Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See Section 10, Rule 13]

TITLE OF INVENTION
A Vehicle and a Gear Mode Shifting Assembly Thereof

APPLICANT
TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED, an Indian company, having its address at “Chaitanya”, No.12 Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 006, Tamil Nadu, India.

PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a vehicle, a gear mode shifting assembly of the vehicle, and a method of shifting gear mode of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Conventionally, a vehicle such as a passenger car or a cargo carrier has a gear shifter integrated in a handlebar arm. To meet the demand for enhanced performance and adaptability, multi-speed gear boxes providing additional gear modes and gear ratios have been developed. However, the advent of such multi-speed gear boxes demands a gear mode shifting mechanism to be integrated in the vehicle. There exists a challenge in integrating such gear mode shifting mechanism in an existing layout of the vehicle, whilst ensuring ease of accessibility to a user.
[003] Typically, vehicle handlebars are cluttered with various components. These include left and right handlebar arms with grips, a throttle control device, brake and clutch levers, a horn switch, a turn signal switch, and a gear shifter positioned adjacent to one of the grips. Additionally, central portion of the handlebar often houses instruments such as speedometers, odometers, fuel gauges, and the like. As such, packaging constraints are high at the handlebar of the vehicle making it an unfeasible location to mount the gear mode shifter assembly.
[004] Further, a central main frame member of the vehicle houses various vehicle components such as a parking brake, levers, cables and the like, leading to congested space at the central main frame member. Hence, mounting the gear mode shifting mechanism to the central main frame member becomes complex due to interference issues with the various vehicle components. Furthermore, to accommodate the gear mode shifting configuration, such as a mechanism for shifting between a high ratio mode and a low ratio mode gear arrangement, there exists a need for a novel mechanism as well.
[005] Thus, there is a need in the art for a vehicle, a gear mode shifting assembly of the vehicle, and a method of shifting gear modes of the vehicle that overcome one or more of the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[006] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a vehicle. The vehicle has a head pipe, a central main frame member, and a gear mode shifting assembly. The central main frame member extends downwardly and rearwardly from the head pipe. The central main frame member has a first portion extending downwardly from the head pipe and a second portion extending rearwardly from the first portion. The gear mode shifting assembly is adapted to selectively shift between a plurality of gear modes. The gear mode shifting assembly is mounted to the first portion of the central main frame member.
[007] In an embodiment, the vehicle has a parking brake lever mounted to the first portion of the central main frame member. The gear mode shifting assembly is mounted at a predetermined distance to the parking brake lever. In that, the gear mode shifting assembly is mounted to a lateral side of the first portion of the central main frame member in a vehicle width direction.
[008] In an embodiment, the gear mode shifting assembly is mounted on the first portion of the central main frame member at a left-hand side or a right-hand side of the first portion in a vehicle width direction.
[009] In an embodiment, the vehicle has a dashboard panel and a floorboard. The gear mode shifting assembly is mounted below the dashboard panel and above the floorboard. The gear mode shifting assembly is mounted at a predefined height from the floorboard.
[010] In an embodiment, the predefined height of the gear mode shifting assembly from the floorboard ranges between 300 mm to 350 mm.
[011] In an embodiment, the gear mode shifting assembly has a mounting bracket, a pivot member, a first pulley, and a gear mode shifter lever. The mounting bracket is attached to the first portion of the central main frame member. The pivot member is rotatably mounted to the mounting bracket. The first pulley is fixedly mounted on the pivot member. The first pulley is adapted to engage with one or more cables for selectively shifting between the plurality of gear modes. The gear shifter lever is fixedly attached to the pivot member. Movement of the gear mode shifter lever causes the first pulley to rotate thereby shifting between the plurality of gear modes.
[012] In an embodiment, the mounting bracket is a C-bracket, having a first plate, a second plate, and a mounting flange. The first plate is adapted to be mounted to the first portion of the central main frame member. The second plate is disposed opposite to the first plate. The mounting flange is fixedly attached to the second plate for rotatably supporting the pivot member.
[013] In an embodiment, the first pulley has a flange portion. A locking unit is mounted on the flange portion of the first pulley for constraining relative motion between the first pulley and the pivot member.
[014] In an embodiment, the first pulley has one or more cut-outs. The one or more cut-outs of the first pulley are adapted to engage with the one or more cables. The one or more cables are connected to one or more cut-outs of a second pulley operably connected to a gear transmission assembly of the vehicle. The one or more cut-outs of the first pulley are formed at an outer periphery of the first pulley. The one or more cut-outs of the second pulley are formed at an outer periphery of the second pulley.
[015] In an embodiment, the gear mode shifter lever is mounted on the pivot member outwardly of the first pulley and the gear mode shifter lever is disposed at a predefined distance from a parking lever.
[016] In an embodiment, movement of the gear mode shifter lever enables selective shifting between a primary gear mode and a secondary gear mode. Each of the primary gear mode and the secondary gear mode has one or more gear ratios selectable by a user. The one or more gear ratios of the primary gear mode are greater than the one or more gear ratios of the secondary gear mode.
[017] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a gear mode shifting assembly for a vehicle. The gear mode shifting assembly has a mounting bracket, a pivot member, a first pulley, and a gear mode shifter lever. The mounting bracket is attached to a first portion of a central main frame member. The first portion of the central main frame member extends downwardly from a head pipe. The pivot member is rotatably mounted to the mounting bracket. The first pulley is fixedly mounted on the pivot member. The first pulley is adapted to engage with one or more cables for selectively shifting between a plurality of gear modes. The gear mode shifter lever is fixedly attached to the pivot member. Movement of the gear mode shifter lever causes the first pulley to rotate thereby shifting between the plurality of gear modes.
[018] In an embodiment, the mounting bracket is a C-bracket having a first plate, a second plate, and a mounting flange. The first plate is adapted to be mounted to the first portion of the central main frame member. The second plate is disposed opposite to the first plate. The mounting flange is fixedly attached to the second plate for rotatably supporting the pivot member.
[019] In an embodiment, the first pulley has a flange portion. A locking unit is mounted on the flange portion of the first pulley for constraining relative motion between the first pulley and the pivot member.
[020] In an embodiment, the first pulley has one or more cut-outs. The one or more cut-outs of the first pulley are adapted to engage with the one or more cables. The one or more cables are connected to one or more cut-outs of a second pulley operably connected to a gear transmission assembly of the vehicle. The one or more cut-outs of the first pulley are formed at an outer periphery of the first pulley. The one or more cut-outs of the second pulley are formed at on outer periphery of the second pulley.
[021] In an embodiment, the gear mode shifter lever is mounted on the pivot member outwardly of the first pulley.
and the gear mode shifter lever is disposed at a predefined horizontal distance from the parking brake lever.
[022] In an embodiment, movement of the gear mode shifter lever enables selective shifting between a primary gear mode and a secondary gear mode. Each of the primary gear mode and the secondary gear mode has one or more gear ratios selectable by a user. The one or more gear ratios of the primary gear mode are greater than the one or more gear ratios of the secondary gear mode.
[023] In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for shifting a gear mode of a vehicle. The method has the steps of operating, by a user, a gear mode shifter lever; rotating, by the operation of the gear mode shifter lever, a pivot member attached to the gear mode shifter lever; rotating, by the rotation of the pivot member, a first pulley fixedly attached to the pivot member; and engaging, by the rotation of the first pulley, one or more cables with the first pulley for selectively shifting between a plurality of gear modes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[024] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 illustrates a partial perspective view of a vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates mounting position of a gear mode shifting assembly in the vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates the gear mode shifting assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the gear mode shifting assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 5 illustrates a flow diagram of a method for shifting a gear mode of a vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[025] The present invention relates to a vehicle, a gear mode shifting assembly of the vehicle, and a method of shifting gear mode of the vehicle. The vehicle can be a two-wheeled vehicle, a three-wheeled vehicle, or a multi-wheeled vehicle as per requirement. In an exemplary vehicle, the vehicle is a three-wheeled vehicle. The vehicle includes a prime mover (not shown), such as but not limited to an internal combustion engine or a traction motor for providing motive/traction force to the vehicle.
[026] As illustrated in Figure 1, an aspect of the present invention relates to a vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 has a head pipe 20. In an embodiment, the head pipe supports a steering shaft (not shown) and a front suspension assembly (not shown) attached to the steering shaft connected to a front wheel (not shown) of the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 has a central main frame member 30 extending downwardly and rearwardly from the head pipe 20. The central main frame member 30 is disposed centrally in a vehicle width direction. The central main frame member 30 has a first portion 30A and a second portion 30B. The first portion 30A of the central main frame member 30 extends downwardly from the head pipe 20. The first portion 30A has a first end connected to the head pipe 20 and a second end opposite to the first end. The second portion 30B of the central main frame member 30 extends rearwardly from the first portion 30A. That is, the second portion 30A extends rearwardly from the second end of the first portion 30A. The vehicle 10 has a gear mode shifting assembly 100. The gear mode shifting assembly 100 is mounted to the first portion 30A of the central main frame member 30. The gear mode shifting assembly 100 is operably connected to a gear transmission assembly (not shown) of the vehicle 10. The gear mode shifting assembly 100 is adapted to selectively shift between a plurality of gear modes.
[027] In an embodiment, the gear transmission assembly comprises a driven shaft (i.e., an output shaft) and a plurality of input drive shafts (not shown). Each input drive shaft is equipped with one or more input gears (not shown) adapted to be selectively engageable with one or more output gears (not shown) mounted on the driven shaft. Upon operating the gear mode shifting assembly 100, the gear mode shifting assembly 100 is adapted to selectively engage one of the plurality of input drive shafts with the driven shaft, thereby selectively shifting between the plurality of gear modes. In this specification, the term ‘gear mode’ refers to an engagement of a particular input drive shaft with the driven shaft, unless stated otherwise. That is, each unique combination of engagement of the driven shaft with the plurality of input drive shafts corresponds to a distinct gear mode.
[028] Referring Figure 1 and Figure 2, in an embodiment, the vehicle 10 has a parking brake lever 40 mounted to the first portion 30A of the central main frame member 30. The parking brake lever 40 is pivotally mounted with respect to the first portion 30A of the central main frame member 30. The parking brake lever 40 is attached to a mounting support 42 pivotally connected to the first portion 30A of the central main frame member 30. In an embodiment, the parking brake lever 40 and the mounting support 42 for the parking brake lever 40 are connected to one of lateral side portions of the first portion 30A of the central main frame member 30. The parking brake lever 40 and the mounting support 42 may be mounted to a left-hand side or a right-hand side of the first portion 30A. Such a mounting of the parking brake lever 40 ensures ease of access of the parking brake lever 40 to a user.
[029] In Figure 1 and Figure 2, a frontmost position and a rearmost position of the parking brake lever 40 are illustrated. The frontmost position of the parking brake lever 40 corresponds to a released state of a parking brake (not shown) of the vehicle 10. The rearmost position of the parking brake lever 40 corresponds to an engaged state of the parking brake of the vehicle 10.
[030] In an embodiment, the gear mode shifting assembly 100 is mounted at a predetermined distance to the parking brake lever 40. The gear mode shifting assembly 100, is positioned in close proximity to the parking brake lever 40. This positioning ensures optimal functionality and user convenience within the vehicle's interior. In an exemplary embodiment, the predetermined distance between the parking brake lever 40 and the gear mode shifting assembly 100 ranges from 25 mm to 50 mm horizontally to provide an ideal balance between accessibility and spatial efficiency. Accordingly, the distance facilitate smooth and intuitive operation for the driver, minimizing any potential interference or obstruction between the gear mode shifting assembly and the parking brake lever. Consequently, users can seamlessly transition between gear modes and engage the parking brake without experiencing any noticeable hindrance or inconvenience. In an embodiment, the gear mode shifting assembly 100 is mounted to a lateral side of the first portion 30A of the central main frame member 30 in the vehicle width direction. That is, the gear mode shifting assembly 100 is mounted on the first portion 30A of the central main frame member 30 at a left-hand side or a right-hand side of the first portion in the vehicle width direction. Such a mounting arrangement of the gear mode shifting assembly 100 affords ease of access of the gear mode shifting assembly 100 to the user, thereby enabling selective shifting between the plurality of gear modes.
[031] Referring Figure 1, in an embodiment, the vehicle 10 comprises a floorboard 14 and a dashboard panel (not shown). The floorboard 14 is a substantially horizontal platform acting as a rigid element for distributing weight of the user occupying the vehicle 10 and contributing to the overall structural integrity of the vehicle 10. The floorboard 14 defines a lower interior surface upon which the user can rest his feet. The dashboard panel is disposed above the head pipe 20 and extends across a front region of a seat (not shown) for the user. The dashboard panel provides a dedicated location for mounting devices such as control interfaces, an instrument cluster, safety mechanisms (e.g., airbags) and the like. In an embodiment, the gear mode shifting assembly 100 is mounted below the dashboard panel and above the floorboard 14 of the vehicle 10. The gear mode shifting assembly 100 is mounted at a predefined height from the floorboard 14. In an exemplary embodiment, the predefined height of gear mode shifting assembly 100 from the floorboard 14 ranges between 300 mm to 350 mm. As such, the gear mode shifting assembly 100 does not interfere with the devices mounted on the dashboard panel, whilst ensuring ease of access to the user.
[032] As illustrated in Figure 3 and Figure 4, an aspect of the present invention relates to the gear mode shifting assembly 100 for the vehicle 10. The gear mode shifting assembly 100 has a bracket 110, a pivot member 120 (i.e., a hinge), a first pulley 130, and a gear mode shifter lever 140. The mounting bracket 110 is attached to the first portion 30A of the central main frame member 30. The mounting bracket 110 may be attached to the first portion 30A of the central main frame member 30 through conventional mounting techniques known in the art such as but not limited to fastening, welding, and the like. The pivot member 120 is rotatably mounted to the mounting bracket 120. The first pulley 130 is adapted to engage with one or more cables (not shown) for selectively shifting between the plurality of gear modes. The first pulley 130 is operably connected to the gear transmission assembly of the vehicle 10. The gear mode shifter lever 140 is fixedly attached to the pivot member 120. Movement of the gear mode shifter lever 140 causes the first pulley 120 to rotate thereby shifting between the plurality of gear modes.
[033] Referring Figure 4, in an embodiment, the mounting bracket 110 is a C-bracket having a first plate 112, an intermediate plate 113, a second plate 114, and a mounting flange 116. The first plate 112 is adapted to be mounted to the first portion 30A of the central main frame member 30. The first plate 112 can be mounted to the first portion 30A of the central main frame member 30 using conventional mounting techniques known in the art such as but not limited to fastening, welding, and the like. The intermediate plate 113 is connected to an end of the first plate 112, and the intermediate plate 113 is substantially orthogonal to the first plate 112. The second plate 114 is disposed opposite to the first plate 112. The second plate 114 is connected to an end of the intermediate plate 113 and is substantially orthogonal to the intermediate plate 113. The mounting flange 116 is fixedly attached to the second plate 114 for rotatably supporting the pivot member 120. The mounting flange 116 comprises an opening 118 adapted to receive a portion of the pivot member 120. In an embodiment, the opening 118 is a circular opening.
[034] In an embodiment, the pivot member 120 comprises a first shaft portion 122, a second shaft portion 124, a third shaft portion 126, and a tab 128. The first shaft portion 122, the second shaft portion 124, and the third shaft portion 126 are substantially cylindrical. The diameter of the first shaft portion 122 is smaller than the diameter of the second shaft portion 124 and the diameter of the third shaft portion 126. The diameter of the second shaft portion 124 is greater than the diameter of the first shaft portion 122 and the diameter of the third shaft portion 126. The diameter of the third shaft portion 126 is greater than the diameter of the first shaft portion 122 and less than the diameter of the second shaft portion 124. The tab 128 may be cylindrical, rectangular or polygonal, as per design requirement. The lateral dimensions of the tab 128 or the diameter of the tab 128, as the case may be, is/are less than the diameter of the third shaft portion 128.
[035] The first shaft portion 122 of the pivot member 120 is received by the opening 118 of the mounting flange 116 of the mounting bracket 110, thereby rotatably mounting the pivot member 120 to the mounting bracket 110. A first washer 160 and a first circlip 170 may be provided at an interface between the first shaft portion 122 of the pivot member 120 and the mounting flange 116 of the mounting bracket 110 to ensure an appropriate fit of the first shaft portion 122 in the opening 118 of the mounting flange 116.
[036] In an embodiment, the first pulley 130 has a circular cross section. The first pulley 130 has an opening 132 extending throughout the cross section of the first pulley 130. In an embodiment, the opening 132 is a circular opening. The diameter of the opening 132 is greater than the diameter of the third shaft portion 126 of the pivot member 120. The diameter of the opening 132 is less than the diameter of the second shaft portion 124 of the pivot member 120. The first pulley 130 is mounted on the pivot member 120, particularly on the third shaft portion 126 of the pivot member 120. The opening 132 of the first pulley 130 is passed over the third shaft portion 130 of the pivot member 120, thereby mounting the first pulley 130 to the pivot member 120. An outboard end of the second shaft portion 124 provides a stop for an inner side of the first pulley 130, thereby avoiding axial displacement of the first pulley 130 (along axis X-X) towards the mounting bracket 110. A portion of the third shaft portion 128 and the tab 128 extend outwardly of the opening 132 of the first pulley 130 upon mounting the first pulley 130 on the pivot member 120.
[037] In an embodiment, the first pulley 130 further comprises a flange portion 134 surrounding the opening 132. In the embodiment, a portion of the third shaft portion 128 and at least a portion of the tab 128 extend outwardly of the flange portion 134 upon mounting the first pulley 130 on the pivot member 120. A locking unit 150 is mounted on the flange portion 134 of the first pulley 130 for constraining relative motion or relative rotation between the first pulley 130 and the pivot member 120. In an embodiment, the locking unit 150 is a retainer spring or a locking pin. It is desirable that the first pulley 130 and the pivot member 120 rotate together when a shifting between the plurality of gear modes is required.
[038] In an embodiment, the gear mode shifter lever 140 is mounted on the pivot member 120 outwardly of the first pulley 130. The shape and dimensions of the gear mode shifter lever 140 may be selected as per requirement. In an embodiment, the gear mode shifter lever 140 comprises an opening 142 that is shaped and dimensioned substantially equal to the shape and the dimensions of the tab 128 of the pivot member 120. The gear mode shifter lever 140 is fixedly mounted to the pivot member 120 by passing the opening 142 over the tab 128. A second washer 180 and a second circlip 190 may be provided at an interface between the tab 128 and a region surrounding the opening 142 of the gear mode shifter lever 140 to ensure snug fit of the gear mode shifter lever 140 with the pivot member 120, consequently avoiding axially outward displacement of the gear mode shifter lever 120 away from the pivot member 120. The movement or the rotation of the gear mode shifter lever 140 initiated by the user causes the first pulley 130 to rotate, thereby shifting between the plurality of gear modes.
[039] In an embodiment, the gear mode shifter lever 140 is disposed at a predefined distance from the parking brake lever 40. For example, the predefined distance between the parking brake lever 40 and the gear mode shifter lever 140 may be a horizontal distance ranging from 25mm to 50 mm. By maintaining this predefined distance, users can transition between gear modes and engage the parking brake lever without encountering any hindrance or discomfort.
[040] Referring Figure 3 and Figure 4, in an embodiment, the first pulley 130 has one or more cut-outs 136. The one or more cut-outs of the first pulley 130 are adapted to engage with the one or more cables. The one or more cables are further connected to one or more cut-outs (not shown) of a second pulley (not shown) operably connected to the gear transmission assembly of the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the one or more cut-outs 136 of the first pulley 130 are formed at an outer periphery of the first pulley 130. The one or more cut-outs of the second pulley are formed at an outer periphery of the second pulley. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated by Figure 3 and Figure 4, two cut-outs 136 formed at the outer periphery of the first pulley 130 are shown.
[041] In a further embodiment, the one or more cut-outs 136 of the first pulley 130 and the one or more cut-outs of the second pulley are circular cut-outs. Consequently, ease of engagement of the one or more cables with the first pulley 130 and the second pulley is ensured. The one or more cut-outs 136 of the first pulley 130 and the one or more cut-outs of the second pulley are responsible for the attachment of the one or more cables and their subsequent displacement when the gear mode shifter lever 140 is rotated upwards or downwards to bring about shifting or a change in the gear mode.
[042] In an embodiment, the displacement or the rotation given to the gear mode shifter lever 140 rotates the first pulley 130, which then moves a gearing arrangement at the gear transmission assembly connected to an engine through the one or more cables for shifting between the plurality of gear modes. Particularly, rotation of the gear mode shifter lever 140 rotates the first pulley 130, which rotation is transmitted to the second pulley disposed in the gear transmission assembly through the one or more cables, to bring about shifting or change in the gear mode.
[043] In an embodiment, movement or rotation of the gear mode shifter lever 140 enables selective shifting between a primary gear mode and a secondary gear mode. Each of the primary gear mode and the secondary gear mode has one or more gear ratios (gear ratio being a ratio of angular speed of the driven shaft to the angular speed of the one or more input drive shafts) selectable by the user. The one or more gear ratios of the primary gear mode are greater than the one or more gear ratios of the secondary gear mode. That is, the primary gear mode may correspond to a low speed mode of the vehicle 10 and the secondary gear mode may correspond to a high speed mode of the vehicle 10.
[044] In an embodiment, the primary gear mode corresponds to an engagement of a first input drive shaft (not shown) with the driven shaft. The first input drive shaft has one or more first input gears (not shown) mounted thereon. The secondary gear mode corresponds to an engagement of a second input drive shaft (not shown) with the driven shaft. The second input drive shaft has one or more second input gears (not shown) mounted thereon. In the embodiment, the gear mode shifting assembly 100 enables selective shifting between the primary gear mode and the secondary gear mode. In an embodiment where the first input drive shaft comprises a plurality of first input gears and the second input drive shaft a plurality of second input gears, one or more gear shifters (not shown) may be provided in the vehicle 10 to enable selective shifting between the plurality of first input gears in the primary gear mode and between the plurality of second input gears in the secondary gear mode.
[045] In an exemplary embodiment, the primary gear mode comprises four gear ratios and the secondary gear mode comprises four gear ratios. That is, the first input drive shaft comprises four first input gears each having different number of gear teeth and the second input drive shaft comprises four second input gears each having different number of gear teeth. The gear mode shifting mechanism 100 enables selective shifting between the primary gear mode (i.e., engagement of the first input drive shaft with the driven shaft) and the secondary gear mode (i.e., engagement of the second input drive shaft with the driven shaft) upon displacement of the gear mode shifter lever 140.
[046] In an embodiment, rotation of the gear mode shifter lever to an upward stop position results in the primary gear mode, and rotation of the gear mode shifter lever to a downward stop position results in the secondary gear mode. The one or more gear shifters may be operated to selectively shift between the four gear ratios of the primary gear mode, when transmission is engaged to the primary gear mode. Likewise, the one or more gear shifters may be operated to selectively shift between the four gear ratios of the secondary gear mode, when transmission is engaged to the secondary gear mode.
[047] However, it must be appreciated that in certain embodiments, gear modes in addition to the primary gear mode and the secondary gear modes may be provided. That is, the number of gear modes can be more than two, as per requirement. In certain embodiments, the one or more gear shifters may be adapted to selectively shift between multiple gear ratios of each gear mode, as per requirement.
[048] Referring Figure 5, an aspect of the present invention relates to a method 500 for shifting gear mode of the vehicle 10. At step 502, the user operates the gear mode shifter lever 140. That is, the user rotates the gear mode shifter lever 140 in a selected circumferential direction, either towards a top or a bottom direction of the vehicle 10. At step 504, by the operation of the gear mode shifter lever 140, the pivot member 120 attached to the gear mode shifter lever 140 is rotated. At step 506, by the rotation of the pivot member 120, the first pulley 130 fixedly attached to the pivot member 130 is rotated. The first pulley 130 is operably connected to the gear transmission assembly of the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, direction of rotation of the pivot member 120 and the first pulley 130 is the same as the circumferential direction of rotation of the gear mode shifter lever 140. At step 508, by the rotation of the first pulley 130, the one or more cables are engaged with the first pulley 130 for selectively shifting between the plurality of gear modes.
[049] Advantageously, the present invention provides the vehicle and the gear shifting assembly for the vehicle which is positioned and mounted in such a way that the interference issues with various vehicle components is avoided, whilst ensuring ease of accessibility of the gear mode shifting assembly to the user. Consequently, ergonomics of gear mode shifting is enhanced along with visual appeal, which enhances the market attractiveness of the vehicle. Additionally, the structural configuration and/or the strategic mounting of the gear mode shifting assembly in the vehicle improves ingress egress of the vehicle for the user. Furthermore, the durability of the vehicle is enhanced since the engine can be operated in more than one gear ratio modes, thus allowing at least one additional set of gear ratios as per requirement. The availability of the this additional set of gear ratios also allows for better mileage and comfort. Moreover, power pickup of the vehicle can be increased by setting the gear mode shifting assembly to a high mode configuration.
[050] Furthermore, the present invention obviates the complexity in mounting the gear mode shifting assembly in the vehicle. The gear mode shifting assembly of the present invention enhances the durability, performance, mileage, and comfort of the vehicle by efficiently enabling selective shifting between the plurality of gear modes. Further, a power pickup of the vehicle can be enhanced or lowered by the method of shifting gear mode of the vehicle as per requirement, whilst mitigating interference between parts of the gear mode shifting assembly.
[051] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

List of Reference Numerals
10: Vehicle
14: Floorboard
20: Head pipe
30: Central main frame member
30A: First portion of central main frame member
30B: Second portion of central main frame member
40: Parking brake lever
42: Mounting support
100: Gear mode shifting assembly
110: Mounting bracket
112: First plate
113: Intermediate plate
114: Second plate
116: Mounting flange
118: Opening of mounting bracket
120: Pivot member
122: First shaft portion
124: Second shaft portion
126: Third shaft portion
128: Tab
130: First pulley
132: Opening of first pulley
134: Flange
136: One or more cut-outs
140: Gear mode shifter lever
142: Opening of gear mode shifter lever
150: Locking Unit
160: First washer
170: First circlip
180: Second washer
190: Second circlip
, Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A vehicle (10) comprising:
a head pipe (20);
a central main frame member (30) extending downwardly and rearwardly from the head pipe (20), the central mainframe member (30) comprising a first portion (30A) extending downwardly from the head pipe (20) and a second portion (30B) extending rearwardly from the first portion (30A); and
a gear mode shifting assembly (100) adapted to selectively shift between a plurality of gear modes, the gear mode shifting assembly (100) being mounted to the first portion (30A) of the central main frame member (30).

2. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a parking brake lever (40)mounted to the first portion (30A) of the central main frame member (30), wherein the gear mode shifting assembly (100) is mounted at a predetermined distance to the parking brake lever (40A) , and wherein the gear mode shifting assembly (100) is mounted to a lateral side of the first portion (30A) of the central main frame member (30) in a vehicle width direction

3. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gear mode shifting assembly (100) is mounted on the first portion (30A) of the central main frame member (30) at a left-hand side or a right-hand side of the first portion (30A) in a vehicle width direction.

4. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a dashboard panel and a floorboard (14), wherein the gear mode shifting assembly (100) is mounted below the dashboard panel and above the floorboard (14), the gear mode shifting assembly (100) being mounted at a predefined height from the floorboard (14).

5. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the predefined height of the gear mode shifting assembly (100) from the floorboard ranges between 300 mm to 350 mm.

6. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gear mode shifting assembly (100) comprises:
a mounting bracket (110), the mounting bracket (110) being attached to the first portion (30A) of the central main frame member (30);
a pivot member (120), the pivot member (120) being rotatably mounted to the mounting bracket (110);
a first pulley (130), the first pulley (130) being fixedly mounted on the pivot member (120), and the first pulley (130) being adapted to engage with one or more cables for selectively shifting between a plurality of gear modes; and
a gear mode shifter lever (140), the gear mode shifter lever (140) being fixedly attached to the pivot member (120), wherein movement of the gear mode shifter lever (140) causes the first pulley (130) to rotate thereby shifting between the plurality of gear modes.

7. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the mounting bracket (110) being a C-bracket having: a first plate (112) being adapted to be mounted to the first portion (30A) of the central main frame member (30), a second plate (114) disposed opposite to the first plate (112), and a mounting flange (116) fixedly attached to the second plate (114) for rotatably supporting the pivot member (120).

8. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first pulley (130) comprises a flange portion (134), and wherein a locking unit(150) is mounted on the flange portion (134) of the first pulley (130) for constraining relative motion between the first pulley (130) and the pivot member (120).

9. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first pulley (130) comprises one or more cut-outs (136), the one or more cut-outs (136) of the first pulley (130) being adapted to engage with the one or more cables, the one or more cables being connected to one or more cut-outs of a second pulley operably connected to a gear transmission assembly of the vehicle (10), wherein the one or more cut-outs (136) of the first pulley (130) being formed at an outer periphery of the first pulley (130), and the one or more cut-outs of the second pulley being formed at an outer periphery of the second pulley.

10. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the gear mode shifter lever (140) is mounted on the pivot member (120) outwardly of the first pulley (130), and the gear mode shifter lever (140) is disposed at a predefined horizontal distance from a parking brake lever (40).

11. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 7, wherein movement of the gear mode shifter lever (140) enables selective shifting between a primary gear mode and a secondary gear mode, wherein each of the primary gear mode and the secondary gear mode has one or more gear ratios selectable by a user, the one or more gear ratios of the primary gear mode being greater than the one or more gear ratios of the secondary gear mode.

12. A gear mode shifting assembly (100) for a vehicle (10), the gear mode shifting assembly (100) comprising:
a mounting bracket (110), the mounting bracket (110) attached to a first portion (30A) of a central main frame member (30), said first portion (30A) of the central main frame member (30) extending downwardly from a head pipe (20);
a pivot member (120) rotatably mounted to the mounting bracket (110);
a first pulley (130) fixedly mounted on the pivot member (120), the first pulley (130) being adapted to engage with one or more cables for selectively shifting between a plurality of gear modes; and
a gear mode shifter lever (140) fixedly attached to the pivot member (120), wherein movement of the gear mode shifter lever (140) causes the first pulley (130) to rotate thereby shifting between the plurality of gear modes.

13. The gear mode shifting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the mounting bracket (110) being a C-bracket having: a first plate (112) adapted to be mounted to the first portion (30A) of the central main frame member (30), a second plate (114) disposed opposite to the first plate (112), and a mounting flange (116) fixedly attached to the second plate (114) for rotatably supporting the pivot member (120).

14. The gear mode shifting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the first pulley (130) comprises a flange portion (134), and wherein a locking unit (150) is mounted on the flange portion (134) of the first pulley (130) for constraining relative motion between the first pulley (130) and the pivot member (120).

15. The gear mode shifting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the first pulley (130) comprises one or more cut-outs (136), the one or more cut-outs (136) being adapted to engage with the one or more cables, the one or more cables being connected to one or more cut-outs of a second pulley operably connected to a gear transmission assembly of the vehicle (10), wherein the one or more cut-outs (136) of the first pulley (130) being formed at an outer periphery of the first pulley (130), and the one or more cut-outs of the second pulley being formed at an outer periphery of the second pulley.

16. The gear mode shifting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the gear mode shifter lever (140) is mounted on the pivot member (120) outwardly of the first pulley (130) and the gear mode shifter lever (140) is disposed at a predefined horizontal distance from a parking brake lever (40).

17. The gear mode shifting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the gear mode shifting assembly (100) enables selective shifting between a primary gear mode and a secondary gear mode, wherein each of the primary gear mode and the secondary gear mode has one or more gear ratios selectable by a user, and the one or more gear ratios of the primary gear mode being greater than the one or more gear ratios of the secondary gear mode.

18. A method for shifting a gear mode of a vehicle (10), the method comprising the steps of:
operating (502), by a user, a gear mode shifter lever (140);
rotating (504), by the operation of the gear mode shifter lever (140), a pivot member (120) attached to the gear mode shifter lever (140)
rotating (506), by the rotation of the pivot member (120), a first pulley (130) fixedly attached to the pivot member (120); and
engaging (508), by the rotation of the first pulley (130), one or more cables with the first pulley (130) for selectively shifting between a plurality of gear modes.

Dated this 20th day of March 2024

TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

(Nikhil Ranjan)
of Khaitan & Co
Reg No IN/PA-1471