Valve unit for a gearbox control unit of a commercial vehicle and corresponding gearbox control unit

Abstract

The invention relates to a valve unit (8) for a gearbox control unit (2) of a commercial vehicle, the gearbox control unit (2) comprising a flexible printed circuit (12) for connecting the valve unit (2) to the gearbox control unit (2). The invention also relates to a method for assembling a valve unit (8) and a gearbox control unit (2). According to the invention, the valve unit (8) comprises a fixation plate assembly (14) comprising a fixation plate (16), wherein the flexible printed circuit (12) is attached to the fixation plate (16), and wherein the fixation plate assembly (14) is attached to the valve block (18).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve unit for a gearbox control unit of a commercial vehicle, said gearbox control unit comprising a flexible printed circuit for connecting the valve unit to the gearbox control unit. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the commercial vehicle industry, valve units are used in gearbox control units of mechanical automatic transmission devices. For connecting the valve unit to the gearbox control unit, a flexible printed circuit is used. In prior art valve units, such a flexible printed circuit is for example soldered directly to the valve unit, reinforced by a plastic bracket or glued to the valve unit. It has been proven that this way vibrations and unwanted sound emissions can be avoided. However, the described solutions are often difficult to assemble and are destroyed when parts need to be disassembled.

[0003] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a valve unit for a gearbox control unit of a commercial vehicle which overcomes the above-mentioned problems as far as possible. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a valve unit which allows an easy assembly and damage-free disassembly of parts while ensuring a durable and vibration-free connection of the parts when assembled. SUMMARY

[0004] According to the invention, it is proposed that the valve unit comprises a fixing plate assembly comprising a fixing plate, wherein the flexible printed circuit is attached to the fixing plate, and wherein the fixing plate assembly is attached to the valve block.

[0005] The present invention is based on the finding that by using a fixing plate assembly as defined above, the connectability of the flexible printed circuit to the valve block is significantly increased. It is ensured that the flexible printed circuit is safely attached to a structurally rigid fixing plate, which avoids vibrations at the flexible printed circuit and reduces noise. Furthermore, the fixing plate assembly can be releasably attached to the valve block, thereby allowing an easy assembly and disassembly of parts. Moreover, the number of required parts is low and the overall appearance of the valve unit is compact.

[0006] According to a preferred embodiment, the valve unit comprises at least one receiving device arranged at the valve block, said receiving device being configured to couple with the fixing plate in a pivotal manner and to limit its movement in a first direction. According to a preferred embodiment, the receiving device is configured to releasably couple with the fixing plate in a pivotal manner. Preferably, the first direction extends along a longitudinal axis of the valve block. This way, the fixing plate can first be connected to the receiving device of the valve block and then be articulated in the direction of the valve block. In addition, the receiving device limits the movement of the fixing plate in the first direction.

[0007] . According to another preferred embodiment, the receiving means comprise a first receiving hook, said first receiving hook protruding from said valve block, and wherein said first receiving hook is configured to be pivotally attached with the fixing plate. It has been found that such a first receiving hook is easy to manufacture and is particularly suitable to provide the desired functionality.

[0008] . Preferably, the receiving means comprise a second receiving hook, said second receiving hook protruding from a top surface of said valve block and being spaced apart from the first receiving hook, wherein the first receiving hook and the second receiving hook are configured to pivotally couple the fixing plate. By means of such a first receiving hook and a second receiving hook, the overall guidance of the fixing plate is improved. Furthermore, tilting of the fixing plate is avoided.

[0009] . According to another preferred embodiment, the fixing plate comprises a coupling section for connecting with the receiving means, wherein the coupling section comprises a cut-out extending inwardly from an outer edge of the fixing plate. It has been found that such a coupling section comprising a cut-out is advantageous to provide a more compact valve unit. Preferably, the cut-out can be a rectangle extending inwardly from an outer periphery of the fixing plate.

[0010] . According to yet another preferred embodiment, the valve block comprises at least one rail configured to support the fixing plate assembly when the fixing plate assembly is mounted to the valve block. Such a rail ensures that the contact area between the valve block and the fixing plate assembly is increased, thereby suppressing vibrations and noise emissions. Furthermore, the structural integrity is increased. Preferably, the valve block comprises two rails arranged parallel to each other. This configuration helps to further increase the structural integrity of the valve unit.

[0011] . In another aspect or in yet another embodiment according to the first aspect, the valve block comprises at least one locking means protruding from the valve block, and wherein the fixing plate comprises at least one corresponding cut-out for receiving the locking means. In other words, when the fixing plate is attached to the valve block, said at least one locking means is guided through the at least one cut-out arranged on the fixing plate. After having inserted the locking means into said cut-out, the locking means provide a locking function to releasably attach the fixing plate to the valve block.

[0012] . According to a preferred embodiment, the locking means comprise at least one locking hook, said locking hook restricting the movement of the fixing plate assembly in a second direction, the second direction being opposite to the first direction. By also restricting the movement of the fixing plate in the second direction, it has been found that such a locking hook advantageously provides a releasable locking function.

[0013] . Preferably, said locking hook comprises a top section having an inclined surface, said inclined surface being configured to push the fixing plate towards the valve block when the fixing plate assembly is moved in the second direction. This way, an elastic deformation is applied to the fixing plate, which creates a preload on both sides of the fixing plate. Thereby, it is ensured that the fixing plate does not vibrate or does not produce unwanted noise during operation.

[0014] Preferably, the valve block comprises a stop device for limiting the movement of the fixation plate in the second direction. It has been found that such a stop device is advantageous for further simplifying the assembly process.

[0015] According to yet another preferred embodiment, the fixation plate comprises at least one central hole and wherein the valve unit comprises a corresponding threaded hole configured to receive a tension screw being guided through the central hole for fixing the fixation plate assembly to the valve block. By means of such a central hole, it is ensured that the fixation plate occupies its designated position even if the fixation plate is not positioned exactly in the designated position. Furthermore, the use of a tension screw ensures that the pre-tightening force generated on the fixation plate is maintained to avoid any vibrations and unwanted noise emissions.

[0016] According to another preferred embodiment, the locking device comprises a plurality of locking hooks, wherein the locking hooks are arranged in rows, the rows extending in the first direction. The use of a plurality of locking hooks arranged in rows further improves the robustness of the connection between the valve block and the fixation plate assembly.

[0017] Preferably, the locking hooks are arranged in a first row and a second row, the rows extending in the first direction, and wherein the first row is parallel to the second row. Again, the quality of the connection between the valve block and the fixation plate assembly is improved. Furthermore, in case one of the locking hooks is damaged, a durable connection between the components is maintained as well. Thus, a fail-safe design philosophy is employed.

[0018] According to yet another preferred embodiment, the first row is arranged at a first outer edge of the valve block and the second row is arranged at a second outer edge of the valve block, and wherein the first outer edge is opposite to the second outer edge. Preferably, the first row and the second row are arranged perpendicular to the pivot axis of the fixation plate. It has been found that the arrangement of the first row and the second row is advantageous for durably connecting the components and also simplifies the manufacturing of the components.

[0019] In a further aspect, the present application relates to a gearbox control unit for a commercial vehicle, the gearbox control unit comprising a bottom housing section configured to be attached to a gearbox of the vehicle, a top cover releasably attached to the bottom housing section, and a valve unit accommodated within the bottom housing section. According to the present application, the valve unit is a valve unit according to any one of the above embodiments.

[0020] The gearbox control unit utilizes the same advantages and preferred embodiments as the valve unit according to the present application. In this regard, reference is made to the above explanations and their content is included herewith.

[0021] In yet another aspect, the present application relates to a method for assembling a valve unit according to any one of the above-mentioned embodiments, the method comprising the steps of: providing a fixing plate assembly comprising a fixing plate and a flexible printed circuit attached thereto; connecting the fixing plate assembly to a valve block in a state in which the fixing plate assembly is folded away from the valve unit; rotating the fixing plate assembly towards the valve block such that a cut-out in the fixing plate receives a locking device protruding from the valve block; and moving the fixing plate assembly to engage the locking device with the cut-out.

[0022] . Preferably, the method further comprises the step of fixing the fixing plate assembly to the valve block.

[0023] . The method for assembling a valve unit makes use of the same advantages and preferred embodiments as the valve unit and the gearbox control unit according to the present application. In this respect, reference is made to the above explanations and the content thereof is included herewith.

[0024] . Aspects of the disclosure, together with details pertaining to the preferred embodiments, will be more readily understood from the following detailed description, when read in reference with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are schematic and simplified for clarity and they show only details which are necessary in order to explain the present claims, while other details are omitted. Throughout, the same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding parts. Separate features of each aspect can be combined with any or all features of other aspects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] . These and other aspects, features, and / or technical effects will be best understood with reference to the drawings, described below, and the following description.

[0026] . Figure 1 : perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a gearbox control unit comprising a valve unit according to the inventive concept;

[0027] . Figures 2-8 : perspective view of a valve unit according to the embodiment shown in Figure 1 : perspective view of a valve unit according to the embodiment shown in DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] . Figure 1 A gearbox control unit 2 for a commercial vehicle is shown. The gearbox control unit 2 comprises a bottom housing section 4. The bottom housing section 4 is configured to be attached to a gearbox of a vehicle (not shown). The gearbox control unit 2 further comprises a top cover 6. The top cover 6 is releasably attached to the bottom housing section 4. A valve unit 8 is accommodated within said bottom housing section 4. In the top cover 6, an electronic control unit 10 is accommodated.

[0029] The valve unit 8 comprises a valve block 18. The valve unit 8 further comprises a fixing plate assembly 14. The fixing plate assembly 14 comprises a fixing plate 16. Attached to the fixing plate 16 is a flexible printed circuit 12. The gear box control unit 2 further comprises a second flexible printed circuit 12 connecting the top cover 6 and the bottom housing section 4.

[0030] . Figures 2-8 A valve unit 8 according to the present application is shown. With reference to Figure 2 , the valve unit 8 comprises a valve block 18 and a fixing plate assembly 14. Attached to the fixing plate 16 is a flexible printed circuit 12. The valve block 18 further comprises a receiving area 20 for receiving said fixing plate assembly 14. The valve block 18 comprises a receiving device 22. The receiving device 22 is configured to pivotally couple with the fixing plate 16. Furthermore, the receiving device 22 restricts movement of the fixing plate 16 in a first direction 42.

[0031] . The receiving device 22 comprises a first receiving hook 28. The receiving device 22 further comprises a second receiving hook 30. The first receiving hook 28 and the second receiving hook 30 protrude from said valve block 18. The second receiving hook 30 is spaced apart from the first receiving hook 28. The first receiving hook 28 and the second receiving hook 30 are configured to pivotally couple with the fixing plate 16. This is best seen in Figure 2 .

[0032] . The fixing plate 16 comprises a coupling section 24 for coupling with the receiving device 22. The coupling section 24 comprises a cut-out 26 extending inwardly from an outer edge 44 of the fixing plate 16. The valve block 18 comprises two tracks 32, 32'. The tracks 32, 32' are configured to support the fixing plate assembly 14 when the fixing plate assembly 14 is mounted to the valve block 18. The tracks 32, 32' are arranged parallel to each other.

[0033] . The valve block 18 further comprises a locking device 34. The locking device 34 protrudes from the valve block 18. The fixing plate 16 comprises a corresponding cut-out 36 for receiving the locking device 34. The locking device 34 comprises a locking hook 38. Said locking hook 38 restricts movement of the fixing plate assembly 14 in a second direction 54, see Figure 6 . The second direction 54 is opposite to the first direction 42.

[0034] . As shown in Figure 4 , the locking hook 38 is arranged in a first row 46 and a second row 48 extending in the first direction 42. The first row 46 is parallel to the second row 48. Said first row 46 is arranged at a first outer edge 50 of the valve block 18. The second row 48 is arranged at a second outer edge 52 of the valve block 18. The first outer edge 50 is opposite to the second outer edge 52.

[0035] . Figure 7A detailed perspective view of the locking hook 38 is shown. The locking hook 38 comprises a top section 56 with an inclined surface 58. The inclined surface 58 is configured to push the fixing plate 16 towards the valve block 18 when the fixing plate assembly 14 is moved in the second direction 54.

[0036] . As Figure 8 shown, the valve block 18 comprises a stop device 60. The stop device 60 limits the movement of the fixing plate 16 in the second direction 54. The fixing plate 16 further comprises a centering hole 40. The valve unit 8 comprises a corresponding threaded hole 62. The threaded hole 62 is configured for receiving a tension screw 64. The tension screw 64 is guided through the centering hole 40 into the threaded hole 62. By means of the tension screw 64, the fixing plate assembly 14 is fixed to the valve block 18.

[0037] . As Figures 2 to 8 described, the fixing plate assembly 14 is installed to the valve block 18 as follows: First, the fixing plate assembly 14 is connected to the receiving area 20 of the valve block 18 in a state in which the fixing plate assembly 14 is folded away from the valve unit 8. Then, the fixing plate assembly 14 is rotated towards the valve block 18 so that the cutout 36 in the fixing plate 16 receives the locking device 34 protruding from the valve block 18. Finally, when the fixing plate assembly 14 is resting against the valve block 18, the fixing plate assembly 14 is moved in the second direction 54 to engage the locking device 34 with the cutout 36. Finally, the fixing plate assembly 14 is fixed to the valve block 18 by means of the tension screw 64. To disassemble the fixing plate assembly 14 from the valve block 18, the above-described steps are performed in reverse order.

[0038] . Due to the geometry of the locking hook 38, in particular the inclined surface 58 of the top section 56, the fixing plate 16 is elastically deformed and preloaded, thereby suppressing vibrations and noise emissions caused by potential vibrations of the fixing plate assembly 14.

[0039] . List of reference signs (part of the description)

[0040] 2 Transmission control unit

[0041] 4 Bottom housing section

[0042] 6 Top cover

[0043] 8 Valve unit

[0044] 10 Electronic control unit

[0045] 12 Flexible printed circuit

[0046] 14 Fixing plate assembly

[0047] 16 Fixing plate

[0048] 18 Valve block

[0049] 20 Receiving area

[0050] 22 receiving means

[0051] 24 coupling section

[0052] 26 cutout of the coupling section

[0053] 28 first receiving hook

[0054] 30 second receiving hook

[0055] 32, 32' rail

[0056] 34 locking means

[0057] 36 cutout for receiving the locking means

[0058] 38 locking hook

[0059] 40 centering hole

[0060] 42 first direction

[0061] 44 outer edge of the fixing plate

[0062] 46 first row

[0063] 48 second row

[0064] 50 first outer rim of the valve block

[0065] 52 second outer rim of the valve block

[0066] 54 second direction

[0067] 56 top section

[0068] 58 inclined surface

[0069] 60 stop means

[0070] 62 threaded hole

[0071] 64 tensioning screw

Claims

1. A valve unit (8) for a transmission control unit (2) in a commercial vehicle, the valve unit (8) comprising a valve block (18) and a flexible printed circuit (12) for connecting the valve unit (8) to the transmission control unit (2), Its features are, The valve unit (8) includes a fixing plate assembly (14), which includes a fixing plate (16), wherein the flexible printed circuit (12) is attached to the fixing plate (16), and The fixing plate assembly (14) is attached to the valve block (18). At least one receiving device (22) is disposed at the valve block (18), the receiving device (22) being configured to be pivotally connected to the fixed plate (16) and restricting the movement of the fixed plate (16) in the first direction (42).

2. The valve unit (8) according to claim 1, in, The receiving device (22) includes a first receiving hook (28) that protrudes from the top surface of the valve block (18), and The first receiving hook (28) is configured to be pivotally connected to the fixing plate (16).

3. The valve unit (8) according to claim 2, in, The receiving device (22) includes a second receiving hook (30) that protrudes from the valve block (18) and is spaced apart from the first receiving hook (28). The first receiving hook (28) and the second receiving hook (30) are configured to be pivotally connected to the fixed plate (16).

4. The valve unit (8) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The fixing plate (16) includes a connecting section (24) for connecting with the receiving device (22). The connecting section (24) includes a cut (26) that extends inward from the outer edge (44) of the fixing plate (16).

5. The valve unit (8) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The valve block (18) includes at least one track (32, 32') configured to support the fixing plate assembly (14) when the fixing plate assembly (14) is mounted to the valve block (18).

6. The valve unit (8) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The valve block (18) includes at least one locking device (34) protruding from the valve block (18), and The fixing plate (16) includes at least one corresponding cutout (36) for receiving the locking device (34).

7. The valve unit (8) according to claim 6, in, The locking device (34) includes at least one locking hook (38) that restricts the movement of the fixing plate assembly (14) in a second direction (54) that is opposite to the first direction (42).

8. The valve unit (8) according to claim 7, in, The locking hook (38) includes a top section (56) having an inclined surface (58) configured to push the fixing plate (16) toward the valve block (18) as the fixing plate assembly (14) moves in the second direction (54).

9. The valve unit (8) according to claim 8, in, The valve block (18) includes a stop device (60) for limiting the movement of the fixed plate (16) in the second direction (54).

10. The valve unit (8) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The fixing plate (16) includes at least one central hole (40), and The valve unit (8) includes a corresponding threaded hole (62) configured to receive a tensioning screw (64) guided through the central hole (40) for securing the fixing plate assembly (14) to the valve block (18).

11. The valve unit (8) according to claim 6, in, The locking device (34) includes a plurality of locking hooks (38), The locking hooks (38) are arranged in rows (46, 48) that extend along the first direction (42).

12. The valve unit (8) according to claim 11, in, The locking hooks (38) are arranged in a first row (46) and a second row (48), the rows (46, 48) extending along the first direction (42), and The first row (46) is parallel to the second row (48).

13. The valve unit (8) according to claim 12, The first row (46) is arranged at the first outer edge (50) of the valve block (18), and the second row (48) is arranged at the second outer edge (52) of the valve block (18). in, The first outer edge (50) is opposite to the second outer edge (52).

14. A transmission control unit (2) for a commercial vehicle, the transmission control unit (2) comprising: Bottom housing section (4), said bottom housing section being configured to attach to the vehicle's transmission, Top cover (6), said top cover (6) being releasably attached to the bottom outer shell section (4), Valve unit (8), which is housed within the bottom housing section (4), The valve unit (8) is characterized in that it is a valve unit (8) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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