Miniaturized transmission shifter
US6295887A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 19, 1999 |
| Grant date | Oct 2, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 19, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/2025
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus is provided for shifting a vehicle transmission. The apparatus includes a miniaturized shifter having a base and having an elongated shift lever subassembly rotatably mounted on the base for movement between a plurality of gear positions. The shift lever subassembly is rotatable about an axis of rotation that extends parallel a length of the shift lever subassembly. A detent device includes an irregular surface defining gear positions on the base, and further includes a pawl on the shift lever subassembly that operably engages the irregular surface to prevent undesired rotational movement of the shift lever subassembly between at least some of the gear positions until the pawl is disengaged from the irregular surface. A feel positioner is also provided on the apparatus and includes an undulated surface separate from the irregular surface on the base, and further includes a spring-biased protrusion on the shift lever subassembly. The undulated surface has depressions accurately aligned with each of the gear positions and opposing ramps inclined toward a center of each depression. The spring-biased protrusion operably engages the undulated surface to provide a feel to a …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.