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AssigneeGeneral Motors Corporation
InventorsMichael A. Van Camp, Steven Alan Kornburger, Anthony P. Tata
Estimating the term…
A shift control assembly and method includes a shift linkage, a shift control rod, and a retainer member. The retainer member is secured to the shift control linkage in a manner such that a fastener integral with the linkage extends through a portion of the retainer clip. The shift control rod is secured to the retainer by clip portions formed thereon in a manner such that a final assembly threaded member can be secured on the fastener member of the shift linkage to complete the shift control assembly. The assembly method involves providing a shift link with a fastener secured thereto, assembling a retainer on the shift link, assembling a control rod on the retainer, and securing the assembly together with a fastener member securely engaging the fastener secured to the shift link.
A shift control assembly and retainer apparatus comprising:
A method of assembling a shift control mechanism comprising the steps of:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.
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From the US filing history. Foreign family members aren’t listed.
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Final output mechanisms therefor; Actuating means for the final output mechanisms: constructional features of the final output mechanisms
Clamping arrangements where clamping parts are received in recesses of elements to be connected: threaded clamping parts
Control functions within control units of change-speed- or reversing-gearings for conveying rotary motion ; Control of exclusively fluid…
General details of gearing: tools specially adapted for assembly of transmissions
Term end not estimated
This invention relates to shift linkage controls and, more particularly, to the interconnection between the manual shift linkage and the transmission control rod.
Power transmissions for automotive vehicles include a linkage connection between the interior of the automobile and the transmission, which is assembled beneath the vehicle. The linkage connection between these two members includes a shift lever member, connected with a manual shift control within the operator's compartment, and a control rod, which is connected with the transmission, to manipulate the operating condition of the transmission.
During assembly of the vehicle, the shift lever member is depending from the compartment and the control rod is loosely hanging under the vehicle. It is necessary for the operator to assemble the control rod onto the linkage and secure the control rod and linkage in position with a fastener. This is accomplished in an overhead operation and the operator is required to use two hands to manipulate the linkage and control rod, and then maintain the control rod in position while the fastener is connected with the linkage.
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a portion of a transmission shift linkage with a retainer clip installed thereon.
FIG. 2 is another isometric view of the shift linkage and retainer clip.
FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the retainer clip shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
Referring to the drawings, wherein like characters represent the same or corresponding parts throughout the several views, there is seen in FIG. 1 a shift linkage 10 having a first link member 12 and a second link member 14. The second link 14, as seen in FIG. 2, has a fastener 16 secured thereto. The fastener 16 extends downwardly, as seen in FIG. 1, through the link 14. The link 14 has a clip member or retainer 18 mounted thereon. The clip member 18, as seen in FIG. 3, includes a body 20 having a substantially central aperture 22 through which the fastener 16 extends.
The retainer 18 also includes two upstanding wall members 24 and 26 extending from the body 20 and two downwardly depending wall members 28 and 30 extending from the body 20. The wall members 24 and 26, as seen, are on opposed sides of the body 20 as are the wall members 28 and 30. The wall member 24 has a tab or clip portion 32 formed therein, which extends inwardly from the wall 24 toward the aperture 22. The wall 26 has a tab or clip portion 34, which extends inwardly therefrom toward the aperture 22. The tabs 32, 34 clip to the link 14 to secure the retainer 18 thereon. The walls 28 and 30 have respective tabs or clip portions 36 and 38 which extend inwardly toward the aperture 22.
An assembly 40 comprised of the shift links 12 and 14, the fastener 16 and the retainer 18 can be completed prior to assembly within the vehicle. During assembly within the vehicle, the assembly 40 extends downwardly through a body portion of the vehicle, not shown, to an area immediately under the vehicle body. This assembly 40 is placed in close proximity with the transmission of the vehicle, not shown. The transmission is a conventional multi-ratio transmission that is controlled by the operator through a shift lever, not shown, within the vehicle passenger compartment. The shift lever is connected with the link 12 in a conventional manner.