Operating apparatus for automatic transmission

Abstract: An operating apparatus for an automatic transmission, comprises: a select lever (11) connected to the automatic transmission end; a first rotation supporting point (51) provided at a middle position of the select lever (11) and supporting the select lever in such a manner as to freely rotate; a second rotation supporting point (52) provided at a position apart from the first rotation supporting point in the select lever at a predetermined distance; an operating lever (6) rotatably connected to the select lever (11) through the second rotation supporting point (52); a positioned member (23) provided at a predetermined position in the operating lever (6); and a positioning member (41a) for determining a position of the positioned member (23) to a predetermined position.

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an operating apparatus for an automatic transmission capable of selecting a predetermined position such as a parking position and a drive position and the like by moving an operating lever. Description of the Related Art An operating apparatus for an automatic transmission of this kind is structured such that, for example, in the case that the operating apparatus is mounted on an automotive vehicle, a select lever and an operating lever are integrally rotated around a pin and the pin extends between two detent plates disposed in parallel. A detent gate is formed in the detent plate and a detent having unevenness is formed on this detent gate. The operating lever has a compression rod within a pipe, and a position pin is provided in a front end of the compression rod. The position pin is structured such that a front end portion thereof is inserted into the detent gate so as to be brought into contact with the detent. A knob button for pressing the compression rod downward and a return spring for returning the knob button to an original position are provided in a head portion of the operating lever. A position spring for ascending the compression rod upward and pressing the position pin to the detent is provided within the pipe. The compression rod, the position pin, the knob button, the return spring and the position spring mentioned above constitute a locking member R for inhibiting a movement of the operating lever and removing the inhibition. In the operating apparatus for the automatic transmission structured in the above manner, the operating lever can be moved to each of a range of positions, from a parking position P1 to a first position P6, by rotating the operating lever around the pin. However, in the case of moving from the parking position P1 to a reverse position P2 and vice versa, the case of moving from a neutral position P3 to the reverse position P2 and the case of moving from a second position P5 to the first position P6, the operating lever can be moved only by pushing the knob button and moving the position pin downward. Accordingly, in each of the above operations, the operating lever can be moved only after the inhibition of moving the operating lever is removed by the knob button. However, the operation between the neutral position P3, a drive position P4 and the second position P5 can be freely performed by moving the operating lever without pushing the knob button. However, in the operating apparatus for the automatic transmission in accordance with the related art, since the operating lever is structured such as to rotate around the pin, the head portion of the operating lever can only move in an arch like manner around the pin. Further, since the detent on the detent plate is formed as an arch like around the pin and the position pin is structured such as to move in an axial direction of the operating lever. The layout of the operating lever, the position pin and the detent gate is limited. Accordingly, in the case that the operating lever is disposed in such a manner as to project from a vertical wall surface of an instrument panel of the automotive vehicle, the operating lever is operated in a vertical direction, so that the operating performance is deteriorated. In order to solve this problem, it is considered that the operating lever is bent, however, this makes the structure for moving the position pin complex, so that there are problems such as an increase of a number of parts and an increase of a cost or the like. Further, in the operating apparatus for the automatic transmission mentioned above, since the detent is provided on the side in which the operating lever extends with respect to the pin, the detent plate projects from the mounting surface so that the panels (not shown) covering the detent plate project. Accordingly, the operating lever or the panels obstruct the way when the driver moves to the assistant driver's seat or the rear seat. In this case, when the projection is lowered by providing the rotating center of the operating lever at a position lower than the mounting surface, there is a problem that the operating lever becomes long, so that the operating stroke of the operating lever becomes long. EP-A-0437150 discloses an operating apparatus for an automatic transmission, said apparatus comprising: a select lever for connection to the automatic transmission; a first rotation supporting point provided at a middle position of the select lever and supporting the select lever such that the select lever can freely rotate; a second rotation supporting point provided at a position of the select lever a predetermined distance apart from the first rotation supporting point; and an operating lever rotatably connected to the select lever through the second rotation supporting point; The invention provides an operating apparatus for an automatic transmission, said apparatus comprising: a select lever for connection to the automatic transmission; a first rotation supporting point provided at a middle position of the select lever and supporting the select lever such that the select lever can freely rotate; a second rotation supporting point provided at a position of the select lever a predetermined distance apart from the first rotation supporting point; and an operating lever rotatably connected to the select lever through the second rotation supporting point; characterised in that the operating lever is rotatably biased about the second rotation supporting point by a biasing member such that a projecting member, which projecting member is provided at a predetermined position in the operating lever and inserted into a detent gate formed in a detent plate that supports the select lever through the first rotation supporting point engages an uneven detent surface defined by the detent gate, which detent surface defines predetermined positions of the select lever. The apparatus may be disposed in front of a seat for a driver whereby the driver is able to move between the driver's seat and an assistant driver's seat or a rear seat. The apparatus may be disposed in front of the driver's seat. The operating lever may be connected to the select lever in a substantially perpendicular manner and is rotatable through the second rotation supporting point such that the projecting member is rotatable about an axis of the operating lever. The apparatus may be arranged such that a handle portion of said operating lever moves in a generally straight, non-arcuate line, when the operating lever is used to move the select lever through said predetermined positions. In order that the invention may be well understood, some embodiments thereof, which are given by way of example only, will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing which shows a setting position of an operating apparatus for an automatic transmission in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 2 is a side elevational view which shows an operating apparatus for an automatic transmission in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view along a line III-III in FIG. 2 which shows the operating apparatus of the automatic transmission; FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view along a line IV-IV in FIG. 2 which shows the operating apparatus of the automatic transmission; FIG. 5 is a schematic view which shows a function of the operating apparatus for the automatic transmission; FIG. 6 is a schematic view which shows a function of the operating apparatus for the automatic transmission; FIG. 7 is a side elevational view which shows an operating apparatus for an automatic transmission in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view along a line VIII-VIII in FIG. 7 which shows the operating apparatus of the automatic transmission; FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view along a line IX-IX in FIG. 7 which shows the operating apparatus of the automatic transmission; FIG. 10 is a side elevational view which shows an operating apparatus for an automatic transmission in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view along a line XI-XI in FIG. 10 which shows the operating apparatus of the automatic transmission; FIG. 12 is a side elevational view which shows an operating apparatus for an automatic transmission in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view along a line XIII-XIII in FIG. 12 which shows the operating apparatus of the automatic transmission; FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view along a line XIV-XIV in FIG. 12 which shows the operating apparatus of the automatic transmission. FIG. 15 is a side elevational view which shows an operating apparatus for an automatic transmission; FIG. 16 is a view as seen from an arrow XVII in FIG. 15; FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the operating apparatus for the automatic transmission; and FIG. 18 is a perspective view which shows an indicator plate of the operating apparatus for the automatic transmission. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS There will be detailed below the preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like members are designated by like reference characters. At first, a first embodiment in accordance with the present invention will be explained below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. An operating apparatus for an automatic transmission in accordance with the present invention is housed within an instrument panel IP serving as a panel disposed in front of a driver's seat DS of an automotive vehicle, as shown in FIG. 1. At least an operating portion 6c and an operating knob 63 on an operating lever 6 are positioned to one side of a steering wheel H in a state of projecting toward the driver's seat DS from the instrument panel IP. The operating apparatus for the automatic transmission according to this embodiment comprises, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, a select lever 11 connected to the automatic transmission (not shown), a first pin (a first rotation supporting point) 51 provided in a middle position of the select lever 11 in a longitudinal direction and rotatably supporting the select lever 11, a second pin (a second rotation supporting point) 52 provided in a position apart from the first pin 51 in the select lever 11 at a predetermined distance, the operating lever 6 connected to the select lever 11 through the second pin 52 in such a manner as to freely rotate, a position pin (a positioned member, or a projecting member) 23 provided in a front end portion of the operating lever 6, and a detent (a positioning member) 41a for determining the position of the position pin 23 to a predetermined position. The select lever 11 is provided with the second pin 52 mentioned above at one end portion thereof and is provided with a pin 12 for connecting with a connecting member which is connected to the automatic transmission (not shown) at the other end portion thereof. The first pin 51 is extended between two detent plates 4 which are disposed in parallel. The operating lever 6 is formed by bending a round rod at a predetermined position, and is constituted by a bent portion 6a, a working portion 6b disposed on one side and an operating portion 6c disposed on the other side. The position pin 23 mentioned above is securely fixed to the front end portion of the working portion 6b by press-fitting or welding or the like. Further, a middle portion of the working portion 6b is connected to the second pin 52 through a bearing member 61. The bearing member 61 is rotatably connected to the second pin 52, and is structured such as to fixedly hold the working portion 6b. The working portion 6b is energized to rotate in a counterclockwise direction in FIG. 2 by a torsion spring (an energizing member) 62 so as to bring the position pin 23 into contact with the detent 41a. An operating knob 63 is provided in a front end portion (a head portion) of the operating portion 6c. In this case, a rotating direction of the select lever 11 around the first pin 51 and a rotating direction of the operating lever 6 around the second pin 52 are set to the same direction. In the above operating apparatus for an automatic transmission, the position and the extending direction of the operating lever 6 are determined by two positions of the second pin 52 and the position pin 23. However, since the second pin 52 among the first and the second pins 51 and 52 is set to move in such a manner as to always generate an arch like locus around the first pin 51, when the position of the position pin 23 is determined by a detent gate 41, the locus which the operating lever 6 moves is determined. For example, in the case shown in FIG. 2, by moving the lever 6 towards the driver's seat, the second pin 52 moves along a locus going downward in an arch like from a top position thereof. FIG. 5 shows a locus generated by the position pin 23 which is moved along a path of an arch like around the first pin 51. In an actual operation, since the upper surface of the detent 41a of the detent gate 41 is formed to be horizontal in spite that the detent 41a of the detent gate 41 has the unevenness, the operating knob 63 gradually moves downward from the locus shown in FIG. 5 by moving the operating lever 6 to the driver's seat DS end. Further, when the operator let go the hand of the operating knob 63 of the operating lever 6 after moving the operating knob, the operating lever 6 rotates until the position pin 23 is brought into contact with the detent 41a, and the operating knob 63 moves upward. However, as shown in FIG. 6, when the detent gate 41 is formed such as to gradually go down in accordance with going toward the driver's seat DS, the operating lever 6 is inclined in such a manner that the operating knob 63 end is ascended as the operating lever 6 moves downward together with the second pin 52. Accordingly, the operating knob 63 can move in a substantially horizontal direction. As mentioned above, when the operating lever 6 is inclined in such a manner that the operating knob 63 is ascended at a degree corresponding to a distance moving downward together with the second pin 52, at least the operating knob 63 generates a moving locus in the horizontal direction. Further, since the inclination of the operating lever 6 can be freely set by the detent gate 41, the operating lever 6 can be moved in such a manner as to generate various kinds of locus. Further, when the position pin 23 is, for example, in the parking position P1, the operating lever 6 can not be moved to the reverse position P2. In this case, when the operating lever 6 is rotated around the second pin 52, thereby drawing out the position pin 23 from the recess portion of the detent 41a, the operating lever can be moved to the reverse position P2. Accordingly, the inhibition of moving the operating lever 6 and the removal of the inhibition can be performed without using the conventional knob button 25, return spring 26 and compression rod 27 shown in FIG 15. Therefore, reduction of the number of the parts, simplification of the structure and cost reduction thereby can be achieved. Still further, since the above operating apparatus for the automatic transmission is provided in the panel in front of the driver's seat DS, that is, the instrument panel IP, the operating apparatus can freely move between the driver's seat DS (refer to FIG. 1) and the assistant driver's seat FS, or the driver's seat DS and the rear seat OS. The total structure of the operating apparatus for the automatic transmission is housed within the instrument panel IP and at least the operating portion 6c and the operating knob 63 in the operating lever 6 are exposed from the instrument panel IP, however, since the moving locus of the operating lever 6 can be set to various directions, the operating performance can be improved and the interference of the operating knob 63 against the peripheral parts, for example, the steering wheel H can be easily avoided. The operating performance can be particularly improved by structuring the operating knob 63 in such a manner as to horizontally move in the longitudinal direction. Accordingly, the operating apparatus for the automatic transmission which is particularly suitable for providing in the instrument panel IP can be obtained. Next, a second embodiment in accordance with the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9. The same reference numerals are attached to the same elements as those in the first embodiment and the explanation thereof will be omitted. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in view that the second pin 52 is positioned at the front end of the working portion 6b and the position pin 23 and the detent gate 41 are positioned at the middle portion of the working portion 6b. In the second embodiment, since the lower surface of the detent gate 41 is formed to be horizontal, when the operating lever 6 is moved toward the driver's seat DS, the operating lever 6 moves in a substantially horizontal direction. In accordance with the operating apparatus for the automatic transmission, the same operation and effect as those in the first embodiment can be obtained. Next, a third embodiment in accordance with the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 10 to 11. The same reference numerals are attached to the same elements as those in the first embodiment and the explanation thereof will be omitted. The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in view that the position pin 23 is removed from the engagement with the detent 41a by rotating the operating lever 6 around the axis thereof. Accordingly, the operating portion 6c of the operating lever 6 is provided in a bearing member 64 fixed to the one end portion of the select lever 11 in such a manner as to freely rotate around the axis and to freely move in the axial direction. Further, the operating lever 6 is energized by a torsion spring (a biasing member) 65 in such a manner that the position pin 23 is brought into contact with the detent 41a. In accordance with the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the operating lever 6 moves in such a manner as to always generate the arch like locus around the pin 51. In accordance with the operating apparatus for the automatic transmission structured in the above manner, since the operating lever 6 is connected to the select lever 11 in a substantially perpendicular manner and the position pin 23 is rotatable about the axis of the operating lever 6, the freedom of layout for the operating lever 6, the position pin 23 and the detent gate 41 can be enlarged. Further, the position pin 23 can be taken off from the recess portion of the detent 41a by rotating the operating lever 6 around the axis of the operating lever 6. Accordingly, in this case, since it is not necessary to use the knob button 66, position spring 27 and compression rod 22 shown in FIG. 15, reduction of the number of the parts, simplification of the structure and cost reduction thereby can be achieved. Therefore, even in the case that the operating lever 6 is disposed in such a manner as to project from the vertical wall surface of the instrument panel IP of the automotive vehicle, the operating structure of the position pin 23 can be simplified and the cost can be reduced. In the third embodiment, the bearing member 64 may be supported to the select lever 11 in such a manner as to freely rotate, as in the first embodiment mentioned above. In this case, it is necessary to provide a positioned member such as a pin in the working portion 6b of the operating lever 6 and to provide a positioning member such as a groove in which the positioned member is slid in the detent plate 4. Accordingly, in the third embodiment, the same operation effect as those in the first embodiment can be obtained. Next, a fourth embodiment in accordance with the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14. The same reference numerals are attached to the same elements as those in the third embodiment and the explanation thereof will be omitted. The fourth embodiment is different from the third embodiment in view that the position pin 23 is removed from the engagement with the detent 41a by a knob button 66. Accordingly, the operating lever 6 is constructed by a straight pipe having a circular cross section, and the operating knob 63 is provided on the one end portion thereof. Further, the outer peripheral portion of the operating lever 6 is fixed to the one end portion of the select lever 11 in a substantially perpendicular manner, and a rotating rod 67 is rotatably provided within the operating lever 6. The position pin 23 is provided at the position corresponding to the detent 41a in the rotating rod 67. Further, the one end portion of the rotating rod 67 projects into the operating knob 63 and a pinion gear 67a is formed on an outer periphery of an end portion thereof. The knob button 66 is provided in the operating knob 63 in such a manner as to freely go forward and backward in a state that an operating surface 66a of the one end is exposed from the operating knob 63. Then, a rack gear 66b meshed with the pinion gear 67a is formed on the other end portion of the knob button 66. Further, a return spring 68 for returning the operating knob 63 to the original position projecting from the operating knob 63 is provided in the operating knob 63. Then, the position pin 23 is energized by a resilient force of the return spring 68 in such a manner as to be brought into contact with the detent 41a. In accordance with the operating apparatus for the automatic transmission structured above, the rotating rod 67 is rotated by pushing the knob button 66, so that the position pin 23 can be taken off from the recess portion of the detent 41a. In the fourth embodiment, the same operation and effect as those in the third embodiment can be obtained. In the above embodiments, the operating apparatus for the automatic transmission is provided in the instrument panel IP of the automotive vehicle, however, the operating apparatus may be provided in the other panels in front of the driver's seat DS or the other parts. Further, the operating apparatus for the automatic transmission may be provided in a floor portion in front of the driver's seat DS. For the purpose of further illustrating the invention, an operating apparatus for an automatic transmission, which is not an embodiment of the invention, will now be described below with reference to FIGS. 16 to 19. The same reference numerals are attached to the same elements as those in the fifth embodiment and the explanation thereof will be omitted. The operating lever 6 in accordance with the sixth embodiment comprises a pipe formed as a straight shape and the operating knob 63 provided in the head portion of the pipe 21. A compression rod 22 is provided within the pipe 21 in such a manner as to freely slide in the axial direction, and the position pin 23 is provided in the front end of the compression rod 22. The position pin 23 is detachably disposed in the detent 41a with the front end portion being inserted into the detent gate 41. The knob button 66 for pressing the compression rod 22 downward and the return spring (not shown) for returning the knob button 66 to the original position are provided in the operating knob 63. Further, a position spring 27 for ascending the compression rod 22 upward so as to bring the position pin 23 into contact with the detent 41a is provided within the pipe 21. Then, a locking member R for inhibiting the motion of the operating lever 6 and removing the inhibition is constituted by the compression rod 22, the position pin 23, the knob button 66, the return spring and the position spring 27. Further, the operating lever 6 is connected to the select lever 11 at a position in which the pipe 21 thereof is shifted at a predetermined distance (a distance C in FIG. 16) with respect to the rotating center of the rotating pin 151. Accordingly, by providing the operating lever 6 in a shifted manner, the locking member R can be operated against the detent 41a disposed in a position opposite to the operating lever 6 with respect to the rotating pin 151 without being disturbed by the rotating pin 151. Still further, the operating lever 6 is provided with an indicator plate 102 moving together with the operating lever 6. The indicator plate 102 extends upward along the inner surface of the instrument panel IP, is slidably provided in the instrument panel IP, and a mark 102a, for example, colored in red is provided on the surface thereof. Then, an indicator 101 displaying a position of the operating lever 6 in accordance with the position of the indicator plate 102 is provided on the surface of the instrument panel IP along the moving line of the indicator plate 102. The indicator 101 comprises symbols 101a showing the parking position P, the neutral position N and the like, and a indicator window 101b disposed adjacent the respective symbols 101a and through which the color of the mark 102a of the indicator 102 can be observed. Further, in FIG. 16, reference numeral 12a denotes a select cable extending from the select lever 11 to the automatic transmission end (not shown). In the operating apparatus for the automatic transmission structured in the above manner, since the pipe 21 of the operating lever 6 is provided at a position which is shifted at a predetermined distance with respect to the rotating center of the rotating pin 151, the locking member R for attaching and detaching to the recess portion of the detent 41a can be easily provided along the operating lever 6 without being disturbed by the rotating pin 151. Still further, since the position of the operating lever 6 can be observed by the position of the indicator plate 102 moving together with the operating lever 6, the vacant space above the instrument panel IP can be efficiently utilized. When the indicator is set, for example, immediately in the side of the operating lever 6, there is a risk of hardly observing the indicator by the steering wheel H (refer to FIG. 18), the wiper switch and the like. However, by providing the indicator 101 above the operating lever 6, visibility of the indicator 101 can be improved. Accordingly, the indicator 101 can be disposed at a position in which the driver can easily observe. In the above embodiments, the indicator plate 102 is provided in such a manner as to extend upward, however, it may be provided in such a manner as to extend downward. In this case, the indicator 101 is disposed below the operating lever 6. It will be understood that the embodiments provide an operating apparatus for an automatic transmission capable of moving an operating lever in such a manner as to generate various kinds of locus and improving a freedom of layout. It will also be understood that the embodiments may provide an operating apparatus for an automatic transmission capable of shortening an operating stroke of the operating lever and making a mounting space compact. With reference to the embodiments it will be appreciated that the position of the operating lever and the extending direction thereof are determined by two positions of the second rotation supporting point and the positioned member. In this case, since the second rotation supporting point is determined such as to move in such a manner as to always generate an arch like locus around the first rotation supporting point, the locus on which the operating lever moves is also determined by determining the moving position of the projecting member by means of the detent surface. For example, in the case that the second rotation supporting point moves on the locus of moving downward in an arch like manner from a top position, when an end portion of the operating lever is inclined such as to be ascended upward at a distance corresponding to the descending distance, at least the one end portion of the operating lever can generate a horizontal moving locus. Accordingly, the inclination of the operating lever can be set by the projecting member and the detent surface. Therefore, the operating lever can be moved such as to generate various kinds of locus. The projecting member fits into a recess defined by the detent surface, thereby inhibiting movement of the operating lever. In this state, when the operating lever is rotated around the second rotation supporting point and the projecting member is drawn out from a recess of the detent surface, the operating lever becomes movable. Accordingly, inhibition of moving the operating lever and removal of the inhibition can be performed without using the conventional knob button, return spring and compression rod. Therefore, reduction of a number of the parts, simplification of the structure and cost reduction thereby can be achieved. Since the operating apparatus can be disposed in front of a driver's seat, a driver is able to move between the driver's seat and an assistant driver's seat or a rear seat. If the operating apparatus is disposed in front of the driver's seat so that the driver, an occupant or an attendant is able to move between the driver's seat and the assistant driver's seat or the rear seat, the operating apparatus can freely move between the driver's seat and the assistant driver's seat, or between the driver's seat and the rear seat. Further, the operating apparatus can be disposed in any place, for example, in the upper portion of the instrument panel or from the floor portion in front of the driver's seat and since the moving locus of the operating lever can be set to various directions, the operating performance can be improved and interference with peripheral parts can be easily avoided. Particularly, the operating performance can be improved by constructing the operating lever in such a manner as to horizontally move in a longitudinal direction. If the operating apparatus is provided in a panel in front of the driver's seat, the operating apparatus can freely move between the driver's seat and the assistant driver's seat, or between the driver's seat and the rear seat. Further, the total structure can be housed within the front panel and it is structured such that only the operating lever is exposed. At this time, since the moving locus of the operating lever can be set to various directions, the operating performance can be improved and interference of the operating lever with the peripheral parts such as a steering wheel can be easily avoided. Still further, since the operating lever is structured such as to horizontally move in the longitudinal direction, the operating performance can be improved. In embodiments in which the operating lever is connected to the select lever in such a manner as to extend in a substantially perpendicular direction and the projecting member is provided in such a manner as to freely swing or rotate around the axis of the operating lever, a freedom of layout for the operating lever, the position pin and the detent gate becomes great. Further, since the structure is made such that an engagement and detachment of the positioning member is performed by rotating the projecting member with respect to the axis of the operating lever, the structure can be simplified and the number of the parts can be reduced. Accordingly, even in the case that the operating lever is disposed in such a manner as to project from the vertical wall surface of the instrument panel of the automotive vehicle, the operating structure of the position pin can be simplified and the cost thereof can be reduced. While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described using specific terms, such description is for illustrative purposes, and it is to be understood that changes and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

Claims: An operating apparatus for an automatic transmission, said apparatus comprising: a select lever (11) for connection to the automatic transmission; a first rotation supporting point (51) provided at a middle position of the select lever and supporting the select lever such that the select lever can freely rotate; a second rotation supporting point (52;64) provided at a position of the select lever a predetermined distance apart from the first rotation supporting point; and an operating lever (6) rotatably connected to the select lever through the second rotation supporting point; characterised in that the operating lever is rotatably biased about the second rotation supporting point by a biasing member (62;65) such that a projecting member (23), which projecting member is provided at a predetermined position in the operating lever and inserted into a detent gate formed in a detent plate that supports the select lever through the first rotation supporting point engages an uneven detent surface (41a) defined by the detent gate, which detent surface defines predetermined positions (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6) of the select lever. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, disposed in front of a seat for a driver whereby the driver is able to move between the driver's seat and an assistant driver's seat or a rear seat. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2, disposed in a panel in front of the driver's seat. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the operating lever is connected to the select lever in a substantially perpendicular manner and is rotatable through the second rotation supporting point such that the projecting member is rotatable about an axis of the operating lever. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, arranged such that a handle portion of said operating lever moves in a generally straight, non-arcuate line, when the operating lever is used to move the select lever through said predetermined positions.

Inventors: HIRABAYASHI HIROKAZU, KATAUMI YOSHIMASA, MURAKAMI TAKAO, SUZUKI TAKAYOSHI, HIRABAYASHI, HIROKAZU, KATAUMI, YOSHIMASA, MURAKAMI, TAKAO, SUZUKI, TAKAYOSHI
Applicants: FUJI KIKO KK, FUJIKIKO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
Application year: 1997
Main classification: F16H59
IPC codes: B60K20, F16H59, F16H63