Abstract: A transmission system for a hybrid vehicle includes a primary input shaft for receiving drive from a primary vehicle drive motor, such as an internal combustion engine. A secondary input shaft receives drive from a secondary vehicle drive motor, such as an electric motor. An output shaft of the system is connected to drive a final drive unit. A multi-speed gearbox is provided to connect the primary input shaft to the output shaft at one of a plurality of gear ratios. An input selection mechanism, in a first mode, connects the secondary input shaft to drive the output shaft and, in a second mode, connects the secondary input shaft to drive the primary input shaft. A clutch may be provided that can selectively connect or disconnect drive between the primary drive motor and the gearbox.

Abstract: A transmission system for a hybrid vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a primary input shaft for receiving drive from a primary vehicle drive motor, such as an internal combustion engine. A secondary input shaft receives drive from a secondary vehicle drive motor, such as an electric motor. An output shaft of the system is connected to drive a final drive unit. A multi-speed gearbox is provided to connect the primary input shaft to the output shaft at one of a plurality of gear ratios. There is provided an input selection mechanism which, in a first configuration, connects the secondary input shaft to drive the output shaft and, in a second mode, connects the secondary input shaft to drive the primary input shaft. A clutch may be provided that can selectively connect or disconnect drive between the primary drive motor and the gearbox.

Abstract: A constant velocity (CV) joint assembly comprising a CV joint and an input member is disclosed. The CV joint that has a cage and a gear between which rotational drive can be transmitted. The input member is connected to the cage of the CV joint for transmission of rotational drive about an axis from an external component to the CV joint. The rotational drive is transmitted between the cage and the input member through interacting drive faces that are disposed in a plane that is generally parallel to the axis. The cage and the input member are retained in interconnection by fastening means that are not responsible for transmission of rotational drive between the cage and the input member. By separating the task of transmission of torque and retention of the connection between the cage and the input member, the fastening means required to perform the latter task can be comparatively light.

Abstract: A mainshaft assembly for a gearbox and a gearbox embodying such a mainshaft assembly are disclosed. The mainshaft assembly comprises a mainshaft (44), and several drive gears (31 . . . 36), each carried for rotation about the mainshaft, each drive gear having a different number of teeth. The assembly includes first and a second hub (50, 50?), each being associated with a respective drive gear, each hub having a dog ring (54, 54?) operable to selectively couple with the drive gear causing it to rotate with the hub or uncouple from the drive gear to allow the drive gear to rotate with respect to the hub. A respective drive connection including a cage (42) and pawls (64, 66) is associated with each hub and selectively connects the hub to the mainshaft for rotation with it or to allow rotation with respect to it when the pawls are displaced against a spring bias.

Abstract: A constant velocity (CV) joint assembly comprising a CV joint and an input member is disclosed. The CV joint that has a cage and a gear between which rotational drive can be transmitted. The input member is connected to the cage of the CV joint for transmission of rotational drive about an axis from an external component to the CV joint. The rotational drive is transmitted between the cage and the input member through interacting drive faces that are disposed in a plane that is generally parallel to the axis. The cage and the input member are retained in interconnection by fastening means that are not responsible for transmission of rotational drive between the cage and the input member. By separating the task of transmission of torque and retention of the connection between the cage and the input member, the fastening means required to perform the latter task can be comparatively light.