Vehicle shifter with powered pawl having neutral lock
US7328782B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 15, 2005 |
| Grant date | Feb 12, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 1, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/20085
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A shifter for vehicles including a base structure and a shift lever that is movably mounted to the base structure. A shift gate controls movement of the shift lever between a plurality of control positions including at least PARK, NEUTRAL and DRIVE control positions. The shifter also includes a powered pawl having a pawl member configured to engage the shift gate. The pawl member defines a first position relative to the shift gate wherein the shift lever is locked in the NEUTRAL position. The pawl member also defines a second position relative to the shift gate wherein the shift lever is movable between the PARK, NEUTRAL and DRIVE positions. The pawl member further defines a third position relative to the shift gate wherein the pawl member locks the shift lever in the PARK position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.