Patent Abstract:
An electromechanically actuated coupling and control assembly is provided. In one embodiment, an overrunning clutch and control assembly having first and second operating modes is provided. The clutch and control assembly includes first and second clutch members supported for rotation relative to one another about a common rotational axis. The first and second clutch members have respective coupling faces that oppose each other. The coupling face of one of the clutch members has a pocket. The coupling face of the other clutch member has a locking formation. The assembly further includes a strut received within the pocket in the coupling face of the one clutch member and has an end that is pivotally movable outwardly of the pocket. The assembly still further includes a biasing spring. The assembly further includes an electromechanical apparatus including an actuator mounted for controlled linear reciprocating motion and in communication with the pocket. The assembly still further includes communication apparatus for wirelessly communicating electrical power from a source of electrical power to the electromechanical apparatus to cause the actuator to linearly move and pivot the strut end against the bias of the spring from a first position which corresponds to the first operating mode to a second position which corresponds to the second operating mode.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application entitled “Method And System For Controlling A Coupling Or Clutch Assembly And Electromechanical Actuator Subassembly For Use Therewith” filed Dec. 10, 2010 and having Ser. No. 61/421,856. This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application entitled “High-Efficiency Vehicular Transmission” filed Sep. 6, 2008 and having Ser. No. 12/211,236 which, in turn, claims the benefit of provisional application No. 60/998,773 filed on Oct. 12, 2007. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention relates to coupling and control assemblies. This invention also relates to clutch and control assemblies and, in particular, to such assemblies which are electromechanically actuated for use in vehicular automatic transmissions. 
     OVERVIEW 
     A one-way clutch (i.e., OWC) produces a drive connection (locked state) between rotating components when their relative rotation is in one direction, and overruns (freewheel state) when relative rotation is in the opposite direction. A typical one-way clutch consists of an inner ring, an outer ring and a locking device between the two rings. Two types of one-way clutches often used in vehicular, automatic transmissions include:
         Roller type which consists of spring loaded rollers between the inner and outer race of the one-way clutch. (Roller type is also used without springs on some applications); and   Sprag type which consists of asymmetrically shaped wedges located between the inner and outer race of the one-way clutch.       

     The one-way clutches are typically used in the transmission to prevent an interruption of drive torque (i.e., power flow) during certain gear shifts and to prevent engine braking during coasting. Also, there is a one-way clutch in the stator of the torque converter. 
     A controllable OWC is an OWC where the lock action can be turned “off” such that it freewheels in both directions, and/or the lock action can be turned “on” such that it locks in one or both directions. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,927,455 discloses a bi-directional overrunning pawl-type clutch, U.S. Pat. No. 6,244,965 discloses a planar overrunning coupling, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,290,044 discloses a selectable one-way clutch assembly for use in an automatic transmission. 
     U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,258,214 and 7,344,010 disclose overrunning coupling assemblies, and U.S. Pat. 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 can also be activated by electro-mechanics and does not have either the complexity or parasitic losses of a hydraulic pump and valves. 
     Other related U.S. patent publications include: 2010/0252384; 2010/0230226; 2010/0200358; 2009/0255773; 2009/0211863; 2009/0194381; 2009/0159391; 2009/0142207; 2009/0133981; 2009/0127059; 2009/0098970; 2009/0084653; 2008/0223681; 2008/0110715; 2008/0169166; 2008/0169165; 2008/0185253; 20008/0135369; 2007/0278061; 2007/0056825; 2006/0138777; 2006/0185957; and the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,806,795; 7,491,151; 7,464,801; 7,349,010; 7,275,628; 7,256,510; 7,223,198; 7,198,587; 7,153,228; 7,093,512; 6,982,502; 6,953,409; 6,846,257; 6,814,201; 6,503,167; 6,193,038; 6,075,302; 4,050,560; 5,052,534; 5,387,854; 5,231,265; 5,394,321; 5,206,573; 5,453,598; 5,642,009; 5,638,929; 5,362,293; 5,678,668; and 5,918,715. 
     For purposes of this application, the term “coupling” should be interpreted to include clutches or brakes wherein one of the plates is drivably connected to a torque delivery element of a transmission and the other plate is drivably connected to another torque delivery element or is anchored and held stationary with respect to a transmission housing. The terms “coupling,” “clutch” and “brake” may be used interchangeably. 
     SUMMARY OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
     In one embodiment, an overrunning clutch and control assembly having first and second operating modes is provided. The assembly includes first and second clutch members supported for rotation relative to one another about a common rotational axis. The first and second clutch members have respective coupling faces that oppose each other. The coupling face of one of the clutch members has a pocket. The coupling face of the other clutch member has a locking formation. The assembly further includes a strut received within the pocket in the coupling face of the one clutch member and has an end that is pivotally movable outwardly of the pocket. The assembly still further includes a biasing spring. The assembly further includes an electromechanical apparatus including an actuator mounted for controlled linear reciprocating motion and move in communication with the pocket. The assembly still further includes communication apparatus for wirelessly communicating electrical power from a source of electrical power to the electromechanical apparatus to cause the actuator to linearly move and pivot the strut end against the bias of the spring from a first position which corresponds to the first operating mode to a second position which corresponds to the second operating mode. 
     The coupling face of the one of the clutch members may be oriented to face axially in a first direction along the rotational axis and the coupling face of the other clutch member may be oriented to face axially in a second direction along the rotational axis. 
     The biasing spring may bias the strut against pivotal movement of the strut end out of the pocket toward the locking formation of the coupling face of the other clutch member. 
     The electromechanical apparatus may include a latching solenoid. 
     The biasing spring may bias the actuator against linear movement towards the locking formation. The strut may be pivotally connected to the actuator. 
     The first position may be an overrun position. The first operating mode may be an overrun mode. The second position may be a locked position. The second operating mode may be a locked mode. 
     The assembly may include a sensor for sensing the position of the strut end and providing corresponding feedback information. 
     In another embodiment, an overrunning clutch and control assembly having first and second operating modes is provided. The assembly includes first and second clutch members supported for rotation relative to one another about a common rotational axis. The first and second clutch members have respective coupling faces that oppose each other. The coupling face of one of the clutch members has first and second pockets. The coupling face of the other clutch member has at least one locking formation. The assembly further includes a first strut received within the first pocket and a second strut received within the second pocket in the coupling face of the one clutch member. Each of the struts has an end that is pivotally movable outward of its respective pocket. The assembly still further includes a first and second biasing springs. The assembly further includes first and second electromechanical apparatus. The first electromechanical apparatus includes a first actuator mounted for controlled linear reciprocating motion and in communication with the first pocket. The second electromechanical apparatus includes a second actuator mounted for controlled linear reciprocating motion and in communication with the second pocket. The assembly still further includes control logic to control the first and second electromechanical apparatus in accordance with a control algorithm. The assembly further includes communication apparatus for wirelessly communicating electrical power from a source of electrical power to one of the first and second electromechanical apparatus selected by the control logic to cause the actuator of the selected electromechanical apparatus to linearly move and pivot a corresponding strut end against the bias of the corresponding biasing spring from a first position which corresponds to the first operating mode to a second position which corresponds to the second operating mode. 
     The coupling face of the one of the clutch members may be oriented to face axially in a first direction along an axis and the coupling face of the other clutch member may be oriented to face axially in a second direction along the axis. 
     Each of the electromechanical apparatus may include a latching solenoid. 
     The first position may be an overrun position. The first operating mode may be an overrun mode. The second position may be a locked position. The second operating mode may be a locked mode. 
     The corresponding biasing spring may bias the pivoted strut against pivotal movement of its end out of its pocket toward the locking formation of the coupling face of the other clutch member. 
     The actuator of the selected electromechanical apparatus may be biased by the corresponding biasing spring against linear movement towards the locking formation. The actuator of the selected electromechanical apparatus may be pivotally connected to its respective strut. 
     The assembly may include a first sensor for sensing the position of the first strut end and providing corresponding feedback information and a second sensor for sensing the position of second strut end and providing corresponding feedback information for controlling the first and second electromechanical apparatus, respectively. 
     In yet another embodiment, a coupling and control assembly having first and second operating modes is provided. The assembly includes a first coupling member having a pocket. The assembly further includes a second coupling member having a locking formation. The assembly still further includes an engaging member received in the pocket. The engaging member may be engageable with the locking formation. The assembly further includes an electromechanical apparatus having an actuator mounted for controlled linear reciprocating motion and in communication with the pocket. The assembly still further includes communication apparatus for wirelessly communicating electrical power from a source of electrical power to the electromechanical apparatus to cause the actuator to linearly move and move the engaging member from a first position which corresponds to the first operating mode to a second position which corresponds to the second operating mode. 
     The coupling face of the one of the clutch members may be oriented to face axially in a first direction along an axis and the coupling face of the other clutch member may be oriented to face axially in a second direction along the axis. 
     The electromechanical apparatus may include a latching solenoid. 
     The first position may be an overrun position. The first operating mode may be an overrun mode. The second position may be a locked position. The second operating mode may be a locked mode. 
     The engaging member may be pivotally connected to the actuator. 
     The assembly may include a sensor for sensing the position of the engaging member and providing corresponding feedback information. 
     In still yet another embodiment, a coupling and control assembly having first and second operating modes is provided. The assembly includes a first coupling member having first and second pockets. The assembly further includes a second coupling member having at least one locking formation. The assembly still further includes a first engaging member received in the first pocket and a second engaging member received within the second pocket. The engaging members may be engageable with the at least one locking formation. The assembly further includes first and second electromechanical apparatus. The first electromechanical apparatus includes a first actuator mounted for controlled linear reciprocating motion and in communication with the first pocket. The second electromechanical apparatus includes a second actuator mounted for controlled linear reciprocating motion and in communication with the second pocket. The assembly still further includes control logic to control the first and second electromechanical apparatus in accordance with a control algorithm. The assembly further includes communication apparatus for wirelessly communicating electrical power from a source of electrical power to one of first and second electromechanical apparatus selected by the control logic to cause the actuator of the selected electromechanical apparatus to linearly move and move a corresponding engaging member from a first position which corresponds to the first operating mode to a second position which corresponds to the second operating mode. 
     The coupling face of the one of the clutch members may be oriented to face axially in a first direction along an axis and the coupling face of the other clutch member may be oriented to face axially in a second direction along the axis. 
     Each of the electromechanical apparatus may include a latching solenoid. 
     The actuator of the selected electromechanical apparatus may be pivotally connected to its respective engaging member. 
     The first position may be an overrun position. The first operating mode may be an overrun mode. The second position may be a locked position. The second operating mode may be a locked mode. 
     The assembly may include a first sensor for sensing the position of the first engaging member and providing feedback information and a second sensor for sensing the position of the second engaging member and providing feedback information for controlling the first and second electromechanical apparatus, respectively. 
     In yet another embodiment, a clutch and control assembly having first and second operating modes is provided. The assembly includes first and second clutch members that are rotatably supported for rotation relative to one another about a common rotational axis. The first and second clutch members have respective coupling faces that oppose each other. The coupling face of one of the clutch members has a pocket. The coupling face of the other clutch member has a locking formation. The assembly further includes a strut received within the pocket of the coupling face of the one clutch member and has an engaging portion that is movable away from the pocket. The assembly still further includes an electromechanical apparatus including an actuator mounted for controlled linear reciprocating motion and in communication with the pocket. The assembly further includes communication apparatus for wirelessly communicating electrical power from a source of electrical power to the electromechanical apparatus to cause the actuator to linearly move and move the engaging portion of the strut from a first position which corresponds to the first operating mode to a second position which corresponds to the second operating mode. 
     The coupling face of the one of the clutch members may be oriented to face axially in a first direction along the rotational axis and the coupling face of the other clutch member may be oriented to face axially in a second direction along the rotational axis. 
     The electromechanical apparatus may include a latching solenoid. 
     The strut may be pivotally connected to the actuator. 
     The first position may be an overrun position. The first operating mode may be an overrun mode. The second position may be a locked position. The second operating mode may be a locked mode. 
     The assembly may include a sensor for sensing the position of the engaging portion of the strut and providing corresponding feedback information. 
     In still yet another embodiment, a clutch and control assembly having first and second operating modes is provided. The assembly includes first and second clutch members that are rotatably supported for rotation relative to one another about a common rotational axis. The first and second clutch members have respective coupling faces that oppose each other. The coupling face of one of the clutch members has forward and reverse pockets. The coupling face of the other clutch member has at least one locking formation. The assembly further includes a forward strut received within the forward pocket and a reverse strut received within the reverse pocket of the coupling face of the one clutch member. Each of the struts has an engaging portion that is movable away from its respective pocket. The assembly still further includes forward and reverse electromechanical apparatus. The forward electromechanical apparatus includes a forward actuator mounted for controlled linear reciprocating motion and in communication with the forward pocket. The reverse electromechanical apparatus includes a reverse actuator mounted for controlled linear reciprocating motion and in communication with the reverse pocket. The assembly further includes control logic to control the forward and reverse electromechanical apparatus in accordance with a control algorithm. The assembly still further includes communication apparatus for wirelessly communicating electrical power from a source of electrical power to one of the forward and reverse electromechanical apparatus selected by the control logic to cause the actuator of the selected electromechanical apparatus to linear move and move a corresponding engaging portion from a first position which corresponds to the first operating mode to a second position which corresponds to the second operating mode. 
     The actuator of the selected electromechanical apparatus may be pivotally connected to its respective strut. 
     The coupling face of the one of the clutch members may be oriented to face axially in a first direction along the rotational axis and the coupling face of the other clutch member may be oriented to face axially in a second direction along the rotational axis. 
     Each of the electromechanical apparatus may include a latching solenoid. 
     The first position may be an overrun position. The first operating mode may be an overrun mode. The second position may be a locked position and the second operating mode may be a locked mode. 
     The assembly may include a forward sensor for sensing the position of the engaging portion of the forward strut and providing corresponding feedback information and a reverse sensor for sensing the position of the engaging portion of the reverse strut and providing corresponding feedback information for controlling the forward and reverse electromechanical apparatus, respectively. 
     Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best mode for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side schematic, sectional view of a dynamic selectable or controllable clutch assembly with an “on-board” solenoid controller or subsystem constructed in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram of a one-way electrical power and two-way data communication apparatus of a control method and system constructed in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a sectional perspective view of a latching solenoid for use in the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; and 
         FIG. 4  is a sectional schematic view of a second embodiment of a latching solenoid “on-board” the clutch assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; 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 to  FIG. 1 , a main controller typically includes motor and engine (i.e., IC Engine or gas motor) controls or control logic which, in turn, performs a number of control functions including a transmission control algorithm. The main controller directly controls a solenoid controller  17  which is “onboard” a clutch or coupling assembly  16 ′. The solenoid controller  17  controls the coupling assembly  16 ′ in response to a control signal from the main controller. Control algorithms for the clutch  16 ′ are portions of an overall transmission control algorithm. 
       FIG. 1  is a side schematic, sectional view of the dynamic selectable or controllable clutch  16 ′ with “on-board” solenoid controller or system constructed in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. Such dynamic clutches are generally of the type shown in U.S. patent publication 2010/0252384. 
     The assembly  16 ′ includes an annular pocket member or plate, generally indicated at  34 . An inner axially-extending surface  35  of the plate  34  has internal splines  36  for engagement with a torque transmitting element of a vehicular transmission. An inner, radially-extending face or surface  37  of the plate  34  is formed with spaced reverse pockets  38  in which reverse struts  39  are received and retained to pivot therein about a pivot  45 . One end portion of each reverse strut  39  is normally biased outwardly by a coil spring  48  disposed with an aperture  47  of the pocket  38 . The opposite end portion of each reverse strut  39  is controlled by an actuator in the form of a central domed plunger or push pin  40  of a magnetically latching solenoid, generally indicated at  42 . As indicated in  FIG. 3 , the latching solenoid  42  is mounted to the plate  34  within the cavity  64  by a mounting flange  89  which is held on an end housing member  91  by a locking collar  93 . A second end housing member  86  closes the opposite end of solenoid  42  and may include an O-ring for sealing purposes. The solenoid  42  also includes an exterior housing member  99 . 
     The push pin  40  (which is shown in its fully extended position in  FIG. 3 ) together with an armature  92  of the solenoid  42  reciprocate together within the solenoid  42  so that the pin  40  reciprocates, within a passage  43  of the plate  34 . The push pin  40  is supported for reciprocating motion by a Teflon-coated cylindrical member  88 . A locking ring  90  moves with the pin  40 . The member  88  is supported at its opposite ends of the solenoid  42  by members  41 . The armature  92  is positioned adjacent an upper coil assembly  94 , a permanent magnet  96  and a lower coil assembly  98 . The coil assemblies  94  and  98  include coils embedded within a suitable resin  97 . Springs (not shown) preferably bias the pin  40  between its extended and retracted positions. For example, one spring may be located between the ring  90  and one end of the member  88  and a second spring may be located between the other end of the member  88  and the inner surface of the dome of the pin  40 . 
     The passage  43  communicates the cavity  64  of a frame rail, generally included at  66 , in which the solenoid  42  is housed with the pocket  38  to actuate the opposite end portion of its reverse strut and overcome the bias of its spring. Preferably, at least two reverse struts  39  are provided. One latching solenoid (such as latching solenoid  42 ) is provided for each reverse strut. However, it is to be understood that a greater or lesser member of reverse struts  39  and corresponding latching solenoids  42  may be provided to control the operating mode or state of the clutch  16 ′. 
     The face or radial surface  37  of the pocket plate  34  is also formed with spaced forward pockets (now shown) in which forward struts (not shown) are received and retained to pivot therein. Like the reverse struts  39 , one end portion of each forward strut is normally biased outwardly by a coil spring (not shown) disposed within an aperture (not shown) of the plate  34 . Each opposite end portion of the forward struts are controllably actuated or moved by an actuating end portion or part of an armature of a forward, magnetically latching solenoid (not shown but substantially the same in function and structure as the reverse magnetically latching solenoid  42 ). The armature of each forward magnetically latching solenoid reciprocates within a passage which communicates its pocket with the cavity in which its solenoid is housed to overcome the bias of its coil spring. Preferably, two forward struts are provided. However, it is to be understood that a greater or lesser number of forward struts may be provided with a forward, magnetically latching solenoid for each forward strut to control the operating state or mode of the clutch  16 . Also, it is to be understood that the end portion or part of each armature may support different types of strut actuators such as pins or springs to move therewith. 
     As shown in U.S. patent publication No. 2010/0252384 (but not shown in  FIG. 1 , but shown at  208  in  FIG. 4 ), the assembly  16 ′ may also include a middle plate or element, having a plurality of spaced apertures extending completely therethrough to allow the reverse struts and the forward struts to pivot in their pockets and extend through their corresponding apertures to engage spaced locking formations or notches formed in a radially extending face or surface  48  of a notch plate, generally indicated at  50 . The forward and/or reverse struts engage the locking formations during linear movement of the push pin  40  towards the plate  50 . The forward and/or reverse struts disengage the locking formations during linear movement of the push pin  40  away from the plate  50  under the biasing action of the corresponding forward and/or reverse coil springs. 
     A snap ring  52  is disposed within a groove  54  formed in an axial surface  56  of the plate  34  to retain the notch plate  50  with the pocket plate  34 . The ring  52  holds the plates  50 ,  34  and the middle plate (not shown) together and limit axial movement of the plates relative to one another. An inner axially extending surface  58  of the plate  50  has internal splines  60  for engagement with a torque transmitting element of the transmission  10 ′. 
     The forward struts lock the notch plate  50  to the pocket plate  34  in one direction of relative rotational movement about an axis but allow free-wheeling in the opposite direction about the axis. The reverse struts perform the same locking function in the opposite direction. 
     Each solenoid  42  is disposed in its cavity  64  formed in the frame rail  66 . In turn, the frame rail  66  is press fit via dowel pins  68  into the back side or surface  69  of the pocket plate  34  so that the frame rail  66  rotates with the plate  34 . The frame rail  66  houses the solenoid controller  17  and associated electronics  70  for the solenoids within the frame rail  66 . In general, the solenoid controller  17  bi-directionally communicates data from and to the main controller via an interface circuit including rotating and static transformer inductors or coils  74  and  76 , respectively. The coils  74  and  76  also help communicates or couples power from a power source to the latching solenoids. 
     The frame rail  66  has a second cavity  72  in which the rotating transformer coil  74  is housed to rotate therewith. The coils  74  are electromagnetically coupled to the static coils  76  which are housed in a third cavity  78  formed in an aluminum housing  80 . The housing  80  is grounded or fixed to the transmission housing by splines  82  formed on an axially extending exterior surface  84  of the housing  80 . The main controller sends both modulated and unmodulated power signals to the static coils  76  which, in turn, induces corresponding signals in the rotating coils  74  across the gap between the rotating frame rail  66  and the fixed housing  80 . 
     The solenoid controller  17  converts the AC power signals to DC power signals downstream of the rotating coils  74  to induce current in selected ones of the solenoids  42  under control of the controller  17 . The controller  17  and associated electronics  70  split the signals and directs the signals to separately control the brake side and drive side of the OWC  16 ′ (independent control and actuation of the reverse and forward struts via the latching solenoids  42 ). The controller  17  and the electronics  70  also act as a communication bus for the control data or signals to and from the main controller and the rotating clutch  16 ′. Examples of what are communicated are: 
     Send a signal to the main controller verifying “OFF” and “ON” positions (feedback signal) generated from a position sensor or transducer  90  disposed within the pocket plate  34  adjacent the strut  39  within or immediately adjacent the pocket  38 . The position sensor  90  may include an electromagnetic coil or inductor embedded within or surrounded by a suitable resin and disposed within a coil housing. The resulting sensor  90  is disposed within a cavity formed in the plate  34  or in the pocket  38  in which the strut  39  is located. The coil is energized by a DC voltage by the microprocessor to generate a magnetic flux which, as long as the strut  39  is in the pocket  38 , flows through the coil housing, through a portion of the strut  39  and across the small air gaps between the coil housing and the strut  39 . When the strut  39  pivots out of the pocket  38 , the magnetic flux is broken which condition is sensed by the microprocessor. In this way, the states or positions of the struts  39  are monitored by the microprocessor. 
     The OWC  16 ′ goes “OFF” when there is a loss of power in the system. A signal is sent to the clutch  16 ′ saying power is “ON”. If that signal fails, one or more capacitors (which are typically maintained charged) in the electronics  70  fire into the coils  94  and/or  98  of the solenoids  42  and latch the solenoids  42  in their “OFF” position. 
     The control system has the capability to communicate control data and feedback signals using the same circuit (i.e., the controller  17  and the electronics  70 ) by which power is delivered to the solenoids  42  (i.e., the frame rail  66  may be modified to add sensors/the electronics  70 /the controller  17 ). 
     The solenoid controller  17  may comprise a programmed microprocessor to control initialization and strut actuation, preferably by directly or indirectly controlling current supplied to the solenoids  42  in the form of pulses which function as drive signals for the solenoids. 
     The various components or functions of controller  17  may be implemented by a separate controller as illustrated, or may be integrated or incorporated into the vehicular transmission or the main controller, depending upon the particular application and implementation. The solenoid controller  17  may include control logic to control the AC signals and one or more switching devices (such as transistors) to selectively store and recover energy from one or more energy storage devices (such as capacitors) and/or to selectively provide a start-up control switch. Control logic which may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software, then controls the corresponding strut actuator(s) to implement the solenoid control algorithm. 
     Transfer of Electrical Power 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , there is shown a one-way electrical power and two-way data communication apparatus of the preferred embodiment of this invention, coupled to a main controller and a source of electrical power. The apparatus is generally of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,231,265. Specifically, the apparatus includes the inductors or coils  74  and  76 , a modulator and power driver circuitry, a demodulator, a rectifier, latching solenoids and position sensors, a data recovery and voltage regulator circuit, a switching and latching circuit and a microprocessor. The modulator and power driver circuitry is coupled to the electrical power source and to the main controller. The modulator and power driver circuitry transfers the electrical power signal from the source to the inductor  74  which, in turn, transfers the electrical power signal to the inductor  76  by means of magnetic flux between the inductors  74  and  76 . Thereafter, the inductor  76  couples the received electrical power signal to the rectifier. The rectifier is coupled to each of the latching solenoids  42  contained within each of the cavities  64  and acts to transfer this received electrical power to a latching solenoid  42  selected by the microprocessor. Additionally, the output of the rectifier is input into a voltage regulator which produces a DC output voltage at a level which is required by the microprocessor. 
     Upon receipt of the electrical power signal from the inductor  74 , the inductor  76  outputs this electrical signal to the rectifier which rectifies the received AC electrical power signal to obtain a DC signal which is controllably coupled to each of latching solenoids disposed within each of the cavities  64 . While this power is coupled to the individual latching solenoids, none of the electrical power flows therethrough due to the field effect transistors of the switching and latching current. That is, each of the individual latching solenoids  42  is coupled to a unique field effect transistor. The output of the rectifier is then applied and flows through its individual latching solenoid  42  only when its uniquely associated field effect transistor is enabled or is activated by the microprocessor. If the individual field effect transistor associated with a particular latching solenoid  42  is disabled, then the flow of electrical power to that individual latching solenoid  42  is blocked or prevented and, consequently, that latching solenoid  42  is not energized. 
     The microprocessor is coupled to each of the field effect transistors and to the position sensors  90  which sense the position of the struts  39 . The position sensors  90  are deployed within the frame rail  66  so as to generate a signal representative of the position of the struts  39  actuated by each of the latching solenoids  42 . The position signals are downloaded to the microprocessor, where they are stored by the microprocessor and later output therefrom. 
     Two-Way Data Communication 
     The modulator and power driver circuitry has an input which receives control data from the main controller. The electrical power signal received by the circuitry (from the power source) is modulated by the control data from the main controller. A tuned circuit in the circuitry has a resonant frequency. The resonant frequency provides an efficient transfer of electrical power to the latching solenoids from the electrical power source. When it is desired to transmit control data from the main controller  12  to the latching solenoids, the control data is transmitted to the circuitry. The circuitry causes a signal to be produced in the inductor  74  which comprises a variation or a modulation of the electrical power signal according to the control data. After such control data is sent, the circuitry then transfers electrical power to the inductor  76  (via the inductor  74 ) which is substantially un-altered or unmodulated. That is, the electrical power signal from the power source is initially varied according to the control data received from the main controller. In this manner, control data may be transmitted from the main controller to the microprocessor without the need for a physical connection therebetween or some sort of additional communication apparatus. 
     Not only is electrical power transferred to the individual latching solenoids in the form of pulses (for purposes of activating these solenoids), but the same electrical power signal is modified or varied according to control or feedback data which is desired to be sent to the microprocessor from the main controller. In this manner, the solenoids and the solenoid controller may be deployed in an inaccessible place (since no physical connections between the solenoid controller and main controller are necessary) making the solenoid controller much more adaptable to various situations while maintaining simplicity in overall design. 
     When an individual field effect transistor activates its associated latching solenoid a load is reflected to the inductor  74  by means of the flux communication between the inductor  76  and the inductor  74 . By periodically activating and deactivating the field effect transistor, the programmed microprocessor causes a variation in the flux between the inductors  74  and  76 . This flux occurs and/or exists because of the aforementioned transfer of electrical power between the inductors  74  and  76 . This variation in the flux is used in the preferred embodiment of the invention, to send feedback data from the solenoid controller to the main controller via the demodulator. This feedback data is transmitted to the main controller by the selective activation and deactivation, of one of the field effect transistors by the microprocessor. In this manner feedback data such as strut position data may be transferred, from the position sensors  90  to the solenoid controller and then to the main controller, without the need for physical connection between the solenoid controller and the main controller. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , there is shown a second embodiment of a latching solenoid  142  for controlling a coupling or clutch assembly. The coupling or clutch assembly includes an annular notch plate or member  250  having at least one locking formation  206  formed thereon and an annular pocket member or plate, generally indicated at  234 . An inner axially-extending surface of the plate  234  has internal splines for engagement with a torque transmitting element of a vehicular transmission. An inner, radially-extending face or surface of the plate  234  is formed with spaced reverse pockets  238  in which reverse struts  239  are received and retained to pivot therein about a pivot  204  which pivotally connects an end portion  210  of an actuator  140  to the strut  239 . The opposite end portion of the actuator  140  is normally biased to the left by a coil spring  200  disposed between a ring  190  mounted on the actuator  140  and an end portion of a cylindrical member  188 . An engaging portion of each reverse strut  239  is controlled by the actuator  140  which has the form of a domed plunger or push pin of a magnetically latching solenoid, generally indicated at  142 . As indicated in  FIG. 4 , the latching solenoid  142  is mounted to an apertured plate  218  within the cavity  64  by a mounting flange  189  which is held on an end housing member  191  by a locking collar  193 . Mounting members  214  extend through apertures  212  formed through the flange  189  and are secured to locking formations  216  on a surface of the plate  218 . Another apertured plate  220  may be used to secure the plate  218  to the plate  234 . A second end housing member  186  closes the opposite end of solenoid  142  and may include an O-ring for sealing purposes. The solenoid  142  also includes an exterior housing member  199 . 
     The push pin or actuator  140  (which is shown in its fully extended position in  FIG. 4 ) together with an armature  192  of the solenoid  142  reciprocate together within the solenoid  142  so that the pin  140  reciprocate within a passage  243  of the plate  234 . The push pin  140  is supported for reciprocating motion by Teflon-coated inner surface of the cylindrical member  188 . The locking ring  190  moves with the pin  140 . The member  188  is supported at its opposite ends of the solenoid  142  by members  141 . The armature  192  is positioned adjacent an upper coil assembly  194 , a permanent magnet  196  and a lower coil assembly  198 . The coil assemblies  194  and  198  include coils embedded within a suitable resin  197 . Springs  200  and  202  bias the pin  140  between its extended and retracted positions. For example, the spring  200  is located between the ring  190  and one end of the member  188  and the spring  202  is located between the other end of the member  188  and the inner surface of the dome portion  210  of the pin  140 . 
     The passage  243  communicates the cavity  64  of a frame rail, generally included at  66 , in which the solenoid  142  is housed with the pocket  238  to actuate the end portion of its reverse strut  239  and overcome the bias of the spring  200 . 
     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 various implementing embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5