FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the field of fixtures for gearbox assembly.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
A gearbox assembly comprises a lay shaft sub-assembly. The lay shaft sub-assembly is fitted with elements such as various gears, spacers, etc. by operator on the field as per the pre-defined sequence therefor.
However, at times during the shaft sub-assembly of the gearbox assembly, wrong orientation of gear, wrong size spacer fitment etc. may occur, thereby forming an improper gearbox assembly.
Due to improper gearbox assembly, there arise problems such as gearbox jam, twisted and broken shaft, broken gear, circlip shifted from original position, hard gear shifting, noise from gears due to friction, and so on, which lead to customer dissatisfaction.
Therefore, there is felt a need of a method and a worktable for assembling a lay shaft of a vehicle gearbox that alleviates the above-mentioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows.
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a method and a worktable for assembling a lay shaft of a vehicle gearbox.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a method and a worktable for assembling a lay shaft of a vehicle gearbox, which eliminates human error involved in assembling the lay shaft.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a method and a worktable for assembling a lay shaft of a vehicle gearbox, which ensures that gears are installed in the correct order.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a method and a worktable for assembling a lay shaft of a vehicle gearbox, which enable precise spacer fitment.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages a method for assembling a lay shaft of a gearbox of a vehicle. The method comprises the following steps:
• picking a lay shaft and placing it on a base fixture;
• clamping the lay shaft by a clamping unit;
• picking a first spacer and a first gear and inserting on the lay shaft;
• picking a second spacer and a second gear and inserting on the lay shaft;
• picking a third spacer and the third gear and inserting on the lay shaft;
• picking a fourth gear and inserting on the lay shaft;

• passing a lay shaft assembly profile plate from initial position to final position
thereof for checking correctness of assembly of the gears and the spacers on the
lay shaft; and
• de-clamping the lay shaft by the clamping unit.
If any of the above operative steps is missed, the control unit will not allow de-clamping of the lay shaft by the clamping unit.
The present disclosure also envisages a worktable for assembling a lay shaft of a gearbox assembly. The worktable comprises a base fixture and a defect detection module. The base fixture is configured for mounting the lay shaft. The defect detection module comprises a shaft detection sensor, a clamping unit, a profile plate, at least one profile plate detection sensor and a control unit. The shaft detection sensor is configured to generate a signal on detecting the mounting of the shaft in the base fixture. The clamping unit is configured to clamp the shaft. The profile of the profile plate matches the contour of the correct assembly on the shaft. The profile plate is configured to be displaced for confirming if the assembly on the shaft is correctly performed. The profile plate detection sensor is configured to generate a signal on confirmation of correct assembly on the lay shaft through displacement of the profile plate. The control unit is configured to receive the sensed signals generated by the sensors and to control the actuation of the clamping unit and to allow or prevent declamping of the shaft by the clamping unit based on signals received from the sensors.
The lay shaft is configured to be installed with a plurality of spacers and a plurality of gears. Preferably, the sensors include a plurality of proximity sensors. Preferably, the clamping unit is configured to be actuated by a pneumatic actuator.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING

A worktable, of the present disclosure, for assembling a lay shaft of gearbox will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1A illustrates an isometric view of a lay shaft;
Figure IB illustrates an isometric view of lay shaft assembly of Figure 1 A;
Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of a worktable for a lay shaft assembly of a gearbox;
Figure 3 illustrates an isometric front view of the worktable of Figure 2; and
Figure 4 illustrates an isometric side view of the worktable of Figure 2.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
10-lay shaft
14 - lay shaft sub-assembly
18 - first spacer for lay shaft sub-assembly
20 - first gear for lay shaft sub-assembly
22 - second spacer for lay shaft sub-assembly
24 - second gear for lay shaft sub-assembly
26 - third gear for lay shaft sub-assembly
28 - third spacer for lay shaft sub-assembly
30 - fourth counter mesh gear for lay shaft sub-assembly
100-worktable

102-base fixture
104 - clamp
106 - clamping unit
112 - lay shaft profile plate
118 - pneumatic cylinder
200 - lay shaft detection sensor for shaft
212 - lay shaft profile plate first detection sensor
214 - lay shaft profile plate second detection sensor
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms "a", "an", and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context

clearly suggests otherwise. The terms "comprises", "comprising", and "including" are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
When an element is referred to as being "mounted on", "connected to", or "coupled to" another element, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element.
The terms first, second, third, etc., should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure as the aforementioned terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another component, region, layer or section. Terms such as first, second, third etc., when used herein do not imply a specific sequence or order unless clearly suggested by the present disclosure.
Figures 1A-1B illustrate a lay shaft (10) of a gearbox. The lay shaft (10) is fitted with plurality of spacers and a plurality of gears as per a pre-defined sequence. While assembling the various components on the lay shaft, there is a possibility of at least: wrong placement of gear or wrong size spacer fitment, thus, forming a defective assembly of the lay shaft. If such a defective lay shaft is fitted to a gearbox assembly, the working of the gearbox will be affected adversely. Hence, it is required that the lay shaft sub-assembly should be correctly done at the first instance itself.
A worktable (100), of the present disclosure, with a defect detection module for assembling a lay shaft of a gearbox assembly will now be described in detail with reference to Figure 2 through Figure 4. The preferred embodiment does not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure.
The lay shaft (10) is fitted with plurality of spacers and a plurality of gears in a predetermined sequence.

The worktable (100) comprises a base fixture (102) and a defect detection module. The base fixture (102) is configured for mounting the shaft (10). The defect detection module comprises a shaft detection sensor (200), a clamping unit (106), a profile plate (112), at least one profile plate detection sensor (212, 214) and a control unit. The shaft detection sensor (200) is configured to generate a signal on detecting the mounting of the shaft (10) in the base fixture (102). The clamping unit (106) is configured to clamp the shaft (10). The shape of the profile plate (112) matches the contour of the shaft (10) fitted with the corresponding components. The profile plate (112) is configured to be displaced for confirming if the assembly of the shaft (10) is correctly performed. The profile plate detection sensors (212, 214) are configured to generate a signal on confirmation of correct assembly of the shaft through displacement of the profile plate (112). The control unit is configured to receive the sensed signals generated by the sensors and to control the actuation of the clamping unit (106) and to allow or prevent declamping of the shaft (10) by the clamping unit (106) based on sensed signals received from the sensors (200, 212, 214).
In an embodiment, the clamping unit (106) comprises a pneumatic cylinder (118) for actuating the clamp (104). The clamp (104) is a slidably displaceable C-shaped member configured to engage with the shaft (10) and thereby prevent removal of the shaft (10) when the clamp (104) is in a clamping position.
The profile plate (112) is cut in a shape which matches the contour of the gears and the spacers on the lay shaft (10). The profile plate (112) is displaceable from its respective initial position to its respective final position. The sensors for detecting displacements of the profile plates include a lay shaft profile plate first detection sensor (212) and a lay shaft profile plate second detection sensor (214).
In an embodiment, the sensors (200, 212, 214) are proximity sensors.

The assembling of the lay shaft (10) starts with picking a lay shaft (10) and placing it on the base fixture (102). The base fixture (102) detects the placement of the shaft with a lay shaft detection sensor (200). After that, the shaft (10) is clamped by the clamp (104) of the clamping unit (106). As per the predefined sequence, a first spacer (18) and a first gear (20) are picked and inserted on the lay shaft (10). Thereafter, a second spacer (22) and a second gear (24) are picked and inserted on the lay shaft (10). After that, a third spacer (28) and a third gear (26) are picked and inserted on the lay shaft (10). Thereafter, a fourth gear (30) is picked and inserted on the lay shaft (10). After that, the lay shaft profile plate (112) is rotated from its initial position to its final position to pass over the lay shaft (10) with various components mounted thereon. The displacement of the lay shaft profile plate (112) from initial position to final position is sensed by the lay shaft profile plate first detection sensor (212) and the lay shaft profile plate second detection sensor (214). Once the lay shaft (10) is confirmed by the control unit to be correctly performed, based on the sensed signals generated by the sensors (200, 212, 214), the base fixture (102) de-clamps the lay shaft (10) and the lay shaft (10) is removed and transferred for further assembly. If operator fits any gear and spacer in the wrong order and orientation, then, while passing the lay shaft profile plate (112) over the shaft sub assembly, the lay shaft profile plate (112) gets stuck and does not contact the lay shaft profile plate second detection sensor (214). In this condition, the control unit prevents declamping of the lay shaft (10).
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a

departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a method for assembling a lay shaft of a gearbox of a vehicle and a worktable thereof, that:
• eliminates human error during a shaft sub-assembly of a gearbox assembly; and
• ensures precise gear assembly on the shaft, due to which there is no problem like gear jam, gear noisy and gear broken which would lead to customer satisfaction.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments 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 embodiments as described herein.
The use of the expression "at least" or "at least one" suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.

CLAIMS

1. A method for assembling a lay shaft (10) of a gearbox of a vehicle, said
method comprising the following steps:
• picking a lay shaft (10) and placing it on a base fixture (102);
• clamping said lay shaft (10) by a clamping unit (106);
• picking a first spacer (18) and a first gear (20) and inserting on said lay shaft (10);
• picking a second spacer (22) and a second gear (24) and inserting on said lay shaft (10);
• picking a third spacer (28) and the third gear (26) and inserting on said lay shaft (10);
• picking a fourth gear (30) and inserting on said lay shaft sub-assembly
(io);
• passing a lay shaft assembly profile plate (112) from initial position to final position thereof for checking correctness of assembly of the gears and the spacers on said lay shaft (10); and
• de-clamping said lay shaft (10) by the clamping unit (106).

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein if any of the above operative steps is missed, said control unit will not allow de-clamping of said lay shaft (10) by said clamping unit (106).
3. A worktable (100) for assembling a lay shaft of a gearbox assembly, comprising:

• a base fixture (102) configured for mounting said lay shaft (10);
• a defect detection module for said shaft (10), said defect detection module comprising:
o a shaft detection sensor (200) configured to generate a signal on detecting the mounting of said shaft (10) in the base fixture (102);
o a clamping unit (106) configured to clamp said shaft (10);
o a profile plate (112), the profile of said profile plate (112) matching the contour of the correct assembly on said shaft (10), said profile plate (112) configured to be displaced for confirming if the assembly on said shaft (10) is correctly performed;
o at least one profile plate detection sensor (212, 214) configured to generate a signal on confirmation of correct assembly on said lay shaft (10) through displacement of said profile plate (112); and
o a control unit configured to receive the sensed signals generated by said sensors (202, 204, 214) and to control the actuation of the clamping unit (106) and to allow or prevent declamping of the shaft by said clamping unit (106) based on signals received from said sensors (202, 204, 214).
4. The worktable (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said lay shaft (10) is configured to be installed with a plurality of spacers and a plurality of a gears.
5. The worktable (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said sensors includes a plurality of proximity sensors.

6. The worktable (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein clamping unit (106) is configured to be actuated by a pneumatic actuator (118).