WO2013121278A1

WO2013121278A1 - Shift select device for a transmission

Info

Publication number: WO2013121278A1
Application number: PCT/IB2013/000209
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniel Norheim
Original assignee: Kongsberg Automotive As
Priority date: 2012-02-17
Filing date: 2013-02-18
Publication date: 2013-08-22
Also published as: CN104126086B; DE112013001019B4; SE1450949A1; BR112014020203B1; BR112014020203A2; IN2014KN01709A; DE112013001019T5; CN104126086A; SE539486C2

Abstract

A transmission for a vehicle includes a gearbox and a shift select. The gearbox includes a plurality of gears and a shift select shaft. The shift select device includes a housing and a shift lever engaging the shift select shaft. The shift select device also includes a 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 lever further includes an interior lever having a first end coupled to the spindle and movable along the spindle axis between an installation position and an operational position. The interior lever also has a second end coupled to the shift select shaft when the first end is in the operational and a second end spaced from the shift select shaft when the first end is in the installation position.

Description

SHIFT SELECT DEVICE FOR A TRANSMISSION

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to and all advantages of United States Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/633,813, which was filed on February 17, 2012, the entire specification of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. 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 conventional transmission includes a gearbox and a shift select device. Generally, the gearbox includes a shift select shaft movable axially and rotatably within the gearbox for selecting one of a plurality of gears. The shift select device includes a housing which is coupled to the gearbox. The shift select device includes an interior lever and an exterior lever coupled to one another. The exterior lever is disposed outside of the house. The interior lever is disposed within the housing and is coupled to the shift select shaft for effectuating movement of the shift select shaft based on movement of the exterior lever. Because the interior lever is disposed within the housing and is coupled to the shift select shaft, the shift select device cannot be easily coupled to or removed from the gearbox without disassembling the shift select device, which is very costly and time consuming. For example, the housing prevents the interior lever from being separated from the shift select shaft once the shift select device has been coupled to the gearbox. Likewise, the interior lever must be coupled to the shift select shaft before 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

[0004] A transmission for a vehicle includes a gearbox and a shift select device coupled to the gearbox. The gearbox includes a plurality of gears and a shift select shaft with the shift 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 select shaft. The shift select device also includes a shift lever engaging the shift select shaft to selectively rotate the shift select shaft relative to the gearbox. The shift select device also includes a select lever including a spindle coupled to the housing and extending along n spindle axis. The select lever also includes an exterior lever coupled to the spindle such that rotation of the exterior lever rotates at least a portion of the spindle. The select lever further includes an interior lever having a first end coupled to the spindle and movable along the spindle axis between an installation position and an operational position. The interior lever also has a second end coupled to the shift select shaft when the first end is in the operational position for pulling and pushing the shift select shaft relative to the gearbox as the spindle rotates. The interior lever also includes a second end spaced from the shift select shaft when the first end is in the installation position. Because the first end of the interior lever can move along the spindle axis, the second end of the interior lever can be spaced from the shift select shaft even with the housing coupled to the gearbox. Therefore the shift select device can be easily separated from the gearbox without having to disassemble the shift select device itself.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.

[0006] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a transmission coupled to an engine with 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 gearbox with 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 installation position such that a second end of the interior lever is spaced from a shift select shaft of the gearbox.

[0009] Figure 4 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 the interior lever rotating out of contact with an interlocking pin.

[0010] Figure 5 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 the first end of the interior lever in an operational position such that the second end of the interior lever engages the shift select shaft.

[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 the interlocking pin to shown the interior lever defining a notch for receiving the interlocking pin.

[0013] Figure 8 is a schematic view of the shift select device and the shift select shaft with the 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 with the interior lever rotated such that the notch moves out of engagement with the interlocking pin 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 with the first end of the interior lever in the operational position such that the second end of the interior lever is coupled to the shift select shaft.

[0016] Figure 1 1 is a side view of the shift select device with a cut away showing the first end 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 first end of the interior lever in the operational position.

[0018] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the shift select device and the gearbox showing the shift select device spaced from the gearbox. [0019] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the sift select device and the gearbox showing the shift select shaft partially inserted into the shift lever of the sliift 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 fully inserted into the shift lever.

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, a gear change mechanism, such as a transmission 20 is generally shown in Figure 1. Typically, the transmission 20 is used with a vehicle. More typically, the transmission 20 is used with large trucks, such as semi-trucks. With reference to Figure 1 , the transmission 20 comprises a gearbox 22 and a shift select device 24 coupled to the gearbox 22. With reference to Figures 2-5, the gearbox 22 has a plurality of gears disposed within a gear housing 26 and a shift select shaft 28. The shift select shaft 28 extends along a shaft axis Al from the gearbox 22. More specifically, the shift select shaft 28 extends from the gear housing 26 of the gearbox 22. The shift select shaft 28 is movable axially and rotatably for selecting one of the plurality of gears in the gearbox 22. The gearbox 22 and shift select shaft 28 is of a common configuration known to 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 moving and rotating the shift select shaft 28. Said differently, the shift select device 24 is used to manipulate the shift select shaft 28. Manipulating the shift select shaft 28 effectuates a change in engagement between one of the plurality of gears of the gearbox 22.

[0024] Referring back to Figure 1, a shifter 30 is typically coupled to the shift select device 24 for controlling the axial movement and rotation of the shift select shaft 28. More specifically, a driver of the vehicle controls the shifter 30 to effectuate the change between one of the plurality of gears in the gearbox 22. Typically, cables 32 are interconnected between the shifter 30 and the shift select device 24 for relaying movement of the shifter 30 to the shift select device 24. In turn, the shift select device 24 relays the movement of the shifter 30 to the shift select shaft 28. As such, through the use of the shifter 30, the driver can 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 for coupling to the gearbox 22. More specifically, the housing 34 is coupled to the gear housing 26. The housing 34 defines an aperture 36 (shown in Figure 13) for receiving the shift select shaft 28 once the housing 34 is coupled to the gearbox 22. It is to be appreciated 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 38 engaging the shift select shaft 28 to selectively rotate the shift select shaft 28 relative to the gearbox 22. For example, although not required, the shift select shaft 28 may include splines 40 and the shift lever 38 may define grooves 42 for receiving the splines 40 of the shift select shaft 28. Once the splines 40 of the shift select shaft 28 are received by the grooves 42 of the shift lever 38, rotation of the shift lever 38 results in a rotation of the shift select shaft 28. If is to be appreciated that the shift lever 38 can be coupled to the shift select shaft by any suitable means. One of the cables 32 is coupled to the shifter 30 and the to the shift lever 38 such that movement of the shifter 30 results in a rotation of the shift lever 38 for rotating the shift select shaft 28.

[0027] The shift select device 24 further includes a select lever 44. The select lever 44 of the subject invention is of a unique construction and operates in a non-conventional manner. The select lever 44 comprises a spindle 46 coupled to the housing 34 and extending along a spindle axis A2. The spindle 46 may include a spindle base 50 and an interior shaft 52 slidably supported within the spindle base 50. For example, the spindle 46 may include a base bushing 54 and a shaft bushing 56 mounted to the housing 34 of the shift select device 24 with the interior shaft 52 disposed between the base bushing 54 and a shaft bushing 56 such that the interior shaft 52 is movable along the spindle axis 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 be appreciated that the exterior lever 58 may be coupled to the interior shaft 52 of the spindle 46. The exterior lever 58 may be moveable along the spindle axis A2. Generally, at least a portion of the exterior lever 58 is located outside of the housing 34. Said differently, the exterior lever 58 can be directly manipulated once the housing 34 is coupled to the gearbox 22.

[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 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 components of the select lever 44, as will be described in detail below. The interior lever 60 has a first end 62 coupled to the spindle 46 and movable along the spindle axis A2 between an installation position and an operational position. For example, a mounting flange 64 may be disposed on the interior shaft 52 of the spindle 46 with the first end 62 of the interior 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 such that the interior lever 60 rotates with the interior shaft 52. When the mounting flange 64 is present, the mounting flange 64 is movable along the spindle axis A2 for moving the first end 62 of the interior lever 60 between the installation position and the operational position. It is to be appreciated that the exterior lever 58 may be moved along the spindle axis A2 for manipulating the first end 62 of the interior lever 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 device 24, the exterior lever 58 may be moveable along the spindle axis A2 for effectuating a corresponding movement 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 pulling and pushing the shift select shaft 28 to axially move the shift select shaft 28 relative to the gearbox 22. As described above, axially moving the shift select shaft 28 relative to the gearbox 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 installation position and the operational position results in a corresponding movement of the second end 66 of the interior lever 60. More specifically, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the second end 66 of the interior lever 60 is spaced from the shift select shaft 28 when the first end 62 is in the installation position. Said differently, the interior lever 60 does not engage the shift select shaft 28 when the first end 62 of the interior lever 60 is in the installation position and the 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 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 of the interior lever 60 is in the installation position, the second end 66 of the interior lever 60 is spaced below the shift select shaft 28. Providing space between the interior lever 60 and the shift select shaft 28 allows the shift select device 24 to be easily coupled to or removed from 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 the shift select shaft 28 when the first end 62 is in the operational position. As such, the second end 66 of the interior lever 60 moves along a third axis A3, which corresponds to the spindle axis A2. More specifically, the third axis A3 is parallel with the spindle axis A2. As the first end 62 of the interior lever 60 moves along the spindle axis A2 between the installation position and the operational position, the second end 66 of the interior lever 60 moves along the third axis A3. It is to be appreciated that the third axis A3 is generally transverse to the shaft axis Al of the shift select shaft 28. Therefore, as the second end 66 of the interior lever 60 moves along the third axis A3, the second end 66 is also moving is a transverse direction relative to the shaft axis Al .

[0033] Although not required, the second end 66 of the interior lever 60 may include a pin 68 for engaging a cavity 70 defined in a distal end 72 of the shift select shaft 28. For example, the pin 68 at the second end 66 of the interior lever 60 may be disposed within the cavity 70 of the shift select shaft 28 for transmitting movement of the interior lever 60 to the shift select shaft 28. Generally, movement of the second end 66 of the interior lever 60 occurs by rotation of the spindle 46. The interior lever 60 rotates to pull and push the shift select shaft 28 relative to the gearbox 22 for selecting one of the plurality of gears. One of the cables 32 is coupled to the shifter 30 and the exterior lever 58 such that movement of the shifter 30 effectuates movement of the exterior lever 58, which in turn effectuates rotation of the interior lever 60 for pushing and pulling of the shift select shaft 28 of the gearbox 22. More specifically, movement of the shifter 30 is transmitted by the cable to the exterior lever 58, which in turn transmits the movement to the spindle 46, which transmits the 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 spring 74 biases against the spindle base 50 and the interior lever 60 to urge the first end 62 of the interior lever 60 toward the operational position. It is to be appreciated that when the mounting flange 64 is present, the spring 74 may bias against the mounting flange 64. It is also to be appreciated that the spring 74 can be of any suitable stiffness and/or size and can be constructed from any suitable material. It is readily understood that a compression force of the spring 74 can be chosen to guarantee a high level of safety. Inherently, however, the higher a stiffness of the spring 74 is, more force is required to be applied on the select lever 44 in order to move the select lever 44 from the operational position to the installation position.

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

[0036] With reference to Figure 2-5 and 7, it is to be appreciated that the pre-tension 76 device may be further defined as a locking pin 78. In such an embodiment, the locking pin 78 typically extends from the housing 34 of the shift select device 24 for engaging the interior lever 60 to secure the first end 62 of the interior lever 60 in the installation position. For example, although not required, the interior lever 60 may define a notch 80 for receiving the locking pin 78 such that the locking pin 78 engages the notch 80 of the interior lever 60 to secure the first end 62 of the interior lever 60 in the installation position. The locking pin 78 may be disengaged from the notch 80 of the interior 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 appreciated, that the locking pin 78 may contact the spring 74 disposed on the interior shaft 52 of the spindle 46 for preventing the spring 74 from biasing against either the spindle base 50 or the mounting flange 64. It is further to be appreciated that the locking pin 78 may contact any portion of the spindle 46, the interior lever 60, the exterior lever 58, the interior shaft 52, and the mounting flange 64 for securing the first end 62 of the interior lever 60 in the installation position.

[0037] With reference to Figures 8-10, when the interior lever 60 includes the notch 80, the interior lever 60 may be rotatable for disengaging/engaging the locking pin 78 with the notch 80. For example, the exterior lever 58 may be used to rotate the interior shaft 52 of the spindle 46. Because the interior lever 60 is coupled to the interior shaft 52 of the spindle 46, the interior lever 60 rotates as the interior shaft 52 is rotated. As such, the locking pin 78 can be manipulated to disengage/engage the notch 80 of the interior lever 60 by rotating the exterior lever 58. Because the exterior lever 58 is located outside of the housing 34 of the shift select device 24, manipulation of the interior lever 60 within the housing 34 can be effectuated without having to disassemble the shift select device 24. Therefore, as best shown in Figures 1 1 and 12, the interior lever 60, and more specifically the first end 62 of the interior lever 60, can be moved along the spindle axis A2 between the installation position and the operational position simply by manipulating the exterior lever 58. [0038] It is also to be appreciated that the locking pin 78 may not be a peiTnanent part of the shift select device 24. For example, the interlocking pin 78 may be removable from the housing 34 such that the interlocking pin 78 can be used to temporarily secure the first end 62 of the interior lever 60 in the installation position and the interlocking pin 78 can be subsequently removed from the housing 34 to free the first and of the interior lever 60 such that 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 a collar 82 disposed on the spindle 46 for preventing the first end 62 of the interior lever 60 from moving between the installation position and the operational position. For example, the collar 82 may be disposed between the spindle base 50 and the exterior lever 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 device 24 is coupled to the gearbox 22, the collar 82 can be removed, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, so that the first end 62 of the interior lever 60 can be moved along the spindle axis A2 from the installation position to the operational position such that the second end 66 of the interior lever 60 couples with the shift select shaft 28. When the spring 74 is present, the collar 82 may counteract the biasing of the spring 74 thereby securing the first end 62 of the interior lever 60 in the installation position. Once the shift select device 24 is coupled to the gearbox 22, the collar 82 may be once again coupled to the spindle 46 for retaining the first end 62 of the interior lever 60 in the operational position. For example, the collar 82 may be disposed between the mounting flange 64 and the shaft bushing 56 for preventing movement of the interior shaft 52 of the spindle 46 along the spindle axis A2. By preventing movement of the interior shaft 52 of the spindle 46, the collar 82 prevents the first end 62 of the interior lever 60 from moving from the operational position to the installation position. It is to be appreciated that other devices besides the collar 82 may be used to secure the first end 62 of the interior lever 60 in the operational position. In addition to facilitating installation, such an arrangement would also increase the safety of the invention since the select lever 44 cannot be moved out of the operational position even if the spring 74 fails. [0040] Although not shown, the shift select shaft 28 may include a chamfered end for automatically guiding the second end 66 of the interior lever 60 into engagement with the shift select shaft 28.

[0041] A method of coupling the shift select device 24 to the gearbox 22 of the transmission 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 the shift select shaft 28 such that the shift select shaft 28 is aligned with the shift lever 38. As shown in Figures 3 and 14, and 15, the shift select device 24 is then coupled to the gearbox 22 such that the shift lever 38 engages the shift select shaft 28.

[0042] As mentioned above, in the embodiment shown, the interior lever 60 is fixedly mounted to the interior shaft 52 by the mounting flange 64. It should be appreciated, that the 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 bushing 54 and shaft bushing 56, which moves the mounting flange 64 downwardly against the bias of the spring 74, if present. As best shown in Figure 3, the spring 74 is compressed about the interior shaft 52. The downward movement is enough to provide a desired clearance between the interior lever 60 and the shift select shaft 28 while the interior shaft 52 maintains engagement with the base and shaft bushings 56.

[0043] Once the shift select device 24 is coupled to the gearbox 22, the interior lever 60 can be released. As shown in Figures 5, 10, and 12 the spring 74 automatically biases the interior shaft 52 and interior lever 60 upward into the operational position. Once in this position, interior lever 60 can then engage the shift select shaft 28. If not perfectly aligned initially, the interior lever 60 can be rotated to automatically 'find' the notch 80.

[0044] With reference to Figures 3-5 and 8-10, when the locking pin 78 is present, the interior lever 60 is rotated about the interior shaft 52 to move into alignment with the shift select shaft 28. More specifically, as best shown in Figures 3 and 8, the second end 66 of the interior lever 60, and the pin 68 that may be disposed thereon, is spaced from the shift select shaft 28 and rotated out of alignment with the notch 80 of the shift select shaft 28 when the interior lever 60 is in the installation position. As best shown in Figures 4, 9, and 15, as the interior lever 60 is rotated about the interior shaft 52 of the spindle 46, the second end 66 of the interior lever 60 is brought into alignment with the notch 80 of the shift select shaft 28 as the interior lever 60 moves free of the locking pin 78. As shown in Figures 5, 10 and 16, once the interior lever 60 is free of the locking pin 78, the biasing of the spring 74 moves the first end 62 of the interior lever 60 from the installation position to the 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 lever 60 into the installation position such that the first end 62 of the interior lever 60 is spaced from the shift select shaft 28. The method also includes the step of engaging the shift select shaft 28 with the shift lever 38. The method further includes the step of manipulating the first end 62 of the interior lever 60 into the operational position such that the second end 66 of 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 select device 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 manipulating the select lever 44 into the operational position. Said differently and as described above, the step of manipulating the select lever 44 into the operational position can 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 installation position can occur "blind." For example, the select lever 44 can be manipulated between the operational position in the installation position even though the select lever 44 is is hidden from and out of the sight of an operator who is installing or removing the shift select device 24 from the gearbox 22.

[0047] It is to be appreciated that the step of manipulating the select lever 44 into the operational position may be further defined as moving the first end 62 of the interior lever 60 along the spindle axis A2 to move the select lever 44 from the installation position to the operational position. Furthermore, it is be appreciated that the step of moving the first end 62 of the interior lever 60 along the spindle axis A2 may be further defined as rotating the exterior lever 58 thereby rotating the interior lever 60 through the spindle 46 to move the first 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 pretension 76 device, the method may include the step of disengaging the pre-tension 76 device to manipulate the first end 62 of the interior lever 60 into the operational position. It is also to be appreciated that when the pre-tension 76 device is the locking pin 78, the method may further comprises the step of rotating the spindle 46 to disengage the locking pin 78 thereby permitting movement of the first end 62 of the interior lever 60 into the operational position.

[0049] To remove the shift select device 24 from the gearbox 22 after the first end 62 of the interior lever 60 is in the installation position, the first end 62 of the interior lever 60 is moved along the spindle 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 the installation position separated the interior lever 60 from the shift select shaft 28. The step of separating the interior lever 60 from the shift select shaft 28 occurs while the housing 34 is still coupled to the gearbox 22. In this manner, movement of the interior lever 60 along the spindle 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 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 device 24, the exterior lever 58 may be moveable along the spindle axis A2 for effectuating a corresponding movement of the first end 62 of the interior lever 60 along the spindle axis A2. Therefore, the shift select device 24 does not have to be disassembled in order to remove the shift select device 24 from the gearbox 22.

[0050] While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A transmission for a vehicle, said transmission comprising:

a gearbox having a plurality of gears and a shift select shaft with said shift select shaft movable axially and rotatably for selecting one of said plurality of gears; and

a shift select device coupled to said gearbox, said shift select device comprising; a housing defining an aperture for receiving said shift select shaft, a shift lever engaging said shift select shaft to selectively rotate said shift select shaft relative to said gearbox, and

a select lever comprising;

a spindle coupled to said housing and extending along a spindle axis,

an exterior lever coupled to said spindle such that rotation of said exterior lever rotates at least a portion of said spindle, and an interior lever having a first end coupled to said spindle and movable along said spindle axis between an installation position and an operational position with said interior lever having a second end coupled to said shift select shaft when said first end is in said operational position for pulling and pushing said shift select shaft relative to said gearbox as said spindle rotates, and said second end being spaced from said shift select shaft when said first end is in said installation position.

2. A transmission as set forth in claim 1 wherein said exterior lever is at least partially disposed outside said housing of said shift select device and said interior lever is entirely disposed within said housing of said shift select device such that said interior lever is not visible once said housing is coupled to said gearbox.

3. A transmission as set forth in claim 1 wherein said shift select shaft includes splines and a notch at a distal end thereof with said shift lever coupled to said splines and said second end of said interior lever coupled to said notch when said first end of said interior lever is in said operational position.

4. A transmission as set forth in claim 1 further including a base bushing and a shaft bushing mounted to said housing of said shift select device and wherein said spindle includes a spindle base and an interior shaft slidably supported within said spindle base through said base bushing and said shaft bushing such that said interior shaft is movable along said spindle axis relative to said spindle base.

5. A transmission as set forth in claim 4 further comprising a mounting flange disposed on said interior shaft of said spindle with said first end of said interior lever fixedly mounted to and supported by said mounting flange.

6. A transmission as set forth in claim 5 wherein said mounting flange is movable along said spindle axis for moving said first end of said interior lever between said installation position and said operational position.

7. A transmission as set forth in claim 6 further comprising a spring disposed between said mounting flange and said spindle base for biasing against said spindle base and said mounting flange to continuously bias said interior lever toward said operational position.

8. A transmission as set forth in claim 7 further comprising a pre-tension device contacting said spindle for securing said first end of said interior lever in said installation position to allow said interior lever to clear said shift select shaft as said housing of said shift select device is coupled to or removed from said gearbox.

9. A transmission as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a pre-tension device in the form of a locking pin extending from said housing of said shift select device and said interior lever defines a notch for receiving said locking pin such that said locking pin engages said notch of said interior lever to secure said first end of said interior lever in said installation position and said locking pin disengages said notch of said interior lever for allowing said first end of said interior lever to move from said installation position to said operational position.

10. A transmission as set forth in claim 9 wherein said interior lever is rotatable with said spindle shaft such that rotation of said exterior lever disengages said notch of said interior lever from said locking pin to allow said first end of said interior lever to move from said installation position to said operational position.

1 1 . A transmission as set forth in claim 8 wherein said pre-tension device is further defined as a collar disposed between said spindle base and said exterior lever for counteracting the biasing of said spring to secure said first end of said interior lever in said installation position.

12. A transmission as set forth in claim 1 wherein said shift select shaft extends along a shaft axis and said second end of said interior lever moves along a third axis with said third axis transverse to said shaft axis.

13. A transmission as set forth in claim 1 wherein said exterior lever is moveable along said spindle axis for manipulating said first end of said interior lever between said installation position and said operational position.

14. A shift select device for coupling to a gearbox of a transmission with the gearbox including a plurality of gears and a shift select shaft with the shift select shaft movable axially and rotatably for selecting one of said plurality of gears, said shift select device comprising:

a housing defining an aperture for receiving the shift select shaft;

a shift lever for engaging the shift select shaft to selectively rotate the shift select shaft relative to the gearbox; and

a select lever comprising;

a spindle coupled to said housing and extending along a spindle axis, an exterior lever coupled to said spindle such that rotation of said exterior lever rotates at least a portion of said spindle, and

an interior lever having a first end coupled to said spindle and movable along said spindle axis between an installation position and an operational position with said interior lever having a second end coupled to said shift select shaft when said first end is in said operational position for pulling and pushing the shift select shaft relative to the gearbox as said spindle rotates, and said second end being spaced from the shift select shaft when said first end is in said installation position.

15. A shift select device as set forth in claim 14 wherein said exterior lever is at least partially disposed outside said housing of said shift select device and said interior lever is entirely disposed within said housing of said shift select device.

16. A shift select device as set forth in claim 14 further including a base bushing and a shaft bushing mounted to said housing wherein said spindle includes a spindle base and an interior shaft slidably supported within said spindle base through said base bushing and said shaft bushing such that said interior shaft is movable along said spindle axis relative to said spindle base.

17. A shift select device as set forth in claim 16 further comprising a mounting flange disposed on said interior shaft of said spindle with said first end of said interior lever fixedly mounted to and supported by said mounting flange.

18. A shift select device as set forth in claim 17 wherein said mounting flange is movable along said spindle axis for moving said first end of said interior lever between said installation position and said operational position.

19. A shift select device as set forth in claim 16 further comprising a spring disposed between said mounting flange and said spindle base for biasing against said spindle base and said mounting flange to continuously bias said interior lever toward said operational position.

20. A shift select device as set forth in claim 14 further comprising a pre-tension device contacting said spindle to secure said first end of said interior lever in said installation position for allowing said interior lever to clear the shift select shaft as said housing of said shift select device is coupled to or removed from the gearbox.

21. A shift select device as set forth in claim 14 further comprising a pre-tension device in the form of a locking pin extending from said housing of said shift select device and said interior lever defining a notch for receiving said locking pin such that said locking pin engages said notch of said interior lever to secure said first end of said interior lever in said installation position and said locking pin disengages said notch of said interior lever for allowing said first end of said interior lever to move from said installation position to said operational position.

22. A shift select device as set forth in claim 21 wherein said interior lever is rotatable with said spindle shaft such that rotation of said exterior lever disengages said notch of said interior lever from said locking pin to allow said first end of said interior lever to move from said installation position to said operational position.

23. A shift select device as set forth in claim 22 wherein said pre-tension device is further defined as a collar disposed between said spindle base and said exterior lever for counteracting the biasing of said spring to secure said first end of said interior lever in said installation position.

24. A shift select device as set forth in claim 12 wherein second end of said interior lever moves along a third axis which is parallel to said spindle axis.

25. A shift select device as set forth in claim 12 wherein said exterior lever is moveable along said spindle axis for manipulating said first end of said interior lever between said installation position and said operational position.

26. A method of coupling a shift select device to a gearbox of a transmission wherein the gearbox includes a plurality of gears and a shift select shaft movable both axially and rotatably for selecting one of the plurality of gears, the shift select device including a housing defining an aperture, a shift lever, and a select lever having a spindle coupled to the housing and extending along a spindle axis, an exterior lever coupled to the spindle, and an interior lever having a first end coupled to the spindle and a second end capable of being coupled to the shift select shaft, said method comprising the steps of:

manipulating the first end of the interior lever into an installation position such that the second end of the interior lever is spaced from the shift select shaft;

engaging the shift lever with the shift select shaft; and

manipulating the first end of the interior lever into an operational position such that the second end of the interior lever couples with the shift select shaft.

27. A method as set forth in claim 26 further comprising the step of coupling the housing of the shift select device to the gearbox such that the shift select shaft is disposed through the aperture prior to the step of manipulating the select lever into the operational position.

28. A method as set forth in claim 26 wherein said step of manipulating the first end of the interior lever into the operational position is further defined as moving the first end of the interior lever along the spindle axis to move the first end of the interior lever from the installation position to the operational position.

29. A method as set forth in claim 28 wherein the step of manipulating the first end of the interior lever into the operational position is further defined as rotating the exterior lever thereby rotating the interior lever through the spindle to move the first end of the interior lever from the installation position to the operational position.

30. A method as set fort in claim 26 wherein the select lever includes a pre- tension device for preventing the first end of the interior lever from moving between the installation position and the operational position and said method includes the step of disengaging the pre-tension device to manipulate the first end of the interior lever into the operational position.

31. A method as set forth in claim 30 wherein the pre-tension device is a locking pin extending from the housing of the shift select device and said method further comprises the step of rotating the interior lever to disengage the locking pin from the interior lever thereby permitting movement of the first end of the interior lever into the operational position.