FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to drive systems and more particularly, embodiments of the invention relates to a switch sensor for a shifting mechanism of a two speed axle assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Two speed axles' assemblies are frequently employed in the drive train of motor vehicles to enable the driver to choose between any two desired speed ratios depending on the changing load/changing Route profile/Speed and torque requirements . The speed ratios chosen can be direct mode, overdrive mode or a shift from a low speed mode to a high speed mode or even a change from the High Speed mode to the Low Speed mode. The speed axle assembly includes a planetary gear arrangement and a shifting means for selectively locking the planetary gear arrangement in a desired mode. The shifting means can be achieved either electrically or mechanically. Whenever, the shift between the desired ratios occurs, there is a need to sense the Actual change in the ratio and communicate the same to the driver and the Speedometer to enable maximization of fuel efficiency. The need to sense the Actual change in the speed of the vehicle is critical for the precise data of the vehicle fuel consumption.

There have been various switch sensors known which sense the change in the ratio and communicate the same to the Drivers appropriately for altering the performance of the vehicle. One such sensor utilizes the driver switch in the Cabin or a solenoid driven mechanism for sensing the switch in the ratio. An electrical sensor is mounted to the solenoid valve for check of ratio's switchover. However, failure of solenoid valve or the delay in the Actual change of ratio due to various factors can cause fault in sensing. Also, there is no indicator provided to transmit the switch over to the driver to assist him in altering his driving conditions. Hence, there is a need for a switch sensor that provides indication of the Actual ratio change over and improves the communication ratio change in axle to the driver and to the Speedometer (Speed measurement device) for maximizing the performance of the vehicle.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

One of the basic objects of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a switch sensor for a shifting mechanism of a two speed axle assembly.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a switch sensor that Provides communication of Actual ratio Changeover in the Axle to the driver and to the Speedometer for the precise data display and accounting.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a switch sensor assembly for a shifting mechanism of a two speed axle assembly, said assembly comprising:

(a) a ratio shifter unit comprising
a shaft and
a slot/Threaded opening;

(b) a sensor means mounted on said slot, said sensor means comprising a sensor tip means mounted proximally on said shaft;

(c) a locking nut means mounted below sensor means to prevents the dislodging of the switch sensor during physical movement of the Tip and the Shifter Shaft
wherein said sensor means comprises an indicator means though which said sensor means provids the positive feedback to the Driver through the Indicator bulb and the Speedometer of the Vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to various embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.
FIG. 1 shows a switch sensor assembly for a two speed axle according to an embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

Various embodiments of the invention provide an air shifter for a two speed axle.
FIG.l shows a Ratio Shifter and switch sensor assembly 100 for a two speed axle according to an embodiment of the invention. The ratio shifter and switch sensor assembly 100 comprises of a ratio shifter Assembly unit 101. The ratio shifter Assembly unit 101 has a shaft 103. The movement of the shaft 103 is initiated by the air delivered from the air compressor of the motor vehicle. The shaft 103 is configured for a linear movement which subsequently engages/disengages a particular speed ratio. A switch sensor 105 is mounted on a slot/Threaded Opening provided on the ratio shifter unit 101. The switch sensor has a sensor tip 107 which is mounted proximal to the shaft 103. The tip 107 undergoes a Physical movement in accordance with the movement of the shaft 103 between any two desired speed ratios. A lock nut 109 mounted below the switch sensor 105 prevents the dislodging of the switch sensor during Actulal movement. The Switch sensor 105 is set to have the physical Movement of the Tip 107 during the actual shift of the Ratio in the axle.

Switch sensor provides a positive feedback through an indicator located in the Dash board or the display place in the Driver Cabin of the vehicle. The Indicator will confirm the actual shift to the driver, helping him to continue driving. The Indicator will also help the driver to understand the ratio currently used to act upon for getting the better fuel economy and also help for the faster coverage of distance depending upon the situation. The Switch Sensor is further coupled with the connector to provide the feedback to the speedometer for changing the rate of pulse. This would help to get precise distance covered and the speed at which the vehicle is being driven. The Switch sensor is connected to the battery of the vehicle without calling for additional power requirement and can be mounted on the Air shifter unit with use by using standard accessories. The Switch sensor indication is based on the Physical contact of the Shifter shaft to the switch sensor tip.

Further embodiments and examples of performing the invention shall be described in detail in the complete specification.

ADVANTAGES

The Switch sensor indication is based on the Physical contact of the Shifter shaft to the switch sensor tip.

The Switch sensor is mounted on the Air shifter unit.

The Switch sensor is connected to the battery of the vehicle without calling for additional power requirement.

Switch sensor provides a positive feedback through an indicator.

Switch Sensor provides the actual ratio feedback to the speedometer and helps availability of precise data of the distance of travel & speed measurement.

The Indicator will confirm the actual shift to the driver, helping him to continue driving. Based on the Indication, Driver can adjust the vehicle speed to the Changing speeds/Changing route profiles/Changing Loads to maximize the fuel efficiancy. Driver can change the ratio based on the indication to another ratio to adjust to the changing requirements mentioned.

The Indicator will also help the driver to understand the ratio currently used to act upon for getting the better fuel economy and also help for the faster coverage of distance depending upon the situation.

Switch Sensor is coupled with the connector to provide the feedback to the speedometer for changing the rate of pulse. This would help to get precise distance covered and the speed at which the vehicle is being driven.

WE CLAIM

1. A switch sensor assembly for a shifting mechanism of a two speed axle
assembly, said assembly comprising :
(a) a ratio shifter unit comprising
a shaft and
a slot/Threaded opening;

(b) a sensor means mounted on said slot, said sensor means comprising a sensor tip means mounted proximally on said shaft;

(c)a locking nut means mounted below sensor means to prevents the dislodging of the switch sensor during physical movement of the Tip and the Shifter Shaft wherein said sensor means comprises an indicator means though which said sensor means provids the positive feedback to the Driver through the Indicator bulb and the Speedometer of the Vehicle.

2. Arrangement as claimed in claim 1 wherein said shaft movement is initiated by the air delivered from the air compressor of the motor vehicle.

3. Arrangement as claimed in claim 2 said shaft is configured for a linear movement which subsequently engages/disengages a particular speed ratio.

4. Arrangement as claimed in claim 3 wherein said sensor means having a speed ratio based on the vehicle model.

5. Arrangement as claimed in claim 1 said tip undergoes a physical movement in accordance with the movement of the shaft between any two desired speed ratios.

6. Arrangement as claimed in claim 1 said sensor means coupled with a connector means to provide the feedback to the speedometer for changing the rate of pulse to get precise distance covered and the speed at which the vehicle is being driven.

7. Arrangement as claimed in claim 1 said sensor means is connected directly to a battery of the vehicle and mounted on the shifter Assembly unit by using standard accessories.

8. Arrangement as claimed in claim 1 sensor means indication is based on the physical contact of the Shifter shaft to the switch sensor tip.

9. A switch sensor assembly for a shifting mechanism of a two speed axle assembly as herein substantially described and illustrated with the accompanying drawings.