Connector module and hydraulic pressure control device
The connector module with a recessed and insulated design addresses the cost and reliability issues of conventional modules, ensuring durable and cost-effective electrical connections in hydraulic pressure control devices.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2017-03-06
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-19
AI Technical Summary
Conventional connector modules for hydraulic pressure control devices are costly and compromise productivity and service life.
A connector module with a recessed section in the wiring plate, covered by an insulating element, to securely connect electrical wires to electrical counterparts, ensuring insulation and flexibility, and a movable section to adapt to different arrangements.
Maintains productivity and service life while reducing costs by preventing electrical contact and ensuring reliable connections in harsh environments.
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Abstract
Description
Background of the invention 1. Field of the invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a connector module and a hydraulic pressure control device. 2. Description of the state of the art
[0002] Techniques are known relating to a hydraulic pressure circuit body in which a hydraulic pressure circuit is designed to cause the flow of an operating fluid of an object to be controlled, and which include an electromagnetic valve attached to the hydraulic pressure circuit body to adjust the flow rate of the operating fluid in the hydraulic pressure circuit (Japanese patent application with publication number JP H11-008 023 A, Japanese patent application with publication number JP 2010-216 552 A, Japanese patent application with publication number JP 2002-031 263 A, Japanese patent application with publication number JP H08-051 019 A, Japanese patent application with publication number JP H09-306 558 A, Japanese patent application with publication number JP 2012-164 447 A, Japanese patent application with publication number JP 2004-028). 186 A, Japanese patent application number JP 5 112 907 B2,and Japanese patent application number JP 5 112 908 B2).,
[0003] Document JP 2004-079226A relates to a connection structure. This is a flat-wire connection structure for connecting a printed circuit board (PCB) housed in a casing and a flat wire. A mounting element, in which one end of a wire terminal contact extending from the PCB is exposed, is attached to the outer circumference of the casing. The exposed wire conductor at one end of the flat wire is electrically connected to the wire terminal contact at that end, and the wire sheath of the flat wire is attached to the mounting element. The exposed wire conductor at one end of the electrically conductive flat wire and the exposed end of the wire terminal contact on the mounting element are sealed with a sealing resin.
[0004] Publication JP H09 - 306 558 A concerns solenoid valves comprising multiple solenoid valves, each having mounting parts for the main body of an automatic transmission unit and a housing that is attached so that these solenoid valves are mounted together with the main body, and electrical leads are connected by pressure contact to pressure contact terminals of the respective solenoid valves in the housing.
[0005] Publication DE 10 2005 002 813 A1 relates to a control module. It comprises a first housing part on which an electronic circuit part is located, a second housing part, and a carrier on which a flexible conductive film is located. The flexible conductive film is electrically connected within an inner housing located between the first and second housing parts to the circuit part and the electrical components mounted on the carrier outside the housing. A stacked construction is provided, in which the carrier rests with one side on an inner side of the first housing part on which the circuit part is mounted, the circuit part is arranged in a recess in the carrier, the flexible conductive film is arranged on the second side of the carrier, facing away from the first housing part, and the second housing part is mounted on the flexible conductive film.
[0006] The hydraulic pressure control device is provided with a connector module configured for electrically connecting the electromagnetic valve to a control unit configured for controlling the operation of the electromagnetic valve. Known examples of the connector module include a connector module configured for connecting the elements to a wiring harness, a connector module configured for connecting the elements to a busbar formed with a metal plate as the base material, a connector module configured for connecting the elements to a flexible printed circuit board (referred to as flexible printed circuit (FPC)), and a connector module in which a wire-guided circuit body, obtained by collating rigid wires, is arranged on a single front panel of a base element and configured toThe components are connected via a wire-guided circuit body, a connector module designed to connect the components via electrical wires wired to a single front panel of an enclosure, and a connector module in which a flexible printed wiring board is arranged between the electrical wires on the front panel and a control unit. The electrical wire on the front panel of the enclosure is connected to an insulation displacement connector of the solenoid valve, which is exposed on the front panel. However, the conventional connector modules, including these connector modules, have room for improvement in terms of reducing costs while maintaining sufficient productivity and service life. Summary of the invention
[0007] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a connector module and a hydraulic pressure control device that are capable of maintaining satisfactory productivity and service life while reducing costs.
[0008] To achieve the aforementioned objective, a connector module according to one aspect of the present invention comprises an electrical connection structure with a plurality of electrical wires and a wiring plate on which the electrical wires are wired, wherein each of the electrical wires is coated with an insulating layer and comprises a wiring section that is wired to the wiring plate and an electrical connection section that is to be physically and electrically connected to an electrical counterpart connection section, wherein the wiring plate comprises a surrounding recessed section, wherein the electrical connection section and the electrical counterpart connection section are arranged in the recessed section and are formed such that a physical and electrical connection part thereof is received in the recessed section.and wherein the connecting part is covered with an insulating element. The recessed section is formed by a cutout in a wiring surface of the wiring plate on which the wire section is wired, and the electrical connecting section is spaced from the wire section such that it is arranged in the recessed section.
[0009] According to another aspect of the present invention, it is preferred in the connector module that the insulating element is formed by solidifying an insulating synthetic resin material which is poured into the recessed section.
[0010] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, it is preferred in the connector module that an insulating synthetic resin material, when a plurality of the connector parts are received in the recessed section, is cast into the recessed section and solidified in a state in which the connecting parts are received while spaced apart from one another to form the insulating element designed to cover each of the connecting parts.
[0011] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, it is preferred in the connector module that the electrical connection structures are arranged side by side, wherein the electrical connection section of the electrical wire in each of the side by side electrical connection structures is physically and electrically connected at one end to the electrical counterpart connection section of a corresponding electrical connection target, and that a portion of the electrical wire which in one of the electrical connection structures is closer to an end other than the wiring section, and a portion of the electrical wire which in another of the electrical connection structures is closer to an end other than the wiring section, have an electrical connection relationship, and that a movable section,which can change the relative positional relationship between the adjacent electrical connection structures, is provided between the electrical connection structures.
[0012] A hydraulic pressure control device according to yet another aspect of the present invention comprises a hydraulic pressure circuit body with a hydraulic pressure circuit configured to cause an operating fluid to flow to an object to be controlled; a control unit configured to control a flow rate of the operating fluid in the hydraulic pressure circuit; an electromagnetic valve connected to the hydraulic pressure circuit body and controlled such that it is driven by the control unit to adjust the flow rate of the operating fluid in the hydraulic pressure circuit; and an electrical connection structure comprising a plurality of electrical wires and a wiring board on which the electrical wires are wired, each of the electrical wires being coated with an insulating coating and having a wiring section.which is wired on the wiring plate, and comprises an electrical connection section that is to be physically and electrically connected to one of the electrical counterpart connection sections on the side of the electromagnetic valve and the side of the control unit, wherein the wiring plate comprises a surrounding recessed section, wherein the electrical connection section and the electrical counterpart connection section are formed such that they are arranged in the recessed section and a physical and electrical connection part thereof is received in the recessed section and the connection part is covered with an insulating element. The recessed section is formed by a recess in a wiring surface of the wiring plate on which the wire section is wired, and the electrical connection section is spaced from the wire section such thatthat it is arranged in the recessed section. The above and other problems, features, advantages and the technical industrial significance of this invention will become clearer from a reading of the following detailed description of currently preferred embodiments of the invention, when considered in combination with the accompanying figures. Brief description of the characters Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view illustrating an example of a connector module and an oil pressure control device (hydraulic pressure control device); Fig. Figure 2 shows a top view illustrating an example of the connector module and the oil pressure control device (hydraulic pressure control device); Fig. Figure 3 shows a disassembled perspective view of the oil pressure control device (hydraulic pressure control device); Fig. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an oil pressure circuit body (hydraulic pressure circuit body); Fig. Figure 5 shows a top view of the oil pressure switching body (hydraulic pressure switching body); Fig. Figure 6 shows a perspective view of an electromagnetic valve; Fig. Figure 7 shows a view of the electromagnetic valve from the perspective of a valve body; Fig. Figure 8 shows a top view illustrating an example of a connector module and an oil pressure control device (hydraulic pressure control device), which is a major part of the internal structure of the connector module; Fig. Figure 9 shows a disassembled perspective view of the connector module; Fig. Figure 10 shows a disassembled perspective view of a first electrical connection structure; Fig. Figure 11 shows a disassembled perspective view of the first connecting structure from a different angle; Fig. Figure 12 shows a perspective view of the first electrical connection structure; Fig. Figure 13 presents a perspective view of the first electrical connection structure to describe the connection structure for the electromagnetic valve; Fig. Figure 14 shows a disassembled perspective view of a second electrical connection structure; Fig. Figure 15 presents a perspective view showing the internal structure of the second electrical connection structure; Fig. Figure 16 shows a view of the friction of an insulating element in the second electrical connection structure; Fig. Figure 17 shows a view illustrating an application example of the connection module for an oil pressure circuit body (hydraulic pressure circuit body); Fig. Figure 18 shows a view illustrating another application example of the connector module for the oil pressure circuit body (hydraulic pressure circuit body); Fig. Figure 19 shows a view illustrating another application example of the connector module for the oil pressure circuit body (hydraulic pressure circuit body); Fig. Figure 20 shows a view illustrating another application example of the connector module for the oil pressure circuit body (hydraulic pressure circuit body); Fig. Figure 21 presents a view showing another application example of the connector module for the oil pressure circuit body (hydraulic pressure circuit body); and Fig. Figure 22 shows a view illustrating another application example of the connection module for the oil pressure circuit body (hydraulic pressure circuit body); Detailed description of preferred embodiments
[0013] With reference to the accompanying figures, a connection module and a hydraulic pressure control device according to embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. The present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Designs
[0014] A connector module and a fluid pressure control device according to an embodiment of the present invention are described with reference to the Fig. 1 to 22 described.
[0015] The hydraulic pressure control device according to the present invention is configured to adjust the flow rate of an operating fluid supplied to a controlled object and to change the fluid pressure of the operating fluid, thereby controlling the operation of the controlled object. The hydraulic pressure control device comprises a hydraulic pressure circuit body configured to cause the operating fluid, supplied under pressure by a pump, to flow within the pressure circuit body, and at least one electromagnetic valve configured to adjust the flow rate of the operating fluid. The hydraulic pressure circuit body incorporates a hydraulic pressure circuit that serves as a flow path for the operating fluid. The electromagnetic valve is a control valve capable of adjusting the flow rate of the operating fluid within the hydraulic pressure circuit.
[0016] Any object to be controlled can be used, as long as the object to be controlled operates using the fluid pressure of the operating fluid. Any operating fluid can be used as long as the operating fluid drives the object to be controlled. In the present embodiment, an automatic transmission mounted on a vehicle, such as an automobile, is shown as an example of an object to be controlled. Consequently, an operating oil (automatic transmission fluid (ATF)) used for the operation and lubrication of the automatic transmission is used as the operating fluid. In the following, for the sake of completeness, "object to be controlled" will be replaced by "automatic transmission." In the following, for the sake of completeness, "operating fluid" will be replaced by "operating oil" and "fluid pressure" will be replaced by "oil pressure."
[0017] Reference numeral 1 in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 designates an oil pressure control device according to the present embodiment. The oil pressure control device 1 comprises an oil pressure switching body 10, an electromagnetic valve 20, a control unit 30, and a connector module 40. The oil pressure control device 1 causes the control unit 30 to control the operation of the electromagnetic valve 20, thereby adjusting the oil pressure in the oil pressure switching body 10, in particular the so-called valve body, and enabling the automatic transmission to be controlled according to the oil pressure. In the oil pressure control device 1, the electromagnetic valve 20 and the control unit 30 are arranged on the oil pressure switching body 10 by means of the connector module 40. The oil pressure control device 1 in the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 represents an excerpt of part of the oil pressure circuit body 10.
[0018] The oil pressure circuit body 10 is what is referred to as the valve body. The illustrative oil pressure circuit body 10 is roughly divided into an operating system arrangement section 10A, in which the electromagnetic valve 20 is arranged, a control system arrangement section 10B, in which the control unit 30 is arranged, and a connecting section 10C, which connects the operating system arrangement section 10A and the control system arrangement section 10B. Fig. 1 and Fig. 3) The illustrative oil pressure circuit body 10 is formed by integrally forming the operating system arrangement body 10A, the control system arrangement section 10B and the connection section 10C with predetermined materials (such as a metal material and a synthetic resin material).
[0019] In the oil pressure circuit body 10, a main section 11 is formed by the operating system arrangement body 10A, the control system arrangement section 10B, and the connecting section 10C. Within the main section 11 of the oil pressure circuit body 10, an oil pressure circuit 12 is formed, configured to cause operating oil for an automatic transmission (not shown) to flow (Fig. 3 and 4). Fig. 4) The oil pressure circuit 12 comprises a main flow path (not shown) which acts as a flow path for the operating oil of the automatic transmission between a pump side and a side of the control mechanism (such as a brake and a clutch), and a flow rate adjustment path 12a which is connected to the main flow path along the course of the main flow path.
[0020] The main flow path connects an inlet of the operating oil, which is supplied under pressure from the pump side, to an outlet port through which the operating oil is discharged to the control mechanism side. The main flow path is provided with various flow paths corresponding to the gears of the automatic transmission. The flow rate adjustment path 12a is a column-shaped path through which a valve body 22 of the electromagnetic valve 20, described later, moves back and forth, and which is provided for each valve body 22. The valve body 22 adjusts the flow rate of the operating oil in the main flow path according to its position within the flow rate adjustment path 12a.
[0021] The oil pressure circuit body 10 provides a column-shaped housing chamber 13, which connects the oil pressure circuit 12 to the environment. The housing chamber 13 is arranged concentrically with respect to the flow rate adjustment path 12a, so that it is connected to the flow rate adjustment path 12a. The housing chamber 13 is a space in which a housing body 23 of the electromagnetic valve 20, which will be described later, is received, and which has an outer diameter that is larger than that of the flow rate adjustment path 12a. Accordingly, a bottom section 13a of the housing chamber 13 is formed annularly on the oil pressure circuit body 10 ( Fig. 4 and Fig. 5) A ring-shaped remote end surface 23a ( Fig. 6 and Fig. 7) of the housing body 23 comes into contact with the bottom section 13a when the housing body 23 is received into the housing space 13.
[0022] The electromagnetic valve 20 comprises a main body 21, in which a drive mechanism, such as a coil and a return spring, is included, and the valve body 22, which is designed to move back and forth in the axial direction by means of the drive mechanism ( Fig. 3, Fig. 6 and Fig. 7) For the sake of simplicity, the valve body 22 in the figures has a column-shaped form, but this form is not limiting. The valve body 22 is provided, for example, according to the configuration of the oil pressure circuit 12 and can be of a spool type, which is obtained by concentrically combining columns with different outer diameters (which is referred to as a spool valve). The valve body 22 is arranged concentrically with respect to the flow rate adjustment path 12a and moves back and forth along the central axis of the valve body 22 in the flow rate adjustment path 12a.
[0023] The electromagnetic valve 20 is provided with the cylindrical or annular housing body 23, which is arranged concentrically with respect to the valve body 22. The housing body 23 is inserted and received in the housing chamber 13 in the oil pressure circuit body 10 along the axial direction of the central axis. The electromagnetic valve 20 is connected to the oil pressure circuit body 10 while it is received in the housing chamber 13. In the electromagnetic valve 20, the housing body 23 and the main body 21 are through-holes, and the valve body 22 projects from the housing body 23 in a reciprocating manner. The exemplary housing body 23 is formed by providing concentric first and second housing bodies 23A and 23B with different outer diameters ( Fig. 6 and Fig. 7). In Fig. 6 and in Fig. 7. The first housing body 23A comprises two cylindrical or annular bodies with different outer diameters; however, it is described as a single cylindrical or annular body in the course of this description. The second housing body 23B has an outer diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the first housing body 23A. The second housing body 23B is located closer to the main body 21 than the first housing body 23A.
[0024] The electromagnetic valve 20 is further provided with terminals 24 which are electrically connected to its actuation mechanism. Each terminal 24 is formed by folding together a plate-shaped base material made of a conductive material, such as metal, to represent a repulsive force and generates strain when a load is applied to a contact 24a on the side of the valve, as described below.
[0025] The control unit 30 is a control unit (referred to as an electronic control unit (ECU)) that functions as the operating control unit for the oil pressure control device 1 and is designed to control the operation of the electromagnetic valve 20 in order to control the flow rate of the operating oil in the oil pressure circuit 12. The control unit 30 transmits an instruction to the electromagnetic valve 20 to be controlled, corresponding to a target gear of an automatic transmission, and controls the operation of the electromagnetic valve 20 to the open or closed position. For the control unit 30, at least the electromagnetic valve 20 represents a directly controlled object, and the automatic transmission represents an indirectly controlled object. The control unit 30 is provided with a plurality of connections 31, which are connected to an electrical counterpart connection target (such as, for example, a DC power supply).a directly controllable object and a sensor) is to be electrically connected by means of the connector module 40, and the control unit 30 is provided with a plurality of connections 32 which are to be electrically connected to an electrical counterpart connection target (not shown), such as a power supply without the connector module 40 (. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2).
[0026] The connector module 40 is designed to be electrically connected to at least two electrical connection destinations. The connector module 40 is provided with at least one electrical connection structure for connecting these electrical connection destinations. The electrical connection structure comprises a plurality of electrical wires and a wiring plate on which the electrical wires are wired. Each electrical wire is coated with an insulating layer and has a wiring section that is connected to the wiring plate and an electrical connection section that is to be physically and electrically connected to a corresponding electrical connection section.The electrical counterpart connection section represents an electrical connection section of a counterpart that is provided at the electrical connection target side of the electrical connection section in the electrical connection structure. In some cases, the electrical counterpart connection section is directly encompassed by an electrical connection target, and in other cases, it is positioned between the electrical connection target and an electrical connection section in the electrical connection structure. The electrical wires are wired, for example, using a wiring machine (not shown).
[0027] In the case where the connector module 40 is formed by means of a single electrical connection structure, both ends of the electrical wire each serve as an electrical connection section. A wiring section is provided between the electrical connection sections. With respect to the electrical wire, one electrical connection section is directly or indirectly and electrically connected to the other electrical connection target if an electrical connection section is physically and electrically connected to a counterpart electrical connection section on one side of the electrical connection target (e.g., on the side of the electromagnetic valve 20).In the case of the electrical wire, the other electrical connection section is directly or indirectly and electrically connected to the other electrical connection target if the other electrical connection section is physically and electrically connected to an electrical counterpart connection section on the other side of the electrical connection target (e.g. on the side of the control unit 30).
[0028] In such a connector module 40, which is formed by a single electrical connection structure, a physical and electrical connection part (a connection part) is formed between an electrical connection section and the electrical counterpart connection section on the side of one electrical connection target, and a physical and electrical connection part (the other connection part) is formed between the other electrical connection section and the electrical counterpart connection section on the other side of the electrical connection target. In this case, a recessed section surrounded by at least one connection part and the other connection part is formed in the wiring plate. A corresponding connection part is accommodated in the recessed section.
[0029] In the case where the connector module 40 is formed with a plurality of electrical connection structures, at least two of the electrical connection structures are arranged side by side. In each of the adjacent electrical connection structures, one electrical connection target (e.g., the electromagnetic valve 20) is electrically connected to one electrical connection structure, and the other electrical connection target (e.g., the control unit 30) is electrically connected to the other electrical connection structure. In one electrical connection structure, an electrical connection section of the electrical wire is physically and electrically connected at one end to a corresponding electrical connection section on one side of the electrical connection target.In the other electrical connection structure, an electrical connection section of the electrical wire at one end is physically and electrically connected to a counterpart connection section at the other end of the electrical connection target. In each of the adjacent electrical connection structures, a portion of the electrical wire in one electrical connection structure that is closer to the opposite end than the wiring section, and a portion of the electrical wire in the other electrical connection structure that is closer to the opposite end than the wiring section, exhibit an electrical connection relationship. Consequently, the connector module 40 can electrically connect two electrical connection targets.The electrical connection between the electrical connection structures can be formed by electrically connecting electrical wires that are individually provided to the electrical connection structures by welding or using terminals. In this case, the other end of one of the electrical wires forms a counterpart connection for the other end of the other electrical wire, and vice versa. The electrical connection between the electrical connection structures can also be formed by electrical wires that are located close to the electrical connection structures.Each electrical wire located near the electrical connection structures has wiring sections on wiring plates of the corresponding electrical connection structures, electrical connection sections at both ends, and a movable electrical wiring section located between the wire sections and within a movable section, which will be described later. In particular, the adjacent electrical connection structures in the connector module 40 can be connected such that the electrical wires in the electrical connection structures are physically and electrically connected to one another or are connected by means of electrical wires that cross the electrical connection structures.
[0030] In the case where the connector module 40 is formed by a plurality of electrical connection structures, a physical and electrical connection part (a connection part) is formed in one of the adjacent electrical connection structures between an electrical connection section and a corresponding electrical connection section on one side of the electrical connection target. In the other electrical connection structure, a physical and electrical connection part (another connection part) is formed between the other electrical connection section and a corresponding electrical connection section on the other side of the electrical connection target.In a wiring plate, a recessed area is formed in at least one of the adjacent electrical connection structures, corresponding to the arrangement of the connection parts between the electrical connection section and its counterpart connection section. A corresponding connection part is also incorporated into the recessed area.
[0031] A movable section, capable of altering the relative positional relationship between the adjacent electrical connection structures, is provided between them. Consequently, the connector module 40 can be easily adapted to the shape and arrangement of a counterpart to which each electrical connection structure is attached.
[0032] Regardless of the number of electrical connection structures forming the connector module 40, an electrical connection section and a corresponding electrical connection section are arranged and formed within the recessed section, such that when a recessed section is formed, an intermediate physical and electrical connection part is accommodated within the recessed section. In the connector module 40, the connection part is covered with an insulating element (e.g., an element obtained by solidifying an insulating synthetic resin material cast into the recessed section) to ensure its insulating properties. A recessed section can be formed for each connection part or can be formed to accommodate multiple connection parts.In cases where connecting parts are placed in a recessed section, an insulating synthetic resin material is poured into the recessed section in a state where the connecting parts are contained within a gap, and the insulating synthetic resin material hardens. In this way, the connecting parts can be covered with a single insulating element.
[0033] In particular, the exemplary connector module 40 electrically connects two types of electrical mating connection targets and is provided with an electrical connection structure for each type of electrical connection target. The electromagnetic valve 20 represents one of the two types of electrical mating targets, and the control unit 30 represents the other. The two electrical connection structures are arranged side by side in the exemplary connector module 40. One of the side-by-side electrical connection structures is configured to electrically connect the electromagnetic valve 20, as an electrical connection target, to its own electrical connection section. The other side-by-side electrical connection structure is configured to electrically connect the control unit 30, as an electrical connection target, to its own electrical connection section.
[0034] The exemplary connector module 40 is provided with a first electrical connection structure 41A, whose electrical counterpart connection target is the electromagnetic valve 20, and a second electrical connection structure 41B, whose electrical counterpart connection target is the control unit 30 ( Fig. 1 to Fig. 3, Fig. 8 and Fig. 9) The connector module is further provided with a movable section 41C which can change the relative positional relationship between the first electrical connection structure 41A and the second electrical connection structure 41B. Fig. Figure 9 does not show any electrical wires 42, which are described later. The connector module 40, which is formed from a single electrical connection structure as described above, corresponds to the one in which the first electrical connection structure 41A, the second electrical connection structure 41B, and the movable section 41C are integrated, such that the relative positional relationship below is not changed. In this case, the connector module 40 is provided, for example, with a housing body that has a wiring plate, and electrical wires are wired in the housing body. The housing body corresponds, for example, to the one in which a first housing element 50 is integrated into the first electrical connection structure 41A, a second housing element 70 into the second electrical connection structure 41B, and a connection element 81 into the movable section 41C, such that the relative positional relationship below is not changed.
[0035] The exemplary connector module 40 represents an example in which a plurality of electrical wires 42 are provided that cross the first electrical connection structure 41A and the second electrical connection structure 41B. Two electrical wires 42 are provided for each electromagnetic valve 20. Each electrical wire 42 has a first wiring section 42a, which is arranged in the first electrical connection structure 41A, and a second wiring section 42b, which is arranged in the second electrical connection structure 41B. Fig. 8) The electrical wire 42 has a first electrical connection section 42a1, which is directly or indirectly and electrically connected to the electric valve 20, at one end (at one end of the first wiring section 42a). The electrical wire 42 has a second electrical connection section 42b1, which is directly or indirectly and electrically connected to the control unit 30, at the other end (at one end of the second wiring section 42b).
[0036] The electrical wire 42 further comprises a connecting section 42c, which connects the other end of the first wiring section 42a and the other end of the second wiring section 42b. The connecting section 42c functions as a movable electrical wire section within the movable section 41C and is flexible, allowing it to be deformed. The flexibility of the connecting section 42c enables the relative positional relationship between the first electrical connection structure 41A and the second electrical connection structure 41B to be changed. Given this feature, any type of electrical wire 42 can be used, provided that at least the connecting section 42c exhibits flexibility after wiring.
[0037] For example, a solid wire or stranded wire is used as the conductor of the electrical wire 42. The conductor of the electrical wire 42 is coated with an insulating layer. In some cases, the connector module 40 is located in a position immersed in operating oil for an automatic transmission. The operating oil can flow into the connector module 40. Consequently, in such an arrangement, the coating is formed from an insulating material that is resistant to the properties (e.g., the physical properties of an additive at a certain oil temperature) of the operating oil. The exemplary connector module 40 is designed for such an arrangement, and therefore, a coating is formed from a material (such as a synthetic resin) that is resistant to the properties of the operating oil and has insulating properties. The electrical wire 42 is, for example,with such a coating to encase the entire conductor. In the case of a coating of this type, the sheathing is removed from both end sections of the electrical wire 42 to expose the inner conductor, thereby forming the first electrical connection section 42a1 and the second electrical connection section 42b1. The exemplary electrical wire 42 is obtained by conductive electroplating of a solid wire and coating the electroplated solid wire with a coating formed from a fluorinated resin.
[0038] First, the first electrical connection structure 41A is described. In the exemplary first electrical connection structure 41A, all components are made of a material that is resistant to the properties of the operating oil for the same reason as the coating of the electrical wire 42. In the exemplary first electrical connection structure 41A, the first wiring section 42a and the first electrical connection section 42a1 of the electrical wire 42 are arranged as described above. In the first electrical connection structure 41A, the first electrical connection section 42a1 is indirectly and electrically connected to the electromagnetic valve 20. Accordingly, the first electrical connection structure 41A is provided with a terminal 43 designed to electrically connect the electrical connection section 42a1 to the electromagnetic valve 20. Fig. 10 to Fig. 12) The terminal 43 functions as an electrical counterpart connection section of the electrical connection section 42a1. In the present example, a first terminal 43A and a second terminal 43B are provided as the terminals 43 for each electromagnetic valve 20. The first terminal 43A and the second terminal 42B are formed from conductive materials, such as a metal, and represent elements that are distinct from the electrical wire 42. Accordingly, the terminals 43 (the first terminal 43A and the second terminal 43B) are physically and electrically connected to the first electrical connection section 42a1 by a predetermined method. The predetermined method can be a method that enables a physical and electrical connection between them. Examples of methods according to the invention include welding (such as laser welding and resistance welding), soldering, and press bonding.The exemplary first terminal 43A and the exemplary second terminal 43B are formed in a plate-shaped form, such as that which is called a busbar. The first electrical connection section 42a1 of the electrical wire 42 is welded to a flat element of each from the first terminal 43A and the second terminal 43B (. Fig. 12)
[0039] The first electrical connection structure 41A is provided with the first housing element 50, which is designed to connect the first wiring sections 42a and the first electrical connection sections 42a1 of the electrical wires 42 and the terminals 43 (first terminals 43A and second terminals 43B) ( Fig. 8 to Fig. 12) In the first electrical connection structure 41A, an element of the first housing element 50 is used as a wiring plate. The first housing element 50 is attached to the operating system arrangement section 10A in the oil pressure circuit body 10 and is arranged to cover at least the area surrounding the housing space 13. The exemplary first housing element 50 is broadly divided into a base element 51 and a cover element 52 and, in the state in which the base element 51 and the cover element are integrated, has an insertion hole 53 for each electromagnetic valve 20. The electromagnetic valve 20 is received into the housing space 13 through the insertion hole 53.
[0040] The basic element 51 represents a plate-shaped element in which a main section 51a is formed in a plate-shaped form ( Fig. 10 and Fig. 11) The base element 51 is formed such that, when placed on the operating system assembly section 10A, it can cover at least the area surrounding the housing space 13 on one side of a flat surface. Consequently, a through-hole 51b is formed in the base element 51 in the main section 51a to expose the housing frame 13 when the base element 51 is placed. The through-hole 51b functions as part of the insertion hole 53 in the first housing element 50 on the side of the oil pressure circuit body 10.
[0041] The base element 51 can be made of any material, including a metal and a synthetic resin. The exemplary base element 51 is made of an insulating material, such as a synthetic resin, and incorporates the first terminal 43A and the second terminal 43B, leaving one side of a flat surface exposed. In this example, the first terminal 43A and the second terminal 43B are integrated with the base element 51 by injection molding.
[0042] As described above, the first electrical connection sections 42a1 of the electrical wires 42 are welded to the first terminal 43A and the second terminal 43B on an exposed flat surface. Therefore, the base element 51 in the first electrical connection structure 41A acts as a wiring plate, and the first wiring sections 42a of the electrical wires 42 are wired to an inner wall surface of the base element 51. The base element 51 may be provided with a retaining section designed to hold the wired first wiring section 42a. However, in the present example, the path length of the first wiring section 42a is short, and the first electrical connection sections 42a1 are physically connected to the first terminal 43A and the second terminal 43B; consequently, no retaining section is provided.
[0043] The cover element 52 is attached to the base element 51 and a main section 52a formed thereon to cover the base element 51 from the other side of the flat surface ( Fig. 10 and Fig. 11) In the main section 52a, a through-hole 52b is formed to expose the housing space 13 when the cover element 52 is attached to the base element 51 and when it is attached to the operating system assembly section 10A. The through-hole 52, together with the through-hole 51b in the base element 51, functions as the insertion hole 53.
[0044] The cover element 52 can be made of any material, including metal and synthetic resin. The exemplary cover element 52 is made of an insulating material, such as a synthetic resin, to fit with the base element 51.
[0045] In the first housing element 50, locking mechanisms 54, designed for the integration of the base element 51 and the cover element 52, are provided at a plurality of parts ( Fig. 9 to Fig. 11) Each locking mechanism 54 has a first locking section 54a provided on the main section 51a of the base element 51, and a second locking section 54b provided on the main section 52a of the cover element 52 and designed to engage with the first locking section 54a to integrate the base element 51 and the cover element 52. In the locking mechanism 54, for example, one of the first locking section 54a and the second locking section 54b is formed as a claw section, and the other of the first locking section 54a and the second locking section 54b is provided with a wall surface to engage with the claw section. In the present example, the first locking section 54a is formed as a claw section, and the second locking section 54b is provided with a wall surface to engage with the locking section.
[0046] In the first housing element 50, the base element 51 and the cover element 52 are integrated in such a way that the first wiring section 42a of each electrical wire 42 is the first to be wired to the base element 51. During the wiring step, the end section of the electrical wire 42 is cut so that the first wiring section 42a has a structural dimension. The sheathing on the end section of the first wiring section 42a is then removed to form the first electrical connection section 42a1. In the present example, the cutting of the end section and the removal of the sheathing were carried out after the electrical wire 42 had been wired. Consequently, the shape of the base element 51 is formed, for example, by providing a cutout, so that one tool can be used for cutting and another for removing the sheathing.
[0047] In the next step, each first electrical connection section 42a1 is welded to a corresponding terminal 43 (first terminal 43A or second terminal 43B). In the next step, the base element 51 and the cover element 52 are integrated together by means of the locking mechanism 54, while part of the connecting element 81 is positioned between the base element 51 and the cover element 52 in the movable section 41C, which will be described later. The step of integrating the base element 51 and the cover element 52 involves connecting the first housing element 50 to the connecting element 81. The connection structure will be described later.
[0048] Between the first electrical connection section 42a1 of the electrical wire 42 and a counterpart (the first terminal 43A or the second terminal 43B), a physical and electrical connection (hereinafter referred to as a "connection part") can be covered by an insulating element, similar to a connection part between the second electrical connection section 42b1, which will be described later, and a counterpart (terminal 31 in the control unit 30). In particular, if the connection parts are arranged side by side and the distance between adjacent connection parts is small, it is desirable to cover each connection part with an insulating element to prevent electrical contact through conductive particles (contamination) in the operating oil.Even if conductive particles are mixed into the operating oil and the operating oil flows into the connector module 40, the connector module 40 can consequently maintain an electrical connection between electrical connection targets (between the electromagnetic valve 20 and the control unit 30) and improve the service life of the connector module 40 and the electrical connection targets. In the first housing element 50, for example, a rectangular cuboid space section (in particular, a surrounded recess-shaped section) 51d is formed by a U-shaped wall section 51c of the base element 51 and a wall section 81a of the connector element 81 when the connector element 81 is attached to the base element 51. Fig. 10) The wall section 51c is provided upright so that it surrounds a welded element with the first electrical connection section 42a1 in the exposed part of the terminal 43 (first terminal 43A or second terminal 43B). From another perspective, the first electrical connection section 42a1 and the terminal 43 are formed so that they are arranged in the space section 51d, and so that a physical and electrical connection part between them is accommodated in the space section 51d. The wall section 51c is provided upright for each connection part between the first electrical connection section 42a1 and its counterpart (first terminal 43A or second terminal 43B). In particular, the space section 51d accommodates a connection part and is provided for each connection part.By filling space section 51d with a liquid or gel-like insulating synthetic resin material and allowing the synthetic resin material to solidify, an insulating element can be formed that is designed to cover the connecting parts. Space section 51d prevents the filled synthetic resin material from flowing out.
[0049] The correspondingly integrated first housing element 50 is attached, for example, to the operating system arrangement section 10A in the oil pressure circuit body 10 by means of screw elements (not shown). Through holes 55 are provided in the exemplary first housing element 50, through which male screw elements are inserted ( Fig. 9 to Fig. 11) The through-hole 55 is formed by a through-hole 55a provided in the main section 51a of the base element 51 and a through-hole 55b provided in the main section 52a of the cover element 52. Female screw sections (not shown), to be screwed to the male screw elements, are provided in the operating system assembly section 10A.
[0050] The first housing element 50 may or may not have a connection structure for the electromagnetic valve 20. In the present example, a connection structure for the electromagnetic valve 20 is provided between the oil pressure circuit body 10 and the first housing element 50. The connection structure for the electromagnetic valve 20 will now be briefly described.
[0051] The exemplary connection structure for the electromagnetic valve 20 comprises at least two first connection structures 61 for each electromagnetic valve 20 ( Fig. 4 to Fig. 7), a second connecting structure 62 ( Fig. 4 to Fig. 7) and at least two third connection structures 63 ( Fig. 6, Fig. 7 and Fig. 13).
[0052] The first connection structure 61 comprises a first tool 61A to be connected, which is provided on the housing body 23 ( Fig. 6 and Fig. 7), and a first joining tool 61B provided on a side wall section forming the housing space 13 (inner circumferential wall section 13b) and designed to lock the first tool to be joined, 61A in the axial direction (axial direction of the housing space 13 and the housing body 23) when the housing body 23 is received into the housing space 23 ( Fig. 4 and Fig. 5) In the present example, two first connection structures 61 and are provided essentially at equal distances around the axis.
[0053] The electromagnetic valve 20 is mounted on the oil pressure circuit body 10 such that the housing body 23 is inserted into the housing chamber 13 along the axial direction of the central axis (central axis of the housing body 23) and the entire electromagnetic valve 20 rotates about the central axis after the remote end face 23a of the housing body 23 abuts the bottom section 23a in the housing chamber 13. Consequently, the first tool 61A to be connected is formed as a projecting section that extends partially from an outer circumferential wall section of the housing body 23 to the radial outer surface.The first connecting tool 61B is formed as a groove section that guides the first tool 61A to be connected into the housing chamber 13 in response to the housing body 23 being enclosed, and locks the first tool 61A to be connected in the axial direction (axial direction of the housing chamber 13 and the housing body 23) after the electromagnetic valve 20 rotates about its central axis (central axis of the housing body 23) during the enclosure of the housing body 23. The first connecting tool 61B is formed in the form of a groove in which a portion of the wall section (inner circumferential wall section 13b) in the housing chamber 13 is recessed towards the radial outer side.
[0054] In particular, the first connecting tool 61B has an axial groove section 61B1 and a circumferential groove section 61B2. The axial groove section 61B1 is designed to guide the first tool 61A to be connected in the axial direction when the housing body 23 is inserted into the housing space 13 along the axial direction. The axial groove section 61B1 extends from the outer wall surface of the oil pressure circuit body 10 to the location of the bottom section 13a in the housing space 13 along the axial direction. The circumferential groove section 61B2 is designed to guide the first tool 61A to be connected in the circumferential direction when the housing body 23 rotates about its central axis in the housing space 13. The circumferential groove section 61B2 extends from the side of the bottom section 13a of the axial recess section 61B1 in the circumferential direction.The circumferential groove section 61B2 has side walls 61B3 in the axial direction opposite the bottom section 13a. The bottom section 13a and the side walls 61B3 block the relative movement of the first tool 61A to be connected in the axial direction. In this way, the first connection structure 61 can suppress the movement of the electromagnetic valve 20 relative to the oil pressure circuit body 10 in the axial direction.
[0055] The second connection structure 62 comprises a second tool 62A to be connected, which is attached to the housing body 23 ( Fig. 6 and Fig. 7) is provided, and a second joining tool 62B, which is provided on the wall section (inner circumferential wall section 13b), forming the housing space 13 and designed to suppress the relative movement of the second tool 62A to be joined along a plane perpendicular to the axial direction (axial direction of the housing space 13 and the housing body 23) when the housing body 23 is received into the housing space 13 ( Fig. 4 and Fig. 5).
[0056] In the present example, for instance, an outer circumferential wall section 23b of the first housing body 23A is used as the second tool 62A to be joined, and the inner circumferential wall section 13b in the housing space 13 is used as the second joining tool 62B. In the second joining structure 62, the outer circumferential wall section 23b (second tool 62A to be joined) and the inner circumferential wall section 13b (second joining tool 62B) are formed so that they have the same diameter and are joined in a state in which kickback is suppressed, thus preventing relative movement between the housing body 23 and the housing space 13 in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction. In this way, the second joining structure 62 can suppress relative movement between the oil pressure circuit body 10 and the electromagnetic valve 20 in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction.
[0057] The third connection structure 63 includes a third tool 63A to be connected, which is provided on the housing body 23 ( Fig. 2, Fig. 6 and Fig. 7) and a third connecting tool 63B, which is provided on the cover element 52 in the first housing element 50 and is designed to lock the third tool 63A to be connected in order to suppress the rotation of the electromagnetic valve 20 relative to the oil pressure circuit body 10 about the central axis of the electromagnetic valve when the housing body 23 is received into the housing space 13 ( Fig. 2 and Fig. 13).
[0058] In particular, the third tool 63A to be connected is formed as a projecting section that extends partially from the outer circumferential wall section into the housing body 23 towards the radial outer surface. The third connecting tool 63B is formed as a locking section designed to lock the third tool 63A to be connected while it is pressed by the third tool 63A together with the rotational operation of the housing body 23 described above, thus stopping the rotational operation. The third connecting tool 63B extends from a wall section (inner wall section) in the insertion hole 53 for the electromagnetic valve 20 towards the radial inner surface.In particular, the third connecting tool 63B has a claw section 63B1 which the third tool 63A to be connected overhangs while being pressed together with the rotation operation of the housing body 23, and a connecting section 63B2 which is designed to connect the claw section 63B1 to the wall section (inner wall section) in the insertion hole 53 (. Fig. 13) It is desirable that the connecting section 63B2 be designed so that it is flexible enough to apply a pressing force to the third tool 63A to be connected when the third tool 63A projects beyond the claw section 63B1 while the claw section 63B1 is being pressed. In this way, the third connecting structure 63 can prevent the movement of the electromagnetic valve 20 around the axis relative to the oil pressure circuit body 10.
[0059] The electromagnetic valve 20 is mounted on the first electrical connection structure 41A and the oil pressure circuit body 10 with the first connection structures 61, the second connection structure 62, and the third connection structures 63. When the electromagnetic valve 20 is rotated around its axis relative to the oil pressure circuit body 10 at the mounting stage, the valve-side contact 24a of each terminal 24 makes contact with a corresponding terminal 43 (first terminal 43A or second terminal 43B). In this way, a physical or electrical connection is established between the electromagnetic valve 20 and the terminal 43 in the connector module 40.
[0060] Next, the second electrical connection structure 41B is described. In the exemplary second electrical connection structure 41B, all components are formed from a material that is resistant to the properties of the operating oil for the same reason as the coating of the electrical wire 42. In the exemplary second electrical connection structure 41B, as described above, the second wiring section 42b and the second electrical connection section 42b1 of the electrical wire 42 are arranged. The second electrical connection structure 41B is provided with a second housing element 70, which is configured to accommodate the second wiring section 42b and the second electrical connection section 42b1. Fig. 14). The second housing element 70 is attached to the control system assembly section 10B in the oil pressure circuit body 10. The exemplary second housing element 70 is roughly divided into a base element 71 and a cover element 72. The second housing element 70 is provided with a housing chamber for the control unit 30.
[0061] The base element 71 is a plate-shaped element formed in the form of a plate and is arranged on one side of a flat surface at the control system assembly section 10B. The base element 71 is broadly divided into a first housing section 71A, which serves as part of the housing chamber for the control unit 30, and a second housing section 71B, which serves as part of a housing chamber for the second wiring section 42b. The first housing section 71A and the second housing section 71B can be an integrated element or separate elements. The exemplary base element 71 represents an integrally formed article of the first housing section 71A and the second housing section 71B. The base element 71 is formed from an insulating material, such as a synthetic resin.
[0062] The cover element 72 is formed from the base element 71 and is configured to cover the base element 71 from the other side of a flat surface. The exemplary cover element 72 functions as a wiring plate on which the second wiring sections 42b are wired and is formed from an insulating material, such as a synthetic resin. The cover element 72 is broadly divided into a first housing section 72A, which serves as part of the housing chamber for the control unit 30, and a second housing section 72B, which serves as part of the housing chamber for the second wiring section 42b. The first housing section 72A and the second housing section 72B can be an integral element or separate elements.The exemplary cover element 72 has separate elements, as described below, and is formed from a first cover element (hereinafter referred to as "first cover element 72A"), which functions as the first housing section 72A, and from a second cover element (hereinafter referred to as "second cover element 72B"), which functions as the second housing section 72B. In the cover element 72, the first cover element 72A covers the first housing section 72A in the base element 71 to form an interior, and the interior is used as a housing chamber for the control unit 30. In the cover element 72, the second cover element 72B covers the second housing section 71B in the base element 71 to form an interior, and the interior is used as a housing chamber for the second wiring section 42b.
[0063] In the housing chamber for the second wiring section 42b, the second wiring sections 42b are wired on an inner wall surface of the second cover element 72B ( Fig. 15) The inner wall surface of the second cover element 72B is provided with retaining sections 73A, which are designed to individually hold the second wiring sections 42b, and bending guide sections 73B are provided, which are designed to regulate bent parts of the second wiring sections 42b. The retaining section 73A is, for example, an upright element designed to hold the second wiring section 42b, the second wiring section 42b being held in place by another retaining section 73a between the retaining section 73A and the retaining section 73A. The retaining section 73A is provided at one or more locations according to the path length of the second wiring section 42b ( Fig. 15 and Fig. 16) provided. The bending guide section 73B, for example, represents a column-like element that is provided upright on a bent part of the second wiring section 42b. The bending guide section 73B guides the second wiring section 42d, while the second wiring section 43b is bent along its circumferential direction.
[0064] In the second housing element 70, locking mechanisms 74, designed to integrate the base element 71 and the cover element 72, are provided at a plurality of locations ( Fig. 14 and Fig. 15) Each locking mechanism 74 has a first locking section 74a provided on the base element 71 and a second locking section 74b provided on the cover element 72 and configured to lock with the first locking section 74a to integrate the base element and the cover element 72. The exemplary locking mechanism 74 is similar to the locking mechanism 54 in the first housing element 50. The first locking section 74a is configured as a claw section, and the second locking section 74b is provided with a wall surface for engaging the claw section thereon.
[0065] In the second electrical connection structure 41B, the second electrical connection section 42b1 is directly and electrically connected to the control unit 30. In the present example, a second electrical connection section 42b1 is provided for each terminal 31 of the control unit 30. Terminal 31 acts as a counterpart electrical connection section for the second electrical connection section 42b1.
[0066] When integrating the base section 71 and the cover element 72 into the second housing element 70, the second wiring section 42b is wired from each electrical wire 42 on the second cover element 72B along the retaining section 73A and the bending guide section 73B, as described above. In the wiring step, the end section of the electrical wire 42 is cut off, so that the length of the second wiring section 42b has a design value. Then, the coating on the end section of the second wiring section 42b is removed to form the second electrical connection section 42b1. In the present example, the cutting off of the end section and the removal of the coating are carried out after the electrical wire 42 has been laid. Consequently, the shape of the second cover element 72B is, for example,formed by providing a cutout so that a cutting device and a removal device can be used.
[0067] In the next step, the control unit 30 is placed on the first cover element 72A (in this case, a connector 35 for the control unit can already be attached to the control unit 30 or attached in a subsequent step), and then the second electrical connection section 42b1 and the connecting wire 31 of the control unit 30 are welded together ( Fig. 16) The second electrical connection section 421 and the terminal 31, which is welded and exposed, essentially constitute a single physical or electrical connection part. In the next step, the base element 71 and the cover element 72 are integrated by means of the locking mechanism 74.
[0068] In connector module 40, the distances between adjacent connection parts in the second electrical connection structure 41B are close. Operating oil for an automatic transmission, which may be mixed with conductive particles (referred to as contamination), such as metal powder, could potentially flow into connector module 40. Therefore, each connection part in connector module 40 is covered with an insulating element 75 to prevent an electrical connection between the connection part and the particles. Consequently, even if conductive particles are mixed into the operating oil and the operating oil flows into connector module 40, the connector module 40 can maintain an electrical connection between electrical connection targets (between the electromagnetic valve 20 and the control unit 30), thus improving the service life of both the connector module 40 and the electrical connection targets.
[0069] In the connector module 40, for example, a liquid or gel-like insulating synthetic resin material is poured into all connection parts and their surroundings and solidifies, so that the connection parts are each covered with the insulating element 75. In this case, a recessed section 76 is formed on the inner wall surface of the first cover element 72A, as shown in Fig. Figure 16 is shown to prevent the synthetic resin material from flowing out before it solidifies. The recessed section 76 is a surrounded recessed section. The exemplary recessed section 76 is designed so that it is recessed from the inner wall surface (wiring surface) of the second cover element 72B, to which the second wiring section 42b of the electrical wire 42 is wired. All connection parts are enclosed within the recessed section 76. To form such a housing configuration, the second electrical connection section 42b1 and the terminal 31 are formed so that they are arranged within the recessed section 76, and so that a physical and electrical connection part of the second electrical connection section 42b1 and the terminal 31 is enclosed within the recessed section 76.In the present example, the second electrical connection section 42b1 is bent and, for example, offset in a stepped manner with respect to the second wiring section 42b, such that the second electrical connection section 42b1 is arranged in the recessed section 76. Accordingly, the connection parts in the connector module 40 are formed in the recessed section 76, and consequently, the connection parts are covered with the insulating element 75 while spaced apart from one another when the synthetic resin material is poured into the recessed section 76. As described above, the insulating element 75 in the connector module 40 is formed within the recessed section 76, and consequently, the insulating property between all adjacent connection parts can be ensured.
[0070] The offset shape of the second wiring section 42b can be formed before or after the wiring of the second wiring section 42b. For example, the second wiring section 42b is wired onto the second cover element 72B, such that the length on the side of the second electrical connection section 42b1 is greater than a design value, and is transferred to the next pressing step. In the pressing step, a press is used to press the second wiring section 42b onto the side of the second electrical connection section 42b1 in the recessed section 76 to form the offset shape of the second wiring section 42b. The pressing step can simultaneously include cutting off the second support section 42b at the second electrical connection section 42b1 to a length of a design value.After the length on the side of the second electrical connection section 42b1 has been set to a design value in the next step, the coating on the end section of the second wiring section 42b is removed in this case to form the second electrical connection section 42b1.
[0071] The description in the present example assumes that all connecting parts are arranged within the rectangular, spatula-shaped insulating element 75, while being separated from each other by spacing. However, the insulating element 75 can cover the connecting parts individually. In the connector module 40, an insulating element, acting as a wall, can be arranged between adjacent connecting parts.
[0072] Next, the movable section 41C is described. The movable section 41C is provided with the connecting element 81, which is designed to connect the first electrical connection structure 41A and the second electrical connection structure 41B, which are arranged side by side. The connecting element 81 connects the first electrical connection structure 41A and the second electrical connection structure 41B so that the relative positional relationship between them can be changed.
[0073] In particular, the connecting element 81 is provided so that it extends along a gap between the first electrical connection structure 41A and the second electrical connection structure 41B, which are arranged side by side ( Fig. 1 to Fig. 3, Fig. 8 and Fig. 9) The connecting element 81 is made, for example, of a material (e.g., a synthetic resin) that is resistant to the properties of the operating oil and has an insulating property for the same reason as the coating of the electrical wire 42.
[0074] The connection structure of the first electrical connection structure 41A is now described. In the connection element 81, a connection section 82 of the first housing element 50 is provided on the wall section 81a opposite the first housing element 50 ( Fig. 9 to Fig. 11) The exemplary connecting section 82 represents a projecting section formed in a T-shape with a rectangular first piece 82a projecting from the wall section 81a to the first housing element 50, and a second piece 82b provided at a free end of the first piece 82a ( Fig. 10).
[0075] The first housing element 50 is provided with a locking element 56, which is designed to receive and lock the connecting section 82 therein ( Fig. 10 to Fig. 12) The locking element 56 has, for example, a cutout through which the first piece 82a of the connecting section 82 is inserted, and an interior space for receiving and locking the second piece 82b of the connecting section 82 therein. In the present example, the locking element 56 is divided into a first locking section 56a on the side of the base element 51 and a second locking section 56b on the side of the cover element 52, so that the locking element 56 is formed when the base element 51 and the cover element 52 are assembled. The first locking section 56a and the second locking section 56b each receive and lock half of the T-shaped connecting section 82 and have a cutout through which one half of the first piece 82a is inserted, and an interior space for receiving and locking one half of the second piece 82b therein.
[0076] In the first electrical connection structure 41A, the connecting section 82 is received into the locking element 56 and locks during the assembly step for the base element 51 and the cover element 52, when the T-shaped connecting section 82 is received into the first locking section 56a and the second locking section 56b, and the locking element 56 is formed simultaneously with the completion of the assembly of the base element 51 and the cover element 52. The first electrical connection structure 41A and the connecting element 81, connected in this way, can move relative to each other due to a setback corresponding to a clearance between the locking element 56 and the connecting section 82. However, the relative positional relationship between the first electrical connection structure 41A and the connecting element 81 is essentially kept constant.
[0077] The connecting element 81 has a cutout 83 through which the first wiring section 42a is inserted, provided for each first wiring section 42a to prevent the first wiring section 42a from being pinched between the connecting element 81 and the base element 51 ( Fig. 10).
[0078] The connection structure for the second electrical connection structure 41b is described below. In this example, the second electrical connection structure 41b is rotated relative to the connecting element 81, thus allowing relative rotation between the first electrical connection structure 41A and the second electrical connection structure 41B. To achieve this feature, a rotating shaft is provided on the second housing element 70 in the second electrical connection structure 41B or on the connecting element 81 in the movable section 41C, and a bearing section for the rotating shaft is provided in the other. In this example, a rotating shaft 77 is provided on the second cover element 72B in the second housing 70, and a bearing section 84 is provided on the connecting element 81 ( Fig. 14) provided. The rotating shafts 77 are each column-like elements projecting from the second cover element 72B and are arranged at two concentric points (only one point is in Fig. (14 shown). After assembly on the oil pressure circuit body 10, it is not necessary for the connector module 40 to move relative to the first electrical connection structure 41A and the second electrical connection structure 41B. Therefore, the bearing section 84 for each rotating shaft 77 is provided as a through-hole through which the rotating shaft 77 is inserted to rotate freely.
[0079] In the case where the connector module 40, for example, individually comprises electrical wires 42 for the first electrical connection structure 41A and the second electrical connection structure 41B, the electrical wire 42 for the first electrical connection structure 41A has the first wiring section 42a and the first electrical connection section 42a1, and the electrical wire 42 for the second electrical connection structure 41B has the second wiring section 42b and the second electrical connection section 42b1. In this case, as described above, a connecting body of the first electrical connection structure 41A and the connecting element 81 are formed, and furthermore, the second electrical connection structure 41B is formed, and the second electrical connection structure 41B and the connecting element 81 are assembled together by means of the rotating shaft 77 and the bearing section 84.In this case, a free end of the electrical wire 42 for the first electrical connection structure 41A (end section on the opposite side of the first electrical connection section 42a1) and a free end of the electrical wire 42 for the second electrical connection structure 41B (end section on the opposite side of the second electrical connection section 42b1) are physically and electrically connected by welding or by using terminals.
[0080] In the connector module 40, however, the electrical wires 42 cross the first electrical connection structure 41A and the second electrical connection structure 41B. In the present example, the connecting element 81 is therefore mounted on the second electrical connection structure 41B after the second electrical connection structure 41B is formed. Each electrical wire 42 protruding from the connecting body of the second electrical connection structure 41B and the connecting element 81 is wired to the base element 51 on the side of the first electrical connection structure 41A to form the first wiring section 42a and the first electrical connection section 42a1. Subsequently, in the present example, the connecting element 81 is mounted on the first housing element 50, while the base element 51 and the cover element 52 are integrated. In this way, the connector module 40 can be formed.
[0081] In the connector module 40 formed as described above, the first wiring section 42a and the second wiring section 42b are wired accordingly in the first housing element 50 and the second housing element 70. Consequently, tolerances in the variation within the first housing element 50 and the second housing element 70 can be accommodated to position the first wiring section 42a (first electrical connection section 42a1) and the second wiring section 42b (second electrical connection section 42b1) at desired locations. The connector module 40 can therefore improve the connectivity and connection accuracy (in other words, the accuracy of the power supply) between the first electrical connection section 42a1 and terminal 43, and improve the connectivity and connection accuracy between the second electrical connection section 42b1 and terminal 31.The connector module 40 can also reduce costs in this respect. If a rigid element (such as a busbar or a rigid substrate) is used instead of the electrical wires 42, a high-precision element with low tolerance variation must be formed and arranged to ensure the connection accuracy between the rigid element and terminal 31 and between the rigid element and terminal 43, which can increase costs. However, the connector module 40 uses the electrical wires 42 and can therefore reduce costs.
[0082] The connector module 40 comprises the movable section 41C between the first electrical connection structure 41A and the second electrical connection structure 41B. The electrical wires 42 (coupling sections 42c as movable electrical wiring sections) are arranged in the movable section 41C. Consequently, the relative positional relationship between the first electrical connection structure 41A and the second electrical connection structure 41B can be changed with the movable section 41C as the boundary.The connector module 40 can therefore enable the first electrical connection structure 41A and the second electrical connection structure 41B to be attached to the operating system assembly section 10A and the control system assembly section 10B in the oil pressure circuit body 10, respectively, regardless of any change in the relative positional relationship caused by a tolerance change between the operating system assembly section 10A and the control system assembly section 10B. Consequently, the connector module 40 can improve the ease of assembly and the assembly accuracy of the oil pressure circuit body 10 compared to the case where a rigid element (such as a busbar or a rigid substrate) is used instead of the electrical wires 42. The connector module 40 can also reduce costs in this respect.In the case where the connector module 40 has a high response capability to changes in the relative positional relationship, such as those caused by a tolerance change between the operating system assembly section 10A and the control system assembly section 10B, the connecting element 81 may be omitted or a backstop may be provided between the connecting element 81 and the first electrical connection structure 41A and between the connecting element 81 and the second electrical connection structure 41B to increase the amount of change in the relative positional relationship between the first electrical connection structure 41A and the second electrical connection structure 41B (in particular, the amount of change in a direction different from the direction of a relative rotation).
[0083] After assembly, a force acting on the first electrical connection structure 41A and the second electrical connection structure 41B (e.g., a force generated by thermal contraction or thermal expansion due to the heat of the operating oil, or a force applied externally) can be absorbed by the movable section 41C. Consequently, the connector module 40 can improve the service life compared to the case where a rigid element is used instead of the electrical wires 42.
[0084] Even if the mounting surface of the operating system assembly section 10A for the first electrical connection structure 41A and the mounting surface of the control system assembly section 10B for the second electrical connection structure 41B are arranged substantially in a plane relative to each other ( Fig. 17) or if an angle is provided between the mounting surface ( Fig. 18 and Fig. 19) The connector module 40 can in any case be attached to the oil pressure circuit body 10 by adjusting the angle formed by the first electrical connection structure 41A and the second electrical connection structure 41B so that the angle is equal to the angle formed by the mounting surfaces, provided that there are no changes in the design of the operating system assembly section 10A and the control system assembly section 10B (in particular, no circuit change occurs in the oil pressure circuit body 10) and there is no significant change in the gap between the drive system assembly section 10A and the control system assembly section 10B (in other words, the size of the connection section 10C). The connector module 40 can therefore be shared between such different oil pressure circuit bodies 10. In this respect, the connector module 40 can also reduce costs.In the case where the angle formed by the mounting surface is acute, if the path length of the connecting section 42c, which acts as a movable electrical wiring section, is insufficient, the path length can be extended so that the first electrical connecting structure 41A and the second electrical connecting structure 41B can be attached to the corresponding mounting surfaces.
[0085] If there is no change in the shapes of the operating system arrangement section 10A and the control system arrangement section 10B, then there is a major change in the gap between them ( Fig. 20). For example, the connector module 40 can be mounted on the oil pressure circuit bodies 10 with different gaps by wiring the first wiring section 42a and the second wiring section 42b around the connection section 42c, which acts as a movable electrical wiring section, so that the path length of the connection section 42c is lengthened or shortened. By simply changing the length of the electrical wire 42, the connector module 40 can be configured for each oil pressure circuit body 10 with a different gap. The connector module 40 can therefore also reduce costs in this respect. By setting the path length of the connection section 42c according to the largest gap between the operating system assembly section 10A and the control system assembly section 10B, the connector module 40 can be distributed between the oil pressure circuit bodies 10 with different gaps in this area.The connector module 40 can reduce costs in this respect. In these connector modules 40, the connecting element 81 can be provided for the movable section 41C. However, it is not necessary for the connecting element 81 to be provided on the movable section 41C, provided that the service life of the connecting section 42c is not reduced.
[0086] Even if there are no changes in the designs of the operating system assembly section 10A and the control system assembly section 10B (in particular, no circuit change in the oil pressure circuit body 10), the connector module 40 can respond to the oil pressure circuit body 10 after the circuit has been modified primarily by changing the wiring path 42. By changing some of the components in the connector module 40 to suit the oil pressure circuit body 10 after the circuit has changed, the connector module 40 can respond to this oil pressure circuit body 10. The connector module 40 can therefore reduce costs compared to using a rigid element requiring a complete redesign of all components or a wiring harness.
[0087] The connector module 40 can be formed using various types of manufacturing equipment, such as a wiring machine. Consequently, the connector module 40 eliminates manual work by an operator compared to the conventional method of manually connecting the electromagnetic valve 20 and the control unit 30 with a wiring harness. This effect can even be achieved when the electrical wire 42 is replaced by a rigid element. This is because using a rigid element requires a workspace for an absorption machine to absorb and position the rigid element. If such a workspace cannot be guaranteed, the rigid element must be positioned manually. Therefore, the connector module 40 can achieve satisfactory productivity and consequently reduce costs.The connector module 40 uses electrical wires 42, which are coated according to the description above. Consequently, it is only necessary to take countermeasures regarding operating oil (such as by providing the insulating element 75) at the connection point (welded part) with a counterpart. Given this, the connector module 40 can also maintain satisfactory productivity and consequently reduce costs. The use of a cable harness containing an electrical wire bundle can increase the physical size compared to the use of the connector module 40.
[0088] In the connector module 40, the recessed section 76 is designed to receive the connecting parts. Even when an insulating synthetic resin material is filled into the recessed section 76 as raw material for the insulating element 75, the outflow of the synthetic resin material can be prevented. Therefore, the insulating element 75 can be formed in the recessed section 76 of the connector module 40, and consequently, a simple manufacturing process can be used to coat the connecting parts with the insulating element 75 and ensure the insulating property of the connecting parts. The connector module 40 can therefore reduce costs while maintaining satisfactory productivity and service life.
[0089] The connection module 40 can reduce costs compared to using an expensive flexible circuit board.
[0090] As described above, the connector module 40 in the present embodiment can reduce costs while maintaining satisfactory productivity and service life. The hydraulic pressure control device (oil pressure circuit body 1) according to the present embodiment includes such a connector module 40 and can therefore achieve the same effects.
[0091] The above description states that the connector module 40, in the present embodiment, can be applied to an oil pressure circuit body 10 in which the mounting surface of the operating system arrangement section 10A for the first electrical connection structure 41A and the mounting surface of the control system arrangement section 10B for the second electrical connection structure 41B are substantially planar, and can be applied to an oil pressure circuit body 10 in which an angle (regardless of its size) is provided between the mounting surfaces. However, the connector module 40 is also applicable to an oil pressure circuit body 10 with a different configuration.
[0092] In an oil pressure circuit body 10, which is in Fig. As shown in Figure 21, for example, a step is provided between a mounting surface of the first electrical connection structure 41A in the operating system assembly section 10A and a mounting surface of the second electrical connection structure 41B in the control system assembly section 10B. In this case, the mounting surface on the side of the control system assembly section 10B is lower in height than the mounting surface on the side of the operating system assembly section 10A. The connector module 40 can be fixed to such an oil pressure circuit body 10 by defining the path length of the connection section 42c of the electrical wire 42, so that the connection section 42c can connect the first electrical connection structure 41A and the second electrical connection structure 41B, which are connected to each other at the corresponding mounting surfaces.
[0093] In an oil pressure circuit body 10, which is in Fig. As shown in Figure 22, the main section 11 is formed in a rectangular spatula-shaped form, as in another example, and the mounting surface of the control system assembly section 10B is located on the rear side of the mounting surface of the operating system assembly section 10A. Again, the connector module 40 can be mounted on such an oil pressure circuit body 10 by defining the path length of the connecting section 42c of the electrical wire 42, so that the connecting section 42c can connect the first electrical connection structure 41A and the second electrical connection structure 41B, which are attached to the corresponding mounting surfaces.
[0094] Although not shown, the mounting surface of the operating system assembly section 10A in the oil pressure circuit body 10 can be formed by a combination of a plurality of flat surfaces. The electromagnetic valves 20 are inserted into this oil pressure circuit body 10 through the corresponding flat surfaces. One mounting surface for the operating system assembly section 10A is provided, for example, by a step at the mounting surface for the control system assembly section 10B. Another mounting surface for the operating system assembly section 10A is provided at an angle to the mounting surface for the control system assembly section 10B.In the connector module 40 according to the present embodiment, the first electrical connection structure 41A is provided for each mounting surface for the operating system assembly section 10A, and the first electrical connection structures 41A are connected to the second electrical connection structure 41B by the corresponding electrical wires 42. The path length of the connection section 42c is optimized for the electrical wire 42 in each first electrical connection structure 41A, and consequently, the connector module 40 can be mounted on such an oil pressure circuit body 10.
[0095] In the connector modules 40 described above, the connecting element 81 may be provided on the movable section 41C, however, it is not necessary for the connecting element 81 to be provided on the movable section 41C unless the service life of the connecting section 42c is increased.
[0096] In the connector module 40 according to the present embodiment, the first electrical connection structure 41A and the second electrical connection structure 41B can be connected between the first state ( Fig. 17), in which the first electrical interconnection structure 41A and the second electrical interconnection structure 41B have a relative positional relationship with respect to the movable section 41C as a boundary, such that the first electrical interconnection structure 41A and the second electrical interconnection structure 41B are essentially planar to each other, and the second state ( Fig. 18 to Fig.22) is relocated, which was obtained by changing the relative positional relationship with the movable section 41C as the boundary from the first state. During transport of the connector module 40, the connector module 40 is stored in a packaging material, such as a packaging box, in the first state, in which the first electrical connection structure 41A and the second electrical connection structure 41B are essentially planar to each other. Consequently, compared to the second state, a large number of connector modules 40 can be stored in a single packaging material. As a result, a large number of connector modules 40 can be transported simultaneously, and costs can also be reduced in this respect.
[0097] The connector module according to the embodiments is designed to connect an electrical wire, wired to an electrical wiring plate, to a counterpart electrical connection section. A connecting part of the electrical wire and the counterpart electrical connection section are covered with an insulating element while being recessed into a recessed section. The connector module can therefore reduce costs while maintaining satisfactory productivity and service life. The hydraulic pressure control device according to the embodiments includes such a connector module and can therefore achieve the same effects as those provided by the connector module.
Claims
[1] Connector module (40), comprising: an electrical connection structure (41A, 41B) with a plurality of electrical wires (42) and a wiring board (51, 72) on which the electrical wires (42) are wired, wherein each of the electrical wires (42) is covered with an insulating layer and a wiring section (42a, 42b) that is wired on the wiring board (51, 72), and comprising an electrical connection section (42a1, 42b1) which is to be physically and electrically connected to an electrical counterpart connection section (43, 31), wherein the wiring plate (51, 72) comprises a surrounded recess-shaped section (51d, 76), wherein the electrical connecting section (42a1, 42b1) and the electrical counterpart connecting section (43, 31) are arranged and formed in the recessed section (51d, 76) such that a physical and electrical connecting part thereof is received in the recessed section (51d, 76), wherein the connecting part is covered with an insulating element (75), the recessed section (76) is formed by being recessed in a wiring area of the wiring plate (72) on which the wiring section (42b) is wired, and the electrical connection section (42b1) is offset with respect to the wiring section (42b) in order to be arranged in the recessed section (76). [2] Connector module (40) according to claim 1, wherein the insulating element (75) is formed by solidifying an insulating synthetic resin material which is poured into the recessed section (76). [3] Connector module (40) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, when a plurality of the connecting parts are received in the recessed section (76), an insulating synthetic resin material for forming the insulating element (75), which is configured to cover each of the connecting parts, is poured into the recessed section (76) and solidified in a state in which the connecting parts are received while being spaced apart from each other by gaps. [4] Connector module (40) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the electrical connection structures (41A, 41B) are arranged next to each other, the electrical connection section (42a1) of the electrical wire (42) at one end side of the first wiring section (42a) is physically and electrically connected to the electrical counterpart connection section (43) of a corresponding electrical connection target (20, 30) in each of the adjacent electrical connection structures (41A, 41B), and a portion of the electrical wire (42) in one of the electrical connection structures (41A, 41B) that is closer to a different end than the wiring section, and a portion of the electrical wire (42) in another of the electrical connection structures (41A, 41B) that is closer to a different end of the electrical wiring section, have an electrical connection relationship, and a movable section (41C) which can change a relative positional relationship between the adjacent electrical connection structures (41A, 41B) is provided between the electrical connection structures (41A, 41B). [5] Hydraulic pressure control device (1), comprising: a hydraulic pressure switching body (10) with a hydraulic pressure switching system designed to cause an operating fluid to flow to an object to be controlled; a control unit (30) designed to control a flow rate of the operating fluid in the hydraulic pressure circuit; an electromagnetic valve (20) connected to and controlled by the hydraulic pressure circuit body (10) to operate the control unit (30) so that the flow rate of the operating fluid in the hydraulic pressure circuit is adjusted; and an electrical connection structure (41A, 41B) with a plurality of electrical wires (42) and a wiring board (51, 72) on which the electrical wires (42) are wired, each of the electrical wires (42) being covered with an insulating layer and a wiring section (42a, 42b) that is wired on the wiring board (51, 72), and comprising an electrical connection section (42a1, 42b1) which is to be physically and electrically connected to one of the electrical counterpart connection sections (43, 31) on the side of the electromagnetic valve (20) and the side of the control unit (30), wherein the wiring plate (51, 72) comprises a surrounded recess-shaped section (51d, 76), wherein the electrical connecting section (42a1, 42b1) and the electrical counterpart connecting section (43, 31) are formed such that they are arranged in the recessed section (51d, 76) and that a physical and electrical connecting part thereof is received in the recessed section (51d, 76), wherein the connecting part is covered with an insulating element (75), the recessed section (76) is formed by being recessed in a wiring area of the wiring plate (72) on which the wiring section (42b) is wired, and the electrical connection section (42b1) is offset with respect to the wiring section (42b) in order to be arranged in the recessed section (76).
Citation Information
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