Planetary gear train of automatic transmission for vehicle

The present application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0072148 filed on Jun. 22, 2018, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein for all purposes by this reference.

The present invention relates to an automatic transmission for a vehicle.

Research on realizing more shifting stages of an automatic transmission are undertaken to achieve enhancement of fuel consumption and better drivability, and recently, increase of oil price is triggering a hard competition in enhancing fuel consumption of a vehicle.

In this sense, research on an engine has been undertaken to achieve weight reduction and to enhance fuel consumption by so-called downsizing research on an automatic transmission has been performed to simultaneously provide better drivability and fuel consumption by achieving more shifting stages.

To achieve more shifting stages for an automatic transmission, the number of parts is typically increased, which may deteriorate installability, production cost, weight and/or power flow efficiency.

Therefore, to maximally enhance fuel consumption of an automatic transmission having more shifting stages, it is important for better efficiency to be derived by fewer number of parts.

In this respect, an eight-speed automatic transmission has been recently introduced, and a planetary gear train for an automatic transmission facilitating more shifting stages is under investigation.

An automatic transmission of eight or more shifting stages typically may include three to four planetary gear sets and five to seven engagement elements (friction elements), and may easily become lengthy, deteriorating installability.

In this regard, disposing planetary gear sets in parallel or employing dog clutches instead of wet-type control elements is attempted. However, such an arrangement may not be widely applicable, and using dog clutches may easily deteriorate shift-feel.

The information included in this Background of the Invention section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention and may not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art.

Various aspects of the present invention are directed to providing a planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle facilitating at least eight forward speeds, providing better performance and fuel efficiency of a vehicle.

A planetary gear train according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include an input shaft receiving an engine torque, an output gear for outputting a shifted torque, a first planetary gear set having first, second, and third rotation elements, a second planetary gear set having fourth, fifth, and sixth rotation elements, a third planetary gear set having seventh, eighth, and ninth rotation elements, a first shaft fixedly connected to the second rotation element and the input shaft, a second shaft fixedly connected to the sixth rotation element, the eighth rotation element, and the output gear, a third shaft fixedly connected to the first rotation element and a transmission housing, a fourth shaft fixedly connected to the third rotation element, a fifth shaft fixedly connected to the fourth rotation element and the seventh rotation element, a sixth shaft fixedly connected to the fifth rotation element, and a seventh shaft fixedly connected to the ninth rotation element.

The planetary gear train may further include four clutches each selectively connecting a corresponding pair among the first to seventh shafts, and two brakes each selectively connecting a corresponding shaft to the transmission housing.

The four clutches may include a first clutch disposed between the first shaft and the fifth shaft, a second clutch disposed between the fourth shaft and the fifth shaft, a third clutch disposed between the first shaft and the sixth shaft, and a fourth clutch disposed between the fourth shaft and the seventh shaft. The two brakes may include a first brake disposed between the sixth shaft and the transmission housing, and a second brake disposed between the seventh shaft and the transmission housing.

The first planetary gear set may be a single pinion planetary gear set having a first sun gear, a first planet carrier, and a first ring gear as the first, second, and third rotation elements. The second planetary gear set may be a single pinion planetary gear set having a second sun gear, a second planet carrier, and a second ring gear as the fourth, fifth, and sixth rotation elements. The third planetary gear set may be a single pinion planetary gear set having a third sun gear, a third planet carrier, and a third ring gear as the seventh, eighth, and ninth rotation elements.

The first, second, and third planetary gear sets may be disposed in the order of the second, third, first planetary gear sets from an engine side thereof.

The planetary gear train may further include a fourth planetary gear set having tenth, eleventh, and twelfth rotation elements, and an eighth shaft fixedly connected to the tenth rotation element. The eleventh rotation element may be fixedly connected to the first shaft. The twelfth rotation element may be fixedly connected to the fifth shaft.

The first planetary gear set may be a single pinion planetary gear set having a first sun gear, a first planet carrier, and a first ring gear as the first, second, and third rotation elements. The second planetary gear set may be a single pinion planetary gear set having a second sun gear, a second planet carrier, and a second ring gear as the fourth, fifth, and sixth rotation elements. The third planetary gear set may be a single pinion planetary gear set having a third sun gear, a third planet carrier, and a third ring gear as the seventh, eighth, and ninth rotation elements,

The fourth planetary gear set may be a double pinion planetary gear set having a fourth sun gear, a fourth planet carrier, and a fourth ring gear as the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth rotation elements.

The planetary gear train may further include four clutches each selectively connecting a corresponding pair among the first to eight shafts, and three brakes each selectively connecting a corresponding shaft to the transmission housing.

The four clutches may include a first clutch disposed between the first shaft and the fifth shaft, a second clutch disposed between the fourth shaft and the fifth shaft, a third clutch disposed between the first shaft and the sixth shaft, and a fourth clutch disposed between the fourth shaft and the seventh shaft.

The three brakes may include a first brake disposed between the sixth shaft and the transmission housing, a second brake disposed between the seventh shaft and the transmission housing, and a third brake disposed between the eighth shaft and the transmission housing.

The first, second, third, and fourth planetary gear sets may be disposed in the order of the second, third, fourth, first planetary gear sets from an engine side thereof.

A planetary gear train according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may realize at least eight forward speeds and at least two reverse speeds by operating three or four planetary gear sets by controlling engagement elements of four clutches and two brakes or engagement elements of four clutches and three brakes.

Furthermore, a planetary gear train according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may substantially improve driving stability by realizing shifting stages appropriate for rotation speed of an engine due to multi-stages of an automatic transmission.

Furthermore, a planetary gear train according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention maximize engine driving efficiency by multi-stages of an automatic transmission, and may improve power delivery performance and fuel consumption.

Furthermore, effects which may be obtained or expected from exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directly or suggestively described in the following detailed description. That is, various effects expected from exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following detailed description.

The methods and apparatuses of the present invention have other features and advantages which will be apparent from or are set forth in more detail in the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, and the following Detailed Description, which together serve to explain certain principles of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a planetary gear train according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an operation chart for respective control elements at each shifting stage applicable to a planetary gear train according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a planetary gear train according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an operation chart for respective control elements at each shifting stage applicable to a planetary gear train according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

It may be understood that the appended drawings are not necessarily to scale, presenting a somewhat simplified representation of various features illustrative of the basic principles of the present invention. The specific design features of the present invention as included herein, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, locations, and shapes will be determined in part by the particularly intended application and use environment.

In the figures, reference numbers refer to the same or equivalent parts of the present invention throughout the several figures of the drawing.

Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the present invention(s), examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described below. While the present invention(s) will be described in conjunction with exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that the present description is not intended to limit the present invention(s) to those exemplary embodiments. On the other hand, the present invention(s) is/are intended to cover not only the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, but also various alternatives, modifications, equivalents and other embodiments, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to drawings.

The drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive, and like reference numerals designate like elements throughout the specification.

In the following description, dividing names of components into first, second, and the like is to divide the names because the names of the components are the same as each other and an order thereof is not particularly limited.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a planetary gear train according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1 , a planetary gear train according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention includes first, second, and third planetary gear sets PG 1 , PG 2 , and PG 3 disposed on a same axis, an input shaft IS, an output gear OG, seven shafts TM 1 to TM 7 interconnecting rotation elements of the first, second, and third planetary gear sets PG 1 , PG 2 , and PG 3 , engagement elements of four clutches C 1 to C 4 and two brakes B 1 and B 2 , and a transmission housing H.

A torque received from an engine through the input shaft IS is changed by cooperative operation of the first, second, and third planetary gear sets PG 1 , PG 2 , and PG 3 , and a shifted torque is output through the output gear OS.

In the various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the planetary gear sets are disposed in the order of the second, third, and first planetary gear set PG 2 , PG 3 , and PG 1 , from an engine side, i.e., from an input side thereof.

The input shaft IS is an input member and the torque from a crankshaft of an engine is input into the input shaft IS, after being torque-converted through a torque converter.

The output gear OG is an output element, and outputs a shifted driving torque to a driveshaft through a differential apparatus.

The first planetary gear set PG 1 is a single pinion planetary gear set, and includes a first sun gear S 1 , a first planet carrier PC 1 rotatably supporting a plurality of first pinion gears P 1 externally gear-meshed with the first sun gear S 1 , and a first ring gear R 1 internally gear-meshed with the plurality of first pinion gears P 1 . The first sun gear S 1 acts as a first rotation element N 1 , the first planet carrier PC 1 acts as a second rotation element N 2 , and the first ring gear R 1 acts as a third rotation element N 3 .

The second planetary gear set PG 2 is a single pinion planetary gear set, and includes a second sun gear S 2 , a second planet carrier PC 2 rotatably supporting a plurality of second pinion gears P 2 externally gear-meshed with the second sun gear S 2 , and a second ring gear R 2 internally gear-meshed with the plurality of second pinion gears P 2 . The second sun gear S 2 acts as a fourth rotation element N 4 , the second planet carrier PC 2 acts as a fifth rotation element N 5 , and the second ring gear R 2 acts as a sixth rotation element N 6 .

The third planetary gear set PG 3 is a single pinion planetary gear set, and includes a third sun gear S 3 , a third planet carrier PC 3 rotatably supporting a plurality of third pinion gears P 3 externally gear-meshed with the third sun gear S 3 , and a third ring gear R 3 internally gear-meshed with the plurality of third pinion gears P 3 . The third sun gear S 3 acts as a seventh rotation element N 7 , the third planet carrier PC 3 acts as an eighth rotation element N 8 , and the third ring gear R 3 acts as a ninth rotation element N 9 .

In the first, second, and third planetary gear sets PG 1 , PG 2 , and PG 3 , the fourth rotation element N 4 and the seventh rotation element N 7 are fixedly interconnected, and the sixth rotation element N 6 and the eighth rotation element N 8 are fixedly interconnected, and seven shafts TM 1 to TM 7 are formed.

The seven shafts TM 1 to TM 7 are hereinafter described in detail.

The first shaft TM 1 is fixedly connected to the second rotation element N 2 (first planet carrier PC 1 ), and fixedly connected to the input shaft IS, always acting as an input element.

The second shaft TM 2 is fixedly connected to the sixth rotation element N 6 (second ring gear R 2 ) and the eighth rotation element N 8 (third planet carrier PC 3 ), and fixedly connected to the output gear OG thereby always acting as an output element.

The third shaft TM 3 is fixedly connected to the first rotation element N 1 (first sun gear S 1 ), and fixedly connected to the transmission housing H thereby always acting as a fixed element.

The fourth shaft TM 4 is fixedly connected to the third rotation element N 3 (first ring gear R 1 ).

The fifth shaft TM 5 is fixedly connected to the fourth rotation element N 4 (second sun gear S 2 ) and the seventh rotation element N 7 (third sun gear S 3 ), and selectively connectable to the input shaft IS, selectively acting as an input element.

The sixth shaft TM 6 is fixedly connected to the fifth rotation element N 5 (second planet carrier PC 2 ), selectively connectable to the input shaft IS thereby selectively acting as an input element, and selectively connectable to the transmission housing H thereby selectively acting as a fixed element.

The seventh shaft TM 7 is fixedly connected to the ninth rotation element N 9 (third ring gear R 3 ), and selectively connectable to the transmission housing H thereby selectively acting as a fixed element.

Each of the seven shafts TM 1 to TM 7 may be a rotation member that fixedly interconnects the input and output shafts and rotation elements of the planetary gear sets PG 1 , PG 2 , and PG 3 , or may be a rotation member that selectively interconnects a rotation element to the transmission housing H, or may be a fixed member fixed to the transmission housing H.

In the disclosure, when two or more members are described to be “fixedly connected”, where the member may be any of a shaft, an input shaft, an output shaft, a rotation member, and a transmission housing, it means that the fixedly connected members always rotate at a same speed.

When two or more members are described to be “selectively connectable” by an engagement element, it means that the selectively connectable members rotate separately when the engagement element is not engaged, and rotates at a same speed when the engagement element is engaged. It may be understood that in the case that a member is “selectively connectable” with a transmission housing by an engagement element, the member may be stationary when the engagement element is engaged.

The first shaft TM 1 is selectively connectable to the fifth shaft TM 5 and the sixth shaft TM 6 respectively, and the fourth shaft TM 4 is selectively connectable to the fifth shaft TM 5 and the seventh shaft TM 7 respectively.

The sixth shaft TM 6 and the seventh shaft TM 7 are selectively connectable to the transmission housing H thereby selectively acting as a fixed element.

Four engagement elements of four clutches C 1 , C 2 , C 3 , and C 4 are disposed between the seven shafts TM 1 to TM 7 , the input shaft IS, and the output gear OG, to form selective connections.

Two engagement elements of two brakes B 1 and B 2 are disposed between the seven shafts TM 1 to TM 7 and the transmission housing H, to form selective connections.

The six engagement elements of the four clutches C 1 to C 4 and the two brakes B 1 and B 2 are disposed as follows.

The first clutch C 1 is disposed between the first shaft TM 1 and the fifth shaft TM 5 , and selectively connects the first shaft TM 1 and the fifth shaft TM 5 , controlling power delivery therebetween.

The second clutch C 2 is disposed between the fourth shaft TM 4 and the fifth shaft TM 5 , and selectively connects the first shaft TM 4 and the fifth shaft TM 5 , controlling power delivery therebetween.

The third clutch C 3 is disposed between the first shaft TM 1 and the sixth shaft TM 6 , and selectively connects the first shaft TM 1 and the sixth shaft TM 6 , controlling power delivery therebetween.

The fourth clutch C 4 is disposed between the fourth shaft TM 4 and the seventh shaft TM 7 , and selectively connects the fourth shaft TM 4 and the seventh shaft TM 7 , controlling power delivery therebetween.

The first brake B 1 is disposed between the sixth shaft TM 6 and the transmission housing H, and selectively connects the sixth shaft TM 6 to the transmission housing H.

The second brake B 2 is disposed between the seventh shaft TM 7 and the transmission housing H, and selectively connects the seventh shaft TM 7 to the transmission housing H.

The engagement elements of the first, second, third, and fourth clutches C 1 , C 2 , C 3 , and C 4 , and the first and second brakes B 1 and B 2 may be realized as multi-plate hydraulic pressure friction devices that are frictionally engaged by hydraulic pressure, however, it may not be understood to be limited thereto, since various other configuration that are electrically controllable may be available.

FIG. 2 is an operation chart for respective control elements at each shifting stage applicable to a planetary gear train according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2 , a planetary gear train according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention realizes eight forward speeds and two reverse speeds by operating two engagements among the first, second, third, and fourth clutches C 1 , C 2 , C 3 , and C 4 and the first and second brakes B 1 and B 2 .

In the first forward speed D 1 , the first clutch C 1 and the second brake B 2 are simultaneously operated.

As a result, the first shaft TM 1 and the fifth shaft TM 5 are connected by the operation of the first clutch C 1 . In the instant state, the input torque is input to the first shaft TM 1 and the fifth shaft TM 5 .

In such a state, as well as the third shaft TM 3 always acting as a fixed element, the seventh shaft TM 7 acts as a fixed element by the operation of the second brake B 2 , realizing the first forward speed and outputting a shifted torque to the output gear OG connected to the second shaft TM 2 .

In the second forward speed D 2 , the second clutch C 2 and the second brake B 2 are simultaneously operated.

As a result, the fourth shaft TM 4 and the fifth shaft TM 5 are connected by the operation of the second clutch C 2 . In the instant state, the input torque is input to the first shaft TM 1 .

In such a state, as well as the third shaft TM 3 always acting as a fixed element, the seventh shaft TM 7 acts as a fixed element by the operation of the second brake B 2 , realizing the second forward speed and outputting a shifted torque to the output gear OG connected to the second shaft TM 2 .

In the third forward speed D 3 , the third clutch C 3 and the second brake B 2 are simultaneously operated.

As a result, the first shaft TM 1 and the sixth shaft TM 6 are connected by the operation of the third clutch C 3 . In the instant state, the input torque is input to the first shaft TM 1 and the sixth shaft TM 6 .

In such a state, as well as the third shaft TM 3 always acting as a fixed element, the seventh shaft TM 7 acts as a fixed element by the operation of the second brake B 2 , realizing the third forward speed and outputting a shifted torque to the output gear OG connected to the second shaft TM 2 .

In the fourth forward speed D 4 , the second and third clutches C 2 and C 3 are simultaneously operated.

As a result, the fourth shaft TM 4 and the fifth shaft TM 5 are connected by the operation of the second clutch C 2 , and the first shaft TM 1 and the sixth shaft TM 6 are connected by the operation of the third clutch C 3 . In the instant state, the input torque is input to the first shaft TM 1 and the sixth shaft TM 6 .

In such a state, the third shaft TM 3 always acts as a fixed element, realizing the fourth forward speed and outputting a shifted torque to the output gear OG connected to the second shaft TM 2 .

In the fifth forward speed D 5 , the first and third clutches C 1 and C 3 are simultaneously operated.

As a result, the first shaft TM 1 and the fifth shaft TM 5 are connected by the operation of the first clutch C 1 , and the first shaft TM 1 and the sixth shaft TM 6 are connected by the operation of the third clutch C 3 . In the instant state, the input torque is input to the first shaft TM 1 , the fifth shaft TM 5 , and the sixth shaft TM 6 .

As such, the second planetary gear set PG 2 integrally rotates by simultaneous input from the fifth shaft TM 5 and the sixth shaft TM 6 and outputs an input torque, realizing the fifth forward speed and outputting a shifted torque to the output gear OG connected to the second shaft TM 2 .

In the sixth forward speed D 6 , the third and fourth clutches C 3 and C 4 are simultaneously operated.

As a result, the first shaft TM 1 and the sixth shaft TM 6 are connected by the operation of the third clutch C 3 , and the fourth shaft TM 4 and the seventh shaft TM 7 are connected by the operation of the fourth clutch C 4 . In the instant state, the input torque is input to the first shaft TM 1 and the sixth shaft TM 6 .

In such a state, the third shaft TM 3 always acts as a fixed element, realizing the sixth forward speed and outputting a shifted torque to the output gear OG connected to the second shaft TM 2 .

In the seventh forward speed D 7 , the first and fourth clutches C 1 and C 4 are simultaneously operated.

As a result, the first shaft TM 1 and the fifth shaft TM 5 are connected by the operation of the first clutch C 1 , and the fourth shaft TM 4 and the seventh shaft TM 7 are connected by the operation of the fourth clutch C 4 . In the instant state, the input torque is input to the first shaft TM 1 and the fifth shaft TM 5 .

In such a state, the third shaft TM 3 always acts as a fixed element, realizing the seventh forward speed and outputting a shifted torque to the output gear OG connected to the second shaft TM 2 .

In the eighth forward speed D 8 , the second and fourth clutches C 2 and C 4 are simultaneously operated.

As a result, the fourth shaft TM 4 and the fifth shaft TM 5 are connected by the operation of the second clutch C 2 , and the fourth shaft TM 4 and the seventh shaft TM 7 are connected by the operation of the fourth clutch C 4 . In the instant state, the input torque is input to the first shaft TM 1 .

In such a state, the third shaft TM 3 always acts as a fixed element, realizing the eighth forward speed and outputting a shifted torque to the output gear OG connected to the second shaft TM 2 .

In the reverse first speed REV 1 , the first clutch C 1 and the first brake B 1 are simultaneously operated.

As a result, the first shaft TM 1 and the fifth shaft TM 5 are connected by the operation of the first clutch C 1 . In the instant state, the input torque is input to the first shaft TM 1 and the fifth shaft TM 5 .

In such a state, as well as the third shaft TM 3 always acting as a fixed element, the sixth shaft TM 6 acts as a fixed element by the operation of the first brake B 1 , realizing the reverse first speed and outputting a shifted torque to the output gear OG connected to the second shaft TM 2 .

In the reverse second speed REV 2 , the second clutch C 2 and the first brake B 1 are simultaneously operated.

As a result, the fourth shaft TM 4 and the fifth shaft TM 5 are connected by the operation of the second clutch C 2 . In the instant state, the input torque is input to the first shaft TM 1 .

In such a state, as well as the third shaft TM 3 always acting as a fixed element, the sixth shaft TM 6 acts as a fixed element by the operation of the first brake B 1 , realizing the reverse second speed and outputting a shifted torque to the output gear OG connected to the second shaft TM 2 .

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a planetary gear train according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1 , a planetary gear train according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention includes three single pinion planetary gear sets of first, second, and third planetary gear sets PG 1 , PG 2 , and PG 3 . However, referring to FIG. 3 , the various exemplary embodiments of the present invention further includes a fourth planetary gear set PG 4 of a double pinion planetary gear set.

In the various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the planetary gear sets are disposed on the input shaft IS in the order of second, third, fourth, and first planetary gear sets PG 2 , PG 3 , PG 4 , and PG 1 , from an engine side, i.e., from an input side thereof.

The fourth planetary gear set PG 4 includes a fourth sun gear S 4 as a tenth rotation element N 10 , a fourth planet carrier PC 4 as an eleventh rotation element N 11 , and a fourth ring gear R 4 a twelfth rotation element N 12 .

In comparison with the various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the various exemplary embodiments further include an eighth shaft TM 8 fixedly connected to the tenth rotation element N 10 of the fourth planetary gear set PG 4 . The eighth shaft TM 8 is selectively connectable to the transmission housing H through a third brake B 3 and selectively acts as a fixed element.

The eleventh rotation element N 11 of the fourth planetary gear set PG 4 is fixedly connected to the first shaft TM 1 , and the twelfth rotation element N 12 of the fourth planetary gear set PG 4 is fixedly connected to the fifth shaft TM 5 .

It will be obviously understood that the various exemplary embodiments differ from the various exemplary embodiments only in the above features, and other features remain the same.

A planetary gear train according to various exemplary embodiments is hereinafter described in detail with reference to the above differences.

Referring to FIG. 3 , a planetary gear train according to various exemplary embodiments includes first, second, third, and fourth planetary gear sets PG 1 , PG 2 , PG 3 , and PG 4 disposed on a same axis, an input shaft IS, an output gear OG, eight shafts TM 1 to TM 8 interconnecting rotation elements of the first, second, third, and fourth planetary gear sets PG 1 , PG 2 , PG 3 , and PG 4 , engagement elements of four clutches C 1 to C 4 and three brakes B 1 , B 2 , and B 3 , and a transmission housing H.

A torque received from an engine through the input shaft IS is changed by cooperative operation of the first, second, third, and fourth planetary gear sets PG 1 , PG 2 , PG 3 , and PG 4 , and a shifted torque is output through the output gear OS.

In the various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the planetary gear sets are disposed on the input shaft IS in the order of the second, third, fourth, and first planetary gear sets PG 2 , PG 3 , PG 4 , and PG 1 , from an engine side, i.e., from an input side thereof.

The input shaft IS is an input member and the torque from a crankshaft of an engine is input into the input shaft IS, after being torque-converted through a torque converter.

The output gear OG is an output element, and outputs a shifted driving torque to a driveshaft through a differential apparatus.

The first planetary gear set PG 1 is a single pinion planetary gear set, and includes a first sun gear S 1 , a first planet carrier PC 1 rotatably supporting a plurality of first pinion gears P 1 externally gear-meshed with the first sun gear S 1 , and a first ring gear R 1 internally gear-meshed with the plurality of first pinion gears P 1 . The first sun gear S 1 acts as a first rotation element N 1 , the first planet carrier PC 1 acts as a second rotation element N 2 , and the first ring gear R 1 acts as a third rotation element N 3 .

The second planetary gear set PG 2 is a single pinion planetary gear set, and includes a second sun gear S 2 , a second planet carrier PC 2 rotatably supporting a plurality of second pinion gears P 2 externally gear-meshed with the second sun gear S 2 , and a second ring gear R 2 internally gear-meshed with the plurality of second pinion gears P 2 . The second sun gear S 2 acts as a fourth rotation element N 4 , the second planet carrier PC 2 acts as a fifth rotation element N 5 , and the second ring gear R 2 acts as a sixth rotation element N 6 .

The third planetary gear set PG 3 is a single pinion planetary gear set, and includes a third sun gear S 3 , a third planet carrier PC 3 rotatably supporting a plurality of third pinion gears P 3 externally gear-meshed with the third sun gear S 3 , and a third ring gear R 3 internally gear-meshed with the plurality of third pinion gears P 3 . The third sun gear S 3 acts as a seventh rotation element N 7 , the third planet carrier PC 3 acts as an eighth rotation element N 8 , and the third ring gear R 3 acts as a ninth rotation element N 9 .

The fourth planetary gear set PG 4 is a double pinion planetary gear set, and includes a fourth sun gear S 4 , a fourth planet carrier PC 4 rotatably supporting a plurality of fourth pinion gears P 4 of which internally disposed pinion gears are externally gear-meshed with the fourth sun gear S 4 , and a fourth ring gear R 4 internally gear-meshed with externally disposed pinion gears of the plurality of fourth pinion gears P 4 . The fourth sun gear S 4 acts as a tenth rotation element N 10 , fourth planet carrier PC 4 acts as an eleventh rotation element N 11 , and the fourth ring gear R 4 acts as a twelfth rotation element N 12 .

In the first, second, third, and fourth planetary gear sets PG 1 , PG 2 , PG 3 , and PG 4 , the second rotation element N 2 and the eleventh rotation element N 11 are fixedly interconnected, the fourth rotation element N 4 , the seventh rotation element N 7 , the twelfth rotation element N 12 are fixedly interconnected, the sixth rotation element N 6 and the eighth rotation element N 8 are fixedly interconnected, and eight shafts TM 1 to TM 8 are formed.

The eight shafts TM 1 to TM 8 are hereinafter described in detail.

The first shaft TM 1 is fixedly connected to the second rotation element N 2 (first planet carrier PC 1 ) and the eleventh rotation element N 11 (fourth planet carrier PC 4 ), and fixedly connected to the input shaft IS, always acting as an input element.

The second shaft TM 2 is fixedly connected to the sixth rotation element N 6 (second ring gear R 2 ) and the eighth rotation element N 8 (third planet carrier PC 3 ), and fixedly connected to the output gear OG thereby always acting as an output element.

The third shaft TM 3 is fixedly connected to the first rotation element N 1 (first sun gear S 1 ), and fixedly connected to the transmission housing H thereby always acting as a fixed element.

The fourth shaft TM 4 is fixedly connected to the third rotation element N 3 (first ring gear R 1 ).

The fifth shaft TM 5 is fixedly connected to the fourth rotation element N 4 (second sun gear S 2 ), the seventh rotation element N 7 (third sun gear S 3 ), and the twelfth rotation element N 12 (fourth ring gear R 4 ), and selectively connectable to the input shaft IS, selectively acting as an input element.

The sixth shaft TM 6 is fixedly connected to the fifth rotation element N 5 (second planet carrier PC 2 ), selectively connectable to the input shaft IS thereby selectively acting as an input element, and selectively connectable to the transmission housing H thereby selectively acting as a fixed element.

The seventh shaft TM 7 is fixedly connected to the ninth rotation element N 9 (third ring gear R 3 ), and selectively connectable to the transmission housing H thereby selectively acting as a fixed element.

The eighth shaft TM 8 is fixedly connected to the tenth rotation element N 10 (fourth sun gear S 4 ), and selectively connectable to the transmission housing H thereby selectively acting as a fixed element.

Each of the eight shafts TM 1 to TM 8 may be a rotation member that fixedly interconnects the input and output shafts and rotation elements of the planetary gear sets PG 1 , PG 2 , PG 3 , PG 4 , and PG 5 , or may be a rotation member that selectively interconnects a rotation element to the transmission housing H, or may be a fixed member fixed to the transmission housing H.

In the disclosure, when two or more members are described to be “fixedly connected”, where the member may be any of a shaft, an input shaft, an output shaft, a rotation member, and a transmission housing, it means that the fixedly connected members always rotate at a same speed.

When two or more members are described to be “selectively connectable” by an engagement element, it means that the selectively connectable members rotate separately when the engagement element is not engaged, and rotates at a same speed when the engagement element is engaged. It may be understood that in the case that a member is “selectively connectable” with a transmission housing by an engagement element, the member may be stationary when the engagement element is engaged.

The first shaft TM 1 is selectively connectable to the fifth shaft TM 5 and the sixth shaft TM 6 respectively, and the fourth shaft TM 4 is selectively connectable to the fifth shaft TM 5 and the seventh shaft TM 7 respectively.

The sixth shaft TM 6 , the seventh shaft TM 7 , and the eighth shaft TM 8 are selectively connectable to the transmission housing H thereby selectively acting as a fixed element.

Four engagement elements of four clutches C 1 , C 2 , C 3 , and C 4 are disposed between the eight shafts TM 1 to TM 8 , the input shaft IS, and the output gear OG, to form selective connections.

Two engagement elements of three brakes B 1 , B 2 , and B 3 are disposed between the eight shafts TM 1 to TM 8 and the transmission housing H, to form selective connections.

The seven engagement element of the four clutches C 1 to C 4 and the three brakes B 1 to B 3 are disposed as follows.

The first clutch C 1 is disposed between the first shaft TM 1 and the fifth shaft TM 5 , and selectively connects the first shaft TM 1 and the fifth shaft TM 5 , controlling power delivery therebetween.

The second clutch C 2 is disposed between the fourth shaft TM 4 and the fifth shaft TM 5 , and selectively connects the first shaft TM 4 and the fifth shaft TM 5 , controlling power delivery therebetween.

The third clutch C 3 is disposed between the first shaft TM 1 and the sixth shaft TM 6 , and selectively connects the first shaft TM 1 and the sixth shaft TM 6 , controlling power delivery therebetween.

The fourth clutch C 4 is disposed between the fourth shaft TM 4 and the seventh shaft TM 7 , and selectively connects the fourth shaft TM 4 and the seventh shaft TM 7 , controlling power delivery therebetween.

The first brake B 1 is disposed between the sixth shaft TM 6 and the transmission housing H, and selectively connects the sixth shaft TM 6 to the transmission housing H.

The second brake B 2 is disposed between the seventh shaft TM 7 and the transmission housing H, and selectively connects the seventh shaft TM 7 to the transmission housing H.

The third brake B 3 is disposed between the eighth shaft TM 8 and the transmission housing H, and selectively connects the eighth shaft TM 8 to the transmission housing H.

The engagement elements of the first, second, and third clutches C 1 , C 2 , and C 3 and the first, second, and third brakes B 1 , B 2 , and B 3 may be realized as multi-plate hydraulic pressure friction devices that are frictionally engaged by hydraulic pressure, however, it may not be understood to be limited thereto, since various other configuration that are electrically controllable may be available.

FIG. 4 is an operation chart for respective control elements at each shifting stage applicable to a planetary gear train according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4 , a planetary gear train according to various exemplary embodiments realizes eleven forward speeds and three reverse speeds by operating two engagements among the first, second, third, and fourth clutches C 1 , C 2 , C 3 , and C 4 and the first, second, and third brakes B 1 , B 2 , and B 3 .

In the first forward speed D 1 , the second and third brakes B 2 and B 3 are simultaneously operated.

As a result, the input torque is input to the first shaft TM 1 .

In such a state, as well as the third shaft TM 3 always acting as a fixed element, seventh shaft TM 7 , the eighth shaft TM 8 acts as a fixed element by the operation of the second and third brakes B 2 and B 3 , realizing the first forward speed and outputting a shifted torque to the output gear OG connected to the second shaft TM 2 .

In the second forward speed D 2 , the first clutch C 1 and the second brake B 2 are simultaneously operated.

As a result, the first shaft TM 1 and the fifth shaft TM 5 are connected by the operation of the first clutch C 1 . In the instant state, the input torque is input to the first shaft TM 1 , fifth shaft TM 5 .

In such a state, as well as the third shaft TM 3 always acting as a fixed element, the seventh shaft TM 7 acts as a fixed element by the operation of the second brake B 2 , realizing the second forward speed and outputting a shifted torque to the output gear OG connected to the second shaft TM 2 .

In the third forward speed D 3 , the second clutch C 2 and the second brake B 2 are simultaneously operated.

As a result, the fourth shaft TM 4 and the fifth shaft TM 5 are connected by the operation of the second clutch C 2 . In the instant state, the input torque is input to the first shaft TM 1 .

In such a state, as well as the third shaft TM 3 always acting as a fixed element, the seventh shaft TM 7 acts as a fixed element by the operation of the second brake B 2 , realizing the third forward speed and outputting a shifted torque to the output gear OG connected to the second shaft TM 2 .

In the fourth forward speed D 4 , the third clutch C 3 and the second brake B 2 are simultaneously operated.

As a result, the first shaft TM 1 and the sixth shaft TM 6 are connected by the operation of the third clutch C 3 . In the instant state, the input torque is input to the first shaft TM 1 , sixth shaft TM 6 .

In such a state, as well as the third shaft TM 3 always acting as a fixed element, the seventh shaft TM 7 acts as a fixed element by the operation of the second brake B 2 , realizing the fourth forward speed and outputting a shifted torque to the output gear OG connected to the second shaft TM 2 .

In the fifth forward speed D 5 , the second and third clutches C 2 and C 3 are simultaneously operated.

As a result, the fourth shaft TM 4 and the fifth shaft TM 5 are connected by the operation of the second clutch C 2 , and the first shaft TM 1 and the sixth shaft TM 6 are connected by the operation of the third clutch C 3 . In the instant state, the input torque is input to the first shaft TM 1 , sixth shaft TM 6 .

In such a state, the third shaft TM 3 always acts as a fixed element, realizing the fifth forward speed and outputting a shifted torque to the output gear OG connected to the second shaft TM 2 .

In the sixth forward speed D 6 , the first and third clutches C 1 and C 3 are simultaneously operated.

As a result, the first shaft TM 1 and the fifth shaft TM 5 are connected by the operation of the first clutch C 1 , and the first shaft TM 1 and the sixth shaft TM 6 are connected by the operation of the third clutch C 3 . In the instant state, the input torque is input to the first shaft TM 1 , the fifth shaft TM 5 , and the sixth shaft TM 6 .

As such, the second planetary gear set PG 2 integrally rotates by simultaneous input from the fifth shaft TM 5 and the sixth shaft TM 6 and outputs an input torque, realizing the fifth forward speed and outputting a shifted torque to the output gear OG connected to the second shaft TM 2 .

In the seventh forward speed D 7 , the third clutch C 3 and the third brake B 3 are simultaneously operated.

As a result, the first shaft TM 1 and the sixth shaft TM 6 are connected by the operation of the third clutch C 3 . In the instant state, the input torque is input to the first shaft TM 1 and the sixth shaft TM 6 .

In such a state, as well as the third shaft TM 3 always acting as a fixed element, the eighth shaft TM 8 acts as a fixed element by the operation of the third brake B 3 , realizing the seventh forward speed and outputting a shifted torque to the output gear OG connected to the second shaft TM 2 .

In the eighth forward speed D 8 , the third and fourth clutches C 3 and C 4 are simultaneously operated.

As a result, the first shaft TM 1 and the sixth shaft TM 6 are connected by the operation of the third clutch C 3 , and the fourth shaft TM 4 and the seventh shaft TM 7 are connected by the operation of the fourth clutch C 4 . In the instant state, the input torque is input to the first shaft TM 1 and the sixth shaft TM 6 .

In such a state, the third shaft TM 3 always acts as a fixed element, realizing the eighth forward speed and outputting a shifted torque to the output gear OG connected to the second shaft TM 2 .

In the ninth forward speed D 9 , the fourth clutch C 4 and the third brake B 3 are simultaneously operated.

As a result, the fourth shaft TM 4 and the seventh shaft TM 7 are connected by the operation of the fourth clutch C 4 . In the instant state, the input torque is input to the first shaft TM 1 .

In such a state, as well as the third shaft TM 3 always acting as a fixed element, the eighth shaft TM 8 acts as a fixed element by the operation of the third brake B 3 , realizing the ninth forward speed and outputting a shifted torque to the output gear OG connected to the second shaft TM 2 .

In the tenth forward speed D 10 , the first and fourth clutches C 1 and C 4 are simultaneously operated.

As a result, the first shaft TM 1 and the fifth shaft TM 5 are connected by the operation of the first clutch C 1 , and the fourth shaft TM 4 and the seventh shaft TM 7 are connected by the operation of the fourth clutch C 4 . In the instant state, the input torque is input to the first shaft TM 1 and the fifth shaft TM 5 .

In such a state, the third shaft TM 3 always acts as a fixed element, realizing the tenth forward speed and outputting a shifted torque to the output gear OG connected to the second shaft TM 2 .

In the eleventh forward speed D 11 , the second and fourth clutches C 2 and C 4 are simultaneously operated.

As a result, the fourth shaft TM 4 and the fifth shaft TM 5 are connected by the operation of the second clutch C 2 , and the fourth shaft TM 4 and the seventh shaft TM 7 are connected by the operation of the fourth clutch C 4 . In the instant state, the input torque is input to the first shaft TM 1 .

In such a state, the third shaft TM 3 always acts as a fixed element, realizing the eleventh forward speed and outputting a shifted torque to the output gear OG connected to the second shaft TM 2 .

In the reverse first speed REV 1 , the first and third brakes B 1 and B 3 are simultaneously operated.

As a result, the input torque is input to the first shaft TM 1 .

In such a state, as well as the third shaft TM 3 always acting as a fixed element, sixth shaft TM 6 , the eighth shaft TM 8 acts as a fixed element by the operation of the first and third brakes B 1 and B 3 , realizing the reverse first speed and outputting a shifted torque to the output gear OG connected to the second shaft TM 2 .

In the reverse second speed REV 2 , the first clutch C 1 and the first brake B 1 are simultaneously operated.

As a result, the first shaft TM 1 and the fifth shaft TM 5 are connected by the operation of the first clutch C 1 . In the instant state, the input torque is input to the first shaft TM 1 and the fifth shaft TM 5 .

In such a state, as well as the third shaft TM 3 always acting as a fixed element, the sixth shaft TM 6 acts as a fixed element by the operation of the first brake B 1 , realizing the reverse second speed and outputting a shifted torque to the output gear OG connected to the second shaft TM 2 .

In the reverse third speed REV 3 , the second clutch C 2 and the first brake B 1 are simultaneously operated.

As a result, the fourth shaft TM 4 and the fifth shaft TM 5 are connected by the operation of the second clutch C 2 . In the instant state, the input torque is input to the first shaft TM 1 .

In such a state, as well as the third shaft TM 3 always acting as a fixed element, the sixth shaft TM 6 acts as a fixed element by the operation of the first brake B 1 , realizing the reverse third speed and outputting a shifted torque to the output gear OG connected to the second shaft TM 2 .

As described above, a planetary gear train according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention may realize at least eight forward speeds and at least two reverse speeds by operating three or four planetary gear sets by controlling engagement elements of four clutches and two brakes or engagement elements of four clutches and three brakes.

Furthermore, a planetary gear train according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may substantially improve driving stability by realizing shifting stages appropriate for rotation speed of an engine due to multi-stages of an automatic transmission.

Furthermore, a planetary gear train according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention maximize engine driving efficiency by multi-stages of an automatic transmission, and may improve power delivery performance and fuel consumption.

For convenience in explanation and accurate definition in the appended claims, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “inner”, “outer”, “up”, “down”, “upper”, “lower”, “upwards”, “downwards”, “front”, “rear”, “back”, “inside”, “outside”, “inwardly”, “outwardly”, “internal”, “external”, “inner”, “outer”, “forwards”, and “backwards” are used to describe features of the exemplary embodiments with reference to the positions of such features as displayed in the figures.

The foregoing descriptions of specific exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described to explain certain principles of the present invention and their practical application, to enable others skilled in the art to make and utilize various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, as well as various alternatives and modifications thereof. It is intended that the scope of the present invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and their equivalents.