Patent Publication Number: US-10788123-B2

Title: Rotary shifter with a DC motor driving lock mechanism

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the priority of U.S. Ser. No. 15/910,158 filed Mar. 2, 2018. The &#39;158 application claims the priority of U.S. Ser. No. 62/527,372 filed Jun. 30, 2017, as well as U.S. Ser. No. 62/469,959 filed Mar. 10, 2017. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention discloses each of rotary and lever style shifters which can shift between each of Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive and Sport positions (the latter providing higher RPM at lower speeds for such as performance driving conditions) As will be further described below, the present design incorporates a DC motor and gear set for actuating a lock lever between each of lock, unlock and return-to-Park functionality for establishing both controlled shifting between the PRND positions as well as automatic return to park functionality. 
     Description of the Background Art 
     The prior art is documented with examples of sensor activated linkage for establishing a return to Park condition (both associated with rotary and linear shifter assemblies). Examples of these most notably include each of Swaita, USSN 2015/0143938, disclosing default-to-par, having output member, rotatable plate, latching mechanism and biasing member), Watanabe, USSN 2015/0152958 teaching a motor driven device with control circuit for moving a rotary detent member to park, and Ehrmaier, U.S. Pat. No. 7,028,575 further disclosing a shift lever with dual shifting channels such that manual deflection in either channel, following release, effectuates monostable return to park functionality. 
     Additional examples of motorized sifter assemblies include each of Fett, U.S. Pat. No. 9,334,949, Ganter, U.S. Pat. No. 9,239,108 and Rake, U.S. Pat. No. 9,518,650 among others. Other gear selector devices also include each of Fuhroff, USSN 2009/0000413, Giefer, U.S. Pat. No. 8,413,536 and Seki, U.S. Pat. No. 8,359,943. 
     SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     The present invention discloses each of rotary and lever style shifters which can shift between each of Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive and Sport positions (the latter providing higher RPM at lower speeds for such as performance driving conditions) As will be further described below, the present design incorporates a DC motor and gear set for actuating a lock lever between each of lock, unlock and return-to-Park functionality for establishing both controlled shifting between the PRND positions as well as automatic return to park functionality 
     Engagement between the DC motor and the lock lever gear occurs via a pivoting lock lever assembly, such mounted to the housing, which is slaved to the motor, a lock lever, magnet and gear sub-assembly and such that, the lock lever engages a selected aperture location of the detent locking wheel. A collection of biasing springs includes a torsional spring for biasing the detent locking wheel relative to the outer housing, and which is provided with a first extending spring leg locked to the package supporting housing and an opposite spring leg biasing a circumferential location of the ratchet wheel. 
     In a normal shifting operation, the torsional (or return) spring is loaded between the detent locking wheel and housing and will cause the affixed knob to be stopped by the housing at the Park and Drive positions, shifting effort being generated by a pair of steel balls biased by coil springs integrated into extending portions of the plunger housing subassembly and which are guided within inner perimeter extending detent surfaces in the outer fixed housing. This occurs concurrent with the adjustable torsional spring leg being continuously repositioned (pushed over) adjoining ratchet teeth formed within an underside surface of the detent locking wheel. 
     The lock lever sub-assembly, slaved to the DC motor, includes the projecting lock plunger normally engaged with the selected shifter (Park) position defined aperture in the detent locking wheel in a forward most advanced position order to lock the detent wheel. Upon actuating the DC motor, the lock lever is actuated to a middle position to unlock the plunger housing, which is then free to move out of the Park position. The lock lever is further actuated by the DC motor from the middle position to a rearward-most position, such as in response to a sensor triggering event, in order to release the detent lock wheel so that the torsional spring automatically resets it to the Park position. The gear reduction ratio of the lock lever gear further permits a sufficient actuation (insertion or retraction) force to be exerted on the lock lever during retraction or resetting thereof, and in order to overcome any pre-loading torque resulting between the detent locking wheel and lock lever (noting again that exerted by the torsional spring). 
     A PCB board and related sensor are arranged in communication with a magnet mounted to an underside of a magnet holder integrated into the plunger housing subassembly. Rotation of the knob between each of the gear positions results in an arcuate sweeping motion of the magnet relative to the sensor on the PCB and, upon the sensor detecting the position of the magnet, confirming resetting of the Park position. This is controlled by the relative rotation between the knob and the end stopper which occurs upon the energization of the DC motor to retract the lock lever from the detent locking wheel, at which point the torsional spring counter rotates the stopper to the Park position. 
     The Park lock function further describes standard BTSI (brake transmission system interlock) functionality, which mechanically locks the shifter knob in the Park position unless the driver presses the brake pedal before shifting to any of the R, N and D positions. The BTSI aspect is integrated into the PCB to DC motor and lock lever gear communication protocol of the design, additionally and apart from its return to park features. 
     A plurality of extraneous vehicle sensors are arranged throughout the vehicle in communication with the DC motor for determining a Park reset triggering condition, such determined to occur by the driver unlatching the seatbelt, exiting the vehicle by opening the door, etc., with the vehicle in gear. Once one of these conditions has been met, the given sensor instructs the DC motor to activate the motor gear in order to linearly retract the lock lever, via the opposing threads established between the threaded interior aperture of the lock lever gear and the exterior mating threads of the middle portion of the elongated lock lever which extends through the gear, resulting in disengagement of the tip of the lock lever from the outer toothed location of the detent locking wheel in an energized/released condition. 
     Once the new Park position is established, and as confirmed by the proximity condition established between the magnet and holder via the PCB mounted sensor (such as which is understood further to be any suitable type of inductive or magnetic Hall effect sensor), the DC motor is once again de-energized in order to counter-rotate the lock lever gear, and consequently advance the lock lever for re-engaging with the Park position defined aperture in the detent locking wheel. 
     In this manner, both the BTSI and return to park functionality are integrated into a simplified design consisting of a single DC motor with lock lever gear and extending lock lever subassembly, detent locking wheel, return torsional spring which are incorporated into the biased plunger housing subassembly and so that the plunger provides for normal shifting operation, with the detent locking wheel operating in combination with the DC motor and lock lever to provide return to park functionality. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Reference will now be made to the attached illustrations, when read in combination with the following detailed description, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views: and in which: 
         FIGS. 1A-1D  present a series of perspective, top, side and end views of a package housing associated with a rotary shifter according to a first embodiment of the present invention and depicting a rotary knob which can shift between each of Park, Reverse, Neutral, and Drive gear positions; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the rotary shifter package with auto return to park and park lock functionality according to one non-limiting variant of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2A  is an underside perspective of the PCB board, light pipes and pairs of LED elements; 
         FIG. 3  is an underside rotated perspective of the fixed position rotary shifter and depicting the features of the detent locking wheel engaged by the solenoid and lock lever/lock plunger assembly with the Park lock (BTSI) function engaged; 
         FIG. 4  is a further enlarged and rotated perspective view of the lock lever assembly including lock plunger engaged within a circumferentially arrayed window portion of the detent locking wheel, in turn torsionally spring biased in ratchet fashion to the main housing body; 
         FIG. 5  is an illustration similar to  FIG. 3  of the solenoid energized in a retracting and partially unlocking position relative to the detent locking wheel, permitting the plunger housing to be rotated out of the Park position; 
         FIG. 6A  is a further rotated and partial perspective view with the detent locking wheel in partially transparent illustration still locked by the lock plunger and  FIG. 6B  is an enlarged perspective of the lock plunger; 
         FIG. 7  is a further succeeding illustration of the mechanism from an underside perspective in the position as substantially shown in  FIG. 5  (solenoid on and partially retracted) and depicting a first torsional spring leg positioned against a circumferential underside ratchet teeth location associated with the detent locking wheel; 
         FIG. 8  is a succeeding illustration to  FIG. 7  and depicting the other torsional spring leg locked against an outer circumferential underside toothed location of the housing surrounding the detent locking wheel for enabling ratchet style adjustment between each of the PRND positions; 
         FIG. 9  is a further illustration, similar to each of  FIGS. 3, 5 and 7 , depicting the lock plunger in a fully retracted position resulting in release of the detent locking wheel and rotation of the wheel together with the knob to the Park position; 
         FIG. 10  is an illustration of a lever style shifter according to a further embodiment and which includes a reconfiguration of each of the shifter housing, plunger housing subassembly, lock lever assembly and solenoid assembly; 
         FIGS. 11-14  present a series of perspective, top, side and end views of a package housing associated with a rotary shifter according to a second embodiment of the present invention and depicting a rotary knob which can shift between each of Park, Reverse, Neutral, and Drive gear positions; 
         FIG. 15  is an exploded view of the rotary shifter package with auto return to park and park lock functionality according to the variant of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 16  is further enlarged and rotated perspective view of the lock lever assembly including DC motor, motor gear and linearly actuating lock lever depicted engaged within a circumferentially arrayed window portion of the detent locking wheel, in turn torsionally spring biased in ratchet fashion to the main housing body; 
         FIG. 17  is an illustration similar to  FIG. 16  of the DC motor energized in a retracting and partially unlocking position relative to the detent locking wheel, permitting the plunger housing to be rotated out of the Park position; 
         FIG. 18  is a succeeding illustration to  FIG. 17  illustrating the DC motor, actuated by the sensor, further retracting the lock lever to a fully retracted position, in which the tip of the lever is disengaged from the detent locking wheel, and prior to the torsional spring rotating the plunger and locking wheel to the reset/Park position; 
         FIG. 19  is an illustration of the plunger housing locked in a neutral shifter position with the DC Motor driving the lock lever through the window of the detent locking wheel to its forward most position to lock the plunger housing; 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective of the plunger housing according to the embodiment of  FIG. 11  et seq. and illustrating the engagement slots for both the Park lock and Neutral Lock locations; 
         FIG. 21  is a succeeding illustration to  FIG. 18  depicting the rotation of the plunger housing and wheel to the return to park position; 
         FIG. 22  is an illustration of a lever style shifter generally which includes a reconfiguration of each of the shifter housing, plunger housing subassembly, lock lever assembly and solenoid assembly according to the embodiment of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 23  is a yet further lever style shifter similar in respects to that shown in  FIG. 22  and depicting a DC motor gear box assembly and lock lever in substitution for the solenoid arrangement of  FIG. 22 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 1-9 , the present invention discloses a rotary shifter with auto return to park and park lock functionality.  FIGS. 10 and 22  further illustrate related second lever style versions of the shifter package according to another non-limiting variant of the present invention, and which again provides both auto return to park and park lock features. 
       FIGS. 11-21  illustrate a further rotary shifter similar in respects to  FIGS. 1-9  and substituting the solenoid and lock plunger arrangement in favor of a DC motor with motor gear which in turn actuates a linearly bi-directionally displaceable lock lever between the fully inserted/engaged, intermediate withdrawn (shifter position adjustable) and sensor initiated and fully retracted (auto return to Park) functionality. Finally,  FIG. 23  corresponds generally to  FIG. 22  and teaches a related variant of the shifter mechanism of  FIG. 22  with a DC motor gear box assembly in substitution for the solenoid actuated assembly. 
     Referring first to  FIGS. 1A-1D , illustrated are a series of perspective, top, side and end views of a package housing, generally at  10 , associated with a rotary shifter according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and depicting a rotary knob  12  which can shift between each of Park, Reverse, Neutral, and Drive gear positions. The shifter assembly includes a main package defining and three dimensional rectangular shaped housing  14  over which is attached a bezel cover  16 , and within which is depicted each of the PRND positions. Although not clearly shown, the bezel cover further includes an annular opening defined within and which provides a receiving access to the features of the rotary knob subassembly as will be further described. 
     The package housing  14 , best depicted in the solid underside rotated views of  FIGS. 7-8 , includes an open interior having a cavity (see at  18 ) for supporting the solenoid and lock lever assemblies as will be described in further detail below. A circumferentially extending inner extending divider wall is shown at  20 , segregated to a side of the main housing  14 , and which separates the solenoid and lock lever assembly supporting cavity from a further inner cavity defined by a receiving profile for receiving a sleeve shaped detent locking wheel  22 . The locking wheel  22  underside is configured with a circumferential array of serrated or angled edge locations  24 , these being in the form of successive extending ramps and being arranged coaxially interiorly relative to a surrounding plurality of recessed seating locations arranged in alternating fashion with a plurality of teethed portions  26  which are configured in the outer coaxial and circumferential end surface profile of the divider wall  20  (see in particular  FIGS. 3, 5, 7 and 8 ). As best shown in each of  FIGS. 3-6 , a plurality of window defining apertures  28  are configured in circumferential spaced fashion through the annular side wall of the detent locking wheel  22 , these for engaging the lock lever assembly plunger as will be subsequently described. 
     As will be further described, the circumferential overlapping arrangement of the outer coaxial teethed portions  26  and inner ramped  24  surfaces establishes a plurality of successive ratchet teeth, these controlling successive rotation of the knob  12  and plunger housing subassembly, via an interposed torsional spring  31 . A generally cylindrical shaped plunger housing is depicted at  30  associated with the rotary knob  12  subassembly is provided and includes a pair of lower and opposite and radial projecting guiding portions  32  and  34 , these being interiorly hollowed for receiving a pair of opposing steel balls (one of which is shown at  36  in  FIG. 4 ) and supporting detent springs (such being coil springs which are installed within the open ends of the radial projecting and guiding portions and which bias the bearings or balls outwardly from the open ends of the portions  32 / 34 , it being further understood that the diameter of the open ends of the radial plunger housing portions are sized to permit a minor portion of the bearings to project outwardly from the open ends, with the largest diameters being retained in an inner annular edge contact with interior of the portions). Although not clearly shown, the radial projecting guiding portions  32  and  34  align with an inwardly facing detent profile associated with the detent wheel interior, the outwardly influenced steel balls supported within the open interior of the radial portions interacting in tactile induced fashion with the detent profile edges defined within the detent wheel in order to establish guided rotation of the knob  12 . 
     A torsional return spring  31  (see  FIG. 2 ) includes a first extending leg  33  (see  FIG. 7 ) biased against the underside ramped ratchet teeth  24  of the detent locking wheel, with a second extending leg  35  ( FIG. 8 ) engaged to a recessed location of the circumferential underside seating profile which is situated between successive teethed locations  26 . As will be further described, the return spring enables selected controlled adjustment between the PRND positions (such as when the brake pedal is depressed and the Park lock or BTSI function is disabled, with spring operating in concert with the solenoid, lock plunger and detent locking wheel in an automatic return to park situation as instructed by the exterior sensors and PCB. 
     The rotary knob  12  includes an extending shaft or stem portion  38  receiving an underside knob seal  39  affixing within an open upper rim interior  41  of the plunger housing  12 . Upon the bezel cover  16  being mounted atop the main packaging housing  12 , and the plunger housing  30  being mounted through the bezel cover opening  16  and into the main package housing  12  (with the knob underside ledge surrounding the seal supported upon the annular rim of the bezel cover and surrounding the opening, the radial projecting portions  32 / 34  are received coaxially within the circumferential stepped underside profile  26  of the housing align with the inwardly facing detent profile surfaces to facilitate tactile engagement of the knob  12  and plunger housing  30 . 
     As further shown in  FIG. 2 , a printed circuit board (PCB)  40  is located at the generally bottom of the package interior, secured by screws (not shown) with a bottom cover  42  supported underneath the PCB  40 , and which in turn mates with an underside outer rectangular rim edge (see also at  44  in  FIG. 3 ) of the main housing  12 . A plurality of outer and upwardly projecting tabs  45  extend from the edges of the bottom cover  42  and seat within receiving windows  47  configured into the lower edge side and end walls of the main housing body to assist in assembling the package together. Separate screws  43  can be provided for extending through aligning mounting apertures in the PCB  40  and the bottom cover  42  (see again  FIG. 2 ) to assist in assembling together the package housing. As further shown, the outer package housing  14  can include peripheral mounting tabs or portions extending in spaced apart fashion around the main housing (see at  46  in  FIG. 1B ) for mounting the overall assembly within a vehicle environment. 
     An underside surface of the plunger housing  30  integrates a magnet holder  48  such containing a magnet  49  within a hidden underside thereof and which, upon rotating the plunger housing  30  relative to the main package housing  14  and as guided by the internal detent profile (coaxial surfaces  24  and  26 ), causes the magnet  49  to travel in an arc motion relative to the PCB mounted sensor, resulting in adjustment of a magnetic field sensed by a position sensor within the PCB board  40 , such as which is understood further to be any suitable type of inductive or magnetic Hall effect sensor, in order to detect a rotated knob position. 
     A plurality of light pipes are provided and include each Park, Reverse, Neutral and Drive gear position light pipes, see at  50 ,  52 ,  54  and  56  in  FIG. 2 . A Sport gear position light pipe is further shown at  58  in combination with a surface “S” button fitting  60  integrated into the knob  12  and a further “S” button push pad  62  located at a bottom end of the “S” gear position light pipe  58 . 
     Each of the light pipes  50 - 58  ( FIG. 2 ) are supported within the package housing so that bottom open ends are in communication with individual pairs of LED&#39;s (see further at  51 ,  53 ,  55 ,  57  and  59 , respectively for lights pipes  50 ,  52 ,  54 ,  56  and  58  in the underside perspective of  FIG. 2A ) integrated into the PCB board  44 . The pairing of the LED&#39;s provides one each for backlighting and gear indication respectively for each shifter position. Reference is also made to the illuminating RNDS locations (see at  64 ,  66 ,  68  and  70 ) formed into the top bezel cover  16  in  FIGS. 1A-B  and in addition to the “S” position designated on button  60  seated within the inner annular aperture profile of the knob  12 . 
     The present design incorporates a solenoid assembly, see at  72 , which as previously indicated is supported within the interior of the housing  14  adjacent to the circumferential seating profile  26  for supporting the detent locking wheel  22 . The solenoid  72  is provided with power from an external force and includes a linear extending (and power retracting) portion  74  which is engaged to a location  75  of an elongated and irregular shaped lock lever assembly  76 , this in turn pivotally supported at a location  78  to an interior location of the main package housing  14 . 
     A torsion spring  80  (see as bests shown in  FIGS. 3-4 ) is mounted to the annular pedestal shape defining the pivotal supporting location  78  of the lock lever assembly, such that a first leg  82  of the spring biases against an interior abutting location of the housing  14  and a second leg  84  against a projecting location  88  of the lock lever assembly  76  in order to bias the same in a direction towards the detent locking wheel  22  (see also directional arrows in  FIGS. 3 and 5 ). The lock lever assembly includes a lock plunger  90  (see as best shown in  FIGS. 4-6 ) which is received at an extended location of the lock lever assembly  76  positioned between the inner pivoting end  78  and a remote extending end  92  (see  FIG. 4 ). A noise damper O-ring  96  is further provided on the extending end  92  of the lock lever assembly  76 . 
     As best shown in  FIG. 4 , the lock plunger  90  is received between a pair of crosswise projecting shoulders  98  and  100  configured upon the lock lever assembly  76  and which define a pin inserting crosswise pivot axis  102 . The lock plunger  90 , again in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , includes a rounded  103  base profile with aperture  104  for seating the pin associated with the pivot axis  102 . Limited pivoting of the lock plunger  90  relative to the lock lever assembly  76  is facilitated by a secondary spring  105  (again  FIG. 4 ). The lock plunger  90  includes an outermost projecting edge abutment  106  and, as will be described, is retained in contact with an edge (at  107  in  FIG. 6A ) of a selected perimeter window  28  of the detent locking wheel  22 , following partial retraction from the fully Park position locked position ( FIGS. 3-4 ) in which the lock plunger restrains both the detent locking wheel  22  and the plunger housing subassembly  30 , to an intermediate retracted position ( FIGS. 5-8 ) in which the plunger subassembly  30  is released for controlled shifting against the still fixed detent locking wheel  22  via the partial engaging position of the lock plunger  90  (with extending lip edge or step  106  gripping the projecting edge location  107  as again shown in  FIG. 6A  of the detent locking wheel window) and, finally, ( FIG. 9 ) with the lock plunger  90  pivoted against the crosswise pivoting holding force of the tertiary spring  105  for permitting the plunger lip edge  106  to release from the detent locking wheel window  28  in a return to park reset condition. 
     Engagement between the solenoid  72  and the detent locking wheel  22  occurs via the pivoting lock lever assembly  76  (mounted to the housing again at  78 ) and which is slaved to the solenoid. The lock plunger  90  projects from the lever assembly  76  such that, in a de-energized solenoid condition ( FIGS. 3-4 ), the lock plunger  90  engages a selected aperture location  28  of the detent locking wheel  22 . In a normal shifting operation, the torsional (return) spring  31  is loaded between the detent locking wheel  22  (via extending spring leg  33  in  FIG. 7 ) and housing  14  (via extending spring leg  35  in  FIG. 8 ) and will cause the affixed knob  12  to be stopped by the at the Park and Drive positions, shifting effort being generated by the pair of steel balls  36  biased by the internal coil springs integrated into extending portions  32 / 34  of the plunger housing subassembly  30 , and which are guided within inner perimeter extending detent or toothed surfaces defined by the coaxially supporting outer profile  26  in the outer fixed package housing. This occurs concurrent with the adjustable torsional spring leg  33  being continuously repositioned (pushed over) adjoining the adjoining ramped ratchet teeth  24  formed within the underside surface of the detent locking wheel  22 . 
     The lock lever assembly  76 , again slaved to the solenoid  72 , is pivotally mounted to the housing  14  and biased by the further torsional spring  80  in a direction towards the detent locking wheel  22  (again  FIG. 3 ). The lock plunger  90  is in turn supported upon the lock lever assembly  76  in the limited pivoting fashion via the smaller and tertiary spring  105  ( FIG. 4 ) and, in combination with the catch ledge  106  configured into the forward most edge of the lock plunger, provides the limited range of motion between projecting/engaged ( FIGS. 3-4 ) and partially retracted/released ( FIGS. 5-8 ) positions relative to a selected circumferentially arrayed window  28  associated with the outer annular wall of the detent locking wheel  22 , and further so that this outer ledge or step  106  prevents the lock plunger  90  from retracting beyond a distance necessary to afford spring biased return to park rotation of the detent locking wheel  22 .  FIG. 9  represents the lock plunger  90  fully disengaged from the detent locking wheel  22  (such as upon deflection of the lock plunger  90  about the crosswise pivot axis  102  of  FIG. 4  and against the holding force of the tertiary spring  105  (see also directional arrow  103  of the lock plunger  90  about pivot  102 ) and in order to allow the wheel  22  to rotated the knob/plunger back to the Park position. 
     The PCB board  40  and related sensors are arranged in communication with the arcuately and rotatably displaceable magnet  49  (see again as shown in each of succeeding underside views of  FIGS. 3-9 ) and outer holder  48 . Travel of the magnet holder  48  and off center and arc motion supported magnet  49 , relative to the sensor supported upon the PCB  40 , confirms resetting of the Park position and is controlled by the relative rotation between the knob  12  and the end stopper, which occurs upon the energization of the solenoid  72  to cause the lock lever  76  and lock plunger  90  to a release/retracted position relative to the detent locking wheel (again via the lock plunger and pivoting lock lever assembly), at which the torsional spring  31  counter rotates the assembly to the Park position. 
     As previously described, the Park lock function further describes standard BTSI (brake transmission system interlock) functionality, which mechanically locks the shifter knob  12  in the Park position unless the driver presses the brake pedal before shifting to any of the R, N and D positions. The BTSI aspect is integrated into the PCB  40  to solenoid communication protocol of the design, additionally and apart from its return to park features. 
     A plurality of extraneous vehicle sensors are arranged throughout the vehicle in communication with the solenoid for determining a Park reset triggering condition, such determined to occur by the driver unlatching the seatbelt, exiting the vehicle by opening the door, etc., with the vehicle in gear. Once one of these conditions has been met, the given sensor instructs the solenoid to retract the lock plunger from engagement with the outer toothed location of the detent locking wheel in an energized/released condition. 
     Once the new Park position is established, and as confirmed by the proximity condition established between the magnet and holder via the PCB mounted sensor (such as which is understood further to be any suitable type of inductive or magnetic Hall effect sensor which is integrated into the interface established between the magnet holder  48  and the opposing PCB surface), the solenoid  72  is once again de-energized in order to permit the extending portion  72  to extend concurrent with the biasing force of the torsional spring  80  pushing the lock lever assembly  76  and crosswise supported lock plunger  90  to reengage the selected window  28  configured into the detent locking wheel  22 . 
     In this manner, both the BTSI and return to park functionality are integrated into a simplified design consisting of a single solenoid, detent locking wheel, return torsional spring and interposed lock lever which are incorporated into the biased plunger housing subassembly and so that the plunger provides for normal shifting operation, with the detent locking wheel operating in combination with the solenoid and lock plunger to provide return to park functionality. Furthermore, the ability to utilize the auto return to park rotary shifter with the rotary end stopper disk, solenoid, and torsional spring (in contrast to the arrangement of multiple motors or solenoids associated with fixed position rotary shifters) provides a much more simplified and reliable design for ensuring a return to Park condition. 
     Summarizing the operating protocol of the present assembly,  FIGS. 3-4  again illustrated the solenoid deactivated and with the lock lever assembly supported plunger in a fully engaged position within a selected window  28  of the detent locking wheel  22 . In this position, the Park lock (BTSI) mechanism is engaged and the vehicle is locked in the Park position by virtue of the lock plunger  90  engaging both the detent locking wheel  22  through a selected perimeter extending window  28  and further engaging the abutment location (see at  29  in  FIG. 5 ) of the plunger housing subassembly  30 . 
       FIGS. 5-6  subsequently illustrate the solenoid  72  in an energized state in which the lock plunger  90 , via the lock lever assembly  76  and the retracting force of the solenoid extension  74  overcomes the biasing forces of the spring  80 , causing the plunger to be partially retracted out of contact with the stop location  29  of the inner rotatable supported plunger housing  30 . The extending lip edge  106  of the lock plunger remains in engaging contact with the detent locking wheel window  28  such that, in normal shifting operation as depicted in  FIGS. 7-8 , the plunger housing subassembly  30  and slaved knob  12  are permitted to adjust the shifter between each of the PRND (and S) positions. In this condition, the return spring  31  is loaded between the detent locking wheel (transitioning leg  33 ) and housing (fixed leg  35 ) with transitioning between the shifter positions occurring as previously described. Due to the architecture of the package housing interior  14 , the knob  12  is limited to rotation between the Park and Drive positions, with shifting effort generated by the bearings or balls ( 36 ) and the hidden springs incorporated into the radial projecting portions  32 / 34  of the plunger housing subassembly  30 . 
       FIG. 9  further depicts the fully released position in which the lock plunger  90  is fully retracted from the associated engaging window  28  of the detent locking wheel  22  (again via cross pivoting along directional arrow  103  about pin axis  102  and against the tertiary holding force of the spring  105 ), such in response to the PCB  40  being notified by an external sensor of a reset condition (resulting again from arc rotation of the magnet  49  relative to the PCB mounted sensor) such as resulting from the driver preparing to exit the vehicle without having previously rotated the knob into the Park position. In this condition, the solenoid is powered to the on condition and the plunger fully retracted from the detent locking wheel  22  resulting in the torsion spring  31  (via opposite biasing legs  33  and  35 ) rotating the wheel  22  and supported knob  12  and plunger housing subassembly  30  to the Park position. 
     Finally,  FIG. 10  is an illustration, generally at  110 , of a lever style fixed position rotary shifter with auto return to park and park lock functionality. As compared to the knob style rotary shifter of  FIGS. 1-9 , the lever style package  110  operates in a functionally similar fashion and includes a shifter housing  112  (shown in split half shell with an open interior) and which, similar to the rotary knob package housing  14 , includes an arcuate and substantially perimeter extending and supporting profile  114  which coaxially seats a reconfiguration of the detent locking wheel  116  including a plurality of perimeter spaced windows  118  configured therein. 
     A lock lever assembly  120  is provided which is pivotally supported (at location  122 ) within an adjacent interior location of the housing  112  outside of the support profile  114 . A solenoid assembly  124  is supported within the housing  112  and includes an extensible end  126  which is pivotally slaved, at  128  to an arm  121  extending to the pivot location  122  of the lever assembly  120  and so that the arm  121  is angularly offset from the lock lever assembly  120 . 
     As further shown, a portion of the lock lever assembly  120  extends from the intermediate pivotal support location  122  in a direction generally opposite from the solenoid slaved location  126  and terminates in a crosswise extending lock plunger  130 . As with the prior embodiment, the lock plunger  130  can be supported in a crosswise pin rotating fashion, see at  132 , and can also include any type of tertiary biasing spring (such as depicted at  105  in the preceding lock plunger  90  of  FIG. 6 ) to maintain an extending portion of the plunger  130  into contact through the selected window  118  of the detent locking wheel. 
     A plunger housing subassembly  134  is rotatable supported within the detent locking wheel  116 , the subassembly  134  being functionally similar to that previously described at  30  and including a pair of opposite radial extending wings or portions  136 / 138  relative to a center rotating axis  140  for supporting the subassembly  134  within the housing  112 . The plunger housing subassembly includes a similar arrangement of spring biased balls or bearings (not shown) which are supported at open ends of the extending portions  136 / 138  and in order to provide iterative shifting between PRND positions. 
     A shifter lever  142  extends from a central receiving pocket  144  of the plunger housing subassembly  134  and through a slot configured into an upper edge of the shifter housing  112  (such as further established by mating halves of the housing) for accommodating each of the PRND positions. A return spring (a portion of which is shown at  146 ) is provided and operates under a similar principal as that depicted at  31  in the preceding embodiment for controlling controlled adjustment and return to park reset of the detent locking wheel  116  and supported shifter lever/plunger housing subassembly relative to the outer shifter housing  112 . 
     Operation of the lever style shifter  110  operates under similar principles to the rotary knob style shifter  10 , with the lock plunger  130  being in a fully engaged (solenoid de-energized) position in which the plunger extends through the detent locking wheel  116  and selected perimeter window  118  into an abutment engagement (substantially obscured) with the plunger housing subassembly  134 . Initial energization of the solenoid  124  results in partial retraction of the extending portion  126  to partially pivot the lock plunger  130  out of engagement with the plunger housing subassembly  134 , allowing normal shifting operation in which the subassembly  134  is permitted to pivot between the PRND positions relative to the fixed detent locking wheel  116 . 
     A similar PCB, magnet and sensor arrangement (not shown) is provided in the lever style embodiment  110  and, upon triggering a reset event, instructs the solenoid  124  to fully retract the lock plunger  130  from the detent locking wheel  116 , at which the return spring  146  biases the wheel  116  to rotate to a Park reset condition relative to the outer shifter housing  112 . In this manner, the rotary knob variant of  FIGS. 1-9  is reconfigured as a straight gate shifter as described in  FIG. 10 . 
       FIG. 22  is an illustration of a lever style shifter generally representing the DC motor, generally at  150  according to yet further embodiment and which includes a reconfiguration of each of the shifter housing, plunger housing subassembly, lock lever assembly and solenoid assembly according to the embodiment of  FIG. 10 . Specifically, the solenoid  124  of  FIG. 10  is reconfigured as shown at  152  and is supported within a housing  154  and includes an extensible end  156  which is pivotally slaved, at  158  to an arm  160  extending to a pivot location  162  of the lever assembly and so that the arm  160  is angularly offset from an angularly extending lock lever assembly  164 . 
     As further shown, a portion of the lock lever assembly  164  extends from the intermediate pivotal support location  162  in a direction generally opposite from the solenoid slaved location  156  and terminates in a crosswise extending lock plunger  166 . As with the prior variant of  FIG. 10 , the lock plunger can be pivotally supported and can also include any type of tertiary biasing spring (as depicted at  105  in the preceding lock plunger  90  of  FIG. 6 ) to maintain an extending portion of the plunger into contact through a selected window of a reconfiguration  168  detent locking wheel. 
     A redesign of the plunger housing subassembly, at  170 , is rotatably supported within the detent locking wheel  168 , the plunger housing subassembly being functionally similar to that previously described and including a pair of opposite radial extending wings or portions  172 / 174  relative to a center rotating axis  176  for supporting the subassembly within the housing  154 . The plunger housing subassembly includes a similar arrangement of spring biased balls or bearings (not shown) which are supported at open ends of the extending portions  172 / 174  and in order to provide iterative shifting between PRND positions. 
     A shifter lever  178  extends from a central receiving pocket  180  of the plunger housing subassembly and through a slot configured into an upper edge of the shifter housing (such as further established by mating halves of the housing) for accommodating each of the PRND positions. A return spring (a portion of which is shown at  182 ) is provided and operates under a similar principal as that previously depicted in the preceding embodiment for controlling controlled adjustment and return to park reset of the detent locking wheel  168  and supported shifter lever/plunger housing subassembly relative to the outer shifter housing. A further torsional spring  184  is depicted in the open cutaway of  FIG. 22  and biases and opposite ends  186  and  188 , respectively, to each of the shifter lever  178  and the plunger housing subassembly  170 . 
     As described previously in  FIG. 10 , operation of the lever style shifter  150  operates under similar principles to the rotary knob style shifter  10 , with the lock plunger  166  being in a fully engaged (solenoid de-energized) position in which the plunger extends through the detent locking wheel  168  and selected perimeter window into an abutment engagement (substantially obscured) with the plunger housing subassembly  170 . Initial energization of the solenoid  152  results in partial retraction of the extending portion  156  to partially pivot the lock plunger  166  out of engagement with the plunger housing subassembly  170 , allowing normal shifting operation in which the subassembly is permitted to pivot between the PRND positions relative to the fixed detent locking wheel  168 . 
     Referencing now  FIGS. 11-21  in combination, a rotary shifter assembly is presented which is similar in many respects to that collectively depicted in  FIGS. 1-9 , with the exception that the solenoid and plunger assembly of the initial embodiment is substituted by an electric motor, such as a DC motor and associated driving lock mechanism for the purpose of displacing an extending lock lever relative to the detent locking wheel and associated plunger housing between fully engaged (Park position locked or Neutral position locked), partially retracted (shift position permitting) and fully retracted (sensor initiated and auto return to Park) positions. With reference to the following disclosure, the preferred embodiment illustrated teaches a DC electric motor drive, with the understanding that other embodiments of electric motor and associated drive linkage can also be substituted. 
       FIGS. 11-14  present a series of perspective, top, side and end views of a package housing associated with a rotary shifter according to a second embodiment (at  200  in  FIG. 11 ) of the present invention and depicting a rotary knob which can shift between each of Park, Reverse, Neutral, and Drive gear positions. In the following discussion of  FIGS. 11-21 , common features such as the PC board, lighting pipes and other supporting structure remain as previously described in the initial rotary shifter embodiment and, where appropriate, will be repetitively referenced and illustrated. 
     As with the initial variant of  FIGS. 1A-1D ,  FIGS. 11-14  illustrate a series of perspective, top, side and end views of the package housing  200  associated with a rotary shifter according to the further non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, and depicting a rotary knob  202  which can shift between each of identified Park  204 , Reverse  206 , Neutral  208 , and Drive  210  gear positions. A central push button portion  212  is also provided and includes a further Sport position designation  214 . 
     As with the initial variant  10 , the shifter assembly includes a main package defining and three dimensional rectangular shaped housing  216  over which is attached a bezel cover  218 , such as via corner screws  219 . Although not clearly shown, the bezel cover further includes an annular opening defined within and which provides a receiving access for seating upon the cover the rotary knob  202 , such as which is further illustrated with a knurled perimeter extending side edge  220 . 
     The rectangular three dimensional and package defining housing  216 , again includes an open interior having a cavity for supporting the various components of the shifter  200 . As depicted in the initial variant of the housing  14  (see also interior defined circumferential separating wall  20  in  FIGS. 7-8 ) can be provided which separates the DC motor and associated gearing and lock lever features described below from a further inner cavity defined by a receiving profile for receiving each of a plunger housing subassembly  221  and a sleeve shaped detent locking wheel, see at  222  in  FIG. 15 . 
     As with the preceding embodiment, the locking wheel  222  underside is configured with a circumferential array of serrated or angled edge locations  224 , these being in the form of successive extending ramps and being arranged coaxially interiorly relative to a surrounding plurality of recessed seating locations arranged in alternating fashion with a plurality of teethed portions which are configured in the outer coaxial and circumferential end surface profile of the divider wall (see again teethed portions  26  in  FIGS. 3, 5, 7 and 8 ). A plurality of window defining apertures  226  are configured in circumferential spaced fashion through the annular side wall of the detent locking wheel  222 , these for engaging the lock lever assembly plunger as will be subsequently described. 
     The plunger housing is again depicted at  221  and includes a generally cylindrical shaped housing associated with the rotary knob  220 . As with the plunger housing  30  of the first embodiment, the plunger housing  221  includes a pair of lower and opposite and radial projecting guiding portions, one of which is depicted at  228  in  FIG. 15  and a pair of which are further shown at  228 / 229  in the underside perspective of the plunger housing  221  in  FIG. 20 , these again being interiorly hollowed for receiving a pair of opposing steel balls (see at  230  with reference again being made to the previous embodiment with one shown at  36  in  FIG. 4 ) and interior supporting detent springs (such being coil springs which are installed within the open ends of the radial projecting and guiding portions and which bias the bearings or balls  230  outwardly from the open ends of the portions. 
     As with the previous described embodiment, it is again understood that the diameter of the open ends of the radial plunger housing portions are sized to permit a minor portion of the bearings to project outwardly from the open ends, with the largest diameters being retained in an inner annular edge contact with interior of the portions. Although not clearly shown, the radial projecting guiding portions align with an inwardly facing detent profile associated with the detent wheel  222  interior, the outwardly influenced steel balls supported within the open interior of the radial portions interacting in tactile induced fashion with the detent profile edges defined within the detent wheel in order to establish guided rotation of the knob  220 . 
     As further shown in the rotated underside of  FIG. 20 , the plunger housing  221  includes a pair of slots identified at  223  and  225 , and which correspond to engagement positions for each of a Park position lock and Neutral position lock in association with the DC motor drive and associated lever lock to be described below. As previously described, a Park or Neutral lock function occurs when the lock lever engages both the detent locking wheel and the plunger housing subassembly preventing shifting between gear positions. 
     Also shown is a central through aperture  227  which receives the vertical travel of the sport position button  214  in similar fashion as to that illustrated in  FIG. 2  and described in the first embodiment  10 . A cylindrical superstructure  231  of the plunger housing  221  includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced side embossments  233 , these defining a shoulder for supporting the main torsional spring  232 . 
     A torsional return spring  232  (see  FIG. 15 ) includes a first extending leg  234  biased against the underside ramped ratchet teeth of the detent locking wheel (see also  FIG. 16 ), with a second extending leg  236  engaged to a recessed location of the circumferential underside seating profile which is situated between successive teethed locations (again as previously illustrated at  26  in  FIGS. 7-8  in relation to the circumferential dividing interior wall of the enclosure as shown in the initial embodiment). As will be further described, the return spring enables selected controlled adjustment between the PRND positions (such as when the brake pedal is depressed and the Park lock or BTSI function is disabled, with spring operating in concert with the solenoid, lock plunger and detent locking wheel in an automatic return to park situation as instructed by the exterior sensors and PCB. 
     The rotary knob  220  includes an extending shaft or stem portion (not shown but similar to that depicted at  38  in  FIG. 2 ) for receiving an underside knob seal affixing within an open upper rim interior of the plunger housing  31 . Upon the bezel cover  218  being mounted atop the main packaging housing  216 , and the plunger housing  231  being mounted through the bezel cover opening and into the main package housing (with the knob underside ledge surrounding the seal supported upon the annular rim of the bezel cover and surrounding the opening, the radial projecting portions (e.g. at  230 ) of the plunger housing  221  are received coaxially within the circumferential stepped underside profile (again at  26  in the first embodiment) of the housing and align with the inwardly facing detent profile surfaces to facilitate tactile engagement of the knob  220  and plunger housing  221 . 
     A printed circuit board (PCB)  238  corresponds to that previously shown at  40  in  FIG. 2  and is located at the generally bottom of the package interior, secured by screws (not shown) with a bottom cover  240  supported underneath the PCB  238 , and which in turn mates with an underside outer rectangular rim edge (hidden in  FIG. 15  but similar to that previously depicted at  44  in  FIG. 3 ) of the main housing  216 . A plurality of outer and upwardly projecting tabs  242  extend from the edges of the bottom cover  240  and seat within corner recessed notices  244  configured into the lower edge side and end walls of the main housing body to assist in assembling the package together. Separate screws can be provided for extending through aligning mounting apertures in the PCB  238  and the bottom cover  240  to assist in assembling together the package housing. As previously described in reference to the preceding embodiment  10 , the outer package housing  216  can include peripheral mounting tabs or portions extending in spaced apart fashion around the main housing for mounting the overall assembly within a vehicle environment. 
     An underside surface of the plunger housing  221  integrates a magnet holder  227  (see again  FIG. 15  along with  FIG. 20 ) such containing a magnet (reference again to that previously shown at  49 ) within a hidden underside thereof and which, upon rotating the plunger housing  221  relative to the main package housing  216  and as guided by the opposing coaxial and internal detent profile, causing the magnet (again previously shown at  49 ) to travel in an arc motion relative to the PCB mounted sensor, resulting in adjustment of a magnetic field sensed by a position sensor within the PCB board  238 , such as which is understood further to be any suitable type of inductive or magnetic Hall effect sensor, in order to detect a rotated knob position. 
     For purposes of ease of illustration, not shown in the exploded view of  FIG. 15  and the succeeding illustrations of  FIGS. 16-21  is the arrangement of the light pipes  50 - 56  in the first embodiment (see again  FIGS. 2-2A ), with the understanding that a similar arrangement is provided in the further embodiment  200  of the rotary shifter. 
     The current rotary shifter design  200  differs most notably from the original variant  10  in that it substitutes the solenoid (see at  72  in  FIG. 2 ), lock lever ( 76 ) and plunger assembly ( 90 ), and related components, with a DC motor  246  for selectively retracting or extending a redesigned and elongated lock lever  248 . A motor unit retainer  250  is provided in the form of a support plate or bracket and which is secured within the interior of the package defining housing  216  in a manner in which it positions an output drive shaft  252  with exterior teethed array  254  in meshing alignment with a further set of teeth  256  associated with a motor engaging transfer gear  258 . 
     The lock lever again includes a forward most projecting portion  248  (this typically being circular in cross section) is the lock lever further includes an elongated body  260  ( FIG. 15 ) which includes intermediate worm gear threads  262 . The transfer gear  258  is stationary rotatably supported within the housing interior and includes a middle interior apertures (see at  264  in  FIG. 16 ) which is interiorly threaded (not shown) such that rotation of the lock lever transfer gear by the DC motor  246  is transferred to the worm gear threads  262  configured upon the elongated intermediate body  260  of the lock lever, thereby advancing or retracting the forward most tip  248  of the lock lever relative to the selected window apertures  226  associated with the detent locking wheel  222  or the Park lock  223 /Neutral lock  225  receiving slots associated with the plunger housing  221 . 
     As will be described, the Park lock function (slot  223  of plunger housing  221 ) allows the driver to shift out of the Park position when the brake pedal (not shown) is depressed. The present design can also lock the shifter  200  in the Neutral position (slot  225 ) under certain conditions (e.g. such as to permit towing the vehicle). A downward projection  266  of the lock lever body  260  terminates in a lock lever magnet  268 , the position of which is detected by a Hall effect of like sensor incorporated into the PCB board  238  during the activation of the DC motor back to the reset/return to park position. 
     Referencing  FIG. 16 , a further enlarged and rotated perspective view is shown of the lock lever assembly including DC motor  246 , motor gear  258  and linearly actuating lock lever  260  depicted engaged within a circumferentially arrayed window  226  of the detent locking wheel, in turn torsionally spring biased in ratchet fashion to the main housing body. 
       FIG. 17  is an illustration similar to  FIG. 16  of the DC motor  246  energized in a retracting and partially unlocking position the tip of the lock lever (see at position  248 ′) relative to the detent locking wheel  222 , permitting the plunger housing  221  to be rotated out of the Park position (see phantom position  204 ). In this middle position, the shifter can be normally operated between positions  204 ,  206 ,  208 ,  210  and  214  (Sport) in a manner consistent with the previous description. As also described, the reduction gear ratio afforded by the DC motor to motor gear teethed profiles ( 254  to  256 ) provides an enhanced level of push/pull force as opposed to that provided by the solenoid variant (shifter  10  of  FIG. 1 ) and so that any resident pre-loading forces resulting from the torsional spring  232  may be overcome. 
       FIG. 18  is a succeeding illustration to  FIG. 17  illustrating the DC motor  246 , actuated by such as the Hall effect sensor on the PC board  238 , further retracting the lock lever to a fully retracted position (see position  248 ″), in which the tip of the lock lever is shown disengaged from the detent locking wheel  222 , and prior to the torsional spring  232  rotating the plunger  221  and locking wheel to the reset/Park position. 
       FIG. 19  is an illustration of the plunger housing locked in a neutral shifter position (see slot position  225  of plunger housing  221  in  FIG. 20 ) with the DC Motor  246  driving the lock lever (main body  260  and tip  262 ) back through the window of the detent locking wheel to its forward most position to lock the plunger housing. 
       FIG. 21  is a succeeding illustration to  FIG. 18  depicting the rotation of the plunger housing  221  and wheel  222  to the return to park position. As previously described, this can occur upon the driver preparing to exit the vehicle without rotating the knob into the Park position, a signal to the PC board causes the DC motor to activate to rotate the lock lever to the fully disengaged position, the torsional spring  232  thus being activated to return the plunger housing detent locking wheel to the return to Park position. 
     Finally,  FIG. 23  is a yet further lever style shifter, generally at  300 , which similar in respects to that shown in  FIG. 22  and depicting a redesign of the DC motor gear box  302  assembly and an end projecting portion  304  of a lock lever in substitution for the solenoid arrangement of  FIG. 22 . The redesign of the lever style shifter is functionally similar to that shown in  FIG. 22  and, in this instance, includes a semicircular plate  306  supported within a variant  168 ′ of the detent locking wheel. 
     Not shown is a retracting portion of the lock lever which is driven by the actuation of the DC motor gear box assembly  302 , this operating in a similar fashion as that previously described and resulting in the lock lever  304  being retracted out of engagement with a corner notch  308  of the plate  306 , whereupon the associated torsional spring (see variant of extending leg  182 ′) causes the redesign plunger plate  306  and locking wheel  168 ′ to reset to the Park position. The remaining features depicted in  FIG. 23  generally overlap those of previously described  FIG. 22  so that a repetitive description is not necessary. 
     Having described our invention, other and additional embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, and without deviating from the scope of the appended claims: