Automatic shift knob actuator

Abstract

A stick shift handle assembly has a stick shift handle and an actuator for releasing the stick shift handle for movement between a plurality of gear positions. The actuator has a housing. A sleeve is disposed between the actuator and the housing. The sleeve has a first co-efficient of friction lower than a second co-efficient of friction of the housing.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to an actuator for a stick shift handle assembly. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] A stick shift handle for an automatic transmission permits a driver to change the gears of a vehicle transmission by moving the stick shift handle between various positions. Typically, the stick shift handle is locked in a particular gear position until unlocked by the driver. The driver unlocks the stick shift handle by pressing a release button either at the front of the stick shift handle or on its side, which, in turn, causes an actuator in the stick shift handle to release the stick shift handle from a shift lock mechanism. [0003] Problems may arise with the actuator that unlocks the stick shift handle. Specifically, the stick shift handle, which houses the actuator, is generally made from plastic and fiberglass. This material has a high co-efficient of friction and causes the actuator to experience a fair amount of friction when moved. While...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a stick shift handle assembly with a unique actuator that allows for smooth shifting between gear positions. The actuator is housed within the stick shift handle and employs a sleeve with low friction to reduce resistance during movement. The actuator has a flat surface that matches the shape of the housing and may be lubricated for easy movement. The stick shift handle assembly may also use a motion transmitting member or a button to unlock the shift lock mechanism. The actuator has two members that move along different axes to disengage the shift lock mechanism. The first member moves along a second axis to unlock the handle, while the second member moves along a third axis to disengage the shift lock mechanism. The actuator uses sloped surfaces to transmit motion between the members. The invention also includes a housing with a first portion and a second portion extending along different axes. The technical effects of the invention include smooth shifting, reduced resistance, and improved efficiency of the stick shift handle assembly.

Problems solved by technology

Problems may arise with the actuator that unlocks the stick shift handle.

While manufacturers have sought to overcome this problem by placing lubricant between the actuator and the stick shift handle, during frequent use, the lubricant tends to migrate from the area of contact between the actuator and the stick shift handle.

However, the pivoting action of the cam tends to force the unlocking member to move in a pivoting fashion as well.

On occasion, this type of movement may cause a backlash through the release button.

This fix is time consuming to implement.

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