Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a field of a gear shift assembly for vehicle. More specifically, it pertains to a jerk free, fatigue free, and self-centering side gear shift assembly for a tractor or a farm vehicle, which enables operator to operate range lever and speed lever with reduced effort.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] There are various types of transmission system, which include manual transmission, automatic transmission, Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), Semi-automatic. In manual transmission, sliding mesh, constant mesh and synchromesh gear boxes are used based on the engagement of the gears. In tractors or farm vehicles, Constant Mesh (CM) gear boxes are more commonly used. In this type of arrangement, more efforts are required for shifting as compared to Synchro Mesh (SM) and hence cause more operator fatigue.
[0004] Provision of side shift lever mechanism for a tractor / farm vehicle transmission is an ergonomic feature. Different transmissions have different drive train architecture that include parameters like Centre Distance, Gears positions etc. which play major role in efforts & smoothness during gear shifting. This is further compounded by positioning with reference to the operator seat which is governed by vehicle architecture. At the end, customer value gets enhanced with more and more fatigue free & jerk free shifting. Conventionally, to reduce effort and fatigue to the operator during gear shifting, gear linkage ratio is increased by increasing arm length of the range or speed lever with reference to the pivot point of the range or speed lever. Disadvantage with the conventional technology is that the increased arm length of the range or speed lever in turn increases lever travel both in transverse direction and lateral direction. This causes inconvenience to the operator during shifting of the speed or range lever due to space constraint in tractor/farm vehicle. This conventional system is neither reliable nor robust and also costlier for Constant Mesh (CM) transmission used in tractor/farm vehicle.
[0005] Further, there are many mechanisms which overcome this paradigm by developing a two pivot system or a hinged type system. Here the transverse & lateral lever ratios are differentiated by two pivot points. Most of these mechanisms are developed for a Synchro Mesh (SM) gear box. These systems are neither reliable nor robust for Constant Mesh (CM) gear box. Also, cost of these systems is more.
[0006] There is, therefore, a need in the art to provide a simple, reliable, and cost effective side gear shift assembly in a tractor/farm vehicle having Constant Mesh (CM) transmission system which provides ergonomic and jerk/fatigue free experience to the operator during shifting of speed /range levers. Further, there is also a need to provide a self-centering feature for the speed lever.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A general object of the present disclosure is to provide a simple, reliable and cost effective side gear shift assembly in a tractor/farm vehicle having Constant Mesh transmission which enables operator to operate range lever and speed lever with reduced effort.
[0008] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a gear shift assembly which enables smooth self-centering of the speed lever.
[0009] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a gear shift assembly which increases leverage ratio for operating levers.
[0010] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a gear shift assembly which provides fatigue free and jerk free experience to operator.
[0011] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a gear shift assembly which provides different leverage ratio for gear selection and for gear shifting.
[0012] These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0013] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a gear shift assembly for vehicle. More specifically, it pertains to a jerk free, fatigue free, and self-centering side gear shift assembly for a tractor or a farm vehicle, which enables operator to operate range lever and speed lever with reduced effort.
[0014] In an aspect, the present disclosure elaborates upon a gear shift assembly for a vehicle. The assembly may comprise a housing, a set of operating levers adapted to move from a neutral position, and no gears may be engaged to a set of predefined positions defining engagement of different gears. A set of engaging members may be coupled with the housing and the operating levers, and positioning of the engaging members defines leverage ratio for engagement of selected gear pairs. A set of shifter rods, configured inside the housing, and may pivotally be coupled with the set of operating levers at one end and a set of centering members at the other end, and positioning of the pivotal joints defines leverage ratio for engagement of desired shifter levels and predefined movements of the set of operating levers may enable corresponding predefined movements of the set of shifter rods and the set of centering members. The centering member of the shifter rod may comprises a first taper member, a groove member, and a second taper member, and the groove member may be coupled between the first taper member and the second taper member. A set of shifter pins may be configured on an outer surface of the shifter rods such that the predefined movement of the shifter rods may be adapted to move the shifter pins in a plurality of predefined positions for selecting at least one predefined gear. A set of biasing ball means may be coupled between the centering members and the housing such that the biasing ball means may be adapted to engage with either first taper member or second taper or the groove member, a set of biasing means positioned on the outer surface of the shifter rods and may be configured between the housing and the shifter pins.
[0015] In an aspect, movement of the operating lever, from its neutral position, along with the engaging member may enable corresponding movements of the shifter rod, the centering member and the shifter pin to a predefined desired position for engagement of desired gears and movement of corresponding taper member, biasing ball means and the biasing means enable to bring the shifter pin, engaging member, shifter rod and the operating lever from the desired position to the neutral position.
[0016] In an embodiment, the set of biasing means may comprise a first biasing means and a second biasing means, and the shifter pin may be positioned between the first biasing means and the second biasing means, and the biasing means enables movements of the shifter pin to desired positions.
[0017] In an embodiment, the predefined movement of the shifter pin to a plurality of predefined positions may be enabled by engagement of the shifter pin with a set of selector members positioned inside the housing.
[0018] In an embodiment, the plurality of predefined positions may comprises a first position, a second position, and a third position, and the first position of the shifter pin enables resting of the biasing ball means on the first taper member and the shifter pin adapted to configure with one of the selector members, and the second position of the shifter pin enables resting of the biasing ball means in groove member and the shifter pin adapted to configure with second of the selector members, and the third position of the shifter pin enables resting of the biasing ball means on the second taper member and the shifter pin adapted to configure with the third of the selector members.
[0019] In an embodiment, the operating lever may move inside the engaging member at the predefined positions.
[0020] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary gear shift assembly for vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates a front sectional view of a gear shift assembly for vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates a top sectional view of a gear shift assembly for vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0025] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0026] If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.
[0027] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. This disclosure may however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. These embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the disclosure, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure).
[0028] To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
[0029] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0030] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[0031] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.
[0032] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a gear shift assembly for vehicle. More specifically, it pertains to a jerk free, fatigue free, and self-centering side gear shift assembly which enables operator to operate range lever and speed lever with reduced effort.
[0033] In an aspect, the present disclosure elaborates upon a gear shift assembly for a vehicle. The device can includes a housing, a set of operating levers adapted to move from a neutral position, and no gears can be engaged to a set of predefined positions defining engagement of different gears. A set of engaging members can be coupled with the housing and the operating levers, and positioning of the engaging members defines leverage ratio for engagement of selected gear pairs. A set of shifter rods, configured inside the housing, and can pivotally be coupled with the set of operating levers at one end and a set of centering members at the other end, and positioning of the pivotal joints defines leverage ratio for engagement of desired shifter levels and predefined movements of the set of operating levers can enable corresponding predefined movements of the set of shifter rods and the set of centering members. The centering member of the shifter rod can includes a first taper member, a groove member, and a second taper member, and the groove member can be coupled between the first taper member and the second taper member. A set of shifter pins can be configured on an outer surface of the shifter rods such that the predefined movement of the shifter rods can be adapted to move the shifter pins in a plurality of predefined positions for selecting at least one predefined gear. A set of biasing ball means can be coupled between the centering members and the housing such that the biasing ball means can be adapted to engage with either first taper member or second taper or the groove member, a set of biasing means positioned on the outer surface of the shifter rods and can be configured between the housing and the shifter pins.
[0034] In an aspect, movement of the operating lever, from its neutral position, along with the engaging member can enable corresponding movements of the shifter rod, the centering member and the shifter pin to a predefined desired position for engagement of desired gears and movement of corresponding taper member, biasing ball means and the biasing means enable to bring the shifter pin, engaging member, shifter rod and the operating lever from the desired position to the neutral position.
[0035] In an embodiment, the set of biasing means can include a first biasing means and a second biasing means, and the shifter pin can be positioned between the first biasing means and the second biasing means, and the biasing means enables movements of the shifter pin to desired positions.
[0036] In an embodiment, the predefined movement of the shifter pin to a plurality of predefined positions can be enabled by engagement of the shifter pin with a set of selector members positioned inside the housing.
[0037] In an embodiment, the plurality of predefined positions can include a first position, a second position, and a third position, and the first position of the shifter pin enables resting of the biasing ball means on the first taper member and the shifter pin adapted to configure with one of the selector members, and the second position of the shifter pin enables resting of the biasing ball means in groove member and the shifter pin adapted to configure with second of the selector members, and the third position of the shifter pin enables resting of the biasing ball means on the second taper member and the shifter pin adapted to configure with the third of the selector members.
[0038] In an embodiment, the operating lever can move inside the engaging member at the predefined positions.
[0039] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary gear shift assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 illustrates a front sectional view of a gear shift assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 illustrates a top sectional view of a gear shift assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0040] In an embodiment, the gear shift assembly for vehicle includes a housing 104, set of operating levers 102, set of engaging members 106, set of shifter rods 202, centering member 204, a set of shifter pins 206, a set of biasing ball means 308, set of biasing means 208-1, 208-2, and the likes. The set of operating lever 102 adapted to move from a neutral position. The set of engaging members 106 coupled with the housing 104 and the operating levers 102. The set of shifter rods 202 configured inside the housing 104, and is pivotally coupled with the set of operating levers 102. The centering member 204 is configured with the set of shifter rods 202. The set of shifter pins 206 configured on an outer surface of the shifter rods 202 such that plurality of movements of the shifter rods 202 is adapted to move the shifter pins 206 in a plurality of predefined positions for selecting at least one predefined engaging gear. A set of biasing ball means 308 coupled between the centering members 204 and the set of biasing means 208-1, 208-2 positioned on outer surface of the shifter rods 202 and configured between the housing 104 and the shifter pins 206. Movement of the operating lever 102 from its neutral position along with engaging member 106 can enable corresponding movements of the shifter rod 202, the centering member 204 and the shifter pin 206 to predefined desired position for engagement of desired gears. While disengagement, movement of corresponding taper member 302, 306, biasing ball means 308 and the biasing means 208-1, 208-2 enable to bring the shifter pin 206, engaging member 106, shifter rod 202 and the operating lever 102 from the desired position to the neutral position.
[0041] In an embodiment, the set of operating levers 102 can include a range lever and a speed lever. The set of operating lever 102 can be adapted to move from a neutral position, wherein no gears are engaged to a set of predefined positions defining engagement of different gears. The set of operating lever 102 can be actuated in various positions by the operator. The set of operating lever 102 can move inside the set of engaging members 106 at the predefined positions.
[0042] In an embodiment, the set of engaging members 106 can be coupled with the housing 104 and the operating levers 102. The set of engaging members 106 can be removeably coupled with the housing 104 and the operating lever 102. A slot can be configured in the set of engaging members 106, such that the set of operating levers 102 can be configured inside the slot. The speed lever can be configured inside the slot of the engaging member 106. The range lever can be configured inside the slot of the engaging member 106. In an exemplary embodiment, the slot and the set of operating lever 102 can be sufficiently hardened to ensure minimum wear and tear free of the slot and the set of operating lever 102.
[0043] In an embodiment, the set of shifter rods 202 can be configured inside the housing 104. The set of shifter rods 202 can be pivotally coupled with the set of operating lever 102 at one end and the centering members 204 at the other end. The positioning of the pivotal joints defines leverage ratio for engagement of desired shifter levels. Predefined movements of the set of operating levers 102 can enable corresponding predefined movement of the set of shifter rods 202 and the centering members 204.
[0044] In an embodiment, the centering members 204 of the set of shifter rod 202 can include a first taper member 302, a groove member 304, and a second taper member 306. The groove member 304 can be coupled between the first taper 302 and the second taper member 306. The first taper member 302 can be coupled with the groove member 304. The second taper member 306 can be coupled with the groove member 304.
[0045] In an embodiment, the set of shifter pins 206 can be configured with an outer surface of the shifter rods 202. The plurality of the predefined movements of the set of shifter rods 202 can be adapted to move the shifter pins 206 in a plurality of predefined positions for selecting at least one predefined gear for engagement /disengagement. The predefined movements of the shifter pin 206 to a plurality of predefined positions can be enabled by engagement of the shifter pin 206 with a set of selector members positioned inside the housing 104. The set of shifter pins 206 can be selected from a shape, which can easily be adapted to engage or disengage. The set of shifter pins 206 can be coupled with the shifter rods 202 with fastening means. The fastening means can be selected from group including but not limited to nut and bolt and studs.
[0046] In an embodiment, a set of biasing ball means 308 can be coupled between the centering members 204 and the housing 104. The set of biasing ball means 308 can include a biasing means, a ball, and a supporting means, such that the biasing means can be coupled between the supporting means and the ball. In another embodiment, the set of biasing ball means 308 can include a spring and a ball, such that the spring can be coupled between the ball and the supporting means.
[0047] In an embodiment, a set of biasing means 208-1, 208-2 positioned on the outer surface of the shifter rods 202. The set of biasing means 208-1, 208-2 can be configured between the housing 104 and the shifter pins 206. The set of biasing means 208-1, 208-2 can include but not limited to springs. The set of biasing means 208-1, 208-2 can include a first biasing means 208-1 and a second biasing means 208-2. The first biasing means 208-1 can be configured at one side of the set of shifter pins 206. The second biasing means 208-2 can be configured at the other side of the set of the shifter pins 206.
[0048] In an embodiment, movement of the operating lever 102 from its neutral position along with the engaging member 106 can enable corresponding movements of the shifter rod 202, the centering member 204 and the shifter pin 206 to a predefined position for engagement of desired gears. Movement of corresponding taper member 302, 306, biasing ball means 308 and the biasing means 208-1, 208-2 can enable to bring the shifter pin 206, engaging member 106, shifter rod 202 and the operating lever 102 from desired position to the neutral position.
[0049] In an embodiment, plurality of predefined positions can include a first position, a second position, and a third position. The first position of the shifter pin 206 can enable resting of the biasing ball means 308 on the first taper member 302 and the shifter pin 206 adapted to configure with one of the selector members. The second position of the shifter pin 206 can enable resting of the biasing ball means 308 in groove member 304 and the shifter pin 206 can be adapted to configure with second of the selector members. The third position of the shifter pin 206 can enable resting of the biasing ball means 308 on the second taper member 306 and the shifter pin 206 can be adapted to configure with the third of the selector members.
[0050] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C ….and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc. The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
[0051] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0052] The present disclosure provides a simple, reliable and cost effective side gear shift assembly in a tractor/farm vehicle having Constant Mesh transmission which enables operator to operate range lever and speed lever with reduced effort.
[0053] The present disclosure provides a gear shift assembly which enables smooth self-centering of the speed lever.
[0054] The present disclosure provides a gear shift assembly which increases leverage ratio for operating levers.
[0055] The present disclosure provides a gear shift assembly which provides fatigue free and jerk free experience to operator.
[0056] The present disclosure provides a gear shift assembly which provides two different leverage ratio for gear selection and gear shifting.
, Claims:1. A gear shift assembly for vehicle, wherein the assembly comprising
a housing (104);
a set of operating levers (102) adapted to move from a neutral position wherein no gears are engaged to a set of predefined positions defining engagement of different gears;
a set of engaging members (106) coupled with the housing (104) and the operating levers (102) wherein positioning of the engaging members (106) defines leverage ratio for engagement of selected gear pairs;
a set of shifter rods (202), configured inside the housing (104), and pivotally coupled with the set of operating levers (102) at one end and a set of centering members (204) at the other end wherein positioning of the pivotal joints defines leverage ratio for engagement of desired shifter levels and predefined movements of the set of operating levers (102) enable corresponding predefined movements of the set of shifter rods (202) and the set of centering members (204);
the centering member (204) of the shifter rod (202) comprising a first taper member (302), a groove member (304), and a second taper member (306), wherein the groove member (304) is coupled between the first taper member (302) and the second taper member (306);
a set of shifter pins (206) configured on an outer surface of the shifter rods (202) such that the predefined movement of the shifter rods (202) is adapted to move the shifter pins (206) in a plurality of predefined positions for selecting at least one predefined gear;
a set of biasing ball means (308) coupled between the centering members (204) and the housing (104) such that the biasing ball means (308) is adapted to engage with either first taper member (302) or second taper (306) or the groove member (304),
a set of biasing means (208-1, 208-2) positioned on the outer surface of the shifter rods (202) and configured between the housing (104) and the shifter pins (206),
wherein movement of the operating lever (102), from its neutral position, along with the engaging member (106) enables corresponding movements of the shifter rod (202), the centering member (204) and the shifter pin (206) to a predefined desired position for engagement of desired gears and movement of corresponding taper member (302, 306), biasing ball means (308) and the biasing means (208-1, 208-2) enable to bring the shifter pin (206), engaging member (106), shifter rod (202) and the operating lever (102) from the desired position to the neutral position.
2. The gear shift assembly for vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the set of biasing means (208-1, 208-2) comprise a first biasing means (208-1) and a second biasing means (208-2), and the shifter pin (206) is positioned between the first biasing means (208-1) and the second biasing means (208-2), wherein the biasing means (208-1, 208-2) enables movements of the shifter pin (206) to desired positions.
3. The gear shift assembly for vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predefined movement of the shifter pin (206) to a plurality of predefined positions is enabled by engagement of the shifter pin (206) with a set of selector members positioned inside the housing (104).
4. The gear shift assembly for vehicle as claimed in claim 3, wherein the plurality of predefined positions comprises a first position, a second position, and a third position, wherein the first position of the shifter pin (206) enables resting of the biasing ball means (308) on the first taper member (302) and the shifter pin (206) adapted to configure with one of the selector members, and the second position of the shifter pin (206) enables resting of the biasing ball means (308) in groove member (304) and the shifter pin (206) adapted to configure with second of the selector members, and the third position of the shifter pin (206) enables resting of the biasing ball means (308) on the second taper member (306) and the shifter pin (206) adapted to configure with the third of the selector members.
5. The gear shift assembly for vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the operating lever (102) moves inside the engaging member (106) at the predefined positions.