Adjustable shift detent assembly

Abstract

A vehicle transmission detent assembly is provided that includes a housing having a bore. A movable shift rail is supported by the housing and includes a recess at least partially aligned with the bore. A detent is at least partially arranged within the bore and engages the recess. A biasing member generates a force on the detent and urges the detent into engagement with the recess. An adjustment member threadingly received within a portion of the housing coacts with the biasing member. Upon manipulation of the adjustment member, the biasing member may be moved between a plurality of compressive states in which each of the states generates a different force on the detent. In this manner, the biasing spring may be compressed or uncompressed to provide a desired shift feel.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A vehicle transmission detent assembly comprising: 
 a housing having a bore;    a movable shift member supported by said housing including a recess at least partially aligned with said bore;    a detent at least partially disposed within said bore and engaging said recess;    a biasing member generating a force on said detent urging said detent into engagement with said recess; and    an adjustment member supported by a portion of said housing, said adjustment member coacting with said biasing member and moving said biasing member between a plurality of compressive states with each of said states generating a different force on said detent.    
     
     
         2 . The assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein said adjustment member is a shift rail.  
     
     
         3 . The assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein said shift rail supports a shift fork.  
     
     
         4 . The assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein said recess includes a profile defining a plurality of shift positions.  
     
     
         5 . The assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein said biasing member is a coil spring.  
     
     
         6 . The assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein said housing includes a plate at least partially blocking said bore and retaining said biasing member therein with said adjustment member supported by said plate.  
     
     
         7 . The assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein said adjustment member is threaded and said bore threadingly receives said adjustment member.  
     
     
         8 . The assembly according to  claim 7 , wherein said adjustment member has a tapered end with said adjustment member arranged transverse to said bore with at least a portion of said tapered end aligned with said bore.  
     
     
         9 . The assembly according to  claim 8 , wherein a plunger is arranged in said bore between said tapered end and said biasing member.  
     
     
         10 . The assembly according to  claim 7 , wherein a liquid bonding agent is arranged between said bore and said adjustment member.  
     
     
         11 . The assembly according to  claim 7 , wherein a portion of said threaded adjustment member is received by a lock nut adjacent to said housing.  
     
     
         12 . The assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein a bushing is disposed within said bore and a portion of said adjustment member is received within said bushing in an interference fit relationship.  
     
     
         13 . The assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein said adjustment member includes a head and a lock washer is arranged between said head and said housing.  
     
     
         14 . A vehicle transmission shift assembly comprising: 
 a housing having a bore;    a movable shift member supported by said housing and having a portion at least partially aligned with said bore;    a biasing member generating a force on said shift member; and    an adjustment member coacting with said biasing member and moving said biasing member between a plurality of compressive states with each of said states generating a different force on said detent.    
     
     
         15 . The assembly according to  claim 14 , wherein said shift member includes a recess at least partially aligned with said bore, and a detent at least partially disposed within said bore and engaging said recess.  
     
     
         16 . The assembly according to  claim 14 , wherein said adjustment member is threaded and said bore threadingly receives said adjustment member.  
     
     
         17 . A method of adjusting the shift feel to the operator of a transmission comprising the steps of: 
 a) providing a transmission shift lever having a shift feel when moved between shift positions;    b) providing a biasing member generating a force indicative of the shift feel;    c) manipulating an adjustment member operatively connected to the biasing member; and    d) changing the force to provide a different shift feel.    
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein step c) includes turning the threaded adjustment member.  
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein step d) includes compressing the biasing member.  
     
     
         20 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein step d) includes uncompressing the biasing member.