A park lock system for vehicles and packaging of the same

EP4643033A1Pending Publication Date: 2025-11-05STELLANTIS E-TRANSMISSIONS NV
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Patent Information

Application Number
EP2023844101
Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2022-12-30
Filing Date
2023-12-29
Publication Date
2025-11-05

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional park lock systems face challenges in efficient packaging due to space constraints, making it difficult to mount actuators in an ideal position, and lack compactness and ease of assembly.

Method used

A park lock system that includes a park pawl, park gear, wedging element, actuation means, arming spring, and conversion-linkage, where the actuation rod reciprocates along a transverse axis to the wedging element, allowing for efficient force conversion and compact design, enabling easy mounting on the transmission housing with minimal machining.

Benefits of technology

The system achieves a compact, efficient, and easy-to-assemble park lock solution that meets packaging constraints, ensuring reliable operation and quick response, with the ability to switch between parked and unparked modes.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present disclosure envisages a park lock system (100) for vehicle and the packaging of the system (100) relative to a transmission housing. The axis A-A of actuation of an actuation means (112) is oriented at an angle with respect to the axis B-B of reciprocation of a wedging-element (118). A conversion-linkage (132) is provided between an actuation rod (130) and the wedging-element (118) to change the direction of motion. The advantage of the park lock system (100) is that the mounting of actuation means (112) on transmission housing is simplified, since the actuator means (112) can now be mounted on a flat surface of the housing (140).
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Description

[0001] A PARK LOCK SYSTEM FOR VEHICLES AND PACKAGING OF THE SAME

[0002] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0003] The present disclosure relates to the field of automobiles. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to the field of park lock system for automob iles / vehicles.

[0004] DEFINITION

[0005] The below mentioned terms carry the stated meaning in relation to the present disclosure.

[0006] Arming of an actuation rod and / or wedging element: The term ‘arming of an actuation rod and / or wedging element’ refers to the action of pushing the actuation rod and wedging element towards the pawl, such that the wedging element pushes the park pawl towards a park gear and the lock element of the park pawl engages with a tooth-space of the park gear as soon as any adjacent tooth-space comes in a position suitable for receiving the locking-element.

[0007] Un-arming of an actuation rod and / or wedging element: The term ‘unarming of an actuation rod and / or wedging element’ refers to the action of pulling back the actuation rod and wedging element away from the park pawl, such that the park pawl is free to move away from the park gear to terminate the engagement between locking element and tooth-space of the park gear.

[0008] Parked position of park pawl: The term ‘parked position of park pawl’ refers to the position when the park pawl is angularly displaced towards the park pawl such that a locking-element of the park pawl engages with the park gear.

[0009] Unparked position of park pawl: The term ‘unparked position of park pawl’ refers to the position when the park pawl is angularly displaced away from the park pawl such that there is no engagement between the lockingelement of the park pawl and the park gear.

[0010] BACKGROUND

[0011] Conventionally, a hand brake is used to switch a car, or a vehicle in parking mode to keep the vehicle securely motionless when parked (or at the will of the driver). The vehicles may include conventional vehicles, Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV), Pure Electric Vehicles (PEV), Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV), or Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV).

[0012] Presently, vehicle owners and government bodies are increasingly concerned about passenger and vehicle safety not only while driving the vehicle but also when the vehicle is parked or is in a neutral gear. In some modern vehicles, park lock systems are being used to immobilize the vehicle by engaging a park pawl with a park gear or any other feature provided on transmission system of the vehicle. The park lock systems include an actuator to actuate a wedging element or a roller cage over a park pawl. Ideally, the actuator is expected to be placed just behind the wedging element, such that the axis of reciprocation of the actuator and the line of action of the wedging element is parallel to one another. However, there is not enough space available to mount the actuator in an ideal position. As a result, an efficient packaging of components is not achieved in any conventional park lock systems available in the market.

[0013] To solve the above-mentioned drawbacks, there is a dire need to develop a park lock system that overcomes the above-mentioned shortcomings of presently known park locks.

[0014] OBJECTS

[0015] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows: An objective of the present disclosure is to provide a park lock system for vehicles.

[0016] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a park lock system for vehicles, wherein the space requirement for packaging is reduced.

[0017] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a park lock system for vehicles that is compact.

[0018] Still another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a park lock system for vehicles, wherein the actuators can be easily mounted on the housing.

[0019] Yet another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a park lock system for vehicles, wherein the park lock system is easy to assembly.

[0020] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The present disclosure envisages a park lock system for vehicles. The park lock system of the present disclosure is easy to install on the housing of the transmission. An actuator is installed on the transmission housing and need minimum machining of the housing.

[0022] The park lock system comprises a park pawl, a park gear, a wedgingelement, an actuation means, an arming-spring, and conversion-linkage. The park pawl is pivotally mounted on a support and is configured to angularly displace between a parked position and an unparked position. A pawl -head-profile is defined at the operative front end of the park pawl. The park gear is provided in the transmission system of the vehicle and is configured to engage with the park pawl to lock the movement of the vehicle, when the vehicle is in a parked mode. The wedging-element reciprocates along a first axis A-A and is configured to push the park pawl towards the park gear. The actuation rod reciprocates along a second axis B- B, wherein the second axis B-B is transverse to the first axis A-A. The conversion-linkage is designed to facilitate the change in the direction of force applied by the actuation means to the direction of motion of the wedging-element. The conversion-linkage is connected between a free end of the actuation rod and the wedging element.

[0023] The actuation means is configured to move the actuation rod between armed and / or unarmed state, upon receiving a command signal related to parked and unparked mode from a control unit. Upon actuation of the actuation rod, the conversion-linkage converts the motion of the actuation rod along the first axis A-A to the motion of the wedging-element along the second axis B-B. The conversion-linkage is pivoted about a fulcrum.

[0024] In an embodiment, the conversion-linkage is selected from the group consisting of bell crank levers, triangles, and L-arms.

[0025] Upon receiving a park mode signal from a control unit, the actuation rod pushes the wedging-element over the pawl-head-profiles, wherein the pawl -head-profile is designed to resolve the forces from the wedging-element to push the park pawl towards the park gear.

[0026] In an example, the wedging-element may be selected from the group consisting of a sliding element, a cone, a cam, and a roller-cage.

[0027] Further, the wedging-element may be assembled at the operative front end of the actuation rod. A compression spring is installed between the wedging-element and the actuation rod.

[0028] Alternatively and / or additionally, the park lock system may include a return-spring co-operating with the park pawl to bias the park pawl away from the park gear.

[0029] In yet another alternative or example, the park lock system may include a park sensor in proximity to the actuation rod to detect the position of the actuation rod.

[0030] Also, the first axis A-A and the second axis B-B may be nonintersecting and non-co-planar. Alternatively and / or additionaly, the first axis A-A and the second axis B-B may be intersecting and non-co-planar.

[0031] The actuation means is preferably selected from the group consisting of hydraulic actuator, pneumatic actuator, mechanical actuator, electric actuator, and electro-mechanical actuator. The park actuation means can be configured to be operated manually or automatically upon receiving signals from a controller.

[0032] Further, the park lock system may comprise an override pin and a solenoid to lock the actuation rod in an armed state or an unarmed state, during a limp home mode of the vehicle.

[0033] Alternatively and / or additionally, the park lock system may include a second park pawl configured to engage with the park gear. This second park pawl can be operated by the same actuation means or a separate actuation means.

[0034] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING

[0035] Same reference numerals refer to same elements or elements of similar function throughout the various figures. Furthermore, only reference numerals necessary for the description of the respective figure are shown in the figures. The shown embodiments represent only examples of how the invention can be carried out. This should not be construed as a limitation of the invention.

[0036] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an ideal arrangement of components in a park lock system. Figures 2 and 3 show different perspective views of a park lock system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the park lock system is in an unparked mode.

[0038] Figures 4 and 5 show different perspective views of a park lock system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the park lock system is in a parked mode.

[0039] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a park pawl connected to an actuation means by a connector-pin.

[0040] Figure 7 shows a side view of the park pawl, when the park lock system is in a parked mode, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 8 shows a side view of the park pawl, when the park lock system is in an unparked mode, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 9 shows an isometric view of the park lock system mounted on a housing of a transmission system.

[0043] Figure 10 shows an open section view of the housing of the transmission system of figure 9.

[0044] LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0045] 50 - Schematic representation of an ideal park lock system

[0046] 02 - Park pawl

[0047] 03 - Operative front end of park pawl

[0048] 04 - Locking element of the park pawl

[0049] 12 - Actuation means

[0050] 14 - Return-spring

[0051] 15 - Arming-spring

[0052] 17 - Actuation-head-profile

[0053] 18 - Wedging-element 40 - Park gear

[0054] 40a - Tooth-space in park gear si - Actuator-spring(s) s2 - Arming-spring

[0055] 100 - Park lock system

[0056] 102 - Park pawl

[0057] 103 - Park pawl actuation-body

[0058] 104 - Locking-element

[0059] 110 - Park gear

[0060] 110a - Tooth-space

[0061] 112 - Actuation means

[0062] 114 - Return-spring

[0063] 117 - Pawl-head-profiles

[0064] 118 - Wedging-element

[0065] 120 - Override pin

[0066] 122 - Solenoid

[0067] 126 - Park sensor

[0068] 130 - Actuation rod

[0069] 132 - Conversion-arm

[0070] 132a - First end of the conversion- arm

[0071] 132b - Second end of the conversion- arm

[0072] 133 - Fulcrum

[0073] 134 - Pin

[0074] 140 - Transmission housing

[0075] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0076] Same reference numerals refer to same elements or elements of similar function throughout the various figures. Furthermore, only reference numerals necessary for the description of the respective figure are shown in the figures. The shown embodiments represent only examples of how the invention can be carried out. This should not be construed as a limitation of the invention.

[0077] In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail as the same are known to the person skilled in the art.

[0078] The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise.

[0079] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings.

[0080] Terms such as first, second, third etc., (used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another component, region, layer or section) when used herein do not imply a specific sequence or order unless clearly suggested by the present disclosure.

[0081] The present invention discloses a park lock system 100 for a vehicle. Figure 1 shows a schematic view ideal arrangement of a park lock system 50, wherein an actuation means 12 is placed in an ideal position just behind a wedging element 18. Axis of reciprocation of the actuation means 12 and an actuator rod 30 is parallel to the line of action of the wedging element 18. Basically, the figure 1 illustrates the principle of working of a park lock system.

[0082] As seen in figure 1, the actuation means 12 in the form of a piston cylinder arrangement is used to displace an actuation rod 30. The actuation rod 30 is connected to a wedging-element 18 via an arming spring 15. A park pawl 02 is pivotally mounted and is configured to co-operate with the wedging-element 18 to move between locked and unlocked position. A locking element 04 defined on the operative front end 03 of the park pawl 02 engages with a tooth-space 40a provided on a park gear 40. An override pin & solenoid 22 is provided to lock the actuation rod 30, when needed. In the park lock system 50 the axis of reciprocation of the actuation means 12 is approximately parallel to the line of action of the wedging-element 18 and the length of the park pawl 02.

[0083] Figures 2 to 10 show the park lock system 100, in accordance with different embodiments of the present disclosure. Any obvious addition and workshop modification of the park lock system 100 shall be considered to be covered within the scope of the present invention.

[0084] The park lock system 100, in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, comprises a park pawl 102, a park gear 110, an actuation means 112, an actuator rod 130, a conversion -link 132, armingspring s2, wedging-element 118, and a return-spring 114. The park gear 110 is installed / defined in the transmission assembly. The actuation rod 130 is connected to the actuation means 112 directly or via a spring. The park gear 110 is configured to removably engage with the park pawl 102 to lock the movement of the vehicle.

[0085] A plurality of tooth-spaces 110a is defined on the park gear 110. The park pawl 102 is pivotally mounted on a support. The park pawl 102 is configured to angularly displace between a parked position and an unparked position. The return-spring 114 is configured to bias the park pawl 102 away from the park gear 110. A pawl-head-profile 117 is defined on the operative- front-end 103 of the park pawl 102. The pawl-head-profile 117 is designed to resolve the forces exerted by the wedging-element 118 such as to push the park pawl 102 towards the park gear 110. A locking-element 104 is defined near the operative free end of the park pawl 102, wherein the lockingelement 104 is configured to releasably engage with the park gear 110. The locking-element 104 slips into a tooth-space 110a of the park-gear 110 when in parked mode. Under the action of the force coming from the wedgingelement 118, the locking-element 104 slips into a tooth-space 110a of the park gear 110 as soon it a tooth-space 110a comes to a suitable receiving position.

[0086] The park lock system 100 mentioned above and shown in accompanying figures is only for illustration. Other variations in the shape and type of components shall be covered under the scope of the present invention.

[0087] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the park lock system 100 includes two park pawls 102. One or more actuation means 112 is configured to arm / unarm the actuation rod(s) 130 and / or the wedging- element(s) 118 between the actuated and unactuated positions, upon receiving command signals related to respective parking mode.

[0088] The wedging-element 118 reciprocates along a first axis A- A. The first axis A-A is perpendicular to the pivotal axis of the park pawl 102. In an embodiment, angle between the first axis A-A and the pivotal axis of the park pawl 102 ranges from 30 to 90 degrees. The actuation rod 130 reciprocating along a second axis B-B. The second axis B-B is transverse to the first axis A-A.

[0089] The conversion-linkage 132 is connected between a free end of the actuation rod 130 and the wedging element 118. Upon actuation of the actuation rod 130, the conversion-linkage 132 is configured to convert the motion of the actuation rod 130 along the first axis A-A to the motion of the wedging-element 118 along the second axis B-B.

[0090] In an embodiment, the first axis A-A and the second axis B-B are nonintersecting and non-co-planar.

[0091] In another embodiment, the first axis A-A and the second axis B-B are intersecting and non-co-planar (or intersecting and as well as co-planar). A contour or a curved profile is defined on the contact surfaces between the park pawl 102 and the wedging-element 118. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a pawl-head-profile 117 is defined near the operative front end 103 of each of the actuation rods 130, as clearly seen in figure 7.

[0092] The actuation means 112 shifts the actuation rod 130 between armed and / or unarmed state, upon receiving a command signal related to parked and unparked mode from a control unit. The command signal may originate from a switch / button / knob provided in the driver cabin or from a controller based on a predetermined logic / sequence of operation, executed by the controller.

[0093] The conversion-linkage 132 is selected from the group consisting of a bell crank lever, triangle, and L-arm.

[0094] When the vehicle is switched to a parked mode, a control unit sends a park mode control signal to the actuation means 112 to push the actuation rod 110 and the wedging-element 118 over the pawl -head-profiles 117, such as to push the park pawl 102 towards the park gear 110 for locking the transmission system.

[0095] The wedging-element 118 is selected from the group consisting of a sliding element, a cone, a cam, and a roller-cage. The selection of sliding element or a roller-cage may likely depend on packaging constraint and operational feasibility.

[0096] In an embodiment, the wedging-element 118 is assembled at the operative front end of the actuation rod 130.

[0097] In another embodiment, a compression spring s2 is provided between the wedging-element 118 and the actuation rod 130.

[0098] A return-spring 114 is co-operating with the park-pawl 102 to bias the park-pawl 102 away from the park gear 110. Further, at least one park sensor 126 is installed in proximity to the actuation rod 130 to detect the position of the actuation rod(s) 130 and / or the wedging-element(s) 118.

[0099] In the park lock system 100 shown in figures 2-10, the wedgingelement 118 is moved by the actuator rod 130. Whenever, the actuation rod 130 moves relative to the park pawl 102, the interaction between the contact surfaces of the wedging-element 118 and the park -head-profile 117 results in the resolution of forces such that the resultant force pushes the park pawl 102 towards the park gear 110. In the absence of any interaction between forces at mentioned contact surface, the park pawl 102 returns back to the unlocked position (away from the park gear 110).

[0100] Figures 2 and 3 show perspective views of the park lock system 100, when the vehicle is in unparked / unarmed mode. In this state the actuator rod 130 and the wedging-element 118 are in their retracted positions. As a result, the park pawl 102 is biased away from the park gear 110 under the action of a return-spring 114 and the vehicle is free to move. The returnspring 114 may be a torsion spring, tension spring, or compression spring.

[0101] Figures 4-5 show perspective views of the park lock system 100 in a parked mode. In this state the actuator rod 130 and the wedging-element 118 are in their actuated positions. As a result, the park pawl 102 is biased towards the park gear 110 under the action of the force exerted by the wedging-element 118. The locking-element 104 is engaged with the park gear 110, and the vehicle is unable to move.

[0102] The mode of the park lock system 100 can be switched either manually or automatically upon receiving signal from a control unit. The control unit can be a dedicated controller with an inbuilt processor or an ECU (electronic control unit) of the vehicle.

[0103] In the present park lock system 100 by actuating the actuation means 112 the arming spring s2 is preloaded. In a preloaded condition the arming spring s2 may apply pressure of the wedging-element 118, such that the wedging-element 118 may be ready to slid over the pawl -head-profile 117 whenever the locking-element 104 comes in line with tooth-space 110a.

[0104] Unparked mode: The actuation means 112 moves in a direction away from the actuation rod 130 to release the arming force from the wedgingelement 118. This changes the state of the park lock system 100 from a parked mode to an unparked mode (and vice-a-versa for systems which are designed to be in normally locked positions). The actuation means 112 is selected from the group consisting of hydraulic actuator, pneumatic actuator, mechanical actuator, electric actuator, and electro-mechanical actuator.

[0105] In another aspect of the present invention, a second park pawl (not shown in figures) is pivotally mounted on a support adjacent to the park pawl 102. The operation of the second park pawl can be effected by a second actuation means.

[0106] The park gear 110 may also be fastened on the drive shaft of the prime mover of the vehicle.

[0107] In an embodiment, an override pin 120 and solenoid 122 is provided near the actuation rod 130 to restrict the travel of the actuation rod 130. When the vehicle is in break-down condition the driver or service personal can either keep the vehicle in unparked mode so as to facilitate towing of the vehicle. Also, in some cases if the vehicle fails to automatically switch to a parked mode after turning off the ignition, the driver may use an override switch to manually turn the vehicle into the parked mode, to prevent rolling of the vehicle. The override pin 120 engages with slots provided on the actuation rod 130. Thus, the override pin 120 locks the actuation rod 130 in an armed state or in an unarmed state, during a limp home mode of the vehicle. The driver may also turn the vehicle into a parked mode when ignition is ON. In some cases, there may be two actuation rods 130 as well. These actuation rods 130 can be operated by a single actuation means 112 or two separate actuation means. The actuation means 112 is configured to be operated manually or automatically upon receiving signals from a control unit.

[0108] In another embodiment, the park lock system may include a second park pawl configured to engage with the park gear. This second park pawl can be operated by the same actuation means or a separate actuation means.

[0109] A method of operating the park lock system 100 of the present disclosure includes the following steps. To explain how the system changes from an unparked mode to parked mode, and vice versa, let us consider that initially, the park pawl 102 is not engaged with the park gear 110. When the park lock system 100 receives a signal after drivers cabin or from a controller, the actuation means 112 is actuated to push the actuation rod 130 towards the conversion-linkage 132. The actuation rod 130 either directly or indirectly exerts a force on the first end 132a of the conversionlinkage 132. The conversion-linkage 132 is angularly displaced about the fulcrum 133. The second end 132b of the conversion-linkage 132 then arms the wedging-element 118. The wedging-element 118 exerts force and tries to move over the pawl -head-profile 117 such as to push the park pawl 102 towards the park gear 110. The locking-element 104 slips into the toothspace 110a to lock the rotation of the transmission system. The engagement of the locking-element 104 with the park gear 110 restricts the rotation of the transmission system and the wheels of the vehicle. The order of operation is reversed when the park lock system is switched to the unparked mode. The locking-element 104 retracts from the tooth-space 110a under the action of the return-spring 114, such that the transmission system and the vehicle is free to move. The benefit of the park lock system 100 of the present disclosure is that it is easy to install in the housing 140 of the transmission. The flat portion of the housing 140 is optimally used for mounting the actuation means or an actuator. An actuator can be installed on the transmission housing with minimum machining of the housing 140.

[0110] The park lock system 100 of the present invention is compact, quick in response, efficiently packed, and economical.

[0111] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that embodiment but are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0112] TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS

[0113] The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a park lock system for vehicles that:

[0114] • requires minimum machining of the housing for installation;

[0115] • is easy to assemble;

[0116] • is compact in size and meets the packaging constraints;

[0117] • is reliable;

[0118] • is quick in operation; and

[0119] • is robust.

[0120] The present disclosure envisages a park lock system for vehicle and the packaging of the system relative to a transmission housing. The axis A- A of actuation of an actuation means is oriented at an angle with respect to the axis B-B of reciprocation of a wedging-element. A conversion-linkage is provided between an actuation rod and the wedging-element to change the direction of motion. The advantage of the park lock system is that the mounting of actuation means on transmission housing is simphfied, since the actuator means can now be mounted on a flat surface of the housing.

[0121] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

[0122] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments to fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and / or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

[0123] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation. For the purpose of clarity and a concise description, features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, however, it will be appreciated that the scope of the invention may include embodiments having combinations of all or some of the features described, as long as they fall within the scope of the following claims. It may be understood that the embodiments shown have the same or similar components, apart from where they are described as being different.

[0124] Modifications and improvements to the above-described embodiments of the present invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art. The foregoing description is intended to be exemplary rather than limiting. The scope of the present invention is therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A park lock system (100) for a vehicle, said park lock system (100) comprising: at least one park pawl (102) pivotally mounted on a support, said park pawl (102) configured to angularly displace between a parked position and an unparked position; a pawl-head (103) with a pawl -head-profiles (117) defined at the corresponding operative front ends (103) of said park pawl (102); a park gear (110) provided in the transmission system of the vehicle, said park gear (110), in a parked mode, configured to engage with said park pawl (102) to lock the movement of the vehicle; a wedging-element (118) reciprocating along a first axis A-A and configured to push said park pawl (102) towards said park gear (110); an actuation rod (130) reciprocating along a second axis B-B, said second axis B-B being transverse to said first axis A-A; a conversion-linkage (132) connected between a free end of said actuation rod (130) and said wedging element (118); an actuation means (112) configured to actuate said actuation rod (130) between armed and / or unarmed state, upon receiving a command signal related to parked and unparked mode from a control unit, upon actuation of said actuation rod (130) said conversion -linkage (132) is configured to convert the motion of said actuation rod (130) along said first axis A-A to the motion of said wedging-element (118) along said second axis B-B.

2. The park lock system (100) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said conversion-linkage (132) is selected from the group consisting of a bell crank lever, triangle, and L-arm.

3. The park lock system (100) for a vehicle as claimed in any of the previous claims, wherein upon receiving a park mode signal from acontrol unit, said actuation means (112) is configured to push said wedgingelement (118) over said pawl-head-profiles (117), wherein said pawl-head- profiles (117) is designed to resolve the forces from said wedging-element (118) to push said park pawl (102) towards the park gear (110).

4. The park lock system (100) and the vehicle as claimed in any of the previous claims, wherein said wedging-element (118) is selected from the group consisting of a sliding element, a cone, a cam, and a roller-cage.

5. The park lock system (100) for vehicles as claimed in any of the previous claims, wherein said wedging-element (118) is assembled at the operative front end of said actuation rod (130).

6. The park lock system (100) for vehicles as claimed in claim any of the previous claims, wherein a compression spring (s2) is provided between said wedging-element (118) and said actuation rod (130).

7. The park lock system (100) for vehicles as claimed in any of the previous claims, wherein a return-spring (114) is co-operating with said park-pawl (102) to bias said park-pawl (102) away from said park gear (HO).

8. The park lock system (100) for vehicles as claimed in any of the previous claims, wherein said first axis A-A and said second axis B-B are non-intersecting and non-co-planar.

9. The park lock system (100) for vehicles as claimed in any of the previous claims, wherein said first axis A-A and said second axis B-B are intersecting and non-co-planar.

10. The park lock system (100) for vehicles as claimed in any of the previous claims, wherein said first axis A-A is perpendicular to the pivotal axis of the park pawl 102.

11. The park lock system (100) for vehicles as claimed in any of the previous claims, wherein the angle between the first axis A-A and the pivotal axis of the park pawl 102 ranges from 30 to 90 degrees.

12. The park lock system (100) for vehicles as claimed in any of the previous claims, wherein said actuation means (112) is selected from the group consisting of hydraulic actuator, pneumatic actuator, mechanical actuator, electric actuator, and electro-mechanical actuator, said actuation means (112) is configured to be operated manually or automatically upon receiving signals from a controller.

13. The park lock system (100) for vehicles as claimed in any of the previous claims, wherein an override pin (120) and a solenoid (122) are configured to lock the actuation rod (130) in an armed state or an unarmed state, during a limp home mode of the vehicle.

14. The park lock system (100) for vehicles as claimed in any of the previous claims, wherein said park lock system (100) includes a second park pawl configured to engage with said park gear (110).

15. A vehicle including a park lock system (100) as claimed in any of the previous claims.