BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally a hydraulic control module for use in a transmission of a motor vehicle and, more specifically, to solenoid-actuated valve for use in a hydraulic control module.

2. Description of the Related Art

[0002] Conventional vehicle powertrain systems known in the art typically include an engine in rotational communication with a transmission. The engine generates rotational torque which is selectively translated to the transmission which, in turn, translates rotational torque to one or more wheels. Typical transmissions are shifted in discrete steps between a high-torque, low- speed mode for starting a vehicle and a high-speed, low-torque mode for vehicle operation at highway speeds. In a manual transmission, shifting is accomplished by the manual controlled engagement of gear sets. In an automatic transmission, shifting is accomplished by the automatic controlled engagement of friction elements.

[0003] To control shifting in the automatic transmission, a hydraulic control module includes a valve housing coupled to a transmission housing of the automatic transmission, with the valve housing defining a hydraulic circuit. Hydraulic fluid flowing in the hydraulic circuit facilitates shifting and controlled engagement of the friction elements.

[0004] To facilitate shifting and controlled engagement of the friction elements of the automatic transmission, the hydraulic control assembly typically includes a pump to provide pressurized hydraulic fluid, and a plurality of valves for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic circuit. In recent years, such automatic transmissions have used various electronic elements, such as solenoid-actuated valves, to control the flow of hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic circuit.

[0005] Conventional solenoid-actuated valves used to control the plurality of valves for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic circuit include a solenoid portion and a valve portion. The solenoid portion of the typical solenoid-actuated valve includes a solenoid housing defining a solenoid interior, a coil disposed in the solenoid interior, and an armature disposed in the coil that is moveable upon energization of the coil. The valve portion of the typical solenoid-actuated valve has a valve body defining a valve interior, and a valve member disposed in the valve interior. To control the flow of hydraulic fluid using the typical solenoid- actuated valve, the cylindrical coil is energized, which moves the armature and, in turn, the valve member in the valve interior.

[0006] During movement of the armature when the coil is energized, an internal volume defined in the solenoid interior changes upon actuation of the armature. As a result of the change in the internal volume of the solenoid interior, conventional solenoid-actuated valves provide a vent, which allows fluid to enter and leave the solenoid portion as the internal volume of the solenoid interior is changed upon actuation of the armature.

[0007] However, vents in conventional solenoid-actuated valves are not able to accurately control the flow of hydraulic fluid into and out of the solenoid interior during actuation of the armature. Further, conventional solenoid-actuated valves are not able to prevent undesired leaking of the hydraulic fluid from the solenoid interior between the solenoid portion and the valve housing.

[0008] As such, there remains a need to provide an improved hydraulic control module and solenoid-actuated valve.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES

[0009] A hydraulic control module includes a valve housing defining a hydraulic circuit, and a bore extending along a bore axis. The hydraulic control module also includes a solenoid-actuated valve to control a flow of hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic circuit defined by the valve housing. The solenoid-actuated valve includes a solenoid portion including a solenoid housing disposed about a longitudinal axis parallel to the bore axis, with the solenoid housing defining a solenoid interior. The solenoid portion also includes a coil disposed about the longitudinal axis and in the solenoid interior. The solenoid portion further includes an armature disposed about the longitudinal axis, in the solenoid interior, and between the longitudinal axis and the coil. The armature is moveable along the longitudinal axis in response to energization of the coil. The solenoid-actuated valve further includes a valve portion coupled to the solenoid portion and the valve housing. The valve portion includes a valve member moveable by the armature for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic circuit. The solenoid- actuated valve additionally includes a valve seal disposed about the longitudinal axis. The valve seal is coupled to and disposed between the solenoid portion and the valve housing with respect to the longitudinal axis to prevent leaking of the hydraulic fluid between the solenoid portion and the valve housing. The valve seal has a sealing body portion for preventing leaking of the hydraulic fluid between the solenoid portion and the valve housing, and a vent portion defining a vent path to allow a select amount of hydraulic fluid to flow into and out of the solenoid interior upon actuation of the armature.

[0010] Accordingly, the vent path defined by the vent portion of the valve seal is able to accurately control the flow of hydraulic fluid into and out of the solenoid interior during actuation of the armature. Further, the valve seal is able to prevent undesired leaking of the hydraulic fluid from the solenoid interior between the solenoid portion and the valve housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0012] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of hydraulic control module including a valve housing defining a hydraulic circuit, a valve seal, and a solenoid-actuated valve, with the solenoid-actuated valve including a solenoid portion and a valve portion, with the solenoid portion including a solenoid housing defining a solenoid interior, a coil, and an armature, with the valve portion including a valve member, and with the valve seal coupled to and disposed between the solenoid portion and the valve housing;

[0013] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the hydraulic control module;

[0014] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the hydraulic control module;

[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the valve housing and the valve seal, with the valve seal having a sealing body portion for preventing leaking of hydraulic fluid between the solenoid portion and the valve housing, and a vent portion defining a vent path to allow a select amount of hydraulic fluid to flow into and out of the solenoid interior upon actuation of the armature;

[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the valve seal;

[0017] FIG. 6 is a top view of the valve seal;

[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the valve housing, with the valve housing having a housing vent portion;

[0019] FIG. 8 is a top cross-sectional view of the hydraulic control module illustrating hydraulic fluid disposed in the solenoid interior; and

[0020] FIG. 9 is a top view of the valve housing and the valve seal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] With reference to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views, a hydraulic control module 20 is shown in FIGS. 1-3. The hydraulic control module 20 includes a valve housing 22 defining a hydraulic circuit, and a bore 26 extending along a bore axis BA. The hydraulic control module 20 also includes a solenoid-actuated valve 28 to control a flow of hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic circuit defined by the valve housing. The solenoid-actuated valve 28 includes a solenoid portion 30. The solenoid portion 30 includes a solenoid housing 32 disposed about a longitudinal axis LA parallel to the bore axis BA. The solenoid housing 32 defines a solenoid interior 34. The solenoid portion X also includes a coil 36 disposed about the longitudinal axis LA and in the solenoid interior 34. The solenoid portion 30 further includes an armature 38 disposed about the longitudinal axis LA, in the solenoid interior 34, and between the longitudinal axis LA and the coil 36. The armature 38 is moveable along the longitudinal axis LA in response to energization of the coil 36. The armature 38, as shown in FIG. 8, may define a damping orifice 39 for allowing hydraulic fluid to vent from the solenoid interior 34.

[0022] With reference again to FIGS. 1-3, the solenoid-actuated valve 28 further includes a valve portion 40 coupled to the solenoid portion 30 and the valve housing 22. The valve portion includes a valve member 42 moveable by the armature 38 for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic circuit 24. To control hydraulic fluid, the armature 38 may be configured to contact the valve member 42. In some embodiments, the solenoid portion 30 may include an armature pin 44, with the armature pin 44 being coupled to the armature 38 and configured to contact the valve member 42. To bias the armature 38 along the longitudinal axis LA, the solenoid-actuated valve 28 may include a biasing member 46. In one embodiment, the valve portion 40 includes the biasing member 46, with the biasing member 46 being coupled to the valve member 42. The valve member 42 may include a biasing seat 50, with the biasing member 46 engaged with the biasing seat 50. When present, the biasing member 46, along with the energization of the coil 36, controls movement of the valve member 42 along the longitudinal axis LA to control the flow of hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic circuit 24.

[0023] The solenoid-actuated valve 28 additionally includes a valve seal 48 disposed about the longitudinal axis LA. Although not required, the valve seal 48 typically has an annular configuration about the longitudinal axis LA. The valve seal 48 may be disposed 360 degrees about the longitudinal axis LA. The valve seal 48 is coupled to and disposed between the solenoid portion 30 and the valve housing 22 with respect to the longitudinal axis LA to prevent leaking of the hydraulic fluid between the solenoid portion 30 and the valve housing 22. In doing so, the valve seal 48 is able to allow the solenoid interior 34 to hold a reservoir 51 of hydraulic fluid, as shown in FIG. 8. As shown in FIGS. 4-6 and 9, the valve seal 48 has a sealing body portion 52 for preventing leaking of the hydraulic fluid between the solenoid portion 30 and the valve housing 22, and a vent portion 54 defining a vent path 56 to allow a select amount of hydraulic fluid to flow into and out of the solenoid interior 34 upon actuation of the armature 38.

[0024] The vent path 56 defined by the vent portion 54 of the valve seal 48 is able to accurately control the flow of hydraulic fluid into and out of the solenoid interior 34 during actuation of the armature 38. Further, the valve seal 48 is able to prevent undesired leaking of the hydraulic fluid from the solenoid interior 34 between the solenoid portion 30 and the valve housing 22. Additionally, the vent path 56 defined by the vent portion 54 of the valve seal 48 improves control of the armature 38 and, in turn, the valve member 42, during actuation, because the flow of hydraulic fluid is controlled to flow into and out of the solenoid interior 34 as the volume of the solenoid interior 34 changes during movement of the armature 38. Allowing the hydraulic fluid to flow into and out of the solenoid interior 34, as indicated by arrows 57 in FIGS. 2 and 4, reduces any external force applied to the armature 38 from the hydraulic fluid during actuation of the armature 38. Additionally, allowing the hydraulic fluid to flow into and out of the solenoid interior 34, specifically between the solenoid portion 30 and the valve housing 22, improves performance over other solenoid- actuated valves that do not allow the hydraulic fluid to flow into and out of the solenoid interior. Additionally, during operation of the solenoid-actuated valve 28, the solenoid-actuated valve 28 and, in turn, the hydraulic fluid, is exposed to varying temperatures, which causes air and the hydraulic fluid to thermally expand and contract. Having the vent path 56 defined by the vent portion 54 of the valve seal 48 allows air and the hydraulic fluid to thermally expand and contract without compromising the performance of the solenoid-actuated valve 28.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the valve seal 48 may be directly engaged with the valve housing 22 and the solenoid housing 32. When the valve seal 48 is directly engaged with the valve housing 22 and the solenoid housing 32, the valve seal 48 is typically sandwiched between the valve housing 22 and the solenoid housing 32 with respect to the longitudinal axis LA. In embodiments where the valve seal 48 is directly engaged with the valve housing 22 and the solenoid housing 32, the valve seal 48 prevents undesired leaking of the hydraulic fluid between the valve housing 22 and the solenoid housing 32. As shown in FIG. 5, the valve seal 48 typically has a first seal face 66 and a second seal face 68 opposite the first seal face 66 with respect to the longitudinal axis LA. In embodiments where the valve seal 48 is directly engaged with the valve housing 22 and the solenoid housing 32, the first seal face 66 is engaged with the valve housing 22 and the second seal face 68 is engaged with the solenoid housing 32. Typically, the first seal face 66 and the second seal face 68 are flat such that first seal face 66 and the second seal face 68 are parallel to one another. Typically, the entire first seal face 66 at the sealing body portion 52 is engaged with the valve housing 22, and such that the entire second seal face 68 at the sealing body portion 52 is engaged with the solenoid housing 32.

[0026] With reference to FIGS. 1-3, the solenoid portion 30 of the solenoid- actuated valve 28 may include a flux core 70 disposed in the solenoid interior 34. With particular reference to FIG. 3, the valve seal 48 may be coupled to the flux core 70. In one embodiment, the valve seal 48 is directly engaged with the flux core 70. In embodiments where the valve seal 48 is directly engaged with the flux core 70, the valve seal 48 may also be directly engaged with the valve housing 22. When the valve seal 48 is directly engaged with the flux core 70 and the valve housing 22, the valve seal 48 is typically sandwiched between the flux core 70 and the valve housing 22. In such embodiments, the valve seal 48 prevents undesired leaking of the hydraulic fluid between the flux core 70 and the valve housing 22. In embodiments where the valve seal 48 is directly engaged with the valve housing 22 and the flux core 70, the first seal face 66 is engaged with the valve housing 22 and the second seal face 68 is engaged with the flux core 70. Typically, the first seal face 66 and the second seal face 68 are flat such that the entire first seal face 66 at the sealing body portion 52 is engaged with the valve housing 22, and such that the entire second seal face 68 at the sealing body portion 52 is engaged with the flux core 70.

[0027] Although not required, the valve portion 40 may include a valve body 72, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, disposed about the longitudinal axis LA and defining a fluid passage 73, with the valve member 42 disposed in the fluid passage 73 for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic circuit 24. As shown in FIG. 2, the valve portion 40 may include a metal insert 71 disposed in the fluid passage 73. As shown in FIG. 3, the valve portion 40 may be free of a valve body such that the valve member 42 is disposed in the valve housing 22 for controlling the flow of the hydraulic fluid. It is to be appreciated that the valve seal 48 may be coupled to the valve body 72 and the valve housing 22 in some embodiments, and further that the valve seal 48 may be directly engaged with the valve body 72 and the valve housing 22. When the valve seal 48 is directly engaged with the valve body 72 and the valve housing 22, the valve seal 48 is typically sandwiched between the valve body 72 and the valve housing 22. Further, when the valve seal 48 is directly engaged with the valve body 72 and the valve housing 22, the valve seal 48 prevents undesired leaking of the hydraulic fluid between the flux core 70 and the valve housing 22. In embodiments where the valve seal 48 is directly engaged with the valve housing 22 and the valve body 72, the first seal face 66 is engaged with the valve housing 22 and the second seal face 68 is engaged with the valve body 72. Typically, the first seal face 66 and the second seal face 68 are flat such that the entire first seal face 66 at the sealing body portion 52 is engaged with the valve housing 22, and such that the entire second seal face 68 at the sealing body portion 52 is engaged with the valve body 72.

[0028] The vent portion 54 of the valve seal 48 defining the vent path 56 may be offset from the sealing body portion 52 of the valve seal 48 in a radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis LA to allow a select amount of hydraulic fluid to flow into and out of the solenoid interior 34 upon actuation of the armature 38, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 9. Having the vent portion 54 of the valve seal 48 protruding away from the longitudinal axis LA allows the solenoid-actuated valve 28 to be clocked with respect to the valve housing 22. In other words, the vent portion 54 of the valve seal 48 offset from the longitudinal axis LA in the radial direction correctly aligns the valve seal 48 with respect to the valve housing 22. Additionally, the vent portion 54 of the valve seal 48 offset from the longitudinal axis LA in the radial direction may assist in correctly aligning the solenoid-actuated valve 28 with respect to the valve housing 22. In another embodiment, the vent portion 54 of the valve seal 48 defining the vent path 56 may be offset in an axial direction along the longitudinal axis LA to allow a select amount of hydraulic fluid to flow into and out of the solenoid interior 34 upon actuation of the armature 38.

[0029] The vent portion 54 of the valve seal 48 may protrude away from the longitudinal axis LA. Having the vent portion 54 of the valve seal 48 protruding away from the longitudinal axis LA not only allows a select amount of hydraulic fluid to flow into and out of the solenoid interior 34, but also allows the valve seal 48 to be oriented with respect to the valve housing 22. In other words, similarly as described above, having the vent portion 54 of the valve seal 48 protruding away from the longitudinal axis LA allows the solenoid-actuated valve 28 to be clocked with respect to the valve housing 22. In other words, the vent portion 54 of the valve seal 48 protruding away from the longitudinal axis LA correctly aligns the valve seal 48 with respect to the valve housing 22.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 4-6 and 9, the valve seal 48 may have an inner circumferential surface 58 facing the longitudinal axis LA, with the inner circumferential surface 58 defining a first inner seal radius R1 at the sealing body portion 52. The inner circumferential surface 58 typically has a second inner seal radius R2 greater than the first inner seal radius R1 at the vent portion 54 defining the vent path 56 to allow a select amount of hydraulic fluid to flow into and out of the solenoid interior 34 upon actuation of the armature 38.

[0031] With reference to FIGS. 4 and 6, the valve housing 22 may have a housing vent portion 62 defining a housing vent path 64 corresponding and fluidly coupled to the vent path 56 of the vent portion 54 of the valve seal 48. The valve seal 48 may have an outer circumferential surface 74 facing away from the longitudinal axis LA, with the outer circumferential surface 74 having a first outer seal radius R3 at the sealing body portion 52. With reference to FIGS. 7 and 9, the valve housing 22 may have an inner housing surface 76 facing the longitudinal axis LA, with the inner housing surface 76 having a first inner housing radius R5 corresponding to the first outer seal radius R3. The inner housing surface 76 may have a second inner housing radius R6 greater than the first inner housing radius R5 at the housing vent portion 62 to define the housing vent path 64. The outer circumferential surface 74 of the valve seal 48 may have a second outer seal radius R4. Typically, the second outer seal radius R4 is greater than the first outer seal radius R3. The second outer seal radius R4 is typically at the vent portion 54 such that the second outer seal radius R4 is aligned with the housing vent portion 62.

[0032] The inner housing surface 76 may define a recess 60 about the longitudinal axis LA, with the valve seal 48 is disposed in the recess 60, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 9.

[0033] With continued reference to FIGS . 4 and 9, the housing vent portion 62 may define a housing cutout 78, with the vent portion 54 of the valve seal 48 protruding into the housing cutout 78. The vent portion 54 of the valve seal 48 protruding into the housing cutout 78 helps align valve seal 48 and, specifically, the vent portion 54 of the valve seal 48 with respect to the housing cutout 78. The housing vent portion 62 may define a second housing cutout 80 along the longitudinal axis LA and fluidly coupled to the housing cutout 78. When present, the second housing cutout 80 may be defined axially into the valve housing 22 with respect to the longitudinal axis LA.

[0034] To further help venting, the valve body 72 may define a valve fluid passage

82, as shown in FIG. 2, fluidly coupled to the hydraulic circuit 24 and the solenoid interior 34 for allowing the hydraulic fluid to flow into and out of the solenoid interior 34 upon actuation of the armature 38. The valve housing 22 may define a valve housing fluid passage (not shown) fluidly coupled to the valve fluid passage 82 for allowing the hydraulic fluid to flow into and out of the solenoid interior 34 and into and out of the hydraulic circuit 24 during actuation of the armature 38.

[0035] An assembly 86 is shown in FIGS. 1-3. The assembly 86 includes the solenoid housing 32 defining the solenoid interior 34, the coil 36, the armature 38, and the valve seal 48 as described above and as shown throughout the FIGS.

[0036] The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings, and the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.