Some embodiments are directed to a gearbox including first and second rotational members, the first rotational member having a shaft portion extending away from the gearbox, the first rotational member carrying one or more projections, the second rotational member carrying one or more complementary projections, the projections carried by the first rotational member being configured to be drivingly engaged with the complementary projections carried by the second rotational member to transmit torque in a first torque connection but not in a torque connection that is opposed to the first torque connection. The gearbox further includes a one way clutch adapted such that the first and second rotational members can be drivingly engaged to transmit torque in a second torque connection, wherein the second torque connection is opposed to the first torque connection.

The invention provides an engagement method for engaging a first gear element with a second gear element, at least the second gear element being mounted to move between a meshing position and a disengaged position by means of an actuator. The engagement method including a step of driving at least one of the gear elements in rotation so as to establish a non-zero difference in speed of rotation between said gear elements, and a step of controlling the actuator to perform the following in succession: moving at least the second gear element towards the meshing position; on detecting contact between the gear elements, stopping the movement of the second gear element; and on detecting an ideal angular position for engaging said gear elements, moving the second gear element as quickly as possible into the meshing position.

A vehicle transfer case is provided including input and output shafts mounted within a housing, a secondary shaft selectively driven by the output shaft, a first hub having an inner diameter splined section having a first extreme neutral position with exclusive torsional engagement with the output shaft, and in a second intermediate high position having torsional engagement with the output shaft and input shafts, and in a third extreme low position having exclusive torsional engagement with the input shaft. A second hub is provided, rotatably mounted on the first hub and axially fixed therewith. The second hub is torsionally fixed to the output shaft, and a shift fork is provided to translate the second hub. A planetary gear set is provided, having a ring gear, a plurality of planet gears connected to each other by a carrier and a sun gear; and wherein in the extreme neutral position the output shaft is disengaged from the input shaft, and in the second intermediate position the input shaft is directly connected to the output shaft without rotating the planetary gear set, and in the extreme third position the first hub torsionally connects the input shaft to the sun gear, and the second hub is connected with the carrier.

An electric powertrain includes a first electric motor that has an uninterrupted connection with a drive shaft of a vehicle. The electric powertrain further includes a second electric motor that has an interruptible connection with the drive shaft. In one form, this interruptible connection includes a clutch. The electric powertrain further includes a first gear train in the form of a first planetary gear and a second gear train in the form of a second planetary gear. The clutch in one variation includes a positive clutch in the form of a dog clutch. The dog clutch has a clutch suspension configured to deflect a clutch collar when gearing is misaligned during shifting.

An electric powertrain includes a first electric motor that has an uninterrupted connection with a drive shaft of a vehicle. The electric powertrain further includes a second electric motor that has an interruptible connection with the drive shaft. In one form, this interruptible connection includes a clutch. The electric powertrain further includes a first gear train in the form of a first planetary gear and a second gear train in the form of a second planetary gear. The clutch in one variation includes a positive clutch in the form of a dog clutch. The dog clutch has a clutch suspension configured to deflect a clutch collar when gearing is misaligned during shifting.

A manual shift transmission is disclosed which includes a shaft, at least one loose wheel carried by the shaft and a gear shift sleeve, which is moveable along the first shaft between a gear position coupling the first loose wheel to the shaft and a neutral position allowing a rotation of the loose wheel against the shaft. A gear shift follower is configured to move the gear shift sleeve along the shaft and acts on the gear shift sleeve. An actuating rod can be shifted in the direction of the shaft for shifting the gear shift follower. The actuating rod carries a clutch body which is adjustable between an active position engaging in a recess of the gear shift follower and a passive position sunk into the first actuating rod.

A variable-speed drive device for a power unit to be used in a vehicle equipped with a stopper pin passed through an opening in a master arm for regulating the amount of rotary movement of the master arm. Shock-absorbing device is provided on the master arm or the stopper pin At least a part of the shock-absorbing device is formed to project into the path along which the stopper pin moves relative to the opening of the master arm, from a stopper pin outer surface or from edge portions of a defining edge of the opening in the master arm onto extension of the stopper pin path. As a result, even if the master arm and the stopper pin contact one another at high speed, it is possible to suppress the sound of contact and suppress an increase in the weight of a stopper pin fixing part.

A variable-speed drive device for a power unit to be used in a vehicle equipped with a stopper pin passed through an opening in a master arm for regulating the amount of rotary movement of the master arm. Shock-absorbing device is provided on the master arm or the stopper pin At least a part of the shock-absorbing device is formed to project into the path along which the stopper pin moves relative to the opening of the master arm, from a stopper pin outer surface or from edge portions of a defining edge of the opening in the master arm onto extension of the stopper pin path. As a result, even if the master arm and the stopper pin contact one another at high speed, it is possible to suppress the sound of contact and suppress an increase in the weight of a stopper pin fixing part.

Various methods and systems are provided for a shift assembly for a vehicle transmission. In one example, a shift assembly for a transmission includes a first barrel cam including a first cam track; a second barrel cam arranged coaxially with the first barrel cam and including a second cam track; a first motor configured to drive the first barrel cam independent of the second barrel cam; and a second motor configured to drive the second barrel cam independent of the first barrel cam.

A plunger lock mechanism including a housing containing a rotationally supported lever shaped component, the component including at least one notch or recess configured within an arcuate surface. An electric motor is configured to rotate a cam extending within the housing, the cam actuating at least one plunger having an extending portion aligning with a selected notch. Upon rotation of the cam by the motor, the plunger is caused to displace between either of engaged and disengaged positions with the component such that, when disengaged, permitting rotation of the component.