Abstract: An improved solenoid valve harness assembly for a vehicle transmission is disclosed that is more reliable, less costly to manufacture, and easier to test. In one embodiment, the solenoid valve assembly includes a plurality of solenoid valves and a harness. The harness includes a plurality of conductors for electrically connecting the plurality of solenoid valves to a controller. The harness is connected to the solenoid valves by a plug and receptacle arrangement that reduces the cost of manufacture and that allows each component to be separately tested prior to being plugged together. In one embodiment, the plug and receptacle arrangement permits the solenoid valves to be disconnected from the harness so that a defective component can be replaced without discarding the entire solenoid valve harness. In a further aspect, a solenoid valve harness is provided in which the solenoid valves are internally grounded thereby eliminating the need for ground wires from the solenoid valves.

Abstract: A solenoid valve has a two piece housing which is made from a hollow cylindrical body and a powdered metal cover. The body is projection welded to the cover. The cover has an induction hardened valve seat and a pair of mounting holes to secure the valve in place. A coil assembly is disposed within the hollow cylindrical body and a two piece armature is disposed within an axial bore of the coil assembly. The upper armature is threadably engaged with an end cover for adjustment and a coil spring is located between the upper and lower armatures to bias the lower armature towards the cover. A ball is located between the lower armature and the cover and the coil spring engages the ball with the valve sleeve. When the coil is de-energized, the valve is closed by virtue of the ball being urged against the valve seat by the coil spring.

Abstract: A balanced valve system, employing either spool or ball valve members can be pulse width modulated using a solenoid actuator. The solenoid actuator is integrally assembled onto the valve and has a rod by which the solenoid armature imparts a valve operating force to the spool or ball valve member. The rod is press fit into the armature during assembly to establish the desired air gap spacing between armature and pole piece. Movement of the armature causes a corresponding movement in the rod which urges the valve member against compression spring forces to the open or unseated position.

Abstract: An improved electrically actuated solenoid is used to regulate the function of a hydraulic flow control valve. The solenoid directs a control valve to generate a predetermined output pressure as a function of the solenoid input current. The working air gap surface area is increased by locating it at a greater circumferential radius than the pole piece to increase the air gap permeance, thereby increasing the output force obtainable from a solenoid of relatively small physical dimensions and low cost.