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. Further, a hydraulic fluid control circuit is provided for controlling the operation of the plurality of torque-transmitting devices. The hydraulic fluid control circuit receives pressurized hydraulic fluid from a hydraulic fluid pump and has a plurality of fluid passages disposed in the transmission housing, input member and other coupling members.

Description:
FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to multiple speed transmissions having a plurality of planetary gear sets and a plurality of torque-transmitting devices and more particularly to a hydraulic control circuit for controlling the operation of the plurality of torque-transmitting devices. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may or may not constitute prior art. 
         [0003]    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. 
         [0004]    While current transmissions achieve their intended purpose, the need for new and improved transmission configurations which exhibit improved control systems is essentially constant. More efficient hydraulic controls require less energy and provide improved performance, weight efficiency and driver satisfaction. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved, cost-effective, compact multiple speed transmission. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    A multi-speed transmission is provided including a transmission housing, a first, a second, a third, and a fourth planetary gear sets, a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms, a plurality of interconnecting members, an input member, an intermediate rotating member, and an output member. 
         [0006]    The transmission housing has a front portion, a center portion, and a rear portion. The front portion includes a portion of each of a first, second, and third apply fluid passages and a first dam fluid passage. The center portion includes a fourth apply fluid passage. The central and rear portion includes a fifth apply fluid passage and a second dam fluid passage. 
         [0007]    The planetary gear sets each have a first, a second, and a third member. 
         [0008]    The plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms each have an actuating assembly and a clutch pack for selectively interconnecting one of the first, second, and third members of one of the planetary gear sets with another one of the first members, second members, third members of another of the planetary gear sets, and the transmission housing. 
         [0009]    The plurality of interconnecting members each continuously interconnecting one of the first, second, and third members of one of the planetary gear sets with another one of the first members, second members, third members of another of the planetary gear sets. 
         [0010]    The input member is continuously interconnected to the second member of the second planetary gear set and rotatably supports the actuating assembly of a first of the plurality of torque transmitting mechanisms. The input member has a plurality of axial bores, a plurality of radial bores, a plurality of chamber ports, a plurality of side ports, and an end port. A first of the plurality of radial bores and a first of the plurality of chamber ports includes a portion of the first apply fluid passage. A first of the plurality of axial bores and a first and second of the plurality of side ports include a portion of the second apply fluid passage. A second of the plurality of axial bores and a third and fourth of the plurality of side ports include a portion of the second apply fluid passage. A third of the plurality of axial bores, a second of the plurality of radial bores, a fifth and sixth of the plurality of side ports, and the end port include a portion of the first dam fluid passage. 
         [0011]    The intermediate rotating member rotatably supports the actuating assemblies of a second and third of the plurality of torque transmitting mechanisms. The intermediate rotating member has a center bore, a plurality of radial bores and a plurality of ports. A first of the plurality of radial bores and a first of the plurality of ports include a portion of the second apply fluid passage. A second of the plurality of radial bores and a second of the plurality of ports include a portion of the third fluid apply passage. A third and fourth of a plurality of radial bores, a third and fourth of a plurality of ports, and the central bore include a portion of the first dam fluid passage. 
         [0012]    The output member is continuously interconnected to the second member of the fourth planetary gear set. 
         [0013]    The first apply fluid passage and the first dam fluid passage are in communication with the actuating assembly of the first of the plurality of torque transmitting mechanisms. The second apply fluid passage and the first dam fluid passage are in communication with the actuating assembly of the second of the plurality of torque transmitting mechanisms. The third apply fluid passage and the first dam fluid passage are in communication with the actuating assembly of the third of a plurality of torque transmitting mechanisms. The fourth apply fluid passage is in communication with the actuating assembly of a fourth of the plurality of the torque transmitting mechanisms. The fifth apply fluid passage and the second dam fluid passage are in communication with the actuating assembly of a fifth of the plurality of torque transmitting mechanisms. 
         [0014]    In another example of the present invention, a first of the plurality of the interconnecting members continuously interconnects the first member of the first planetary gear set and the third member of the second planetary gear set. A second of the plurality of the interconnecting members continuously interconnects the second member of the first planetary gear set with the second member of the fourth planetary gear set. A third of the plurality of the interconnecting members continuously interconnects the first member of the second planetary gear set and the first member of the third planetary gear set. A fourth of the plurality of the interconnecting members continuously interconnects the second member of the third planetary gear set with the third member of the fourth planetary gear set, and the intermediate member is continuously interconnects with the first member of the fourth planetary gear set. 
         [0015]    In yet another example of the present invention, the first of the plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms is selectively engageable to interconnect the input member with the intermediate member. 
         [0016]    In yet another example of the present invention, the second of the plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms is selectively engageable to interconnect the intermediate member with the first of the plurality of interconnecting members. 
         [0017]    In yet another example of the present invention, the third of the plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms is selectively engageable to interconnect the intermediate member with the third member of the first planetary gear set. 
         [0018]    In yet another example of the present invention, a fourth of the plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms is selectively engageable to interconnect a third of the plurality of interconnecting members with the transmission housing. 
         [0019]    In yet another example of the present invention, a fifth of the plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms is selectively engageable to interconnect the third member of the third planetary gear set with the transmission housing. 
         [0020]    In yet another example of the present invention, 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. 
         [0021]    In yet another example of the present invention, the first apply fluid passage includes a first apply passage and a first side port of the front portion of the transmission housing and the first of the plurality of radial bores and the first of a plurality of chamber ports of the input member. The first apply fluid passage is in communication with the first of the plurality of radial bores through the first side port and the first of the plurality of radial bores is in communication with an apply chamber of the actuating assembly of the first of the plurality of torque transmitting mechanisms through first chamber port of the input member. 
         [0022]    In yet another example of the present invention, the second apply fluid passage includes a second apply passage of the front portion of the transmission housing, a first of the plurality of axial bores and a first and second of the plurality of side ports of the input member, and a first of the plurality of the radial bores and a first of the plurality of chamber ports of the intermediate rotating member. The second apply fluid passage is in communication with the first of the plurality of axial bores through the first side port and a first annular channel formed between the input member and the transmission housing, the first of the plurality of radial bores is in communication with the first of the plurality of axial bores through the second of the plurality of side ports and a second annular channel formed between the input member and the intermediate rotating member, and the first of the plurality of radial bores is in communication with the apply chamber of the second of the plurality of torque transmitting mechanisms through the first chamber port of the intermediate rotating member. 
         [0023]    In yet another example of the present invention, the third apply fluid passage includes a third apply passage of the front portion of the transmission housing, a second of the plurality of axial bores and a third and fourth of the plurality of side ports of the input member, and a second of the plurality of the radial bores and a second of the plurality of chamber ports of the intermediate rotating member. The third apply passage is in communication with the second of the plurality of axial bores through the third of the plurality of side port of the input member and a third annular channel formed between the input member and the transmission housing, the second of the plurality of radial bores is in communication with the second of the plurality of axial bores through the fourth of the plurality of side ports of the input member and a fourth annular channel formed between the input member and the intermediate rotating member, and the second of the plurality of radial bores is in communication with the apply chamber of the third of the plurality of torque transmitting mechanisms through the second of the plurality of chamber ports of the intermediate rotating member. 
         [0024]    In yet another example of the present invention, the first dam fluid passage includes a first dam passage of the front portion of the transmission housing, a second radial bore, a third of the plurality of axial bores, a fifth and sixth of the plurality of side ports, and an end port of the input member, and a central bore, a side port, and a third and fourth of the plurality of the radial bores of the intermediate rotating member. The first dam passage is in communication with the dam chamber of the first of the plurality of torque transmitting mechanisms through the second radial bore and the second chamber port of the input member and a second side port of the transmission housing, the first dam passage is in communication with the third of the plurality of axial bores of the input member through an open end of the first dam passage, a fifth annular channel formed between the transmission housing and the input member, and the fifth of the plurality of side ports of the input member, the third radial bore of the intermediate rotating member is in communication with the third axial bore of the input member through a sixth of the plurality of side ports, a radial passage formed through a bearing between the input member and the intermediate rotating member, and the third radial bore is in communication with the dam chamber of the second of the plurality of torque transmitting mechanisms through a fourth chamber port of the seventh interconnecting member, the fourth radial bore of the intermediate rotating member is in communication with the third axial bore of the input member through the side port and the central bore of the intermediate rotating member and the end port of the input member, and the fourth radial bore is in communication with the dam chamber of the third of the plurality of torque transmitting mechanisms through a fifth chamber port of the intermediate rotating member. 
         [0025]    In yet another example of the present invention, the fourth apply fluid passage is in communication with the apply chamber of the fourth of the plurality of torque transmitting mechanisms through a chamber port of the transmission housing. 
         [0026]    In yet another example of the present invention, the fifth apply fluid passage is in communication with the apply chamber of the fifth of the plurality of torque transmitting mechanisms through a second chamber port of the transmission housing and the second dam fluid passage is in communication with the dam chamber of the fifth of the plurality of torque transmitting mechanisms through a third chamber port of the transmission housing. 
         [0027]    In yet another example of the present invention, the first members of the planetary gear sets are sun gears, the second members of the planetary gear sets are ring gears, and the third members of the planetary gear sets are carrier members. 
         [0028]    Further features 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 
         [0029]    The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way; 
           [0030]      FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an eight speed transmission according to the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 2  is a cross-section of an input shaft, a shaft or interconnecting member, a plurality of torque transmitting mechanisms, and a portion of a transmission housing illustrating a portion of a fluid routing system for an eight speed transmission in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 3  is another cross-section of the input shaft, the shaft or interconnecting member, the plurality of torque transmitting mechanisms, and the portion of the transmission housing illustrating another portion of a fluid routing system for an eight speed transmission in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 4A  is a cross-section of another plurality of torque transmitting mechanisms and another portion of the transmission housing illustrating another portion of a fluid routing system for an eight speed transmission in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0034]      FIG. 4B  is a cross-section of the other plurality of torque transmitting mechanisms and the other portion of the transmission housing illustrating another portion of a fluid routing system for an eight speed transmission in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0035]    The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. 
         [0036]    Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to like components, in  FIG. 1  a multi-speed transmission  10  is illustrated. The transmission  10  includes an input member  12  and an output member  14 . In the present embodiment, the output member  14  is a shaft and the input member  12  is a combination of a shaft and a rotating interconnecting member. The input member  12  is continuously connected to an engine (not shown) or torque converter (not shown). The output member  14  is continuously connected with the final drive unit or transfer case (not shown). 
         [0037]    In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the transmission  10  includes four planetary gear sets  16 ,  18 ,  20  and  22  disposed in a transmission housing  100 . The planetary gear sets  16 ,  18 ,  20  and  22  are connected between the input member  12  and the output member  14 . 
         [0038]    More specifically, the fourth planetary gear set  22  is disposed adjacent a rear portion  102  of the transmission housing  100 . The third planetary gear set  20  is disposed adjacent the fourth planetary gear set  22 . The second planetary gear set  18  is disposed proximate to the third planetary gear set  20 . The first planetary gear set  16  is disposed proximate the second planetary gear set  18 . 
         [0039]    The first planetary gear set  16  includes a sun gear member  16 A, a ring gear member  16 B, and a carrier member  16 C that rotatably supports a set of pinion gears  16 D (only one shown). Sun gear member  16 A is connected for common rotation with a first shaft or interconnecting member  24 . Ring gear member  16 B is connected for common rotation with a second shaft or interconnecting member  26 . Carrier member  16 C is connected for common rotation with a third shaft or interconnecting member  28 . Pinion gears  16 D are each configured to intermesh with both sun gear member  16 A and ring gear member  16 B. 
         [0040]    The second planetary gear set  18  includes a sun gear member  18 A, a ring gear member  18 B, and a carrier member  18 C that rotatably supports a set of pinion gears  18 D. Sun gear member  18 A is connected for common rotation with a fourth shaft or interconnecting member  30 . Ring gear member  18 B is connected for common rotation with the first shaft or interconnecting member  24 . Carrier member  18 C is connected for common rotation with the input member  12 . Pinion gears  18 D are each configured to intermesh with both sun gear member  18 A and ring gear member  18 B. 
         [0041]    The third planetary gear set  20  includes a sun gear member  20 A, a ring gear member  20 B, and a carrier member  20 C that rotatably supports a set of pinion gears  20 D. Sun gear member  20 A is connected for common rotation with the fourth shaft or interconnecting member  30 . Ring gear member  20 B is connected for common rotation with a fifth shaft or interconnecting member  32 . Carrier member  20 C is connected for common rotation with a sixth shaft or interconnecting member  34 . Pinion gears  20 D are each configured to intermesh with both sun gear member  20 A and ring gear member  20 B. 
         [0042]    The fourth planetary gear set  22  includes a sun gear member  22 A, a ring gear member  22 B, and a carrier member  22 C that rotatably supports a set of pinion gears  22 D. Sun gear member  22 A is connected for common rotation with the seventh shaft of intermediate member  36 . Ring gear member  22 B is connected for common rotation with the sixth shaft or interconnecting member  34 . Carrier member  22 C is connected for common rotation with the output member  14  and the third interconnecting member  28 . Pinion gears  22 D are each configured to intermesh with both sun gear member  22 A and ring gear member  22 B. 
         [0043]    The transmission  10  includes a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms or devices allowing for selective coupling of shafts or interconnecting members, members of the planetary gear sets and the transmission housing  100 . More specifically, transmission  10  includes a first clutch  38 , a second clutch  40 , a third clutch  42 , a first brake  44  and a second brake  46 . For example, the first clutch  38  is selectively engageable to connect the input member  12  to the seventh shaft of intermediate member  36  for common rotation between the input member  12  and the sun gear member  22 A of the fourth planetary gear set  22 . The second clutch  40  is selectively engageable to connect the first shaft or interconnecting member  24  to the seventh shaft of intermediate member  36  for common rotation between the sun gear member  16 A of the first planetary gear set  16 , the ring gear member  18 B of the second planetary gear set  18  and the sun gear member  22 A of the fourth planetary gear set  22 . The third clutch  42  is selectively engageable to connect the second shaft or interconnecting member  26  to the seventh shaft of intermediate member  36  for common rotation between the ring gear member  16 B of the first planetary gear set  16  and the sun gear member  22 A of the fourth planetary gear set. The first brake  44  is selectively engageable to connect the fourth shaft or interconnecting member  30  to the transmission housing  100  to restrict rotation of the sun gear member  18 A of the second planetary gear set  18  and sun gear member  20 A of the third planetary gear set  20  relative to the transmission housing  100 . The second brake  46  is selectively engageable to connect the fifth shaft or interconnecting member  32  to the transmission housing  100  to restrict rotation of the ring gear member  20 B of the third planetary gear set  20  relative to the transmission housing  100 . 
         [0044]    The transmission  10  is capable of transmitting torque from the input member  12  to the output member  14  in at least eight forward torque ratios and one reverse torque ratio. Each of the forward torque ratios and the reverse torque ratios are attained by engagement of one or more of the torque-transmitting mechanisms (i.e. first clutch  38 , second clutch  40 , third clutch  42 , first brake  44  and second brake  46 ). Those skilled in the art will readily understand that a different speed ratio is associated with each torque ratio. Thus, at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio may be attained by the transmission  10 . 
         [0045]    With continuing reference to  FIG. 1 , the location of clutches  38 ,  40 ,  42 , and brakes  44 ,  46  along the input member  12  and the seventh shaft of intermediate member  36  and relative to the planetary gear sets  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22  will now be described. The first, second, and third clutches  38 ,  40 ,  42  and first and second brake  44 ,  46  are arranged coaxially with the input member  12  and the seventh shaft of intermediate member  36 . The first clutch  38  is located proximate a front portion  104  of the transmission housing  100  and is supported by the input member  12 . The second clutch  40  is located proximate the first clutch  38  and input member  12  and is supported by the seventh shaft of intermediate member  36 . The third clutch  42  is disposed between the second clutch  40  and the first planetary gear set  16  and is supported by the seventh shaft of intermediate member  36 . The first brake  44  is located radially outward from the second planetary gear set  18  and the third planetary gear set  20  and is supported by the transmission housing  100 . The second brake  46  is located adjacent the first brake  44  and radially outward from the third planetary gear set  20  and is supported by the transmission housing  100 . 
         [0046]    The first clutch  38  includes an actuating assembly  38 A and a clutch pack  38 B. The actuating assembly  38 A of the first clutch  38  includes an apply chamber  38 C, a dam chamber  38 D, a piston return spring  38 E, and a piston  38 F. The actuating assembly  38 A is rotatably supported by the input member  12 . The clutch pack  38 B includes a plurality of friction discs or rings with alternating discs splined to the input member  12  and the seventh shaft or member  36 . The piston  38 F of the actuating assembly  38 A engages the clutch pack  38 B to force the plurality of alternating friction disks together to interconnect the carrier member  18 C of the second planetary gear set  18  and the input member  12  with the seventh shaft of intermediate member  36  and the sun gear member  22 A of the fourth planetary gear set  22 . 
         [0047]    The second clutch  40  includes an actuating assembly  40 A and a clutch pack  40 B. The actuating assembly  40 A of the third clutch  40  includes an apply chamber  40 C, a dam chamber  40 D, a piston return spring  40 E, and a piston  40 F. The actuating assembly  40 A is rotatably supported by the seventh shaft of intermediate member  36 . The clutch pack  40 B includes a plurality of friction discs or rings with alternating discs splined to the seventh shaft of intermediate member  36  and the first shaft or interconnecting member  24 . The piston  40 F of the actuating assembly  40 A engages the clutch pack  40 B to interconnect the seventh shaft of intermediate member  36  and the sun gear member  22 A of the fourth planetary gear set  22  with the first shaft or interconnecting member  24 , the sun gear member  16 A of the first planetary gear set  16 , and the ring gear member  18 B of the second planetary gear set. 
         [0048]    The third clutch  42  includes an actuating assembly  42 A and a clutch pack  42 B. The actuating assembly  42 A of the third clutch  42  includes an apply chamber  42 C, a dam chamber  42 D, a piston return spring  42 E, and a piston  42 F. The actuating assembly  42 A is rotatably supported by the seventh shaft of intermediate member  36 . The clutch pack  42 B includes a plurality of friction discs or rings with alternating discs splined to the second shaft or interconnecting member  26  and the seventh shaft of intermediate member  36 . The piston  42 F of the actuating assembly  42 A engages the clutch pack  42 B to interconnect the seventh shaft of intermediate member  36  and the sun gear member  22 A of the fourth planetary gear set  22  with the second shaft or interconnecting member  26  and the ring gear member  16 B of the first planetary gear set  16 . 
         [0049]    The first brake  44  includes an actuating assembly  44 A and a clutch pack  44 B. The actuating assembly  44 A of the first brake  44  includes an apply chamber  44 C, a piston return spring  44 D, and a piston  44 E. The actuating assembly  44 A is rotatably supported by the transmission housing  100 . The clutch pack  44 B includes a plurality of friction discs or rings with alternating discs splined to the transmission housing  100  and the fourth shaft or interconnecting member  30 . The piston  44 E of the actuating assembly  44 A engages the clutch pack  44 B to interconnect the fourth shaft or interconnecting member  30  and the sun gear members  18 A,  20 A of the second and third planetary gear sets  18 ,  20  with the transmission housing  100 . 
         [0050]    The second brake  46  includes an actuating assembly  46 A and a clutch pack  46 B. The actuating assembly  46 A of the second brake  46  includes an apply chamber  46 C, a dam chamber  46 D, a piston return spring  46 E, and a piston  46 F. The actuating assembly  46 A is rotatably supported by the rear portion  102  of the transmission housing  100 . The clutch pack  46 B includes a plurality of friction discs or rings with alternating discs splined to the transmission housing  100  and the fifth shaft or interconnecting member  32 . The piston  46 F of the actuating assembly  46 A engages the clutch pack  46 B to interconnect the fifth shaft or interconnecting member  32  and the ring gear member  20 B of the third planetary gear sets  20  with the transmission housing  100 . 
         [0051]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  4 A, and  4 B, a hydraulic control circuit  200  is illustrated and will now be described. More specifically,  FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  4 A, and  4 B include cross-sectional views of the input member  12 , the seventh shaft of intermediate member  36 , the output member  14 , and the transmission housing  100 . The hydraulic control circuit  200  contains hydraulic fluid that is pressurized by a hydraulic fluid pump (not shown) and generates hydraulic control signals to actuate the clutches  38 ,  40 ,  42  and brakes  44 ,  46 . The hydraulic control circuit  200  is formed by passages and ports of the input member  12 , the seventh shaft of intermediate member  36 , the output member  14 , and transmission housing  100 . The hydraulic circuit  200  includes a first portion  200 A, a second portion  200 B and a third portion  200 C. The second portion  200 B, illustrated in  FIG. 3 , includes an apply circuit  206  for the first clutch  38  and a dam circuit  208  for the first, second and third clutches  38 ,  40 ,  42 . The third portion  200 C, illustrated in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , includes an apply circuit  210  for the first brake  44 , an apply circuit  212  for the second brake  46 , and a dam circuit  214  for the second brake  46 . 
         [0052]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the first portion  200 A of the hydraulic circuit  200  is illustrated and explained in more detail. The first portion  200 A of the hydraulic circuit  200  includes an apply circuit  202  for the third clutch  42  and an apply circuit  204  for the second clutch  40 . The apply circuit  202  of the third clutch  42  is formed by the front portion  104  of the transmission housing  100 , the input member  12 , and the seventh shaft of intermediate member  36 . More specifically, the apply circuit  202  of the third clutch  42  is defined by an apply passage  216  of the third clutch  42  disposed in the front portion  104  of the transmission housing  100 , a first axial bore  218  disposed in the input member  12  and an radial bore  36 A disposed in the seventh shaft of intermediate member  36 . The apply passage  216  communicates with the first axial bore  218  through a first annular channel  218 A and a side port  218 B at a first end  218 C of the first axial bore  218 . The first axial bore  218  communicates with the radial bore  36 A through a side port  218 D and a second annular channel  218 E. The radial bore  36 A communicates with the apply chamber  42 C of the actuating assembly  42 A of the third clutch  42  through a first chamber port  36 B of the seventh shaft of intermediate member  36 . 
         [0053]    The apply circuit  204  of the second clutch  40  is formed by the front portion  104  of the transmission housing  100 , the input member  12 , and the seventh shaft of intermediate member  36 . More specifically, the apply circuit  204  of the second clutch  40  is defined by an apply passage  220  of the second clutch  40  disposed in the front portion  104  of the transmission housing  100 , a second axial bore  222  disposed in the input member  12  and an radial bore  36 C disposed in the seventh shaft of intermediate member  36 . The apply passage  220  communicates with the second axial bore  222  through a second annular channel  222 A and a side port  222 B at a first end  222 C of the second axial bore  222 . The second axial bore  222  communicates with the radial bore  36 C through a side port  222 D and a second annular channel  222 E of the second axial bore  222 . The radial bore  36 C communicates with the apply chamber  40 C of the actuating assembly  40 A of the second clutch  40  through a second chamber port  36 D of the seventh shaft of intermediate member  36 . 
         [0054]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the second portion  200 B of the hydraulic circuit  200  is illustrated and explained in more detail. The second portion  200 B of the hydraulic circuit  200  includes an apply circuit  206  for the first clutch  38  and a dam circuit  208  for each of the first, second, and third clutches  38 ,  40 ,  42 . The apply circuit  206  of the first clutch  38  is formed by the front portion  104  of the transmission housing  100  and the input member  12 . More specifically, the apply circuit  206  of the first clutch  38  is defined by an apply passage  224  of the first clutch  38  disposed in the front portion  104  of the transmission housing  100 , and an radial bore  12 A disposed in the input member  12 . The apply passage  224  communicates with the radial bore  12 A through a side port  224 A. The radial bore  12 A communicates with the apply chamber  38 C of the actuating assembly  38 A of the first clutch  38  through a third chamber port  12 B of the input member  12 . 
         [0055]    The dam circuit  208  of the first, second, and third clutches  38 ,  40 ,  42  is formed by the front portion  104  of the transmission housing  100 , the input member  12 , and the seventh shaft of intermediate member  36 . More specifically, dam circuit  208  of the first, second, and third clutches  38 ,  40 ,  42  is defined by an apply passage  226  disposed in the front portion  104  of the transmission housing  100 , a third axial bore  228  disposed in the input member  12 , an radial bore  12 C disposed in the input member  12 , an radial passage  230  formed by a bearing  230 A between the input member  12  and the seventh shaft of intermediate member  36 , and a center bore  36 G and an radial bore  36 H disposed in the seventh shaft of intermediate member  36 . The dam passage  226  communicates with the dam chamber  38 D of the actuating assembly  38 A of the first clutch  38  through a port  226 B of the front portion  104  of the transmission housing and a radial bore or chamber port  12 C of the input member  12 . The dam passage  226  further communicates with the third axial bore  228  through an open end  226 A of the dam passage, a third annular channel  228 A and a side port  228 B at a first end  228 C of the third axial bore  228 . The third axial bore  228  communicates with the radial passage  230  through a side port  228 D and an annual channel  228 E. The radial passage  230  communicates with the dam chamber  40 D of the actuating assembly  40 A of the second clutch  40  through a radial bore or chamber port  36 F of the seventh shaft of intermediate member  36 . The third axial bore  228  further communicates with the center bore  36 G disposed in the seventh shaft of intermediate member  36  through and open end  228 E of the third axial bore  228  of the input member  12 . The center bore  36 G communicates with the radial bore  36 H through a side port  36 J. The radial bore  36 H communicates with the dam chamber  42 D of the actuating assembly  42 A of the third clutch  42  through a radial bore or chamber port  36 K of the seventh shaft of intermediate member  36 . 
         [0056]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the third portion  200 C of the hydraulic circuit  200  is illustrated and explained in more detail. The third portion  200 C of the hydraulic circuit  200  includes an apply circuit  210  for the first brake  44 , an apply circuit  212  for the second brake  46  and a dam circuit  214  for the second brake  46 . The apply circuit  210  of the first brake  44  is formed by a central portion  106  of the transmission housing  100 . More specifically, the apply circuit  210  of the first brake  44  is defined by an apply passage  232  of the first brake  44  disposed in the central portion  106  of the transmission housing  100 . The apply passage  232  communicates with the apply chamber  44 C of the actuating assembly  44 A of the first brake  44  through a port  210 A of the central portion  106  of the transmission housing  100 . 
         [0057]    The apply circuit  212  of the second brake  46  is formed by the central portion  106  and the rear portion  102  of the transmission housing  100 . More specifically, the apply circuit  212  of the second brake  46  is defined by an apply passage  234  of the second brake  46  disposed in the central portion  106  and the rear portion  102  of the transmission housing  100 . The apply passage  234  communicates with the apply chamber  46 C of the actuating assembly  46 A of the second brake  46  through a port  212 A of the rear portion  102  of the transmission housing  100 . 
         [0058]    Referring now to  FIG. 4B , the dam circuit  214  of the second brake  46  is illustrated and will be described in more detail. The dam circuit  214  of the second brake  46  is formed by the central portion  106  and the rear portion  102  of the transmission housing  100 . More specifically, the dam circuit  214  of the second brake  46  is defined by a dam passage  236  of the second brake  46  disposed in the central portion  106  and the rear portion  102  of the transmission housing  100 . The dam passage  236  communicates with the dam chamber  46 D of the actuating assembly  46 A of the second brake  46  through a port  214 A of the rear portion  102  of the transmission housing  100 . 
         [0059]    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.