Dual clutch automatic transaxle
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorsDavid Janson, Reid Baldwin
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A multiple speed transaxle includes first and second input shafts, first and second output shafts, a layshaft, an idler shaft, a first set of selectable torque paths between the first input shaft and first output shaft, a second set of selectable torque paths between the second input shaft and the second output shaft, the second set including the layshaft and idler shaft, and a selectable torque path between the first input shaft and second output shaft including the layshaft and idler shaft.
Claims11
A multiple speed transaxle for motor vehicles, comprising:
- an input;
- first and second input shafts;
- a first clutch driveably connected to the input and the first input shaft for driveably connecting and disconnecting the input and the first input shaft;
- a second clutch driveably connected to the input and the second input shaft for driveably connecting and disconnecting the input and the second input shaft;
- first and second output shafts;
- first pairs of mutually engaged pinions and gears, a pinion of each first pair secured to the first input shaft, a gear of each first pair being located on the first output shaft;
- a first coupler for driveably connecting the first input shaft and first output shaft through a selected first pair;
- an idler shaft;
- a layshaft;
- a gearset including a pinion secured to the second input shaft, an idler gear rotatably supported on the idler shaft and engaged with said pinion, and a gear secured to the layshaft and engaged with the idler gear;
- second pairs of mutually engaged pinions and gears, a member of each second pair being located on the layshaft, another member of each second pair being located on the second output shaft;
- third pairs of mutually engaged pinions and gears, a pinion of each third pair being secured to the first input shaft, a gear of each third pair located on the idler shaft;
- an idler pinion supported on the idler shaft and engaged with a pinion of a second pair;
- a second coupler for driveably connecting the layshaft and the second output shaft through a selected second pair;
- a third coupler for driveably connecting the first input shaft and second output shaft through a third pair, the idler pinion and a second pair.
The transaxle of 5, wherein the first coupler is secured to the first output shaft, is located between the first gear and the second gear, driveably connects the first gear and second gear alternately to the first output shaft, and disconnects the drive connections of the first gear and second gear to the first output shaft.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.