Motor device

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor device. The motor device (31) includes a motor (40), and a plurality of connectors (53A, 53B, 53C, 54C) provided at an end portion of the motor and extending in a direction opposite to the motor. Each of the connectors has a peripheral wall, and a lock portion (LP1, LP2, LP3, LP4) provided on the peripheral wall and configured to lock a state of fitting with the object to be combined. The lock portion is disposed so as to face a direction orthogonal to a straight line (O) passing through a center of the motor when viewed from a side opposite to the motor, and so as not to overlap with peripheral walls of all of the connectors, including the connector to which the lock portion itself belongs when viewed from a direction along the straight line.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a motor device. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a motor device having a plurality of connectors. A Connector Position Assurance (CPA) mechanism is often provided at the connector. The CPA mechanism is a mechanism for ensuring that the connector is fitted in the correct position.

[0003] The CPA mechanism has a locking member. The locking member moves between an unlocked position and a locked position in the fitting direction of the connector. The movement of the locking member is restricted until the mating connector is fitted in the correct position. If the connector is fitted in the correct position, the locking member can move.

[0004] After the connector is fitted, the connector is locked in the fitted state by moving the locking member from the unlocked position to the locked position. An operator can visually confirm the fitting state of the connector by the position of the locking member.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2008-130546

[0006] A motor device having a plurality of connectors has the following problems. That is, depending on the density or position of the connectors, it is necessary to confirm the fitting state of the connectors from multiple directions. This is rather cumbersome. In addition, there is a concern that it is difficult to confirm the fitting state of the connectors due to the mounting position or mounting posture of the motor device with respect to the mounting object. Summary of the Invention

[0007] A motor device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a motor and a plurality of connectors provided at an end of the motor and extending in a direction opposite to the motor. Each of the connectors has: a peripheral wall, and a locking portion provided on the peripheral wall and configured to lock the fitting state with a mating object. The locking portion is arranged such that when viewed from a side opposite to the motor, it faces a direction orthogonal to a straight line passing through the center of the motor, and when viewed from a direction along the straight line, including the connector to which the locking portion itself belongs, it does not overlap with the peripheral walls of all the connectors. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] Figure 1 It is a structural diagram of a steering mechanism of an embodiment of a motor device.

[0009] Figure 2 It is Figure 1 an exploded perspective view of the motor device.

[0010] Figure 3 It showsFigure 2 Cross-sectional view of the unlocking state of the locking mechanism of the connector assembly.

[0011] Figure 4 It shows Figure 2 Cross-sectional view of the locking state of the locking mechanism of the connector assembly.

[0012] Figure 5 Viewed from the opposite side of the motor Figure 2 Front view of a comparative example of the connector assembly.

[0013] Figure 6 Viewed from the opposite side of the motor Figure 2 Front view of the connector assembly. Detailed implementation mode

[0014] A motor device according to an embodiment will be described. The motor device is mounted, for example, on a steering device of a vehicle.

[0015] As Figure 1 shown, the steering device of the vehicle has a steering mechanism 11. The steering mechanism 11 is a mechanism part that steers the steering wheel 12 of the vehicle according to the steering operation of the steering wheel.

[0016] The steering mechanism 11 has a pinion shaft 21, a steering shaft 22, and a housing 23. The housing 23 supports the pinion shaft 21 so as to be rotatable. In addition, the housing 23 houses the steering shaft 22 so as to be able to reciprocate in the axial direction. The pinion shaft 21 is provided so as to intersect the steering shaft 22. The pinion teeth 21a of the pinion shaft 21 mesh with the rack teeth 22a of the steering shaft 22. Both ends of the steering shaft 22 are connected to the steering wheel 12 via a rack end 24 and a tie rod 25.

[0017] The steering device is an electric power steering type steering device or an electric power assisted steering device. When the steering device is an electric power steering type steering device, the pinion shaft 21 is not mechanically connected to the steering wheel. When the steering device is an electric power assisted steering device, the pinion shaft 21 is mechanically connected to the steering wheel via a steering shaft.

[0018] The steering mechanism 11 includes a motor device 31, a transmission mechanism 32, and a conversion mechanism 33. The motor device 31 is a source for generating a steering force applied to the steering shaft 22. The steering force is a force for steering the steering wheel 12. The transmission mechanism 32 is, for example, a belt transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism 32 transmits the rotation of the motor 31 to the conversion mechanism 33. The conversion mechanism 33 is, for example, a ball screw mechanism. The conversion mechanism 33 converts the rotation transmitted via the transmission mechanism 32 into an axial movement of the steering shaft 22. By the steering shaft 22 moving in the axial direction, the steering angle θw of the steering wheel 12 is changed. The steering shaft 22 is the driving object of the motor device 31.

[0019] In the case where the steering control device is an electric power steering type steering control device, the motor device 31 functions as a steering motor. The steering motor generates a force for steering the steering wheel 12, that is, a steering force. In the case where the steering control device is an electric power assisted steering device, the motor device 31 functions as an assist motor. The assist motor generates a force for assisting the operation of the steering wheel, that is, an assist force.

[0020] <Structure of the motor device 31>

[0021] Next, the structure of the motor device 31 will be described.

[0022] As Figure 2 shown, the motor device 31 includes a motor 40 and a control device 50. The motor 40 is, for example, a three-phase brushless motor. The motor 40 has, for example, a dual system winding. The control device 50 is mounted on an end portion of the motor 40. The control device 50 independently controls the power supply to the dual system winding.

[0023] The control device 50 includes a control board 51, a power board 52, a connector assembly 53, and a cover 53.

[0024] The control board 51 has electronic components for controlling the power supply to the motor 40. The electronic components include two microcomputers corresponding to the dual system winding. The microcomputer is a chip-type integrated circuit.

[0025] The power board 52 has electronic components for supplying power to the motor 40 through the control of the control board 51. The electronic components include two inverter circuits corresponding to the dual system winding. The inverter circuit has a plurality of FETs (Field Effect Transistors).

[0026] A first board receiving portion 40A and a second board receiving portion 40B are provided at an end portion of the motor 40. The depth of the first board receiving portion 40A is deeper than the depth of the second board receiving portion 40B. The control board 51 is received in the first board receiving portion 40A. The power board 52 is received in the second board receiving portion 40B so as to cover the control board 51. The control board 51 and the power board 52 are connected to each other via an inter-board connector.

[0027] The connector assembly 53 is made of synthetic resin. The connector assembly 53 has a first power connector 53A and a second power connector 53B. The first power connector 53A extends in the opposite direction of the motor 40 and has a peripheral wall that opens in the opposite direction of the motor 40. The peripheral wall has, for example, a rectangular cross-sectional shape with rounded corners. The first power connector 53A has power terminals and a ground terminal. A power plug to be combined is fitted to the first power connector 53A. The power plug is provided at the first end of the power line. The second end of the power line is connected to a DC power source such as an in-vehicle battery. The power of the DC power source is supplied to the control board 51 and the power board 52 via the power terminals and the ground terminal. The second power connector 53B has the same structure as the first power connector 53A.

[0028] The connector assembly 53 has a first signal connector 53C and a second signal connector 53D. The first signal connector 53C has a peripheral wall that extends in the opposite direction of the motor 40. The peripheral wall has, for example, a rectangular cross-sectional shape with rounded corners. The first signal connector 53C has signal terminals. A signal plug to be combined is fitted to the first signal connector 53C. The signal plug is provided at the first end of the signal line. The second end of the signal line is connected to a vehicle control device. The control board 51 and the vehicle control device exchange signals via the signal terminals. The second signal connector 53D has the same structure as the first signal connector 53C.

[0029] The cover 54 is made of synthetic resin. The cover 54 is a box-shaped body that opens toward the motor 40. The end wall of the cover 54 has a fitting hole 54A. The outer peripheral portion of the connector assembly 53 is fitted to the fitting hole 54A. Each connector (53A, 53B, 53C, 54C) of the connector assembly 53 penetrates the fitting hole 54A and protrudes from the end wall of the cover 54 to the outside of the cover 53. The cover 54 is attached to the end of the motor 40. The cover 54 covers the first substrate storage portion 40A and the second substrate storage portion 40B of the motor 40.

[0030] <Locking mechanism of the connector>

[0031] Next, the locking mechanism of the connector will be described.

[0032] As Figure 3 shown, as an example, a first sample connector 61 and a second sample connector 62 are given.

[0033] The first sample connector 61 is fitted inside the second sample connector 62. The first sample connector 61 has a first locking mechanism portion 63. The first locking mechanism portion 63 is a protruding portion provided on the outer peripheral surface of the first sample connector 61.

[0034] The second sample connector 62 has a housing 64 made of synthetic resin. The housing 64 has a peripheral wall, a fitting portion 65, and a second locking mechanism portion 66. The second locking mechanism portion 66 is provided on the peripheral wall and has a limiter portion 68 and a holding portion 69.

[0035] The fitting portion 65 is a concave portion for fitting the first sample connector 61 and is a portion surrounded by the peripheral wall of the housing 64. The fitting portion 65 opens in a direction opposite to the fitting direction D1 of the first sample connector 61. Terminals 67 are held inside the fitting portion 65.

[0036] The limiter portion 68 is in a frame shape. The limiter portion 68 has two arm portions 68A (only one is shown in Figure 3 ).), and a locking portion 68B. The arm portions 68A extend from the end wall of the second housing 62 in a direction opposite to the fitting direction D1. The two arm portions 68A are separated from each other in a direction orthogonal to the fitting direction D1. The locking portion 68B extends in a direction orthogonal to the fitting direction D1 and connects the front end portions of the two arm portions 68A. The front end portion is the end portion of the arm portion 68A on the side opposite to the end wall of the second sample connector 62. The arm portion 68A can be elastically bent around the base end portion in a direction D2 away from the fitting portion 65. The base end portion is the end portion of the arm portion 68A on the side connected to the end wall of the second sample connector 62. When the arm portion 68A bends, the locking portion 68B also moves in the direction D2.

[0037] The holding portion 69 is located on the side opposite to the fitting portion 65 with respect to the arm portion 68A in a direction orthogonal to the fitting direction D1. The holding portion 69 projects outward from the outer peripheral surface of the second sample connector 62. The holding portion 69 extends along the arm portion 68A. The holding portion 69 is provided to surround the outside of the two arm portions 68A. The holding portion 69 has two side walls located outside the two arm portions 68A and an end wall connecting the two side walls. There is a gap between the end wall of the holding portion 69 and the arm portion 68A in a direction orthogonal to the fitting direction D1. The space defined by the holding portion 69 and the two arm portions 68A has a rectangular cross-sectional shape.

[0038] The second sample connector 62 has a locking member 70. The locking member 70 is made of synthetic resin and is in a flat plate shape. The first end portion of the locking member 70 is held by the holding portion 69 in a state of being inserted inside the holding portion 69. The second end portion of the locking member 70 is exposed outside the holding portion 69. The second end portion is the end portion of the locking member 70 on the side opposite to the first end portion. By applying an external force to the second end portion of the locking member 70, the locking member 70 can be pressed into the inside of the holding portion 69. At least the first end portion of the locking member 70 has a thickness approximately the same as the gap between the end wall of the holding portion 69 and the arm portion 68A. The locking member 70 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape.

[0039] The locking member 70 can be in Figure 3 the unlocking position P1 shown in Figure 4 and move between the locking position P2 shown in.

[0040] The unlocking position P1 is the position of the locking member 70 where the first end is located at a position corresponding to the base end of the arm portion 68A. When the locking member 70 is in the unlocking position P1, there is a gap between the end wall of the holding portion 69 and the portion of the arm portion 68A other than the base end. Therefore, the front end of the arm portion 68A can be elastically bent in the direction D2 away from the fitting portion 65. The locking portion 68B provided at the front end of the arm portion 68A can also move in the direction D2 away from the fitting portion 65.

[0041] The locking position P2 is the position of the locking member 70 where the first end is located at a position corresponding to the vicinity of the front end of the arm portion 68A. When the locking member 70 is in the locking position P2, the first end of the locking member 70 is interposed between the end wall of the holding portion 69 and the portion of the arm portion 68A near the front end. Therefore, the front end of the arm portion 68A cannot be elastically bent in the direction D2 away from the fitting portion 65. The locking portion 68B provided at the front end of the arm portion 68A cannot also move in the direction D2 away from the fitting portion 65.

[0042] <Operation of the locking mechanism>

[0043] The operation of the locking mechanisms of the first sample connector 61 and the second sample connector 62 is as follows.

[0044] As Figure 4 shown, when the first sample connector 61 is fitted to the second sample connector 62, the first locking mechanism portion 63 abuts against the locking portion 68B of the second locking mechanism portion 66 in the fitting direction D1. As the first sample connector 61 is pressed into the second sample connector 62, the locking portion 68B moves in the direction D2 away from the fitting portion 65. Finally, the locking portion 68B passes over the first locking mechanism portion 63 and elastically returns to its original position. By engaging the locking portion 66 with the first locking mechanism portion 63 in the direction opposite to the fitting direction D1, the movement of the first sample connector 61 in the direction opposite to the fitting direction D1 is restricted.

[0045] After the first sample connector 61 is fitted to the second sample connector 62, the locking member 70 is moved from the unlocking position P1 to the locking position P2. As a result, the front end of the arm portion 68A cannot be bent in the direction D2 away from the fitting portion 65, and further, the locking portion 68B cannot move in the direction D2 away from the fitting portion 65. The situation where the locking portion 68B moves in the direction D2 away from the fitting portion 65 after being locked with the first locking mechanism portion 63 and the locking state is released is suppressed. Therefore, the fitting state of the first sample connector 61 and the second sample connector 62 is ensured.

[0046] An operator can, for example, visually confirm the position of the locking member 70 to identify the mating state of the first sample connector 61 and the second sample connector 62. The locking mechanism is also a CPA mechanism (connector position assurance mechanism). The CPA mechanism is a mechanism for ensuring that the first sample connector 61 and the second sample connector 62 are mated at the correct positions.

[0047] The first power connector 53A and the second power connector 53B have the same structure as the second sample connector 62 with respect to the locking mechanism. The locking portions of the first power connector 53A and the second power connector 53B respectively have the same structure as the second locking mechanism portion 66. The power plugs that mate with the first power connector 53A and the second power connector 53B have the same structure as the first sample connector 61 with respect to the locking mechanism. The locking portion of the power plug has the same structure as the first locking mechanism portion 63.

[0048] The first signal connector 53C and the second signal connector 53C have the same structure as the first sample connector 61 with respect to the locking mechanism. The locking portions of the first signal connector 53C and the second signal connector 53C respectively have the same structure as the first locking mechanism portion 63. The signal plugs that mate with the first signal connector 53C and the second signal connector 53D have the same structure as the second sample connector 62 with respect to the locking mechanism. The locking portion of the signal plug has the same structure as the second locking mechanism portion 66.

[0049] <Comparison Example of Connector Layout>

[0050] Next, a comparison example of the layouts of the respective connectors (53A, 53B, 53C, 54C) will be described.

[0051] As Figure 5 shown, the respective connectors (53A, 53B, 53C, 54C) are arranged at the peripheral portion of the cover 54. When viewed from the side opposite to the motor 40, the first power connector 53A and the second power connector 53B are arranged line-symmetrically with respect to the center line O. The center line O is, for example, a straight line that passes through the center of the motor 40 or the connector assembly 53 when viewed from the side opposite to the motor 40. "When viewed from the side opposite to the motor 40" can also be said as "when viewed from the direction in which the connector protrudes (or extends)". In the present embodiment, the center line O is a line that intersects the axis of the motor 40 at a right angle. In this case, "when viewed from the side opposite to the motor 40" can also be said as "when viewed from the direction along the axis of the motor 40".

[0052] The first power connector 53A and the second power connector 53B are arranged at the same position in the direction along the center line O. That is, in the direction orthogonal to the center line O, the first power connector 53A and the second power connector 53B are opposed to each other. When viewed from the side opposite to the motor 40, the long sides of the first power connector 53A and the second power connector 53B extend in the direction orthogonal to the center line O.

[0053] When viewed from the side opposite to the motor 40, the first signal connector 53C and the second signal connector 53C are arranged to be line-symmetrical with respect to the center line O. In the direction along the center line O, the first signal connector 53C and the second signal connector 53C are arranged at the same position. That is, in the direction orthogonal to the center line O, the first signal connector 53C and the second signal connector 53C are opposed to each other. The first signal connector 53C and the second signal connector 53C are arranged at positions different from those of the first power connector 53A and the second power connector 53B in the direction along the center line O. When viewed from the side opposite to the motor 40, the long sides of the first signal connector 53C and the second signal connector 53C extend along the center line O.

[0054] When viewed from the side opposite to the motor 40, the first locking portion LP1 faces the outside of the motor device 31 in the direction along the central axis O. The first locking portion LP1 is the locking portion of the first power connector 53A. When viewed from the side opposite to the motor 40, the second locking portion LP2 faces the outside of the motor device 31 in the direction along the central axis O. The second locking portion LP2 is the locking portion of the second power connector 53B. The first locking portion LP1 and the second locking portion LP2 face the same direction in the direction along the central axis O.

[0055] When viewed from the side opposite to the motor 40, the third locking portion LP3 faces the outside of the motor device 31 in the direction orthogonal to the central axis O. The third locking portion LP3 is the locking portion of the first signal connector 53C. When viewed from the side opposite to the motor 40, the fourth locking portion LP4 faces the outside of the motor device 31 in the direction orthogonal to the central axis O. The fourth locking portion LP4 is the locking portion of the second signal connector 53D. The third locking portion LP3 and the fourth locking portion LP4 face opposite directions in the direction orthogonal to the center line O.

[0056] In the case of adopting Figure 5 the comparative example shown, there are concerns as follows. That is, all of the first to fourth locking portions LP1 to LP4 can be visually confirmed from the first direction D11 along the center line O. Therefore, the positions of the locking members 70 corresponding to the first to fourth locking portions LP1 to LP4 can be visually confirmed.

[0057] In contrast, only the third locking portion LP3 and the fourth locking portion LP4 can be visually confirmed from the second direction D12 along the center line O. The second direction D12 is the direction opposite to the first direction. The first locking portion LP1 is hidden inside the peripheral wall of the first power connector 53A, so it cannot be visually confirmed. Therefore, the position of the locking member 70 corresponding to the first locking portion LP1 cannot be visually confirmed. Regarding the second locking portion LP2, it is the same as the first locking portion LP1 and cannot be visually confirmed either. Therefore, the position of the locking member 70 corresponding to the second locking portion LP2 cannot be visually confirmed.

[0058] In Figure 5 In the comparative example shown, the mating states of all the connectors (53A, 53B, 53C, 54C) can only be confirmed from one direction. Therefore, there is a concern that due to the installation position or installation posture of the motor device 31 of the steering device, it is difficult to visually confirm the positions of the first to fourth locking portions LP1 to LP4 and the locking members 70 corresponding to the first to fourth locking portions LP1 to LP4 respectively.

[0059] <Connector layout of the present embodiment>

[0060] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the respective connectors (53A, 53B, 53C, 54C) are arranged as follows.

[0061] As Figure 6 shown, when viewed from the side opposite to the motor 40, the first power connector 53A and the second power connector 53B are arranged near the center of the cover 54. When viewed from the side opposite to the motor 40, the first power connector 53A and the second power connector 53B are arranged line-symmetrically with respect to the center line O. The center line O is, for example, a straight line passing through the center of the motor 40 or the connector assembly 53 when viewed from the side opposite to the motor 40. The first power connector 53A and the second power connector 53B are arranged at the same position in the direction along the center line O. That is, in the direction orthogonal to the center line O, the first power connector 53A and the second power connector 53B face each other. When viewed from the side opposite to the motor 40, the long sides of the first power connector 53A and the second power connector 53B extend along the center line O.

[0062] When viewed from the side opposite to the motor 40, the first signal connector 53C and the second signal connector 53C are arranged near the periphery of the cover 54. When viewed from the side opposite to the motor 40, the first signal connector 53C and the second signal connector 53C are arranged line-symmetrically with respect to the center line O. The first signal connector 53C and the second signal connector 53C are arranged at the same position in the direction along the center line O. That is, in the direction orthogonal to the center line O, the first signal connector 53C and the second signal connector 53C are opposed to each other. The first signal connector 53C and the second signal connector 53C are arranged at positions different from those of the first power connector 53A and the second power connector 53B in the direction along the center line O.

[0063] However, when viewed from the direction orthogonal to the center line O, a part of the peripheral wall of the first signal connector 53C overlaps with a part of the peripheral wall of the first power connector 53A. When viewed from the direction orthogonal to the center line O, a part of the peripheral wall of the second signal connector 53D overlaps with a part of the peripheral wall of the second power connector 53B. When viewed from the side opposite to the motor 40, the long sides of the first signal connector 53C and the second signal connector 53C extend along the center line O.

[0064] When viewed from the side opposite to the motor 40, the first locking portion LP1 faces the outside of the motor device 31 in the direction orthogonal to the central axis O. The first locking portion LP1 is the locking portion of the first power connector 53A. When viewed from the side opposite to the motor 40, the second locking portion LP2 faces the outside of the motor device 31 in the direction along the central axis O. The second locking portion LP2 is the locking portion of the second power connector 53B. The first locking portion LP1 and the second locking portion LP2 face in opposite directions in the direction orthogonal to the central axis O.

[0065] When viewed from the side opposite to the motor 40, the third locking portion LP3 faces the outside of the motor device 31 in the direction orthogonal to the central axis O. The third locking portion LP3 is the locking portion of the first signal connector 53C. When viewed from the side opposite to the motor 40, the fourth locking portion LP4 faces the outside of the motor device 31 in the direction orthogonal to the central axis O. The fourth locking portion LP4 is the locking portion of the second signal connector 53D. The third locking portion LP3 and the fourth locking portion LP4 face in opposite directions in the direction orthogonal to the central axis O.

[0066] Four connectors (53A, 53B, 53C, 54C) are arranged at intervals in a direction orthogonal to the center line O. The first to fourth locking portions LP1 to LP4 are arranged such that when viewed from the direction along the center line O, they include the connectors to which the respective locking portions themselves belong and do not overlap the peripheral walls of all the connectors (53A, 53B, 53C, 54C). The direction along the center line O is the first direction D11 or the second direction D12.

[0067] Therefore, all of the first to fourth locking portions LP1 to LP4 can be visually confirmed from the first direction D11 along the center line O. In addition, all of the first to fourth locking portions LP1 to LP4 can also be visually confirmed from the second direction D12 along the center line O. That is, the positions of the locking members 70 corresponding to the first to fourth locking portions LP1 to LP4 can be visually confirmed from both the first direction D11 and the second direction D12.

[0068] When viewed from the side opposite to the motor 40, the first locking portion LP1 and the third locking portion LP3 face the outside of the motor device 31 in a direction orthogonal to the center line O. In addition, the first locking portion LP1 and the third locking portion LP3 are arranged such that when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the center line O, they do not overlap each other. In the direction orthogonal to the center line O, there are free spaces outside the first locking portion LP1 and outside the third locking portion LP3, respectively.

[0069] When viewed from the side opposite to the motor 40, the second locking portion LP2 and the fourth locking portion LP4 face the outside of the motor device 31 in a direction orthogonal to the center line O. In addition, the second locking portion LP2 and the fourth locking portion LP4 are arranged such that when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the center line O, they do not overlap each other. In the direction orthogonal to the center line O, there are free spaces outside the second locking portion LP2 and outside the fourth locking portion LP4, respectively.

[0070] In addition, when the steering device is an electric power steering device, a sensor connector 53E is provided in the connector assembly 53. For example, a torque sensor is connected to the sensor connector 53E via a signal line. The torque sensor detects the steering torque applied to the steering wheel. When viewed from the side opposite to the motor 40, the sensor connector 53E is arranged, for example, near the periphery of the cover 54 and at a position on the center line O. When viewed from the direction along the central axis O, the sensor connector 53E is arranged so as not to overlap the first to fourth locking portions LP1 to LP4.

[0071] <Effect of the Embodiment>

[0072] The present embodiment achieves the following effects.

[0073] (1) When observed from the side opposite to the motor 40, the first to fourth locking portions LP1 to LP4 face the outside of the motor device 31 in a direction orthogonal to the central axis O. In addition, each locking portion (LP1 to LP4) is arranged such that when observed from the direction along the center line O, it includes the connector to which the locking portion itself belongs and does not overlap with the peripheral walls of all the connectors (53A, 53B, 53C, 54C). Therefore, the positions of the locking members 70 corresponding to the first to fourth locking portions LP1 to LP4 can be visually confirmed from two directions, the first direction D11 and the second direction D12, along the central axis O.

[0074] (2) The positions of all the locking members 70 can be visually confirmed from the first direction D11 or the second direction D12. Since it is not necessary to confirm the positions of the locking members 70 from multiple directions, the confirmation operation of the fitting state of each connector (53A, 53B, 53C, 54C) can be simply performed.

[0075] (3) The range in which the locking members 70 can be visually observed increases, so the degree of freedom in the mounting position or mounting posture of the motor device 31 with respect to the steering device is improved. Therefore, the mountability of the motor device 31 with respect to the steering device or the vehicle is improved. In addition, it is not necessary to provide multiple types of motor devices 31 with different configurations of the connectors (53A, 53B, 53C, 54C) according to the mounting position or mounting posture of the motor device 31 with respect to the steering device.

[0076] (4) In the direction orthogonal to the center line O, there are free spaces outside the first locking portion LP1 and outside the third locking portion LP3, respectively. In addition, in the direction orthogonal to the center line O, there are free spaces outside the second locking portion LP2 and outside the fourth locking portion LP4, respectively. Therefore, the operability of the locking members 70 can be ensured.

[0077] (5) The first power connector 53A and the second power connector 53B are line-symmetric with respect to the central axis O. The first signal connector 53C and the second signal connector 53D are line-symmetric with respect to the central axis O. Therefore, the arrangement of the electronic components with respect to the control board 51 or the power board 52 is simple. The first power connector 53A and the first signal connector 53C form a group constituting the first system. The second power connector 53B and the second signal connector 53D form a group constituting the second system.

[0078] (6) The circumferential walls of the first power connector 53A and the first signal connector 53C partially overlap each other in the direction along the center line O. The circumferential walls of the second power connector 53B and the second signal connector 53D partially overlap each other in the direction along the center line O. Therefore, the volume of the motor device 31 can be reduced in the direction along the center line O.

[0079] (7) The first to fourth locking portions LP1 to LP4 protrude from the circumferential surfaces of the respective connectors (53A, 53B, 53C, 54C). That is, the first to fourth locking portions LP1 to LP4 have an undercut shape. The undercut shape is a shape that cannot be demolded in the mold opening and closing direction when removing the connector assembly 53 as a molded product from the mold. The mold opening and closing direction is, for example, the direction in which the connectors (53A, 53B, 53C, 54C) extend. In this regard, in the direction orthogonal to the center line O, there are free spaces outside the first to fourth locking portions LP1 to LP4, respectively. Therefore, a slide core can be used to mold the first to fourth locking portions LP1 to LP4. The slide core can be linked to the opening and closing operation of the mold and move, for example, in a direction orthogonal to the mold opening and closing direction. The connector assembly 53 having an undercut shape can be molded appropriately.

[0080] <Other Embodiments>

[0081] This embodiment can also be implemented with the following changes.

[0082] · The first power connector 53A and the second power connector 53B may not be line-symmetrical with respect to the central axis O. The first signal connector 53C and the second signal connector 53D may not be line-symmetrical with respect to the central axis O. As long as each locking portion (LP1 to LP4) is arranged so that, when viewed in the direction along the center line O, it includes the connector to which the locking portion itself belongs and does not overlap the circumferential walls of all the connectors (53A, 53B, 53C, 54C).

[0083] · The circumferential walls of the first power connector 53A and the first signal connector 53C may not partially overlap each other when viewed in the direction orthogonal to the center line O. The circumferential walls of the second power connector 53B and the second signal connector 53D may not partially overlap each other when viewed in the direction orthogonal to the center line O. As long as each locking portion (LP1 to LP4) is arranged so that, when viewed in the direction along the center line O, it includes the connector to which the locking portion itself belongs and does not overlap the circumferential walls of all the connectors (53A, 53B, 53C, 54C).

[0084] · When viewed from the side opposite to the motor 40, the first to fourth locking portions LP1 to LP4 may also be directed toward the inside of the motor device 31 in a direction orthogonal to the central axis O. When viewed from the side opposite to the motor 40, either the first locking portion LP1 or the third locking portion LP3 may also be directed toward the inside of the motor device 31 in a direction orthogonal to the central axis O. When viewed from the side opposite to the motor 40, either the second locking portion LP2 or the fourth locking portion LP4 may also be directed toward the inside of the motor device 31 in a direction orthogonal to the central axis O. Each locking portion (LP1 to LP4) only needs to be arranged such that when viewed from the direction along the center line O, the connector to which each locking portion itself belongs is included and does not overlap with the peripheral walls of all the connectors (53A, 53B, 53C, 54C).

[0085] · The first locking portion LP1 and the third locking portion LP3 may also overlap with each other when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the center line O. The second locking portion LP2 and the fourth locking portion LP4 may also overlap with each other when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the center line O. Each locking portion (LP1 to LP4) only needs to be arranged such that when viewed from the direction along the center line O, the connector to which each locking portion itself belongs is included and does not overlap with the peripheral walls of all the connectors (53A, 53B, 53C, 54C).

[0086] · The motor 40 may also be a motor having a single system of windings. Additionally, the control system and the power supply system of the motor 40 may also each be a single system. In this case, as the connector assembly 53, a structure in which the first power connector 53A and the first signal connector 53C, or the second power connector 53B and the second signal connector 53D are omitted may also be employed.

Claims

1. A motor device, comprising: a motor, and a plurality of connectors provided at an end of the motor and extending in a direction opposite to the motor; each of the connectors has: a peripheral wall, and a locking portion provided on the peripheral wall and configured to lock a fitting state with a combination object; the locking portion is configured to face a direction orthogonal to a straight line passing through the center of the motor when viewed from a side opposite to the motor, and when viewed from a direction along the straight line, the connector to which the locking portion itself belongs does not overlap with the peripheral walls of all the connectors.

2. The motor device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of connectors include a first connector and a second connector having different positions in a direction along the straight line, the locking portion of the first connector and the locking portion of the second connector are configured to face the outside of the motor in a direction orthogonal to the straight line.

3. The motor device according to claim 2, wherein the locking portion of the first connector and the locking portion of the second connector are configured not to overlap with each other when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the straight line.

4. The motor device according to claim 3, wherein the peripheral wall of the first connector and the peripheral wall of the second connector partially overlap with each other when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the straight line.

5. The motor device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first connector includes two first connectors configured to be line-symmetrical with respect to the straight line, the second connector includes two second connectors configured to be line-symmetrical with respect to the straight line.

Images