Plug-in module and hydraulic pressure control unit

Abstract

A connector module (40) with: several electrical connection structures (41A, 41B) with several electrical conductors (42), each comprising a wiring area (42a, 42b) and an electrical connection area (42c) that is directly or indirectly electrically connected to an electrical connection target object at one end of the wiring area (42a, 42b), and wiring plates on which the wiring areas (42a, 42b) are wired, wherein in the electrical connection structures (41A, 41B), which are arranged adjacent to each other, the other end of the wiring area (42a) of one of the electrical connection structures (41A) establishes an electrical connection relation to the other end of the wiring area (42b) of the other electrical connection structure (41B), and between the electrical connection structures (41A, 41B) which are arranged adjacent to each other, a movable area (41C) is provided which is able to change a relative positional relationship between them, wherein the movable area (41C) has a connecting element (81) for connecting the electrical connection structures (41A, 41B) which are arranged adjacent to each other, and the connecting element (81) has connecting units (82) and each of the connecting units (82) is a T-shaped projecting body.

Description

1. Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a plug-in module and a hydraulic pressure control device. 2. State of the art

[0002] Techniques are known relating to a hydraulic pressure control device comprising a hydraulic pressure circuit body, which is provided with a hydraulic pressure circuit for driving an operating fluid of an object to be controlled, and an electromagnetic valve mounted on the hydraulic pressure circuit body for adjusting the flow rate of the operating fluid in the hydraulic pressure circuit (see published Japanese patent application no. JP H11-8023A, published Japanese patent application no. JP 2002-31263A, published Japanese patent application no. JP H08-51019A, published Japanese patent application no. JP H09-306558A, published Japanese patent application no. JP 2012-164447A, and published Japanese patent application no. JP). 2004 - 28 186 A .

[0003] Such a hydraulic pressure control device is equipped with a plug-in module for the electrical connection of the electromagnetic valve and a control unit for controlling the actuation of the electromagnetic valve.Known examples of the connector module include a connector module that links the electromagnetic valve and the control unit to a wiring harness; a connector module that connects the devices to a busbar, encapsulated using a metal plate as a base metal; a connector module that connects the devices to a flexible printed circuit (FPC); a connector module that connects the devices to a conductive circuit body with bent rigid leads, mounted on an end plate of a base element; and a connector module that connects the devices to an electrical lead routed to an end plate of an enclosure. The electrical lead on the enclosure end plate is electrically connected to an electromagnetic valve exposed on the end plate via an insulation-shifting connector.However, these conventional connector modules can be further improved to reduce costs while maintaining sufficient productivity and durability.

[0004] Further state of the art is known from documents DE 195 15 622 A1, DE 197 32 474 A1, JP 2001 - 271 918 A and JP 2013 - 148 203 A. OVERVIEW OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention therefore aims to provide a plug-in module and a hydraulic pressure control device, thereby reducing costs while maintaining satisfactory productivity and durability.

[0006] The problem is solved by a connector module according to claim 1 and a hydraulic pressure control device according to claim 5. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims. According to one aspect of the present invention, the connector module comprises several electrical connection structures with several electrical conductors, each having a wiring area and an electrical connection area, which is directly or indirectly electrically connected to an electrical connection target object at one end of the wiring area, and comprises wiring plates on which the wiring areas are wired, wherein in the electrical connection structures, which are arranged adjacent to one another, the other end of the wiring area of ​​one of the electrical connection structures has an electrical connection assignment orestablishes a connection relation with the other end of the wiring area of ​​the other electrical connection structure, and wherein a movable area is provided between the electrical connection structures that are arranged adjacent to each other, which is configured to change a relative position relation between them.

[0007] According to a further aspect of the present invention, it is preferred in the plug-in module that the electrical conductor is covered by an insulating sheath, and that a physical electrical connection part between the electrical conductor and a counterpart or complementary part is covered by an insulating element.

[0008] According to a further aspect of the present invention, it is preferred in the plug-in module that the electrical connection structures, which are arranged adjacent to each other, are connected to each other by the electrical line, in which the wiring areas are wired on the wiring plates of the corresponding electrical connection structures, the electrical connection areas are formed at both ends and the movable electrical wiring area is arranged between the wiring areas and the movable area.

[0009] According to a further aspect of the present invention, it is preferred in the connector module that one of the electrical connection structures, which are arranged adjacent to each other, is formed to electrically connect an electromagnetic valve, which is a control valve of a hydraulic pressure circuit body with a hydraulic pressure circuit for driving an operating fluid of an object to be controlled and serves as the electrical connection target object, which is suitable for setting a flow rate of the operating fluid in the hydraulic pressure circuit, to the electrical connection area of ​​the electrical connection structure, and that the other of the electrical connection structures, which are arranged adjacent to each other, is formed to form a control unit, which serves as the electrical connection target object for controlling the actuation of the electromagnetic valve.to connect electrically to the electrical connection area of ​​the other electrical connection structure.

[0010] A hydraulic pressure control device according to a further aspect of the present invention comprises a hydraulic pressure circuit body, which has a hydraulic pressure circuit for driving an operating fluid of an object to be controlled; a control unit that controls the flow rate of the operating fluid in the hydraulic pressure circuit; an electromagnetic valve that is connected to the hydraulic pressure circuit body and that adjusts the flow rate of the operating fluid in the hydraulic pressure circuit according to the control function by the control unit; and several electrical connection structures that electrically connect at least two electrical connection target objects to one another, wherein the electrical connection structure comprises several electrical conductors, each with a wiring area and an electrical connection area that is electrically connected directly or indirectly to the electrical connection target object at one end of the wiring area.and wiring plates on which the wiring areas are wired, wherein in the electrical connection structures which are arranged adjacent to each other, one end of the wiring area of ​​one of the electrical connection structures establishes an electrical connection assignment as the other end of the wiring area of ​​the other electrical connection structure, wherein a movable area is provided between the electrical connection structures which are arranged adjacent to each other, which is capable of changing a relative positional relationship between them, and wherein one of the electrical connection structures which are arranged adjacent to each other comprises the electromagnetic valve which serves as the electrical connection target object, and wherein the other of the electrical connection structures comprises the control unit which serves as the electrical connection target object.

[0011] Further preferred embodiments of the invention are set out in claims 6 and 7.

[0012] The preceding and other problems, features, advantages and technical and industrial significance of this invention can be better understood by studying the following detailed description of currently preferred embodiments of the invention when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a clear plug connection module and a clear oil pressure control device (hydraulic pressure control device); Fig. Figure 2 is a top view of the illustrative plug-in module and the oil pressure control device (hydraulic pressure control device); Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective elevation view of the oil pressure control device (hydraulic pressure control device); Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective view of an oil pressure circuit (hydraulic pressure circuit); Fig. Figure 5 is a top view of the oil pressure circuit (hydraulic pressure circuit); Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective view of an electromagnetic valve; Fig. Figure 7 is a view of the electromagnetic valve when viewed from one side of the valve element; Fig. Figure 8 is a top view of the illustrative plug-in module and the oil pressure control device (hydraulic pressure control device) and shows an essential structure inside the plug-in module; Fig. Figure 9 is a perspective elevation view of the connector module; Fig. Figure 10 is a perspective elevation view of a first electrical connection structure; Fig. Figure 11 is a perspective elevation view of the first electrical connection structure when viewed from a different angle; Fig. Figure 12 is a perspective view of the first electrical connection structure; Fig. Figure 13 is a perspective view of the first electrical connection structure and is a visual view of the connection structure of the electromagnetic valve; Fig. Figure 14 is a perspective elevation view of a second electrical connection structure; Fig. Figure 15 is a perspective view of the internal structure of the second electrical connection structure; Fig. Figure 16 is a clear view of an insulating element in the second electrical connection structure; Fig. 17 is a view of a plug-in module when used in a type of oil pressure circuit (hydraulic pressure circuit); Fig. Figure 18 shows a view of the plug-in module when used in another type of oil pressure circuit (hydraulic pressure circuit); Fig. Figure 19 shows a view of the plug-in module when used in another type of oil pressure circuit (hydraulic pressure circuit); Fig. Figure 20 shows a view of the plug-in module when used in yet another type of hydraulic pressure circuit body; Fig. Figure 21 shows a view of the connector module when using yet another type of hydraulic pressure circuit body; and Fig. Figure 22 shows a view of the plug-in module when used in yet another type of oil pressure circuit (hydraulic pressure circuit). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION FORMS

[0013] With reference to the drawings, an embodiment of a plug-in module and a hydraulic pressure control device will now be described in detail. This embodiment is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. embodiment

[0014] With reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 22 now describes an embodiment of the plug connection module and the hydraulic pressure control device.

[0015] The hydraulic pressure control device according to the present invention regulates the flow rate of an operating fluid supplied to a controlled object and changes the fluid pressure of the operating fluid, thereby controlling the function of the controlled object. The hydraulic pressure control device comprises a hydraulic pressure circuit body in which the operating fluid, driven by the pressure of a pump or the like within the hydraulic pressure circuit body, is guided, and at least one electromagnetic valve for adjusting the flow rate of the operating fluid. A hydraulic pressure circuit, serving as a flow channel for the operating fluid, is formed inside the hydraulic pressure circuit body. The electromagnetic valve is a control valve suitable for adjusting the flow rate of the operating fluid in the hydraulic pressure circuit.

[0016] Any type of object to be controlled can be used, as long as the object to be controlled operates by the fluid pressure of the operating fluid, and any type of operating fluid can be used as long as the operating fluid can drive the object to be controlled. In this embodiment, an automatic transmission mounted in a vehicle or the like is described as an illustrative object to be controlled. In this case, an automatic transmission fluid (ATF), which serves the function and lubrication of the automatic transmission, is used as the operating fluid. The object to be controlled is thus hereinafter described as an automatic transmission. The operating fluid is described as a hydraulic oil, and the fluid pressure is described as an oil pressure.

[0017] Reference numeral 1 in Fig. 1 and Fig. In this embodiment, 2 denotes an oil pressure control device. The oil pressure control device 1 comprises an oil pressure circuit body 10, an electromagnetic valve 20, a control unit 30, and a connector module 40. The oil pressure control device 1 adjusts the oil pressure inside the oil pressure circuit body 10, which is commonly referred to as a valve body, by causing the control unit 30 to control the electromagnetic valve 20 so that the automatic transmission is driven and controlled based on 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 circuit body 10, with the connector module 40 positioned between them. The oil pressure control device 1, which is located in Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a detached part of the oil pressure circuit body 10.

[0018] The oil pressure circuit body 10 is usually referred to as a valve body. The illustrative oil pressure circuit body 10 is broadly divided into a drive system assembly unit 10A, in which the electromagnetic valve 20 is arranged, a control system assembly unit 10B, in which the control unit 30 is arranged, and a connecting unit 10C for connecting the drive system assembly unit 10A and the control system assembly unit 10B. Fig. 1 and Fig. 3) The illustrative oil pressure circuit body 10 comprises the drive system arrangement unit 10A, the control system arrangement unit 10B and the connecting unit 10C, which are formed or cast as a unit from a certain material (something from metal material and synthetic resin material).

[0019] Furthermore, the hydraulic circuit body 10 has a main section 11, which is provided with the drive system assembly unit 10A, the control system assembly unit 10B, and the connection unit 10C. The hydraulic circuit body 10 also has hydraulic circuits 12 for conveying hydraulic oil for the automatic transmission (not shown), which are formed inside the main section 11 ( Fig. 3 and Fig. 4) The oil pressure circuit 12 has a main flow channel (not shown) which forms a flow channel for the hydraulic oil, which between a pump side and a control mechanism side (such as a brake and a clutch) of the automatic transmission forms a flow rate adjustment channel 12a which is connected to the main flow channel in the main flow channel.

[0020] The main flow channel connects an inlet port for the hydraulic oil, driven by pressure from the pump side, to an outlet port for delivering the hydraulic oil to the control mechanism side. The main flow channel has several flow channels corresponding to the speeds of the automatic transmission. The flow rate adjustment channel 12a is a cylindrical channel on which a valve element 22 of the electromagnetic valve 20, described below, moves back and forth, and is provided for each valve element 22. The valve element 22 adjusts the flow rate of the hydraulic oil in the main flow channel based on its position on the flow rate adjustment channel 12a.

[0021] Cylindrical receiving chambers 13, which serve to connect the oil pressure circuit 12 to the outside, are formed on the oil pressure circuit body 10. The receiving chamber 13 is arranged concentrically to the flow rate adjustment channel 12a and is connected to the flow rate adjustment channel 12a. The receiving chamber 13 is a chamber for receiving a receiving body 23 of the electromagnetic valve 20 described later and has a larger outer diameter than the flow rate adjustment channel 12a. With this configuration, a base 13a of the receiving chamber 13 is formed annularly on the oil pressure circuit body 10. Fig. 4 and Fig. 5). An annular front face 23a (in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7) of the receiving body 23 touches the ground 13a when the receiving body 23 is picked up.

[0022] The electromagnetic valve 20 comprises a body 21 in which a drive mechanism, such as a coil and a return spring, is received, and comprises the valve element 22, which is moved back and forth in an axial direction by the drive mechanism ( Fig. 3, Fig. 6 and Fig. 7) The valve element 22 in Fig. 3, Fig. 6 and Fig. Figure 7 is shown in a cylindrical form for illustrative purposes; however, any shape is actually applicable. The valve element 22 is selected to match the characteristics of the oil pressure circuit 12. Examples of the valve element 22 include a piston-type valve (a piston valve) in which cylinders with different outer diameters are combined concentrically. The valve element 22 is arranged concentrically with respect to the flow rate adjustment channel 12a and moves back and forth along the central axis within the flow rate adjustment channel 12a.

[0023] The electromagnetic valve 20 is further provided with a cylindrical or annular receiving body 23, which is arranged concentrically with respect to the valve element 22. The receiving body 23 is inserted into and received in the receiving chamber 13 of the hydraulic circuit body 10 along its central axis. The electromagnetic valve 20 is connected to the hydraulic circuit body 10 by means of the receiving body 23, which is received in the receiving chamber 13. The electromagnetic valve 20 has the receiving body 23, which is connected to the body 21, and has the valve element 22, which projects from the receiving body 23 in a reciprocating manner. The receiving body 23 comprises a first receiving body 23A and a second receiving body 23B, which are arranged concentrically with respect to each other and have correspondingly different outer diameters ( Fig. 6 and Fig. 7) The first receiving body 23A has two cylindrical or ring-shaped bodies with different outer diameters in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7; however, the bodies are shown as a single cylindrical or ring-shaped body for ease of description. The second receiving body 23B has a larger diameter than the first receiving body 23A and is arranged on the side of body 21.

[0024] Furthermore, the electromagnetic valve 20 is provided with terminals 24 that are electrically connected to the drive mechanism. To obtain an elastic force, the terminal 24 is formed by a base plate made of conductive material, such as metal, which bends when a load is applied to a valve-side connection part 24a described later.

[0025] The control unit 30 is a control unit (in particular an electronic control unit (ECU)) for providing overall control in the hydraulic pressure control device 1 and controls the flow rate of the hydraulic oil in the hydraulic pressure circuit 12 by controlling the actuation or actuation of the electromagnetic valve 20. The control unit 30 sends a command to the electromagnetic valve 20 to be controlled based on a target speed of the automatic transmission and controls the electromagnetic valve 20 to move to the open or closed position. The control unit 30 has at least the electromagnetic valve 20 as a direct control target and the automatic transmission as an indirect control target.The control unit 30 comprises several terminals 31 which are electrically connected via the connector module 40 to a complementary electrical connection target object (a direct control target object, a sensor and others), and several terminals 32 which are electrically connected to another complementary electrical connection target object (not shown), such as a power supply, not via the connector module 40 (. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2).

[0026] The connector module 40 electrically connects at least two electrical connection target objects and is provided with several electrical connection structures used for the connection between the objects. The electrical connection structure comprises several electrical conductors, each of which has a wiring area and an electrical connection area that establishes an electrical connection directly or indirectly with an electrical connection target object at one end of the wiring area, and includes wiring plates on which the wiring areas are arranged. The electrical conductors are arranged using, for example, a wiring system (not shown).

[0027] The connector module 40 has at least two electrical connection structures arranged adjacent to each other. In these adjacent electrical connection structures, the other end of the connection area of ​​one of the electrical connection structures establishes an electrical connection assignment or electrical connection relationship with the other end of the wiring area of ​​the other electrical connection structure. With this configuration, the connector module 40 is able to electrically connect two electrical connection target objects. The electrical connection relationship between the electrical connection structures can be established by electrically connecting electrical conductors, whereby the electrical conductors are individually arranged on the respective electrical connection structure bodies by welding, using terminals, or by other methods.In this case, the other end of one electrical conductor serves as a counterpart or complementary electrical connection area for the other end of another electrical conductor, and the other end of that other electrical conductor serves as a complementary electrical connection area for the other end of that electrical conductor. The electrical connection between these electrical connection structures can be established using an electrical conductor that spans them.The electrical conductor arranged across the electrical connection structures has wiring areas located on wiring plates of the respective electrical connection structures, electrical connection areas formed at both ends, and a movable electrical wiring area located between the wiring areas and a movable area described later. In the connector module 40, the electrical connection structures, which are arranged adjacent to one another, can be connected either by physically establishing an electrical connection between the electrical conductors of the respective electrical connection structures or by using an electrical conductor arranged across the electrical connection structures.

[0028] Between the electrical connection structures, which are arranged adjacent to one another, the aforementioned movable area is provided, which is capable of changing the relative position between them. This design allows the connector module 40 to be designed more application-specifically with regard to the shapes and arrangements of complementary devices on which the respective electrical connection structures are mounted.

[0029] The illustrative connector module 40 electrically connects two types of complementary electrical connection targets and includes electrical connection structures for the respective types of electrical connection targets. One of the two types of complementary electrical connection targets is the electromagnetic valve 20, and the other type is the control unit 30. The illustrative connector module 40 arranges the two electrical connection structures side by side. One of the electrical connection structures, which are arranged adjacent to each other, has its electrical connection areas such that it is connected to the electromagnetic valves 20, each of which serves as an electrical connection target.The other end of the electrical connection structures, which are arranged adjacent to each other, has its electrical connection area such that it is connected to the control unit 30, which serves as another electrical connection target object.

[0030] More precisely, the illustrative plug-in module 40 is provided with a first electrical connection structure 41A, which has the electromagnetic valves 20 as complementary electrical connection target objects, and a second electrical connection structure 41B, which has the control unit 30 as another complementary electrical connection target object ( Fig. 1 to 3, 8 and 9). The connector module 40 is further provided with a movable area 41C which is suitable for changing the relative positional relationship between the first electrical connection structure 41A and the second electrical connection structure 41B. In Fig. For the sake of simplicity, electrical lines 42, which are described later, have been omitted.

[0031] The illustrative plug-in module 40 has several electrical conductors 42 arranged across the first electrical connection structure 41A and the second electrical connection structure 41B. Two electrical conductors 42 are arranged for each electromagnetic valve 20. Each of the electrical conductors 42 has a first wiring area 42a located in the first electrical connection structure 41A and a second wiring area 42b located in the second electrical connection structure 41B. Fig. 8) The electrical line 42 has a first electrical connection area 42a1, which is electrically connected directly or indirectly to the corresponding electromagnetic valve 20 at one end (one end of the first wiring area 42a). The electrical line 42 further has a second electrical connection area 42b1, which is electrically connected directly or indirectly to the control unit 30 at the other end (one end of the second wiring area 42b).

[0032] The electrical conductor 42 further has a connection area 42c that connects the other end of the first wiring area 42a and the other end of the second wiring area 42b. The connection area 42c serves as a movable electrical conductor area on the movable area 41C and is sufficiently flexible to change its shape. Due to this flexibility, the connection area 42c is able to change the relative positional relationship between the first electrical connection structure 41A and the second electrical connection structure 41B. In this respect, any electrical conductor 42 can be used as long as at least the connection area 42c possesses flexibility after wiring.

[0033] For example, a single-core or twisted-pair cable is used for the conductive body of the electrical conductor 42, and an insulating sheath is applied to the conductive body of the electrical conductor 42. The connector module 40 may be located at a point immersed in the hydraulic oil of the automatic transmission, and the hydraulic oil is highly likely to flow inside the connector module 40. In this case, an insulating material that resists the properties (for example, the properties of an additive and the oil temperature) of the hydraulic oil is used to form the sheath. Since the connector module 40 is located at such an immersed point, the sheath is formed from a material (such as synthetic resin) that possesses insulating properties and resistance to the properties of the hydraulic oil.For example, the entire conductive body of the electrical conductor 42 is covered by this type of sheathing. When using this type of sheathing, the sheathing is removed at both ends of the electrical conductor 42 to expose the conductive body inside, thus forming the first electrical connection area 42a1 and the second electrical connection area 42b1. The illustrative electrical conductor 42 is produced by applying a conductive coating to a single-core conductor and covering the conductor with a fluorinated resin coating.

[0034] The first electrical connection structure 41A is now described. For the same reason as for the sheathing of the electrical conductor 42, all components in the illustrative first electrical connection structure 41A are made of a material that is resistant to the properties of the hydraulic oil. The illustrative first electrical connection structure 41A has the first wiring sections 42a and the first electrical connection sections 42a1 of the electrical conductors 42, which are arranged thereon as previously described. In the first electrical connection structure 41A, the first electrical connection sections 42a1 are indirectly electrically connected to the electromagnetic valves 20. The first electrical connection structure 41A is therefore provided with terminals 43 for the electrical connection of the first electrical connection sections 42a1 to the electromagnetic valves 20. Fig. 10 to 12). Each of the terminals 43 serves as a complementary electrical connection area for the corresponding first electrical connection area 42a1. In this example, the terminals 43 provide a first terminal 43A and a second terminal 43B for each of the solenoid valves 20. The first terminals 43A and the second terminals 43B are made of conductive material, such as metal, as separate components from the electrical conductor 42. The first electrical connection structure 41A has the terminals 43 (the first terminals 43A and the second terminals 43B) that are physically electrically connected to the first electrical connection areas 42a1 by a certain method. Any method is applicable as long as the first electrical connection areas 42a1 are physically electrically connected to the terminals 43.Examples of the process include welding (laser welding, resistance welding, and the like), soldering, and crimping. The illustrative first terminals 43A and the second terminals 43B are each formed in a plate, such as a busbar. The first electrical connection area 42a1 of each electrical conductor 42 is welded to the flat end of the corresponding first terminal 43A or the second terminal 43B. Fig. 12).

[0035] The first electrical connection structure 41A has a first receiving element 50 that receives the first wiring areas 42a and the first electrical connection areas 42a1 of the electrical lines 42 and the terminals 43 (the first terminals 43A and the second terminals 43B) ( Fig. 8 to 12). The first electrical connection structure 41A uses part of the first receiving element 50 as a wiring plate. The first receiving element 50 is joined to the drive system assembly unit 10A of the oil pressure circuit body 10 and is arranged such that at least the edge region of the receiving chamber 13 is covered. The illustrative first receiving element 50 is broadly divided into a base element 51 and a cover element 52, and both elements are joined such that an insertion opening 53 is formed for each electromagnetic valve 20. The electromagnetic valve 20 is received in the receiving chamber 13 through the insertion opening 53.

[0036] The basic element 51 is a plate element with a main area 51a, which is a plate ( Fig. 10 and Fig. 11) is designed and shaped such that it covers at least the circumference or the edge region of the receiving chambers 13 at a flat end when it is arranged on the drive system assembly unit 10A. Through-holes 51b for exposing or making the receiving chambers 13 accessible with the base element 51, which is arranged on the drive system assembly unit 10A, are formed on the main area 51a of the base element 51. The through-holes 51b each serve as part of the respective insertion opening 53 on the side of the oil circuit pressure body 10 of the first receiving element 50.

[0037] The base element 51 can be made of any material, including metal, synthetic resin, and the like. The illustrative base element 51 is made of an insulating material, such as synthetic resin, and has the first terminals 43A and the second terminals 43B, with one flat end of each terminal exposed. In this example, the first terminals 43A, the second terminals 43B, and the base element 51 are formed as a single unit by overmolding.

[0038] As previously described, the first electrical connection areas 42a1 of the electrical conductors 42 are welded to the exposed flat ends of the first terminals 43A and the second terminals 43B. With this configuration, the base element 51 in the first electrical connection structure 41A serves as a wiring plate, on whose inner surface the first wiring areas 42a of the electrical conductors 42 are arranged. The base element 51 can thus be provided with retaining areas to hold the arranged first wiring areas 42a. In this example, however, no retaining areas are provided, since the first wiring areas 42a each have a short conductor length and the corresponding first electrical connection areas 42a1 are physically connected to the first terminals 43A and the second terminals 43B.

[0039] The cover element 52 is attached to the base element 51 and has a main area 52a which is designed such that it covers the base element 51 from the other flat side ( Fig. 10 and Fig. 11) The main area 52a is provided with through-holes 52b which expose or make accessible the receiving chambers 13 when the main area 52a is attached to the base element 51 and the drive system assembly unit 10A. The through-holes 52b together with the through-holes 51b of the base element 51 form the insertion openings 53.

[0040] The cover element 52 can be made of any material, including metal, synthetic resin, and the like. As in the case of the base element 51, the illustrative cover element 52 is made of an insulating material, such as a synthetic resin.

[0041] The first receiving element 50 has engagement mechanisms 54 which are provided at corresponding positions for connecting the base element 51 with the cover element 52 ( Fig. 9 to 11). The engagement mechanisms 54 each have a first engagement area 54a, which is formed on the main area 51a of the base element 51, and a second engagement area 54b, which is formed on the main area 52a of the cover element 52 and connects the base element 51 and the cover element 52 by engaging with the first engagement area 54a. As an illustrative structure of the engagement mechanism 54, the first engagement area 54a or the second engagement area 54b is designed as a claw area, and the other engagement area has a wall surface against which the claw area can hook. In this example, the first engagement area 54a is designed as a claw area, and the second engagement area 54b has a wall surface against which the claw area is hooked.

[0042] To connect the base element 51 and the cover element 52 in the first receiving element 50, the first wiring sections 42a of the electrical conductors 42 are initially arranged on the base element 51. During the arrangement process, the ends of the electrical conductors 42 are cut so that the first wiring sections 42a are produced with a specified length. The first electrical connection sections 42a1 are then created by removing the sheathing from the ends of the first wiring sections 42a. This setup is such that the ends of the electrical conductors 42 are cut and the sheathing is removed from the first wiring sections 42a after the electrical conductors 42 have been arranged. The base element 51 is therefore formed in a shape that can be adapted to such cutting and removal processes.For example, a notch can be formed on the base element 51.

[0043] In the next operation, the first electrical connection areas 42a1 are welded to the terminals 43 (the first terminals 43A and the second terminals 43B). Furthermore, the base element 51 and the cover element 52 are connected to each other by the engagement mechanisms 54, with part of a connecting element 81 of the movable area 41C, described later, being enclosed between the base element 51 and the cover element 52. The first cover element 50 is connected to the connecting element 81 during the process of connecting the base element 51 and the cover element 52. The connection structure is described below.

[0044] The physical electrical connection (hereinafter simply referred to as a "connection") between the first electrical connection area 42a1 of the electrical conductor 42 and a complementary unit (the first terminal 43A and the second terminal 43B) can be covered by an insulating element, as in the case of the connection between the second electrical connection areas 42b1 and a complementary unit (terminals 31 of the control unit 30) described below. If the connection parts are arranged adjacent to each other with a small gap between them, it is preferred that the connection parts be covered by an insulating element to prevent electrical contact through conductive particles or dust (contamination) contained in the hydraulic oil.This design enables the connector module 40 to maintain the electrical connection between electrical connection targets (between the electromagnetic valve 20 and the control unit 30) even when hydraulic oil contaminated with conductive dust or particles flows into the connector module 40, thereby improving the durability of the connector module 40 and the electrical connection targets. For example, when the connecting element 81 is connected to the base element 51 in the first receiving element 50, U-shaped wall regions 51c of the base element 51 and a wall region 81a of the connecting element 81 form rectangular parallelepiped-shaped spaces or chambers (concave regions whose wall region is enclosed) 51d (. Fig. 10) Each wall section 51c is vertically formed such that it surrounds a portion in the exposed area of ​​the corresponding terminal 43 (the first terminal 43A or the second terminal 43B), which is welded to the corresponding first electrical connection section 42a1. In other words, the first electrical connection sections 42a1 and the terminals 43 are each arranged in the corresponding spatial area or chamber 51b and are formed such that the physical electrical connection element between them is contained in chamber 51d. The wall sections 51c are each arranged vertically at each connection element between the corresponding first electrical connection section 42a1 and a complementary unit (the first terminal 43A or the second terminal 43B). Each of the chambers 51d is arranged at the corresponding connection element and contains the connection element.In this setup, an insulating element covering the connecting part can be produced in chamber 51d by introducing a liquid or a gel-like insulating synthetic resin material and by solidifying the material. Furthermore, chamber 51d can prevent the introduced synthetic resin material from flowing out.

[0045] The integrated first receiving element 50 is attached to the drive system assembly unit 10A of the oil pressure circuit body 10 by means of screw elements (not shown) or the like. The illustrative first receiving element 50 is provided with through-holes 55 into which corresponding male screw elements are inserted ( Fig. 9 to 11). The through-holes 55 are each provided with a through-hole 55a, which is provided on the main area 51a of the base element 51, and are provided with a through-hole 55b, which is provided on the main area 52a of the cover element 52. Female screw areas (not shown), to which the respective male screw elements are screwed, are provided on the drive system assembly unit 10A.

[0046] The first receiving element 50 may or may not have a connection structure for the electromagnetic valve 20. In this example, the oil pressure circuit body 10 and the first receiving element 50 each have connection structures for the electromagnetic valve 20. The connection structure for the electromagnetic valve 20 will now be briefly described.

[0047] The connection structure for the illustrative electromagnetic valve 20 comprises at least two first connection structure bodies 61 ( Fig. 4 to 7), a second connecting structure body 62 ( Fig. 4 to 7) and at least two third connecting structure bodies 63 ( Fig. 6, Fig. 7 and Fig. 13) for each electromagnetic valve 20.

[0048] The first connecting structure bodies 61 each have first connecting pieces 61A ( Fig. 6 and Fig. 7), which are provided on the receiving body 23, and first connecting pieces 61B on ( Fig. 4 and Fig. 5), which are formed on the wall region (an inner circumferential wall region 13b) that forms the receiving chamber 13 and lock the first connecting pieces 61A in the axial direction (the axis direction of the receiving chamber 13 and the receiving body 23) when the receiving body 23 is located in the receiving chamber 13. In this example, two first connecting structure bodies 61 are arranged around the axis at substantially uniform intervals.

[0049] When the electromagnetic valve 20 is mounted on the oil pressure circuit body 10, the electromagnetic valve 20 has the receiving body 23, which is inserted into the receiving chamber 13 along the axial direction of the central axis (the central axis of the receiving body 23). When the front end face 23a of the receiving body 23 comes into contact with the bottom 13a of the receiving chamber 13, the electromagnetic valve 20 as a whole is rotated about the central axis. In this configuration, the first connecting pieces 61A are each a projecting area that extends radially, partially, from the outer circumferential wall region of the receiving body 23.The first connecting pieces 61B are each designed as a groove region that guides the corresponding first connecting piece 61A during the process of receiving the receiving body 23 in the receiving chamber 13 and locks the first connecting piece 61A in the axial direction (the axial direction of the receiving chamber 13 and the receiving body 23) after the receiving body 23 is rotated about its central axis (the central axis of the receiving body 23) during the receiving process. The first connecting piece 61B is formed in the form of a groove by forming a portion of the wall region (the inner circumferential wall region 13b) of the receiving chamber 13 radially outwardly concave.

[0050] More precisely, the first connecting pieces 61B each have a groove region in the axial direction 61B1 and a groove region in the circumferential direction 61B2. The groove region in the axial direction 61B1 is a groove for guiding the corresponding first connecting piece 61A in the axial direction when the receiving body 23 is inserted into the receiving chamber 13 along the axial direction. The groove region in the axial direction 61B1 extends from the side of the outer wall surface of the oil pressure circuit body 10 to the height of the bottom 13a of the receiving chamber 13 along the axial direction. The groove region in the circumferential direction 61B2 is a groove for guiding the corresponding first connecting piece 61A in the circumferential direction when the receiving body 23 is rotated about the central axis in the receiving chamber 13. The groove area in circumferential direction 61B2 extends from the side of the bottom 13a of the groove area in axial direction 61B1 along the circumferential direction.The circumferential groove area 61B2 has a side wall 61B3 which is arranged axially opposite the side of the base 13a and blocks relative movement of the corresponding first connecting piece 61A in the axial direction by means of the base 13a and the side wall 61B3. With this design, the first connecting structure body 61 can prevent the electromagnetic valve 20 from moving axially relative to the oil pressure circuit body 10.

[0051] The second connecting structure body 62 has a second connecting piece 62A ( Fig. 6 and Fig. 7), which is provided on the receiving body 23, and a second connecting piece 62B ( Fig. 4 and Fig. 5) formed on the wall area (the inner circumferential wall area 13b) that forms the receiving chamber 13 and prevents the second connecting piece 62A from moving relatively along the plane oriented perpendicular to the axial direction (the axial direction of the receiving chamber 13 and the receiving body 23) when the receiving body 23 is received in the receiving chamber 13.

[0052] In this example, an outer circumferential wall region 23b of the first receiving body 23A is used as the second connecting piece 62A, and the inner circumferential wall region 13b of the receiving chamber 13 is used as the second connecting piece 62B. In the second connecting structure 62, the outer circumferential wall region 23b (the second connecting piece 62A) and the inner circumferential wall region 13b (the second connecting piece 62B), which have the same outer diameter, are matched without any dead space between them. This configuration prevents relative movement of the receiving body 23 in the receiving chamber 13 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. In this way, the second connecting structure 62 prevents relative movement of the electromagnetic valve 20 with respect to the hydraulic circuit body 10 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0053] The third connecting structure bodies 63 each have third connected pieces or connecting pieces 63A ( Fig. 2, Fig. 6 and Fig. 7), which are provided on the receiving body 23, and third connecting pieces or connecting pieces 63B ( Fig. 2 and Fig. 13) which are formed on the cover element 52 of the first receiving element 50 and prevent the electromagnetic valve 20 from rotating relative to the central axis in relation to the oil pressure circuit body 10 by locking the third connecting pieces 63A when the receiving body 23 is received in the receiving chamber 13.

[0054] The third connecting pieces 63A are each designed as a projecting area that extends radially outwards, partially, from the outer circumferential wall region of the receiving body 23. The third connecting pieces 63B are each designed as a locking or closing area that locks the corresponding third connecting piece 63A by being engaged by the third connecting piece 63A during the previously described process of rotating the receiving body 23, thus interrupting the rotational movement. The third connecting piece 63B projects radially inwards from the wall region (the inner wall region) of the insertion opening 53, extending beyond the electromagnetic valve 20.The third connecting piece 63B has claw areas 63B1 which are pushed and lifted by the third connecting pieces 63A when the receiving body 23 is rotated, and has connecting areas 63B2 which connect the claw areas 63B1 to the wall area (the inner wall area) of the insertion opening 53 (. Fig. 13) It is preferred that the connecting areas 63B2 are flexibly formed such that they exert pressure on the third connecting pieces 63A when the third connecting pieces 63A slide over the claw areas 63B1 while pressing the claw areas 63B1 together. With this design, the third connecting structure body 63 can prevent the electromagnetic valve 20 from rotating about its axis relative to the oil pressure circuit body 10.

[0055] The electromagnetic valve 20 is mounted on the first electrical connection structure 41A and the oil pressure circuit body 10 by the first connection structure bodies 61, the second connection structure bodies 62, and the third connection structure bodies 63. When the electromagnetic valve 20 is rotated around its axis relative to the oil pressure circuit body 10 during the mounting process, the valve-side connection parts 24a of the terminals 24 come into contact with the respective terminals 43 (with the first terminal 43A and the second terminal 43B). In this way, the connector module 40 causes the electromagnetic valve 20 and each terminal 43 to be physically and electrically connected to each other.

[0056] The second electrical connection structure 41B will now be described. For the same reason as for the sheathing on the electrical conductor 42, all components of the second electrical connection structure 41B are made of a material that is resistant to the properties of the hydraulic oil. The second electrical connection structure 41B has the second wiring areas 42b and the second electrical connection areas 42b1 of the electrical conductors 42 arranged on it, as described previously. The second electrical connection structure 41B is provided with a second receiving element 70 for receiving the second wiring areas 42b and the second electrical connection areas 42b1 ( Fig. 14). The second receiving element 70 is mounted on the control system assembly unit 10B of the oil pressure circuit body 10. The second receiving element 70 is broadly divided into a base element 71 and a cover element 72. The second receiving element 70 also has a receiving space or chamber for the control unit 30.

[0057] The base element 71 is a plate element formed into a plate and arranged on the control system assembly unit 10B from one flat side. The base element 71 is broadly divided into a first receiving area 71A, which forms part of the receiving space for the control unit 30, and a second receiving area 71B, which forms part of a receiving space or receiving chamber for the second wiring area 42b. The first receiving area 71A and the second receiving area 71B are formed as a single unit or separately from each other. The illustrative base element 71 is a product formed or cast as a single unit from the first receiving area 71A and the second receiving area 71B. The base element 71 is made of an insulating material, such as a synthetic resin.

[0058] The cover element 72 is attached to the base element 71 and is designed to cover the base element 71 from the other flat side. The cover element 72 serves as a wiring plate, on which the second wiring areas 42B are arranged, and it is made of an insulating material, such as synthetic resin. The cover element 72 is broadly divided into a first receiving area 72A, which forms part of the receiving space for the control unit 30, and a second receiving area 72, which forms part of a receiving space for the second wiring areas 42b. The first receiving area 72A and the second receiving area 72B are designed as a single component or separately.The illustrative cover element 72 is provided with the separately manufactured components and is, in particular, provided with a first cover element (hereinafter referred to as a "first cover element 72A"), which serves as the first receiving area 72A, and a second cover element (hereinafter referred to as a "second cover element 72B"), which serves as the second receiving area 72B. The first cover element 72A of the cover element 72 covers the first receiving area 71A of the base element 71, which forms an interior space that serves as the receiving space for the control unit 30. The second cover element 72B of the cover element 72 covers the second receiving area 71B of the base element 71, which forms an interior space that serves as the receiving space for the second wiring areas 42b.

[0059] In the receiving space for the second wiring areas 42b, the second wiring areas 42b are arranged on the inner surface wall of the second cover element 72B ( Fig. 15) The inner wall surface of the second receiving area 72B is provided with retaining areas 73A for holding the respective second wiring areas 42b and bending guide areas 73B for forming bent sections of the respective second wiring areas 42b. For example, the retaining areas 73A are bodies that are vertically formed such that the second wiring areas 42b are held in such a way that the second wiring areas 42b are clamped and arranged in one or more positions depending on the conductor length of the second wiring areas 42b ( Fig. 15 and Fig. 16) The bending guide areas 73B are cylindrical bodies formed vertically at the bent areas of the second wiring areas 42b and guide the second guide areas 42b when the second wiring areas 42b are bent along the circumferential directions of the cylindrical bodies.

[0060] Interlocking mechanisms 74 for connecting the base element 71 and the cover element 72 are provided at respective positions on the second receiving element 70 ( Fig. 14 and Fig. 15) The engagement mechanisms 74 each have a first engagement area 74a, which is provided on the base element, and a second engagement area 74b, which is provided on the cover element 72 and connects the base element 71 and the cover element 72 by engaging with the first engagement area 74a. The engagement mechanisms 74 are similar to the engagement mechanisms 54 of the first receiving element 50. The engagement mechanisms 74 each form the first engagement area 74a as a claw area and form a wall surface to hook the claw area onto the second engagement area 74b.

[0061] The second electrical connection structure 41B has the second electrical connection areas 42b1, which are directly electrically connected to the control unit 30. In this example, the second electrical connection areas 42b1 are provided for the terminals 31 of the control unit 30. The terminals 31 each serve as a complementary electrical connection area for the corresponding second electrical connection area 42b1.

[0062] By connecting the base element 71 and the cover element 72, the second receiving element 70 has the second wiring areas 42b of the electrical conductors 42 such that they are arranged on the second cover element 72B along the previously described holding areas 73A and bending guide areas 73B. During the conductor arrangement process, the ends of the electrical conductors 42 are cut off so that the second wiring areas 42b have a length corresponding to a predetermined value. The second electrical connection areas 42b1 are then created by removing the sheathing from the ends of the second wiring areas 42b. In this illustrative setup, the ends of the electrical conductors 42 are cut off and the sheathing on the second wiring areas 42b is removed after the electrical conductors 42 have been arranged.The second cover element 72B is therefore manufactured in a form suitable for cutting and removal of such holders. For example, a notch may be formed on the second cover element 72B.

[0063] In the next processing step, the first cover element 72A is placed on the control unit 30 (during this process, plug connections 53 of the control unit 30 may already be mounted on the control unit 30 or may be mounted in a later process), and the second electrical connection areas 42b1 and the terminals 31 of the control unit 30 are welded together ( Fig. 16) In this case, the welded exposed second electrical connection areas 42b1 and essentially the entire portion of the terminals 31 each serve as a physical electrical connection element. In the next processing step, the base element 71 and the cover element 72 are connected to each other by the engagement mechanisms 74.

[0064] In the connector module 40, the second electrical connection structure 41B establishes a small distance between the adjacent connection parts. Furthermore, there is a high probability that hydraulic oil from the automatic transmission, containing conductive particles or soot / abrasion (i.e., contamination), such as metal powder, flows inside the connector module 40. Therefore, in the connector module 40, each connection part is covered by an insulating element 75 to prevent electrical conduction between the connection part and the particles.This design enables the connector module 40 to maintain the electrical connection between electrical connection target objects (between the electromagnetic valves 20 and the control unit 30) even when hydraulic oil, contaminated by conductive abrasion, flows into the connector module 40, thereby improving the durability of the connector module 40 and the electrical connection target objects.

[0065] For example, in the connector module 40, each connection part is covered by the insulating element 75 by introducing a liquid or gel-like insulating resin material into the connection part and then allowing the material to solidify. To prevent the resin material from flowing out before solidification, a concave area 76 is formed on the inner wall surface of the first cover element 72A, as shown in Fig. Figure 16 shows the concave area 76, which is enclosed by its edge or surroundings. The concave area 76 is deeper than the inner wall surface (the wiring surface) of the second cover element 72B, on which the second wiring areas 42b of the electrical conductors 42 are arranged. All connection parts are accommodated within the concave area 76. To create this arrangement for accommodating the conductors, every second electrical connection area 42b1 and the associated terminal 31 are arranged within the concave area 76, and in particular, the physical electrical connection between them is accommodated within the concave area 76.In this example, the second electrical connection areas 42b1 are bent in a stepped manner and offset relative to the second wiring areas 42b such that the second electrical connection areas 42b1 are arranged in the concave area 76. In the connector module 40, this design allows the connection parts to be formed in the concave area 76, and each connection part to be covered by the insulating element 75 in such a way that they are separated from each other by the introduction of a resin material into the concave area 76. In this way, the insulating element 75 is formed in the concave area 76 of the connector module 40, thereby ensuring insulation between the respective connection parts that are adjacent to each other.

[0066] The offset shape of the second wiring sections 42b can be created before or after the wiring section 42b is arranged. In the latter case, the second wiring sections 42b are arranged on the second cover element 72B such that the side of the second electrical connection sections 42b1 is longer than a specified length and is then transferred to the next crimping operation. In the crimping operation, a crimping machine crimps the second electrical connection sections 42b1 of the second wiring sections 42b into the concave area 76, forming the offset shape of the second wiring sections 42b. During this crimping operation, the side of the second electrical connection sections 42b1 of the second wiring sections 42b can be cut to a specified length when the offset shape is created.After the length on the side of the second electrical connection areas 42b1 has been set to the target value, the second electrical connection areas 42b1 are produced in this case by removing the sheathing at the ends of the second wiring areas 42b in the next step.

[0067] This example describes all connection parts arranged at certain intervals within the rectangular parallelepiped-shaped insulating element 75. However, the insulating element 75 can cover each connection part separately. In another case, an insulating element acting as a wall can be provided in the connector module 40 between the connection parts that are arranged adjacent to each other.

[0068] The movable section 41C will now be described. The movable section 41C is located between the connecting element 81 for connecting the first electrical connection structure 41A and the second electrical connection structure 41B, which are arranged adjacent to each other. The connecting element 81 connects the first electrical connection structure 41A and the second electrical connection structure 41B in such a way that the relative positional relationship between them can be changed.

[0069] More precisely, the connecting element 81 extends along the gap between the first electrical connection structure 41A and the second electrical connection structure 41B, which are arranged adjacent to each other ( Fig. 1 to 3, 8 and 9). For example, the connecting element 81 is made of a material (such as synthetic resin) with insulating properties and resistance with regard to the properties of the hydraulic oil for the same reasons as apply to the sheathing of the electrical conductors 42.

[0070] The connection structure between the connecting element 81 and the first electrical connection structure 41A is now described. The connecting element 81 has connection units 82 for connecting the connecting element 81 to the first receiving element 50, wherein the connection units 82 are formed on the wall region 81a that faces the first receiving element 50 ( Fig. 9 to 11). The illustrative connecting units 82 each have a T-shaped projecting body, which is provided with a rectangular first piece 82a, which projects from the wall area 81a in the direction of the first receiving element 50, and with a second piece 82b, which is formed at a free end of the first piece 82a ( Fig. 10).

[0071] The first receiving element 50 is provided with locking bodies or closure bodies 56 for receiving and locking the respective connecting units 82 ( Fig. 10 to 12). For example, the locking bodies 56 each have a notch so that the corresponding first piece 82a of the connecting unit 82 is inserted into it, and an interior space for receiving and locking the respective second piece 82b of the connecting unit 82. In this example, the locking body 56 is divided into a first locking unit 56a, which is provided on the base element 51, and a second locking unit 56b, which is provided on the cover element 52, such that the locking body 56 is formed when the base element 51 and the cover element 52 are joined together.The first locking unit 56a and the second locking unit 56b each receive and lock half a part of the corresponding T-shaped connecting unit 82, and they in particular have a notch so that half a part of the first piece 82a is inserted into it, and furthermore an interior for receiving and locking half a part of the second piece 82b.

[0072] In the first electrical connection structure 41A, the T-shaped connection units 82 are each received in the corresponding first locking unit 56a and the second locking unit 56b during the joining process of the base element 51 and the cover element 52, and the locking body 56 is accordingly formed upon completion of the joining of the base element 51 and the cover element 52. In this way, the connection units 82 are received in the locking bodies 56 and locked by them.The relative positional relationship between the first electrical connection structure 41A and the connecting element 81, which are connected to each other in the manner described above, is kept fundamentally unchanged, except that the connecting units 82 may move relative to the locking bodies 56 due to the clearance resulting from the distance between the locking body 56 and the connecting unit 82.

[0073] The connecting element 81 is provided with incisions 83 in which the first wiring areas 42a are inserted to prevent the first wiring areas 42a from being pinched between the connecting element 81 and the base element 51 ( Fig. 10).

[0074] The connection structure between the connecting element 81 and the second electrical connection structure 41B is now described. In this example, the first electrical connection structure 41A and the second electrical connection structure 41B can rotate relative to each other by rotating the second electrical connection structure 41B relative to the connecting element 81. The second receiving element 70 of the second electrical connection structure 41B or the connecting element 81 of the movable area 41C is provided with rotating shafts, whereas the corresponding other element is equipped with bearings for the respective rotating shafts. In this example, rotating shafts 77 are provided on the second cover element 72B of the second receiving element 70, whereas bearing areas 84 are provided on the connecting element 81. Fig. 14) The rotating shafts 77 are each cylindrical bodies that protrude from the second cover element 72B, and the two rotating shafts 77 are arranged concentrically at corresponding positions ( Fig. Figure 14 shows one of the rotary shafts 77). The connector module 40 is not designed such that the first electrical connection structure 41A and the second electrical connection structure 41B can move relative to each other after the connector module 40 is mounted on the oil pressure circuit body 10. In this design, the bearing area 84 for each rotary shaft 77 is provided as a through-hole to allow the rotary shaft 77 to be inserted rotatably.

[0075] For example, if the connector module 40 has the respective electrical leads 42 for the first electrical connection structure 41A and the second electrical connection structure 41B, the electrical leads 42 of the first electrical connection structure 41A have the first wiring areas 42a and the first electrical connection areas 42a1, whereas the electrical leads 42 of the second electrical connection structure 41B have the second wiring areas 42b and the second electrical connection areas 42b1. In this case, as described above, a connecting body consisting of the first electrical connection structure 41A and the connecting element 81, and the second electrical connection structure 41B are formed. The second electrical connection structure 41B and the connecting element 81 are connected to each other via the rotating shafts 77 and the bearing areas 84.Furthermore, the free ends (ends opposite the first electrical connection areas 42a1) of the electrical conductors 42 of the first electrical connection structure 41A and the free ends (ends opposite the second electrical connection areas 42b1) of the electrical conductors 42 of the second electrical connection structure 41B are physically electrically connected to each other by welding or by using a connector or the like.

[0076] In this connector module 40, several electrical conductors 42 are arranged for the first electrical connection structure 41A and the second electrical connection structure 41B. In this example, the second electrical connection structure 41B is manufactured first, and the connecting element 81 is mounted to it. The electrical conductors 42 protruding from the connecting body of the second electrical connection structure 41B and the connecting element 81 are arranged on the base element 51 on the side of the first electrical connection structure 41A, and the first wiring areas 42a and the first electrical connection areas 42a1 are formed accordingly. The connecting element 81 is attached to the first receiving element 50 when the base element 51 and the cover element 52 are connected together. In this way, the connector module 40 can be manufactured with this configuration.

[0077] In the connector module 40, which is formed in the manner described above, the first wiring areas 42a and the second wiring areas 42b are arranged on the first receiving element 50 and the second receiving element 70. This arrangement makes it possible for the first wiring areas 42a (the first electrical connection area 42a1) and the second wiring areas 42b (the second electrical connection area 42b1) to be arranged at corresponding target positions by compensating for the tolerance variations of the first receiving element 50 and the second receiving element 70.Consequently, the connector module 40 can facilitate the connection process and establish a precise connection between the first electrical connection area 42a1 and terminal 43 (in other words, mutual conductivity between the first electrical connection area 42a1 and terminal 43). Furthermore, it can facilitate the connection process and establish a precise connection between the second electrical connection area 42b1 and terminal 31. The cost of the connector module 40 can therefore be reduced. If the electrical conductors 42 are replaced by rigid elements (such as a busbar or a rigid support), a high-precision rigid element with low tolerance variations must be manufactured and arranged to ensure a precise connection between terminal 31 and terminal 43. This design can lead to increased costs.The use of the electrical conductors 42 can reduce the cost of the plug connection module 40.

[0078] The connector module 40 comprises the movable section 41C between the first electrical connection structure 41A and the second electrical connection structure 41B and further comprises the electrical conductors 42 (the connection sections 42c, which serve as movable electrical conductor sections) arranged on the movable section 41C. This arrangement allows the positional relationship between the first electrical connection structure 41A and the second electrical connection structure 41B to be changed relative to each other, with the movable section 41C positioned between them.This design enables the first electrical connection structure 41A and the second electrical connection structure 41B to be mounted in the connector module 40 on the drive system assembly unit 10A and, correspondingly, on the control system assembly unit 10B, independently of changes in the relative positional relationship caused by tolerance variations between the drive system assembly unit 10A and the control system assembly unit 10B of the hydraulic circuit body 10. Compared to the use of rigid elements (such as a busbar and a rigid support), the connector module 40, with its electrical conductors 42, simplifies the assembly process and allows for precise mounting on the hydraulic circuit body 10. The cost of the connector module 40 can therefore be reduced.To make the connector module 40 more flexible with regard to changes in the positional relationship between the drive system assembly unit 10A and the control system assembly unit 10B caused by tolerance variations between them, a method is effective which increases the magnitude of the change (in particular the magnitude of the change in a direction different from the relative direction of rotation) in the relative positional relationship between the first electrical connection structure 41A and the second electrical connection structure 41B by providing the connector module 40 without connecting elements 81, by increasing the size of the clearance between the connecting element 81 and the first electrical connection structure 41A or between the connecting element 81 and the second electrical connection structure 41B, or by both methods.

[0079] After assembly, the movable area 41C is able to absorb a force (such as a force generated by thermal contraction and thermal expansion caused by the heat of the hydraulic oil, and a force physically exerted from the outside) that affects the first electrical connection structure 41A and the second electrical connection structure 41B. Compared to the use of rigid elements, the connector module 40, using the electrical conductors or cables 42, can therefore improve durability.

[0080] Even if the mounting surface of the drive system assembly unit 10A for the first electrical connection structure 41A and the mounting surface of the control system assembly unit 10B for the second electrical connection structure 41B are arranged in a substantially coplanar manner ( Fig. 17) or even if the respective mounting surfaces form an angle between each other ( Fig. 18 and Fig. 19) and as long as the drive system assembly unit 10A and the control system assembly unit 10B each have no change in their shape (in other words, there are no changes to the shape of the hydraulic circuit body 10) and as long as the distance between them (in other words, the size of the connection unit 10C) remains virtually unchanged, the connector 40 can be installed on any type of hydraulic circuit body 10 as described above by adjusting the angle formed by the mounting surfaces through the first electrical connection structure 41A and the second electrical connection structure 41B. With this setup, the same connector module 40 can be used in different types of hydraulic circuit bodies 10. This can reduce the cost of the connector module 40.If the respective mounting surfaces form an acute angle and the connection areas 42c, which serve as movable electrical wiring areas, do not have sufficient conductor length, the conductor length can be increased so that the first electrical connection structure 41A and the second electrical connection structure 41B can be mounted on the respective mounting surfaces.

[0081] Even if the distance between the drive system assembly unit 10A and the control system assembly unit 10B is significantly changed, while the respective shapes do not change ( Fig. 20), in another case, the connector module 40 can be mounted on a type of hydraulic circuit body 10 with a different spacing by arranging the first wiring sections 42a and the second wiring sections 42b, which are positioned before and after the connection sections 42c, such that the length of the connection sections 42c, which serve as movable electrical conductor sections, is lengthened or shortened. The connector module 40 can be adapted to any type of hydraulic circuit body 10 that differs in length or spacing by changing the length of the electrical conductors 42. Therefore, the cost of the connector module 40 can be reduced. Furthermore, the same connector module 40 can be used in hydraulic circuit bodies 10 with different lengths or spacings.Spacing can be used by adjusting the line length of the connection areas 42c to the greatest distance between the drive system assembly unit 10A and the control system assembly unit 10B. Therefore, the cost of the connector module 40 can be reduced. Each type of connector module 40 may have a connecting element 81 formed on the movable area 41C, or it may optionally have no connecting elements 81 formed on the movable area 41C, provided that the durability of the connection areas 42c is not reduced.

[0082] Even if the shape of the drive system assembly unit 10A or the control system assembly unit 10B is changed (in other words, even if there is a change in the circuit of the hydraulic circuit body 10), the connector module 40 can be adapted to the hydraulic circuit body 10, which has a modified circuit, by changing the routing for the electrical leads 42. In other words, a partial modification of parts of the connector module 40 in a manner corresponding to the hydraulic circuit body 10, which has a modified circuit, can result in the connector module 40 being designed to be adaptable to this hydraulic circuit body 10. Compared to using rigid elements or a wiring harness in which all parts must be changed, the cost of the connector module 40 can thus be further reduced.

[0083] Furthermore, the plug-in module 40 can be manufactured using various devices, such as a wiring system. The plug-in module 40 therefore eliminates or reduces the need for manual assembly by a technician compared to a conventional plug-in module where the wiring of the electromagnetic valves 20 and the control unit 30 is done manually using a cable harness. The plug-in module 40 offers the same advantages even when compared to a plug-in module using rigid elements instead of electrical conductors 42. The use of rigid elements requires a workspace for a suction system to pick up and position the rigid elements. If such a workspace is unavailable, the rigid elements must be positioned manually.From this perspective, the connector module 40 can achieve higher productivity and further reduce costs. The connector module 40 uses sheathed electrical conductors or cables 42, as previously described, and the connection parts (weld points) that are connected to the complementary units in the connector module 40 may need to be provided with a measure (such as the insulating element 75) to protect them from the hydraulic oil. The connector module 40 can therefore achieve higher productivity and further reduce costs. Compared to the connector module 40, the use of a cable harness can be problematic with regard to the increase in the module's size, since the cable harness contains a bundle of electrical conductors.

[0084] This 40-pin connector module can reduce costs compared to the module that uses an expensive flexible circuit carrier.

[0085] The plug-in module 40 in this embodiment can therefore contribute to cost reduction while achieving improved productivity and durability. The hydraulic pressure control device (the oil pressure control device 1) in this embodiment incorporates this plug-in module 40 and can therefore also exhibit the advantageous effects resulting from the plug-in module 40.

[0086] In the preceding description, the connector module 40 in this embodiment is adaptable to the hydraulic circuit body 10, which is configured such that the mounting surface of the drive system assembly unit 10A for the first electrical connection structure 41A and the mounting surface of the control system assembly unit 10B for the second electrical connection structure 41B are aligned in a substantially coplanar manner, and is adaptable to the hydraulic circuit body 10 such that the corresponding mounting surfaces form an angle between them (regardless of the size of the angle). This connector module 40 is further adaptable to other properties of the hydraulic circuit body 10.

[0087] For example, in the oil pressure circuit body 10, which is in Fig. Figure 21 shows the mounting surface of the drive system assembly unit 10A for the first electrical connection structure 41A and the mounting surface of the control system assembly unit 10B for the second electrical connection structure 41B at different heights. In this configuration, the mounting surface of the drive system assembly unit 10A is lower than the mounting surface of the control system assembly unit 10B. The connector module 40 can be mounted on this hydraulic circuit body 10 by adjusting the length of the connection areas 42c of the electrical leads 42 so that they connect the first electrical connection structure 41A with the second electrical connection structure 41B, which are mounted on the respective mounting surfaces.

[0088] The in Fig. The oil pressure circuit body 10 shown in Figure 22 has a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped main body 11, and the mounting surface of the control system assembly unit 10B is located on the rear side of the mounting surface of the drive system assembly unit 10A. The connector module 40 can further be mounted on this oil pressure circuit body 10 by adjusting the length of the connection areas 42c of the electrical leads 42 such that they connect the first electrical connection structure 41A with the second electrical connection structure 41B, which are mounted on the corresponding mounting surfaces.

[0089] Although not shown, the drive system assembly unit 10A of the hydraulic circuit body 10 can have its mounting surface arranged in multiple planes. The electromagnetic valves 20 are arranged in the respective planes within the hydraulic circuit body 10. For example, one mounting surface of the drive system assembly unit 10A is located at a height different from the mounting surface of the control system assembly unit 10B. Another mounting surface of the drive system assembly unit 10A forms an angle with the mounting surface of the control system assembly unit 10B.The connector module 40 in this embodiment is therefore designed such that the first electrical connection structure 41A is mounted on each mounting surface of the drive system assembly unit 10A, and the first electrical connection structures 41A are connected to the second electrical connection structure 41B using the respective electrical leads 42. The connector module 40 can be mounted on this oil pressure circuit body 10 by appropriately adjusting the lead lengths of the connection areas 42c of the electrical leads 42 in each first electrical connection structure 41A.

[0090] In these types of plug-in modules 40, the connecting element 81 may be formed on the movable area 41C, or, if necessary, no connecting elements 81 may be formed on the movable area 41C, provided that the durability of the connecting areas 42c is reduced.

[0091] In the connector module 40 in this embodiment, the first electrical connection structure 41A and the second electrical connection structure 41B can change their respective positions in a manner that results from a first state ( Fig. 17) is selected in which the relative positional relationship between them is essentially coplanar over the movable region 41C, and from second states ( Fig.18 to 22), in which the relative positional relationship between them is changed by the movable area 41C starting from the first state. When the connector module 40 is shipped, it is packed in a packaging element, such as a packaging container, in the first state, i.e., the first electrical connection structure 41A and the second electrical connection structure 41B are aligned in an essentially coplanar manner. This measure makes it possible to pack more connector modules 40 in the packaging element compared to the second states. Consequently, more connector modules 40 can be transported in a shipment, further reducing costs.

[0092] The connector module according to the embodiments has a movable area between electrical connection structures that are arranged adjacent to each other. This design leads to advantageous cost reductions while maintaining desired productivity and durability. Since the hydraulic pressure control device according to the embodiments incorporates this connector module, the hydraulic pressure control device can also exhibit the advantageous effects achieved by the connector module.

Claims

[1] A connector module (40) with: several electrical connection structures (41A, 41B) with several electrical conductors (42), each comprising a wiring area (42a, 42b) and an electrical connection area (42c) that is directly or indirectly electrically connected to an electrical connection target object at one end of the wiring area (42a, 42b), and wiring plates on which the wiring areas (42a, 42b) are wired, wherein in the electrical connection structures (41A, 41B), which are arranged adjacent to each other, the other end of the wiring area (42a) of one of the electrical connection structures (41A) establishes an electrical connection relation to the other end of the wiring area (42b) of the other electrical connection structure (41B), and between the electrical connection structures (41A, 41B) which are arranged adjacent to each other, a movable area (41C) is provided which is able to change a relative positional relationship between them, wherein the movable area (41C) has a connecting element (81) for connecting the electrical connection structures (41A, 41B) which are arranged adjacent to each other, and the connecting element (81) has connecting units (82) and each of the connecting units (82) is a T-shaped projecting body. [2] The connector module (40) according to claim 1, wherein the electrical conductor (42) is covered by an insulating sheath, and a physical electrical connection part between the electrical conductor (42) and a complementary part is covered by an insulating element (75). [3] The plug-in module (40) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electrical connection structures (41A, 41B) which are arranged adjacent to each other are connected to each other by the electrical line (42) whose wiring areas (42a, 42b) are wired on the wiring plates of the respective electrical connection structures (41A, 41B), the electrical connection areas (42c) are formed at both ends and a movable electrical wiring area is arranged between the wiring areas (42a, 42b) and on the movable area (41C). [4] The connector module (40) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one of the electrical connection structures (41A), which are arranged adjacent to each other, is formed by an electromagnetic valve (20), which is a control valve of a hydraulic pressure circuit body with a hydraulic pressure circuit for setting in motion an operating fluid of an object to be controlled and serves as the electrical connection target object, which is able to adjust a flow rate of the operating fluid in the hydraulic pressure circuit, to be electrically connected to the electrical connection area (42a1) of the electrical connection structure (41A), and the other of the electrical connection structures (41B), which are arranged adjacent to each other, is designed to electrically connect a control unit (30), which serves as the electrical connection target object that controls the actuation of the electromagnetic valve (20), to the electrical connection area (42b1) of the other electrical connection structure (41B). [5] A hydraulic pressure control device (1), comprising: a hydraulic pressure circuit body (10) which has a hydraulic pressure circuit for setting in motion an operating fluid of an object to be controlled; a control unit (30) that controls the flow rate of the operating fluid in the hydraulic pressure circuit; an electromagnetic valve (20) connected to the hydraulic pressure circuit body, which adjusts the flow rate of the operating fluid in the hydraulic pressure circuit according to the control input by the control unit (30); and several electrical connection structures (41A, 41B) that connect at least two electrical connection target objects, wherein the electrical connection structure (41A, 41B) several electrical conductors (42) each with a wiring area (42a, 42b) and an electrical connection area (42a1, 42b1) which is directly or indirectly electrically connected to the electrical connection target object at one end of the wiring area (42a, 42b), and has wiring plates on which the wiring areas (42a, 42b) are wired, in the electrical connection structures (41A, 41B) which are arranged adjacent to each other, one end of the wiring area (42a) of one of the electrical connection structures (41A) establishes an electrical connection relation with the other end of the wiring area (42b) of the other electrical connection structure (41B), between the electrical connection structures (41A, 41B) which are arranged adjacent to each other, a movable area (41C) is provided which is able to change a relative positional relationship between them, and one of the electrical connection structures (41A), which are arranged adjacent to each other, is configured such that the electromagnetic valve (20) serves as the electrical connection target object, and the other of the electrical connection structures (41B) is configured such that the control unit (30) serves as the electrical connection target object, wherein the movable area (41C) has a connecting element (81) for connecting the electrical connection structures (41A, 41B) which are arranged adjacent to each other, and the connecting element (81) has connecting units (82) and each of the connecting units (82) is a T-shaped projecting body. [6] The connector module (40) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the electrical conductor (42) is arranged over each of the electrical connection structures (41A, 41B) which are arranged adjacent to each other and over the movable area (41C), so that the electrical conductor (42) is arranged over the electrical connection structures (41A, 41B) which are arranged adjacent to each other. [7] The hydraulic pressure control device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the electrical line (42) is arranged over each of the electrical connection structures (41A, 41B) which are arranged adjacent to each other and over the movable area (41C), so that the electrical line (42) is arranged over the electrical connection structures (41A, 41B) which are arranged adjacent to each other.

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