting the other of said actuators to the other end
of said
bell crank. .Iaddend..Iadd. 56. The shifter of claim 55 wherein
said joint connection means comprises a pin connected to said
carrier, said pin extending roughly parallel to said second axis;
and
a ball and socket connection between said pin and said bell crank,
whereby said bell crank may be pivoted on said base about a third
axis canted with respect to said first and second orthogonal axes.
.Iaddend..Iadd. 57. In a shifter for operating a manual
transmission with a pair of elongated actuators comprising:
a gear selecting shift lever;
a pivotable shift lever carrier;
first and second generally orthogonal axes;
a stationary base for mounting the transmission shifter to an
automotive vehicle;
said shift lever being pivotable relative to said base about said
first axis;
said carrier being pivotable relative to said base about said
second axis;
first means for translating rotation of said shift lever about said
first axis to an actuator displacement of one of said actuators;
and
second means for translating rotation of said shift lever and said
carrier about said second axis to an actuator displacement of said
other of said actuators the improvement comprising:
said pair of elongated actuators including one actuator being
connected to said first means and the other actuator of said pair
being connected to said second means, said actuators being arranged
substantially parallel to each other and extending in substantially
straight lines from their connections to said first and second
means for at least a portion of their length;
said actuator connected to the first means including a pivotal
connection to said shift lever; and
said means for translating rotation of such shift lever and said
carrier to the displacement of said other actuator comprising a
member pivotally mounted on said base about an axis offset from
said first and second axes with joint connection means for
operatively connecting said carrier to said member said joint
connection means providing for articulated motion between said
carrier and said member with minimal lost motion, whereby movement
of said carrier is translated to pivotal movement of said member;
and
means for securing the said other of said actuators to said member
whereby the movement of said carrier translated to said member is
thereby translated to said actuator along the straight line along
which the said
other actuator extends. .Iaddend..Iadd. 58. The shifter of claim 57
wherein said member comprises a ball crank pivotally mounted on
said base; said joint connection means disposed on one end of said
bell crank; and means for pivotally securing the other actuator to
the other end of said bell crank. .Iaddend..Iadd. 59. The shifter
of claim 57 wherein said joint connection means comprises a
universal connection wherein any binding is eliminated.
.Iaddend..Iadd. 60. An "H" pattern shifter for remotely operating a
manual transmission with elongated actuators comprising:
a gear selecting shift lever;
a pivotable shift lever carrier;
first and second generally orthogonal axes;
a stationary base for mounting the transmission shifter to an
automotive vehicle;
said shift lever being pivotable relative to said base and about
said first axis along the sides of the "H" pattern;
said shift lever and said carrier being pivotable as a unit
relative to said base and about said second axis to link the sides
of the "H" pattern;
means for operatively connecting one of said actuators to the shift
lever;
a bell crank pivotably mounted on said base about an axis displaced
from said first and second axes;
joint connection means for operatively connecting said carrier to
one end of said bell crank with minimal lost motion through
cooperative substantial bearing surfaces, said joint connection
means translating pivotal motion of said carrier about said second
axis to pivotal motion of said bell crank about said displaced axis
while accommodating displacement of said carrier relative to said
bell crank; and
means for connecting the other of said actuators to the other end
of said bell crank. .Iaddend..Iadd. 61. The shifter of claim 60
wherein said base comprises a stamped metal base plate
including:
means for securing the shifter to an automotive vehicle body;
means for securing the shields of a pair of flexible shielded
cables thereto; and
a stamped metal tower secured thereto for receiving said carrier.
.Iaddend..Iadd. 62. The shifter of claim 61 wherein said means for
securing the shields of a pair of flexible shielded cables
comprises:
an extended portion of said stamped metal base formed at an angle
generally parallel to the incident angle of the incoming
cables;
a flange disposed on the end of said extended portion, said flange
extending in a direction generally orthogonal to the incident
angles of the cables;
apertures in said flange for receiving the shields of the cables;
and
means for securing the shields of the cables in said apertures.
.Iaddend..Iadd. 63. The shifter of claim 60 wherein said bell crank
is mounted on said base at a position displaced from the underside
of said carrier and said joint connection means comprises a drive
member operably connected to said carrier, said drive member
extending roughly parallel to said second axis. .Iaddend..Iadd. 64.
A shifter for operating a manual transmission with flexible cables
comprising:
a gear selecting shift lever;
a pivotable shift lever carrier;
first and second generally orthogonal axes;
a stationary base for mounting the transmission shifter to an
automotive vehicle;
said shift lever being pivotable relative to said base about said
first axis;
said carrier being pivotable relative to said base about said
second axis;
means for translating rotation of said shift lever about said cable
displacement;
means for translating rotation of said shift lever in said carrier
about said second axis to a cable displacement, said means
comprising a bell crank pivotably mounted on said base at a
position displaced from the underside of said carrier;
means for connecting said carrier to one end of said bell
crank;
means for pivotably securing a flexible shielded cable to the other
end of said bell crank; and
means for accommodating flexible shielded cables at angles incident
to said first and second orthogonal axes without bending of said
cables comprising:
an elongated drive means operably connected to said carrier;
and
a universal connection engaging said elongated drive means and said
bell crank. .Iaddend..Iadd. 65. In a shift lever for operating a
manual transmission with a pair of flexible cables comprising:
a gear selecting shift lever;
a pivotable shift lever carrier;
first and second generally orthogonal axes;
a stationary base for mounting the transmission shifter to an
automotive vehicle;
said shift lever being pivotable relative to said base about said
first axis;
said carrier being pivotable relative to said base about said
second axis;
means for translating rotation of said shift lever about said first
axis to a cable displacement of one of said cables;
means for translating rotation of said shift lever and said carrier
about said second axis to a cable displacement of said other of
said cables;
an elongated base for supporting a stamped metal tower, said tower
supporting said shift lever and said carrier, said base having a
forwardly extending end, said forwardly extending end including a
flange extending upwardly and supporting the shields of said cables
in parallel relationship one to the other in a direction roughly
parallel to said second axes;
said means for translating rotation of said shift lever and said
carrier about said second axis to the cable displacement of said
other cable comprising a member pivotally mounted on said base
about an axis offset from said first and second axes, said member
comprising a bell crank located at a position displaced from the
underside of said carrier, an elongate drive means and a joint
connection means extending from said carrier roughly parallel to
said second axis and operatively connecting said carrier and one
arm of said bell crank, and means for operatively connecting said
other of said flexible cables to the other end of said bell crank.
.Iaddend..Iadd. 66. The shifter of claim 65 wherein said bell crank
is pivoted about an axis which is canted relative to said first and
second orthogonal axes. .Iaddend..Iadd. 67. The shifter of claim 65
wherein said joint connection means comprises a universal
connection extending between said carrier and said bell crank.
.Iaddend.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to manual transmission
shifters. More particularly, the invention relates to a floor
mounted shifter of the type transmitting gear shift lever movements
to transmission shift linkage with a pair of flexible shielded
cables.
Flexible, shielded cables for transmitting push and pull forces are
known in the prior art as Bowden cables. Gear shifting arrangements
are found in the prior art employing one or more of these types of
flexible cables as well as unshielded cables to interconnect a gear
selector shifter and transmission shift linkage. Broadly, these
prior art shifters may be categorized by the number and type of
flexible cables employed and by the placement of the gear select
lever. Prior art gear shifting arrangements employing flexible
cables include shifters employing unshielded cables, shifters
employing a single shielded cable with a shifter steering wheel or
dashboard mounted and shifters employing two shielded cables with
the shifters, steering wheel, dashboard, or floor mounted.
Those shifters employing unshielded cables suffer from several
immediate disadvantages, the most obvious being that unshielded
cables are capable of only transmitting forces under tension and
buckle when placed under compression. Thus, these cables can
transmit pulls but not pushes. Furthermore, a plurality of pulleys
or the like must be provided to enable these cables to traverse an
arcuate path. Shifters employing a single shielded cable, by they
steering wheel mounted, or dashboard mounted shifters, suffer from
the disadvantage that they either cannot employ the conventional
"H" pattern shifting arrangement or they must employ at least one
conventional shifting rod in combination with the cable. This one
shifting rod will then suffer from the inherent disadvantages that
rigid shifting linkages present in an application where the shifter
is remote from the transmission.
Prior art shifters employing two shielded cables, be they shifters,
steering wheel, dashboard or floor mounted, have either abandoned
the conventional "H" pattern shifting arrangement or have resulted
in shifting mechanisms that are relatively complex, expensive and
which have a very poor feel. This lack of feel makes it difficult
for the driver to determine when he has properly engaged the
desired gear. Also, the prior art has never considered or solved
the problems associated with employing such a two cable, floor
mounted shifter to remotely control a four speed transmission in a
modern automotive sedan having front wheel drive.
Furthermore, prior art shifters employing one or more flexible
cables are not found featuring a reverse lockout, and particularly
a push button actuated reverse lockout. A reverse lockout is a
desirable feature on automotive transmission shifters that prevents
accidental entry into the reverse position that could seriously
damage the transmission.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
These and other problems in the prior art are solved by provision
of a manual transmission shifter comprising a gear selecting shift
lever, a rotatable shift lever carrier, and a stationary base for
mounting the transmission shifter to an automotive vehicle. Gear
selection is accomplished by pivoting of the shift lever about
first and second generally orthogonal axes. Pivoting of the shift
lever about the first axis is accommodated by provision of a shift
lever journaled in and pivotable relative to the carrier. Pivoting
of the shift lever about the second axis is accommodated by
provision of a carrier journaled in and pivotable relative to the
base and the second axis. The shifter further includes means for
translating rotation of the shift lever about the first axis and
means for translating rotation of the shift lever and carrier about
the second axis into cable displacements. This relatively simple
arrangement for providing a shift lever pivotable about first and
second orthogonal axes provides for simplified assembly, cost
reduction and reliability in a compact "H" pattern cable operating
shifter having a solid mechanical feel. The shifter provides for
the remote control of a manual transmission allowing the placement
of the shifter in any desired position with reference to the
vehicle frame, engine or transmission. The mechanical operation of
the shifter is also impervious to flexing of the vehicle body frame
or twisting thereof due to an accident.
In more narrow aspects of the invention, the cost of the shifter is
further reduced by a shifter design employing stamped and bent
metal parts for the major structural members of the shifter. The
mechanical feel of the shifter is further improved by spring detent
means comprising an undulating spring mounted on the carrier and a
spring follower mounted on the shift lever. The spring includes
depressions corresponding with shift lever positions that are fully
in gear, and the spring urges the follower into these depressions.
Feel is further improved by solid mechanical stops. A push button
reverse lockout is provided on the top of the shift lever handle to
provide a convenient means for preventing accidental placement of
the transmission in the reverse position. Furthermore, means are
provided for accommodating incoming cables at angles incident to
the first and second orthogonal axes without bending of the cables
in a manner that shortens cable life and causes cable binding. This
last feature is particularly important in the application of the
shifter to a front wheel drive automotive sedan requiring a floor
mounted shifter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an exploded assembly of a shifter constructed according
to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an end view, partially in section, of the base structure
of the shifter of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a side view, partially in section, of the base structure
of the shifter of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a top view of the base structure of the shifter of the
present invention.
FIG. 5 is a top view of a carrier and pawl sub-assembly forming a
part of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a side view of the carrier and pawl subassembly forming a
part of the invention.
FIG. 7 is a side view of the carrier and pawl subassembly.
FIG. 8 is a side view, partially in section, of the shifter of the
present invention.
FIG. 9 is a rear end view, partially in section, of the shifter of
the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a plane view of a rubber stop means employed in one
embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 11 is a side, elevational view of the shifter of the present
invention.
FIG. 12 is a plane view of a ball and socket connection employed in
one embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 13 is a plane view, partially in section of a ball and socket
connection employed in one embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the ball and socket connection of
FIG. 13 taken along line XIV--XIV.
FIG. 15 is a rear elevational view of the shifter of the present
invention.
FIG. 16 is a top view of the shifter of the present invention.
FIG. 17 illustrates a gear shift pattern of one embodiment of the
invention .
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to FIG. 1, an exploded assembly of a shifter 20
constructed according to the present invention is illustrated. The
shifter 20 comprises a gear selecting shift lever 21 (further
illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 13), a rotatable shift lever carrier 22
(further illustrated in FIGS. 5-7), and a stationary base 23
(further illustrated in FIGS. 2-4) for mounting the transmission
shifter 20 to an automotive vehicle. The shift lever 21 can
duplicate the conventional "H" pattern by pivoting about first and
second generally orthogonal axes 25 and 26, respectively. Pivoting
of the shift lever 21 about the first axis 25, along the sides of
the "H" pattern, is achieved by journaling or pivoting the shift
lever 21 relative to the carrier 22. The shift lever 21 is
journaled in the carrier 22 by securing the shift lever 21 to
handle bracket 28, including a tube 29 clinched in the handle
bracket 28 along the first axis 25. The handle bracket 28 is then
pinned to carrier 22 by insertion of a pin 30 through carrier 22
and handle bracket 28, the pin 30 being welded or otherwise
suitably secured to the handle bracket 22. A circlip 31 or the like
secures the handle bracket 28 to the pin 30 and carrier 22.
Pivoting of the shift lever 21 about the second axis 26, between
the sides of the "H" pattern, is provided by journaling the carrier
22 in base 23. The base 23 includes an upwardly extending tower 34
firmly secured thereto. The tower 34 includes apertures 35 disposed
along the second axis 26. The carrier 22 fits within tower 34 and
is pinned thereto by bolt 36 extending through apertures 35 and a
bearing assembly mounted in opposing flanges 37 of carrier 22,
including bearing inserts 38 and spacer 39.
Means for translating rotation of the shift lever 21 about the
first axis 25 into a cable displacement comprises a weld pin 41, or
equivalent means for pivotally securing the cable, secured to the
handle bracket 21 at a point below the first axis 25. A first
shielded cable is pinned thereto to transmit movements of the shift
lever 21 about the first axis 25 to the transmission. Means for
translating rotation of the shift lever 21 and the carrier 22 about
the second axis 26 to a cable displacement (best illustrated in
FIGS. 11, 12 and 14) comprises a bell crank 44 and drive pin 45
mounted in carrier 22. The bell crank 44 is pivotable about the
base 23 on an upstanding weld pin 46. The drive pin 45
interconnects the carrier 22 at a point below the second axis 25 to
one end 47 of bell crank 44. The opposite end 48 of bell crank 44
includes a weld pin 49, or equivalent means for pivotally securing
a second flexible shielded cable.
The shifter 20 includes means for accommodating the flexible
shielded cables at angles incident to the first and second
orthogonal axes 25 and 26 without bending of the cables in a manner
that shortens cable life or causes binding of the cables. This is
particularly important in applications where the shifter is floor
mounted in a modern front wheel drive sedan. Such sedans are
usually supplied with bucket seats with the shifter mounted
therebetween and inclined backward. Often the incoming cables from
the transmission intercept the shifter at an incident angle that
shortens cable life or impairs smooth cable operation. The means
for accommodating flexible shielded cables at incident angles
comprises a ball and socket connection 50 between drive pin 45 and
end 47 of bell crank 44. The ball and socket connection illustrated
in FIG. 1 is illustrated in further detail in FIG. 12. The ball and
socket connection 50 includes a ball 147 disposed on the end of
drive pin 45. A washer-like member 149 retains the ball 147 in a
pocket in the bell crank 44. The ball and socket connection 50
allows the pin 46, about which bell crank 44 pivots to be disposed
along an axis 51 which is canted rather than orthogonal to first
and second axes 25 and 26. This allows pin 49 to be accurately
aligned with the incoming cables. However, the ball and socket
connection 50 is preferred even if axis 51 is not canted relative
to axes 25 and 26 since this is the best method to hold lash or
lost motion in the shifter to a minimum. Pin 41 of handle bracket
28, which is connected to the first incoming cable, requires no
such provision since the first cable is pivotally mounted on pin 41
and the bracket 28 upon which pin 41 is mounted can be deformed to
match the incoming angle of the first cable.
The shifter further includes lockout means for locking the shift
lever out of the reverse position. The lockout means comprises a
pawl 54 pivotally mounted in carrier 22 about drive pin 45, (best
illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7 and 9). Drive pin 45 extends through
apertures 55 in carrier 22 and apertures 56 in pawl 54 to pin pawl
54 to the carrier 22. The pawl 54 prevents rotation of the shift
lever 21 and carrier 22 about the second axis 26, which is
necessary for entering the reverse gear position, by providing
interference between the leading edges 58 of pawl 54 and the walls
of the tower 34. The leading edges 58 extend through apertures 59
in the carrier 22. The pawl 54 is spring biased downwardly to a
position for engagement with the walls of lower 34 of base 23 by a
spring 60 interconnected between tab 61 on pawl 54 and the carrier
22. The tower 34 of base 23 includes apertures such as the ones
illustrated at 63 through which the leading edges 58 of pawl 54 can
be moved when the pawl 54 is pivotally engaged by push rod 64. The
push rod 64 which engages a platform 66 on pawl 54 is spring biased
in a generally upward direction by compression spring 67 and
extends through a weld pin 68, an aperture 69 in handle bracket 28,
and tubular shift lever 21. The push rod spring biases upwardly a
push button 70 disposed in a handle 71 on the top of tubular shift
lever 21. Depression of the push button 70 moves upwardly biased
push rod 64 down, engaging platform 66 of pawl 54 and pivoting the
leading edges 58 of pawl 54 out of engagement with the walls of
tower 34 of base 23. When the leading edges 58 of pawl 54 register
with the apertures 63 in tower 34 pivoting of the shift lever 21
and carrier 22 about the second orthogonal axis 26 is provided for
in a manner that allows entry to the reverse gear position.
The shifter 20 further includes spring detent means for improving
the feel of the shifter and preventing rattles (best illustrated in
FIGS. 8 and 9). The spring detent means comprises an undulating
spring 74 which is pinned to carrier 22 by bolt 36. A grooved
detent roller 75 disposed on handle bracket 28 on weld pin 68
follows the undulating spring 54 upon rotation of the shift lever
21 about the first axis 25. The undulating spring 74 includes
depressions 78 for accommodating the roller 75 when the shift lever
21 is in a fully engaged gear position.
The simplicity, ease in assembly, cost reduction, and reliability
of the design is facilitated at least in part by multi-function
part design. For example, the drive pin 45 in addition to
transmitting rotation of the carrier 22 about second axis 26 to
bell crank 44 acts as a shaft for journaling of pivotable pawl 54.
Furthermore, drive pin 45 extends through arcuate slots 80 of the
tower 34 of base 23. Interference between the drive pin 45 and the
ends of the slot 80 provides positive stops defining the limits of
travel of shift lever 21 and carrier 22 about the second axis 26.
The positive stops thereby provided serve to further improve the
mechanical feel of the shifter.
Referring now to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, further details of the base
structure of the shifter are illustrated. The base structure
comprises a generally planar base plate 23 including an upstanding
tower 34 firmly secured thereto. Both the base 23 and the tower 34
are of stamped metal construction to reduce cost. Stamped metal
construction as used herein defines a type of construction wherein
metal parts are substantially formed and cut to the desired shape
with perhaps only one or two bending operations remaining, by the
action of a pair of opposed stamping dies. The base plate 23
includes means for securing the shifter to an automotive vehicle
body herein comprising a plurality of apertures 84 for bolting the
shifter to a structural member of an automotive body. The base
plate 23 includes flanges 85 and 86 disposed about its periphery
and formed integrally therewith for strengthening the base plate
23. A flange 87 disposed on the front of the base plate 23 and
formed integrally therewith is provided with apertures 88 and 89
for securing the shields of first and second shielded cables
thereto. The flange 87 is disposed approximately orthogonal to the
incident angle of the incoming cables. Weld pin 46, illustrated in
FIG. 1, is inserted through aperture 90 in base plate 23 and is
welded thereto on the bottom of the base plate 23. The pin 46 is
also disposed at an angle canted with respect to the first and
second orthogonal axes and generally orthogonal to the incident
angle of the incoming cables.
Referring now specifically to FIG. 3, the incoming cables are
centered on axis 94 canted with respect to the second orthogonal
axis 26. As illustrated by centerlines 95 and 96, the flange 87 and
the central axis of the pin 46, not shown in FIG. 3, are generally
orthogonal to the line 94 representing the incoming angle of the
first and second cables. Canting of the flange 87 and the pin 46 as
indicated by lines 95 and 96 is accomplished by forming an extended
front end portion 98 disposed at an angle with respect to the main
portion of the base plate 23.
The base plate 23 further includes a raised portion 98 formed
integrally therewith. The raised portion 98 provides an indentation
for receiving the head of weld pin 46 flush to the bottom of base
plate 23. In addition the raised portion 98 adds to the stiffness
of the base particularly around the weld pin area. The raised
portion further provides a platform for the mounting of tower 34.
Tower 34, also a stamped metal part, is welded to the base plate 23
at 100 and 101. The tower 34 includes apertures at 35 centered on
second orthogonal axis 26 about which the carrier 22 and shift
lever 21 pivot. Arcuate slots 80 receive the ends of drive pin 45
of carrier 22 to define the limits of travel of the carrier 22 and
shift lever 21 about the second orthogonal axis 26. The tower 34
also includes apertures 63 through which the leading edges of the
reverse lockout pawl extend when the push button is depressed,
pivoting the pawl out of engagement with the walls of the tower.
Normally the leading edges of the pawl engage the walls of the
tower at a point just below the aperture 63, generally indicated by
the numeral 102. One of the apertures 63 includes a window 103
through which spring biasing means for the reverse lockout pawl
normally extend.
Referring now to FIGS. 5 through 7, further details of the carrier
22 and reverse lockout pawl 54 are illustrated. The carrier 22 is
also a stamped metal part and includes a flange 105 extending about
its periphery and formed integrally therewith for both
strengthening the carrier 22 and providing pairs of apertures at
106 and 55. The apertures 106 are aligned along the second
orthogonal axis 26 and receive a bearing assembly about which the
carrier 22 normally pivots. The apertures 55 receive the drive pin
about which pawl 54 is journaled. The carrier 22 further includes
an aperture 108 centered on the first orthogonal axis 25. The
aperture 108 receives a weld pin about which the handle bracket is
pinned and shift lever is pivotable.
FIGS. 5-7 also illustrate in further detail the pawl 54 which is
pivotable about the drive pin inserted in apertures 55. The pawl 54
includes leading edges 58 which normally engage the walls of the
tower of the base structure. The pawl 54 includes a tab 61 for
connection to a tension spring 60. The tension spring 60
interconnects the tab 61 with a tab 111 disposed below the tab 61
on carrier 22. The placement of tension spring 60 with respect to
the drive pin disposed in apertures 55 spring biases the leading
edges 58 of the pawl 54 to the position illustrated in FIG. 7,
downwardly in the direction generally indicated by arrow 112. When
the lockout push button on the top of the shift lever is depressed,
a spring biased push rod engages platform 66 of pawl 54 to pivot
the pawl 54 upward in a direction opposite the arrow 112 to
register the leading edges 58 of pawl 54 with apertures in the
tower of the base structure. With interference between the pawl 54
and the tower of the base structure removed by registering the
leading edges of the pawl 58 with apertures in the tower, the
carrier 22 is then free to pivot about the second orthogonal axis
26 to place the shift lever in the reverse position.
Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, details of the assembly of tower
34, carrier 22, handle bracket 28, and shift lever 21 are
illlustrated. Handle bracket 28 is a stamped metal part including a
flange 115 disposed about its periphery, both for strengthening the
handle bracket 28 and receiving the shift lever 21 which is welded
thereto. The handle bracket 28 further includes an aperture 116
centered on the first orthogonal axis 25 in which a tube 29 is
clinched. A weld pin 30 is then inserted through aperture 108 in
carrier 22, and clinched tube 29 to pin the shift lever 21 and
handle bracket 28 about the first orthogonal axis 25. The weld pin
30 is then welded to the carrier 22 at 118. The opposite end of the
pin 30 includes a circumferential groove 119 for receiving a
circlip, or the like, which secures the handle bracket 28 and shift
lever 21 to the pin 30.
The push rod 64 is slidably received in tubular shift lever 21, is
curved around clinched tube 29 and is extended through aperture 69
in handle bracket 28. A compression spring 67 spring biases the
push rod 64 in an upward direction. The bottom end 120 of the push
rod 64 is seated in a bore extending through weld pin 68. The
bottom end 120 of push rod 64 extends below weld pin 68 engaging
platform 66 of pawl 54 when the push button atop tube 21 is
depressed, compressing spring 64. Normally the leading edges 58 of
pawl 54 engage the walls of tower 34 at point 102. However,
engagement of the platform 66 by push rod 64 pivots the pawl 54
upward and places the leading edges 58 of the pawl 54 in aperture
63. This allows the carrier 22 and shift lever 21 to be rotated
about the second orthogonal axis 26 to move the shift lever to the
reverse position. Rotation about the second axis 26 may then
continue until interference between the end of arcuate slot 80 and
drive pin 45 forms a second stop. A face 122 prevents the spring 60
from pulling the pawl 54 too far. In FIG. 8, the carrier 22 and the
tower 34 are cut away and partially shown in phantom. The phantom
lines illustrate that the apertures 63 in tower 34 register with
apertures 59 in carrier 22.
FIGS. 8 and 9 also illustrate further detail of the spring detent
means for improving the feel of the shifter. The spring detent
means comprises an undulating leaf spring 74, including a pair of
eyes 125 for pinning the spring 74 to carrier 22 with bolt 36. The
spring detent means further includes a plastic roller 75 journaled
on a post 128 extending from pin 68, welded to handle bracket 28.
The roller 75 includes a circumferential groove 129 in which the
spring 74 is received. The spring 74 further includes depressions
78 in which the roller 75 is registered when shift lever 21 is in a
fully in gear position. When between gears, the roller 75 rides on
a high portion 131 of undulating spring 74, slightly compressing
the undulating spring 74 in a manner similar to a leaf spring. Once
the roller 75 leaves the center position illustrated in FIG. 7 by
rotation of the handle bracket 28, either clockwise or
counter-clockwise about first axis 25, the stored energy in
undulating spring 74 will be released, tending to accelerate the
movement of roller 75 into one of the depressions 78. Upon reaching
one of the depressions 78, the roller 75 prevents metal to metal
contact between handle bracket 28 and carrier 22. Thus the limits
of travel of shift lever 21 and handle bracket 28 about first axis
25 are defined by a plastic/metal interface that further improves
feel of the shifter.
Referring briefly to FIG. 10, in an alternate embodiment of the
invention, spring detent means may be eliminated and a simple
rubber stop 135 may be substituted over post 128 of weld pin 68.
The rubber stop 135 will improve the mechanical feel of the shifter
by providing a rubber/metal contact defining the limits of travel
of shift lever 21 and handle bracket 28 about first axis 25.
Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, details of means for accommodating
incoming shielded cables at incident angles are illustrated. First
and second shielded cables are illustrated at 141 and 142,
respectively. The first and second cables 141 and 142 have shields
143 secured to the base plate 23 with circumferentially grooved
retaining cups 144. The retaining cups 144 are inserted in
apertures in base 23 and secured thereto by circlips or the like
inserted in grooves 145. The means for accommodating incoming
cables at angles incident to the first and second orthogonal axes
comprises a bell crank 44 pivotable about a weld pin 46 that is
generally orthogonal to the incident angle of cables 141 and 142. A
ball and socket connection between the bell crank 44 and the drive
pin 45 is provided at 50. The ball and socket connection is
necessary to accommodate the pivoting of bell crank 44 about canted
weld pin 46. In one embodiment of the invention, the ball and
socket connection 50 comprises a urethane socket 146, which is
pressed into an aperture in one end 47 of bell crank 44, and a
Nylon ball 147, which is secured to one end of the drive pin
45.
Referring briefly to FIG. 12, in other embodiments of the
invention, a ball and socket connection 50 may be provided with a
Nylon or bronze ball 147 received in a metal pocket 148 stamped in
the end 47 of bell crank 44. The Nylon ball 147 is secured in metal
pocket 147 by a washer 149 including a cup portion 150 for engaging
the back of ball 147. The washer 149 is secured to the end 47 of
bell crank 44 by a plurality of deformable tabs such as the one
illustrated at 151. The tab 151 is received in notches on end 47 of
bell crank 44 and is bent therearound to secure the washer 149 to
the face of end 47 of bell crank 44.
Referring now briefly to FIGS. 13 and 14 in a preferred embodiment
an injection molded ball and socket connection 50 may be provided.
In this case a Nylon or bronze ball 147 is received in a socket 152
which is injection molded on the end 47 of bell crank 44. The
socket 152 is preferably injection molded with Nylon having a 5%
molybdenum disulphide and a 30% glass fill. The injection molded
ball and socket connection is preferred since it minimizes lash or
lost motion in the shifter.
Referring now to FIGS. 11, 15, 16 and 17, the operation of the
assembled shifter 20 will be described. In FIGS. 16 and 17 the
arrow 153 indicates the forward direction of the vehicle. In FIGS.
11, 15 and 16, the top of the shifter 21 is illustrated in the
neutral position N.sub.1,2 between 1st and 2nd forward gears. To
place the shifter in the 1st gear position, the operator pivots the
shift lever 21 forward toward the 1st gear position. Pivoting of
the shift lever 21 to the 1st gear position is accommodated by
rotation of shift lever 21 and handle bracket 28 about first axis
25. Movement of the shift lever 21 toward the 1st gear position is
translated into a displacement of first shielded cable 141
illustrated in FIG. 11 by virtue of the fact that first sheilded
cable 141 is pinned to handle bracket 28 at a point 41 spaced below
first axis 25. Movement to the 2nd gear position is accomplished by
pivoting of shift lever 21 about first axis 25 backward in the
opposite direction. Again, this motion is translated into a
displacement of first shielded cable 141 by virtue of the fact that
first shielded cable 141 is pinned to handle bracket 28. In moving
to the 3rd gear position, the operator pivots the shift lever 21
forward about first axis 25 until reaching the neutral position
N.sub.1,2 and then pivots the shift lever 21 to his right about
second orthogonal axis 26 until reaching the neutral point
N.sub.3,4 for the 3rd and 4th forward gears. Then the shift lever
is pivoted forward about first axis 25 until the 3rd gear position
is reached. Again, pivoting of the shift lever 21 about the first
axis 25 is translated into displacements of first shielded cable
141. Pivoting of the shift lever 21 about second orthogonal axis 26
is accommodated by pivoting of the carrier 22 with respect to the
base 23 and tower 34. Pivoting of the carrier 22 is translated into
a displacement of the second shielded cable 142 illustrated in FIG.
11 by bell crank 44. The carrier 22 is connected to one end 47 of
bell crank 44 through drive pin 45 and ball connection 50. Pivoting
of the carrier 22 about the second orthogonal axis 26 pivots bell
crank 44 about pin 46 and displaces second shielded cable 141
pinned thereto at 49 accordingly. The transmission is shifted to
the 4th gear position when the operator pivots the shift lever 21
about first axis 25 backward to the 4th gear position. Again, this
motion is transmitted to a cable displacement of the first shielded
cable by virtue of its being pinned to handle bracket 28.
Returning now to the neutral position N.sub.1,2 between the 1st and
2nd forward gears, the operation of the reverse lockout follows. To
position the transmission in the reverse gear, R, the operator
depresses the button 70 atop handle 71, shown in phantom in FIG.
15, which in turn moves push rod 64 downward. Downward actuation of
push rod 64 causes the bottom end of push rod 64 to engage a
platform 66 on pawl 54 journaled on drive pin 45 of carrier 22.
(Best illustrated in FIG. 9). Depression of push rod 64 pivots pawl
54 to register the leading edges 58 of pawl 54 with apertures 63 in
the tower 34. Normally the leading edges 58 of pawl 54 prevent
rotation of the shift lever 21 and carrier 22 to the operator's
left about the second orthogonal axis 26 past the neutral point
N.sub.1,2. However, when leading edges 58 are registering with
apertures 63 in the tower 34, the shift lever 21 may be freely
rotated to the operator's left about second orthogonal axis 26
until interference between the drive pin 45 and the end of arcuate
slot 80 occurs. This motion is transmitted to the second shielded
cable via carrier 22, drive pin 45, and bell crank 44. At this
point, the top of shift lever 21 is disposed at point 160
illustrated in FIG. 16. Full engagement in the reverse gear is then
accomplished when the operator rotates the shift lever 21 forward
about the first orthogonal axis 25 to the reverse gear position, R.
This motion is transmitted to the transmission via the first
shielded cable.
Referring specifically to FIG. 17, whenever the shift lever 21 is
disposed along the line 161 interconnecting the neutral positions
N.sub.3,4 between 3rd and 4th forward gears and N.sub.1,2 between
1st and 2nd forward gears, and the point 160, the undulating spring
of the spring detent means (best illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9) is
compressed. However, movement about the first axis 25 either
forward or backward from the line 161 releases the energy of the
spring as the roller of the spring detent means seeks depressions
in the undulating spring. These depressions in the undulating
spring correspond to the position of the shift lever 21 at any one
of the R, 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th gear positions. In this way, the
mechanical feel of the shifter is greatly improved and rattling is
eliminated. Positive stops for forward or backward pivoting of the
shift lever 21 about the first axis 25 are provided by interference
between the roller of the spring detent means and the flanges on
carrier 22. Positive stops for rotation of shift lever 21 and
carrier 22 about second orthogonal axis 26 are provided by
engagement of drive pin 45 with the ends of arcuate slots 80 in
tower 34, best illustrated in FIG. 13. When pivoting about the
second axis to the operator's left, the reverse lockout pawl
defines an initial stop at N.sub.1,2. A second stop for pivoting
about the second axis to the operator's left is provided at point
160 by interference between the drive pin 45 and the opposite ends
of arcuate slots 80. These solid mechanical stops further improve
the feel of the shifter.
It is understood that the shifter 21 cooperates with a manual
transmission having a pair of transmission shift levers which
translate the displacement of first and second cables 141 and 142
to transmission linkage movements engaging the desired gear as
selected by movements of the shift lever 21.
The shifter of the present invention may be moved to almost any
convenient location on an automotive vehicle and is impervious to
flexing or twisting of the frame of the vehicle by virtue of the
use of shielded cables to interconnect the shifter and the
transmission. With minor modification to the layout of the shifter,
cables extending to a rear mounted transmission may also be
controlled with the shifter of the present invention. Yet this is
provided in a compact "H" pattern shifter having simplified
assembly, cost reduction, reliability and a solid mechanical
feel.
The above description should be considered as exemplary and that of
the preferred embodiment only. The true spirit and scope of the
present invention should be determined by reference to the appended
claims. It is desired to include within the appended claims all
modifications that come within the proper scope of the
invention.
The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or
privilege is claimed are defined as follows.
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