Multi-speed dual-clutch planetary transmissions having output shaft interconnected with three gear members

A multi-speed transmission comprising:

• an input shaft;
• an output shaft;
• first, second, third and fourth planetary gear sets each having first, second and third members;
• a first interconnecting member continuously interconnecting said first member of said first planetary gear set with said first member of said second planetary gear set;
• a second interconnecting member continuously interconnecting said second member of said first planetary gear set with said second member of said second planetary gear set;
• a third interconnecting member continuously interconnecting a member of said first or second planetary gear set with said first member of said third planetary gear set, said first member of said fourth planetary gear set and said output shaft;
• a first input clutch connected with said input shaft;
• a second input clutch selectively interconnecting said input shaft with said second member of said third planetary gear set;
• and
• nine torque-transmitting mechanisms for selectively interconnecting said members of said first, second, third or fourth planetary gear sets with said first or second input clutch, said output shaft, said first, second or third interconnecting member, a stationary member or with other members of said planetary gear sets, said nine torque-transmitting mechanisms being engaged in combinations of at least three to establish at least six forward speed ratios and a reverse speed ratio between said input shaft and said output shaft.

A multi-speed transmission comprising:

• an input shaft;
• an output shaft;
• first, second, third and fourth planetary gear sets each having first, second and third members;
• a first interconnecting member continuously interconnecting said first member of said first planetary gear set with said first member of said second planetary gear set;
• a second interconnecting member continuously interconnecting said second member of said first planetary gear set with said second member of said second planetary gear set;
• a third interconnecting member continuously interconnecting a member of said first or second planetary gear set with said first member of said third planetary gear set, said first member of said fourth planetary gear set and said output shaft;
• first and second torque-transmitting mechanisms selectively interconnecting members of said first and second planetary gear set with said input shaft and, therefore, functioning as first and second input clutches;
• a third input clutch selectively interconnecting said input shaft with said second member of said third planetary gear set;
• third and fourth torque-transmitting mechanisms selectively interconnecting members of said third planetary gear set with members of said fourth planetary gear set;
• fifth and sixth torque-transmitting mechanisms selectively interconnecting members of said first or second planetary gear set with said stationary member;
• seventh and eighth torque-transmitting mechanisms selectively interconnecting said second and third members of said fourth planetary gear set with said stationary member;
• and
• a ninth torque-transmitting mechanism selectively interconnecting a member of said first or second planetary gear set with another member of said first or second planetary gear set, with said input shaft or with said stationary member;
• said input clutches and torque-transmitting mechanisms being engaged in combinations of at least three to provide at least six forward speed ratios and a reverse speed ratio.

A multi-speed transmission comprising:

• an input shaft;
• an output shaft;
• first, second, third and fourth planetary gear sets each having first, second and third members;
• a first interconnecting member continuously interconnecting said first member of said first planetary gear set with said first member of said second planetary gear set;
• a second interconnecting member continuously interconnecting said second member of said first planetary gear set with said second member of said second planetary gear set;
• a third interconnecting member continuously interconnecting a member of said first or second planetary gear set with said first member of said third planetary gear set, said first member of said fourth planetary gear set and said output shaft;
• a first input clutch connected with said input shaft;
• a second input clutch selectively interconnecting said input shaft with said second member of said third planetary gear set;
• and
• eight torque-transmitting mechanisms for selectively interconnecting said members of said first, second, third or fourth planetary gear sets with said first or second input clutch, said output shaft, said first, second or third interconnecting member, a stationary member or with other members of said planetary gear sets, said eight torque-transmitting mechanisms being engaged in combinations of at least three to establish at least five forward speed ratios and a reverse speed ratio between said input shaft and said output shaft.