SE539486C2 - Shift select device for a transmission - Google Patents

Abstract

lO SHIFT SELECT DEVICE FOR A TRANSMISSIONABSTRACT A transmission for a vehicle includes a gearbox and a shift select. The gearboxincludes a plurality of gears and a shift select shafi. The shift select device includes ahousing and a shifi lever engaging the shifi select shafi. The shifi select device also includesa select lever including a spindle coupled to the housing and extending along a spindle axis.The select lever also includes an exterior lever coupled to the spindle. The select leverfiarther includes an interior lever having a first end coupled to the spindle and niovablealong the spi11dle axis between an installation position and an operational position. Theinterior lever also has a second end coupled to the shift select shaft When the first end is inthe operational and a second end spaced from the shift select shaft When the first end is in the installation position. Docket No: 065636.00004

Description

l. Field of the Invention[0002] The subject invention relates to a shift select device for a transmission and in particular an improved manner in Which to install the shift select device. 2. Description of the Related Art[0003] Transmissions for vehicles are generally known in the art. A conventionaltransmission includes a gearbox and a shift select device. Generally, the gearboxincludes a shift select shaft movable axially and rotatably Within the gearbox forselecting one of a plurality of gears. The shift select device includes a housing Which iscoupled to the gearbox. The shift select device includes an interior lever and anexterior lever coupled to one another. The exterior lever is disposed outside of thehouse. The interior lever is disposed Within the housing and is coupled to the shiftselect shaft for effectuating movement of the shift select shaft based on movement ofthe exterior lever. Because the interior lever is disposed Within the housing and iscoupled to the shift select shaft, the shift select device cannot be easily coupled to orremoved from the gearbox Without disassembling the shift select device, Which is verycostly and time consuming. For example, the housing prevents the interior lever frombeing separated from the shift select shaft once the shift select device has been coupledto the gearbox. Likewise, the interior lever must be coupled to the shift select shaftbefore the housing of the shift select device is coupled to the gearbox. Therefore, there remains a need to provide an improved shift select device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES lDocket No: 065636.00004

[0004] A transmission for a vehicle includes a gearbox and a shift select device coupledto the gearbox. The gearbox includes a plurality of gears and a shift select shaft With theshift select shaft movable axially and rotatably for selecting one of the plurality of gears.The shift select device includes a housing defining an aperture for receiving the shift selectshaft. The shift select device also includes a shift lever engaging the shift select shaft toselectively rotate the shift select shaft relative to the gearbox. The shift select device alsoincludes a select lever including a spindle coupled to the housing and extending along nspindle axis. The select lever also includes an exterior lever coupled to the spindle such thatrotation of the exterior lever rotates at least a portion of the spindle. The select leverfurther includes an interior lever having a first end coupled to the spindle and movablealong the spi11dle axis between an installation position and an operational position. Theinterior lever also has a second end coupled to the shift select shaft When the first end is inthe operational position for pulling and pushjng the shift select shaft relative to the gearboxas the spindle rotates. The interior lever also includes a second end spaced from the shiftselect shaft When the first end is in the installation position. Because the first end of theinterior lever can move along the spindle axis, the second end of the interior lever can bespaced from the shift select shaft even With the housing coupled to the gearbox. Thereforethe shift select device can be easily separated from the gearbox Without having to disassernble the shift select device itself.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Advantages of the present invention Will be readily appreciated as the samebecomes better understood by reference to the folloWing detailed description Whenconsidered in connection With the accompanying draWings.

[0006] Figure l is a schematic perspective vieW of a transmission coupled to an engineWith a shift select device coupled to a gearbox of the transmission.

[0007] Figure 2 is a perspective vieW of the shift select device spaced from the gearboxWith a portion of the shift select device cut aWay to shoWn a shift lever and a select lever.[0008] Figure 3 is a perspective vieW of the shift select device coupled to the gearbox With a portion of the shift select device cut aWay to shoW an interior lever having a first end in an Docket No: 065636.00004 installation position such that a second end of the interior lever is spaced from a shift selectshaft of the gearbox.

[0009] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the shift select device coupled to the gearbox witha portion of the shift select device cut away to show the interior lever rotating out ofcontact with an interlocking pin.

[0010] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the shift select device coupled to the gearbox witha portion of the shift select device cut away to show the first end of the interior lever in anoperational position such that the second end of the interior lever engages the shift selectshaft.

[0011] Figure 6 is a front view of the shift select device.

[0012] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the shift select device taken through theinterlocking pin to shown the interior lever defining a notch for receiving the interlockingpin.

[0013] Figure 8 is a schematic view of the shift select device and the shift select shaft withthe first end of the interior lever in the installation position.

[0014] Figure 9 is a schematic view of the shift select device and the shift select shaft withthe interior lever rotated such that the notch moves out of engagement with the interlockingpin and the second end of the interior lever is in alignment with the shift select shaft.

[0015] Figure 10 is a schematic view of the shift select device and the shift select shaft withthe first end of the interior lever in the operational position such that the second end of theinterior lever is coupled to the shift select shaft.

[0016] Figure 11 is a side view of the shift select device with a cut away showing the firstend of the interior lever in the installation position.

[0017] Figure 12 is a side view of the shift select device with a cut away showing the firstend of the interior lever in the operational position.

[0018] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the shift select device and the gearboxshowing the shift select device spaced from the gearbox.

[0019] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the sift select device and the gearboxshowing the shift select shaft partially inserted into the shift lever of the shift select shaft.[0020] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the shift select device and the shift select shaft showing the shift select shaft fially inserted into the shift lever. 3Docket No: 065636.00004

[0021] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the shift select device and the shift select shaftshowing a pin of the interior lever engaging a notch defined by the shift select shaft.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like or corresponding partsthroughout the several views, a gear change mechanism, such as a transmission 20 isgenerally shown in Figure l. Typically, the transmission 20 is used with a vehicle. Moretypically, the transmission 20 is used with large trucks, such as serni-trucks. Withreference to Figure l, the transmission 20 comprises a gearbox 22 and a shift selectdevice 24 coupled to the gearbox 22. With reference to Figures 2-5, the gearbox 22 hasa plurality of gears disposed within a gear housing 26 and a shift select shaft 28. The shiftselect shaft 28 extends along a shaft axis Al from the gearbox 22. More specifically, theshift select shaft 28 extends from the gear housing 26 of the gearbox 22. The shift selectshaft 28 is movable axially and rotatably for selecting one of the plurality of gears in thegearbox 22. The gearbox 22 and shift select shaft 28 is of a common configuration knownto those skilled in the art and will therefore not be discussed in any greater detail.

[0023] The shift select device 24 is coupled to the shift select shaft 28 for axially movingand rotating the shift select shaft 28. Said differently, the shift select device 24 is used tomanipulate the shift select shaft 28. Manipulating the shift select shaft 28 effectuates achange in engagement between one of the plurality of gears of the gearbox 22.

[0024] Referring back to Figure l, a shifter 30 is typically coupled to the shift select device24 for controlling the axial movement and rotation of the shift select shaft 28. Morespecifically, a driver of the vehicle controls the shifter 30 to effectuate the change betweenone of the plurality of gears in the gearbox 22. Typically, cables 32 are interconnectedbetween the shifter 30 and the shift select device 24 for relaying movement of the shifter 30to the shift select device 24. In tum, the shift select device 24 relays the movement of theshifter 30 to the shift select shaft 28. As such, through the use of the shifter 30, the drivercan select one of the plurality of gears in the gearbox 22.

[0025] With reference to Figures 1-5, the shift select device 24 includes a housing 34 forcoupling to the gearbox 22. More specifically, the housing 34 is coupled to the gearhousing 26. The housing 34 defines an aperture 36 (shown in Figure l3) for receiving the Docket No: 06563 6.00004 shift select shaft 28 once the housing 34 is coupled to the gearbox 22. It is to beappreciated that the housing 34 can be of any size and/or configuration.

[0026] As best shown in Figure 2-5, the shift select device 24 also includes a shift lever 38engaging the shift select shaft 28 to selectively rotate the shift select shaft 28 relative to thegearbox 22. For example, although not required, the shift select shaft 28 may includesplines 40 and the shift lever 38 may define grooves 42 for receiving the splines 40 of theshift select shaft 28. Once the splines 40 of the shift select shaft 28 are received by thegrooves 42 of the shift lever 38, rotation of the shift lever 38 results in a rotation of the shiftselect shaft 28. If is to be appreciated that the shift lever 38 can be coupled to the shiftselect shaft by any suitable means. One of the cables 32 is coupled to the shifter 30 and theto the shift lever 38 such that movement of the shifter 30 results in a rotation of the shiftlever 38 for rotating the shift select shaft 28.

[0027] The shift select device 24 further includes a select lever 44. The select lever 44 ofthe subject invention is of a unique construction and operates in a non-conventionalmanner. The select lever 44 comprises a spindle 46 coupled to the housing 34 andextending along a spi11dle axis A2. The spindle 46 may include a spindle base 50 and aninterior shaft 52 slidably supported Within the spindle base 50. For example, the spindle46 may include a base bushing 54 and a shaft bushing 56 mounted to the housing 34 ofthe shift select device 24 With the interior shaft 52 disposed between the base bushing54 and a shaft bushing 56 such that the interior shaft 52 is movable along the spindleaxis A2 relative to the spindle base 50.

[0028] The select lever 44 also comprises an exterior lever 58 coupled to the spindle 46.Generally, rotation of the exterior lever 58 rotates at least a portion of the spindle 46.Typically, exterior lever 58 is coupled to the spindle base 50. HoWever, it is to beappreciated that the exterior lever 58 may be coupled to the interior shaft 52 of the spindle46. The exterior lever 58 may be moveable along the spindle axis A2. Generally, at least aportion of the exterior lever 58 is located outside of the housing 34. Said differently, theexterior lever 58 can be directly manipulated once the housing 34 is coupled to the gearbox22.

[0029] The select lever 44 further comprises an interior lever 60. The interior lever 60 is typically disposed entirely Within the housing 34 of the shift select device 24 such that 5Docket No: 06563 6.00004 the interior lever 60 is not visible once the housing 34 is coupled to the gearbox 22.Said differently, the interior lever 60 cannot be directly manipulated. Rather,manipulation of the interior lever 60 occurs through manipulation of other componentsof the select lever 44, as will be described in detail below. The interior lever 60 has afirst end 62 coupled to the spindle 46 and movable along the spiiidle axis A2 between aninstallation position and an operational position. For example, a mounting flange 64 maybe disposed on the interior shaft 52 of the spindle 46 with the first end 62 of theinterior lever 60 fixedly mounted to and supported by the mounting flange 64.Additionally, the interior lever 60 is fixed to the interior shaft 52 of the spindle 46 suchthat the interior lever 60 rotates with the interior shaft 52. When the mounting flange 64is present, the mounting flange 64 is movable along the spindle axis A2 for moving thefirst end 62 of the interior lever 60 between the installation position and the operationalposition. It is to be appreciated that the exterior lever 58 may be moved along thespindle axis A2 for manipulating the first end 62 of the interior lever 60 between theinstallation position and the operational position. For example, because the exteriorlever 58 is located outside the house 34 of the shift select device 24, the exterior lever58 may be moveable along the spindle axis A2 for effectuating a correspondingmovement of the first end 62 of the interior lever 60 along the spindle axis A2.[0030] The interior lever 60 has a second end 66 for coupling with the shift select shaft 28.The second end 66 of the interior lever 60 is coupled to the shift select shaft 28 for pullingand pushing the shift select shaft 28 to axially move the shift select shaft 28 relative to thegearbox 22. As described above, axially moving the shift select shaft 28 relative to thegearbox 22 changes between one of the plurality of gears in the gearbox 22.[0031] Movement of the first end 62 of the interior lever 60 between the installationposition and the operational position results in a corresponding movement of the secondend 66 of the interior lever 60. More specifically, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the secondend 66 of the interior lever 60 is spaced from the shift select shaft 28 when the first end 62is in the installation position. Said differently, the interior lever 60 does not engage the shiftselect shaft 28 when the first end 62 of the interior lever 60 is in the installation position andthe housing 34 is coupled to the gearbox 22. However, when the housing 34 is coupled to the gearbox 22 and the first end 62 of the interior lever 60 is in the installation position, the 6Docket No: 06563 6.00004 second end 66 of the interior lever 60 is spaced vertically from the shift select shaft 28.Said differently, when the housing 34 is coupled to the gearbox 22 and the first end 62 ofthe interior lever 60 is in the installation position, the second end 66 of the interior lever 60is spaced below the shift select shaft 28. Providing space between the interior lever 60 andthe shift select shaft 28 allows the shift select device 24 to be easily coupled to or removedfrom the gearbox 22 without having to disassemble the shift select device 24.

[0032] As shown in Figure 5, the second end 66 of the interior lever 60 is coupled to theshift select shaft 28 when the first end 62 is in the operational position. As such, the secondend 66 of the interior lever 60 moves along a third axis A3, which corresponds to thespir1dle axis A2. More specifically, the third axis A3 is parallel with the spir1dle axis A2. Asthe first end 62 of the interior lever 60 moves along the spindle axis A2 between theinstallation position and the operational position, the second end 66 of the interior lever 60moves along the third axis A3. It is to be appreciated that the third axis A3 is generallytransverse to the shaft axis Al of the shift select shaft 28. Therefore, as the second end 66of the interior lever 60 moves along the third axis A3, the second end 66 is also moving is atransverse direction relative to the shaft axis Al.

[0033] Although not required, the second end 66 of the interior lever 60 may include a pin68 for engaging a cavity 70 defined in a distal end 72 of the shift select shaft 28. Forexample, the pin 68 at the second end 66 of the interior lever 60 may be disposed within thecavity 70 of the shift select shaft 28 for transmitting movement of the interior lever 60 tothe shift select shaft 28. Generally, movement of the second end 66 of the interior lever 60occurs by rotation of the spindle 46. The interior lever 60 rotates to pull and push the shiftselect shaft 28 relative to the gearbox 22 for selecting one of the plurality of gears. One ofthe cables 32 is coupled to the shifter 30 and the exterior lever 58 such that movement ofthe shifter 30 effectuates movement of the exterior lever 58, which in tum effectuatesrotation of the interior lever 60 for pushing and pulling of the shift select shaft 28 of thegearbox 22. More specifically, movement of the shifter 30 is transmitted by the cable to theexterior lever 58, which in tum transmits the movement to the spir1dle 46, which transmitsthe movement to the interior lever 60.

[0034] With reference to Figures 2-5, a spring 74 may be disposed about the interior shaft 52 of the spindle 46 between the interior lever 60 and the spindle base 50. The 7Docket No: 06563 6.00004 spring 74 biases against the spindle base 50 and the interior lever 60 to urge the firstend 62 of the interior lever 60 toward the operational position. It is to be appreciatedthat when the mounting flange 64 is present, the spring 74 may bias against themounting flange 64. It is also to be appreciated that the spring 74 can be of anysuitable stiffness and/or size and can be constructed from any suitable material. It isreadily understood that a compression force of the spring 74 can be chosen to guarantee ahigh level of safety. Inherently, however, the higher a stiffness of the spring 74 is, moreforce is required to be applied on the select lever 44 in order to move the select lever 44from the operational position to the installation position.

[0035] With reference to Figures 2 and 3, a pre-tension 76 device may be used to holdthe interior lever 60 in the installation position. For example, the pre-tension 76 devicemay contact the spindle 46 for securing the first end 62 of the interior lever 60 in theinstallation position. For example, when the spring 74 is present, the pre-tension 76device counteracts the biasing of the spring 74 to prevent the first end 62 of theinterior lever 60 from moving from the installation position towards the operationalposition. Securing the first end 62 of the interior lever 60 in the installation positionallows the second end 66 of the interior lever 60 to be spaced from/disengaged fromthe shift select shaft 28. Said differently, securing the first end 62 of the interior lever60 in the installation position allows the interior lever 60 to clear the shift select shaft28 as the housing 34 of the shift select device 24 is coupled to or removed from thegearbox 22.

[0036] With reference to Figure 2-5 and 7, it is to be appreciated that the pre-tension 76device may be further defined as a locking pin 78. In such an embodiment, the lockingpin 78 typically extends from the housing 34 of the shift select device 24 for engagingthe interior lever 60 to secure the first end 62 of the interior lever 60 in the installationposition. For example, although not required, the interior lever 60 may define a notch80 for receiving the locking pin 78 such that the locking pin 78 engages the notch 80of the interior lever 60 to secure the first end 62 of the interior lever 60 in theinstallation position. The locking pin 78 may be disengaged from the notch 80 of theinterior lever 60 for allowing the first end 62 of the interior lever 60 to move from the installation position to the operational position. Although not shown, it is to be 8Docket No: 06563600004 appreciated, that the locking pin 78 may contact the spring 74 disposed on the interiorshaft 52 of the spindle 46 for preventing the spring 74 from biasing against either thespindle base 50 or the mounting flange 64. It is further to be appreciated that thelocking pin 78 may contact any portion of the spindle 46, the interior lever 60, theexterior lever 58, the interior shaft 52, and the mounting flange 64 for securing the firstend 62 of the interior lever 60 in the installation position.

[0037] With reference to Figures 8-10, when the interior lever 60 includes the notch80, the interior lever 60 may be rotatable for disengaging/engaging the locking pin 78with the notch 80. For example, the exterior lever 58 may be used to rotate the interiorshaft 52 of the spindle 46. Because the interior lever 60 is coupled to the interior shaft52 of the spindle 46, the interior lever 60 rotates as the interior shaft 52 is rotated. Assuch, the locking pin 78 can be manipulated to disengage/engage the notch 80 of theinterior lever 60 by rotating the exterior lever 58. Because the exterior lever 58 islocated outside of the housing 34 of the shift select device 24, manipulation of theinterior lever 60 within the housing 34 can be effectuated without having todisassemble the shift select device 24. Therefore, as best shown in Figures ll and 12,the interior lever 60, and more specifically the first end 62 of the interior lever 60, canbe moved along the spindle axis A2 between the installation position and theoperational position simply by manipulating the exterior lever 58.

[0038] It is also to be appreciated that the locking pin 78 may not be a permanent part ofthe shift select device 24. For example, the interlocking pin 78 may be removable from thehousing 34 such that the interlocking pin 78 can be used to temporarily secure the first end62 of the interior lever 60 in the installation position and the interlocking pin 78 can besubsequently removed from the housing 34 to free the first and of the interior lever 60 suchthat the first end 62 of the interior lever 60 can move towards the operational position.[0039] As shown in Figures 2-5, the pre-tension 76 device may be further defined as acollar 82 disposed on the spindle 46 for preventing the first end 62 of the interior lever60 from moving between the installation position and the operational position. Forexample, the collar 82 may be disposed between the spindle base 50 and the exteriorlever 58. In such an example, the collar 82 would have a height configured to hold the first end 62 of the interior lever 60 in the installation position. Once the shift select 9Docket No: 06563 6.00004 device 24 is coupled to the gearbox 22, the collar 82 can be removed, as shown inFigures 4 and 5, so that the first end 62 of the interior lever 60 can be moved along thespindle axis A2 from the installation position to the operational position such that thesecond end 66 of the interior lever 60 couples with the shift select shaft 28. When thespring 74 is present, the collar 82 may counteract the biasing of the spring 74 therebysecuring the first end 62 of the interior lever 60 in the installation position. Once theshift select device 24 is coupled to the gearbox 22, the collar 82 may be once againcoupled to the spindle 46 for retaining the first end 62 of the interior lever 60 in theoperational position. For example, the collar 82 may be disposed between themounting flange 64 and the shaft bushing 56 for preventing movement of the interiorshaft 52 of the spindle 46 along the spindle axis A2. By preventing movement of theinterior shaft 52 of the spi11dle 46, the collar 82 prevents the first end 62 of the interiorlever 60 from moving from the operational position to the installation position. It is tobe appreciated that other devices besides the collar 82 may be used to secure the firstend 62 of the interior lever 60 in the operational position. In addition to facilitatinginstallation, such an arrangement would also increase the safety of the invention sincethe select lever 44 cannot be moved out of the operational position even if the spring74 fails.

[0040] Although not shown, the shift select shaft 28 may include a chamfered end forautomatically guiding the second end 66 of the interior lever 60 into engagement withthe shift select shaft 28.

[0041] A method of coupling the shift select device 24 to the gearbox 22 of thetransmission 20 is described below. The step-by-step installation is shown in Figures 2-5, 8-10, and 13-16. As shown in Figures 2, and 13, the shift select device 24 is aligned With theshift select shaft 28 such that the shift select shaft 28 is aligned With the shift lever 38. Asshown in Figures 3 and 14, and 15, the shift select device 24 is then coupled to the gearbox22 such that the shift lever 38 engages the shift select shaft 28.

[0042] As mentioned above, in the ernbodirnent shown, the interior lever 60 is fixedlymounted to the interior shaft 52 by the mounting flange 64. It should be appreciated, thatthe interior lever 60 could be mounted to the shaft by any suitable means. Generally, when the interior lever 60 is moved downwardly, the interior shaft 52 slides within the base Docket No: 06563 6.00004 bushing 54 and shaft bushing 56, Which moves the mounting flange 64 downwardly againstthe bias of the spring 74, if present. As best shown in Figure 3, the spring 74 is compressedabout the interior shaft 52. The downward movement is enough to provide a desiredclearance between the interior lever 60 and the shift select shaft 28 while the interior shaft52 mai11tains engagement with the base and shaft bushings 56.

[0043] Once the shift select device 24 is coupled to the gearbox 22, the interior lever 60can be released. As shown in Figures 5, l0, and l2 the spring 74 automatically biases theinterior shaft 52 and interior lever 60 upward into the operational position. Once in thisposition, interior lever 60 can then engage the shift select shaft 28. If not perfectly alignedinitially, the interior lever 60 can be rotated to automatically “find° the notch 80.

[0044] With reference to Figures 3-5 and 8-l0, when the locking pin 78 is present, theinterior lever 60 is rotated about the interior shaft 52 to move into alignment with the shiftselect shaft 28. More specifically, as best shown in Figures 3 and 8, the second end 66 ofthe interior lever 60, and the pin 68 that may be disposed thereon, is spaced from the shiftselect shaft 28 and rotated out of alignment with the notch 80 of the shift select shaft 28when the interior lever 60 is in the installation position. As best shown in Figures 4, 9, andl5, as the interior lever 60 is rotated about the interior shaft 52 of the spi11dle 46, thesecond end 66 of the interior lever 60 is brought into alignment with the notch 80 of theshift select shaft 28 as the interior lever 60 moves free of the locking pin 78. As shown inFigures 5, l0 and l6, once the interior lever 60 is free of the locking pin 78, the biasing ofthe spring 74 moves the first end 62 of the interior lever 60 from the installation position tothe operational position thereby coupling the interior lever 60 with the shift select shaft 28.[0045] The method includes the step of manipulating the first end 62 of the interior lever60 into the installation position such that the first end 62 of the interior lever 60 is spacedfrom the shift select shaft 28. The method also includes the step of engaging the shift selectshaft 28 with the shift lever 38. The method further includes the step of manipulating thefirst end 62 of the interior lever 60 into the operational position such that the second end 66of the interior lever 60 couples with the shift select shaft 28.

[0046] The method may also include the step of coupling the housing 34 of the shift selectdevice 24 to the gearbox 22. As such, it is to be appreciated that the step of coupling the housing 34 of the shift select device 24 to the gearbox 22 is performed prior to the step of llDocket No: 065636.00004 manipulating the select lever 44 into the operational position. Said differently and asdescribed above, the step of manipulating the select lever 44 into the operational positioncan occur even though the housing 34 is coupled to the gearbox 22. Said yet another Way,manipulation of the select lever 44 between the operational position in the installationposition can occur “blind.” For example, the select lever 44 can be manipulated betweenthe operational position in the installation position even though the select lever 44 is ishidden from and out of the sight of an operator Who is installing or removing the shift selectdevice 24 from the gearbox 22.

[0047] It is to be appreciated that the step of manipulating the select lever 44 into theoperational position may be further defined as moving the first end 62 of the interior lever60 along the spindle axis A2 to move the select lever 44 from the installation position to theoperational position. Furthermore, it is be appreciated that the step of moving the first end62 of the interior lever 60 along the spindle axis A2 may be further defined as rotating theexterior lever 58 thereby rotating the interior lever 60 through the spindle 46 to move thefirst end 62 of the interior lever 60 from the installation position to the operational position.[0048] It is to be appreciated that When the shift select device 24 includes the pre-tension76 device, the method may include the step of disengaging the pre-tension 76 device tomanipulate the first end 62 of the interior lever 60 into the operational position. It is also tobe appreciated that When the pre-tension 76 device is the locking pin 78, the method mayfurther comprises the step of rotating the spi11dle 46 to disengage the locking pin 78 therebypermitting movement of the first end 62 of the interior lever 60 into the operationalposition.

[0049] To remove the shift select device 24 from the gearbox 22 after the first end 62 ofthe interior lever 60 is in the installation position, the first end 62 of the interior lever 60 ismoved along the spi11dle axis A2 from the operational position to the installation position.Movement of the first end 62 of the interior lever 60 from the operational position to theinstallation position separated the interior lever 60 from the shift select shaft 28. The stepof separating the interior lever 60 from the shift select shaft 28 occurs While the housing 34is still coupled to the gearbox 22. In this manner, movement of the interior lever 60 alongthe spi11dle axis A2 is again effectuated blindly. For example, the exterior lever may be moved along the spindle axis A2 for manipulating the first end 62 of the interior lever l2Docket No: 06563600004 60 between the installation position and the operational position. For example,because the exterior lever 58 is located outside the house 34 of the shift select device24, the exterior lever 58 may be moveable along the spindle axis A2 for effectuating acorresponding movement of the first end 62 of the interior lever 60 along the spindleaxis A2. Therefore, the shift select device 24 does not have to be disassernbled in order toremove the shift select device 24 from the gearbox 22.

[0050] While the invention has been described With reference to exemplaryembodiments, it Will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes maybe made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof Without departingfrom the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made toadapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention Withoutdeparting from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the inventionnot be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplatedfor carrying out this invention, but that the invention Will include all embodiments falling Within the scope of the appended claims. 13Docket No: 06563600004

Claims (6)

1. l. A shift select device “ _of a transmission With the \_=___for coupling to a gearboX gearboX ' ' ' f;- _for receiving the shift select shaft__: " -\ ,.\ .> \ to selectively rotate the shift select a shift lever__§_ shaft_ " _ for engaging the shift select shaft__ »v and relative to the gearboX__

2. 'X a select lever__sf i _ _ comprising; a spindle 'i __coupled to said housing__~ and eXtending along a spindle axisg” an exterior lever :coupled to said spindle__' such that rotation of said exterior having a first end “ _. and movable along said “ 'Éš between an installation position and an operational position With said interior “ß spindle axisi' lever "" i f. When said first end ”ä” “c having a second end " .\. __coupled to said shift select shaft__¿:° i is in said operational position for pulling and pushing the shift select shaft__ '_ i .\. __ as said spindle_ i' ..... the gearboxj ' shift select shaft__§'_' ' :_ When said f1rst end__=" __ _ ï _* i _ _ _ i' -J * _ . _, w _.,_\_.\ \,..-..,\ .tm ,\_,\.. ,_~.§_~.\.~t_: to G: _~u...=r_\\,~\ ~t_..-. stram mi., §_f;\.Vr.L:O-\>_.\N _ is entirely disposed Within said housing

3. A shift select device__ as set forth in any one of claims l and 2 further including a Wherein said spindle base bushing __and a shaft bushing___š__"' __ __ mounted to said housing___a_ I i" includes a spindle base_¿"_'_"" i" and an interior shaft * slidably supported Within said spindle .\.. ... ....... _.... .... such that said interior shaft ,,.. '_ .. \.- and said shaft bushing___=f _____ through said base bushing_ . ,.\_\ ,_. ,-\' .~' is movable along said spindle aXis__š_ relative to said spindle base__§_f_ \

4. A shift select device____'_'_' as set forth in claim 3 further comprising a mounting of said spindle__~_f___' flange___' ' said interior lever__§_f_~_'_i__i_i___ fixedly mounted to and supported by said mounting flange___5" 'i

5. A shift select device__5' , as set forth in claim ëš-f§š¿__wherein said mounting flange__s'_' ' i _ of said interior lever__§_ movable along said spindle aXis__g“ for moving said first end__§_f_~'" between said installation position and said operational position.

6. A shift select device__"" c ...i as set forth in claim ist further comprising a springmí .1,-\š disposed between said mounting flangemš and said spindle base___/__ for biasing against said spindle base____§_"___,_ and said mounting flange 'i __to continuously bias said interior lever___j" toward said operational position. .1 1 1 \ _11 1 .- 1- , .- . 11 _ 1 .- . .'\ -Ms -1 - m fs 11.-, -wfl s» .- 1.- »s 1-1s .-s-1s -. - 1 »s - 4- 1s ~ 1 «-s-~ 11 ~ ~ *s -mw »sv ~sfs ~1~1-~~1 ~. 1 ~1.~~ .-1 ~ 1 x~ x -\»*\ \-,\\1' s' s' »f\~ xxx) u-x-ux x .'_\ \I x AI x \xß x x' J.\I\~ J), »'_\xJ.x)_x.\\, .k ,' I xAx x_\.l\~x \« \~_- I x}_~x.'_\_xx)_\l,\»_. kx :HLR \~ 1' _ v . 1 - .- . . _ 1 1, 1 1 .1. _ , 1 1 . _ 1 1 .- .- .1~.:;1--1-.- 1 .« ß ~ « ,_ .» 1A -11~s 1 - ~ w; w~1 -- s» “Ms »..-s - - ~ ~--1--1f rfss» .~~ - š- »..«1--~ --1-«~s s. .- ~1 ~ s-.ffs s 1~-s .1.~s - ~\\v x_\.^.\ I :AI “u sv x\« .f . . ._ x{_\\~.\ *J t' I.\I\¿\_\\~.' \\.^ ._ .'\< wkx \.f x)\x.\\~\- Jnkx u-xf s - x_\\.\ JA x)»\.xI\~\- }.x}.x\~ I ß .'.x s' u v \~ I x) x \,x~-\.x\¿\ . ,- ,, _, 1.. t., ._ s 1 . _ , _ . 1 1 .s ._,_.;1._1_,.,_.\~ ._ twqs .M-iïgw-s. ,~,_\1,..\¿_\ . _, .V “Wii .~ 41, ,. k”. , .,_,___,,} . , iw »gsc»s osm-c.. cis; .s om.. .i .fx w» 1 m1» _ , .-\.\~;.._~ 1/ .1 t. . V. i .Any . vd. ,t_~,\._~,.s »du A shift select device__ ,__pre-tension device__š . i the form of a locking pin i _ defining a notch__" _and said interior leverm” 4” housing; ¿ of said shift select device s receiving said locking ping: ' _. such that said locking pin_ .An engages said notch ...\. in said installation f» .1 ,«1\F “ _._ to secure said first end_ ..\. i of said interior levermi' va interior levermg' position and said locking pin___=fl ' of said interior lever f' to move from said installation position to ,.cs,cs, allowing said first end__=' said operational position. A shift select device "gwherein said interior lever i” is “cc .\\\\\\\\:\.^. 'i i from said locking pini 'i to allow said first endl said interior lever gfgífljf to move from said installation position to said operational position. A shift select device “i ï-___as set forth in claim -ís'-¿É\_f.___wherein said pre-tension device__¿'f'__ “_ disposed between said spindle base__¿:' ' I and said exterior lever ' f. to secure said first end__“" i_ of said interior l _ Wherein said exterior i is moveable along said spindle axisjßf k of said for manipulating said first end___=f_~ interior lever s between said installation position and said operational position. A transn1ission for a vehicle, said transrr1ission comprising: a gearboX___ii shaftji ' movable axially and rotatably for selecting one of said plurality of gears; and having a plurality of gears and a shift select shaft__§ i With said shift select Å _. \ a shift select device ~__according to any one of the claims l-ïš~_{§;»_“§__“¿__pcoupled to said gearboX ef-fèsâçv. A method of coupling a shift select device___=§i of a transrnission i *t to a gearboX___:'_i' -x Wherein the gearboX i includes a plurality of gears and a shift select shaftmfl: movable both aXially and rotatably for selecting one of the plurality of gears, the shift select device ' .__¿ def1ning an aperture___¿_=:=:s a shift leveruåf and a select lever i including a housing__ Å having a spindle___i coupled to the housing and eXtending along a spindle axisug; exterior leverj; i _. coupled to the spindlei ' and an interior leverjfiiívi-*íišš having a first endi ......;..c coupled to the spindle__i and a second end” i 'i capable of being coupled to the shift select 'i ,= said method comprising the steps of: ,= of the interior lever manipulating the first end__í_i the second endii ' of the interior leverj: i s ~. -~ ~ p: : -, : , f i~ : :~ -w »MA f«.~i-..»>..~.~- “wa-v :n f \ \ ~\.~w\.-\.»>«< -.Ö» lill. byn/gi. Ek/vx/l ~~+~+_.~ :§:\.:§.~\.~.\./. - i _ fl u* 'i f “ * , ¿ 1A:- iriu: ._ _ ./ . disposed through the aperture_ __ \ the operational position. A method as set forth in any one of claims and ¥Å«§___Wherein said step of manipulating the first end__ ^ defined as moving the first end___' move the first end___" position. A method as set forth in claim vv ' i Wherein the step of manipulating the first endjf' of the interior lever__§f~í_§_§}_§~_ into the operational position is further defined as rotating the exterior t. thereby rotating the interior leverní; to move the first end lever__ 'i through the spindlej ' i of the interior leverj; _,._ from the installation position to the operational position. .. 4. t . .t 4 t .t t t . l- .. ß, t .V 4, . - -~ -'\ t ~- Vw» - -~ -t -wu V\ .Vttw -t- .-t -Vt V» .Vw - V_t ft* -t I. t ~t - -t ~ Å I . Vt f» V_t tatt Vt v» V.t w: t t -tcttt V-tt- .Vtï t .Våg-t tt -ttwti. ~ i.. t .x t.~.:\~t.ti »ti t-.~.-.. -..t~,'t i.t.- t t i t.~. tti t t t.»t.~ .f t.- i tittat: ti» .~. t i. .~ ttt. mt: tV/ti t t.ti\~ -..t ~,«.t .~.t.tt.«.t:.tttt.t«-.. tt ;.- t t.V _ .- t .- .t .V - .tt _ - .t _. t .V t _.t .V t _ _.:Vy-t V. t .V -t .Vt .tt .-t .Vt .t ~ .V -t- ~t »tt .-». -Vt^Vt «-t Vt Ut- .t ~ -tt-tf »t -Vtfš .VtV\ t» Vt t - ft-.tt V -«~ Mt- fit» vw- t --t -Vt V .VVt -t ~ Vt 'V .fif- V-Vtitw f» V_tt, .u tti_t .it t.~t./ \ .tt - _. _t_ _.i ;.- i t., \ »i t:.t.~ tg. :.t.~. .I .~..~ t -..t, vi tttt .- i. t.~.:\. :.ti~.t~,«.t t\..i i .f .- t-t t.t .-t.~.t i t.~.t,» t.~.~;;. i.. .vt .w -t.t t.~.:\~.t t, tst-VtVnf-lï. -..-~- «-\- V-ÃN- ~ .V-~--~ Ûß-.t .V -V .Víww - t _Vt~ ~ V-ÄN- ~ .V-t--I V-.t-.Vï »Vtßšl - .Vt -t--tw-.Vï _tV- -ï-tft ~-~.:;t-. - t'-.ti ttittßhthttut M_- ;_,t,,..,t:..t,\_t; Mthttht th., ,. _, :__ å.. .nu _-_t,;.t,t_\ tßt... t:.t\.\.~.: t.~.t.~t.~ t. tt; .t .ti t.t«t.~.:\.n t i t.~\..~ tt~ .t titt-s t. tt?- \.\.tt .t t .. , -.VV~--t-.-. .V V .t, t-tf-»t-V w. -.V- Ut- V\-~--- ,= is a locking pin f_,=___and said method further ,~.~t ,Vt \ ' to disengage the locking pint ~ _ from the comprises the step of rotating the interior levergfi - v' '\ \ thereby permitting movement of the first end__=' = of the interior levermä" .t.......¿ interior lever i' into the operational position.