Work Vehicle Shift Lever Switching Between Stepped and Stepless Modes

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional working vehicles face challenges in achieving both high reproducibility of shift positions and fine speed adjustments, with existing shift methods either lacking in precision or hindering smooth operation.

Innovation Solution

A shift operation tool with a switching mechanism that allows switching between stepped and continuously variable shift operations, utilizing a biasing portion, link mechanism, and wire mechanism to facilitate smooth transitions between stepwise and stepless shifting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If continuously variable shift method is used, then fine speed adjustment is enabled, but reproducibility of stop position becomes low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefine speed adjustmentVSAvoidreproducibility of stop position

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between two shift operation modes (stepped and continuously variable) based on operational needs. The switching mechanism allows the shift operation tool to transition between having fixed stop positions (for reproducibility) and continuous adjustability (for fine speed control), making the system adaptable rather than static.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameter of the shift mechanism by introducing a switchable mode system. When in stepped shift mode, the lever has predetermined stop positions with high reproducibility. When switched to continuously variable mode, the lever can be stopped at any position for fine speed adjustment. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by allowing both modes to be utilized as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If stepped shift method is used, then reproducibility of stop position is high, but fine speed adjustment becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereproducibility of stop positionVSAvoidfine speed adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between two shift operation modes (stepped and continuously variable) based on operational needs. The switching mechanism allows the shift operation tool to transition between having fixed stop positions (for reproducibility) and continuous adjustability (for fine speed control), making the system adaptable rather than static.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameter of the shift mechanism by introducing a switchable mode system. When in stepped shift mode, the lever has predetermined stop positions with high reproducibility. When switched to continuously variable mode, the lever can be stopped at any position for fine speed adjustment. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by allowing both modes to be utilized as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If continuously variable shift method is used, then smooth operation is achieved, but reproducibility of stop position deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesmooth operationVSAvoidreproducibility of stop position

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between two shift operation modes (stepped and continuously variable) based on operational needs. The switching mechanism allows the shift operation tool to transition between having fixed stop positions (for reproducibility) and continuous adjustability (for fine speed control), making the system adaptable rather than static.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameter of the shift mechanism by introducing a switchable mode system. When in stepped shift mode, the lever has predetermined stop positions with high reproducibility. When switched to continuously variable mode, the lever can be stopped at any position for fine speed adjustment. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by allowing both modes to be utilized as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4610082A1Work vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.09.03 KUBOTA CORP

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AI summary

Provided is a working vehicle capable of improving convenience. A working vehicle 1 includes a main shift lever 20 (shift operation tool) capable of performing a shift operation, a switching mechanism 100 capable of switching between a stepped shift operation state in which the main shift lever 20 can be shifted stepwise and a continuously variable shift operation state in which the main shift lever 20 can be shifted steplessly, and the main shift lever 20 (switching operation tool) capable of performing an operation of switching a state of the switching mechanism 100. Furthermore, the switching mechanism 100 includes a support portion 110 (engaged portion) provided in a vehicle body and having a plurality of grooves 112 (recesses) formed according to a shift position of the main shift lever 20 (shift operation tool), and an engaging portion 130 provided to be relatively movable with respect to the main shift lever 20, and the main shift lever 20 (switching operation tool) is capable or switching the engaging portion 130 between a position where the engaging portion can be engaged with the grooves 112 and a position where the engaging portion cannot be engaged with the grooves 112.