Patent ID: 8116951
Filing Date: 2012-02-14
Classification: B60K,B60W,B60Y,F16H,Y02T,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A transmission comprising: an input member and an output member; first and second intermediate shafts; substantially identical gear sets having gears concentric with and selectively connectable for rotation with the first and second intermediate shafts, respectively; output gears concentric with and rotatable with the output member and meshing with the substantially identical gear sets; a first and a second torque-transmitting device operable for transmitting torque from the input member to the first intermediate shaft and the second intermediate shaft, respectively; torque-transmitting mechanisms mounted concentric with and rotatable with the respective intermediate shafts and operable for selective engagement with the gears of the substantially identical gear sets to connect the engaged gears for common rotation with the respective intermediate shafts; and a controller operatively connected to the torque-transmitting mechanisms and to at least one of the torque-transmitting devices; wherein the torque-transmitting mechanisms and the at least one of the torque-transmitting devices are selectively engagable in different combinations in response to the controller to establish different speed ratios between the input member and the output member, including at least one speed ratio that may be established between the input member and the output member using either of the intermediate shafts to carry torque; and wherein the torque-transmitting mechanisms and the at least one of the torque-transmitting devices are engaged such that torque is borne substantially equally by both of the first and second intermediate shafts during the at least one speed ratio.