Title of Invention

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ACTUATORS AND SENSORS HAVING INTEGRATED ELECTRONICS

Abstract The invention relates to a control system (30) for an automatic transmission comprising; a transmission control module (32) having a single serial data link input (42) and a single serial data link output (44); at least one sensor (70A) providing data to said input (42); at least one actuator (50A) receiving data from said output (44), said actuator (50A) having a memory device (58), a serial data line communication loop (44,42) interconnecting each of the at least one sensor (70A) and each of the at least one actuator (50A), said serial data line communication loop interconnecting said single serial data link input and-said single serial data link output; and a multiple conductor connector (36A) for disposition in a housing (34) of a transmission, said multiple conductor connector (36A) providing a connection through said housing (34) between said single serial data link input of said control module (32) and said serial data line communication loop and said single serial data link output of said control module (32) and said serial data line communication loop (42,44).
Full Text

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ACTUATORS AND SENSORS HAVING
INTEGRATED ELECTRONICS
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Serial No. 60/991,417, filed November 30, 2007. The disclosure of
the above application is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present disclosure relates to actuators and sensors and
more particularly to actuators and sensors having integrated electronics for use
with vehicular automatic transmissions and the like.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The statements in this section merely provide background
information related to the present disclosure and may or may not constitute prior
art.
[0004] Early automatic transmissions were hydro-mechanical devices
in which varying hydraulic pressure developed within the transmission was
utilized to sequence a plurality devices that controlled rotating members which
achieved two, three or four forward gear ratios or speeds.
[0005] As the complexity of these transmissions increased, primarily in
response to the demand for more gear ratios, electronic-hydraulic controllers
were utilized. These devices received a plurality of signals from various sensors

both inside and outside the transmission and commanded gear ratio selection
based not only upon the sensed operating conditions by also programs,
algorithms and data stored within the controller.
[0006] While providing greatly improved operating flexibility, such
electronic-hydraulic controllers are not without their drawbacks. First of all, such
controllers are typically mounted within the transmission where they are
subjected to vibration and relatively high temperatures. Second of all, electrical
power, data from external sensors and all other control circuits necessarily pass
through the transmission housing, typically in a multiple conductor connector
assembly. Not only does this connector represent a significant cost, it also can
be a source of electrical problems resulting from intermittent or failed
connections.
[0007] Thirdly, automatic transmission actuators and solenoid valves
are often characterized, that is, their input power versus output pressure and flow
is determined and such individualized data is stored in the electronic-hydraulic
controller. If a component of the controller fails, it is generally standard practice
to replace the controller. Not only is this practice expensive but it also requires.
that all the actuator or solenoid valve characterization data be restored in the
new controller. If the controller failure is partial, it may be possible to recover and
transfer the characterization data. If the failure is complete or essentially so, it
will be necessary for the replacement controller to relearn the various
characterizations through a relatively time consuming process.

[0008] Thus it is apparent that improvements in the art of electronic-
hydraulic transmission controllers which address these drawbacks would be
desirable and the present invention is so directed.
SUMMARY
[0009] The present invention provides an electronic-hydraulic controller
for an automatic transmission having a transmission control module (TCM) which
is disposed outside the transmission housing and is connected to the actuators,
sensors and switches within the transmission by a serial data link such as the car
area network (CAN). Electrical power is also provided to the components within
the transmission resulting in a connector requiring only five or six terminals.
Each of the actuators, sensors and switches includes its own integrated
electronic circuitry which receives, stores and provides data and allows it to
communicate through the serial data link with the externally mounted control
module. The electronic circuitry of each actuator stores its characterization data,
i.e., its signal input to output flow and pressure characteristics, which are
therefore not lost when the controller is replaced. Such characterization data is
necessary because the control system is open loop and in order to provide
optimum operation, it is necessary to apply to an actuator solenoid coil that
amount of power which will provide a known and intended hydraulic flow and
pressure output.
[0010] Thus it is an object of the present invention to provide an
improved electronic-hydraulic controller for an automatic transmission.

[0011] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an
electronic-hydraulic controller having a control module which is disposed outside
the housing of the automatic transmission.
[0012] It is a still further object of the present invention to provide
actuators, sensors and switches for an automatic transmission having integrated
electronic circuitry.
[0013] It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an
electronic-hydraulic controller for an automatic transmission which is connected
to a plurality of actuators, sensors and switches by a serial data link.
[0014] It is a still further object of the present invention to provide
actuators for an automatic transmission having integrated electronic storage
capability for characterization data.
[0015] Further objects, advantages and areas of applicability will
become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood
that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of .
illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
DRAWINGS
[0016] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only
and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.
[0017] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of prior art controller
architecture of an automatic transmission;

[0018] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of controller architecture of an
automatic transmission according to the present invention; and
[0019] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of an automatic transmission
electrohydraulic actuator having integrated electronic circuitry according to the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is
not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses.
[0021] With reference to Figure 1, a schematic diagram of controller
architecture of a prior art automatic transmission assembly is illustrated and
generally designated by the reference number 10. The prior art automatic
transmission assembly 10 includes a transmission housing 12 which encloses
and protects all of the various components of the transmission such as shafts
and gears, including the electronic control module 14. The electronic control
module 14 includes one or more microprocessors, input and output buffers and
storage devices (all not illustrated) and is hardwired to a plurality of actuators 16,
a plurality of sensors 18 and a plurality of switches 20. Additionally, electrical
power and various data signals from components in the motor vehicle (not
illustrated) are provided through a plurality of electrical wires 22 to the electronic
control module 14 through a multiple conductor connector assembly 24 mounted
in the housing 12.
[0022] Referring now to Figure 2, a schematic diagram of controller
architecture of an automatic transmission according to the present invention is

illustrated and generally designated by the reference number 30. The automatic
transmission controller 30 according to the present invention includes a
transmission control module 32 which is disposed outside a transmission housing
34 of an automatic transmission in a location preferably removed from the heat,
vibration and generally undesirable conditions for electronic components which
exist within the transmission housing 34. The transmission control module 32
may be a portion of or integrated into other vehicle electronics located under the
hood or in the passenger compartment. A connector assembly 36 includes a
multiple conductor releasable plug 36A hardwired to a source or electrical power
such as a battery 38 and a serial data communication link or bus such as the car
area network (CAN) which communicates with the output of the transmission
control module 32. The connector assembly 36 also includes a multiple
conductor socket 36B which is mounted in and sealingly secured to the
transmission housing 34. It is anticipated that the connector assembly 36 will
carry only five or six circuits and will thus include only ten or twelve terminals, a
reduction of 50 to 75 per cent from current, prior art designs.
[0023] The terminals of the multiple conductor socket 36B are, in turn,
hardwired to a plurality, of components within the transmission housing 34.
Specifically, both electrical power from the battery 38 in the lines or conductors
42 and the data or signals from the serial data link generated in the automatic
transmission control module 32 in the lines or conductors 44 are provided to a
first plurality of electrohydraulic actuators 50A, 50B through 50N. Each of the
actuators 50A, 50B through 50N may be associated with, for example, a

particular hydraulic torque transmitting device such as a clutch or a brake (both
not illustrated). Similarly, the electrical lines or conductors 42 and the data lines
or conductors 44" provide, respectively, electrical power to and data signals from
a. Each of the switches 60A, 60B through 60N may be associated with, for
example, a particular transmission component to provide an indication or signal
regarding its position or positions. Finally, the electrical lines or conductors 42
and the data lines or conductors 44 provide, respectively, electrical power to and
data signals from a plurality of sensors 70A, 70B through 70N. Each of the
plurality of sensors 70A, 70B through 70N may be associated with, for example,
a particular transmission component, orifice, location or passageway to provide a
signal or data regarding a particular operating condition such as, for example,
position, pressure or temperature.
[0024] It should be appreciated that each of the plurality of
electrohydraulic. actuators 50A, 50B through 50N, each of the plurality of
switches 60A, 60B through 60N and each of the plurality of sensors 70A, 70B
through 70N include electronic circuitry which codes or converts their signals for
transmission in the data line or conductors 44 to the serial data link input of the
transmission control module 32.
[0025] It should also be appreciated that the above description of the
electrohydraulic actuators 50A, 50B through 50N, the switches 60A, 60B through
60N and the sensors 70A, 70B through 70N is by way of illustration and
description only and that more or fewer such components may be utilized in any
particular automatic transmission controller 30.

[0026] Referring now to Figure 3, a typical and exemplary
electrohydraulic actuator 50A is illustrated. The electrohydraulic actuator 50A
includes terminals or connectors 52 extending through a housing 54 for the
electrical lines or conductors 42 and the data lines or conductors 44. Within the
housing 54 of the electrohydraulic actuator 50A is an electronic module or control
circuitry 56 including a memory or data storage device 58 into which data
regarding the individual power input versus output flow and pressure
characteristics of the electrohydraulic actuator 50A are stored. These
characteristics are referred to herein as the characterization of the particular
electrohydraulic actuator. As noted above, it is necessary to store and have
available such characterization data because the control system is an open loop
configuration and in order to provide optimum transmission operation, it is
necessary to apply to an actuator solenoid coil that amount of power which will
provide a known and intended hydraulic flow and pressure output. The
electrohydraulic actuator 50A also includes a solenoid coil 62 operatively
associated with a plunger 64 which opens and closes an on-off or, more typically,
a modulating hydraulic fluid control valve 66 having inlet and outlet ports 68.
[0027] It will thus be appreciated that an automatic transmission
controller 30 according to the present invention provides a lower cost assembly
because it utilizes a less complex transmission control module 32 and fewer
wires entering the transmission and thus a smaller pass-through connector on
the transmission housing 34. Additionally, manufacturing complexity is reduced
and product flexibility is increased because no product software is embedded in

the control module within the transmission. Furthermore, since actuator
characterization data are stored in the individual memory of the actuator,
transmission service is simplified because no data is lost when the transmission
control module is replaced. Finally, the invention improves design flexibility since
design and engineering of the actuators and sensors may be accomplished
independently of and on a distinct development cycle from that utilized for the
transmission control module.
[0028] The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature
and variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be
within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a
departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.

WE CLAIM:
1. A control system (30) for an automatic transmission comprising;
a transmission control module (32) having a single serial data link
input (42) and a single serial data link output (44);
at least one sensor (70A) providing data to said input (42);
at least one actuator (50A) receiving data from said output (44), said
actuator (50A) having a memory device (58),
a serial data line communication loop (44,42) interconnecting each of
the at least one sensor (70A) and each of the at least one actuator
(50A), said serial data line communication loop interconnecting said
single serial data link input and said single serial data link output; and
a multiple conductor connector (36A) for disposition in a housing (34)
of a transmission, said multiple conductor connector (36A) providing a
connection through said housing (34) between said single serial data
link input of said control module (32) and said serial data line
communication loop and said single serial data link output of said
control module (32) and said serial data line communication loop
(42,44).
2. The control system for an automatic transmission as claimed in claim 1
wherein said memory device stores characterizing data.
3. The control system for an automatic transmission as claimed in claim 1
wherein said transmission control module utilizes open loop control.
4. The control system for an automatic transmission as claimed in claim 1
comprising at least one switch (60A) providing data to said input.

5. The control system for an automatic transmission as claimed in claim
1, comprising a transmission housing and wherein said transmission
control module is disposed outside said housing and said at least one
sensor and said at least one actuator are disposed inside said housing.
6. The control system for an automatic transmission as claimed in claim 1
comprising a plurality of said sensors and a plurality of said actuators.
7. The control system for an automatic transmission as claimed in claim 1
wherein said multiple conductor connector carries electrical power for
distribution to said sensor and said actuator.



ABSTRACT


TITLE "AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ACTUATORS AND SENSORS
HAVING INTEGRATED ELECTRONICS"
The invention relates to a control system (30) for an automatic transmission
comprising; a transmission control module (32) having a single serial data link
input (42) and a single serial data link output (44); at least one sensor (70A)
providing data to said input (42); at least one actuator (50A) receiving data from
said output (44), said actuator (50A) having a memory device (58), a serial data
line communication loop (44,42) interconnecting each of the at least one sensor
(70A) and each of the at least one actuator (50A), said serial data line
communication loop interconnecting said single serial data link input and-said
single serial data link output; and a multiple conductor connector (36A) for
disposition in a housing (34) of a transmission, said multiple conductor connector
(36A) providing a connection through said housing (34) between said single
serial data link input of said control module (32) and said serial data line
communication loop and said single serial data link output of said control module
(32) and said serial data line communication loop (42,44).

Documents:

1763-KOL-2008-(01-07-2014)-CLAIMS.pdf

1763-KOL-2008-(01-07-2014)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

1763-KOL-2008-(25-10-2013)-ABSTRACT.pdf

1763-KOL-2008-(25-10-2013)-CLAIMS.pdf

1763-KOL-2008-(25-10-2013)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

1763-KOL-2008-(25-10-2013)-FORM-3.pdf

1763-KOL-2008-(25-10-2013)-FORM-5.pdf

1763-KOL-2008-(25-10-2013)-OTHERS.pdf

1763-KOL-2008-(25-10-2013)-PETITION UNDER RULE 137.pdf

1763-kol-2008-abstract.pdf

1763-KOL-2008-ASSIGNMENT-1.1.pdf

1763-KOL-2008-ASSIGNMENT.pdf

1763-KOL-2008-CANCELLED PAGES.pdf

1763-kol-2008-claims.pdf

1763-KOL-2008-CORRESPONDENCE 1.1.pdf

1763-KOL-2008-CORRESPONDENCE 1.2.pdf

1763-KOL-2008-CORRESPONDENCE-1.3.pdf

1763-kol-2008-correspondence.pdf

1763-kol-2008-description (complete).pdf

1763-kol-2008-drawings.pdf

1763-KOL-2008-EXAMINATION REPORT.pdf

1763-kol-2008-form 1.pdf

1763-KOL-2008-FORM 18-1.1.pdf

1763-kol-2008-form 18.pdf

1763-kol-2008-form 2.pdf

1763-kol-2008-form 3.pdf

1763-kol-2008-form 5.pdf

1763-KOL-2008-GPA-1.1.pdf

1763-kol-2008-gpa.pdf

1763-KOL-2008-GRANTED-ABSTRACT.pdf

1763-KOL-2008-GRANTED-CLAIMS.pdf

1763-KOL-2008-GRANTED-DESCRIPTION (COMPLETE).pdf

1763-KOL-2008-GRANTED-DRAWINGS.pdf

1763-KOL-2008-GRANTED-FORM 1.pdf

1763-KOL-2008-GRANTED-FORM 2.pdf

1763-KOL-2008-GRANTED-FORM 3.pdf

1763-KOL-2008-GRANTED-SPECIFICATION-COMPLETE.pdf

1763-KOL-2008-OTHERS.pdf

1763-KOL-2008-PETITION UNDER RULE 137.pdf

1763-KOL-2008-REPLY TO EXAMINATION REPORT.pdf

1763-kol-2008-specification.pdf

1763-KOL-2008-TRANSLATED COPY OF PRIORITY DOCUMENT-1.1.pdf

1763-KOL-2008-TRANSLATED COPY OF PRIORITY DOCUMENT.pdf

abstract_1763-kol-2008.jpg


Patent Number 264315
Indian Patent Application Number 1763/KOL/2008
PG Journal Number 52/2014
Publication Date 26-Dec-2014
Grant Date 22-Dec-2014
Date of Filing 17-Oct-2008
Name of Patentee GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
Applicant Address 300 GM RENAISSANCE CENTER DETROIT, MICHIGAN
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 STEVEN MARK BEZDEK 2020 RABY ROAD, HASLETT, MICHIGAN 48840
PCT International Classification Number H01H9/00; H01H3/08; H01H9/00; H01H3/02
PCT International Application Number N/A
PCT International Filing date
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 60/991,417 2007-11-30 U.S.A.