CN108603540A - Controllable connection components and connection components used in the components - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a controllable connection assembly and a connection member for use therewith. The member includes a first connection surface oriented to face axially along a rotational axis and having a plurality of locking structures angularly spaced about the axis. The member also includes a second connection surface having a reverse groove for receiving a reverse locking element. The groove defines a first bearing surface adapted to abut a bearing surface of the reverse locking element. The second connection surface is oriented to face radially relative to the axis. Each of the plurality of locking structures defines a second bearing surface adapted to abut a bearing surface of a forward locking element.

Description

Controllable connection components and connection components used in the components

Cross References to Related Applications

This application is a continuation-in-part of US Application Serial Nos. 14/675,850 and 14/675,853 filed April 1, 2015. These applications are continuations-in-part of U.S. Application Serial No. 14/288,819 filed May 28, 2014, now U.S. Patent No. 9,234,552, which claims Serial No. 61/ Priority of U.S. provisional application 941,741. This application is also related to US Application Serial Nos. 15/078,154 and 15/078,171, filed on the same date as this application, and Attorney Docket Nos. MEII0328PUSP4 and MEII0328PUSP5.

field

The present invention generally relates to controllable connection assemblies and connection members used in such assemblies.

Background technique

Coupling assemblies, such as clutches, are used in a variety of applications to selectively couple power from a first rotatable drive member (eg, a drive plate or plate) to a second independently rotatable driven member ( For example, driven disc or driven plate). Of the various clutches known (commonly referred to as "one-way" or "overrunning" clutches), the clutch is engaged only when the drive member rotates in a first direction relative to the driven member to mechanically connect the drive members to the driven member. Additionally, the clutch either allows the drive member to freely rotate in the second direction relative to the driven member. This "free rotation" of the drive member relative to the driven member in the second direction is also referred to as an "override" condition.

One type of one-way clutch includes coaxial drive and driven plates having generally planar clutch faces in close, juxtaposed relationship. In the face of the drive plate, a plurality of recesses or grooves are formed at positions angularly spaced about the axis, and a post or detent is provided in each groove. A plurality of recesses or notches are formed in the face of the driven plate and are engageable with one or more struts when the drive plate is rotated in the first direction. When the drive plate rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the strut disengages from the notch, thereby allowing free rotational movement of the drive plate relative to the driven plate.

When the drive plate changes direction from the second direction to the first direction, the drive plate generally rotates relative to the driven plate until the clutch is engaged. As the amount of relative rotation increases, the likelihood of engagement noise also increases.

A controllable or selectable one-way clutch (ie, OWC) differs from conventional one-way clutch designs. Optional OWC adds a second set of locking members combined with the slide plate. The added set of locking members plus the sliding plate adds a variety of functionality to the OWC. A controllable OWC can create a mechanical connection between rotating or stationary axes in one or two directions, depending on design needs. Also, depending on the design, OWC is capable of overtaking in one or both directions. A controllable OWC includes an externally controlled selection mechanism or control mechanism. The selection mechanism is movable between two or more positions corresponding to different modes of operation.

U.S. Patent No. 5,927,455 discloses a two-way overrunning detent clutch, U.S. Patent No. 6,244,965 discloses a planar overrunning coupling, and U.S. Patent No. 6,290,044 discloses an optional single clutch for use in automatic transmissions. to the clutch assembly. US Patent Nos. 7,258,214 and 7,344,010 disclose overrunning coupling assemblies, and US Patent No. 7,484,605 discloses an overrunning radial coupling assembly or clutch.

A properly designed controllable OWC can have near zero parasitic losses in the "off" state. It is also electro-mechanically actuated and does not have the complexity or parasitic losses of hydraulic pumps and valves.

In a powershift transmission, tip-in broadband clunk is one of the most difficult challenges due to the absence of a torque converter. When the driver steps on the accelerator sharply, that is, when the accelerator pedal is pressed after coasting, the shifting can be heard and felt in the passenger compartment due to the mechanical connection rather than the hydraulic connection between the engine and the input part of the power shift transmission. File acoustic vibration roughness (harshness) and noise, known as broadband vibration. In parking lot maneuvers where the vehicle is coasting at low speed and then accelerated in order to maneuver into a parking space, the wide-band vibrations are particularly sharp on the gas pedal.

In order to obtain good shifting quality and eliminate the wide-band vibration when the accelerator is stepped on hard, the power shift transmission should adopt a different control strategy from the traditional automatic transmission. The control system should accommodate the unique operating characteristics of the powershift transmission and include remedial measures to avoid objectionable harshness without compromising driver expectations and performance requirements of the powershift transmission. A need exists to eliminate shift harshness and noise associated with tip-in broadband vibrations in powershift transmissions.

For the purposes of this application, the term "coupler" should be understood to include a clutch or brake, where one plate is drivably connected to a torque-transmitting element of the transmission and the other plate is drivably connected to another torque-transmitting element or relative to the The transmission case is anchored and held stationary. The terms "connector", "clutch" and "brake" are used interchangeably.

The slot plate may be provided with recesses or slots arranged at an angle around the axis of the one-way clutch. The slots are formed in the planar surfaces of the slot plate. Each slot receives a torque transmitting strut, one end of which engages an anchor point in the slot of the slot plate. The opposing edge of the post (which may hereinafter be referred to as the active edge) is movable from a position within the channel to a position where the active edge protrudes outwardly from the planar surface of the channel plate. The struts may be biased away from the slot plate by separate springs.

The slotted plate may be formed with a plurality of recesses or notches located approximately on the radius of the slot of the slotted plate. Notches are formed in the planar surface of the notched plate.

Another example of an overrunning planar clutch is disclosed in US Patent No. 5,597,057.

与本发明有关的一些美国专利包括：美国专利号4,056,747、5,052,534、5,070,978、5,449,057、5,486,758、5,678,668、5,806,643、5,871,071、5,918,715、5,964,331、5,979,627、6,065,576、6,116,394、6,125,980、6,129,190、6,186,299、6,193,038、6,386,349、6,481,551 , 6,505,721, 6,571,926, 6,814,201, 7,153,228, 7,275,628, 8,051,959, 8,196,724, and 8,286,772.

Other related US patents include: US Patent Nos. 4,200,002, 5,954,174 and 7,025,188.

US Patent No. 6,854,577 discloses a sound dampened one-way clutch comprising a pair of plastic/steel struts to dampen engagement broadband vibrations. Plastic posts are slightly longer than steel posts. This pattern can be doubled for double engagement. This approach has had some success. However, when the plastic part is exposed to hot oil for a period of time, the inhibiting function ceases.

Metal Injection Molding (MIM) is a metalworking process in which finely powdered metal is mixed with measured quantities of a binder material to form a "stock" that can be processed through plastics processing equipment in a process called injection molding. This forming process allows complex parts to be formed in large numbers in a single operation. Final products are often constituent items used in a variety of industries and applications. The properties of MIM feedstock streams are defined by a discipline known as rheology. Current equipment capability requirements are limited to product processes that can be molded using typical quantities of less than 100 grams per "shot" into the mold. The rheology does allow this "injection" to be distributed into multiple cavities, so is cost effective for small, complex, high volume products that would otherwise be quite produced by alternative or conventional methods expensive. The various metals that can be implemented in MIM feedstock are known as powder metallurgy, and these metals contain the same alloying compositions as are found in industry standards for common and exotic metal applications. The formed shape is then subjected to a conditioning operation in which the binder material is removed and the metal particles coalesce into the desired metal alloy state.

与本发明的至少一个方面有关的其他美国专利文献包括美国专利号9,255,614、9,234,552、9,127,724、9,109,636、8,888,637、8,813,929、8,491,440、8,491,439、8,286,772、8,272,488、8,187,141、8,079,453、8,007,396、7,942,781、7,690,492、7,661,518、7,455,157 、7,455,156、7,451,862、7,448,481、7,383,930、7,223,198、7,100,756和6,290,044；以及美国公布的申请号：2015/0061798、2015/0000442、2014/0305761、2013/0277164、2013/0062151、2012/0152683、2012/0149518、 2012/0152687、2012/0145505、2011/0233026、2010/0105515、2010/0230226、2009/0233755、2009/0062058、2009/0211863、2008/0110715、2008/0188338、2008/0185253、2006/0124425、2006/ 0249345, 2006/0185957, 2006/0021838, 2004/0216975 and 2005/0279602.

Some other U.S. patent documents related to at least one aspect of the present invention include U.S. Patent Nos. 8,720,659, 8,418,825, 5,996,758, 4,050,560, 8,061,496, 8,196,724; and U.S. Published Application Nos. 0021862, 2012/0228076, 2004/0159517 and 2010/0127693.

As used herein, the term "sensor" is used to describe a circuit or assembly including sensing elements and other components. In particular, as used herein, the term "magnetic field sensor" is used to describe a circuit or assembly comprising a magnetic field sensing element and electronics connected to the magnetic field sensing element.

As used herein, the term "magnetic field sensing element" is used to describe various electronic components capable of sensing magnetic fields. The magnetic field sensing element may be, but is not limited to, a Hall effect element, a magnetoresistive element, or a magneto-sensitive transistor. It is well known that there are different types of Hall effect elements such as planar Hall elements, vertical Hall elements and circular vertical Hall (CVH) elements. It is also known that there are different types of magnetoresistive elements such as giant magnetoresistance (GMR) elements, anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) elements, tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) elements, indium antimonide (InSb) sensors and magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJ).

It is well known that some of the above-mentioned magnetic field sensing elements tend to have an axis of maximum sensitivity parallel to the substrate supporting the magnetic field sensing element, and others of the above-mentioned magnetic field sensing elements tend to have an axis perpendicular to the substrate supporting the magnetic field sensing element. The axis of maximum sensitivity of the substrate. In particular, planar Hall elements tend to have a sensitivity axis perpendicular to the substrate, while magnetoresistive elements and vertical Hall elements, including circular vertical Hall (CVH) sensing elements, tend to have sensitivity axes parallel to the substrate.

Magnetic field sensors are used in a variety of applications including, but not limited to, angle sensors to sense the directional angle of a magnetic field, current sensors to sense a magnetic field generated by a current carried by a live conductor, magnetic switches to sense the proximity of ferromagnetic objects, sensing Rotation detectors that detect passing ferromagnetic objects (eg domains of a ring magnet) and magnetic field sensors that sense the field density of the magnetic field.

Contents of the invention

It is an object of at least one embodiment of the present invention to provide a low cost controllable connection assembly and a connection member therefor.

In order to achieve the above and other objects of at least one embodiment of the present invention, a connection member for a controllable connection assembly is provided. The member includes a first connecting surface oriented axially facing along the rotational axis and having a set of locking features. Each of the set of locking formations defines a first bearing surface adapted to abut the bearing surface of the first locking element. The member also includes a second connection face oriented radially facing with respect to the axis. The second connection face has a reverse groove for receiving the reverse locking element and defines a second bearing surface adapted to abut the bearing surface of the reverse locking element.

The set of locking structures may be spaced apart forward facing cams.

The set of locking structures may be forward locking structures.

The counter-locking element may be a radial detent.

The connecting member may be an outer connecting member.

The assembly may also include a biasing member for biasing the reverse locking element. A biasing member may bias the reverse locking element towards the off position.

To further achieve the above and other objects of at least one embodiment of the present invention, a controllable connection assembly having multiple modes of operation is provided. The assembly includes a first connection member and a second connection member supported for rotation relative to each other about a common axis of rotation in a first mode of operation. The first connection member includes a first connection face oriented axially facing along the axis and having a set of locking structures. Each of the set of locking formations defines a first bearing surface adapted to abut the bearing surface of the first locking element in the second mode of operation. The first connection member also includes a second connection face oriented radially facing with respect to the axis. The second connection face has a reverse groove for receiving the reverse locking element and defines a second bearing surface adapted to abut the bearing surface of the reverse locking element in a third mode of operation.

The second connecting member may be a plate and have a set of forward slots angularly spaced about the axis and a set of reverse cams spaced apart.

The number of reverse cams can be greater than the number of forward slots.

The spaced counter cams may be spaced locking teeth.

The plate has a width, wherein each counter cam may extend the full width of the plate.

The second connecting member may be a spline ring having a set of locking structures formed on an outer peripheral surface thereof.

The set of forward slots can receive forward locking elements, and the set of locking structures can be forward locking structures.

To further achieve the above and other objects of at least one embodiment of the present invention, a controllable connection assembly for an electronic vehicle transmission is provided. The assembly includes a first connecting member and a second connecting member supported for relative rotation about an axis of rotation. The first connection member has a first connection surface oriented radially facing with respect to the axis. The second connecting member has a second connecting face oriented radially facing with respect to the axis and having a set of locking structures. Each locking structure defines a second load bearing surface. The first connecting surface is situated at a short distance from the second connecting surface and has a counter groove which defines the first carrier surface. The reverse locking element is received in the reverse slot in the disconnected position and is movable outwardly from the reverse slot to the connected position to connect the first and second connecting members together. The connection position is characterized by the counter-locking element abutting against the first load-bearing surface and the second load-bearing surface. The assembly also includes an electromechanical component supported by the first connection member. The electromechanical part comprises: a housing part having a closed axial end; an electromagnetic source comprising at least one field coil at least partially surrounded by the case part; and a reciprocating member concentrically disposed relative to the at least one field coil . When current is supplied to at least one field coil, the reciprocating member is axially movable to move the reverse locking element to a connected position or a disconnected position.

The reverse locking element may comprise at least one protruding leg. Each leg has a hole. The assembly may also include a pivot pin received within each hole to allow rotational movement of the locking member in response to reciprocation of the reciprocating member.

The front end of the reciprocating member may be connected to the reverse locking element via a pivot pin.

The reverse locking element may be spring loaded.

The housing part may have at least one attachment flange to connect the electromechanical part to the first connection member.

The locking structure may comprise radially extending, angularly spaced teeth.

The electromechanical components may include solenoids.

The second connecting member has a width, wherein each locking formation may extend the full width of the second connecting member.

The assembly may also include a biasing member to bias the reciprocating member to the extended position.

The reciprocating member and the counter-locking element may be connected together.

While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, the features of different implementing embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the invention.

Description of drawings

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a controllable connection assembly and electromechanical components constructed in accordance with at least one embodiment of the parent application of the present application;

Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the components and parts of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a view of assemblies and components similar to the view of Figure 2 but taken from a different angle;

4 is an enlarged, partially broken-away side view of the assembly and components of FIG. 1 and a second electromechanical component shown in phantom, wherein the locking elements of the components extend partially towards the locking structure of the connecting member of the assembly;

5 is a side view and partial block diagram opposite the side view of FIG. 4, but with one component shown in cross-section and inserted in the housing of an electronic vehicle transmission constructed in accordance with at least one embodiment of the parent application of the present application (also referred to in FIG. section shown);

Figure 6 is a schematic perspective bottom view of the electromechanical components of the previous figure;

Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of electromechanical components;

8 is a schematic, partially broken-away, perspective front view of a controllable connection assembly and electromechanical components constructed in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 9 is a view similar to that of Figure 8 but showing the rear of the assembly and components;

Figure 10 is a schematic side view, partly broken, of a component attached via a bracket to a boss of an outer connection member of the assembly;

Figure 11 is a view similar to that of Figure 9 but showing the top of the assembly, parts and bracket;

Figure 12 is a view similar to Figure 11 but without the stand;

Fig. 13 is a schematic perspective top view of the bracket of Fig. 11;

Fig. 14 is a schematic perspective bottom view of the stand of Fig. 13;

Figure 15 is a partially broken schematic perspective view of the rear portion of the external connection member and the support member;

Fig. 16 is a partially broken schematic perspective top view of the connecting member of Fig. 15, without the parts;

Figure 17 is a partially broken side view of the connecting member of Figures 15 and 16;

Figure 18 is a partially broken schematic perspective side view of the connection member of Figures 15-17;

Figure 19 is a schematic perspective top view of another embodiment of an electromechanical component in which a printed circuit board has electrical components supported on a top surface of the component;

Figure 20 is a side view, partly broken and sectioned, of a component attached to a boss of an outer connecting member and with the radial detent shown in its disconnected or retracted position;

Figure 21 is an enlarged side view, partially broken and sectioned, similar to the view of Figure 20, but also including a bored, spring-loaded plunger on the root of the pawl in the extended, connected position;

Figure 22 is a partially broken and sectioned schematic perspective bottom view similar to the view of Figure 21, but also showing a speed sensor;

Figure 23 is a partially broken and sectioned side view similar to the views of Figures 21 and 22, with the pawl in its retracted position and further showing the inner connecting member;

Figure 24 is an enlarged side view, partly broken and sectioned, showing the spring-loaded radial pawl being urged by the plunger or reciprocating member of the electromechanical component into its connected position where the pawl abuts the inner teeth on connecting members;

Figure 25 is a view similar to that of Figure 24, but with the plunger in its retracted position and the pawl in its "closed" or disconnected position; and

Figure 26 is a view similar to that of Figures 24 and 25, but in which the pawl is attached or connected to the reciprocating member or column via a clevis-like connection (not different from that of Figure 7) The free or distal end of the plug; the attachment position of the pawl is indicated by a dotted line.

Detailed ways

As required, specific embodiments of the invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention which may be embodied in different and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

Referring now to the drawings, there is shown one embodiment of an electronic vehicle transmission, generally indicated at 10 in FIG. 5 . The transmission 10 includes a transmission housing 40 having a bore 41 extending completely through the housing 40 . As is known in the art, transmission housing 40 has an environment associated therewith that is hostile to electrical components during use of transmission 10 primarily because of: (1) hot oil contained therein; short circuits, contamination in the oil; and (3) vibration.

The transmission 10 also includes electromechanical components, generally indicated at 14 , which are capable of operating in the hostile environment of the housing 40 . Component 14 may hereinafter be referred to as an SSI (ie, Selectable Solenoid Insert). Component 14 is inserted through bore 41 and retained therein by threaded fasteners (not shown) extending through bore 46 formed through the housing of component 14 (generally referenced 48 ). Shown) the annular flange 44. The fasteners extend into initial holes 42 formed in housing 40 around bore 41 to secure component 14 to housing 40 .

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3 , the transmission 10 also includes a controllable linkage assembly, indicated generally at 12 , which in turn includes a first linkage member 18 and a second linkage member 22 , respectively, mounted about an axis of rotation. 16 rotate relative to each other. The first connection member 18 has a first connection surface 19 oriented axially facing in a first direction with respect to the axis 16 , and the second connection member 22 has a first connection surface 19 oriented opposite to the first direction with respect to the axis 16 . The second connecting surface 23 facing the axial direction in two directions. The second connection member 22 also has a third connection face 25 oriented radially facing relative to the axis 16 and having a set of locking formations or teeth 30 formed therein. The teeth 30 are preferably ferromagnetic or magnetic teeth 30 .

The connection assembly 12 also includes a set of forward locking elements or struts 20 that are received in angularly spaced slots 26 formed in a face 23 of the connection member 22 . The connecting member 22 has a set of splines 28 formed on its inner diameter for drivingly engaging a drive member or a driven member (not shown) for rotation about the axis 16 .

Assembly 12 also includes a locking ring or plate, generally indicated at 24, for insertion into annular groove 36 of axially extending wall 37 of connecting member 18 to hold connecting member 18 and connecting member 22 together . The locking plate 24 has a circumferential cutout 34 which coincides or aligns with the circumferential cutout 32 provided in the wall 37 of the member 18 when the plate 24 is inserted into the groove 36 . As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , this feature allows the locking elements or struts 52 of the component 14 to engage the teeth 30 of the member 22 .

When the components 18 and 22 are connected and assembled together by the locking ring 24 and after the component 14 is inserted into the cavity 41 of the housing 40, the outer connecting face 49 ( FIG. 5 ) of the housing part or housing 48 and the The connection surfaces 25 are opposed to each other at a small distance.

The outer connecting surface 49 of the housing part 48 has a single T-shaped recess or groove 51 . The recess 51 defines a first bearing surface shoulder 53 . The connecting face 25 of the component 22 has a plurality of opposing indentations or teeth 30 . Each of the teeth 30 defines a second bearing surface or shoulder 31 .

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , when the assembly 12 and the housing 40 are assembled together, the locking struts or locking elements 52 can be positioned between the connecting faces 25 and 49 of the members 22 and parts 48 respectively, in the connected position and the disconnected position. extends between the open positions.

Element 52 may comprise a ferromagnetic locking element or strut movable between a first position and a second position. The first position, ie the connected position, is characterized by abutment between the locking element 52 and the bearing surface or shoulder 31 of one of the teeth 30 and the shoulder 53 of the groove 51 formed in the end wall of the housing part 48 . The second position, ie the non-connected position, is characterized by no abutment between the locking element 52 and the bearing shoulder 31 of the at least one tooth 30 and the end wall of the housing part 48 .

The electromechanical component or device (ie, SSI) 14 includes a housing member 48 having a closed axial end that includes the end wall. The end wall has an outer connecting face 49 with a single groove 51 defining a bearing shoulder 53 communicating with the inner face of the end wall. Housing component 48 may be a metal (eg, aluminum) injection molded (MIM) component.

The device 14 also includes an electromagnetic source comprising at least one field coil 62 at least partially surrounded by the skirt of the housing part 48 .

Electrically insulated wires 64 supply electrical power to coil 62 from a power source located outside the hot oil environment. Wire 64 extends from coil 62 , through hole 65 ( FIG. 5 ) formed through end seal 82 , through cavity 86 formed through overmold 84 , to the solenoid controller.

The strut 52 is held in the groove 51 by a clevis-shaped holder 50 . The strut 52 is movable outwardly from the slot 51 to its extended connection position, which is characterized by the abutment of the strut 52 with the bearing surface or shoulder 31 of one of the teeth 30 .

Apparatus 14 also includes a reciprocating plunger (generally indicated by the reference numeral 70 ) disposed concentrically with respect to at least one field coil 62 , which is axially movable when current is supplied to at least one field coil 62 via lead 64 . to the movement. Coil 62 is wound or disposed about actuator core or armature 76 and is encapsulated between plates 60 and 78 . The armature 76 is also movable axially when the coil is energized. The plate 60 bears against the inner face of the housing end wall. The plunger 70 extends through a hole 61 ( FIG. 7 ) formed through the plate 60 and is connected at its front end 72 to the element 52 to move the element 52 between its connected and disconnected positions. The plunger 70 also extends through a hole 75 formed through the armature 76 . The opposite end of the plunger 70 has a lock nut or nut 80 positioned thereon which limits the movement of the plunger 70 in the hole 75 toward the tooth 30 by abutting against the lower surface of the annular spacer 68 . Member 68 abuts against the lower surface of armature 76 .

Element 52 is pivotally connected to a bored front end 72 of plunger 70, wherein, in response to reciprocating movement of plunger 70, plunger 70 pivotally moves element 52 within slot 51, which in turn responds to The axial movement is caused by the reciprocating movement of the armature 76.

The device 14 preferably also includes a return spring 66 that extends between the plate 60 and a shoulder in the outer surface of the actuator core or armature 76 to keep the plunger 70 and Armature 76 returns to its home position, thereby returning element 52 to its off position. The device 14 also includes a spring 74 which urges the plunger 70 to move the element 52 towards its connected position. In other words, the biasing member or spring 66 pushes the plunger 70 via the armature 76 to a return position corresponding to the off position of the element 52, while the biasing member or spring 74 pushes the plunger 70 and its connecting element 52 to its connection location.

Housing member 48 and/or plate 78 may have holes (not shown) to allow oil to circulate within housing member 48 . Preferably, at least one coil 62, housing member 48, armature 76 and plunger 70 comprise low profile solenoids. The locking element 52 may be a metal (eg aluminum) injection molded (ie MIM) post.

Element 52 includes at least one, and preferably two protruding legs 55 that provide an attachment site for front end 72 of plunger 70 . Each leg 55 has a hole 57 . The device 14 also includes a pivot pin 54 received in each hole 57 and the hole formed in the front end 72 to allow the rotational movement of the member 52 in response to the reciprocating movement of the plunger 70, wherein the front end 72 of the plunger 70 Connection to element 52 is via pivot pin 54 .

Preferably, each hole 55 is an oval hole that receives a pivot pin 54 to allow both rotational and translational movement of the member 52 in response to reciprocation of the plunger 70 . Each locking strut 52 may comprise any suitable rigid material, such as ferrous metal (ie, steel).

Component 14 also includes a magnetic field velocity sensor or field velocity device 56 , which may include a differential Hall effect device that senses the velocity of tooth 30 as tooth 30 rotates past sensor 56 . The teeth 30 may carry or support automotive grade rare earth magnets or pellets (not shown), which may be embedded in holes formed in the outer surface of the teeth. In this case, the teeth 30 may be non-ferrous metal teeth, for example aluminum teeth. Alternatively and preferably, the teeth 30 are ferromagnetic teeth.

Device 56 is typically reverse biased, has two wires 58 ( FIG. 7 ) and provides a current output based on the rotational speed of tooth 30 past sensor 56 . Device 56 accurately detects speed with a single output (ie, a current output). The device 56 is preferably mounted adjacent to the slot 51 and the wire 58 extends through a hole 61 formed in the plate 60 . Wire 58 and wire 64 of coil 62 are connected to a solenoid controller, which in turn is connected to a main controller to supply drive signals to coil 62 in response to control signals from the main controller. The device 56 may be held in place by fasteners or by adhesive such that in the disconnected position of the strut 52 the side surfaces of the device 56 are in close proximity to the side surfaces of the strut 52 .

Sensor 56 is typically reverse biased when teeth 30 are ferromagnetic, and typically includes a Hall sensor or sensing element mounted on a circuit board mounted with other electronics or components as is known in the art. The sensor 56 is preferably reverse biased because it includes a rare earth magnet that produces a magnetic flux or magnetic field that varies as the tooth 30 moves past the sensor 56 . Sensor 56 may comprise a reverse biased differential Hall effect device.

In other words, device 56 is preferably a reverse biased device, wherein device 56 includes a rare earth pellet or magnet whose magnetic field varies as tooth 30 passes. The variable magnetic field is sensed by a magnetic sensing element of device 56 .

The output signal from device 56 is the feedback signal received by the solenoid controller. By providing feedback, the resulting closed loop control system provides true speed operation.

As noted above, the number of forward struts (ie, 14) is greater than the number of reverse struts (ie, 1 or 2). Also, the number of reverse gaps is greater than the number of forward gaps. In this case, there is a possibility that the linkage assembly (e.g., linkage assembly 12) enters a "lock-lock" condition in which transition play (i.e., the clutch can move between forward and reverse travel distance) is very small. This results in that the locking elements are not allowed to disengage from their connected position when controlled.

To avoid the above problems, the number of reverse struts and reverse notches and the number of forward struts and forward notches are chosen such that the forward play is a non-zero integer multiple of the reverse play (i.e., "N") , and the forward slots are evenly angularly spaced about the axis 16 . The following is a table of 36 examples, of which only examples 11, 14 and 15 did not meet the above criteria.

Overall advantage

The wires are outside the transmission.

Eliminates the difficulty of routing lead wires from clutches around rotating components to bulkheads inside the case.

Does not affect the number of wires passing through the bulkhead connector.

Coils are encapsulated, leads are overmolded, and connectors are externally fully isolated from the hot oil environment, which results in:

Prevents long-term embrittlement of connectors and wires by avoiding exposure to hot oil;

eliminates the possibility of oil contamination shorting circuits; and

Greatly reduced vibration failures (encapsulation and overmolding).

High power density: every surface of the inner and outer races is used. The radial surface is used for reverse gear and the planar surface is used for 1st gear. They are independent and do not compete for the same physical space in the bezel. Concentric designs compete for radial section, and coplanar designs increase the PM race. The largest strut/cam geometry possible in a smaller package. This increases the power density of the clutch.

Use SSI14 as a common electromechanical part.

Tend to make it a high-volume commodity, which keeps costs down.

Streamlined design, verification and manufacturing: a one-step approach.

Better resource allocation. Engineering can focus on clutch design without the burden of designing a new electromechanical scheme for each unique application.

Sliding plates are eliminated and failure modes associated with sliding plates are eliminated.

Traditional MD approach: no concentric, coplanar design. Proven method.

Cost-competitive: highest power density, 2 races, and a comprehensive approach to control with SSI14.

Reduced partial engagement.

The strut 52 of the SSI 14 is quicker to actuate than hydraulic designs using sliding plates.

When doing rolling forward and reverse shifts, the SSI14 can be turned on closer to the sync point as it only takes 20ms or less to actuate. There are no hydraulic delays or temperature effects.

Soft closing can reduce the shock load when closing.

No special driver is required. SSI14 can be started initially and can be maintained by pulse width modulation. The higher pulse is used to overcome the return spring designed for 20g shocks.

NVH Pros: Maximizing camming is a great way to reduce backlash. Many cams can be formed in the race in a radial direction rather than a planar direction. Using SSI 14 in the radial direction takes advantage of this feature.

Typically there is an outer race where the forward and reverse sides of the splines are the friction paths. The design separates the paths. There is no play in the reverse direction as the path enters the housing 40 through the press-fit SSI 14 . SSI14 works on reverse torque only. The outer race of the driven clutch, in contrast, experiences only forward reaction torque. The result is a system in which the clutch does not move through the outer gap. The splines on the drive side continue to stay on the drive side, and the reverse drive path is in the press-fit SSI14. This reduces clicking/broadband vibrations in the splines. Rubber washers/spring clips can be added to the sliding side of the spline to keep the spline engaged with the housing at all times. It never experiences reverse torque.

Advantages over hydraulics

Not affected by temperature.

Faster response times (20ms or less) through smaller tolerances.

Uses much less energy to operate over the lifetime of the application.

It is easier to route wires outside the enclosure than packaged worm trails.

Ease of Diagnostics: A software maintenance loop with trickle voltage can set the code continuously or momentarily against the temperature measurement resistor.

Not affected by pollution.

Advantages of two springs

If the armature 76 is directly connected to the strut 52 by a single return spring, a constant high current must be applied to ensure the device opens. When the armature 76 is in the closed position, the minimum stroke force initially occurs at the maximum gap. If the armature 76 is attached directly to the strut 52 and the strut 52 is between the notches or teeth 30, then a high current must be maintained to ensure that the device always eventually travels to the open state. The cam plate 22 must be rotated so that the strut 52 can be lowered. Therefore, a consistently high current must be maintained as long as the solenoid 14 is on. This is a problem. Using this method, the solenoid 14 may overheat. The solution is to use two springs 66 and 76, an actuator core or armature 76 and a second internal piston called plunger 70 attached to strut 52 by a clevis connection. In this arrangement, the armature 76 always travels to the open state and travels the full 3mm, thereby closing the gap independently of the position of the strut 52 relative to the cam or tooth 30 . As the gap is closed, the force holding the armature 76 in the open position is increased by an amount. Armature 76 pushes second spring 74 , which pushes plunger 70 attached to strut 52 .

Once the armature 76 has traveled 3mm, the current can drop to a holding current which is a fraction of the initial pulse current. The strut 52 is loaded in the application direction by the second spring 74 . If the post 52 is located between the cams or teeth 30, there is a second spring force pushing the post 52 into the open position once the cam plate 22 is rotated. Armature 70 is now independent of strut position and can be pulse width modulated.

If a single spring is used with the teeth mated, the armature 76 travels only 1.3 mm and stops with about 2 lbs of force. In the double spring system, the armature 76 always travels fully 3 mm within 20 ms, allowing the current to drop to the holding current. The second spring 74 exerts a force to exit the tooth mating state.

Advantages of a speed sensor with the above components (i.e. SSI)

Prior art speed sensors pass outside of the clutch's outer race to sense the speed of the inner race. Let's say it's used for unsynchronized reverse shifts while rolling in the forward direction.

At least one embodiment of the present invention provides a structure for a speed sensor chipset. The speed sensor chipset can be packaged directly into the SSI14. This has the advantage of making the structure of the SI14 flexible, not only locking the inner race against friction, but also sensing the inner race speed all in the same place. This would eliminate the need for a separate speed sensor, housing machining to accommodate the separate speed sensor, and clutch machining. This saves significant costs.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-26 , there are shown embodiments of the present invention in which components that are identical or similar in structure and/or function to those of FIGS. mark.

Furthermore, parts of the second or third embodiment have the same reference numerals, but with single or double quotation marks, respectively.

The connection and control assembly, generally indicated at 112 , includes a speed sensor 156 ( FIGS. 22-26 ) to provide electrical signals for electronic shift control. The sensor 156 is generally of the same type as the sensor 56 of FIGS. 1-7 .

Assembly 112 includes a controllable connection assembly having a first connection member 118 and a second connection member 122 supported for rotation relative to each other about an axis of rotation 116 . The electrical signal from the speed sensor 156 is based on the relative rotational speed of the second connecting member 122 .

The first connection member 118 has a first connection surface 149 ( FIGS. 17 and 18 ) oriented radially facing with respect to the axis 116 and has a groove or recess 151 (or 151 ′ or 151 ″ respectively). Locking element 152 (Figs. 20-23, 152' in Figs. 24 and 25, and 152" in Fig. 26). The recess 151 defines a first bearing surface shoulder 153 or 153' or 153". A sensor 156 is also disposed within the recess 151 (or 151' or 151"). The first connection member 118 also has a connection face 119 oriented axially facing relative to the axis 116 . The attachment face 119 (Fig. 22) has a set of axially spaced locking formations 129 (Figs. 17 and 18) formed therein.

The second connecting member 122 has a set of splines 128 ( FIGS. 8 , 9 and 23 ) formed on its inner diameter, a second connecting surface 125 oriented radially with respect to the axis 116 , and on its outer diameter. A set of ferromagnetic or magnetic locking structures or teeth 130 . Each tooth 130 defines a bearing surface shoulder 131 . The second connecting member 122 also has an axially facing connecting surface 123 having a set of angularly spaced forward slots 126 (one of which is shown in FIG. (not shown, but similar to slot 26 and post 20 in FIG. 2 ).

First member 118 and second member 122 are each positioned relative to each other such that locking element 152 (or locking elements 152' and 152") and sensor 156 are opposed to locking structure 130 at a short distance.

Assembly 112 also includes a locking ring or plate 124 for insertion into an annular groove 136 formed in an axially extending wall 137 of connecting member 118 to hold connecting members 118 and 122 together.

The first connecting member 118 includes a cutout or hole 132 that extends into a raised portion 135 of the member 118 . Slot 127 passes completely through member 118 from aperture 132 to face 149 .

Assembly 112 also includes a locking ring or plate 124 for insertion into an annular groove 136 formed in an axially extending wall 137 of connecting member 118 to hold connecting members 118 and 122 together.

The first connecting member 118 includes a cutout or hole 132 that extends into a raised portion 135 of the member 118 . Slit 127 passes completely through member 118 from aperture 132 to face 149 .

The assembly 112 also includes electromechanical components generally indicated by the reference numerals 114 and 114' (FIG. 19), and includes a reciprocating member 170 (or 170' in FIG. 19). Part 114 is supported in bore 132 such that reciprocating member 170 reciprocates in slot 127 and moves locking member 152 across the gap between connecting faces 149 and 125 in response to part 114 receiving an electrical control signal. The locking element 152 abuts one of the locking structures 130 (ie, FIGS. 21 and 24 ) in a connected position of the locking element 152 to prevent relative rotation about the axis 116 in one direction. Part 114 has a housing 148 held in bore 132 by a U-shaped bracket 129 having legs 133 and a resilient grip 135 which grips boss 135 The chamfered portion 138.

Component 114' is preferably generally of the type disclosed in Published U.S. Patent Application No. 2015/0061798. As disclosed therein, component 114' is an electromagnetic solenoid 114' comprising a housing 148' and having: a base 160' having a hole 161' in which a member 170' is at a first end reciprocating motion; and a magnetic coil 162' supported within the housing 148'. Armature 176' is supported for axial movement within housing 148' between a first position and a second position when coil 162' is energized with a predetermined current. The distance between the first position and the second position defines the stroke length, wherein the armature 176' exerts a generally constant force along its stroke length during the axial movement of the armature 176' between the first position and the second position. . The pin or reciprocating member 170' is biased for axial movement between a first position and a second position by a spring 174' extending between the member 170' and the armature 176'. The spring 174' biases the member 170' towards the second connection member 122.

The sensor 156 senses the magnetic flux to generate an electrical output signal indicative of the relative rotational speed of the second connection member 122 . A variable magnetic field is generated in response to locking structure 130 rotating past sensor 156 .

Sensor 156 preferably includes a magnetic field sensing element. Sensor 156 may be reverse biased where locking structure 130 is ferromagnetic. The sensor 156 has wires 158 that extend along with the wires (not shown) of the coil 162 through the cavity 186 of the overmold 184 and connect to the solenoid controller.

The locking structure 130 may include radially extending, angularly spaced teeth 130 .

The locking elements 152 or 152' or 152" are preferably radial detents.

As best shown in FIG. 22 , the second connecting member 122 has a width with each locking structure 130 extending the entire width of the second connecting member 122 .

The first connection member 118 is preferably an outer connection member, and the second connection member 122 is preferably an inner connection member.

The assembly 112 may also include a spring or biasing member 166 or 166' to bias the locking member 152 or 152' or 152" towards the off position, respectively, as shown in FIGS. 22, 23 and 25. The biasing member 166 will Cotter pin 167 is biased to engage the root of locking member 152 and bias member 152 towards the off position. Pin 167 is perforated to allow lubricating oil to flow therethrough.

As shown in Figures 21 and 24, a biasing member 174' biases the reciprocating member 170' into its extended position.

As shown in Figure 26, the reciprocating member 170" and locking element 152" of different embodiments may be connected together via a clevis-type connection. The connection is defined by a pair of spaced apart legs 155" integrally formed on the bottom surface of the element 152", which provide for the forward or distal end 172" of the reciprocating member 170". Attachment Sites. As in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7 , each leg 155" has a hole 157". A pivot pin 154" is received in each hole 157" and a hole formed in the front end 172". to allow rotational movement of element 152" in response to reciprocating motion of reciprocating member 170".

While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, the features of different implementing embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the invention.

Claims (24)

1. A connection member for a controllable connection assembly, the connection member comprising: A first connecting surface, which is oriented axially facing along the axis of rotation and has a set of locking formations each defining a first first locking formation adapted to abut a bearing surface of the first locking element. load bearing surfaces; and A second connection face, oriented radially facing with respect to said axis and having a reverse groove for receiving a reverse locking element, and defining a second bearing surface adapted to abut the bearing surface of the reverse locking element. 2. A connecting member according to claim 1, wherein the set of locking formations are spaced apart forward facing cams. 3. The connecting member of claim 1, wherein the set of locking formations are forward locking formations. 4. A connecting member according to claim 1, wherein the opposing locking element is a radial detent. 5. The connecting member according to claim 1, wherein the connecting member is an outer connecting member. 6. The connection member of claim 1, further comprising a biasing member for biasing the reverse locking element. 7. A connection member according to claim 6, wherein the biasing member biases the reverse locking element towards the disconnected position. 8. A controllably connected assembly having multiple modes of operation, the assembly comprising: A first connection member and a second connection member supported for rotation relative to each other about a common axis of rotation in a first mode of operation, the first connection member comprising: A first connecting surface oriented axially facing along said axis and having a set of locking formations each defining a lock adapted to engage with the first locking member in a second mode of operation a first load bearing surface against which the load bearing surface abuts; and A second connection face, which is oriented radially facing with respect to said axis and has a reverse groove for receiving the reverse locking element, and defines a bearing surface adapted to abut against the bearing surface of the reverse locking element in a third mode of operation Second load bearing surface. 9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the second connecting member is a plate and has a set of forward slots angularly spaced about the axis and a set of reverse cams spaced apart. 10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the number of reverse cams is greater than the number of forward slots. 11. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the spaced counter cams are spaced locking teeth. 12. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the plate has a width, and wherein each counter cam extends the full width of the plate. 13. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the second connecting member is a spline ring having a set of locking structures formed on an outer peripheral surface thereof. 14. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the set of forward slots receive forward locking elements and the set of locking structures are forward locking structures. 15. A controllable linkage assembly for an electronic vehicle transmission, the assembly comprising: a first connecting member and a second connecting member supported for relative rotation about an axis of rotation, the first connecting member having a first connecting surface oriented to face radially with respect to said axis, and the second connecting member having a second connecting surface oriented radially facing relative to said axis and having a set of locking formations, wherein each locking formation defines a second load bearing surface, the first connecting surface is closely spaced opposite the second connecting surface and Having a reverse groove defining a first load bearing surface, a reverse locking member is received in the reverse groove in a disconnected position and is movable outwardly from the reverse groove to a connected position thereby connecting the first connecting member and the second connecting member Together, the connection location is characterized by a counter-locking element in abutment against the first load-bearing surface and the second load-bearing surface; and An electromechanical part supported by the first connecting member and comprising: a housing part having a closed axial end; an electromagnetic source comprising at least one field coil at least partially surrounded by the housing part; and a reciprocating member, It is arranged concentrically with respect to the at least one field coil and is axially movable when current is supplied to the at least one field coil to move the counter-locking element into a connected position or a disconnected position. 16. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the reverse locking element includes at least one protruding leg, wherein each leg has a hole, and wherein the assembly further includes a pivot pin received within each hole , to allow rotational movement of the locking element in response to reciprocation of the reciprocating member. 17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the front end of the reciprocating member is connected to the reverse locking element via a pivot pin. 18. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the reverse locking element is spring loaded. 19. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the housing part has at least one attachment flange to connect the electromechanical part to the first connection member. 20. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the locking structure includes radially extending, angularly spaced teeth. 21. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the electromechanical component comprises a solenoid. 22. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the second connecting member has a width, and wherein each locking structure extends the entire width of the second connecting member. 23. The assembly of claim 15, further comprising a biasing member to bias the reciprocating member to the extended position. 24. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the reciprocating member and the reverse locking element are coupled together.