# Patent

## Title
Multi-speed transmission

## Abstract

A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and a brake.

## Background
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/957,291 filed on Aug. 22, 2007. The disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.


FIELD
The invention relates generally to a multiple speed transmission having a plurality of planetary gear sets and a plurality of torque transmitting devices and more particularly to a transmission having eight or more speeds, four planetary gear sets and a plurality of torque transmitting devices.
BACKGROUND
The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may or may not constitute prior art.
A typical multiple speed transmission uses a combination of friction clutches, planetary gear arrangements and fixed interconnections to achieve a plurality of gear ratios. The number and physical arrangement of the planetary gear sets, generally, are dictated by packaging, cost and desired speed ratios.
While current transmissions achieve their intended purpose, the need for new and improved transmission configurations which exhibit improved performance, especially from the standpoints of efficiency, responsiveness and smoothness and improved packaging, primarily reduced size and weight, is essentially constant. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved, cost-effective, compact multiple speed transmission.
SUMMARY
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices are for example clutches and brakes.
An embodiment of the transmission includes an input member, an output member, first, second, third and fourth planetary gear sets each having first, second and third members, a first interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the first member of the first planetary gear set with a stationary element, a second interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the first member of the second planetary gear set with the first member of the third planetary gear set, a third interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the second member of the second planetary gear set with the third member of the third planetary gear set, a fourth interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the third member of the second planetary gear set with the first member of the fourth planetary gear set, and a fifth interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the second member of the third planetary gear set and the third member of the fourth planetary gear set. Five torque transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable to interconnect one of the first, second, and third members with at least one of the first, second, third members, and the stationary element. The torque transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable in combinations of at least two to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member.
In one embodiment of the present invention, a first of the five torque transmitting mechanisms is selectively engageable to interconnect at least one of the second member of the first planetary gear set and the input member with the third member of the second planetary gear set and the first member of the fourth planetary gear set.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a second of the five torque transmitting mechanisms is selectively engageable to interconnect at least one of the second member of the first planetary gear set and the input member with at least one of the first member of the second planetary gear set and the first member of the third planetary gear set.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a third of the five torque transmitting mechanisms is selectively engageable to interconnect the third member of the first planetary gear set with at least one of the third member of the second planetary gear set and the first member of the fourth planetary gear set.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a fourth of the five torque transmitting mechanisms is selectively engageable to interconnect the third member of the first planetary gear set with at least one of the second member of the second planetary gear set and the third member of the third planetary gear set.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a fifth of the five torque transmitting mechanisms is selectively engageable to interconnect at least one of the second member of the third planetary gear set and the third member of the fourth planetary gear set with the stationary element.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the first members are sun gears, the second members are carrier members, and the third members are ring gears.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the input member is continuously interconnected with the second member of the first planetary gear set and wherein the output member is continuously interconnected with the second member of the fourth planetary gear set.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, one of the torque transmitting mechanisms is a brake and four of the torque transmitting mechanisms are clutches.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the stationary element is a transmission housing.
Another embodiment of the transmission of the present invention includes an input member, an output member, first, second, third and fourth planetary gear sets each having first, second and third members, wherein the input member is continuously interconnected with the second member of the first planetary gear set and wherein the output member is continuously interconnected with the second member of the fourth planetary gear set, a first interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the first member of the first planetary gear set with a stationary element, a second interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the first member of the second planetary gear set with the first member of the third planetary gear set, a third interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the second member of the second planetary gear set with the third member of the third planetary gear set, a fourth interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the third member of the second planetary gear set with the first member of the fourth planetary gear set, and a fifth interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the second member of the third planetary gear set and the third member of the fourth planetary gear set. A first torque transmitting mechanism is selectively engageable to interconnect at least one of the second member of the first planetary gear set and the input member with the third member of the second planetary gear set and the first member of the fourth planetary gear set. A second torque transmitting mechanism is selectively engageable to interconnect at least one of the second member of the first planetary gear set and the input member with at least one of the first member of the second planetary gear set and the first member of the third planetary gear set. A third torque transmitting mechanism is selectively engageable to interconnect the third member of the first planetary gear set with at least one of the third member of the second planetary gear set and the first member of the fourth planetary gear set. A fourth torque transmitting mechanism is selectively engageable to interconnect the third member of the first planetary gear set with at least one of the second member of the second planetary gear set and the third member of the third planetary gear set. A fifth torque transmitting mechanism is selectively engageable to interconnect at least one of the second member of the third planetary gear set and the third member of the fourth planetary gear set with the stationary element. The torque transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable in combinations of at least two to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member.
In one aspect of the present invention, the first members are sun gears, the second members are carrier members, and the third members are ring gears.
In another aspect of the present invention, the stationary element is a transmission housing.
Another embodiment of the transmission of the present invention includes an input member, an output member, first, second, third and fourth planetary gear sets each having a sun gear, a carrier member and a ring gear, wherein the input member is continuously interconnected with the carrier member of the first planetary gear set and wherein the output member is continuously interconnected with the carrier member of the fourth planetary gear set, a first interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the sun gear of the first planetary gear set with a stationary element, a second interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the sun gear of the second planetary gear set with the sun gear of the third planetary gear set, a third interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the carrier member of the second planetary gear set with the ring gear of the third planetary gear set, a fourth interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the ring gear of the second planetary gear set with the sun gear of the fourth planetary gear set, and a fifth interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the carrier member of the third planetary gear set and the ring gear of the fourth planetary gear set. A first torque transmitting mechanism is selectively engageable to interconnect at least one of the carrier member of the first planetary gear set and the input member with the ring gear of the second planetary gear set and the sun gear of the fourth planetary gear set. A second torque transmitting mechanism is selectively engageable to interconnect at least one of the carrier member of the first planetary gear set and the input member with at least one of the sun gear of the second planetary gear set and the sun gear of the third planetary gear set. A third torque transmitting mechanism is selectively engageable to interconnect the ring gear of the first planetary gear set with at least one of the ring gear of the second planetary gear set and the sun gear of the fourth planetary gear set. A fourth torque transmitting mechanism is selectively engageable to interconnect the ring gear of the first planetary gear set with at least one of the carrier member of the second planetary gear set and the ring gear of the third planetary gear set. A fifth torque transmitting mechanism is selectively engageable to interconnect at least one of the carrier member of the third planetary gear set and the ring gear of the fourth planetary gear set with the stationary element. The torque transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable in combinations of at least two to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member.
In one aspect of the present invention, the stationary element is a transmission housing.
Further objects, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent by reference to the following description and appended drawings wherein like reference numbers refer to the same component, element or feature.



DRAWINGS
The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.
FIG. 1 is a lever diagram of an embodiment of an eight speed transmission according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of an embodiment of an eight speed transmission according to the present invention; and
FIG. 3 is a truth table presenting the state of engagement of the various torque transmitting elements in each of the available forward and reverse speeds or gear ratios of the transmission illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.



DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses.
At the outset, it should be appreciated that the embodiments of the eight speed automatic transmission of the present invention have an arrangement of permanent mechanical connections between the elements of the four planetary gear sets. A first component or element of a first planetary gear set is permanently coupled to a ground or a transmission housing. A first component or element of a second planetary gear set is permanently coupled to a first component or element of a third planetary gear set. A second component or element of the second planetary gear set is permanently coupled to a second component or element of the third planetary gear set. A third component or element of the second planetary gear set is permanently coupled to a second component or element of a fourth planetary gear set. Finally, a third component or element of the third planetary gear set is permanently coupled to a third component or element of the fourth planetary gear set.
Referring now to FIG. 1, an embodiment of an eight speed transmission 10 is illustrated in a lever diagram format. A lever diagram is a schematic representation of the components of a mechanical device such as an automatic transmission. Each individual lever represents a planetary gear set wherein the three basic mechanical components of the planetary gear are each represented by a node. Therefore, a single lever contains three nodes: one for the sun gear, one for the planet gear carrier, and one for the ring gear. The relative length between the nodes of each lever can be used to represent the ring-to-sun ratio of each respective gear set. These lever ratios, in turn, are used to vary the gear ratios of the transmission in order to achieve an appropriate ratios and ratio progression. Mechanical couplings or interconnections between the nodes of the various planetary gear sets are illustrated by thin, horizontal lines and torque transmitting devices such as clutches and brakes are presented as interleaved fingers. Further explanation of the format, purpose and use of lever diagrams can be found in SAE Paper 810102, “The Lever Analogy: A New Tool in Transmission Analysis” by Benford and Leising which is hereby fully incorporated by reference.
The transmission 10 includes an input shaft or member 12, a first planetary gear set 14 having three nodes: a first node 14A, a second node 14B and a third node 14C, a second planetary gear set 16 having three nodes: a first node 16A, a second node 16B and a third node 16C, a third planetary gear set 18 having three nodes: a first node 18A, a second node 18B and a third node 18C, a fourth planetary gear set 20 having three nodes: a first node 20A, a second node 20B and a third node 20C and an output shaft or member 22.
The input member 12 is coupled to the third node 14C of the first planetary gear set 14. The output member 22 is coupled to the second node 20B of the fourth planetary gear set 20. The first node 14A of the first planetary gear set 14 is coupled to a stationary element, ground, or a transmission housing 50. The first node 16A of the second planetary gear set 16 is coupled to the first node 18A of the third planetary gear set 18. The second node 16B of the second planetary gear set 16 is coupled to the third node 18C of the third planetary gear set 18. The third node 16C of the second planetary gear set 16 is coupled to the first node 20A of the fourth planetary gear set 20. The second node 18B of the third planetary gear set 18 is coupled to the third node 20C of the fourth planetary gear set 20.
A first clutch 26 selectively connects the third node 14C of the first planetary gear set 14 with the third node 16C of the second planetary gear set 16 and the first node 20A of the fourth planetary gear set 20. A second clutch 28 selectively connects the third node 14C of the first planetary gear set 14 with the first node 16A of the second planetary gear set 16 and the first node 18A of the third planetary gear set 18. A third clutch 30 selectively connects the third node 16C of the second planetary gear set 16 with the second node 14B of the first planetary gear set 14. A fourth clutch 32 selectively connects the second node 14B of the first planetary gear set 14 with the second node 16B of the second planetary gear set 16 and the third node 18C of the third planetary gear set 18. A brake 34 selectively connects the second node 18B of the third planetary gear set 18 and the third node 20C of the fourth planetary gear set 20 with the ground or transmission housing 50.
Referring now to FIG. 2, a stick diagram presents a schematic layout of the embodiment of the eight speed transmission 10 according to the present invention. In FIG. 2, the numbering from the lever diagram of FIG. 1 is carried over. The clutches and couplings are correspondingly presented whereas the nodes of the planetary gear sets now appear as components of planetary gear sets such as sun gears, ring gears, planet gears and planet gear carriers.
For example, the planetary gear set 14 includes a sun gear member 14A, a ring gear member 14B, and a planet gear carrier member 14C that rotatably supports a first set of planet gears 14D (only one of which is shown) intermeshed with a second set of planet gears 14E (only one of which is shown). The first set of planet gears 14D are configured to intermesh with the sun gear member 14A and the second set of planet gears 14E are configured to intermesh with the ring gear member 14B. The sun gear member 14A is connected to a stationary element or the transmission housing 50 by a first shaft or interconnecting member 42 in order to restrict the sun gear member 14A from rotating relative to the transmission housing 50. The ring gear member 14B is connected for common rotation with a second shaft or interconnecting member 44. The planet carrier member 14C is connected for common rotation with the input member 12 and with a third shaft or interconnecting member 46.
The planetary gear set 16 includes a sun gear member 16A, a ring gear member 16C, and a planet gear carrier member 16B that rotatably supports a set of planet gears 16D (only one of which is shown). The planet gears 16D are each configured to intermesh with both the sun gear member 16A and the ring gear member 16C. The sun gear member 16A is connected for common rotation with a fourth shaft or interconnecting member 48. The ring gear member 16C is connected for common rotation with a fifth shaft or interconnecting member 52 and a sixth shaft or interconnecting member 54. The planet carrier member 16B is connected for common rotation with a seventh shaft or interconnecting member 56 and an eighth shaft or interconnecting member 58.
The planetary gear set 18 includes a sun gear member 18A, a ring gear member 18C, and a planet gear carrier member 18B that rotatably supports a set of planet gears 18D (only one of which is shown). The planet gears 18D are each configured to intermesh with both the sun gear member 18A and the ring gear member 18C. The sun gear member 18A is connected for common rotation with the fourth shaft or interconnecting member 48. The ring gear member 18C is connected for common rotation with the eighth shaft or interconnecting member 58. The planet carrier member 18B is connected for common rotation with a ninth shaft or interconnecting member 60.
The planetary gear set 20 includes a sun gear member 20A, a ring gear member 20C, and a planet gear carrier member 20B that rotatably supports a set of planet gears 20D (only one of which is shown). The planet gears 20D are each configured to intermesh with both the sun gear member 20A and the ring gear member 20C. The sun gear member 20A is connected for common rotation with the sixth shaft or interconnecting member 54. The ring gear member 20C is connected for common rotation with the ninth shaft or interconnecting member 60. The planet carrier member 20B is connected for common rotation with the output shaft or member 22.
The input shaft or member 12 is preferably continuously connected to an engine (not shown) or to a turbine of a torque converter (not shown). The output shaft or member 22 is preferably continuously connected with the final drive unit or transfer case (not shown).
The torque transmitting mechanisms or clutches 26, 28, 30, 32 and brake 34 allow for selective interconnection of the shafts or interconnecting members, members of the planetary gear sets and the housing. For example, the first clutch 26 is selectively engageable to connect the input shaft or member 12 with the sixth shaft or interconnecting member 54. The second clutch 28 is selectively engageable to connect the third shaft or interconnecting member 46 with the fourth shaft or interconnecting member 48. The third clutch 30 is selectively engageable to connect the second shaft or interconnecting member 44 with the fifth shaft or interconnecting member 52. The fourth clutch 32 is selectively engageable to connect the second shaft or interconnecting member 44 with the seventh shaft or interconnecting member 56. The brake 34 is selectively engageable to connect the ninth shaft or interconnecting member 60 with the ground or transmission housing 50 in order to restrict the rotation of the carrier member 18B and the sun gear 20C relative to the transmission housing 50.
Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the operation of the embodiment of the eight speed transmission 10 will be described. It will be appreciated that transmission 10 is capable of transmitting torque from the input shaft or member 12 to the output shaft or member 22 in at least eight forward speed or torque ratios and at least one reverse speed or torque ratio. Each forward and reverse speed or torque ratio is attained by engagement of one or more of the torque transmitting mechanisms (i.e. first clutch 26, second clutch 28, third clutch 30, fourth clutch 32, and brake 34), as will be explained below. FIG. 3 is a truth table presenting the various combinations of torque transmitting mechanisms that are activated or engaged to achieve the various gear states. Actual numerical gear ratios of the various gear states are also presented although it should be appreciated that these numerical values are exemplary only and that they may be adjusted over significant ranges to accommodate various applications and operational criteria of the transmission 10. An example of the gear ratios that may be obtained using the embodiments of the present invention are also shown in FIG. 3. Of course, other gear ratios are achievable depending on the gear diameter, gear teeth count and gear configuration selected.
To establish reverse gear, the second clutch 28 and the brake 34 are engaged or activated. The second clutch 28 connects the third shaft or interconnecting member 46 with the fourth shaft or interconnecting member 48. The brake 34 connects the ninth shaft or interconnecting member 60 with the ground or transmission housing 50. Likewise, the eight forward ratios are achieved through different combinations of clutch and brake engagement, as shown in FIG. 3.
It will be appreciated that the foregoing explanation of operation and gear states of the eight speed transmission 10 assumes, first of all, that all the clutches and the brake not specifically referenced in a given gear state are inactive or disengaged and, second of all, that during gear shifts, i.e., changes of gear state, between at least adjacent gear states, a clutch or brake engaged or activated in both gear states will remain engaged or activated.
The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.

## Claims

1. A transmission comprising:
an input member;
an output member;
first, second, third and fourth planetary gear sets each having first, second and third members;
a first interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the first member of the first planetary gear set with a stationary element;
a second interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the first member of the second planetary gear set with the first member of the third planetary gear set;
a third interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the second member of the second planetary gear set with the third member of the third planetary gear set;
a fourth interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the third member of the second planetary gear set with the first member of the fourth planetary gear set;
a fifth interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the second member of the third planetary gear set with the third member of the fourth planetary gear set; and
five torque-transmitting mechanisms, wherein each of the five torque-transmitting mechanisms selectively interconnects a respective one of the members of the planetary gear sets with another respective one of the members of the planetary gear sets or with the stationary member, and
wherein the torque transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable in combinations of at least two to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member.

2. The transmission of claim 1 wherein a first of the five torque transmitting mechanisms is selectively engageable to interconnect at least one of the second member of the first planetary gear set and the input member with the third member of the second planetary gear set and the first member of the fourth planetary gear set.

3. The transmission of claim 2 wherein a second of the five torque transmitting mechanisms is selectively engageable to interconnect at least one of the second member of the first planetary gear set and the input member with at least one of the first member of the second planetary gear set and the first member of the third planetary gear set.

4. The transmission of claim 3 wherein a third of the five torque transmitting mechanisms is selectively engageable to interconnect the third member of the first planetary gear set with at least one of the third member of the second planetary gear set and the first member of the fourth planetary gear set.

5. The transmission of claim 4 wherein a fourth of the five torque transmitting mechanisms is selectively engageable to interconnect the third member of the first planetary gear set with at least one of the second member of the second planetary gear set and the third member of the third planetary gear set.

6. The transmission of claim 5 wherein a fifth of the five torque transmitting mechanisms is selectively engageable to interconnect at least one of the second member of the third planetary gear set and the third member of the fourth planetary gear set with the stationary element.

7. The transmission of claim 1 wherein the first, second and third members of the first, second, third and fourth planetary gear sets comprise a sun gear member, a planet carrier assembly member and a ring gear member, respectively.

8. The transmission of claim 1 wherein the input member is continuously interconnected with the second member of the first planetary gear set and wherein the output member is continuously interconnected with the second member of the fourth planetary gear set.

9. The transmission of claim 1 wherein one of the torque transmitting mechanisms is a brake and four of the torque transmitting mechanisms are clutches.

10. The transmission of claim 1 wherein the stationary element is a transmission housing.

11. A transmission comprising:
an input member;
an output member;
first, second, third and fourth planetary gear sets each having first, second and third members, wherein the input member is continuously interconnected with the second member of the first planetary gear set and wherein the output member is continuously interconnected with the second member of the fourth planetary gear set;
a first interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the first member of the first planetary gear set with a stationary element;
a second interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the first member of the second planetary gear set with the first member of the third planetary gear set;
a third interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the second member of the second planetary gear set with the third member of the third planetary gear set;
a fourth interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the third member of the second planetary gear set with the first member of the fourth planetary gear set;
a fifth interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the second member of the third planetary gear set with the third member of the fourth planetary gear set;
a first torque transmitting mechanism selectively engageable to interconnect at least one of the second member of the first planetary gear set and the input member with the third member of the second planetary gear set and the first member of the fourth planetary gear set;
a second torque transmitting mechanism selectively engageable to interconnect at least one of the second member of the first planetary gear set and the input member with at least one of the first member of the second planetary gear set and the first member of the third planetary gear set;
a third torque transmitting mechanism selectively engageable to interconnect the third member of the first planetary gear set with at least one of the third member of the second planetary gear set and the first member of the fourth planetary gear set;
a fourth torque transmitting mechanism selectively engageable to interconnect the third member of the first planetary gear set with at least one of the second member of the second planetary gear set and the third member of the third planetary gear set; and
a fifth torque transmitting mechanism selectively engageable to interconnect at least one of the second member of the third planetary gear set and the third member of the fourth planetary gear set with the stationary element, and
wherein the torque transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable in combinations of at least two to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member.

12. The transmission of claim 11 wherein the first, second and third members of the first, second, third and fourth planetary gear sets comprise a sun gear member, a planet carrier assembly member and a ring gear member, respectively.

13. The transmission of claim 11 wherein the stationary element is a transmission housing.

14. A transmission comprising:
first, second, third and fourth planetary gear sets each having a sun gear, a carrier member and a ring gear, wherein the input member is continuously interconnected with the carrier member of the first planetary gear set and wherein the output member is continuously interconnected with the carrier member of the fourth planetary gear set;
a first interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the sun gear of the first planetary gear set with a stationary element;
a second interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the sun gear of the second planetary gear set with the sun gear of the third planetary gear set;
a third interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the carrier member of the second planetary gear set with the ring gear of the third planetary gear set;
a fourth interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the ring gear of the second planetary gear set with the sun gear of the fourth planetary gear set;
a fifth interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the carrier member of the third planetary gear set with the ring gear of the fourth planetary gear set;
a first torque transmitting mechanism selectively engageable to interconnect at least one of the carrier member of the first planetary gear set and the input member with the ring gear of the second planetary gear set and the sun gear of the fourth planetary gear set;
a second torque transmitting mechanism selectively engageable to interconnect at least one of the carrier member of the first planetary gear set and the input member with at least one of the sun gear of the second planetary gear set and the sun gear of the third planetary gear set;
a third torque transmitting mechanism selectively engageable to interconnect the ring gear of the first planetary gear set with at least one of the ring gear of the second planetary gear set and the sun gear of the fourth planetary gear set;
a fourth torque transmitting mechanism selectively engageable to interconnect the ring gear of the first planetary gear set with at least one of the carrier member of the second planetary gear set and the ring gear of the third planetary gear set; and
a fifth torque transmitting mechanism selectively engageable to interconnect at least one of the carrier member of the third planetary gear set and the ring gear of the fourth planetary gear set with the stationary element, and
wherein the torque transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable in combinations of at least two to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member.

15. The transmission of claim 14 wherein the stationary element is a transmission housing.