Shifter having neutral lock
US7568404B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 2, 2005 |
| Grant date | Aug 4, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 12, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/20098
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A shifter for controlling a transmission of a motor vehicle includes a base structure and a shift lever that is movably mounted to the base structure for movement between a plurality of control positions. At least one of the control positions comprises a NEUTRAL position. The shifter further includes a shift gate having a plurality of notches corresponding to the control positions. The shift gate is positioned on a selected one of the base and the shift lever. The shifter further includes a movable pawl member selectively engaging the notches of the shift gate to restrict movement of the shift lever relative to the base structure. The pawl member is biased into engagement with the shift gate. A movable retaining member selectively engages the shift gate to retain the shift lever in the NEUTRAL position wherein the retaining member is biased out of engagement with the shift gate. The shifter further includes a powered actuator having a movable output member that shifts between a first position, a second position, and a third position. The movable output member operably engages the movable retaining member when in the first position and shifts the movable retaining member into engage…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.