Park position locking system for steering column transmission shifter
US5853348A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 20, 1996 |
| Grant date | Dec 29, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 20, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H2061/223
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system for selectively locking a steering-column-mounted transmission shifter in a park position that places the transmission in one of two neutral positions. An electrically operated shift lock releasably locks the shifter in park position. The shift lock is under the control of an electric circuit that contains first and second shift lock relays having normally open contacts connected in series to the shift lock. The electric circuit operatively couples the relays' coils with the ignition switch, a transmission neutral position sensing switch, and a service brake sensing switch. When the service brakes are applied and the ignition switch is on, the shift lock is operated to release the shifter, allowing the shifter to be moved to other positions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.