Solenoid-actuated valve and hydraulic control module including the same

Abstract

The hydraulic control module includes a valve housing defining a hydraulic circuit and a bore extending along a bore axis. The hydraulic control module also includes a solenoid-actuated valve, the solenoid-actuated valve including a solenoid portion. The solenoid portion includes a solenoid housing defining a solenoid interior. The solenoid portion also includes a coil and an armature movable along a longitudinal axis in response to energization of the coil. The solenoid-actuated valve also includes a valve portion including a valve member. The solenoid-actuated valve further includes a valve seal. The valve seal is coupled to the solenoid portion and the valve housing and is disposed between the solenoid portion and the valve housing. The valve seal includes a sealing body portion for preventing leakage of hydraulic fluid and a flow port portion defining a flow port path to allow a selected amount of hydraulic fluid to flow into and out of the solenoid interior when the armature is actuated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to hydraulic control modules for use in transmissions of motor vehicles and, more particularly, to solenoid-actuated valves for use in hydraulic control modules. Background Art

[0002] Conventional vehicle powertrains known in the art typically include an engine in rotational communication with a transmission. The engine generates rotational torque that is selectively transferred to the transmission, which in turn transmits the rotational torque to one or more wheels. A typical transmission switches in discrete steps between a high-torque, low-speed mode for launching the vehicle and a high-speed, low-torque mode for vehicle operation at highway speeds. In a manual transmission, switching is accomplished by manually controlled engagement of a gear set. In an automatic transmission, switching is accomplished by automatically controlled engagement of friction elements.

[0003] To control shifting in an automatic transmission, a hydraulic control module includes a valve housing coupled to a transmission case of the automatic transmission, wherein the valve housing defines a hydraulic circuit. Hydraulic fluid flowing in the hydraulic circuit facilitates controlled engagement and shifting of friction elements.

[0004] To facilitate the controlled engagement and shifting of friction elements of an automatic transmission, a hydraulic control assembly typically includes a pump for providing pressurized hydraulic fluid and a plurality of valves for controlling the flow of the hydraulic fluid through a hydraulic circuit. In recent years, such automatic transmissions have employed various electronic components, such as solenoid-actuated valves, to control the flow of the hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic circuit.

[0005] A conventional solenoid-actuated valve, used to control multiple valves for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid through a hydraulic circuit, includes a solenoid portion and a valve portion. The solenoid portion of a typical solenoid-actuated valve includes a solenoid housing that defines a solenoid interior, a coil disposed within the solenoid interior, and an armature disposed within the coil, which is capable of moving when the coil is energized. The valve portion of a typical solenoid-actuated valve includes a valve body that defines a valve interior and a valve member disposed within the valve interior. To control the flow of hydraulic fluid using a typical solenoid-actuated valve, the cylindrical coil is energized, which moves the armature and, in turn, the valve member within the valve interior.

[0006] During movement of the armature when the coil is energized, the internal volume defined within the solenoid interior changes upon actuation of the armature. As a result of this change in the internal volume within the solenoid interior, conventional solenoid-actuated valves provide a vent that allows fluid to enter and exit the solenoid portion as the internal volume within the solenoid interior changes upon actuation of the armature.

[0007] However, the flow ports in conventional solenoid-actuated valves cannot accurately control the flow of hydraulic fluid into and out of the solenoid interior during actuation of the armature. In addition, conventional solenoid-actuated valves cannot prevent unwanted leakage of hydraulic fluid from the solenoid interior between the solenoid portion and the valve housing.

[0008] Therefore, a need remains to provide improved hydraulic control modules and solenoid-actuated valves. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The hydraulic control module includes a valve housing defining a hydraulic circuit and a bore extending along a bore axis. The hydraulic control module also includes a solenoid-actuated valve for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic circuit defined by the valve housing. The solenoid-actuated valve includes a solenoid portion comprising a solenoid housing disposed about a longitudinal axis parallel to the bore axis, wherein the solenoid housing defines a solenoid interior. The solenoid portion also includes a coil disposed about the longitudinal axis and within the solenoid interior. The solenoid portion also includes an armature disposed about the longitudinal axis, within the solenoid interior, and between the longitudinal axis and the coil. The armature is movable along the longitudinal axis in response to energization of the coil. The solenoid-actuated valve also includes a valve portion coupled to the solenoid portion and the valve housing. The valve portion includes a valve member movable by the armature for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic circuit. The solenoid-actuated valve further includes a valve seal disposed about the longitudinal axis. The valve seal is coupled to the solenoid portion and the valve housing relative to the longitudinal axis and is disposed between the solenoid portion and the valve housing to prevent leakage of hydraulic fluid between the solenoid portion and the valve housing. The valve seal has a sealing body portion for preventing leakage of hydraulic fluid between the solenoid portion and the valve housing, and a flow port portion defining a flow port path for allowing a selected amount of hydraulic fluid to flow into and out of the solenoid interior when the armature is actuated.

[0010] Therefore, the flow port path defined by the flow port portion of the valve seal can accurately control the flow of hydraulic fluid into and out of the solenoid interior during actuation of the armature. In addition, the valve seal can prevent unwanted leakage of hydraulic fluid from the solenoid interior between the solenoid portion and the valve housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] Figure 1is a cross-sectional view of a hydraulic control module including a valve housing defining a hydraulic circuit, a valve seal, and a solenoid-actuated valve, wherein the solenoid-actuated valve includes a solenoid portion and a valve portion, wherein the solenoid portion includes a solenoid housing defining a solenoid interior, a coil, and an armature, wherein the valve portion includes a valve member, and wherein the valve seal is coupled to the solenoid portion and the valve housing and disposed between the solenoid portion and the valve housing;

[0013] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a hydraulic control module;

[0014] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a hydraulic control module;

[0015] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a valve housing and a valve seal, wherein the valve seal has a seal body portion for preventing leakage of hydraulic fluid between the solenoid portion and the valve housing, and a flow port portion defining a flow port path for allowing a selected amount of hydraulic fluid to flow into and out of the interior of the solenoid when the armature is actuated;

[0016] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a valve seal;

[0017] Figure 6 is a top view of the valve seal;

[0018] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a valve housing, wherein the valve housing has a housing flow opening portion;

[0019] Figure 8 is a top cross-sectional view of the hydraulic control module illustrating hydraulic fluid disposed within the interior of the solenoid; and

[0020] Figure 9 is a top view of the valve housing and valve seal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Referring to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate like components throughout the several views, the hydraulic control module 20 is Figure 1-Figure 3. The hydraulic control module 20 includes a valve housing 22 defining a hydraulic circuit and a bore 26 extending along a bore axis BA. The hydraulic control module 20 also includes a solenoid actuated valve 28 for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic circuit defined by the valve housing. The solenoid actuated valve 28 includes a solenoid portion 30. The solenoid portion 30 includes a solenoid housing 32 disposed about a longitudinal axis LA parallel to the bore axis BA. The solenoid housing 32 defines a solenoid interior 34. The solenoid portion X also includes a coil 36 disposed about the longitudinal axis LA and in the solenoid interior 34. The solenoid portion 30 also includes an armature 38 disposed about the longitudinal axis LA, in the solenoid interior 34, and between the longitudinal axis LA and the coil 36. The armature 38 is movable along the longitudinal axis LA in response to excitation of the coil 36. As Figure 8 As shown in FIG, the armature 38 may define an orifice 39 to allow hydraulic fluid to flow from the solenoid interior 34 .

[0022] Reference again Figure 1-Figure 3 The solenoid-actuated valve 28 also includes a valve portion 40 coupled to the solenoid portion 30 and the valve housing 22. The valve portion includes a valve member 42 that is movable by the armature 38 for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic circuit 24. To control the hydraulic fluid, the armature 38 may be configured to contact the valve member 42. In some embodiments, the solenoid portion 30 may include an armature pin 44, wherein the armature pin 44 is coupled to the armature 38 and configured to contact the valve member 42. To bias the armature 38 along the longitudinal axis LA, the solenoid-actuated valve 28 may include a biasing member 46. In one embodiment, the valve portion 40 includes a biasing member 46, wherein the biasing member 46 is coupled to the valve member 42. The valve member 42 may include a biasing seat 50, wherein the biasing member 46 engages the biasing seat 50. When the biasing member 46 is present, the biasing member 46, in conjunction with energization of the coil 36, controls movement of the valve member 42 along the longitudinal axis LA to control the flow of hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic circuit 24.

[0023] The solenoid-actuated valve 28 further includes a valve seal 48 disposed about the longitudinal axis LA. Although not required, the valve seal 48 typically has an annular configuration about the longitudinal axis LA. The valve seal 48 can be disposed 360 degrees about the longitudinal axis LA. The valve seal 48 is coupled to the solenoid portion 30 and the valve housing 22 relative to the longitudinal axis LA and disposed between the solenoid portion 30 and the valve housing 22 to prevent leakage of hydraulic fluid between the solenoid portion 30 and the valve housing 22. In doing so, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown in FIG, the valve seal 48 allows the solenoid interior 34 to contain a reservoir 51 of hydraulic fluid. Figure 4-Figure 6 and Figure 9As shown in FIG, the valve seal 48 has a sealing body portion 52 and a flow port portion 54, wherein the sealing body portion 52 is used to prevent leakage of hydraulic fluid between the solenoid portion 30 and the valve housing 22, and the flow port portion 54 defines a flow port path 56 to allow a selected amount of hydraulic fluid to flow into and out of the solenoid interior 34 when the armature 38 is actuated.

[0024] The flow port path 56 defined by the flow port portion 54 of the valve seal 48 enables accurate control of the flow of hydraulic fluid into and out of the solenoid interior 34 during actuation of the armature 38. Furthermore, the valve seal 48 enables prevention of undesirable leakage of hydraulic fluid from the solenoid interior 34 between the solenoid portion 30 and the valve housing 22. Additionally, the flow port path 56 defined by the flow port portion 54 of the valve seal 48 improves control of the armature 38, and in turn, the valve member 42, during actuation because the flow of hydraulic fluid is controlled into and out of the solenoid interior 34 as the volume of the solenoid interior 34 changes during movement of the armature 38. As shown by Figure 2 and Figure 4 Allowing hydraulic fluid to flow into and out of the solenoid interior 34, as indicated by arrow 57 in FIG, reduces any external forces applied to the armature 38 by the hydraulic fluid during actuation of the armature 38. Furthermore, allowing hydraulic fluid to flow into and out of the solenoid interior 34 (particularly between the solenoid portion 30 and the valve housing 22) improves performance compared to other solenoid-actuated valves that do not allow hydraulic fluid to flow into and out of the solenoid interior. Furthermore, during operation of the solenoid-actuated valve 28, the solenoid-actuated valve 28, and consequently the hydraulic fluid, is exposed to varying temperatures, which causes the air and hydraulic fluid to thermally expand and contract. Having a flow port path 56 defined by the flow port portion 54 of the valve seal 48 allows the air and hydraulic fluid to thermally expand and contract without compromising the performance of the solenoid-actuated valve 28.

[0025] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in , the valve seal 48 can be directly engaged with the valve housing 22 and the solenoid housing 32. When the valve seal 48 is directly engaged with the valve housing 22 and the solenoid housing 32, the valve seal 48 is generally sandwiched between the valve housing 22 and the solenoid housing 32 relative to the longitudinal axis LA. In embodiments where the valve seal 48 is directly engaged with the valve housing 22 and the solenoid housing 32, the valve seal 48 prevents undesirable leakage of hydraulic fluid between the valve housing 22 and the solenoid housing 32. Figure 5As shown in FIG, the valve seal 48 generally has a first sealing face 66 and a second sealing face 68 opposite the first sealing face 66 relative to the longitudinal axis LA. In embodiments in which the valve seal 48 directly engages the valve housing 22 and the solenoid housing 32, the first sealing face 66 engages the valve housing 22, and the second sealing face 68 engages the solenoid housing 32. Typically, the first sealing face 66 and the second sealing face 68 are planar, such that the first sealing face 66 and the second sealing face 68 are parallel to each other. Typically, the entire first sealing face 66 at the seal body portion 52 engages the valve housing 22, and the entire second sealing face 68 at the seal body portion 52 engages the solenoid housing 32.

[0026] refer to Figure 1-Figure 3 , the solenoid portion 30 of the solenoid actuated valve 28 may include a magnetic flux core 70 disposed within the solenoid interior 34. With particular reference to Figure 3 , the valve seal 48 can be coupled to the flux core 70. In one embodiment, the valve seal 48 directly engages the flux core 70. In embodiments where the valve seal 48 directly engages the flux core 70, the valve seal 48 can also directly engage the valve housing 22. When the valve seal 48 directly engages the flux core 70 and the valve housing 22, the valve seal 48 is generally sandwiched between the flux core 70 and the valve housing 22. In such embodiments, the valve seal 48 prevents undesirable leakage of hydraulic fluid between the flux core 70 and the valve housing 22. In embodiments where the valve seal 48 directly engages the valve housing 22 and the flux core 70, the first seal face 66 engages the valve housing 22, and the second seal face 68 engages the flux core 70. Typically, the first and second seal faces 66 , 68 are planar such that the entire first seal face 66 at the seal body portion 52 engages the valve housing 22 and the entire second seal face 68 at the seal body portion 52 engages the flux core 70 .

[0027] Although not required, the valve portion 40 may include a Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the valve body 72 is arranged about the longitudinal axis LA and defines a fluid passage 73, wherein the valve member 42 is arranged in the fluid passage 73 for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic circuit 24. Figure 2 As shown in , the valve portion 40 may include a metal insert 71 disposed in a fluid passage 73. Figure 3As shown in , the valve portion 40 may be devoid of a valve body, such that the valve member 42 is disposed in the valve housing 22 for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the valve seal 48 may be coupled to the valve body 72 and the valve housing 22, and further, the valve seal 48 may directly engage the valve body 72 and the valve housing 22. When the valve seal 48 directly engages the valve body 72 and the valve housing 22, the valve seal 48 is generally sandwiched between the valve body 72 and the valve housing 22. Further, when the valve seal 48 directly engages the valve body 72 and the valve housing 22, the valve seal 48 prevents undesirable leakage of hydraulic fluid between the flux core 70 and the valve housing 22. In embodiments where the valve seal 48 directly engages the valve housing 22 and the valve body 72, the first seal face 66 engages the valve housing 22, and the second seal face 68 engages the valve body 72. Typically, the first and second seal faces 66 , 68 are planar such that the entire first seal face 66 at the seal body portion 52 engages the valve housing 22 and the entire second seal face 68 at the seal body portion 52 engages the valve body 72 .

[0028] A flow port portion 54 of the valve seal 48 defining a flow port path 56 may be offset from the seal body portion 52 of the valve seal 48 in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis LA to allow a selected amount of hydraulic fluid to flow into and out of the solenoid interior 34 when the armature 38 is actuated, as shown. Figure 4 and Figure 9 . Protruding the flow port portion 54 of the valve seal 48 away from the longitudinal axis LA allows the solenoid-actuated valve 28 to be clocked relative to the valve housing 22. In other words, the flow port portion 54 of the valve seal 48 offset in the radial direction from the longitudinal axis LA properly aligns the valve seal 48 relative to the valve housing 22. Additionally, the flow port portion 54 of the valve seal 48 offset in the radial direction from the longitudinal axis LA can help properly align the solenoid-actuated valve 28 relative to the valve housing 22. In another embodiment, the flow port portion 54 of the valve seal 48 defining the flow port path 56 can be offset in the axial direction along the longitudinal axis LA to allow a selected amount of hydraulic fluid to flow into and out of the solenoid interior 34 when the armature 38 is actuated.

[0029] The flow port portion 54 of the valve seal 48 can protrude away from the longitudinal axis LA. Protruding the flow port portion 54 of the valve seal 48 away from the longitudinal axis LA not only allows a selected amount of hydraulic fluid to flow into and out of the solenoid interior 34, but also allows the valve seal 48 to be oriented relative to the valve housing 22. In other words, similar to the above, protruding the flow port portion 54 of the valve seal 48 away from the longitudinal axis LA allows the solenoid-actuated valve 28 to be registered relative to the valve housing 22. In other words, protruding the flow port portion 54 of the valve seal 48 away from the longitudinal axis LA properly aligns the valve seal 48 relative to the valve housing 22.

[0030] like Figure 4-Figure 6 and Figure 9 As shown in FIG, the valve seal 48 can have an inner circumferential surface 58 facing the longitudinal axis LA, wherein the inner circumferential surface 58 defines a first inner seal radius R1 at the seal body portion 52. The inner circumferential surface 58 generally has a second inner seal radius R2 that is greater than the first inner seal radius R1 at the flow port portion 54, which defines a flow port path 56 to allow a selected amount of hydraulic fluid to flow into and out of the solenoid interior 34 when the armature 38 is actuated.

[0031] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 6 , the valve housing 22 may have a housing flow port portion 62 defining a housing flow port path 64 that corresponds to and is fluidly coupled to the flow port path 56 of the flow port portion 54 of the valve seal 48. The valve seal 48 may have an outer circumferential surface 74 facing away from the longitudinal axis LA, wherein the outer circumferential surface 74 has a first outer seal radius R3 at the seal body portion 52. Figure 7 and Figure 9 The valve housing 22 may have an inner housing surface 76 facing the longitudinal axis LA, wherein the inner housing surface 76 has a first inner housing radius R5 corresponding to the first outer seal radius R3. At the housing flow port portion 62 defining the housing flow port path 64, the inner housing surface 76 may have a second inner housing radius R6 that is greater than the first inner housing radius R5. The outer circumferential surface 74 of the valve seal 48 may have a second outer seal radius R4. Typically, the second outer seal radius R4 is greater than the first outer seal radius R3. The second outer seal radius R4 is typically positioned at the flow port portion 54 such that the second outer seal radius R4 is aligned with the housing flow port portion 62.

[0032] The inner housing surface 76 may define a recess 60 about the longitudinal axis LA, wherein the valve seal 48 is disposed in the recess 60, as shown. Figure 4 and Figure 9 As shown in .

[0033] Continue to refer Figure 4 and Figure 9 , the housing flow port portion 62 can define a housing cutout 78, wherein the flow port portion 54 of the valve seal 48 protrudes into the housing cutout 78. The protrusion of the flow port portion 54 of the valve seal 48 into the housing cutout 78 helps align the valve seal 48, and specifically the flow port portion 54 of the valve seal 48, relative to the housing cutout 78. The housing flow port portion 62 can define a second housing cutout 80 along the longitudinal axis LA and fluidly coupled to the housing cutout 78. When the second housing cutout 80 is present, the second housing cutout 80 can be defined axially into the valve housing 22 relative to the longitudinal axis LA.

[0034] To further assist in flow, the valve body 72 may define a valve fluid passage 82, such as Figure 2 , the valve fluid passage 82 is fluidly coupled to the hydraulic circuit 24 and the solenoid interior 34 for allowing hydraulic fluid to flow into and out of the solenoid interior 34 upon actuation of the armature 38. The valve housing 22 may define a valve housing fluid passage (not shown) that is fluidly coupled to the valve fluid passage 82 for allowing hydraulic fluid to flow into and out of the solenoid interior 34 and into and out of the hydraulic circuit 24 during actuation of the armature 38.

[0035] Figure 1-Figure 3 8. The assembly 86 includes the solenoid housing 32, coil 36, armature 38, and valve seal 48 defining the solenoid interior 34 as described above and as shown throughout the figures.

[0036] The present invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terms used are intended to have the nature of descriptive words rather than restrictive words. In accordance with the above teachings, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible, and the present invention may be practiced in other ways than those specifically described.

Claims

1. A hydraulic control module, comprising: a valve housing defining a hydraulic circuit and a bore extending along a bore axis; as well as a solenoid-actuated valve for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic circuit defined by the valve housing, the solenoid-actuated valve comprising: A solenoid portion, the solenoid portion comprising: a solenoid housing disposed about a longitudinal axis parallel to the bore axis, wherein the solenoid housing defines a solenoid interior, a coil surrounding the longitudinal axis and disposed within the solenoid interior, and an armature disposed about the longitudinal axis, within the solenoid interior, and between the longitudinal axis and the coil, wherein the armature is movable along the longitudinal axis in response to energization of the coil; a valve portion coupled to the solenoid portion and the valve housing, wherein the valve portion comprises: a valve member movable by the armature for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic circuit; and a valve seal disposed about the longitudinal axis, wherein the valve seal is coupled to the solenoid portion and the valve housing relative to the longitudinal axis and disposed between the solenoid portion and the valve housing to prevent leakage of the hydraulic fluid between the solenoid portion and the valve housing; The valve seal has a sealing body portion and a flow port portion, wherein the sealing body portion is used to prevent leakage of the hydraulic fluid between the solenoid portion and the valve housing, and the flow port portion defines a flow port path to allow a selected amount of the hydraulic fluid to flow into and out of the interior of the solenoid when the armature is actuated.

2. The hydraulic control module of claim 1 , wherein the flow port portion of the valve seal defining the flow port path is offset from the body portion of the valve seal in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis to allow a selected amount of the hydraulic fluid to flow into and out of the solenoid interior when the armature is actuated.

3. The hydraulic control module of claim 1 , wherein the valve seal has an inner circumferential surface facing the longitudinal axis, wherein the inner circumferential surface defines a first inner seal radius at the seal body portion, and wherein the inner circumferential surface has a second inner seal radius at the flow port portion that is greater than the first inner seal radius, the flow port portion defining the flow port path to allow a selected amount of the hydraulic fluid to flow into and out of the solenoid interior when the armature is actuated.

4. The hydraulic control module of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve housing has a case flow port portion defining a case flow port path, the case flow port path corresponding to and fluidly coupled to the flow port path of the flow port portion of the valve seal.

5. The hydraulic control module of claim 4 , wherein the valve seal has an outer circumferential surface facing away from the longitudinal axis, wherein the outer circumferential surface has a first outer seal radius at the seal body portion, wherein the valve housing has an inner housing surface facing the longitudinal axis, wherein the inner housing surface has a first inner housing radius corresponding to the first outer seal radius, and wherein the inner housing surface has a second inner housing radius greater than the first inner housing radius at the housing flow port portion for defining the housing flow port path. 6 . The hydraulic control module of claim 4 , wherein said housing flow port portion defines a housing cutout, wherein said flow port portion of said valve seal protrudes into said housing cutout. 7 . The hydraulic control module of claim 6 , wherein said housing flow port portion defines a second housing cutout along said longitudinal axis and fluidly coupled to said housing cutout.

8. The hydraulic control module of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the flow port portion of the valve seal protrudes away from the longitudinal axis.

9. The hydraulic control module of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the valve seal directly engages the valve housing and the solenoid housing.

10. The hydraulic control module of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the valve portion further comprises a valve body disposed about the longitudinal axis and defining a fluid passage, wherein the valve member is disposed in the fluid passage for controlling the flow of the hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic circuit.

11. The hydraulic control module of claim 10, wherein the valve body defines a valve fluid passage fluidly coupled to the hydraulic circuit and the interior of the solenoid for allowing the hydraulic fluid to flow into and out of the interior of the solenoid when the armature is actuated.

12. The hydraulic control module of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the valve seal has a first seal face and a second seal face opposite the first seal face relative to the longitudinal axis, wherein the first seal face and the second seal face are planar such that the first seal face and the second seal face are parallel to each other.

13. The hydraulic control module of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the valve housing has an inner housing surface defining a recess about the longitudinal axis, and wherein the valve seal is disposed in the recess.

14. The hydraulic control module of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the valve seal has an annular configuration about the longitudinal axis.

15. The hydraulic control module of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the valve seal is disposed 360 degrees around the longitudinal axis.

16. The hydraulic control module of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the valve seal directly engages the solenoid housing.

17. The hydraulic control module of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the solenoid portion of the solenoid-actuated valve further comprises a magnetic flux core disposed within an interior of the solenoid, and wherein the valve seal is coupled to the magnetic flux core.

18. The hydraulic control module of claim 17 wherein said valve seal directly engages said flux core.

19. A solenoid-actuated valve for use in a hydraulic control module, wherein the hydraulic control module includes a valve housing defining a hydraulic circuit and a bore extending along a bore axis, the solenoid-actuated valve comprising: A solenoid portion, the solenoid portion comprising: a solenoid housing disposed about a longitudinal axis adapted to be parallel to the bore axis, wherein the solenoid housing defines a solenoid interior, a coil surrounding the longitudinal axis and disposed within the solenoid interior, and an armature disposed about the longitudinal axis, within the solenoid interior, and between the longitudinal axis and the coil, wherein the armature is movable along the longitudinal axis in response to energization of the coil; a valve portion coupled to the solenoid portion and the valve housing, wherein the valve portion comprises: a valve member movable by the armature for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic circuit; and a valve seal disposed about the longitudinal axis, wherein the valve seal is coupled to the solenoid portion and the valve housing and is adapted to be disposed between the solenoid portion and the valve housing to prevent leakage of the hydraulic fluid between the solenoid portion and the valve housing; The valve seal has a sealing body portion and a flow port portion, wherein the sealing body portion is used to prevent leakage of the hydraulic fluid between the solenoid portion and the valve housing, and the flow port portion defines a flow port path to allow a selected amount of the hydraulic fluid to flow into and out of the interior of the solenoid when the armature is actuated.

20. An assembly for use in a hydraulic control module, wherein the hydraulic control module includes a valve housing defining a hydraulic circuit and a bore extending along a bore axis, the assembly comprising: A solenoid portion, the solenoid portion comprising: a solenoid housing disposed about a longitudinal axis adapted to be parallel to the bore axis, wherein the solenoid housing defines a solenoid interior; a coil surrounding the longitudinal axis and disposed within the solenoid interior; and an armature disposed about the longitudinal axis, within the solenoid interior, and between the longitudinal axis and the coil, wherein the armature is movable along the longitudinal axis in response to energization of the coil; and a valve seal disposed about the longitudinal axis, wherein the valve seal is coupled to the solenoid portion and the valve housing and is adapted to be disposed between the solenoid portion and the valve housing to prevent leakage of hydraulic fluid between the solenoid portion and the valve housing; The valve seal has a sealing body portion and a flow port portion, wherein the sealing body portion is used to prevent leakage of the hydraulic fluid between the solenoid portion and the valve housing, and the flow port portion defines a flow port path to allow a selected amount of the hydraulic fluid to flow into and out of the interior of the solenoid when the armature is actuated.

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