Dual clutch multi-speed transaxle
First Claim
1. A transaxle for transferring torque to first and second axle shafts, comprising:
- a main shaft;
a planetary gearset;
a first clutch operable to transfer torque between the main shaft and a first member of the planetary gearset;
a second clutch operable to transfer torque between the main shaft and a second member of the planetary gearset;
an input shaft fixed for rotation with the first member of the planetary gearset;
a countershaft;
first, second, third and fourth speed gearsets disposed between the input shaft and the countershaft; and
a final drive unit driven by the countershaft and including a differential assembly adapted to drive the first and second axle shafts, wherein actuation of the first and second clutches selectively provides first through eighth discrete forward drive ratios such that each of the first, second, third and fourth speed gearsets transfers torque during provision of two of the first through eighth forward drive ratios.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A transaxle transfers torque to first and second axle shafts. The transaxle includes a main shaft, a planetary gearset, a first clutch transferring torque between the main shaft and a first member of the planetary gearset and a second clutch transferring torque between the main shaft and a second member of the planetary gearset. An input shaft is fixed for rotation with the first member of the planetary gearset. A countershaft is selectively driven by first, second, third and fourth speed gearsets associated with the input shaft. A final drive unit provides multiplied torque to a differential assembly adapted to drive the first and second axle shafts. Actuation of the first and second clutches selectively provides first through eighth discrete forward drive ratios such that each of the first, second, third and fourth speed gearsets transfers torque during provision of two of the first through eighth forward drive ratios.
31 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A transaxle for transferring torque to first and second axle shafts, comprising:
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a main shaft; a planetary gearset; a first clutch operable to transfer torque between the main shaft and a first member of the planetary gearset; a second clutch operable to transfer torque between the main shaft and a second member of the planetary gearset; an input shaft fixed for rotation with the first member of the planetary gearset; a countershaft; first, second, third and fourth speed gearsets disposed between the input shaft and the countershaft; and a final drive unit driven by the countershaft and including a differential assembly adapted to drive the first and second axle shafts, wherein actuation of the first and second clutches selectively provides first through eighth discrete forward drive ratios such that each of the first, second, third and fourth speed gearsets transfers torque during provision of two of the first through eighth forward drive ratios. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A transaxle comprising:
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a main shaft; a first input shaft; a second input shaft; a first clutch operable to drivingly couple the main shaft and the first input shaft; a second clutch operable to drivingly couple the main shaft and the second input shaft; a countershaft; first and third drive gears driven by the first input shaft; second and fourth drive gears driven by the second input shaft; first, second, third and fourth driven gears supported on the countershaft, wherein the first, second, third and fourth drive gears being in meshed engagement with the corresponding first, second, third and fourth driven gears; a planetary gearset; a third clutch operable to couple a first member of the planetary gearset to the countershaft; and a fourth clutch operable to couple a second member of the planetary gearset to the countershaft, wherein eight distinct forward drive ratios are provided between the main shaft and the countershaft. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification