Multi-speed dual-clutch planetary transmissions having three continuously interconnected 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 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 with said output shaft;
• a first input clutch selectively interconnecting said input shaft with a member of said first or said second planetary gear set that is not continuously connected with said output 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 or second interconnecting member, a stationary member or with other members of said planetary gear sets, said input clutches and 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 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 with said output shaft;
• a first input clutch selectively interconnecting said input shaft with a member of said first or said second planetary gear set that is not continuously connected with said output 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 or second interconnecting member, a stationary member or with other members of said planetary gear sets, said input clutches and 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.