Multi-speed planetary transmission

Abstract

A multi-speed transmission may include a plurality of planetary gear sets and a plurality of selective couplers. The plurality of planetary gear sets may include a first planetary gear set, a second planetary gear set, a third planetary gear set, a fourth planetary gear set, and a fifth planetary gear set. The plurality of selective couplers may include a plurality of clutches and a plurality of brakes. The multi-speed transmission may have five planetary gear sets and seven selective couplers. The seven selective couplers may include two clutches and five brakes, or three clutches and three brakes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a multi-speed transmission, and more particularly to a multi-speed transmission including a plurality of planetary gear sets and a plurality of selective couplings to achieve a plurality of forward speed ratios and a plurality of reverse speed ratios. Background Art

[0002] A multi-speed transmission uses multiple planetary gear sets, selective couplings, interconnectors, and additional elements to achieve multiple forward and reverse speed ratios. An exemplary multi-speed transmission is disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,070,927, the entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present disclosure provides a multi-speed transmission, including a plurality of planetary gear sets and a plurality of selective couplers to achieve at least 9 forward speed ratios. The plurality of planetary gear sets may include a first planetary gear set, a second planetary gear set, a third planetary gear set, a fourth planetary gear set, and a fifth planetary gear set. The plurality of selective couplers may include a plurality of clutches and a plurality of brakes. In one example, the present disclosure provides a multi-speed transmission having 5 planetary gear sets and 7 selective couplers. The 7 selective couplers may include 2 clutches and 5 brakes. The 2 clutches may be directly coupled to the input member.

[0004] In some instances throughout the present disclosure and claims, numerical terms (such as first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh) are used to refer to various gear sets, gears, gear set components, interconnects, selective couplers, and other components. Such use is not intended to indicate an ordering of components. Rather, numerical terms are used to help the reader identify the referenced components and should not be narrowly interpreted as providing a particular order of components. For example, according to the wording of the claims, a first planetary gear set identified in the accompanying drawings can support any of a plurality of planetary gear sets described in the claims, including a first planetary gear set, a second planetary gear set, a third planetary gear set, a fourth planetary gear set, and a fifth planetary gear set.

[0005] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a transmission is provided. The transmission includes: at least one fixed member; an input member, the input member is rotatable relative to the at least one fixed member; a plurality of planetary gear sets, the plurality of planetary gear sets are operatively coupled to the input member; and an output member, the output member is operatively coupled to the input member through the plurality of planetary gear sets, and is rotatable relative to the at least one fixed member. Each of the plurality of planetary gear sets includes a first gear set component, a second gear set component, and a third gear set component. The plurality of planetary gear sets include a first planetary gear set, a second planetary gear set, a third planetary gear set, a fourth planetary gear set, and a fifth planetary gear set. The input member is fixedly coupled to the first gear set component of the first planetary gear set. The output member is fixedly coupled to the second gear set component of the third planetary gear set, the first gear set component of the fourth planetary gear set, and the first gear set component of the fifth planetary gear set. The transmission also includes a first interconnector, which fixedly couples the second gear set component of the second planetary gear set, the third gear set component of the third planetary gear set, and the third gear set component of the fourth planetary gear set; a second interconnector, which fixedly couples the third gear set component of the second planetary gear set and the second gear set component of the first planetary gear set; a third interconnector, which fixedly couples the second gear set component of the fourth planetary gear set and the third gear set component of the fifth planetary gear set; a fourth interconnector, which fixedly couples the first gear set component of the second planetary gear set and the first gear set component of the third planetary gear set; and a plurality of selective couplers.The plurality of selective couplings include a first selective coupling that, when engaged, fixedly couples the input member and the first gear set member of the first planetary gear set to the first gear set member of the second planetary gear set and the first gear set member of the third planetary gear set; a second selective coupling that, when engaged, fixedly couples the input member and the first gear set member of the first planetary gear set to the second gear set member of the second planetary gear set, the third gear set member of the third planetary gear set, and the third gear set member of the fourth planetary gear set; a third selective coupling that, when engaged, fixedly couples the third gear set member of the first planetary gear set to at least one fixed member; and a fourth selective coupling that, when engaged, fixedly couples the fourth gear set member of the first planetary gear set to at least one fixed member. a first selective coupling fixedly couples the second gear set member of the first planetary gear set and the third gear set member of the second planetary gear set to at least one stationary member; a fifth selective coupling, when engaged, the fifth selective coupling fixedly couples the second gear set member of the second planetary gear set, the third gear set member of the third planetary gear set, and the third gear set member of the fourth planetary gear set to at least one stationary member; a sixth selective coupling, when engaged, the sixth selective coupling fixedly couples the second gear set member of the fourth planetary gear set and the third gear set member of the fifth planetary gear set to at least one stationary member; and a seventh selective coupling, when engaged, the seventh selective coupling fixedly couples the second gear set member of the fifth planetary gear set to at least one stationary member.

[0006] In one example thereof, at least one stationary member includes a housing. The housing has a first end and a second end. An input member is accessible near the first end of the housing. An output member is accessible near the second end of the housing. A first planetary gear set is located between the first end of the housing and the second planetary gear set. A second planetary gear set is located between the first planetary gear set and the third planetary gear set. A third planetary gear set is located between the second planetary gear set and the fourth planetary gear set. A fourth planetary gear set is located between the third planetary gear set and the fifth planetary gear set. The fifth planetary gear set is located between the fourth planetary gear set and the second end of the housing.

[0007] In another example, each of the first planetary gear set, the second planetary gear set, the third planetary gear set, the fourth planetary gear set, and the fifth planetary gear set is a simple planetary gear set. In one variation, the first gear set member of the first planetary gear set is a first sun gear, the first gear set member of the second planetary gear set is a second sun gear, the first gear set member of the third planetary gear set is a third sun gear, the first gear set member of the fourth planetary gear set is a fourth sun gear, the first gear set member of the fifth planetary gear set is a fifth sun gear, the second gear set member of the first planetary gear set is a first planet carrier, the second gear set member of the second planetary gear set is a second planet carrier, the second gear set member of the third planetary gear set is a third planet carrier, the second gear set member of the fourth planetary gear set is a fourth planet carrier, the second gear set member of the fifth planetary gear set is a fifth planet carrier, the third gear set member of the first planetary gear set is a first ring gear, the third gear set member of the second planetary gear set is a second ring gear, the third gear set member of the third planetary gear set is a third ring gear, the third gear set member of the fourth planetary gear set is a fourth ring gear, and the third gear set member of the fifth planetary gear set is a fifth ring gear.

[0008] In yet another example, a plurality of selective couplings are selectively engaged in a plurality of combinations to establish a plurality of forward speed ratios and a plurality of reverse speed ratios between an input member and an output member, each of the plurality of combinations engaging at least two of the plurality of selective couplings. In a variation thereof, only two of the plurality of selective couplings are engaged in each combination.

[0009] In another example thereof, a plurality of selective couplers are selectively engaged to establish: a first forward speed ratio, wherein the first selective coupler is engaged with the seventh selective coupler; a second forward speed ratio, wherein the first selective coupler is engaged with the sixth selective coupler; a third forward speed ratio, wherein the first selective coupler is engaged with the fifth selective coupler; a fourth forward speed ratio, wherein the first selective coupler is engaged with the fourth selective coupler; a fifth forward speed ratio, wherein the first selective coupler is engaged with the third selective coupler; a sixth forward speed ratio, wherein the first selective coupler is engaged with the second selective coupler; and a seventh forward speed ratio, wherein the first selective coupler is engaged with the second selective coupler. a forward speed ratio in which the second selective coupler engages with the third selective coupler; an eighth forward speed ratio in which the second selective coupler engages with the fourth selective coupler; a first reverse speed ratio in which the third selective coupler engages with the seventh selective coupler; a second reverse speed ratio in which the third selective coupler engages with the sixth selective coupler; a third reverse speed ratio in which the third selective coupler engages with the fifth selective coupler; a fourth reverse speed ratio in which the second selective coupler engages with the seventh selective coupler; and a fifth reverse speed ratio in which the second selective coupler engages with the sixth selective coupler.

[0010] In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a transmission is provided. The transmission includes: at least one fixed member; an input member, the input member is rotatable relative to the at least one fixed member; a plurality of planetary gear sets, the plurality of planetary gear sets are operatively coupled to the input member; and an output member, the output member is operatively coupled to the input member through the plurality of planetary gear sets, and is rotatable relative to the at least one fixed member. Each of the plurality of planetary gear sets includes a first gear set component, a second gear set component, and a third gear set component. The plurality of planetary gear sets include a first planetary gear set, a second planetary gear set, a third planetary gear set, a fourth planetary gear set, and a fifth planetary gear set. The input member is fixedly coupled to the first gear set component of the first planetary gear set. The output member is fixedly coupled to the second gear set component of the third planetary gear set, the first gear set component of the fourth planetary gear set, and the third gear set component of the fifth planetary gear set. The transmission also includes a first interconnector, which fixedly couples the third gear set component of the second planetary gear set and the second gear set component of the first planetary gear set; a second interconnector, which fixedly couples the second gear set component of the second planetary gear set, the third gear set component of the third planetary gear set, the second gear set component of the fourth planetary gear set, and the first gear set component of the fifth planetary gear set; a third interconnector, which fixedly couples the first gear set component of the second planetary gear set and the first gear set component of the third planetary gear set; and a plurality of selective couplers.The plurality of selective couplings include a first selective coupling that, when engaged, fixedly couples the input member and the first gear set member of the first planetary gear set to the first gear set member of the second planetary gear set and the first gear set member of the third planetary gear set; a second selective coupling that, when engaged, fixedly couples the input member and the first gear set member of the first planetary gear set to the second gear set member of the second planetary gear set, the third gear set member of the third planetary gear set, the second gear set member of the fourth planetary gear set, and the first gear set member of the fifth planetary gear set; a third selective coupling that, when engaged, fixedly couples the third gear set member of the first planetary gear set to at least one fixed member; and a fourth selective coupling that, when engaged, fixedly couples the third gear set member of the first planetary gear set to at least one fixed member. When engaged, the fourth selective coupler fixedly couples the second gear set member of the first planetary gear set and the third gear set member of the second planetary gear set to at least one stationary member; the fifth selective coupler, when engaged, fixedly couples the second gear set member of the second planetary gear set, the third gear set member of the third planetary gear set, the second gear set member of the fourth planetary gear set, and the first gear set member of the fifth planetary gear set to at least one stationary member; the sixth selective coupler, when engaged, fixedly couples the third gear set member of the fourth planetary gear set to at least one stationary member; and the seventh selective coupler, when engaged, fixedly couples the second gear set member of the fifth planetary gear set to at least one stationary member.

[0011] In one example thereof, at least one stationary member includes a housing. The housing has a first end and a second end. An input member is accessible near the first end of the housing. An output member is accessible near the second end of the housing. A first planetary gear set is located between the first end of the housing and the second planetary gear set. A second planetary gear set is located between the first planetary gear set and the third planetary gear set. A third planetary gear set is located between the second planetary gear set and the fourth planetary gear set. A fourth planetary gear set is located between the third planetary gear set and the fifth planetary gear set. The fifth planetary gear set is located between the fourth planetary gear set and the second end of the housing.

[0012] In another example, each of the first planetary gear set, the second planetary gear set, the third planetary gear set, the fourth planetary gear set, and the fifth planetary gear set is a simple planetary gear set. In one variation, the first gear set member of the first planetary gear set is a first sun gear, the first gear set member of the second planetary gear set is a second sun gear, the first gear set member of the third planetary gear set is a third sun gear, the first gear set member of the fourth planetary gear set is a fourth sun gear, the first gear set member of the fifth planetary gear set is a fifth sun gear, the second gear set member of the first planetary gear set is a first planet carrier, the second gear set member of the second planetary gear set is a second planet carrier, the second gear set member of the third planetary gear set is a third planet carrier, the second gear set member of the fourth planetary gear set is a fourth planet carrier, the second gear set member of the fifth planetary gear set is a fifth planet carrier, the third gear set member of the first planetary gear set is a first ring gear, the third gear set member of the second planetary gear set is a second ring gear, the third gear set member of the third planetary gear set is a third ring gear, the third gear set member of the fourth planetary gear set is a fourth ring gear, and the third gear set member of the fifth planetary gear set is a fifth ring gear.

[0013] In another example, a plurality of selective couplings are selectively engaged in a plurality of combinations to establish a plurality of forward speed ratios and a plurality of reverse speed ratios between an input member and an output member, each of the plurality of combinations engaging at least two of the plurality of selective couplings. In a variation thereof, only two of the plurality of selective couplings are engaged in each combination.

[0014] In yet another example thereof, a plurality of selective couplers are selectively engaged to establish: a first forward speed ratio, wherein the first selective coupler engages with the seventh selective coupler; a second forward speed ratio, wherein the first selective coupler engages with the fifth selective coupler; a third forward speed ratio, wherein the first selective coupler engages with the sixth selective coupler; a fourth forward speed ratio, wherein the first selective coupler engages with the fourth selective coupler; a fifth forward speed ratio, wherein the first selective coupler engages with the third selective coupler; a sixth forward speed ratio, wherein the first selective coupler engages with the second selective coupler; and a seventh forward speed ratio, wherein the first selective coupler engages with the second selective coupler. a forward speed ratio in which the second selective coupler engages with the third selective coupler; an eighth forward speed ratio in which the second selective coupler engages with the fourth selective coupler; a ninth forward speed ratio in which the second selective coupler engages with the sixth selective coupler; a first reverse speed ratio in which the third selective coupler engages with the seventh selective coupler; a second reverse speed ratio in which the third selective coupler engages with the fifth selective coupler; a third reverse speed ratio in which the third selective coupler engages with the sixth selective coupler; and a fourth reverse speed ratio in which the second selective coupler engages with the seventh selective coupler. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The above and other features and advantages of the present disclosure and their implementation will become more apparent, and the invention itself will be better understood, by referring to the following description of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary multi-speed transmission including five planetary gear sets and seven selective couplings;

[0017] Figure 2 is a truth table that shows Figure 1 The seven selective couplers are selectively engaged to provide Figure 1 8 forward gear ratios or speed ratios and 5 reverse gear ratios or speed ratios of a multi-speed transmission;

[0018] Figure 3 is another exemplary multi-speed transmission schematic diagram including five planetary gear sets and seven selective couplings; and

[0019] Figure 4 is a truth table that shows Figure 3 The seven selective couplers are selectively engaged to provide Figure 3 The multiple speed transmission has 9 forward gear ratios or speed ratios and 5 reverse gear ratios or speed ratios.

[0020] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views.The exemplifications set out herein illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention, and these exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] In order to better understand the principles of the present disclosure, reference will be made to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings and described below. The embodiments disclosed below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. On the contrary, these embodiments are selected and described so that others skilled in the art can utilize their teachings. Therefore, it is not intended that the scope of the present disclosure is thereby limited. In all several views, corresponding reference numerals represent corresponding parts.

[0022] In the illustrated transmission embodiment, a selective coupler is disclosed. A selective coupler is a device that can be actuated to fixedly couple two or more components together. The selective coupler fixedly couples two or more components so that they rotate together as a unit when the selective coupler is in an engaged configuration. In addition, when the selective coupler is in a disengaged configuration, the two or more components can rotate relative to each other. The terms "coupling," "coupling," "coupler," and variations thereof encompass arrangements in which two or more components are in direct physical contact and arrangements in which two or more components are not in direct contact with each other (e.g., components are "coupled" via at least a third component, but still cooperate or interact with each other).

[0023] A first exemplary selective coupling is a clutch. A clutch couples two or more rotating components to each other so that the two or more rotating components rotate together as a unit in an engaged configuration and allows relative rotation between the two or more rotating components in a disengaged position. Exemplary clutches may be a movable friction locking multi-plate clutch, a movable shape locking dog or cone clutch, a wet clutch, or any other known form of clutch.

[0024] A second exemplary selective coupler is a brake. A brake couples one or more rotatable components to a stationary component so that the one or more rotatable components remain stationary relative to the stationary component in an engaged configuration and allows the one or more components to rotate relative to the stationary component in a disengaged configuration. Exemplary brakes may be configured as movable friction locking disc brakes, movable friction locking band brakes, movable shape locking pawl or cone brakes, or any other known form of brake.

[0025] The selective coupler can be an actively controlled device or a passive device. Exemplary actively controlled devices include hydraulically actuated clutch or brake elements, and electrically actuated clutch or brake elements. Additional details regarding systems and methods for controlling a selective coupler are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,024,394, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0026] In addition to being coupled via a selective coupler, the various components of the disclosed transmission embodiments may be fixedly coupled together continuously throughout operation of the disclosed transmission. The components may be fixedly coupled together permanently or removably. The components may be fixedly coupled together by spline connections, press fits, fasteners, welding, machining, or forming functional portions of an integral piece, or other suitable component connection methods.

[0027] The disclosed transmission embodiment includes a plurality of planetary gear sets. Each planetary gear set includes at least four components: a sun gear; a ring gear; a plurality of planetary gears; and a carrier that is rotatably coupled to and carries the planetary gears. In the case of a simple planetary gear set, the teeth of the sun gear mesh with the teeth of the planetary gears, which in turn mesh with the teeth of the ring gear. Each of these components may also be referred to as a gear set component. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that some planetary gear sets may include other components in addition to those explicitly stated. For example, one or more planetary gear sets may include two sets of planetary gears. A first set of planetary gears may mesh with a sun gear, while a second set of planetary gears may mesh with the first set of planetary gears and the ring gear. Both sets of planetary gears are carried by a planet carrier.

[0028] When one or more components are fixedly coupled together, one or more rotating components such as shafts, rollers and other components may be collectively referred to as an interconnector. The interconnector may also be fixedly coupled to one or more gear set components and / or one or more selective couplings.

[0029] The input member of the disclosed transmission embodiment is rotated by a prime mover. An exemplary input member is a shaft or other rotatable component that can be operatively coupled to the prime mover. Exemplary prime movers include internal combustion engines, electric motors, hybrid power systems, and other suitable power systems. In one embodiment, the prime mover indirectly rotates the input member through a clutch and / or a torque converter. The output member of the disclosed transmission embodiment provides rotational power to one or more working parts. An exemplary output member is a shaft or other rotatable component that can be operatively coupled to the working part. Exemplary working parts include one or more drive wheels of a motor vehicle, a power output shaft, and other suitable devices. The output member rotates based on the interconnection of the gear set component with the selective coupler of the transmission. By changing the interconnection of the gear set component and the selective coupler, the speed and / or direction of the output member can be different from the speed and / or direction of the input member.

[0030] The disclosed transmission embodiments are capable of transmitting torque from an input member to an output member and rotating the output member relative to the input member in at least 8 forward gear ratios or speed ratios and 5 reverse gear ratios or speed ratios. Illustratively, for some embodiments, 9 forward gear ratios or speed ratios and 4 reverse gear ratios or speed ratios are possible. Exemplary gear ratios that can be obtained using the disclosed embodiments are disclosed herein. Of course, other gear ratios can also be achieved depending on the characteristics of the gear set used. Exemplary features include the respective gear diameters, the number of gear teeth, and the configuration of the gears.

[0031] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a multi-speed transmission 100. The multi-speed transmission 100 includes an input member 102 and an output member 104. Each of the input member 102 and the output member 104 is rotatable relative to at least one fixed member 106. An exemplary input member 102 is an input shaft or other suitable rotatable component. An exemplary output member 104 is an output shaft or other suitable rotatable component. An exemplary fixed member 106 is a housing of the multi-speed transmission 100. The housing may include several components coupled together.

[0032] The multi-speed transmission 100 includes a plurality of planetary gear sets, illustratively a first planetary gear set 108, a second planetary gear set 110, a third planetary gear set 112, a fourth planetary gear set 114, and a fifth planetary gear set 216. In one embodiment, other planetary gear sets may be included. In addition, although the first planetary gear set 108, the second planetary gear set 110, the third planetary gear set 112, the fourth planetary gear set 114, and the fifth planetary gear set 216 are illustrated as simple planetary gear sets, it is contemplated that compound planetary gear sets may also be included in some embodiments.

[0033] In one embodiment, the multi-speed transmission 100 is Figure 1 The arrangement shown, wherein the first planetary gear set 108 is located between the first position or end 116 and the second planetary gear set 110, the input member 102 enters the stationary member 106 at the first position or end 116, the second planetary gear set 110 is located between the first planetary gear set 108 and the third planetary gear set 112, the third planetary gear set 112 is located between the second planetary gear set 110 and the fourth planetary gear set 114, the fourth planetary gear set 114 is located between the third planetary gear set 112 and the fifth planetary gear set 216, and the fifth planetary gear set 216 is located between the fourth planetary gear set 114 and the second position or end 118, and the output member 104 exits the stationary member 106 at the second position or end 118. In alternative embodiments, the first planetary gear set 108, the second planetary gear set 110, the third planetary gear set 112, the fourth planetary gear set 114, and the fifth planetary gear set 216 are arranged in any order relative to the position 116 and the position 118. Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first planetary gear set 108, the second planetary gear set 110, the third planetary gear set 112, the fourth planetary gear set 114, and the fifth planetary gear set 216 are axially aligned. In one example, the input member 102 and the output member 104 are also axially aligned with the first planetary gear set 108, the second planetary gear set 110, the third planetary gear set 112, the fourth planetary gear set 114, and the fifth planetary gear set 216. In an alternative embodiment, one or more of the input member 102, the output member 104, the first planetary gear set 108, the second planetary gear set 110, the third planetary gear set 112, the fourth planetary gear set 114, and the fifth planetary gear set 216 are offset and not axially aligned with the remaining components.

[0034] The first planetary gear set 108 includes a sun gear 120, a planet carrier 122 supporting a plurality of planet gears 124, and a ring gear 126. The second planetary gear set 110 includes a sun gear 130, a planet carrier 132 supporting a plurality of planet gears 134, and a ring gear 136. The third planetary gear set 112 includes a sun gear 140, a planet carrier 142 supporting a plurality of planet gears 144, and a ring gear 146. The fourth planetary gear set 114 includes a sun gear 150, a planet carrier 152 supporting a plurality of planet gears 154, and a ring gear 156. The fifth planetary gear set 216 includes a sun gear 220, a planet carrier 222 supporting a plurality of planet gears 224, and a ring gear 226.

[0035] The multi-speed transmission 100 also includes a plurality of selective couplings, illustratively a first selective coupling 162, a second selective coupling 164, a third selective coupling 166, a fourth selective coupling 168, a fifth selective coupling 170, a sixth selective coupling 172, and a seventh selective coupling 174. In the illustrated embodiment, the first selective coupling 162 and the second selective coupling 164 are clutches, and the third selective coupling 166, the fourth selective coupling 168, the fifth selective coupling 170, the sixth selective coupling 172, and the seventh selective coupling 174 are brakes. The axial positions of the clutches and brakes relative to the plurality of planetary gear sets may be varied from the axial positions shown. In alternative embodiments, any number of clutches and brakes may be used.

[0036] The multi-speed transmission 100 includes several components that are illustratively shown as being fixedly coupled together. The input member 102 is fixedly coupled to the sun gear 120 of the first planetary gear set 108. The output member 104 is fixedly coupled to the planet carrier 142 of the third planetary gear set 112, the sun gear 150 of the fourth planetary gear set 114, and the sun gear 220 of the fifth planetary gear set 216. The sun gear 120 of the first planetary gear set 108 is fixedly coupled to the sun gear 140 of the second planetary gear set 110. The planet carrier 122 of the first planetary gear set 108 is fixedly coupled to the ring gear 136 of the second planetary gear set 110. The ring gear 146 of the third planetary gear set 112, the ring gear 156 of the fourth planetary gear set 114, and the planet carrier 132 of the second planetary gear set 110 are fixedly coupled together. The planet carrier 122 of the first planetary gear set 108 is fixedly coupled to the ring gear 136 of the second planetary gear set 110. The planet carrier 152 of the fourth planetary gear set 114 is fixedly coupled to the ring gear 226 of the fifth planetary gear set 216. In alternative embodiments, one or more components that are fixedly coupled together are selectively coupled together via one or more selective couplings.

[0037] The multi-speed transmission 100 can be described as having eight interconnectors. The input member 102 is a first interconnector that provides input torque to the multi-speed transmission 100 and is fixedly coupled to the sun gear 120 of the first planetary gear set 108. The input member 102 is also fixedly connected to the first selective coupler 162 and the second selective coupler 164. The output member 104 is a second interconnector that provides output torque from the multi-speed transmission 100 and is fixedly coupled to the planet carrier 142 of the third planetary gear set 112, the sun gear 150 of the fourth planetary gear set 114, and the sun gear 220 of the fifth planetary gear set 216. The third interconnector 180 is fixedly coupled together with the ring gear 146 of the third planetary gear set 112, the ring gear 156 of the fourth planetary gear set 114, and the planet carrier 132 of the second planetary gear set 110. The third interconnector 180 is also fixedly coupled to the second selective coupler 164 and the fifth selective coupler 170. The fourth interconnector 182 fixedly couples the planet carrier 122 of the first planetary gear set 108 and the ring gear 136 of the second planetary gear set 110 together. The fourth interconnector 182 is also fixedly coupled to the fourth selective coupler 168. The fifth interconnector 184 fixedly couples the planet carrier 156 of the fourth planetary gear set 114 and the ring gear 226 of the fifth planetary gear set 216 together. The fifth interconnector 184 is also fixedly coupled to the sixth selective coupler 172. The sixth interconnector 186 fixedly couples the sun gear 130 of the second planetary gear set 110 and the sun gear 140 of the third planetary gear set 112 together. The sixth interconnector 186 is also fixedly coupled to the first selective coupler 162. The seventh interconnector 188 fixedly couples the ring gear 126 of the first planetary gear set 108 to the third selective coupler 166. The eighth interconnector 190 fixedly couples the planet carrier 222 of the fifth planetary gear set 216 to the seventh selective coupler 174 .

[0038] The multi-speed transmission 100 also includes several components that are illustratively shown as being selectively coupled together by selective couplings. The first selective coupling 162, when engaged, fixedly couples the sun gear 120 of the first planetary gear set 108 to the sun gear 130 of the second planetary gear set 110 and the sun gear 140 of the third planetary gear set 112. When the first selective coupling 162 is disengaged, the sun gear 120 of the first planetary gear set 108 can rotate relative to the sun gear 130 of the second planetary gear set 110 and the sun gear 140 of the third planetary gear set 112.

[0039] The second selective coupling 164, when engaged, fixedly couples the sun gear 120 of the first planetary gear set 108 to the carrier 132 of the second planetary gear set 110, the ring gear 146 of the third planetary gear set 112, and the ring gear 156 of the fourth planetary gear set 114. When the second selective coupling 164 is disengaged, the sun gear 120 of the first planetary gear set 108 can rotate relative to the carrier 132 of the second planetary gear set 110, the ring gear 146 of the third planetary gear set 112, and the ring gear 156 of the fourth planetary gear set 114.

[0040] The third selective coupling 166, when engaged, fixedly couples the ring gear 126 of the first planetary gear set 108 to the stationary member 106. When the third selective coupling 166 is disengaged, the ring gear 126 of the first planetary gear set 108 can rotate relative to the stationary member 106.

[0041] The fourth selective coupling 168, when engaged, fixedly couples the planet carrier 122 of the first planetary gear set 108 and the ring gear 136 of the second planetary gear set 110 to the stationary member 106. When the fourth selective coupling 168 is disengaged, the planet carrier 122 of the first planetary gear set 108 and the ring gear 136 of the second planetary gear set 110 can rotate relative to the stationary member 106.

[0042] The fifth selective coupling 170, when engaged, fixedly couples the planet carrier 132 of the second planetary gear set 110, the ring gear 146 of the third planetary gear set 112, and the ring gear 156 of the fourth planetary gear set 114 to the stationary member 106. When the fifth selective coupling 170 is disengaged, the planet carrier 132 of the second planetary gear set 110, the ring gear 146 of the third planetary gear set 112, and the ring gear 156 of the fourth planetary gear set 114 can rotate relative to the stationary member 106.

[0043] The sixth selective coupling 172, when engaged, fixedly couples the planet carrier 152 of the fourth planetary gear set 114 and the ring gear 226 of the fifth planetary gear set 216 to the stationary member 106. When the sixth selective coupling 172 is disengaged, the planet carrier 152 of the fourth planetary gear set 114 and the ring gear 226 of the fifth planetary gear set 216 can rotate relative to the stationary member 106.

[0044] The seventh selective coupling 174, when engaged, fixedly couples the planet carrier 222 of the fifth planetary gear set 216 to the stationary member 106. When the seventh selective coupling 174 is disengaged, the planet carrier 222 of the fifth planetary gear set 216 can rotate relative to the stationary member 106.

[0045] By engaging various combinations of the first selective coupling 162 , the second selective coupling 164 , the third selective coupling 166 , the fourth selective coupling 168 , the fifth selective coupling 170 , the sixth selective coupling 172 , and the seventh selective coupling 174 , additional components of the multi-speed transmission 100 may be fixedly coupled together.

[0046] The multiple planetary gear sets and multiple selective couplings of the multi-speed transmission 100 can be interconnected in various arrangements to provide torque from the input member 102 to the output member 104 in at least eight forward gear ratios or speed ratios and at least five reverse gear ratios or speed ratios. Figure 2 , an exemplary truth table 200 is shown that provides the state of each of the first selective coupler 162, the second selective coupler 164, the third selective coupler 166, the fourth selective coupler 168, the fifth selective coupler 170, the sixth selective coupler 172, and the seventh selective coupler 174 for eight different forward gear ratios or speed ratios and five reverse gear ratios or speed ratios. Each row corresponds to a given interconnection arrangement of the multi-speed transmission 100. The first column provides the gear range. The second column is an exemplary gear ratio of the multi-speed transmission 100. The remaining columns show which of the selective couplers 162-174 are engaged ("X" indicates engagement), and which of the selective couplers 162-174 are disengaged ("(NULL)" indicates disengagement). Figure 2 This is merely one example of any number of truth tables that may be used to achieve at least 8 forward gear ratios and at least 5 reverse gear ratios.

[0047] exist Figure 2 In the example of FIG. 1 , to place the multi-speed transmission 100 in neutral (Neu), the first selective coupling 162, the second selective coupling 164, the third selective coupling 166, the fourth selective coupling 168, the fifth selective coupling 170, the sixth selective coupling 172, and the seventh selective coupling 174 are all in a disengaged configuration. One or more of the first selective coupling 162, the second selective coupling 164, the third selective coupling 166, the fourth selective coupling 168, the fifth selective coupling 170, the sixth selective coupling 172, and the seventh selective coupling 174 may remain engaged in neutral (Neu) as long as the combination of the first selective coupling 162, the second selective coupling 164, the third selective coupling 166, the fourth selective coupling 168, the fifth selective coupling 170, the sixth selective coupling 172, and the seventh selective coupling 174 does not transfer torque from the input member 102 to the output member 104.

[0048] Figure 2The first forward gear ratio (shown as 1st gear) in the truth table 200 of is achieved by having the first selective coupler 162 and the seventh selective coupler 174 in an engaged configuration, and the second selective coupler 164, the third selective coupler 166, the fourth selective coupler 168, the fifth selective coupler 170, and the sixth selective coupler 172 in a disengaged configuration.

[0049] Figure 2 The second or subsequent forward gear ratio (shown as 2nd gear) in the truth table 200 of FIG. 1 is achieved by placing the first selective coupler 162 and the sixth selective coupler 172 in an engaged configuration, and the second selective coupler 164, the third selective coupler 166, the fourth selective coupler 168, the fifth selective coupler 170, and the seventh selective coupler 174 in a disengaged configuration. Thus, when shifting between the first forward gear ratio and the second forward gear ratio, the seventh selective coupler 174 is placed in a disengaged configuration, and the sixth selective coupler 172 is placed in an engaged configuration.

[0050] Figure 2 The third or subsequent forward gear ratio (shown as 3rd gear) in the truth table 200 of FIG. 1 is achieved by placing the first selective coupler 162 and the fifth selective coupler 170 in an engaged configuration, and the second selective coupler 164, the third selective coupler 166, the fourth selective coupler 168, the sixth selective coupler 172, and the seventh selective coupler 174 in a disengaged configuration. Thus, when shifting between the second forward gear ratio and the third forward gear ratio, the sixth selective coupler 172 is placed in a disengaged configuration, and the fifth selective coupler 170 is placed in an engaged configuration.

[0051] Figure 2 The fourth or subsequent forward gear ratio (shown as 4th gear) in the truth table 200 of FIG. 1 is achieved by placing the first selective coupler 162 and the fourth selective coupler 168 in an engaged configuration, and the second selective coupler 164, the third selective coupler 166, the fifth selective coupler 170, the sixth selective coupler 172, and the seventh selective coupler 174 in a disengaged configuration. Thus, when shifting between the third forward gear ratio and the fourth forward gear ratio, the fifth selective coupler 170 is placed in a disengaged configuration, and the fourth selective coupler 168 is placed in an engaged configuration.

[0052] Figure 2The fifth or subsequent forward gear ratio (shown as 5th gear) in the truth table 200 of FIG. 1 is achieved by placing the first selective coupler 162 and the third selective coupler 166 in an engaged configuration, and the second selective coupler 164, the fourth selective coupler 168, the fifth selective coupler 170, the sixth selective coupler 172, and the seventh selective coupler 174 in a disengaged configuration. Thus, when shifting between the fourth forward gear ratio and the fifth forward gear ratio, the fourth selective coupler 168 is placed in a disengaged configuration, and the third selective coupler 166 is placed in an engaged configuration.

[0053] Figure 2 The sixth or subsequent forward gear ratio (shown as 6th gear) in the truth table 200 of FIG. 1 is achieved by placing the first selective coupler 162 and the second selective coupler 164 in an engaged configuration, and the third selective coupler 166, the fourth selective coupler 168, the fifth selective coupler 170, the sixth selective coupler 172, and the seventh selective coupler 174 in a disengaged configuration. Thus, when shifting between the fifth forward gear ratio and the sixth forward gear ratio, the third selective coupler 166 is placed in a disengaged configuration, and the second selective coupler 164 is placed in an engaged configuration.

[0054] Figure 2 The seventh or subsequent forward gear ratio (shown as 7th gear) in the truth table 200 of FIG. 1 is achieved by placing the second selective coupler 164 and the third selective coupler 166 in an engaged configuration, and the first selective coupler 162, the fourth selective coupler 168, the fifth selective coupler 170, the sixth selective coupler 172, and the seventh selective coupler 174 in a disengaged configuration. Thus, when shifting between the sixth forward gear ratio and the seventh forward gear ratio, the first selective coupler 162 is placed in a disengaged configuration, and the third selective coupler 166 is placed in an engaged configuration.

[0055] Figure 2 The eighth or subsequent forward gear ratio (shown as 8th gear) in the truth table 200 of FIG. 1 is achieved by placing the second selective coupler 164 and the fourth selective coupler 168 in an engaged configuration, and the first selective coupler 162, the third selective coupler 166, the fifth selective coupler 170, the sixth selective coupler 172, and the seventh selective coupler 174 in a disengaged configuration. Therefore, when shifting between the seventh forward gear ratio and the eighth forward gear ratio, the third selective coupler 166 is placed in a disengaged configuration, and the fourth selective coupler 168 is placed in an engaged configuration.

[0056] The present disclosure contemplates that downshifts follow the reverse order of the corresponding upshifts (as described above). In addition, several power-on skip shifts are possible as a single transition (e.g., up from 1st gear to 3rd gear, down from 3rd gear to 1st gear, up from 3rd gear to 5th gear, and down from 5th gear to 3rd gear).

[0057] Figure 2 The first reverse gear ratio or speed ratio (shown as R1) in the exemplary truth table 200 of is achieved by having the third selective coupler 166 and the seventh selective coupler 174 in an engaged configuration, and the first selective coupler 162, the second selective coupler 164, the fourth selective coupler 168, the fifth selective coupler 170, and the sixth selective coupler 172 in a disengaged configuration.

[0058] Figure 2 The second or subsequent reverse gear ratio or speed ratio (shown as R2) in the exemplary truth table 200 of FIG. 2 is achieved by placing the third selective coupler 166 and the sixth selective coupler 172 in an engaged configuration, and the first selective coupler 162, the second selective coupler 164, the fourth selective coupler 168, the fifth selective coupler 170, and the seventh selective coupler 174 in a disengaged configuration. Thus, when shifting between the first reverse gear ratio or speed ratio and the second reverse gear ratio or speed ratio, the seventh selective coupler 174 is placed in a disengaged configuration, and the sixth selective coupler 172 is placed in an engaged configuration.

[0059] Figure 2 The third or subsequent reverse gear ratio or speed ratio (shown as R3) in the exemplary truth table 200 of FIG. 1 is achieved by placing the third selective coupler 166 and the fifth selective coupler 170 in an engaged configuration, and the first selective coupler 162, the second selective coupler 164, the fourth selective coupler 168, the sixth selective coupler 172, and the seventh selective coupler 174 in a disengaged configuration. Thus, when shifting between the second reverse gear ratio or speed ratio and the third reverse gear ratio or speed ratio, the sixth selective coupler 172 is placed in a disengaged configuration, and the fifth selective coupler 170 is placed in an engaged configuration.

[0060] Figure 2The fourth or subsequent reverse gear ratio or speed ratio (shown as R4) in the exemplary truth table 200 of FIG. 1 is achieved by placing the second selective coupler 164 and the seventh selective coupler 174 in an engaged configuration, and the first selective coupler 162, the third selective coupler 166, the fourth selective coupler 168, the fifth selective coupler 170, and the sixth selective coupler 172 in a disengaged configuration. Thus, when shifting between the third reverse gear ratio or speed ratio and the fourth reverse gear ratio or speed ratio, the third selective coupler 166 and the fifth selective coupler 170 are placed in a disengaged configuration, and the second selective coupler 164 and the seventh selective coupler 174 are placed in an engaged configuration.

[0061] Figure 2 The fifth or subsequent reverse gear ratio or speed ratio (shown as R5) in the exemplary truth table 200 of FIG. 1 is achieved by placing the second selective coupler 164 and the sixth selective coupler 172 in an engaged configuration, and the first selective coupler 162, the third selective coupler 166, the fourth selective coupler 168, the fifth selective coupler 170, and the seventh selective coupler 174 in a disengaged configuration. Thus, when shifting between the fourth reverse gear ratio or speed ratio and the fifth reverse gear ratio or speed ratio, the seventh selective coupler 174 is placed in a disengaged configuration, and the sixth selective coupler 172 is placed in an engaged configuration.

[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, various combinations of two of the available selective couplings 162-174 are engaged for each of the forward and reverse speed ratios shown. Additional combinations of engaged selective couplings 162-174 can provide a braking mode in which one of the input 102 and the output 104 is locked. In embodiments, fewer forward speed ratios and / or fewer reverse speed ratios are used than in the above examples.

[0063] See also Figure 3 , another exemplary multi-speed transmission 300 is shown. The multi-speed transmission 300 includes an input member 302 and an output member 304. Each of the input member 302 and the output member 304 is rotatable relative to at least one fixed member 306. The exemplary input member 302 is an input shaft or other suitable rotatable component. The exemplary output member 304 is an output shaft or other suitable rotatable component. The exemplary fixed member 306 is a housing of the multi-speed transmission 300. The housing may include several components coupled together.

[0064] The multi-speed transmission 300 includes a plurality of planetary gear sets, illustratively a first planetary gear set 308, a second planetary gear set 310, a third planetary gear set 312, a fourth planetary gear set 314, and a fifth planetary gear set 416. In one embodiment, other planetary gear sets may be included. In addition, although the first planetary gear set 308, the second planetary gear set 310, the third planetary gear set 312, the fourth planetary gear set 314, and the fifth planetary gear set 416 are illustrated as simple planetary gear sets, it is contemplated that some embodiments may also include compound planetary gear sets.

[0065] In one embodiment, the multi-speed transmission 300 is as follows: Figure 3 The arrangement shown, wherein the first planetary gear set 308 is located between the first position or end 316 and the second planetary gear set 310, the input member 302 enters the stationary member 306 at the first position or end 116, the second planetary gear set 310 is located between the first planetary gear set 308 and the third planetary gear set 312, the third planetary gear set 312 is located between the second planetary gear set 310 and the fourth planetary gear set 314, the fourth planetary gear set 314 is located between the third planetary gear set 312 and the fifth planetary gear set 416, and the fifth planetary gear set 416 is located between the fourth planetary gear set 314 and the second position or end 318, and the output member 304 exits the stationary member 306 at the second position or end 118. In alternative embodiments, the first planetary gear set 308, the second planetary gear set 310, the third planetary gear set 312, the fourth planetary gear set 314, and the fifth planetary gear set 416 are arranged in any order relative to the position 316 and the position 318. Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, each of the first planetary gear set 308, the second planetary gear set 310, the third planetary gear set 312, the fourth planetary gear set 314, and the fifth planetary gear set 416 are axially aligned. In one example, the input member 302 and the output member 304 are also axially aligned with the first planetary gear set 308, the second planetary gear set 310, the third planetary gear set 312, the fourth planetary gear set 314, and the fifth planetary gear set 416. In an alternative embodiment, one or more of the input member 302, the output member 304, the first planetary gear set 308, the second planetary gear set 310, the third planetary gear set 312, the fourth planetary gear set 314, and the fifth planetary gear set 416 are offset and not axially aligned with the remaining components.

[0066] The first planetary gear set 308 includes a sun gear 320, a planet carrier 322 supporting a plurality of planet gears 324, and a ring gear 326. The second planetary gear set 310 includes a sun gear 330, a planet carrier 332 supporting a plurality of planet gears 334, and a ring gear 336. The third planetary gear set 312 includes a sun gear 340, a planet carrier 342 supporting a plurality of planet gears 344, and a ring gear 346. The fourth planetary gear set 314 includes a sun gear 350, a planet carrier 352 supporting a plurality of planet gears 354, and a ring gear 356. The fifth planetary gear set 416 includes a sun gear 450, a planet carrier 452 supporting a plurality of planet gears 454, and a ring gear 456.

[0067] The multi-speed transmission 300 also includes a plurality of selective couplings, illustratively a first selective coupling 362, a second selective coupling 364, a third selective coupling 366, a fourth selective coupling 368, a fifth selective coupling 370, a sixth selective coupling 372, and a seventh selective coupling 374. In the illustrated embodiment, the first selective coupling 362 and the second selective coupling 364 are clutches, and the third selective coupling 366, the fourth selective coupling 368, the fifth selective coupling 370, the sixth selective coupling 372, and the seventh selective coupling 374 are brakes. The axial positions of the clutches and brakes relative to the plurality of planetary gear sets may be varied from the axial positions shown. In alternative embodiments, any number of clutches and brakes may be used.

[0068] The multi-speed transmission 300 includes several components that are illustratively shown as being fixedly coupled together. The input member 302 is fixedly coupled to the sun gear 320 of the first planetary gear set 308. The output member 304 is fixedly coupled to the planet carrier 342 of the third planetary gear set 312, the sun gear 350 of the fourth planetary gear set 314, and the ring gear 456 of the fifth planetary gear set 416. The ring gear 336 of the second planetary gear set 310 and the planet carrier 322 of the first planetary gear set 308 are fixedly coupled together. The planet carrier 332 of the second planetary gear set 310, the ring gear 346 of the third planetary gear set 312, the planet carrier 352 of the fourth planetary gear set 314, and the sun gear 450 of the fifth planetary gear set 416 are fixedly coupled together. The sun gear 330 of the second planetary gear set 310 is fixedly coupled to the sun gear 340 of the third planetary gear set 312. In an alternative embodiment, one or more components that are fixedly coupled together are selectively coupled together by one or more selective couplings.

[0069] The multi-speed transmission 300 can be described as having eight interconnectors. The input member 302 is a first interconnector that provides input torque to the multi-speed transmission 300 and fixedly couples the sun gear 320 of the first planetary gear set 308 to the first selective coupler 362 and the second selective coupler 364. The output member 304 is a second interconnector that provides output torque from the multi-speed transmission 300 and fixedly couples the planet carrier 342 of the third planetary gear set 312 and the sun gear 350 of the fourth planetary gear set 314 to the ring gear 456 of the fifth planetary gear set 416. The third interconnector 580 fixedly couples the ring gear 336 of the second planetary gear set 310 to the planet carrier 322 of the first planetary gear set 308. The third interconnector 580 is also fixedly coupled to the fourth selective coupler 368. The fourth interconnector 582 fixedly couples the planet carrier 332 of the second planetary gear set 310, the ring gear 346 of the third planetary gear set 312, the planet carrier 352 of the fourth planetary gear set 314, and the sun gear 450 of the fifth planetary gear set 416. The fourth interconnector 582 is also fixedly coupled to the second selective coupler 364 and the fifth selective coupler 370. The fifth interconnector 584 fixedly couples the sun gear 330 of the second planetary gear set 310 to the sun gear 340 of the third planetary gear set 312. The fifth interconnector 584 is also fixedly coupled to the first selective coupler 362. The sixth interconnector 586 fixedly couples the ring gear 326 of the first planetary gear set 308 to the third selective coupler 366. The seventh interconnector 588 fixedly couples the ring gear 356 of the fourth planetary gear set 314 to the sixth selective coupler 372. The eighth interconnector 590 fixedly couples the planet carrier 452 of the fifth planetary gear set 416 to the seventh selective coupler 374 .

[0070] The multi-speed transmission 300 also includes several components that are illustratively shown as being selectively coupled together by selective couplings. The first selective coupling 362, when engaged, fixedly couples the sun gear 320 of the first planetary gear set 308 to the sun gear 330 of the second planetary gear set 310 and the sun gear 340 of the third planetary gear set 312. When the first selective coupling 362 is disengaged, the sun gear 320 of the first planetary gear set 308 can rotate relative to the sun gear 330 of the second planetary gear set 310 and the sun gear 340 of the third planetary gear set 312.

[0071] The second selective coupling 364, when engaged, fixedly couples the sun gear 320 of the first planetary gear set 308 to the planet carrier 332 of the second planetary gear set 310, the ring gear 346 of the third planetary gear set 312, the planet carrier 352 of the fourth planetary gear set 314, and the sun gear 450 of the fifth planetary gear set 416. When the second selective coupling 364 is disengaged, the sun gear 320 of the first planetary gear set 308 can rotate relative to the planet carrier 332 of the second planetary gear set 310, the ring gear 346 of the third planetary gear set 312, the planet carrier 352 of the fourth planetary gear set 314, and the sun gear 450 of the fifth planetary gear set 416.

[0072] The third selective coupling 366, when engaged, fixedly couples the ring gear 326 of the first planetary gear set 308 to the stationary member 306. When the third selective coupling 366 is disengaged, the ring gear 326 of the first planetary gear set 308 can rotate relative to the stationary member 306.

[0073] The fourth selective coupling 368, when engaged, fixedly couples the planet carrier 322 of the first planetary gear set 308 and the ring gear 336 of the second planetary gear set 310 to the stationary member 306. When the fourth selective coupling 368 is disengaged, the planet carrier 322 of the first planetary gear set 308 and the ring gear 336 of the second planetary gear set 310 can rotate relative to the stationary member 306.

[0074] The fifth selective coupling 370, when engaged, fixedly couples the planet carrier 332 of the second planetary gear set 310, the ring gear 346 of the third planetary gear set 312, the planet carrier 352 of the fourth planetary gear set 314, and the sun gear 450 of the fifth planetary gear set 416 to the stationary member 306. When the fifth selective coupling 370 is disengaged, the planet carrier 332 of the second planetary gear set 310, the ring gear 346 of the third planetary gear set 312, the planet carrier 352 of the fourth planetary gear set 314, and the sun gear 450 of the fifth planetary gear set 416 can rotate relative to the stationary member 306.

[0075] The sixth selective coupling 372, when engaged, fixedly couples the ring gear 356 of the fourth planetary gear set 314 to the stationary member 306. When the sixth selective coupling 372 is disengaged, the ring gear 356 of the fourth planetary gear set 314 can rotate relative to the stationary member 306.

[0076] The seventh selective coupling 374, when engaged, fixedly couples the planet carrier 452 of the fifth planetary gear set 416 to the stationary member 306. When the seventh selective coupling 374 is disengaged, the planet carrier 452 of the fifth planetary gear set 416 can rotate relative to the stationary member 306.

[0077] By engaging various combinations of the first selective coupler 362 , the second selective coupler 364 , the third selective coupler 366 , the fourth selective coupler 368 , the fifth selective coupler 370 , the sixth selective coupler 372 , and the seventh selective coupler 374 , additional components of the multi-speed transmission 300 may be fixedly coupled together.

[0078] The multiple planetary gear sets and multiple selective couplings of the multi-speed transmission 300 can be interconnected in various arrangements to provide torque from the input member 302 to the output member 304 in at least nine forward gear ratios or speed ratios and at least four reverse gear ratios or speed ratios. Figure 4 , an exemplary truth table 400 is shown that provides the state of each of the first selective coupler 362, the second selective coupler 364, the third selective coupler 366, the fourth selective coupler 368, the fifth selective coupler 370, the sixth selective coupler 372, and the seventh selective coupler 374 for nine different forward gear ratios or speed ratios and four reverse gear ratios or speed ratios. Each row corresponds to a given interconnection arrangement of the multi-speed transmission 300. The first column provides the gear range (forward gear and reverse gear). The second column provides the gear ratio between the input member 302 and the output member 304. The remaining columns show which of the selective couplers 362-374 are engaged ("X" indicates engagement), and which of the selective couplers 362-374 are disengaged ("(NULL)" indicates disengagement). Figure 4 This is merely one example of any number of truth tables that may be used to achieve at least 9 forward gear ratios and 4 reverse gear ratios.

[0079] In one embodiment, to place the multi-speed transmission 300 in neutral, the first selective coupler 362, the second selective coupler 364, the third selective coupler 366, the fourth selective coupler 368, the fifth selective coupler 370, the sixth selective coupler 372, and the seventh selective coupler 374 are all in a disengaged configuration. One or more of the first selective coupler 362, the second selective coupler 364, the third selective coupler 366, the fourth selective coupler 368, the fifth selective coupler 370, the sixth selective coupler 372, and the seventh selective coupler 374 may remain engaged in neutral as long as the combination of the first selective coupler 362, the second selective coupler 364, the third selective coupler 366, the fourth selective coupler 368, the fifth selective coupler 370, the sixth selective coupler 372, and the seventh selective coupler 374 does not transfer torque from the input member 302 to the output member 304.

[0080] Figure 4The first forward gear ratio (shown as 1st gear) in the truth table 400 is achieved by having the first selective coupler 362 and the seventh selective coupler 374 in an engaged configuration, and the second selective coupler 364, the third selective coupler 366, the fourth selective coupler 368, the fifth selective coupler 370 and the sixth selective coupler 372 in a disengaged configuration.

[0081] Figure 4 The second or subsequent forward gear ratio (shown as 2nd gear) in the truth table 400 of FIG. 4 is achieved by placing the first selective coupler 362 and the fifth selective coupler 370 in an engaged configuration, and the second selective coupler 364, the third selective coupler 366, the fourth selective coupler 368, the sixth selective coupler 372, and the seventh selective coupler 374 in a disengaged configuration. Thus, when shifting between the first forward gear ratio and the second forward gear ratio, the seventh selective coupler 374 is placed in a disengaged configuration, and the fifth selective coupler 370 is placed in an engaged configuration.

[0082] Figure 4 The third or subsequent forward gear ratio (shown as 3rd gear) in the truth table 400 of FIG. 1 is achieved by placing the first selective coupler 362 and the sixth selective coupler 372 in an engaged configuration, and the second selective coupler 364, the third selective coupler 366, the fourth selective coupler 368, the fifth selective coupler 370, and the seventh selective coupler 374 in a disengaged configuration. Thus, when shifting between the second forward gear ratio and the third forward gear ratio, the fifth selective coupler 370 is placed in a disengaged configuration, and the sixth selective coupler 372 is placed in an engaged configuration.

[0083] Figure 4 The fourth or subsequent forward gear ratio (shown as 4th gear) in the truth table 400 of FIG. 1 is achieved by placing the first selective coupler 362 and the fourth selective coupler 368 in an engaged configuration, and the second selective coupler 364, the third selective coupler 366, the fifth selective coupler 370, the sixth selective coupler 372, and the seventh selective coupler 374 in a disengaged configuration. Thus, when shifting between the third forward gear ratio and the fourth forward gear ratio, the sixth selective coupler 372 is placed in a disengaged configuration, and the fourth selective coupler 368 is placed in an engaged configuration.

[0084] Figure 4The fifth or subsequent forward gear ratio (shown as 5th gear) in the truth table 400 of FIG. 4 is achieved by placing the first selective coupler 362 and the third selective coupler 366 in an engaged configuration, and the second selective coupler 364, the fourth selective coupler 368, the fifth selective coupler 370, the sixth selective coupler 372, and the seventh selective coupler 374 in a disengaged configuration. Thus, when shifting between the fourth forward gear ratio and the fifth forward gear ratio, the fourth selective coupler 368 is placed in a disengaged configuration, and the third selective coupler 366 is placed in an engaged configuration.

[0085] Figure 4 The sixth or subsequent forward gear ratio (shown as 6th gear) in the truth table 400 of FIG. 4 is achieved by placing the first selective coupler 362 and the second selective coupler 364 in an engaged configuration, and the third selective coupler 366, the fourth selective coupler 368, the fifth selective coupler 370, the sixth selective coupler 372, and the seventh selective coupler 374 in a disengaged configuration. Thus, when shifting between the fifth forward gear ratio and the sixth forward gear ratio, the third selective coupler 366 is placed in a disengaged configuration, and the second selective coupler 364 is placed in an engaged configuration.

[0086] Figure 4 The seventh or subsequent forward gear ratio (shown as 7th gear) in the truth table 400 of FIG. 1 is achieved by placing the second selective coupler 364 and the third selective coupler 366 in an engaged configuration, and the first selective coupler 362, the fourth selective coupler 368, the fifth selective coupler 370, the sixth selective coupler 372, and the seventh selective coupler 374 in a disengaged configuration. Thus, when shifting between the sixth forward gear ratio and the seventh forward gear ratio, the first selective coupler 362 is placed in a disengaged configuration, and the third selective coupler 366 is placed in an engaged configuration.

[0087] Figure 4 The eighth or subsequent forward gear ratio (shown as 8th gear) in the truth table 400 of FIG. 1 is achieved by placing the second selective coupler 364 and the fourth selective coupler 368 in an engaged configuration, and the first selective coupler 362, the third selective coupler 366, the fifth selective coupler 370, the sixth selective coupler 372, and the seventh selective coupler 374 in a disengaged configuration. Therefore, when shifting between the seventh forward gear ratio and the eighth forward gear ratio, the third selective coupler 366 is placed in a disengaged configuration, and the fourth selective coupler 368 is placed in an engaged configuration.

[0088] Figure 4The ninth or subsequent forward gear ratio (shown as 9th gear) in the truth table 400 of FIG. 1 is achieved by placing the second selective coupler 364 and the sixth selective coupler 372 in an engaged configuration, and the first selective coupler 362, the third selective coupler 366, the fourth selective coupler 368, the fifth selective coupler 370, and the seventh selective coupler 374 in a disengaged configuration. Thus, when shifting between the eighth forward gear ratio and the ninth forward gear ratio, the fourth selective coupler 368 is placed in a disengaged configuration, and the sixth selective coupler 372 is placed in an engaged configuration.

[0089] The present disclosure contemplates that downshifts follow the reverse order of the corresponding upshifts (as described above). In addition, several power-on skip shifts are possible as a single transition (e.g., up from 1st gear to 3rd gear, down from 3rd gear to 1st gear, up from 3rd gear to 5th gear, and down from 5th gear to 3rd gear).

[0090] Figure 4 The first reverse gear ratio or speed ratio (shown as R1) in the exemplary truth table 400 is achieved by having the third selective coupler 366 and the seventh selective coupler 374 in an engaged configuration, and the first selective coupler 362, the second selective coupler 364, the fourth selective coupler 368, the fifth selective coupler 370, and the sixth selective coupler 372 in a disengaged configuration.

[0091] Figure 4 The second or subsequent reverse gear ratio or speed ratio (shown as R2) in the exemplary truth table 400 of FIG. 1 is achieved by placing the third selective coupler 366 and the fifth selective coupler 370 in an engaged configuration, and the first selective coupler 362, the second selective coupler 364, the fourth selective coupler 368, the sixth selective coupler 372, and the seventh selective coupler 374 in a disengaged configuration. Thus, when shifting between the first reverse gear ratio or speed ratio and the second reverse gear ratio or speed ratio, the seventh selective coupler 374 is placed in a disengaged configuration, and the fifth selective coupler 370 is placed in an engaged configuration.

[0092] Figure 4 The third or subsequent reverse gear ratio or speed ratio (shown as R3) in the exemplary truth table 400 of FIG. 1 is achieved by placing the third selective coupler 366 and the sixth selective coupler 372 in an engaged configuration, and the first selective coupler 362, the second selective coupler 364, the fourth selective coupler 368, the fifth selective coupler 370, and the seventh selective coupler 374 in a disengaged configuration. Thus, when shifting between the second reverse gear ratio or speed ratio and the third reverse gear ratio or speed ratio, the fifth selective coupler 370 is placed in a disengaged configuration, and the sixth selective coupler 372 is placed in an engaged configuration.

[0093] Figure 4 The fourth or subsequent reverse gear ratio or speed ratio (shown as R4) in the exemplary truth table 400 of FIG. 4 is achieved by placing the second selective coupler 364 and the seventh selective coupler 374 in an engaged configuration, and the first selective coupler 362, the third selective coupler 366, the fourth selective coupler 368, the fifth selective coupler 370, and the sixth selective coupler 372 in a disengaged configuration. Thus, when shifting between the third reverse gear ratio or speed ratio and the fourth reverse gear ratio or speed ratio, the third selective coupler 366 and the sixth selective coupler 372 are placed in a disengaged configuration, while the second selective coupler 364 and the seventh selective coupler 374 are placed in an engaged configuration.

[0094] In the illustrated embodiment, various combinations of two of the available selective couplings 362-374 are engaged for each of the forward speed ratios and reverse speed ratios shown. Additional combinations of engaged selective couplings 362-374 can provide a braking mode in which one of the input 302 and the output 304 is locked. In some embodiments, fewer forward speed ratios and / or fewer reverse speed ratios are used than in the above examples.

[0095] Although the present invention has been described as having an exemplary design, the present invention may also be further modified within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present application is intended to cover any variation, use or adaptation of the present invention using the general principles of the present invention. In addition, the present application is intended to cover deviations from the present disclosure within the known or customary practices of the field to which the present invention belongs and that fall within the limits of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A transmission, comprising: at least one fixing member; an input member rotatable relative to the at least one stationary member; a plurality of planetary gear sets operatively coupled to the input member, each of the plurality of planetary gear sets including a first gear set member, a second gear set member, and a third gear set member, the plurality of planetary gear sets including a first planetary gear set, a second planetary gear set, a third planetary gear set, a fourth planetary gear set, and a fifth planetary gear set, the input member being fixedly coupled to a first gear set member of the first planetary gear set; an output member operatively coupled to the input member through the plurality of planetary gear sets and rotatable relative to the at least one stationary member, the output member fixedly coupled to the second gear set member of the third planetary gear set, the first gear set member of the fourth planetary gear set, and the first gear set member of the fifth planetary gear set; a first interconnector that fixedly couples the second gear set member of the second planetary gear set, the third gear set member of the third planetary gear set, and the third gear set member of the fourth planetary gear set together; a second interconnector fixedly coupling the third gear set member of the second planetary gear set and the second gear set member of the first planetary gear set together; a third interconnector, the third interconnector fixedly coupling the second gear set member of the fourth planetary gear set and the third gear set member of the fifth planetary gear set together; a fourth interconnector, the fourth interconnector fixedly coupling the first gear set member of the second planetary gear set and the first gear set member of the third planetary gear set together; as well as A plurality of selective couplers, wherein the plurality of selective couplers comprises: a first selective coupling that, when engaged, fixedly couples the input member and the first gear set member of the first planetary gear set to the first gear set member of the second planetary gear set and the first gear set member of the third planetary gear set; a second selective coupling that, when engaged, fixedly couples the input member and the first gear set member of the first planetary gear set to the second gear set member of the second planetary gear set, the third gear set member of the third planetary gear set, and the third gear set member of the fourth planetary gear set; a third selective coupler that, when engaged, fixedly couples the third gear set member of the first planetary gear set to the at least one stationary member; a fourth selective coupler that, when engaged, fixedly couples the second gear set member of the first planetary gear set and the third gear set member of the second planetary gear set to the at least one stationary member; a fifth selective coupler that, when engaged, fixedly couples the second gear set member of the second planetary gear set, the third gear set member of the third planetary gear set, and the third gear set member of the fourth planetary gear set to the at least one stationary member; a sixth selective coupler that, when engaged, fixedly couples the second gear set member of the fourth planetary gear set and the third gear set member of the fifth planetary gear set to the at least one stationary member; and A seventh selective coupling, when engaged, fixedly couples the second gear set member of the fifth planetary gear set to the at least one stationary member.

2. The transmission according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one fixing member comprises a housing having a first end and a second end, wherein the input member being accessible proximate a first end of the housing; the output member being accessible proximate a second end of the housing; The first planetary gear set is located between the first end of the housing and the second planetary gear set; The second planetary gear set is located between the first planetary gear set and the third planetary gear set; The third planetary gear set is located between the second planetary gear set and the fourth planetary gear set; The fourth planetary gear set is located between the third planetary gear set and the fifth planetary gear set; and The fifth planetary gear set is located between the fourth planetary gear set and the second end of the housing.

3. The transmission according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the first planetary gear set, the second planetary gear set, the third planetary gear set, the fourth planetary gear set, and the fifth planetary gear set is a simple planetary gear set.

4. The transmission according to claim 3, wherein: The first gear set component of the first planetary gear set is the first sun gear, the first gear set component of the second planetary gear set is the second sun gear, the first gear set component of the third planetary gear set is the third sun gear, the first gear set component of the fourth planetary gear set is the fourth sun gear, the first gear set component of the fifth planetary gear set is the fifth sun gear, the second gear set component of the first planetary gear set is the first planet carrier, the second gear set component of the second planetary gear set is the second planet carrier, the second gear set component of the third planetary gear set is the third planet carrier, the second gear set component of the fourth planetary gear set is the fourth planet carrier, the second gear set component of the fifth planetary gear set is the fifth planet carrier, the third gear set component of the first planetary gear set is the first ring gear, the third gear set component of the second planetary gear set is the second ring gear, the third gear set component of the third planetary gear set is the third ring gear, the third gear set component of the fourth planetary gear set is the fourth ring gear, and the third gear set component of the fifth planetary gear set is the fifth ring gear.

5. The transmission according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of selective couplings are selectively engageable in a plurality of combinations to establish a plurality of forward speed ratios and a plurality of reverse speed ratios between the input member and the output member, each of the plurality of combinations engaging at least two of the plurality of selective couplings.

6. The transmission according to claim 5, wherein: Only two of the plurality of selective couplers are engaged in each combination.

7. The transmission according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of selective couplers are selectively engaged to establish: a first forward speed ratio wherein the first selective coupler is engaged with the seventh selective coupler; a second forward speed ratio wherein the first selective coupler is engaged with the sixth selective coupler; a third forward speed ratio wherein the first selective coupler is engaged with the fifth selective coupler; a fourth forward speed ratio wherein the first selective coupler is engaged with the fourth selective coupler; a fifth forward speed ratio wherein the first selective coupler is engaged with the third selective coupler; a sixth forward speed ratio wherein the first selective coupler is engaged with the second selective coupler; a seventh forward speed ratio wherein the second selective coupler is engaged with the third selective coupler; an eighth forward speed ratio wherein the second selective coupler is engaged with the fourth selective coupler; a first reverse speed ratio wherein the third selective coupler is engaged with the seventh selective coupler; a second reverse speed ratio wherein the third selective coupler is engaged with the sixth selective coupler; a third reverse speed ratio, wherein the third selective coupler is engaged with the fifth selective coupler; a fourth reverse speed ratio, wherein the second selective coupler is engaged with the seventh selective coupler; and A fifth reverse speed ratio wherein the second selective coupling is engaged with the sixth selective coupling.

8. A transmission, comprising: at least one fixing member; an input member rotatable relative to the at least one stationary member; a plurality of planetary gear sets operatively coupled to the input member, each of the plurality of planetary gear sets including a first gear set member, a second gear set member, and a third gear set member, the plurality of planetary gear sets including a first planetary gear set, a second planetary gear set, a third planetary gear set, a fourth planetary gear set, and a fifth planetary gear set, the input member being fixedly coupled to a first gear set member of the first planetary gear set; an output member operatively coupled to the input member through the plurality of planetary gear sets and rotatable relative to the at least one stationary member, the output member fixedly coupled to the second gear set member of the third planetary gear set, the first gear set member of the fourth planetary gear set, and the third gear set member of the fifth planetary gear set; a first interconnector fixedly coupling the third gear set member of the second planetary gear set and the second gear set member of the first planetary gear set together; a second interconnector that fixedly couples the second gear set member of the second planetary gear set, the third gear set member of the third planetary gear set, the second gear set member of the fourth planetary gear set, and the first gear set member of the fifth planetary gear set together; a third interconnector, the third interconnector fixedly coupling the first gear set member of the second planetary gear set and the first gear set member of the third planetary gear set together; as well as A plurality of selective couplers, wherein the plurality of selective couplers comprises: a first selective coupling that, when engaged, fixedly couples the input member and the first gear set member of the first planetary gear set to the first gear set member of the second planetary gear set and the first gear set member of the third planetary gear set; a second selective coupling that, when engaged, fixedly couples the input member and the first gear set member of the first planetary gear set to the second gear set member of the second planetary gear set, the third gear set member of the third planetary gear set, the second gear set member of the fourth planetary gear set, and the first gear set member of the fifth planetary gear set; a third selective coupler that, when engaged, fixedly couples the third gear set member of the first planetary gear set to the at least one stationary member; a fourth selective coupler that, when engaged, fixedly couples the second gear set member of the first planetary gear set and the third gear set member of the second planetary gear set to the at least one stationary member; a fifth selective coupler that, when engaged, fixedly couples the second gear set member of the second planetary gear set, the third gear set member of the third planetary gear set, the second gear set member of the fourth planetary gear set, and the first gear set member of the fifth planetary gear set to the at least one stationary member; a sixth selective coupler that, when engaged, fixedly couples the third gear set member of the fourth planetary gear set to the at least one stationary member; and A seventh selective coupling, when engaged, fixedly couples the second gear set member of the fifth planetary gear set to the at least one stationary member.

9. The transmission according to claim 8, wherein: The at least one fixing member comprises a housing having a first end and a second end, wherein the input member being accessible proximate a first end of the housing; the output member being accessible proximate a second end of the housing; The first planetary gear set is located between the first end of the housing and the second planetary gear set; The second planetary gear set is located between the first planetary gear set and the third planetary gear set; The third planetary gear set is located between the second planetary gear set and the fourth planetary gear set; The fourth planetary gear set is located between the third planetary gear set and the fifth planetary gear set; and The fifth planetary gear set is located between the fourth planetary gear set and the second end of the housing.

10. The transmission according to claim 8, wherein: Each of the first planetary gear set, the second planetary gear set, the third planetary gear set, the fourth planetary gear set, and the fifth planetary gear set is a simple planetary gear set.

11. The transmission according to claim 10, wherein: The first gear set component of the first planetary gear set is the first sun gear, the first gear set component of the second planetary gear set is the second sun gear, the first gear set component of the third planetary gear set is the third sun gear, the first gear set component of the fourth planetary gear set is the fourth sun gear, the first gear set component of the fifth planetary gear set is the fifth sun gear, the second gear set component of the first planetary gear set is the first planet carrier, the second gear set component of the second planetary gear set is the second planet carrier, the second gear set component of the third planetary gear set is the third planet carrier, the second gear set component of the fourth planetary gear set is the fourth planet carrier, the second gear set component of the fifth planetary gear set is the fifth planet carrier, the third gear set component of the first planetary gear set is the first ring gear, the third gear set component of the second planetary gear set is the second ring gear, the third gear set component of the third planetary gear set is the third ring gear, the third gear set component of the fourth planetary gear set is the fourth ring gear, and the third gear set component of the fifth planetary gear set is the fifth ring gear.

12. The transmission according to claim 8, wherein: The plurality of selective couplings are selectively engageable in a plurality of combinations to establish a plurality of forward speed ratios and a plurality of reverse speed ratios between the input member and the output member, each of the plurality of combinations engaging at least two of the plurality of selective couplings.

13. The transmission according to claim 12, wherein: Only two of the plurality of selective couplers are engaged in each combination.

14. The transmission according to claim 8, wherein: The plurality of selective couplers are selectively engaged to establish: a first forward speed ratio wherein the first selective coupler is engaged with the seventh selective coupler; a second forward speed ratio wherein the first selective coupler is engaged with the fifth selective coupler; a third forward speed ratio wherein the first selective coupler is engaged with the sixth selective coupler; a fourth forward speed ratio wherein the first selective coupler is engaged with the fourth selective coupler; a fifth forward speed ratio wherein the first selective coupler is engaged with the third selective coupler; a sixth forward speed ratio wherein the first selective coupler is engaged with the second selective coupler; a seventh forward speed ratio wherein the second selective coupler is engaged with the third selective coupler; an eighth forward speed ratio wherein the second selective coupler is engaged with the fourth selective coupler; a ninth forward speed ratio wherein the second selective coupler is engaged with the sixth selective coupler; a first reverse speed ratio wherein the third selective coupler is engaged with the seventh selective coupler; a second reverse speed ratio wherein the third selective coupler is engaged with the fifth selective coupler; a third reverse speed ratio, wherein the third selective coupler is engaged with the sixth selective coupler; and A fourth reverse speed ratio wherein the second selective coupling is engaged with the seventh selective coupling.

Images