Vehicle control equipment

Abstract

A vehicle control device is arranged inside a housing (1) for accommodating a transmission. The vehicle control device includes a metal base (4), a resin housing (7), a printed circuit board (9) on which an electronic component (8) is mounted, an oil-tight sealing component (21), and a breathing filter (26, 47). The metal base is made of metal. The resin housing is attached to the metal base to form an internal space. The resin housing includes a portion having a connector (12, 14, 44) that passes through the interior and exterior of the housing. The printed circuit board is arranged in the internal space. The oil-tight sealing component is placed between the metal base and the resin housing to surround the printed circuit board. The connector has a ventilation hole (25). The breathing filter is arranged at a position where the ventilation hole faces outward.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle control apparatus for controlling a transmission of a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Vehicle control devices are increasingly integrated with electromechanical systems including sensors, actuators, or integrated systems combining both sensors and actuators. Consequently, demands for miniaturization, heat resistance, sealing, and vibration resistance in control devices are increasing. For example, JP 2013-2523A describes installing control devices in an oil-immersed environment to meet these requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The circuit components in the control device described in JP 2013-2523A may degrade as oil enters the device. For example, disconnection due to oil corrosion or short circuits caused by foreign matter may occur. Therefore, the control device housing may need to be equipped with an oil-tight seal member or other leak-proof structure to prevent oil intrusion. In the configuration described in JP 2013-2523A, the space within the control device where the printed circuit board is stored is sealed with resin.

[0004] However, the resin-sealed structure described in JP 2013-2523A is relatively expensive. There is a strong demand for the printed circuit board to be placed in a leak-proof space. Since the space inside the housing is constructed as a sealed structure, changes in the internal gas temperature may increase or decrease stress. This stress may be applied to the housing or the oil-tight sealing member, potentially causing cracks in the structure. Consequently, maintaining the sealed state may be impossible.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle control apparatus for suppressing pressure changes at an oil-tight structure of the vehicle control apparatus even when the vehicle control apparatus is covered with oil.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle control device is arranged inside a housing that houses a transmission under an atmosphere of lubricating oil. The vehicle control device may be covered by lubricating oil. The vehicle control device includes a metal base, a resin housing, a printed circuit board, an oil-tight sealing member, and a breathing filter. The resin housing is attached to the metal base to form an internal space, and includes a portion having a connector that passes through the inside and outside of the housing. The printed circuit board has electronic components mounted on the printed circuit board. The electronic components are included in a control circuit for the transmission. The printed circuit board is arranged in the internal space between the metal base and the resin housing. The oil-tight sealing member is placed between the metal base and the resin housing to surround the printed circuit board.

[0007] The connector has a ventilation hole communicating with the inner space and the outside of the housing. The breathing filter is arranged at a position of the ventilation hole facing the outside of the housing.

[0008] Because the space between the metal and resin housings is connected to the outside through ventilation holes provided in the connector, the internal pressure remains constant even when the temperature inside the housing fluctuates. This reduces stress on the structure. Furthermore, since the breathing filter is positioned so that the ventilation holes face the outside, foreign matter is prevented from entering the housing. Furthermore, the provision of ventilation holes in the connector, which extends through the interior and exterior of the housing, allows for miniaturization of the vehicle control device.

[0009] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a cover is provided for covering at least a portion of the respiratory filter, thereby preventing an operator performing installation from touching and damaging the respiratory filter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description made with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings:

[0011] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a TCU according to the first embodiment;

[0012] Figure 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the oil-tight structure;

[0013] Figure 3 It is an exploded perspective diagram of TCU;

[0014] Figure 4 It is a plan view of the metal base;

[0015] Figure 5 is a bottom view of the resin cover;

[0016] Figure 6 is a flow chart showing the assembly process of the TCU;

[0017] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the interior of a transmission housing in a perspective manner;

[0018] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a TCU according to a second embodiment;

[0019] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a TCU according to a third embodiment;

[0020] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a TCU according to a fourth embodiment;

[0021] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a TCU according to a fifth embodiment;

[0022] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a TCU according to a sixth embodiment; and

[0023] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a TCU according to a seventh embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] (First embodiment)

[0025] like Figure 7 As shown, a valve body 2 having a hydraulic control oil passage formed therein is mounted on the inner bottom portion of a transmission housing 1, which corresponds to the outer shell. The transmission housing 1 may also be referred to as a transmission / muffler housing 1. A transmission control unit 3, corresponding to the vehicle control device according to this embodiment, is disposed on the valve body 2. The transmission control unit 3 may also be referred to as a TCU 3. The metal base 4 of the TCU 3 is generally rectangular and is secured to the valve body 2 with screws 5. The valve body 2 corresponds to a device having a built-in hydraulic fluid control path.

[0026] Automatic transmission fluid 50, which corresponds to lubricating oil, is injected into the T / M housing 1. Automatic transmission fluid 50 may also be referred to as ATF 50. In other words, the TCU 3 is placed in an atmosphere of ATF 50 and is covered by it. The metal base 4 is made of, for example, anodized (or aluminum-oxide-treated) aluminum. Although not shown, the transmission body is located within the T / M housing 1.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, the resin case 7 of the TCU 3 is attached to the metal base 4 through an oil-tight structure, thereby forming an internal space. The resin case 7 can also be called a resin cover. The printed circuit board 9 on which the electronic component 8 is mounted is accommodated in the internal space, which is formed by attaching the resin case 7 to the metal base 4 through an oil-tight structure. The details of the oil-tight structure will be described below. The electronic component 8 includes a control circuit for the transmission. However, the details of the electronic component 8 are not described here. A plurality of attachment bosses 10 are provided at the resin case 7, and the printed circuit board 9 is fixed to the attachment bosses 10 by screws 11. As shown Figure 1 As shown, the attachment boss 10 extends from top to bottom.

[0028] The penetrating connector 12 is integrated with the resin housing 7. Figure 1. The through-connector 12 penetrates the partition wall of the T / M housing 1 and protrudes to the outside of the T / M housing 1. The front end portion of the through-connector 12 is a vehicle-side connector 13. One end of the vehicle-side wiring 14 is connected to the printed circuit board 9, and the other end of the vehicle-side wiring 14 is connected to the connector terminal of the vehicle-side connector 13. The vehicle-side connector 13 is used to electrically connect the TCU 3 to the control device on the vehicle side. A sealing member 15 is provided between the through-connector 12 and the partition wall of the T / M housing 1.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown on the left side of FIG, a load-side connector 16 is integrated with the resin case 7. One end of a load-side wiring 17 is connected to the printed circuit board 9, and the other end of the load-side wiring 17 is connected to a connector terminal of the load-side connector 16. The load-side connector 16 is used to connect the TCU 3 to an electrically controlled device inside the valve body 2.

[0030] like Figure 3 As shown, the resin housing 7 is fixed to the metal base 4 by a plurality of screws 18. Figure 1 As shown, an oil-tight structure 19 is formed at the inner peripheral portion of the fixed position to surround the outer peripheral portion of the printed circuit board 9. The oil-tight structure 19 includes a groove 20, an oil-tight sealing member 21, and a protrusion 22. Figure 4 As shown, as viewed from the surface of the metal base 4, the groove 20 is provided at the metal base 4. Figure 2 As shown, an oil-tight sealing member 21 is provided at the groove 20. Figure 5 As shown, as viewed from the surface of the resin case 7, the protrusion 22 is provided at the resin case 7. The oil-tight sealing member 21 is made of, for example, fluororubber. The groove 20 may also be referred to as a recessed portion.

[0031] Support member 24 is provided on metal base 4. Support member 24 faces upward and supports heat dissipation member 23. Heat dissipation member 23 may also be referred to as heat dissipation adhesive 23. When resin case 7 is attached to metal base 4, the lower surface of printed circuit board 9 comes into contact with heat dissipation adhesive 23 mounted on support member 24. Heat dissipation adhesive 23 undergoes a hardening process after assembly of TCU 3. Heat generated by printed circuit board 9 is conducted to metal base 4 through heat dissipation adhesive 23 and support member 24, where it is then dissipated.

[0032] Figure 2 The cross-sectional shape of the oil-tight structure 19 in a modified form is shown. In the case where the resin case 7 is attached and fixed to the metal base 4 and the protrusion 22 enters the groove 20, the shape of each part is set so that the oil-tight sealing member 21 is Figure 2 The thickness in the vertical direction shown is greater than that of the oil-tight sealing member 21 in the vertical direction shown in FIG. Figure 2 The thickness in the horizontal direction shown is 2.0 mm. For example, the vertical thickness of the oil-tight sealing member 21 is set to approximately 2.0 mm, and the horizontal thickness of the oil-tight sealing member 21 is set to approximately 1.0 mm. Therefore, the vertical vibration transmitted to the printed circuit board 9 during vehicle operation can be greatly reduced, thereby enhancing the vibration isolation characteristics.

[0033] The following describes the process of assembling TCU 3. Figure 6 As shown, at S1, heat dissipation adhesive 23 is applied to an anodized metal base 4. Subsequently, at S2, an oil-tight sealing member 21 is applied inside the groove 20. At S3, the resin case 7 assembled with the printed circuit board 9 is plasma cleaned. At S4, the resin case 7 is assembled with the metal base 4 and then heat-treated. At S5, the oil-tight sealing member 21 and the heat dissipation adhesive 23 are hardened and then cooled.

[0034] By performing the above process, the anodized metal base 4 and the oil-tight sealing member 21 are in a hydrogen bond state. The resin case 7 processed by the plasma cleaning process and the oil-tight sealing member 21 are in a covalent bond state.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, a ventilation hole 25 is formed in the through-connector 12. The ventilation hole 25 allows communication between the interior space of the TCU 3 and the exterior space. The printed circuit board 9 is stored in the interior space of the TCU 3. A breathing filter 26 having air permeability is provided at a position where the ventilation hole 25 faces the exterior space. A cover 27 is provided on the exterior of the breathing filter 26.

[0036] According to the present embodiment, the TCU 3 is provided in an environment in which the interior of the T / M housing 1 can be covered by the ATF 50. The TCU 3 includes a metal base 4 and a resin housing 7. The resin housing 7 is integrated with a connector 12 and attached to the metal base 4. The connector 12 penetrates the T / M housing 1. Electronic components 8 included in a control circuit for a transmission are mounted on a printed circuit board 9. The printed circuit board 9 is provided in an internal space formed between the metal base 4 and the resin housing 7. An oil-tight sealing member 21 is provided between the metal base 4 and the resin housing 7 to surround the periphery of the printed circuit board 9. The penetrating connector 12 has a ventilation hole 25 that communicates between the internal space of the T / M housing 1 and the outside of the T / M housing 1, and a breathing filter 26 is provided at a position where the ventilation hole 25 faces the outside.

[0037] Because the space between metal base 4 and resin housing 7 communicates with the outside through ventilation holes 25, the internal pressure of T / M housing 1 remains constant despite temperature fluctuations. This reduces stress on the structure. By positioning breathing filter 26 at a position facing the outside through ventilation holes 25, foreign matter can be prevented from entering T / M housing 1.

[0038] Since the ventilation hole 25 is provided at the penetration connector 12, the size of the TCU 3 can be reduced. Since the cover 27 is provided to cover at least a portion of the breathing filter 26, it is possible to prevent the breathing filter 26 from being touched and damaged when the operator performs installation or the like.

[0039] The metal base 4 and the oil-tight sealing member 21 are in a hydrogen bond state, while the resin case 7 and the oil-tight sealing member 21 are in a covalent bond state. Therefore, the bonding strength can be enhanced to prevent the ATF 50 from entering the interface between the metal base 4 and the oil-tight sealing member 21 and the interface between the resin case 7 and the oil-tight sealing member 21.

[0040] Since the metal base 4 is made of aluminum and anodized, and the resin case 7 is plasma-treated, the interface formed between the metal base 4 and the oil-tight seal 21 is set to an optimal state for hydrogen bonding, and the interface formed between the resin case 7 and the oil-tight sealing member 21 is set to an optimal state for covalent bonding. Since the oil-tight sealing member 21 is made of fluororubber, a material that has relatively high resistance to ATF 50 and is flexible can be used.

[0041] A groove 20 for accommodating an oil-tight sealing member 21 is formed in the metal base 4. A protrusion 22 is formed in the resin housing 7 to press against the central portion of the oil-tight sealing member 21. The shape of the groove 20 is set so that when the resin housing 7 is attached to the metal base 4, the distance from the front end of the protrusion 22 in the extension direction is longer than the distance in the direction perpendicular to the extension direction. Therefore, the vibration transmitted to the printed circuit board 9 in the vertical direction (or extension direction) can be reduced when the vehicle is running. As a result, the vibration resistance can be enhanced.

[0042] (Second embodiment)

[0043] Hereinafter, the same reference numerals are used for the parts identical to those in the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted. Figure 8 In the illustrated TCU 31 according to the second embodiment, the female connector 32 connected to the vehicle-side connector 13 as the male connector includes a lever 33 rotatable to lock the connection between the female connector 32 and the vehicle-side connector 13 .

[0044] The rod 33 has: one end rotatably supported by the housing 34 of the female connector 32; and Figure 8 The other end is rotated within a range of 90 degrees between the depth direction shown in the figure and the downward direction. The depth direction is away from Figure 8 The direction of the drawing. Figure 8 As shown, the connection of the female connector 32 is locked. Instead of the cover 27, a rod 33 covers the outside of the breathing filter 26. According to the second embodiment, the rod 33 of the female connector 32 is used as the cover for the breathing filter 26. Therefore, the number of components can be reduced. The rod 33 corresponds to a removable cover.

[0045] (Third embodiment)

[0046] In such Figure 9 In the illustrated TCU 35 according to the third embodiment, the female connector 36 connected to the vehicle-side connector 14 is similar to the female connector used to cover the outside of the breathing filter 26 in the second embodiment. However, in the third embodiment, when the female connector 36 is connected to the vehicle-side connector 13, the housing 37 of the female connector 36 covers the outside of the breathing filter 26.

[0047] According to the third embodiment, a part of the housing 37 of the female connector 36 is employed as a cover member of the breathing filter 26. Therefore, similarly to the second embodiment, the number of components can be reduced.

[0048] (Fourth embodiment)

[0049] In such Figure 10 In the illustrated TCU 38 according to the fourth embodiment, the female connector 39 connected to the vehicle-side connector 13 is similar to the female connector used to cover the outside of the breathing filter 26 in the third embodiment. Similarly, the housing 40 of the female connector 39 covers the outside of the breathing filter 26. However, the female connector 39 includes an O-ring 41 for waterproofing. The breathing filter 26 is provided so as to cover the space between the O-ring 41 and the connector terminals of the vehicle-side connector 13, which serves as a male connector.

[0050] (Fifth embodiment)

[0051] In such Figure 11In the TCU 42 according to the fifth embodiment shown, the female connector 39 connected to the vehicle-side connector 44 is similar to the female connector for covering the outside of the breathing filter 26 in the fourth embodiment. However, instead of the penetration connector 12, the penetration connector 43 allows communication between the outside of the ventilation hole 25 and the inside of the vehicle-side connector 44. In this embodiment, the vehicle-side connector 44 replaces the vehicle-side connector 13. A communication hole 45 that can communicate with the outside is formed at a part of the outer shell of the vehicle-side connector 44. The breathing filter 26 is provided inside the outer shell of the vehicle-side connector 44. In addition, the vehicle-side connector 44 has an assembly portion to which the breathing filter 26 is assembled. The vehicle-side connector 44 corresponds to a male connector.

[0052] (Sixth embodiment)

[0053] like Figure 12 The TCU 46 according to the sixth embodiment shown is different from the TCU 3 according to the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the breathing filter 26 is welded to the housing of the vehicle-side connector 13.

[0054] (Seventh embodiment)

[0055] like Figure 13 The TCU 47 according to the seventh embodiment shown differs from the TCU 3 according to the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the TCU 47 has a plug-type breathing filter 48 instead of the breathing filter 26 and the cover 27. The breathing filter 48 has the functions of both the breathing filter 26 and the cover 27. A "Z series" ventilation filter manufactured by Nitto Denko Corporation, manufactured by TEMISH (registered trademark), can be used as the breathing filter 48.

[0056] (Other embodiments)

[0057] The oil-tight sealing member may not be limited to fluororubber. The construction of the oil-tight structure may not be limited to Figure 2 The structure shown. An oil-tight structure can be achieved by providing protrusions on the metal strip and grooves on the resin cover. If necessary, a cover can be provided to cover the breathing filter. If necessary, a load-side connector 16 can be provided, allowing direct connection to the interior of the valve body 2. The TCU 3 does not need to be placed on the valve body 2.

[0058] Although the present disclosure has been described based on examples, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to such examples or structures. The present disclosure includes various modifications and variations within the scope of equivalents. In addition, various combinations and formations can be made in the present disclosure, as well as other combinations and formations including one, more than one, or less than one element.

[0059] Note that the flowcharts or flowchart processes in this application include various parts (also referred to as steps), each of which is represented by, for example, S1. In addition, each part can be divided into several sub-parts, and several parts can be combined into a single part. In addition, each part configured in this way can also be referred to as a device, module, or means.

Claims

1. A vehicle control device, arranged inside a housing accommodating a transmission, the vehicle control device comprising: a metal base (4), which is made of metal; A resin housing (7) is attached to the metal base to form an internal space and includes a portion having the following connectors: a first connector (12, 13, 44) projecting from the interior of the housing to the exterior of the housing, the first connector having a front end portion located on the exterior of the housing, the front end portion being configured for connection to vehicle wiring, and a second connector (16) configured to be disposed inside the housing and connected to a component disposed inside the housing; a printed circuit board (9) on which electronic components (8) are mounted, the printed circuit board being arranged in the inner space; an oil-tight sealing member (21) placed between the metal base and the resin case to surround the printed circuit board, wherein a groove (20) for accommodating the oil-tight sealing member (21) is formed at one of the metal base (4) and the resin case (7), and a protrusion (22) is formed at the other of the metal base (4) and the resin case (7) to press a central portion of the oil-tight sealing member (21), and the shape of the groove (20) is set so that when the resin case (7) is attached to the metal base (4), an interval in an extending direction from a front end of the protrusion (22) has a longer width than an interval in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction, so as to reduce vibration in the extending direction transmitted to the printed circuit board; as well as a breathing filter arranged at a position where the ventilation hole (25) of the first connector faces the exterior of the housing, wherein the vent hole communicates with the internal space and the exterior of the housing, and has an opening to the exterior of the housing, wherein the opening is arranged near the front end portion, wherein the first connector and the second connector are formed integrally with the resin housing, and The electronic components are included in a control circuit for the transmission.

2. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, further comprising: A cover is configured to cover at least a portion of the breathing filter.

3. The vehicle control device according to claim 2, in, The first connector includes a male connector, wherein the vehicle control device further includes a female connector (36, 39) configured to be connected to the male connector, and The female connector has an outer shell, and a part of the outer shell of the female connector is the cover.

4. The vehicle control device according to claim 3, in, The male connector has a fitting portion to which the breathing filter is fitted.

5. The vehicle control device according to claim 2, in, The first connector includes a male connector, The vehicle control device further comprises a female connector (32) configured to be connected to the male connector. Wherein, the female connector includes a removable cover as the cover.

6. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, in, The vehicle control apparatus is mounted on a device having a built-in hydraulic fluid control path.

7. The vehicle control device according to claim 6, in, The second connector is configured to establish a connection with the device.

8. The vehicle control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in, The vehicle control device is arranged in an atmosphere of lubricating oil and is covered with the lubricating oil.

9. The vehicle control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the metal base (4) and the oil-tight sealing member (21) are in a hydrogen bond state, and the resin case (7) and the oil-tight sealing member (21) are in a covalent bond state.

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