TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to power transmission unit in vehicles and more particularly, to a locking arrangement in a power transmission unit of a vehicle.
BACKGROUND 5
[002] Generally, a power transmission unit of a vehicle is used for transmitting power from an engine or an electric motor to the wheels of the vehicle for propelling the vehicle, and for increasing and decreasing the speed of the vehicle. In vehicles such as tractors and other similar vehicles, the power transmission unit comprises a gear shift lever, a range lever, a plurality of gears 10 and may include other standard components as present in a standard power transmission unit. The gear shift lever is operatively connected to at least one of a first gear, a second gear, a third gear, a fourth gear and a reverse gear. The range lever is operatively connected to at least one of a low range gear, a medium range gear and a high range coupler. The output speed of the first gear is based on the 15 engagement of at least one of the low range gear, the medium range gear and the high range coupler. Hence, the first gear has three different output speeds based on the position of the range lever. Similarly, the second gear, the third gear, the fourth gear and the reverse gear has three different output speeds based on the position of the range lever. Therefore, the vehicle is provided with twelve 20 forward speeds and three reverse speeds. There are two possible ways to obtain reverse high gear. One way of obtaining the reverse high gear is to engage the range lever to shift the range lever from a neutral range position to a high range position thereby facilitating engagement of the high range coupler and thereafter, engaging the gear shift lever to shift the gear shift lever from a neutral gear 25 position to a reverse gear position thereby facilitating engagement of the reverse gear. Other way of obtaining the reverse high gear is to engage the gear shift lever to shift the gear shift lever from the neutral gear position to the reverse gear position thereby facilitating engagement of the reverse gear and thereafter, engaging the range lever to shift the range lever from the neutral range position to 30
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the high range position thereby facilitating engagement of the high range dog coupler. The movement of the gear shift lever from the neutral gear position to the reverse gear position after the movement of range lever from the neutral range position to the high range position, or vice-versa is undesirable to the operator driving the vehicle when the vehicle is operated at no load condition due to 5 reverse high speed is higher than the forward high gear speed. Further, in heavy haulage application, the engine of the vehicle stalls when the vehicle is operated in reverse gear with the range lever in high range position due to reverse high speed is higher than the forward high gear speed. Therefore, it is difficult to control the vehicle when the vehicle is operated in reverse gear with the range 10 lever in high range position due to reverse high speed is higher than the forward high gear speed. Hence, the movement of the gear shift lever from the neutral gear position to the reverse gear position to facilitate engagement of reverse gear which occurs after the engagement of the high range coupler, and the movement of the range lever from the neutral range position to the high range position to 15 facilitate engagement of the high range coupler which occurs after the engagement of reverse gear is undesirable.
[003] Therefore, there exists a need for a locking arrangement in a power transmission unit of a vehicle and a method for restricting a movement of a speed shift lever to at least one of a plurality of speed gear positions when a range shift 20 lever is in a predefined range position, and for restricting a movement of the range shift lever to at least one of a plurality of range positions when the speed shift lever is in a predefined speed gear position. Further, there exists a need for a locking arrangement in a power transmission unit of a vehicle, which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks. 25
OBJECTS
[004] The principal object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a locking arrangement in a power transmission unit of a vehicle, which restricts a movement of a speed shift lever to at least one of a plurality of speed gear positions when a range shift lever is in a predefined range position, and also 30
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restricts a movement of the range shift lever to at least one of a plurality of range positions when the speed shift lever is in a predefined speed gear position.
[005] Another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a method for restricting a movement of a speed shift lever to at least one of a plurality of speed gear positions when a range shift lever is in a predefined range 5 position, and for restricting a movement of the range shift lever to at least one of a plurality of range positions when the speed shift lever is in a predefined speed gear position in a power transmission unit of a vehicle.
[006] Another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a locking arrangement in a power transmission unit of a vehicle, which restricts a 10 movement of a speed shift lever to a reverse speed gear position therein to restrict the engagement (actuation) of a reverse speed gear when a range shift lever is in a high range position, and also restricts a movement of the range shift lever to the high range position therein to restrict the engagement (actuation) of a high range coupler (high range dog teeth or high range dog clutch) when the speed shift lever 15 is in the reverse speed gear position.
[007] Another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a locking arrangement in a power transmission unit of a vehicle, which comprises a first locking element, a second locking element and at least one intermediate locking element that are accommodated and movably connected inside a 20 transmission cover of the power transmission unit.
[008] Yet, another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a locking arrangement in a power transmission unit of a vehicle, which is configured to be moved to at least one of a reverse speed gear locking position that restricts a movement of a speed shift lever to a reverse speed gear position, 25 and a high range locking position that restricts a movement of a range shift lever to a high range position.
[009] Another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a method for restricting a movement of a speed shift lever to a reverse speed gear
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position when a range shift lever is in a high range position, and for restricting a movement of the range shift lever to the high range position when the speed shift lever is in the reverse speed gear position in a power transmission unit of a vehicle.
[0010] Another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a 5 locking arrangement in a power transmission unit of a vehicle, which comprises a speed shift lever locking arrangement provided on a speed shift lever, and a range shift lever locking arrangement provided on a range shift lever.
[0011] These and other objects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following 10 description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the 15 embodiments herein include all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0012] The embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better 20 understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0013] Fig. 1 depicts a perspective view of a portion of a power transmission unit of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein; 25
[0014] Fig. 2 depicts a transparent perspective view of a portion of the power transmission unit, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
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[0015] Fig. 3 depicts a transparent top view of a speed shift lever, a range shift lever, a speed crossrod, a range crossrod, a transmission top cover and a locking arrangement of the power transmission unit in assembled condition, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0016] Fig. 4a depicts a side view of the range shift lever, a range shift 5 lever locking arrangement and corresponding locking element of the locking arrangement, where a high range locking element of the range shift lever locking arrangement engages corresponding locking element to move the locking arrangement to a reverse speed gear locking position, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein; 10
[0017] Fig. 4b depicts a cross-sectional view of the speed shift lever, the range shift lever, the speed crossrod, the range crossrod, the transmission top cover and the locking arrangement of the power transmission unit, where the locking arrangement is in the reverse speed gear locking position, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein; 15
[0018] Fig. 5a depicts a side view of the speed shift lever, a speed shift lever locking arrangement and corresponding locking element of the locking arrangement, where a reverse speed gear locking element of the speed shift lever locking arrangement engages corresponding locking element of the locking arrangement to restrict the movement of the speed shift lever to a reverse speed 20 gear position to restrict engagement (actuation) of a reverse speed gear, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0019] Fig. 5b depicts a perspective view of the speed shift lever, the range shift lever, the speed crossrod, the range crossrod, the transmission top cover and the locking arrangement of the power transmission unit, where a 25 movement of the speed shift lever to the reverse speed gear position is restricted when the range shift lever is in the high range position and the locking arrangement is in the reverse speed gear locking position, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
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[0020] Fig. 6a depicts a side view of the speed shift lever, the speed shift lever locking arrangement and corresponding locking element of the locking arrangement, where the reverse speed gear locking element of the speed shift lever locking arrangement engages corresponding locking element to move the locking arrangement to a high range locking position, according to an 5 embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0021] Fig. 6b depicts a cross-sectional view of the speed shift lever, the range shift lever, the speed crossrod, the range crossrod, the transmission top cover and the locking arrangement of the power transmission unit, where the locking arrangement in the high range locking position, according to an 10 embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0022] Fig. 7a depicts a side view of the range shift lever, the range shift lever locking arrangement and corresponding locking element of the locking arrangement, where the high range locking element of the range shift lever locking arrangement engages corresponding locking element of the locking 15 arrangement to restrict a movement of the range shift lever to the high range locking position to restrict engagement (actuation) of a high range coupler (high range dog clutch/ high range dog teeth), according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0023] Fig. 7b depicts a perspective view of the locking arrangement, the 20 speed shift lever and the range shift lever, where the movement of the range shift lever to the high range position is restricted when the speed shift lever is in the reverse speed gear position and the locking arrangement is in the high range locking position, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0024] Fig. 8a depicts a perspective view of the speed shift lever of the 25 power transmission unit, where the speed shift lever locking arrangement is provided on the speed shift lever, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
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[0025] Fig. 8b depicts a perspective view of the speed shift lever, where the speed shift lever locking arrangement is provided on the speed shift lever, according to another embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0026] Fig. 8c depicts a perspective view of the range shift lever of the power transmission unit, where the range shift lever locking arrangement is 5 provided on the speed shift lever, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0027] Fig. 9 depicts a cross-sectional view of the transmission top cover of the power transmission unit, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein; and 10
[0028] Fig. 10 depicts a flowchart showing the steps of a method for restricting a movement of a speed shift lever to at least one of a plurality of speed gear positions when a range shift lever is in a predefined range position, and for restricting a movement of the range shift lever to at least one of a plurality of range positions when the speed shift lever is in predefined speed gear position in a 15 power transmission unit of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing 5 techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments 10 herein.
[0030] The embodiments herein achieve a locking arrangement in a power transmission unit of a vehicle and a method, which restricts a movement of a speed shift lever to at least one of a plurality of speed gear positions when a range shift lever is in a predefined range position, and also restricts a movement of the 15 range shift lever to at least one of a plurality of range positions when the speed shift lever is in a predefined speed gear position. Further, embodiments herein achieve a locking arrangement in a power transmission unit of a vehicle, which restricts a movement of a speed shift lever to a reverse speed gear position therein to restrict the engagement (actuation) of a reverse speed gear when a range shift 20 lever is in a high range position, and also restricts a movement of the range shift lever to the high range position therein to restrict the engagement (actuation) of a high range coupler (high range dog teeth or high range dog clutch) when the speed shift lever is in the reverse speed gear position. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Figs. 1 through 10, where similar reference characters 25 denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0031] Fig. 1 depicts a perspective view of a portion of a power transmission unit 10 of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the power transmission unit 10 (as shown in 30
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fig. 1 and fig. 2) includes a locking arrangement 100 (as shown in fig. 1 to fig. 7b), a gear shift control means 12 (as shown in fig. 1 and fig. 2), a speed crossrod link 14, a speed crossrod 16, a speed shift lever 18 (as shown in fig. 1 to fig. 3, fig. 4b to fig. 6b and, fig. 7b to fig. 8b), a range control means 20 (as shown in fig. 1 and fig. 2), a range crossrod link 22, a range crossrod 24, a range shift lever 26 5 (as shown in fig. 1 to fig. 4b, fig. 5b, fig. 6b to fig. 7b and fig. 8c), a plurality of shifter bushes 28, a plurality of shifter rods 30, a plurality of shift forks 32, a plurality of synchronizer units (not shown), a plurality of shifter sleeves (not shown), a plurality of speed gears (not shown), a plurality of range gears (not shown), a high range coupler (not shown), a transmission cover C as shown in fig. 10 2, fig. 3 and fig. 9) and may include other standard components as present in a standard power transmission unit. In an embodiment, the power transmission unit 10 is a multi-speed and multi-range manual power transmission unit. It is also within the scope of the invention to practice/implement the locking arrangement 100 in an automatic power transmission unit, an automated manual power 15 transmission unit, a hydro-static power transmission unit and any other type of power transmission unit incorporating any other type of shifting mechanisms. In an embodiment, the locking arrangement 100 is used for restricting a movement of the speed shift lever 18 to at least one of a plurality of speed gear positions when the range shift lever 26 is in a predefined range position, and for restricting 20 a movement of the range shift lever 26 to at least one of a plurality of range positions when the speed shift lever 18 is in a predefined speed gear position. For example, the locking arrangement 100 is used for restricting a movement of the speed shift lever 18 to a reverse speed gear position to restrict the engagement (actuation) of a reverse speed gear (not shown) when the range shift lever 26 is in 25 a high range position, and for restricting a movement of the range shift lever 26 to the high range position to restrict the engagement (actuation) of the high range coupler (high range dog teeth or high range dog clutch) when the speed shift lever 18 is in the reverse speed gear position. In an embodiment, the locking arrangement 100 includes a first locking element 102 (as shown in fig. 2, fig. 3, 30 fig. 4b to fig. 6b and fig. 7b), a second locking element 104 (as shown in fig. 2,
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fig. 3, fig. 4a, fig. 4b, fig. 5b and fig. 6b to fig. 7b), at least one intermediate locking element 106 (as shown in fig. 2, fig. 3, fig. 4b, fig. 5b, fig. 6b and fig. 7b), a speed shift lever locking arrangement 18L (as shown in fig. 2, fig. 3, fig. 4b to fig. 6b and fig. 7b to fig. 8b) and a range shift lever locking arrangement 26L (as shown in fig. 2 to fig. 4b, fig. 5b, fig. 6b to fig. 7b and fig. 8c). For the purpose of 5 this description and ease of understanding, the locking arrangement 100 of the power transmission unit 10 is explained herein below with reference to be provided in a tractor. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to implement/practice the components of the locking arrangement 100 of the power transmission unit 10 in an off-road vehicle, an agricultural harvester, a 10 constructional vehicle, tractor mounted combine harvester, any other type of vehicle and any other power transmission unit of machines without otherwise deterring the intended function of the locking arrangement 100 as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0032] The first locking element 102 of the locking arrangement 100 is 15 adapted to be received by a locking member receiving portion CR1 (as shown in fig. 9) of the transmission cover C. The first locking element 102 is slidably connected with the locking member receiving portion CR1 of the transmission cover C. The first locking element 102 is provided in a movable engagement with the intermediate locking element 106. The first locking element 102 includes a 20 first portion 102f (as shown in fig. 3), a second portion 102s (as shown in fig. 3) and an intermediate portion 102i (as shown in fig. 3). The first portion 102f of the first locking element 102 is provided in a movable engagement with a first portion 106f (as shown in fig. 6b) of the intermediate locking element 106. In an embodiment, the first portion 102f of the first locking element 102 substantially 25 defines a semi-sphere shape configuration. In another embodiment, the first portion 102f of the first locking element 102 defines at least one of a conical shape configuration and truncated cone shape configuration. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide the first portion 102f of the first locking element 102 in any polygon shape configuration or any other shape 30 without otherwise deterring the intended function of the first locking element 102
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as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. The second portion 102s of the first locking element 102 is opposite to the first portion 102f of the first locking element 102. In an embodiment, the second portion 102s of the first locking element 102 defines a semi-sphere shape configuration. In another embodiment, the second portion 102s of the first locking element 102 5 defines at least one of a conical shape configuration and truncated cone shape configuration. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide the second portion 102s of the first locking element 102 in any polygon shape configuration or any other shape without otherwise deterring the intended function of the first locking element 102 as can be deduced from the description and 10 corresponding drawings. The intermediate portion 102i of the first locking element 102 is between the first portion 102f and the second portion 102s of the first locking element 102. In an embodiment, the first locking element 102 is at least a locking pin. A longitudinal axis of the first locking element 102 is substantially transverse to corresponding longitudinal axis of the speed shift lever 15 18 and the speed crossrod 16. The first locking element 102 is parallel to the second locking element 104 and provided at a predetermined distance from the second locking element 104. The first locking element 102 is transverse to the intermediate locking element 106. The first locking element 102 is having circular cross-section. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to 20 provide the first locking element 102 with any other cross-section without otherwise deterring the indented function of the first locking element 102 as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0033] The second locking element 104 of the locking arrangement 100 is adapted to be received by corresponding another locking member receiving 25 portion CR2 (as shown in fig. 9) of the transmission cover C. The second locking element 104 is slidably connected with corresponding another locking member receiving portion CR2 of the transmission cover C. The second locking element 104 is provided in a movable engagement with the intermediate locking element 106. The second locking element 104 includes a first portion 104f (as shown in 30 fig. 3), a second portion 104s (as shown in fig. 3) and an intermediate portion 104i
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(as shown in fig. 3). The first portion 104f of the second locking element 104 is provided in a movable engagement with a second portion 106s (as shown in fig. 4b) of the intermediate locking element 106. In an embodiment, the first portion 104f of the second locking element 104 substantially defines a semi-sphere shape configuration. In another embodiment, the first portion 104f of the second 5 locking element 104 defines at least one of a conical shape configuration and truncated cone shape configuration. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide the first portion 104f of the second locking element 104 in any polygon shape configuration or any other shape without otherwise deterring the intended function of the second locking element 104 as can be deduced from 10 the description and corresponding drawings. The second portion 104s of the second locking element 104 is opposite to the first portion 104f of the second locking element 104. In an embodiment, the second portion 104s of the second locking element 104 substantially defines a semi-sphere shape configuration. In another embodiment, the second portion 104s of the second locking element 104 15 defines at least one of a conical shape configuration and truncated cone shape configuration. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide the second portion 104s of the second locking element 104 in any polygon shape configuration or any other shape without otherwise deterring the intended function of the second locking element 104 as can be deduced from the description and 20 corresponding drawings. The intermediate portion 104i of the second locking element 104 is between the first portion 104f and the second portion 104s of the second locking element 104. In an embodiment, the second locking element 104 is at least a locking pin. A longitudinal axis of the second locking element 104 is substantially transverse to corresponding longitudinal axis of the range shift lever 25 26 and the range crossrod 24. The second locking element 104 is parallel to the first locking element 102 and provided at a predetermined distance from the first locking element 102. The second locking element 104 is transverse to the intermediate locking element 106. The second locking element 104 is having circular cross-section. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to 30 provide the second locking element 104 with any other cross-section without
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otherwise deterring the intended function of the second locking element 104 as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0034] The intermediate locking element 106 of the locking arrangement 100 is adapted to be received by an intermediate locking member receiving portion CR3 (as shown in fig. 9) of the transmission cover C. The intermediate 5 locking element 106 is slidably connected with the intermediate locking member receiving portion CR3 of the transmission cover C. The intermediate locking element 106 is between the first locking element 102 and the second locking element 104. The intermediate locking element 106 is substantially transverse to the first locking element 102 and the second locking element 104. The 10 intermediate locking element 106 is provided in a movable engagement with the first locking element 102 and the second locking element 104. The intermediate locking element 106 includes a first portion 106f (as shown in fig. 3), a second portion 106s (as shown in fig. 3) and an intermediate portion 106i (as shown in fig. 3). The first portion 106f of the intermediate locking element 106 is provided 15 in a movable engagement with the first portion 102f (as shown in fig. 4b) of the first locking element 102. In an embodiment, the first portion 106f of the intermediate locking element 106 substantially defines a conical shape configuration. In another embodiment, the first portion 106f of the intermediate locking element 106 defines at least one of a truncated cone shape configuration 20 and a semi-sphere shape configuration. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide the first portion 106f of the intermediate locking element 106 in any polygon shape configuration or any other shape without otherwise deterring the intended function of the intermediate locking element 106 as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. The second portion 25 106s of the intermediate locking element 106 is opposite to the first portion 106f of the intermediate locking element 106. The second portion 106s of the intermediate locking element 106 is provided in a movable engagement with the first portion 104s (as shown in fig. 6b) of the second locking element 104. In an embodiment, the second portion 106s of the intermediate locking element 106 30 substantially defines a conical shape configuration. In another embodiment, the
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second portion 106s of the intermediate locking element 106 substantially defines at least one of a truncated cone shape configuration and a semi-sphere shape configuration. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide the second portion 106s of the intermediate locking element 106 in any polygon shape configuration or any other shape without otherwise deterring the intended function 5 of the intermediate locking element 106 as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. The intermediate portion 106i of the intermediate locking element 106 is between the first portion 106f and the second portion 106s of the intermediate locking element 106. In an embodiment, the intermediate locking element 106 is at least a locking pin. The intermediate locking element 10 106 has circular cross-section. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide the intermediate locking element 106 with any other cross-section without otherwise deterring the intended function of the intermediate locking element 106 as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. 15
[0035] The movement of the range shift lever 26 to a predefined range position enables the range shift lever locking arrangement 26L to engage the second locking element 104 to move the locking arrangement 100 to a speed gear locking position in which, the second portion 102s of the first locking element 102 is disposed adjacent to speed shift lever locking arrangement 18L, and the first 20 locking element 102 is engaged with the intermediate locking element 106 which is engaged with the second locking element 104 which in turn is engaged with the range shift lever locking arrangement 26L.
[0036] The movement of the speed shift lever 18 to a predefined speed gear position enables the speed shift lever locking arrangement 18L to engage the 25 first locking element 102 to move the locking arrangement 100 to a range locking position in which the second portion 104s of the second locking element 104 is disposed adjacent to the range shift lever locking arrangement 26L, and the second locking element 104 is engaged with the intermediate locking element 106
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which is engaged with the first locking element 102 which in turn is engaged with the speed shift lever locking arrangement 18L.
[0037] The speed shift lever locking arrangement 18L is provided on the speed shift lever 18. The speed shift lever locking arrangement 18L is adapted to engage the first locking element 102 to restrict a movement of the speed shift 5 lever 18 to at least one of a plurality of speed gear positions when the range shift lever 26 is in a predefined range position and the locking arrangement 100 is in the speed gear locking position.
[0038] Fig. 8b depicts a perspective view of the speed shift lever 18, where the speed shift lever locking arrangement 18L is provided on the speed 10 shift lever 18, according to another embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, speed shift lever locking arrangement 18L comprises at least one of at least one even speed gear locking element 18LE, at least one odd speed gear locking element 18LD and a reverse speed gear locking element 18LR. At least one of the even speed gear locking element 18LE, the odd speed gear 15 locking element 18LD and the reverse speed gear locking element 18LR is adapted to engage the first locking element 102 to restrict a movement of the speed shift lever 18 to a corresponding at least one even speed gear position, at least one odd speed gear position and a reverse speed gear position when the range shift lever 26 is in a predefined range position and the locking arrangement 20 100 is in the speed gear locking position.
[0039] The movement of the range shift lever 26 to the high range position enables a high range locking element 26LH (as shown in fig. 8c) of the range shift lever locking arrangement 26L to engage the second locking element 104 (as shown in fig. 4a) to move the locking arrangement 100 to a reverse speed gear 25 locking position (as shown in fig. 4b and fig. 5b) in which, the second portion 102s of the first locking element 102 is disposed immediately above a reverse speed gear locking element 18LR (as shown in fig. 5a) of speed shift lever locking arrangement 18L, and the first locking element 102 is engaged with the intermediate locking element 106 which is engaged with the second locking 30
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element 104 which in turn is engaged with the high range locking element 26LH (as shown in fig. 4b) of the range shift lever locking arrangement 26L. In another embodiment, the speed shift lever locking arrangement 18L comprises only a reverse speed gear locking element 18LR (as shown in fig. 8a). The reverse speed gear locking element 18LR of the speed shift lever locking arrangement 18L is 5 adapted to engage the first locking element 102 (as shown in fig. 5a) to restrict a movement of the speed shift lever 18 to the reverse speed gear position to restrict the engagement (actuation) of the reverse speed gear (not shown) when the range shift lever 26 is in the high range position and the locking arrangement 100 is in the reverse speed gear locking position. 10
[0040] The range shift lever locking arrangement 26L is provided on the range shift lever 26. The range shift lever locking arrangement 26L is adapted to engage the second locking element 104 to restrict a movement of the range shift lever 26 to at least one of a plurality of range positions when the speed shift lever 18 is in a predefined speed gear position and the locking arrangement 100 is in the 15 range locking position. In an embodiment, the range shift lever locking arrangement (26L) comprises at least one a low range locking element (not shown), a medium range locking element (not shown) and a high range locking element (not shown). At least one of the low range locking element, the medium range locking element and the high range locking element of the range shift lever 20 locking arrangement 26L is adapted to engage the second locking element 104 to restrict a movement of the range shift lever 26 to a corresponding low range position, a medium range position and a high range position when the speed shift lever 18 is in a predefined speed gear position and the locking arrangement 100 is in the range locking position. 25
[0041] The movement of the speed shift lever 18 to the reverse speed gear position enables the reverse speed gear locking element 18LR of the speed shift lever locking arrangement 18L to engage the first locking element 102 (as shown in fig. 6a) to move the locking arrangement 100 to a high range locking position (as shown in fig. 6b and fig. 7b) in which the second portion 104s of the second 30
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locking element 104 is disposed immediately above the high range locking element 26LH (as shown in fig. 7a) of the range shift lever locking arrangement 26L, and the second locking element 104 is engaged with the intermediate locking element 106 which is engaged with the first locking element 102 which in turn is engaged with the reverse speed gear locking element 18LR (as shown in fig. 6b) 5 of the speed shift lever locking arrangement 18L. In another embodiment, range shift lever locking arrangement 26L comprises only a high range locking element 26LH (as shown in fig. 8c). The high range locking element 26LH of the range shift lever locking arrangement 26L is adapted to engage the second locking element 104 to restrict a movement of the range shift lever 26 to the high range 10 position when the speed shift lever 18 is in the reverse speed gear position and the locking arrangement 100 is in the high range locking position.
[0042] The first locking element 102, the second locking element 104 and the intermediate locking element 106 of the locking arrangement 100 substantially defines a U-shape configuration. However, it is also within the scope of the 15 invention to provide at least a portion of the locking arrangement 100 substantially in a V-shape configuration or in any other shape without otherwise deterring the intended function of the locking arrangement 100 as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. It is also within the scope of the invention provide at least one the first locking element 102, the second locking 20 element 104, at least one intermediate locking element 106, the speed shift lever locking arrangement 18L and the range shift lever locking arrangement 26L of the locking arrangement 100 in any other orientation and configuration without otherwise deterring the intended function of the locking arrangement 100 as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. The first locking 25 element 102, the second locking element 104 and the intermediate locking element 106 are configured to be accommodated and movably connected inside the transmission cover C.
[0043] The gear shift control means 12 is adapted to be engaged by an operator to move the gear shift control means 12 to at least one of a plurality of 30
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speed gear positions to facilitate engagement of a corresponding at least one of the plurality of speed gears (not shown). The plurality of speed gear positions includes a plurality of even speed gear positions, a plurality of odd speed gear positions and a reverse speed gear positions. The gear shift control means 12 is at least a gear shift lever 12. It is also within the scope of the invention to consider 5 the gear shift control means 12 as any other gear shifting means or buttons operated in conjunction with a gear shifting mechanism to facilitate engagement of at least one of the plurality of speed gears (not shown). The gear shift control means 12 is connected to the speed crossrod 16 through the speed crossrod link 14. 10
[0044] The speed crossrod link 14 is used to transfer the motion of the gear shift control means 12 to the speed crossrod 16. The speed crossrod link 14 is connected between the gear shift control means 12 and the speed cross rod 16. The speed crossrod 16 is used to mount the speed shift lever 18 at a predetermined position. 15
[0045] The speed shift lever 18 is mounted onto the speed crossrod 16. The speed shift lever 18 is configured to be moved to a corresponding at least one of the plurality of speed gear positions to facilitate engagement of a corresponding at least one of the plurality of speed gears (not shown) on movement of the gear shift control means 12 to a corresponding at least one of the plurality of speed 20 gear positions.
[0046] The range shift control means 20 is adapted to be engaged by the operator to move the range shift control means 20 to at least one of a plurality of range positions to facilitate engagement of a corresponding at least one of the plurality of range gears (not shown) and the high range coupler (not shown). The 25 plurality of range positions includes a low range position, a medium range position and a high range position. The range shift control means 20 is at least a range lever 20. It is also within the scope of the invention to consider the range shift control means 20 as any other range shifting means or buttons operated in conjunction with a range shifting mechanism to facilitate engagement of at least 30
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one of the plurality of range gears (not shown) and the high range coupler (not shown).
[0047] The range crossrod link 22 is used to transfer the motion of the range shift control means 20 to the range crossrod 24. The range crossrod link 22 is connected between the range shift control means 20 and the range crossrod 24. 5 The range crossrod 24 is used to mount the range shift lever 26 at a predetermined position.
[0048] The range shift lever 26 is mounted onto the range crossrod 24. The range shift lever 26 is configured to be moved to a corresponding at least one of the plurality of range positions to facilitate engagement of a corresponding at 10 least one of the plurality of range gears (not shown) and the high range coupler (not shown) on movement of the range shift control means 20 to a corresponding at least one of the plurality of range positions.
[0049] Fig. 9 depicts a cross-sectional view of the transmission top cover C, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. The 15 transmission cover C is used to cover a top side of the speed shift lever 18, the range shift lever 26, a portion of speed crossrod 16 and a portion of the range crossrod 24, and also to accommodate the first locking element 102, the second locking element 104 and the intermediate locking element 106 of the locking arrangement 100. The transmission cover C is at least a transmission top cover C. 20 The transmission cover C includes a locking member receiving portion CR1, another locking member receiving portion CR2 and intermediate locking member receiving portion CR3. The locking member receiving portion CR1 of the transmission cover C is used to receive the first locking element 102. The locking member receiving portion CR1 is parallel to another locking member receiving 25 portion CR2 and provided at a predetermined distance from the locking member receiving portion CR2 of the transmission cover C. The locking member receiving portion CR1 of the transmission cover C is a through opening (through hole). Another locking member receiving portion CR2 of the transmission cover C is used to receive the second locking element 104. Another locking member 30
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receiving portion CR2 is parallel to the locking member receiving portion CR1 and provided at a predetermined distance from the locking member receiving portion CR1 of the transmission cover C. Another locking member receiving portion CR2 of the transmission cover C is a through opening (through hole). The intermediate locking member receiving portion CR3 of the transmission cover C 5 is used to receive the intermediate locking element 106. The intermediate locking member receiving portion CR3 intersects the locking member receiving portion CR1 and another locking member receiving portion CR2 of the transmission cover C at corresponding positions, and is transverse to the locking member receiving portions (CR1 and CR2) of the transmission cover C. The intermediate 10 locking member receiving portion CR3 of the transmission cover C is a through opening (through hole).
[0050] The plurality of speed gears includes a plurality of even speed gears (not shown), a plurality of odd speed gears (not shown) and a reverse speed gear (not shown). The plurality of range gears (not shown) includes a low range 15 gear (not shown) and a medium range gear (not shown). The high range coupler (not shown) is also called as high range dog teeth or high range dog clutch.
[0051] Fig. 10 depicts a flowchart showing the steps of a method 200 for restricting a movement of a speed shift lever 18 to at least one of a plurality of speed gear positions when a range shift lever 26 is in a predefined range position, 20 and for restricting a movement of the range shift lever 26 to at least one of a plurality of range positions when the speed shift lever 18 is in a predefined speed gear position in a power transmission unit 10 of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the method 200 for restricting the movement of the speed shift lever 18 to at least one of the 25 plurality of speed gear positions when the range shift lever 26 is in the predefined range position, and for restricting the movement of the range shift lever 26 to at least one of the plurality of range positions when the speed shift lever 18 is in the predefined speed gear position is as follows, the method 200 comprising, providing a locking arrangement 100 comprising a speed shift lever locking 30
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arrangement 18L provided on a speed shift lever 18, a range shift lever locking arrangement 26L provided on a range shift lever 26, at least one intermediate locking element 106, a first locking element 102 adapted to be provided in a movable engagement with the intermediate locking element 106, and a second locking element 104 adapted to be provided in a movable engagement with the 5 intermediate locking element 106 (step 202), restricting a movement of the speed shift lever 18 to at least one of a plurality of speed gear positions on engagement of the speed shift lever locking arrangement 18L with the first locking element 102 and when the range shift lever 26 is in a predefined range position (step 204), and restricting a movement of the range shift lever 26 to at least one of a plurality 10 of range positions on engagement of the range shift lever locking element 26L with the second locking element 104 and when the speed shift lever 18 is in a predefined speed gear position (step 206). The method 200 includes moving the range shift lever 26 to a predefined range position enables the range shift lever locking arrangement 26L to engage the second locking element 104 to move the 15 locking arrangement 100 to a speed gear locking position in which at least a portion 102s of the first locking element 102 is disposed adjacent to the speed shift lever locking arrangement 18L, and the first locking element 102 is engaged with the intermediate locking element 106 which is engaged with the second locking element 104 which in turn is engaged with the range shift lever locking 20 arrangement 26L prior to the method step (204) of restricting the movement of the speed shift lever 18 to at least one of the plurality of speed gear positions on engagement of the speed shift lever locking arrangement 18L with the first locking element 102 and when the range shift lever 26 is in the predefined range position. The method 200 includes moving the speed shift lever 18 to a 25 predefined speed gear position enables the speed shift lever locking arrangement 18L to engage the first locking element 102 to move the locking arrangement 100 to a range locking position in which at least a portion 104s of the second locking element 104 is disposed adjacent to the range shift lever locking arrangement 26L, and the second locking element 104 is engaged with the intermediate locking 30 element 106 which is engaged with the first locking element 102 which in turn is
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engaged with the speed shift lever locking arrangement 18L prior to the method step (206) of restricting the movement of the range shift lever 26 to at least one of the plurality of range positions on engagement of the range shift lever locking element 26L with the second locking element 104 and when the speed shift lever 18 is in the predefined speed gear position. The method step (204) of restricting 5 the movement of the speed shift lever 18 to at least one of the plurality of speed gear positions on engagement of the speed shift lever locking arrangement 18L with the first locking element 102 and when the range shift lever 26 is in the predefined range position includes, restricting a movement of the speed shift lever 18 to a reverse speed gear position therein to restrict the engagement (actuation) 10 of a reverse speed gear on engagement of a reverse speed gear locking element 18LR of the speed shift lever locking arrangement 18L with the first locking element 102 and when the range shift lever 26 is in a high range position. The method 200 includes moving the range shift lever 26 to the high range position enables a high range locking element 26LH of the range shift lever locking 15 arrangement 26L to engage the second locking element 104 to move the locking arrangement 100 to a reverse speed gear locking position in which at least a portion 102s of the first locking element 102 is disposed immediately above the reverse speed gear locking element 18LR of the speed shift lever locking arrangement 18L, and the first locking element 102 is engaged with the 20 intermediate locking element 106 which is engaged with the second locking element 104 which in turn is engaged with the high range locking element 26LH of the range shift lever locking arrangement 26L prior to the method step of restricting the movement of the speed shift lever 18 to the reverse speed gear position therein to restrict the engagement (actuation) of the reverse speed gear 25 (not shown) on engagement of the reverse speed gear locking element 18LR of the speed shift lever locking arrangement 18L with the first locking element 102 and when the range shift lever 26 is in the high range position. The method step (206) of restricting the movement of the range shift lever 26 to at least one of the plurality of range positions on engagement of the range shift lever locking 30 element 26L with the second locking element 104 and when the speed shift lever
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18 is in the predefined speed gear position includes, restricting a movement of the range shift lever 26 to the high range position therein to restrict the engagement (actuation) of a high range coupler (not shown) on engagement of the high range locking element 26LH of the range shift lever locking element 26L with the second locking element 104 and when the speed shift lever 18 is in the reverse 5 speed gear position. The method 200 includes moving the speed shift lever 18 to the reverse speed gear position enables the reverse speed gear locking element 18LR of the speed shift lever locking arrangement 18 to engage the first locking element 102 to move the locking arrangement 100 to a high range locking position in which, at least a portion 104s of the second locking element 104 is 10 disposed immediately above the high range locking element 26LH of the range shift lever locking arrangement 26L, and the second locking element 104 is engaged with the intermediate locking element 106 which is engaged with the first locking element 102 which in turn is engaged with the reverse speed gear locking element 18LR of the speed shift lever locking arrangement 18L, prior to the 15 method step of restricting the movement of the range shift lever 26 to the high range position therein to restrict the engagement (actuation) of the high range coupler (not shown) on engagement of the high range locking element 26LH of the range shift lever locking arrangement 26L with the second locking element 104 and when the speed shift lever 18 is in the reverse speed gear position. 20
[0052] For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the working of locking arrangement 100 in conjunction with the method 200 for restricting a movement of the speed shift lever 18 and the gear shift control means 12 to the reverse speed gear position to restrict the engagement (actuation) of the reverse speed gear (not shown) when the range shift lever 26 and the range shift 25 control means 20 is in the high range position and the high range coupler is in engaged position (actuated position), and for restricting the movement of the range shift lever 26 and the range shift control means 20 to the high range position to restrict the engagement (actuation) of the high range coupler (not shown) when the speed shift lever 18 and the gear shift control means 12 is in the reverse 30 speed gear position and the reverse speed gear (not shown) is in engaged position
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(actuated position) in the power transmission unit 10 of the vehicle is as follows. When the operator engages the range shift control means 20 to move (shift) the range shift control means 20 from a neutral range position to the high range position, the range shift control means 20 moves the range crossrod link 22 which moves the range crossrod 24 which in turn moves the range shift lever 26 from the 5 neutral range position to the high range position to facilitate engagement of the high range coupler (not shown). During the movement of the range shift lever 26 from the neutral range position to the high range position, the high range locking element 26LH of the range shift lever locking arrangement 26 engages the second portion 104s (as shown in fig. 4a) of the second locking element 104 to move 10 (push) the first portion 104f of the second locking element 104 in movable engagement with the second portion 106s (as shown in fig. 4b) of the intermediate locking element 106 therein to move (push) the first portion 106f of the intermediate locking element 106 in movable engagement with the first portion 102f (as shown in fig. 4b) of the first locking element 102 to move (push) 15 the first locking element 102 in a direction towards the speed shift lever 18 thereby enabling the second portion 102s of the first locking element 102 to be disposed immediately above the reverse speed gear locking element 18LR (as shown in fig. 5a) of the speed shift lever locking arrangement 18L to position the locking arrangement 100 to the reverse speed gear locking position (as shown in 20 fig. 4b and fig. 5b) in which the second portion 102s of the first locking element 102 is disposed immediately above the reverse speed gear locking element 18LR (as shown in fig. 5a) of the speed shift lever locking arrangement 18L, and the first locking element 102 is engaged with the intermediate locking element 106 which is engaged with the second locking element 104 which in turn is engaged 25 with the high range locking element 26LH (as shown in fig. 4b and fig. 5b) of the range shift lever locking arrangement 26L. Thereafter, when the operator engages the gear shift control means 12 to move (shift) the gear shift control means 12 from a neutral gear position towards the reverse speed gear position, the reverse speed gear locking element 18LR of the speed shift lever locking arrangement 18 30 engages with the second portion 102s (as shown in fig. 5a) of the first locking
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element 102 to restrict the movement of the speed shift lever 18 and the gear shift control means 12 to the reverse speed gear position thereby restricting the engagement (actuation) of the reverse speed gear (not shown) when the range shift lever 26 and the range shift control means 20 is in the high range position, the high range coupler is in the engaged position and the locking arrangement 100 5 is in the reverse gear locking position, where the movement of the gear shift control means 12 and the speed shift lever 18 towards the reverse speed gear position is restricted occurs after the movement of the range shift control means 20 and the range shift lever 26 to the high range position. To engage (actuate) the reverse speed gear (not shown), the operator should dis-engage (de-actuate) the 10 high range coupler by shifting the range shift control means 20 from the high range position to at least one of the neutral range position and the medium range position.
[0053] Now, when the operator engages the gear shift control means 12 to move (shift) the gear shift control means 12 from the neutral gear position to the 15 reverse speed gear position, the gear shift control means moves the speed crossrod link 14 which moves the speed crossrod 16 which in turn moves the speed shift lever 18 from the neutral gear position to the reverse speed gear position to facilitate engagement (actuation) of the reverse speed gear (not shown). During the movement of the speed shift lever 18 from the neutral gear 20 position to the reverse speed gear position, the reverse speed gear locking element 18LR of the speed shift lever locking arrangement 18 engages the second portion 102s (as shown in fig. 6a) of the first locking element 102 to move (push) the first portion 102f of the first locking element 102 in movable engagement with the first portion 106f (as shown in fig. 6b) of the intermediate locking element 106 therein 25 to move (push) the second portion 106s of the intermediate locking element 106 in movable engagement with the first portion 104f (as shown in fig. 6b) of the second locking element 104 to move (push) the second locking element 104 in a direction towards the range shift lever 26 thereby enabling the second portion 104s of the second locking element 104 to be disposed immediately above the 30 high range locking element 26LH (as shown in fig. 7a) of the range shift lever
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locking arrangement 26L to position the locking arrangement 100 to the high range locking position (as shown in fig. 6b and fig. 7b) in which the second portion 104s of the second locking element 104 is disposed immediately above the high range locking element 26LH (as shown in fig. 7a) of the range shift lever locking arrangement 26L, and the second locking element 104 is engaged with the 5 intermediate locking element 106 which is engaged with the first locking element 102 which in turn is engaged with the reverse speed gear locking element 18LR (as shown in fig. 6b and fig. 7b) of the speed shift lever locking arrangement 18L. Thereafter, when the operator engages the range shift control means 20 to move (shift) the range shift control means 20 from the neutral range position towards 10 the high range position (H), the high range locking element 26LH of the range shift lever locking arrangement 26L engages with the second portion 104s (as shown in fig. 7a) of the second locking element 104 therein to restrict the movement of the range shift lever 26 and the range shift control means 20 to the high range position thereby restricting the engagement (actuation) of the high 15 range coupler (not shown) when the speed shift lever 18 and the gear shift control means 12 is in the reverse speed gear position, the reverse speed gear (not shown) is in the engaged position and the locking arrangement 100 is in the high range locking position, where the movement of the range shift control means 20 and the range shift lever 26 towards the high range position is restricted, occurs after the 20 movement of the gear shift control means 12 and the speed shift lever 18 to the reverse speed gear position. To engage (actuate) the high range coupler, the operator should dis-engage (de-actuate) the reverse speed gear (not shown) by shifting the gear shift control means 12 from the reverse speed gear position to at least one of the neutral gear position, the even speed gear position and odd speed 25 gear position.
[0054] Therefore, a locking arrangement 100 for restricting a movement of a speed shift lever 18 to at least one of a plurality of speed gear positions when a range shift lever 26 is in a predefined range position, and for restricting a movement of the range shift lever 26 to at least one of the plurality of range 30
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positions when the speed shift lever 18 is in a predefined speed gear position is provided for a power transmission unit 10 of a vehicle.
[0055] 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 5 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 10 herein have been described in terms of 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.

We claim,
1. A locking arrangement 100 in a power transmission unit 10, said arrangement 100 comprising:
a speed shift lever locking arrangement 18L provided on a speed shift lever 18;
at least one intermediate locking element 106;
a first locking element 102 adapted to be provided in a movable engagement with said intermediate locking element 106; and
a second locking element 104 adapted to be provided in a movable engagement with said intermediate locking element 106,
wherein
said speed shift lever locking arrangement 18L is adapted to engage said first locking element 102 to restrict a movement of said speed shift lever 18 to at least one of a plurality of speed gear positions when said range shift lever 26 is in a predefined range position.
2. The arrangement 100 as claimed in claim 1 comprises a range shift lever locking arrangement 26L provided on a range shift lever 26,
wherein
said range shift lever locking arrangement 26L is adapted to engage said second locking element 104 to restrict a movement of said range shift lever 26 to at least one of a plurality of range positions when said speed shift lever 18 is in a predefined speed gear position.
3. The arrangement 100 as claimed in claim 2, wherein said speed shift lever locking arrangement 18L comprises,
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at least one of at least one even speed gear locking element 18LE, at least one odd speed gear locking element 18LD and a reverse speed gear locking element 18LR,
wherein
at least one of said even speed gear locking element 18LE, said odd speed gear locking element 18LD and said reverse speed gear locking element 18LR is adapted to engage said first locking element 102 to restrict a movement of said speed shift lever 18 to a corresponding at least one even speed gear position, at least one odd speed gear position and a reverse speed gear position (R) when said range shift lever 26 is in a predefined range position.
4. The arrangement 100 as claimed in claim 3, wherein said range shift lever locking arrangement (26L) comprises,
at least one of a low range locking element, a medium range locking element and a high range locking element,
wherein
at least one of said low range locking element, said medium range locking element and said high range locking element is adapted to engage said second locking element 104 to restrict a movement of said range shift lever 26 to a corresponding low range position, a medium range position and a high range position when said speed shift lever 18 is in a predefined speed gear position.
5. The arrangement 100 as claimed in claim 2, wherein said speed shift lever locking arrangement 18L comprises,
a reverse speed gear locking element18LR,
wherein
said reverse speed gear locking element 18LR is adapted to engage said first locking element 102 to restrict a movement of said speed shift lever 18 to a reverse speed gear position when said range shift lever 26 is in a high range position.
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6. The arrangement 100 as claimed in claim 5, wherein said range shift lever locking arrangement 26L comprises,
a high range locking element 26LH,
wherein
said high range locking element 26LH is adapted to engage said second locking element 104 to restrict a movement of said range shift lever 26 to the high range position when said speed shift lever 18 is in the reverse speed gear position
7. The arrangement 100 as claimed in claim 2, wherein said intermediate locking element 106 has a first portion 106f and a second portion 106s opposite to the first portion 106f,
said first locking element 102 has a first portion 102f adapted to be provided in a movable engagement with the first portion 106f of said intermediate locking element 106, and a second portion 102s opposite to the first portion 102f,
said second locking element 104 has a first portion 104f adapted to be provided in a movable engagement with the second portion 106s of said intermediate locking element 106, and a second portion 104s opposite to the first portion 104f.
8. The arrangement 100 as claimed in claim 7, wherein a movement of said range shift lever 26 to a predefined range position moves said arrangement 100 to a speed gear locking position in which,
the second portion 102s of said first locking element 102 is disposed adjacent to speed shift lever locking arrangement 18L; and
said first locking element 102 is engaged with said intermediate locking element 106 which is engaged with said second locking element 104 which in turn is engaged with said range shift lever locking arrangement 26L.
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9. The arrangement 100 as claimed in claim 6, wherein a movement of said speed shift lever 18 to a predefined speed gear position moves said locking arrangement 100 to a range locking position in which,
the second portion 104s of said second locking element 104 is disposed adjacent to the range shift lever locking arrangement 26L; and
said second locking element 104 is engaged with said intermediate locking element 106 which is engaged with said first locking element 102 which in turn is engaged with said speed shift lever locking arrangement 18L.
10. The arrangement 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said first locking element 102, said second locking element 104 and said intermediate locking element 106 is at least a locking pin.
11. The arrangement 100 as claimed in claim 10, wherein said first locking element 102, said second locking element 104 and said intermediate locking element 106 substantially defines a U-shape configuration.
12. The arrangement 100 as claimed in claim 11, wherein each of said first locking element 102, said second locking element 104 and said intermediate locking element 106 has a circular cross-section
13. The arrangement 100 as claimed in claim 12, wherein said intermediate locking element 106 is between said first locking element 102 and said second locking element 104,
wherein
said intermediate locking element 106 is substantially transverse to said first locking element 102 and said second locking element 104,
wherein
said first locking element 102 is parallel to said second locking element 104, and provided at a predetermined distance from said second locking element 104.
14. The arrangement 100 as claimed in claim 2, wherein said first locking element 102, said second locking element 104 and said intermediate locking element
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106 are configured to be accommodated and movably connected inside a transmission cover C of the power transmission unit 10 of a vehicle.
15. The arrangement 100 as claimed in claim 14, wherein said first locking element 102 is adapted to be received by a locking member receiving portion CR1 of the transmission cover C,
said second locking element 104 is adapted to be received by corresponding another locking member receiving portion CR2 of the transmission cover C,
said intermediate locking element 106 is adapted to be received by an intermediate locking member receiving portion CR3 of the transmission cover C.
16. A locking arrangement 100 in a power transmission unit 10, said arrangement 100 comprising:
a speed shift lever locking arrangement 18L comprising a reverse speed gear locking element 18LR provided on a speed shift lever 18;
a range shift lever locking arrangement 26L comprising a high range locking element 26LH provided on a range shift lever 26;
at least one intermediate locking element 106;
a first locking element 102 adapted to be provided in a movable engagement with said intermediate locking element 106; and
a second locking element 104 adapted to be provided in a movable engagement with said intermediate locking element 106,
wherein
said reverse speed gear locking element 18LR is adapted to engage said first locking element 102 to restrict a movement of said speed shift lever 18 to a reverse speed gear position when said range shift lever 26 is in a high range position; and
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said high range locking element 26LH is adapted to engage said second locking element 104 to restrict a movement of said range shift lever 26 to the high range position when said speed shift lever 18 is in the reverse speed gear position.
17. A method 200 for restricting the movement of a speed shift lever 18 when a range shift lever 26 is in a predefined range position, and for restricting the movement of the range shift lever 26 when the speed shift lever 18 is in a predefined speed gear position in a power transmission unit 10, said method 200 comprising:
providing a locking arrangement 100 comprising a speed shift lever locking arrangement 18L provided on a speed shift lever 18, a range shift lever locking arrangement 26L provided on a range shift lever 26, at least one intermediate locking element 106, a first locking element 102 adapted to be provided in a movable engagement with said intermediate locking element 106, and a second locking element 104 adapted to be provided in a movable engagement with said intermediate locking element 106; and
restricting a movement of the speed shift lever 18 to at least one of a plurality of speed gear positions on engagement of the speed shift lever locking arrangement 18L with the first locking element 102 and when the range shift lever 26 is in a predefined range position; and
restricting a movement of the range shift lever 26 to at least one of a plurality of range positions on engagement of the range shift lever locking element 26L with the second locking element 104 and when the speed shift lever 18 is in a predefined speed gear position.