Abstract:
A variable force solenoid valve assembly is provided for use in an automatic transmission controller for controllably reducing a fluid inlet pressure to a desired outlet control pressure. The invention includes a solenoid sub-assembly secured to a valve body sub-assembly. The valve body includes a spool valve having three radially extending lands which translate within a valve body central bore in response to movement of an armature sub-assembly provided in the solenoid sub-assembly. Movement of the spool valve generates first and second flow restriction for controllably regulating the reducing of inlet pressure. In addition, the lands and the central bore comprise two differing diameters for improved outlet pressure regulation. Other various improvements in spool valve design are described including a design which enabled a reduction in the overall size of the solenoid sub-assembly.
Abstract:
An electrically controlled transmission shift interlock device. The device provides interlock capability by locking the pivotable shift actuating lever which is operatively associated with the transmission. A transmission mounted solenoid is provided having a moving armature coupled to a locking member which, when energized, positions the locking member into interlocking engagement within an engaging notch provided in the shift actuating lever. The device includes means for proper alignment of the interlocking components during installation of the interlock device onto the transmission. One alternate embodiment further provides means for having interlocking capabilities at more than one gear shift lever position. Another embodiment causes the transmission actuating lever to lock when the solenoid is de-energized and is movable upon energization.
Abstract:
An electrical switch having general utility but intended primarily for use in automotive vehicles. The switch comprises a case and one or more terminal blades and is readily adaptable for a variety of different environmental conditions. The case and the blades are uniquely formed and correlated so that the case effectively insulates each blade from the others and from adjacent metallic parts of the vehicle, so that the components can be quickly and easily assembled and for inexpensive manufacture. Each blade is cantilevered from the case to provide a soft action that results in a relatively long life but at the same time maintains a good electrical connection with a compatible switch part.
Abstract:
An inertial lock for the electric actuated release mechanism of a door latch, said release mechanism comprising a solenoid and plunger and said inertial lock comprising a spring biased inertial ring disposed on an extended portion of the solenoid and operably associated with spring biased locking tabs operable to lock the plunger in place during conditions which would provide forces that might undesireably actuate the release mechanism, such as certain vehicle accident conditions. This inertial lock is set within the confines of a conventional electric latch release mechanism, not requiring additional space, and features have been incorporated into the design to ease assembly of the electric actuated release mechanism and aid in the collection of flux from the solenoid.
Abstract:
A molded pressure ring adapted primarily for holding the peripheral marginal portion of a diaphragm in a tone generator under uniform light pressure so that the tone does not change significantly under normal changes in ambient conditions of temperature and pressure; more particularly the ring comprises an outer annular body having circumferentially equi-spaced, radially inwardly extending, generally U-shaped, independently movable, flexible and resilient cantilevers provided at the free ends thereof with pressure applicators arranged to engage and hold the diaphragm under pressure exerted by torsion-stressed portions of the cantilevers.
Abstract:
A bistable actuating solenoid device having an axially translatable armature which is stable at either a first or a second position. The device employs a solenoid winding wrapped around a bobbin having an internal bore with the armature disposed in the bore. A permanent magnet is located at one end of the bobbin for holding the armature in the first position and a spring urges the armature toward the second position. When it is desired to move the armature from the first to the second position, a current is passed through the winding such that a magnetic field is generated which opposes the field presented by the permanent magnet to allow the armature to move to the second position under the influence of the spring. When it is desired to return the armature to the first position, a current is passed through the winding in a direction which generates a field which combines with that of the permanent magnet to attract the armature to the first position against the biasing force of the spring. The armature thereafter remains in the first position due to the attraction force of the permanent magnet.
Abstract:
An electronic automatic transmission controller is provided which is adapted to enable electrical control over automatic transmission devices of the type typically used in motor vehicles. The controller employs a manifold having a number of solenoid valve assemblies mounted thereto. The solenoid valve assemblies feature a low stacked height achieved through the configuration of the valves and various improvements in force output for the solenoid valve assemblies. The solenoid valve assemblies are held in an assembled condition through the action of a bracket assembly which has resiliently deflectable arms which bias against the valve assemblies. Preferably, non-removable fasteners are employed to affix the bracket to the manifold to prevent unauthorized attempts at servicing. The solenoid valve assemblies have protruding terminals which enable a circuit board to be laid against the solenoid valve assemblies such that the board is soldered along a surface opposite the valve assemblies. The automatic transmission controller further features a design which permits automated assembly, thus reducing costs of fabrication. In addition, various improvements in solenoid design are described including a dual working gap system and a design which enables control over spring biasing of a solenoid armature and air gap distance.
Abstract:
A solenoid having a coil that includes the usual bobbin or spool, winding and armature in combination with a flux collector that is uniquely formed and associated with the coil bobbin and with the armature to maintain essentially precise concentricity between the flux collector and the armature and the intervening air gap of a uniform minimum width dimension so as to minimize the size of the coil and loss of armature power in use while at the same time assuring an adequate and reliable operating force in the armature.
Abstract:
A computer controlled turbo boost valve for internal combustion engines of the type having a turbo charger and a turbo charger feedback line, the valve having a valve element actuated by an internally mounted solenoid which is adapted to be connected to the computer, the valve having a valve element that is operable to regulate bypass flow of exhaust gases from the feedback line and that is mounted so as to be rapidly responsive to energization and deenergization of the solenoid and to be minimally affected by flow of exhaust gases into and through the valve, the components of the valve being uniquely combined and correlated, and the actuator for the valve element in particular being uniquely formed to provide for a high degree of quality control under mass production conditions of manufacture.
Abstract:
A solenoid spool having a Bowden cable connector that is made in two parts which are uniquely formed and related to the solenoid plunger to cover and protect the latter from dirt and other contaminants that adversely affect the operation of the solenoid in use. One part of the connector attached to the cable sheathing is piloted on and detachably fastened to the other part which is attached to and a part of the solenoid bobbin or spool in a way that positions the cable wire precisely automatically at assembly for attachment to the plunger.