Shifter rod assemblies for automotive transmissions
AssigneeGeneral Motors Corporation
InventorsLarry G. Hartleip, Michael C. Wissinger
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A shifter rod assembly used in automotive vehicles extends between a manual shifter assembly having a manual shift lever and a transmission spaced from the manual shift lever. Large tolerance universal joints with play between the components thereof connect the shifter rod assembly to the manual shifter assembly and to the transmission. In order to eliminate rattle noise in the universal joints, the universal joints are each encased in a layer of elastomer. A preferred elastomer is silicone elastomer can be applied in liquid form, cures at room temperature and maintains integrity at temperatures in a range of about 200° F. to 240° F.
Claims13
A shifter rod assembly for connecting a manual gear shifter assembly to a transmission of a motor vehicle, wherein the shifter rod assembly transmits both axial and rotational motion from the manual gear shift assembly to the transmission, the shifter rod assembly comprising:
- a shifter rod having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the gear shift assembly through a first universal joint and the second end being connected to the transmission through a second universal joint;
- and
- a first layer of elastomer material encasing the first universal joint and a second layer of elastomer material encasing the second universal joint, wherein the encasing provides substantial filling of voids and coating of surfaces of the first and second universal joints.
A shifter rod assembly for connecting a manual gear shifter assembly including an operating lever to a transmission of a motor vehicle, wherein the shifter rod assembly transmits both axial and rotational motion from the manual gear shift assembly to the transmission, the shifter rod assembly comprising:
- a shifter rod of tubular steel having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the gear shift assembly through a first universal joint and the second end being connected to the transmission through a second universal joint, wherein said first and second universal joints respectively comprise components having a tolerance with play that permits rattle respectively therebetween;
- and
- a first layer of elastomer material encasing the first universal joint and a second layer of elastomer material encasing the second universal joint, wherein the encasing provides sufficient filling of voids and coating of surfaces of the first and second universal joints to minimize the rattle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.