Claims:1. A shift inhibitor mechanism (25) for a gearbox (50) of a vehicle, the mechanism (25) comprising:
a sleeve member (1) connected to a reverse drive shift rail (2a), wherein the sleeve member (1) operatively displaces with the reverse drive shift rail (2a);
at least one stopper member (3) coupled to a shifter finger (4), wherein the at least one stopper member (3) laterally moves with the shifter finger (4) to displace the sleeve member (1) from a first position (A) to a second position (B);
at least one shifter dog (5c) connected on the reverse drive shift rail (2a), wherein the at least one shifter dog (5c) is operatively displaced along a first direction (F), by the shifter finger (4) to engage a drive gear (D), causing the sleeve member (1) to retract to the first position (A) such that,
the at least one shifter dog (5c) is operatively inhibited to engage a reverse gear (R) along a second direction (S), by the sleeve member (1) on engagement with the at least one stopper member (3), when the at least one shifter dog (5c) disengages from the drive gear (D).

2. The mechanism (25) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sleeve member (1) is connected to the reverse drive shift rail (2a) by a connector pin (6).

3. The mechanism (25) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one stopper member (3) pivotally displaces the sleeve member (1), for displacing the at least one shifter dog (5c) to engage the drive gear (D) along the first direction (F).

4. The mechanism (25) as claimed in claim 3, comprises at least one resilient member (7) disposed on the reverse drive shift rail (2a), wherein the one or more resilient member (7) is connected to the sleeve member (1), to retract the sleeve member (1) upon contact with the at least one stopper member (3).

5. The mechanism (25) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one stopper member (3) engages the reverse drive shift rail (2a) and inhibits operation of a first shift rail (2a) and a second shift rail (2b) of the gearbox (50).

6. The mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sleeve member (1) is oriented at the first position (A) on an axis (A-A) and is oriented at the second position (B) on an axis (B-B).

7. A shifter assembly (100) for a gearbox (50) of a vehicle, the assembly (100) comprising:
plurality of shift rails (2a, 2b, 2c), wherein the plurality of shift rails (2a, 2b, 2c) are coupled to a shift finger (4), and are adapted to select at least one of shifter dog (5a, 5b, 5c) for engaging at least one gear;
a shift inhibitor mechanism (100) configured in the gearbox (50) to inhibit shift to a reverse gear (R), the mechanism (100) comprising:
a sleeve member (1) connected to a reverse drive shift rail (2a), wherein the sleeve member (1) operatively displaces with the reverse drive shift rail (2a);
at least one stopper member (3) coupled to a shifter finger (4), wherein the at least one stopper member (3) laterally moves with the shifter finger (4) to displace the sleeve member (1) from a first position (A) to a second position (B);
at least one shifter dog (5c) connected on the reverse drive shift rail (2a) is operatively displaced along a first direction (F), by the shifter finger (4) to engage a drive gear (D), causing the sleeve member (1) to retract to the first position (A) such that,
the at least one shifter dog (5c) is operatively inhibited to engage a reverse gear (R) along a second direction (S), by the sleeve member (1) on engagement with the at least one stopper member (3), when the at least one shifter dog (5c) disengages from the drive gear (D).

8. The shifter assembly (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the plurality of shift rails (2a, 2b, 2c) includes at least two forward drive shift rails (2b, 2c) and the reverse drive shift rail (2a).

9. The shifter assembly (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the at least one stopper member (3) pivotally displaces the sleeve member (1), for displacing the at least one shifter dog (5a, 5b, 5c) to engage the forward drive gear (D) along the first direction (F).

10. The shifter assembly (100) as claimed in claim 7, comprises at least one resilient member (7) disposed on the reverse drive shift rail (2a), wherein the one or more resilient member (7) is connected to the sleeve member (1), to retract the sleeve member (1) upon actuation by the at least one stopper member (3).

11. The shifter assembly (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the at least one stopper member (3) engages the reverse drive shift rail (2a) and inhibits operation of a first shift rail (2a) and a second shift rail (2b) of the gearbox (50).

12. A vehicle comprising a shift inhibitor mechanism (25) to inhibit shift to a reverse gear (R) in a gearbox (50) of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1. , Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD

Present disclosure in general relates to automobile engineering. Particularly, but not exclusively, the disclosure relates to a transmission assembly for a vehicle. Further, embodiments of the disclosure, relates to a shift inhibitor mechanism for a gearbox of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
Conventionally, vehicles such as, but not limiting to, passenger vehicles, light motor vehicles, heavy motor vehicles, sports utility vehicles, and multi utility vehicles are equipped with manual transmissions. In manual transmission systems, gears in the gearbox are operated through a gearshift lever. Operation of the gearshift lever displaces plurality of shift rails, which are positioned parallel to each other, for changing the gears. Vehicle manufacturers utilize varying combinations of gear arrangement in the gearbox housing. Such variations in gear arrangements causes certain changes in pattern of operating the gear shift lever by a user. In case of a beginner user, the gearing arrangement may cause the beginner user to muddle the gear shifts during shifting from one gear to another, thereby damaging the gearbox. The irrational shifting of gears may also cause failure of the gearbox, rendering lower lifespan of the transmission system in the vehicle.

Furthermore, due to advancement in manual transmission systems, force required by the user for switching of gears on the shift rail is comprehensively reduced. Additionally, the shifting of gears from different gates are also smooth and not as notchy as conventional systems. Further, due to smooth shifting of gears, the beginner user may inadvertently skip shift to a wrong gear, which may in turn result in clutch wear-off. Also, such shifting may cause permanent damage to the gearbox. Some of the shift rails are equipped with a reverse gear along with a drive gear on the same shift rail. In such gearing arrangements, inadvertent switching of gears from the higher gear to the reverse gear is highly probable. If such a shift has been made, the gearbox may undergo permanent failure leading to breakdown of the vehicle.

Conventionally, there are skip shift inhibitor mechanisms to avoid engagement of the reverse gear from the higher gear. However, these mechanisms may be configured on a separate shift rail parallel to the drive shift rails, and includes more number of components. Such skip shift inhibitors require more number of components which makes it difficult to assemble and also requires additional space for incorporation, thereby making the gearbox bulky in size.

In light of the foregoing discussion, there is a need to develop a mechanism to inhibit skip shifting of gears in the gearbox of the vehicle to overcome the one or more limitations stated above.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by a mechanism and assembly as claimed and additional advantages are provided through the mechanism and assembly as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a shift inhibitor mechanism for a gearbox of a vehicle is disclosed. The mechanism comprises a sleeve member connected to a reverse drive shift rail, wherein the sleeve member operatively displaces with the reverse drive shift rail. Further, at least one stopper member is coupled to a shifter finger, wherein the at least one stopper member laterally moves with the shifter finger to displace the sleeve member from a first position to a second position. At least one shifter dog connected on the reverse drive shift rail is operatively displaced along a first direction, by the shifter finger to engage a drive gear. Displacement of the at least one shifter dog causes the sleeve member to retract to the first position such that, the at least one shifter dog is operatively inhibited to engage a reverse gear along a second direction, by the sleeve member on engagement with the at least one stopper member, when the at least one shifter dog disengages from the drive gear.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sleeve member is connected to the reverse drive shift rail by a connector pin.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one stopper member pivotally displaces the sleeve member, for displacing the at least one shifter dog to engage the drive gear along the first direction.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, comprises at least one resilient member disposed on the reverse drive shift rail, wherein the one or more resilient member is connected to the sleeve member, to retract the sleeve member upon contact with the at least one stopper member.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one stopper member engages the reverse drive shift rail and inhibits operation of a first shift rail and a second shift rail of the gearbox.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sleeve member is oriented at the first position on an axis and is oriented at the second position on an axis.

In another non-limiting embodiment, a shifter assembly for a gearbox of a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly comprises a plurality of shift rails, wherein the plurality of shift rails is coupled to a shift finger, and are adapted to select at least one of shifter dog for engaging at least one gear. A shift inhibitor mechanism configured in the gearbox to inhibit shift to a reverse gear, the mechanism comprises a sleeve member connected to a reverse drive shift rail. Further, the sleeve member operatively displaces with the reverse drive shift rail. At least one stopper member is coupled to a shifter finger, wherein the at least one stopper member laterally moves with the shifter finger to displace the sleeve member from a first position to a second position. Also, at least one shifter dog connected on the reverse drive shift rail is operatively displaced along a first direction, by the shifter finger to engage a drive gear, causing the sleeve member to retract to the first position. The at least one shifter dog is operatively inhibited to engage a reverse gear along a second direction, by the sleeve member on engagement with the at least one stopper member, when the at least one shifter dog disengages from the drive gear.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of shift rails includes at least two forward drive shift rails and the reverse drive shift rail.

It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a shift inhibitor mechanism in accordance with some embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 2 illustrates a top view of Figure 1, with a shifter finger in Neutral position in accordance with some embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 3 illustrates a front view of the shift inhibitor mechanism, with the shifter finger displaced from Neutral position in accordance with some embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 4 illustrates a top view of the shift inhibitor mechanism, with the shifter finger engaging a reverse drive shift rail in accordance with some embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 5 illustrates a top view of the shift inhibitor mechanism, with the shifter finger actuating a drive gear provisioned on the reverse drive shift rail, in accordance with some embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 6 illustrates a top view of the shift inhibition mechanism inhibiting engagement of the reverse gear on the reverse drive shift rail, in accordance with some embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 7 illustrates a top view of the shift inhibitor mechanism, with the shifter finger actuating a reverse gear provisioned on the reverse drive shift rail, in accordance with some embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the mechanism and assembly illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device, assembly, mechanism, system, method that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or mechanism.

Embodiments of the present disclosure discloses a shift inhibitor mechanism and a shifter assembly for a gearbox of a vehicle. The mechanism comprises a sleeve member connected to a reverse drive shift rail, wherein the sleeve member operatively displaces with the reverse drive shift rail. Further, at least one stopper member is coupled to a shifter finger, wherein the at least one stopper member laterally moves with the shifter finger to displace the sleeve member from a first position to a second position. At least one shifter dog connected on the reverse drive shift rail is operatively displaced along a first direction, by the shifter finger to engage a drive gear. Displacement of the at least one shifter dog causes the sleeve member to retract to the first position such that, the at least one shifter dog is operatively inhibited to engage a reverse gear along a second direction, by the sleeve member on engagement with the at least one stopper member, when the at least one shifter dog disengages from the drive gear.

Embodiments of the disclosure are described in the following paragraphs with reference to Figures 1 to 7. In the figures, the same element or elements which have same functions are indicated by the same reference signs. It is to be noted that, the vehicle is not illustrated in the figures for the purpose of simplicity. One skilled in the art would appreciate that the mechanism and assembly as disclosed in the present disclosure can be used in any vehicle including, but not liming to, passenger cars, heavy motor vehicles, light motor vehicles or any other vehicle.

Figure 1 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure which illustrates a perspective view of a shift inhibitor mechanism (25) provisioned in a gearbox (50) [as shown in Figures 2 and 3] of a vehicle [not shown in figures]. The shift inhibitor mechanism (25) is connected to a top cover assembly [not shown in figures] of the gearbox (50). The gearbox (50) comprises an input shaft, which is connectable to an engine crank shaft and an output shaft connectable to a plurality of drive shift rails (2a, 2b, 2c) [shown in Figure 2] of a transmission assembly [not shown in figures]. A shifter finger (4) is coupled to a gear shift lever [not shown in figures] at one end, and is connected to each of the plurality of drive shift rails (2a, 2b, 2c) through at least one shifter dog (5a, 5b, 5c) [shown in Figure 2] of each of the plurality of drive shift rails (2a, 2b, 2c). Each of the at least one shifter dog (5a, 5b, 5c) is fixable to each of the plurality of drive shift rails (2a, 2b, 2c) such that, the plurality of drive shift rails (2a, 2b, 2c) are displaced upon actuation of the shifter finger (4). In an embodiment, the plurality of drive shift rails (2a, 2b, 2c) comprises of at least two forward dive shift rails (2b, 2c), and a reverse drive shift rail (2a). Each of the at least two forward drive shift rails (2b, 2c) are provisioned with the at least one shifter dog (5a, 5b), while the reverse drive shift rail (2a) is provisioned with the at least one shifter dog (5c). Each of the at least one shifter dog (5a, 5b, 5c), upon actuation by the shifter finger (4), selectively displaces the plurality of drive shift rails (2a, 2b, 2c) to actuate and shift to predetermined gear. The shifter finger (4) may be coupled to at least one stopper member (3) for selective displacement and controlled actuation of the plurality of drive shift rails (2a, 2b, 2c). In an embodiment, the at least one stopper member (3) may be allowed to laterally displace with the shifter finger (4), while inhibiting any axial movement.

Further referring to Figure 1, the reverse drive shift rail (2a) is configured with the shift inhibitor mechanism (25). The shift inhibitor mechanism (25) comprises a sleeve member (1), which may be connected to the reverse drive shift rail (2a). The sleeve member (1) may be connected to the reverse drive shift rail (2a) by a connector pin (6). The connector pin (6) ensures that the sleeve member (1) forms an integral part of the reverse drive shift rail (2a) such that, the sleeve member (1) may be inhibited from independent movement with reference to the reverse drive shift rail (2a). The shift inhibitor mechanism (25) further comprises of at least one resilient member (7), which is disposed on the reverse drive shift rail (2a). The at least one resilient member (7) may be coupled to the sleeve member (1) at one end, and may be connected to a restricting member (8), to assist during pivotal movement to the sleeve member (1).

Referring now to Figure 2, which illustrates a top view of the shift inhibitor mechanism (25) of the gearbox (50). The shifter finger (4) is initially positioned at a neutral position (N) such that, the at least one stopper member (3) prevents the shifter finger (4) from engaging the at least one shifter dog (5a, 5c) of the reverse drive shift rail (2a) and one of the at least two forward drive shift rails (2c). Due to engagement of the shifter finger (4), only the forward drive shift rail (2b) is permissible for displacement and actuation to the predetermined gear. The sleeve member (1) is at a first position (A) on axis (A-A) when the shift finger (4) is at neutral position (N).

Referring now to Figures 3 and 4, which illustrates perspective view and top view of the shift inhibitor mechanism (25) of the gearbox (50). The shifter finger (4) may be displaced from the neutral position (N) and operated to engage the at least one shifter dog (5c) of the reverse drive shift rail (2a). Upon moving the shifter finger (4) towards the reverse drive shift rail (2a), the at least one stopper member (3) laterally displaces towards the reverse drive shift rail (2a) thereby, engaging the sleeve member (1). The sleeve member (1) due to engagement with the at least one stopper member (3), tends to pivotally displace from a first position (A) to a second position (B) [as seen best in Figure 4].

On displacement of the sleeve member (1) to the second position (B) by the at least one stopper member (3), the shifter finger (4) is permissible to displace the at least one shifter dog (5c) of the reverse drive shift rail (2a) such that, at least one of a drive gear (D) and a reverse gear (R) configured on the reverse drive shift rail (2a) may be actuated.

In an embodiment, the pivotal displacement of the sleeve member (1) from the first position (A) to the second position (B) is controlled by the at least one resilient member (7).

Figures 5 and 6 illustrates top view of the shift inhibitor mechanism (25), which respectively depicts actuation and de-actuation of the drive gear (D) provisioned on the reverse drive shift rail (2a). On displacement of the sleeve member (1) to the second position (B), the shifter finger (4) may displace the at least one shifter dog (5c) of the reverse drive shift rail (2a) in a first direction (F) to actuate the drive gear (D). The at least one shifter dog (5c), meshed with the shifter finger (4), is displaced along the first direction (F) such that, the sleeve member (1) disengages from the at least one stopper member (3), and the least one resilient member (7) retracts the sleeve member (1) to the first position (A), as seen in Figure 5.

Referring now to Figure 6, the shifter finger (4) may be operated to disengage from the drive gear (D). On retracting the shifter finger (4) along the reverse drive shift rail (2a), the at least one shifter dog (5c) and the sleeve member (1) tends to displace along with the reverse drive shift rail (2a). However, due to retraction of the sleeve member (1) to the first position (A), the at least one stopper member (3) engages the sleeve member (1). The engagement of the sleeve member (1) with the at least one stopper member (3) inhibits displacement of the at least one shifter dog (5c) by the shifter finger (4) towards the reverse gear (R). This prevents direct engagement to the reverse gear (R) from the drive gear (D). The axial engagement of the sleeve member (1) with the at least one stopper member (3) compels a user to switch the shifter finger (4) from the reverse drive shift rail (2a). Upon switching the shifter finger (4) from the reverse drive shift rail (2a), the at least one stopper member (3) inhibits movement of the at least one shifter dog (5c) connected to the reverse drive shift rail (2a) and the sleeve member (1) is transposed to the first position (A).

The at least one stopper member (3), coupled to the shifter finger (4), pivotally displaces the sleeve member (1) of the reverse drive shift rail (2a), to the second position (B). The pivotal displacement of the sleeve member (1) may be controlled and constrained by the at least one resilient member (7).

In an embodiment, if the user requirement is for actuating the reverse gear (R) then the shifter finger (4) displaces the at least one shifter dog (5c) of the reverse drive shift rail (2a) along a second direction (S), as best seen in Figure 7. The sleeve member (1), at the second position (B), may be constantly in contact with the at least one stopper member (3) during displacement of the reverse drive shift rail (2a) for actuating the reverse gear (R). Upon disengaging from the reverse gear (R), the shifter finger (4) retracts the reverse drive shift rail (2a) in the first direction (F), to disengage from the reverse gear (R). The sleeve member (1) guides along the at least one stopper member (3) to retract back to the first position (A), thereby assisting the user to switch between other gears of the gearbox (50).

In some embodiment, the gearbox (50) may be selected such that, the reverse drive shift rail (2a) may be co-axially aligned with at least one forward drive gear (D) and the reverse gear (R).

In some embodiment, the connector pin (6) may fasten the sleeve member (1) on to the plurality of shift rails (2a, 2b, 2c) by at least one of press fit, screw fit, bolt fit, and the like to assist in retracting the sleeve member (1) from pivotal movements.

In some embodiment, the at least one resilient member (7) is a spring, which may be a torsional spring.

EQUIVALENTS

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
Referral Numerical:
Particulars Numerical
Sleeve Member 1
Reverse drive shift rail 2a
Forward drive shift rails 2b, 2c
Stopper member 3
Shifter finger 4
Shifter dogs 5a, 5b, 5c
Connector pin 6
Resilient member 7
Restricting member 8
Drive gear D
Reverse gear R
First direction F
Second direction S
First position A
Second position B
Neutral position N
Shift inhibitor mechanism 25
Gearbox 50
Shifter assembly 100