Shift mechanism for a manual planetary transmission

Abstract

A shift mechanism for a manual planetary transmission has a plurality of control members. Each control member has a slot configuration for each shift rail defined therein. The slot configurations are aligned among plates and a pin member is inserted in each of the slot configurations. Manipulation of any one of the plates produces movement of two or more of the pin members. The pin members are operable upon movement to select the engagement of the synchronizers, which are disposed within a power transmission. The synchronizers establish drive ratios between the input shaft for the transmission and the output shaft for the transmission.

1 . A control mechanism for a planetary manual transmission having multiple synchronizers each having a neutral position and at least one engaged position and a plurality of shift rails adapted to move the synchronizers, said control mechanism comprising: 
 a plurality of slotted members each having a distinct slot for each individual shift rail;    a control pin aligned in each of said slot configurations in each of slotted members; and    means for manipulating said members individually to enforce selective movement of said pins to thereby control at least two synchronizers into respective engaged positions.    
   
   
       2 . The control mechanism defined in  claim 1  further comprising: 
 at least one of said slotted members being a neutral member; and    the remaining slotted members being ratio control members.    
   
   
       3 . The control mechanism defined in  claim 1  further comprising: 
 at least one of said four members being a reverse ratio control member.    
   
   
       4 . The control mechanism defined in  claim 3  further wherein: 
 at least three of said slotted members are moveable to individually establish at least two ratios.    
   
   
       5 . The control defined in  claim 1  further wherein: 
 each of said slotted members is a substantially flat plate member; and    each of said flat plate members having a pair of spaced longitudinal grooves that are nested when all of the plate members are positioned in a neutral position.    
   
   
       6 . The control mechanism defined in  claim 5  further wherein: 
 each of said grooves has a predetermined depth and a movement of one of said plate members from the neutral position to a ratio position causing the remaining plate member to be moved vertically a distance equal to twice said predetermined depth.    
   
   
       7 . The control mechanism defined in  claim 1  further wherein: 
 each of said slotted members is a tubular structure.