# Patent

## Title
Multi-speed automatic transmission

## Abstract

An automatic transmission includes a first planetary gear set including a first sun gear, a first pinion, a second pinion, and a common ring gear, and includes a second planetary gear set including a second sun gear, the second pinion, and the common ring gear. The transmission includes a third planetary gear set including a third sun gear, a third pinion, and a ring gear of the third set, and includes a fourth planetary gear set including a fourth sun gear, a fourth pinion, and a ring gear of the fourth set. The transmission also includes a first planetary carrier rotatably supporting the first pinion, the second pinion, and the third pinion. The common ring gear is directly connected to the ring gear of the fourth set, and a second planetary carrier rotatably supports the fourth pinion and is directly connected to the ring gear of the third set.

## Background
BACKGROUND
I. Field of the Disclosure
This disclosure relates generally to an automatic transmission for transmitting a rotation of an input shaft to an output shaft at a speed selected from a plurality of speeds by selectively engaging or disengaging a plurality of torque-transmitting elements.
II. Description of the Related Art
The “background” description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description which may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly or impliedly admitted as prior art against the present invention.
In recent years, a growing demand exists for a multi-speed automatic transmission that provides a plurality of gear ratios suited to a driver's preferences. Automatic transmissions that include six or more speeds, for example, have been proposed to augment vehicle drivability. However, as the number of speeds within these multi-speed automatic transmissions has increased, problems of packaging components within a transmission which hinder assembly of the transmission into a vehicle have arisen.
SUMMARY
It would thus be particularly advantageous to solve packaging difficulties in a multi-speed automatic transmission while improving vehicle fuel efficiency and power transmission performance of the transmission.
To overcome these shortcomings of conventional multi-speed automatic transmissions, this disclosure describes a multi-speed automatic transmission including a structure with a reduced packaging size and low-friction components. The automatic transmission further improves vehicle fuel efficiency by providing a wide gear ratio spread and close gear ratio steps between adjacent gear ratios, to maintain a power supply device in an efficient operating condition. In addition, the automatic transmission provides the close gear ratio steps to enable a more responsive torque demand logic, thus enhancing vehicle drivability.
In an aspect of the disclosure, an automatic transmission includes a first planetary gear set including a first sun gear, a first pinion, a second pinion that is a common pinion, and a common ring gear. The first sun gear meshes with the first pinion, the first pinion meshes with the first sun gear and with the common pinion, and the common pinion meshes with the first pinion and with the common ring gear. The transmission includes a second planetary gear set including a second sun gear, the common pinion, and the common ring gear, the second sun gear meshes with the common pinion. The common pinion meshes with the second sun gear and with the common ring gear. The transmission includes a third planetary gear set including a third sun gear, a third pinion, and a ring gear of the third planetary gear set. The third sun gear meshes with the third pinion, and the third pinion meshes with the third sun gear and with the ring gear of the third planetary gear set. The transmission includes a fourth planetary gear set including a fourth sun gear, a fourth pinion, and a ring gear of the fourth planetary gear set. The fourth sun gear meshes with the fourth pinion, and the fourth pinion meshes with the fourth sun gear and with the ring gear of the fourth planetary gear set. The transmission also includes a first planetary carrier that rotatably supports the first pinion, the common pinion, and the third pinion. The common ring gear is directly connected to the ring gear of the fourth planetary gear set, and a second planetary carrier rotatably supports the fourth pinion and is directly connected to the ring gear of the third planetary gear set.
The automatic transmission further includes a plurality of torque-transmitting elements. A first torque-transmitting element fixes the third sun gear when the first torque-transmitting element is engaged. A second torque-transmitting element fixes the first sun gear when the second torque-transmitting element is engaged. A third torque-transmitting element fixes the second sun gear when the third torque-transmitting element is engaged. A fourth torque-transmitting element connects an input shaft of the automatic transmission to the third sun gear when the fourth torque-transmitting element is engaged. A fifth torque-transmitting element connects the input shaft to the first planetary carrier when the fifth torque-transmitting element is engaged. A sixth torque-transmitting element connects the input shaft to the fourth sun gear when the sixth torque-transmitting element is engaged.
In the automatic transmission, the first, the second, and the third torque-transmitting elements are packaged in a concentric arrangement, and the fourth, the fifth, and the sixth torque-transmitting elements are packaged in a concentric arrangement. Additionally, the first, the second, the third, the fourth, the fifth, and the sixth torque-transmitting elements are packaged outside of a gear train formed by the first, the second, the third, and the fourth planetary gear sets.
The first planetary gear set and the second planetary gear set form a Ravigneaux gear set in the automatic transmission. In the Ravigneaux gear set, the first pinion is a short pinion and the common pinion is a long pinion, with the short pinion being shorter in length than the long pinion. Further, a number of gear teeth of the first sun gear is less than a number of gear teeth of the second sun gear. An output shaft of the automatic transmission is directly connected to the second planetary carrier.
The first, the second, the third, and the fourth planetary gear sets are each axially arranged on a single axis in the automatic transmission and are each arranged in a separate gear set plane. The second and the third planetary gear sets are axially positioned between the first and the fourth planetary gear sets. The second planetary gear set is axially positioned between the first and the third planetary gear sets.
Three elements of the first, the second, the third, the fourth, the fifth, and the sixth torque-transmitting elements are engaged at any speed of the automatic transmission. The second, the third, and the sixth torque-transmitting elements are engaged in a first forward gear of the automatic transmission. The first, the second, and the sixth torque-transmitting elements are engaged in a second forward gear of the automatic transmission. The second, the fourth, and the sixth torque-transmitting elements are engaged in a third forward gear of the automatic transmission. The second, the fifth, and the sixth torque-transmitting elements are engaged in a fourth forward gear of the automatic transmission. The fourth, the fifth, and the sixth torque-transmitting elements are engaged in a fifth forward gear of the automatic transmission. The first, the fifth, and the sixth torque-transmitting elements are engaged in a sixth forward gear of the automatic transmission. The third, the fifth, and the sixth torque-transmitting elements are engaged in a seventh forward gear of the automatic transmission. The first, the third, and the sixth torque-transmitting elements are engaged in an eighth forward gear of the automatic transmission. In addition, the second, the third, and the fourth torque-transmitting elements are engaged in a reverse gear of the automatic transmission.
The first forward gear includes a highest forward gear ratio of the automatic transmission, while the eighth forward gear includes a lowest forward gear ratio of the automatic transmission. A ratio spread between the highest forward gear ratio and the lowest forward gear ratio is 8.0. A ratio step between any two immediately adjacent forward gear ratios of the automatic transmission is less than 1.78.
In another aspect of the disclosure, at least one of the second torque-transmitting element and the sixth torque-transmitting element may be a locking clutch. The locking clutch includes a dog clutch.
In a further aspect of the disclosure, the sixth torque-transmitting element of the automatic transmission may be a wet start clutch with a damper, which is connectable to the input shaft.
The foregoing paragraphs have been provided by way of general introduction, and are not intended to limit the scope of the following claims. The described embodiments, together with precise advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.



BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A more complete appreciation of the disclosure and the attendant advantages thereof will be better understood by reference to the accompanying drawings and the subsequent detailed description, where:
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an illustrative automatic transmission according to an aspect of the disclosure;
FIG. 2 is a chart describing a shift pattern for the illustrative transmission as well as exemplary gear ratios and ratio steps;
FIG. 3 is a graph showing the exemplary gear ratio steps between adjacent forward gears of the illustrative transmission;
FIG. 4 is a graph showing exemplary torque values of the torque-transmitting elements that are engaged in each forward gear of the illustrative transmission;
FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an illustrative automatic transmission according to a further aspect of the disclosure; and
FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an illustrative automatic transmission according to another aspect of the disclosure.



DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
Referring to the drawings, like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views.
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 denotes an illustrative automatic transmission that is used, for example, to transmit output rotation of a torque converter that is rotationally driven by a vehicle engine to wheels that are driven with a speed change. The automatic transmission 10 is composed of components supported about a common axis line 11 in a transmission case 12 attached to a vehicle body. These components include an input shaft 13, which may be connected to a turbine of the torque converter that is rotationally driven by the engine. These components also include a first planetary gear set P1, a second planetary gear set P2, a third planetary gear set P3, a fourth planetary gear set P4, a common planetary carrier X1, a planetary carrier X2, a plurality of torque-transmitting elements, and an output shaft 14. The torque-transmitting elements include first, second, and third clutches C1, C2, and C3, as well as first, second, and third brakes B1, B2, and B3.
The planetary gear sets P1 to P4 are each axially arranged on the common axis line 11 in the automatic transmission and are each arranged in a separate gear set plane. The second and the third planetary gear sets P2 and P3 are axially positioned between the first and the fourth planetary gear sets P1 and P4. The second planetary gear set P2 is also axially positioned between the first and the third planetary gear sets P1 and P3.
The first planetary gear set P1 is composed of a first sun gear S1 rotatably supported on the common axis line 11, the common planetary carrier X1 rotatably supporting a short pinion set N1 and a long pinion set N2, and a common ring gear R1 that meshes with the first sun gear S1 through the short pinion set N1 and the long pinion set N2. An axial length of the long pinion N2 set is longer than an axial length of the short pinion set N1.
The second planetary gear set P2 is composed of a second sun gear S2 rotatably supported on the common axis line 11, the common planetary carrier X1 rotatably supporting the long pinion set N2, and the common ring gear R1 that meshes with the second sun gear S2 through the long pinion set N2. The first planetary gear set P1 and the second planetary gear set P2 thus form a Ravigneaux gear set.
The third planetary gear set P3 is composed of a third sun gear S3 rotatably supported on the common axis line 11, the common planetary carrier X1 rotatably supporting a pinion set N3, and a ring gear R3 that meshes with the third sun gear S3 through the pinion set N3. As a result of the common planetary carrier X1 rotatably supporting three pinion sets N1, N2, and N3, the automatic transmission 10 includes an improved packaging as well as a lower manufacturing cost.
The fourth planetary gear set P4 is composed of a fourth sun gear S4 rotatably supported on the common axis line 11, a planetary carrier X2 rotatably supporting a pinion set N4, and a ring gear R4 that meshes with the fourth sun gear S4 through the pinion set N4.
As shown in FIG. 1, a number of gear teeth of the sun gears S1 to S4 in the respective planetary gear sets P1 to P4 is represented by Zs1, Zs2, Zs3, and Zs4. A number of gear teeth of the common ring gear R1 is represented by Zr1, a number of gear teeth of the ring gear R3 is represented by Zr3, and a number of gear teeth of the ring gear R4 is represented by Zr4. A gear ratio between the first sun gear S1 and the common ring gear R1 is represented by ρ1, a gear ratio between the second sun gear S2 and the common ring gear R1 is represented by ρ2, a gear ratio between the third sun gear S3 and the ring gear R3 is represented by ρ3, and a gear ratio between the fourth sun gear S4 and the ring gear R4 is represented by ρ4. Accordingly, in an illustrative example where Zs1 equals 33 gear teeth, Zs2 equals 48 gear teeth, Zs3 equals 32 gear teeth, and Zs4 equals 30 gear teeth, while Zr1 equals 114 gear teeth, Zr3 equals 112 gear teeth, and Zr4 equals 114 gear teeth, the gear ratio ρ1 equals 0.29, the gear ratio ρ2 equals 0.42, the gear ratio ρ3 equals 0.29, and the gear ratio ρ4 equals 0.26.
In the first planetary gear set P1, the first sun gear S1 is fixed through the second brake B2. The common planetary carrier X1 is connected to the input shaft 13 by engaging the second clutch C2. The common ring gear R1 is directly connected to the ring gear R4 of the fourth planetary gear set P4. The term “directly connected” indicates that two elements are coupled to each other without any intermediate clutch or brake.
In the second planetary gear set P2, the second sun gear S2 is fixed through the third brake B3.
In the third planetary gear set P3, the third sun gear S3 is fixed through the first brake B1, and is connected to the input shaft 13 by engaging the first clutch C1. The ring gear R3 is directly connected to the planetary carrier X2 of the fourth planetary gear set P4.
In the fourth planetary gear set P4, the fourth sun gear S4 is connected to the input shaft 13 by engaging the third clutch C3. The planetary carrier X2 is directly connected to the output shaft 14.
Three elements of the first to third brakes B1 to B3 and the first to third clutches C1 to C3 are thus disengaged at any speed of the automatic transmission 10. Advantageously, this reduces friction within the automatic transmission. The automatic transmission 10 also includes an improved assembly and a reduced packaging size. The automatic transmission 10 provides assembly and space saving benefits, in particular, when the first to third brakes B1 to B3 and the first to third clutches C1 to C3 lie outside of a gear train formed by the planetary gear sets P1 to P4. Packaging the clutches and brakes outside of the gear train also makes it easier to supply hydraulic pressure to the clutches and brakes. Moreover, the first to third brakes B1 to B3 may be packaged in a concentric arrangement, and the first to third clutches C1 to C3 may be packaged in a concentric arrangement. Nesting torque-transmitting elements in one or more concentric arrangements further provides the automatic transmission 10 with the advantage of a reduced packaging size in an axial length of the transmission. Consequently, the automatic transmission 10 facilitates an assembly and integration of the transmission within the vehicle body.
In the automatic transmission 10 structured as described above, a rotation of the input shaft 13 is transmitted through elements of the planetary gear sets P1 to P4 and output to the output shaft 14. Selective engagement of the first to third clutches C1 to C3 and the first to third brakes B1 to B3 adjusts a rotation output to the output shaft 14, based on a speed selected from eight forward speeds and one reverse speed.
More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, a first forward gear of the automatic transmission 10 is formed when the second brake B2, the third brake B3, and the third clutch C3 are engaged to transmit torque, while the first brake B1, the first clutch C1, and the second clutch C2 are disengaged. A second forward gear is formed when the first brake B1, the second brake B2, and the third clutch C3 are engaged to transmit torque, while the third brake B3, the first clutch C1, and the second clutch C2 are disengaged. A third forward gear is formed when the second brake B2, the first clutch C1, and the third clutch C3 are engaged to transmit torque, while the first brake B1, the third brake B3, and the second clutch C2 are disengaged. A fourth forward gear is formed when the second brake B2, the second clutch C2, and the third clutch C3 are engaged to transmit torque, while the first brake B1, the third brake B3, and the first clutch C1 are disengaged. A fifth forward gear is formed when the first clutch C1, the second clutch C2, and the third clutch C3 are engaged to transmit torque, while the first brake B1, the second brake B2, and the third brake B3 are disengaged. A sixth forward gear is formed when the first brake B1, the second clutch C2, and the third clutch C3 are engaged to transmit torque, while the second brake B2, the third brake B3, and the first clutch C1 are disengaged. A seventh forward gear is formed when the third brake B3, the second clutch C2, and the third clutch C3 are engaged to transmit torque, while the first brake B1, the second brake B2, and the first clutch C1 are disengaged. An eighth forward gear is formed when the first brake B1, the third brake B3, and the third clutch C3 are engaged to transmit torque, while the second brake B2, the first clutch C1, and the second clutch C2 are disengaged. Additionally, a reverse gear of the automatic transmission 10 is formed when the second brake B2, the third brake B3, and the first clutch C1 are engaged to transmit torque, while the first brake B1, the second clutch C2, and the third clutch C3 are disengaged.
In the automatic transmission 10, the first forward gear includes a highest forward gear ratio of the automatic transmission, while the eighth forward gear includes a lowest forward gear ratio of the automatic transmission. In an illustrative example, it is desirable that a ratio spread between the highest forward gear ratio and the lowest forward gear ratio is 8.0. As shown in FIG. 3, it is also favorable that a ratio step between any two immediately adjacent forward gear ratios of the automatic transmission 10 is less than 1.78. As a result, the automatic transmission 10 maintains a power supply device in an efficient operating condition and improves vehicle fuel efficiency. The close gear ratio steps also enable a more responsive torque demand logic and enhance vehicle drivability. Advantageously, the torque-transmitting elements in the automatic transmission 10 have low torque requirements, as shown in FIG. 4, so that these elements are themselves reduced in size and experience lower friction.
In FIG. 5, an illustrative automatic transmission 20 is shown. The automatic transmission 20 of FIG. 5 includes all the features of the automatic transmission 10 of FIG. 1, with the second brake B2′ implemented as a locking clutch and/or the third clutch C3′ implemented as a locking clutch. In this variation, the locking clutch may be a dog clutch instead of a higher friction multi-plate wet clutch. Each dog clutch is a low-friction element that further reduces friction within the automatic transmission 20 while also maintaining shift performance.
In FIG. 6, a further illustrative automatic transmission 30 is shown. The automatic transmission 30 of FIG. 6 includes all the features of the automatic transmission 10 of FIG. 1, with the third clutch C3′′ implemented as a multi-plate wet clutch that functions as a wet start clutch with a damper. The multi-plate wet start clutch with a damper is connectable to the input shaft 13. Therefore, the automatic transmission 30 of this variation does not require the use of a torque converter.
The foregoing disclosure describes merely illustrative embodiments of the present invention. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Accordingly, the disclosure is intended to be illustrative of the present invention, but not limiting of the scope of the invention, as well as the following claims. The disclosure and any discernible variants of the teachings herein define, at least in part, the scope of the claim terminology, such that no inventive subject matter is dedicated to the public.

## Claims

1. An automatic transmission, comprising:
a first planetary gear set including a first sun gear, a first pinion, a second pinion that is a common pinion, and a common ring gear, wherein the first sun gear meshes with the first pinion, the first pinion meshes with the first sun gear and with the common pinion, and the common pinion meshes with the first pinion and with the common ring gear;
a second planetary gear set including a second sun gear, the common pinion, and the common ring gear, wherein the second sun gear meshes with the common pinion, and the common pinion meshes with the second sun gear and with the common ring gear;
a third planetary gear set including a third sun gear, a third pinion, and a ring gear of the third planetary gear set, wherein the third sun gear meshes with the third pinion, and the third pinion meshes with the third sun gear and with the ring gear of the third planetary gear set;
a fourth planetary gear set including a fourth sun gear, a fourth pinion, and a ring gear of the fourth planetary gear set, wherein the fourth sun gear meshes with the fourth pinion, and the fourth pinion meshes with the fourth sun gear and with the ring gear of the fourth planetary gear set; and
a first planetary carrier that rotatably supports the first pinion, the common pinion, and the third pinion,
wherein the common ring gear is directly connected to the ring gear of the fourth planetary gear set, and a second planetary carrier rotatably supports the fourth pinion and is directly connected to the ring gear of the third planetary gear set.

2. The automatic transmission of claim 1, further comprising:
a first torque-transmitting element that fixes the third sun gear when the first torque-transmitting element is engaged to transmit torque;
a second torque-transmitting element that fixes the first sun gear when the second torque-transmitting element is engaged to transmit torque;
a third torque-transmitting element that fixes the second sun gear when the third torque-transmitting element is engaged to transmit torque;
a fourth torque-transmitting element that connects an input shaft of the automatic transmission to the third sun gear when the fourth torque-transmitting element is engaged to transmit torque;
a fifth torque-transmitting element that connects the input shaft to the first planetary carrier when the fifth torque-transmitting element is engaged to transmit torque; and
a sixth torque-transmitting element that connects the input shaft to the fourth sun gear when the sixth torque-transmitting element is engaged to transmit torque.

3. The automatic transmission of claim 2, wherein the first, the second, and the third torque-transmitting elements are packaged in a first concentric arrangement, and the fourth, the fifth, and the sixth torque-transmitting elements are packaged in a second concentric arrangement.

4. The automatic transmission of claim 2, wherein the first, the second, the third, the fourth, the fifth, and the sixth torque-transmitting elements are packaged outside of a gear train formed by the first, the second, the third, and the fourth planetary gear sets.

5. The automatic transmission of claim 2, wherein the first planetary gear set and the second planetary gear set form a Ravigneaux gear set, in which the first pinion is a short pinion and the common pinion is a long pinion, the short pinion being shorter in length than the long pinion, and a number of gear teeth of the first sun gear is less than a number of gear teeth of the second sun gear.

6. The automatic transmission of claim 2, wherein an output shaft of the automatic transmission is directly connected to the second planetary carrier.

7. The automatic transmission of claim 2, wherein the sixth torque-transmitting element is a wet start clutch with a damper, and the sixth torque-transmitting element is connectable to the input shaft.

8. The automatic transmission of claim 2, wherein the first, the second, the third, and the fourth planetary gear sets are each axially arranged on a single axis in the automatic transmission and are each arranged in a separate gear set plane, the second and the third planetary gear sets are axially positioned between the first and the fourth planetary gear sets, and the second planetary gear set is axially positioned between the first and the third planetary gear sets.

9. The automatic transmission of claim 2, wherein three elements of the first, the second, the third, the fourth, the fifth, and the sixth torque-transmitting elements are engaged at any speed of the automatic transmission.

10. The automatic transmission of claim 2, wherein:
the second, the third, and the sixth torque-transmitting elements are engaged in a first forward gear of the automatic transmission,
the first, the second, and the sixth torque-transmitting elements are engaged in a second forward gear of the automatic transmission,
the second, the fourth, and the sixth torque-transmitting elements are engaged in a third forward gear of the automatic transmission,
the second, the fifth, and the sixth torque-transmitting elements are engaged in a fourth forward gear of the automatic transmission,
the fourth, the fifth, and the sixth torque-transmitting elements are engaged in a fifth forward gear of the automatic transmission,
the first, the fifth, and the sixth torque-transmitting elements are engaged in a sixth forward gear of the automatic transmission,
the third, the fifth, and the sixth torque-transmitting elements are engaged in a seventh forward gear of the automatic transmission,
the first, the third, and the sixth torque-transmitting elements are engaged in an eighth forward gear of the automatic transmission, and
the second, the third, and the fourth torque-transmitting elements are engaged in a reverse gear of the automatic transmission.

11. The automatic transmission of claim 10, wherein:
the first forward gear includes a highest forward gear ratio of the automatic transmission, and
the eighth forward gear includes a lowest forward gear ratio of the automatic transmission.

12. The automatic transmission of claim 11, wherein a ratio spread between the highest forward gear ratio and the lowest forward gear ratio is at least 8.0, and a ratio step between any two immediately adjacent forward gear ratios of the automatic transmission is less than 1.78.

13. The automatic transmission of claim 2, wherein at least one of the second torque-transmitting element and the sixth torque-transmitting element is a locking clutch.

14. The automatic transmission of claim 13, wherein the locking clutch is a dog clutch.