Drive device

Abstract

A drive device (1) is provided with a motor (80), a frame member (40), a substrate (20), a connector unit (50), and a cover (60). The connector unit (50) is integrally formed with a base portion (51), a connector portion (52) provided on the opposite side of the base portion (51) from the motor (80), and a plurality of terminal holding portions (53) provided on the motor (80) side of the base portion (51), and has connector terminals (55) protruding from the terminal holding portions (53) and connected to the substrate (20) by elastic contact. The cover (60) is provided separately from the connector unit (50) and accommodates the substrate (20) and the connector terminal (55) therein in a state where the connector part (52) is exposed to the outside. In the frame member (40), load receiving portions (461-466, 71-74) that protrude toward the substrate (20) and come into contact with the substrate (20) are formed in a terminal region where the connector terminal (55) and the substrate (20) are connected.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications

[0002] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-055577, filed on March 30, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a drive device. Background Technology

[0004] Previously, a drive device was known that consisted of an electric motor and a controller that controlled the power supply to the motor. For example, in Patent Document 1, the power supply connector terminal and the signal connector terminal were press-fit terminals that were connected to the substrate via elastic contact.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6443055. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In Patent Document 1, since the connector and the cover component are integrated, the assembly of the connector to the substrate is performed in an invisible state. The object of this disclosure is to provide a drive device capable of properly assembling the connector.

[0009] The drive device disclosed herein includes a motor, a frame member, a base plate, a connector unit, and a cover. The frame member is disposed on one side of the motor along its axial direction. The base plate is fixed to the side of the frame member opposite to the motor.

[0010] The connector unit integrally comprises a base, a connector portion disposed on the side of the base opposite to the motor, and a plurality of terminal holding portions disposed on the motor side of the base. The connector unit has connector terminals that protrude from the terminal holding portions and are connected to the substrate through elastic contact. The cover is separately disposed from the connector unit. With the connector portion exposed to the outside, the cover internally houses the substrate and the connector terminals.

[0011] In the frame member, a load-bearing portion is formed in the terminal area where the connector terminals are connected to the substrate. This load-bearing portion protrudes towards the substrate and abuts against the substrate. As a result, the connector unit can be properly assembled. Attached Figure Description

[0012] The above-mentioned and other objects, features, and advantages of this disclosure become more apparent with reference to the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. The drawings are as follows:

[0013] Figure 1This is a schematic structural diagram showing the electric power steering device according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the drive device according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a top view showing the drive device of the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 IV direction view,

[0017] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 The V direction is directed towards the view.

[0018] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 Sectional view along line VI-VI,

[0019] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the ECU according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the ECU according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a top view showing the ECU of the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 The X-direction view,

[0023] Figure 11 yes Figure 9 XI-XI line sectional view,

[0024] Figure 12 yes Figure 9 XII direction view,

[0025] Figure 13 yes Figure 9 Sectional view along line XIII-XIII,

[0026] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the cover.

[0027] Figure 15 This is a perspective view showing the frame components of the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 16 This is a perspective view showing the frame components of the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 17 This is a top view showing the frame components of the first embodiment.

[0030] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 XVIII direction view,

[0031] Figure 19 yes Figure 17 Cross-sectional view of the XIX-XIX line.

[0032] Figure 20 yes Figure 17 The view in the XX direction,

[0033] Figure 21 yes Figure 17 XXI-XXI line sectional view,

[0034] Figure 22 This is a top view showing the state in which the connector unit is assembled on the substrate of the first embodiment.

[0035] Figure 23 yes Figure 22 XXIII direction view,

[0036] Figure 24 yes Figure 23 Sectional view along line XXIV-XXIV,

[0037] Figure 25 yes Figure 24 XXV-XXV line sectional view,

[0038] Figure 26 yes Figure 25 Enlarged image of XXVI.

[0039] Figure 27 This is a perspective view showing the frame components of the first embodiment assembled with the substrate.

[0040] Figure 28 This is a perspective view showing the state in which the connector unit is assembled on the substrate of the first embodiment.

[0041] Figure 29 This is a top view showing the frame components of the first embodiment.

[0042] Figure 30 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection state between the connector terminals and the substrate in the first embodiment.

[0043] Figure 31 This is a top view showing the frame components of the second embodiment.

[0044] Figure 32 This is a top view illustrating the load-bearing part of the second embodiment.

[0045] Figure 33This is a top view illustrating the load-bearing part of the second embodiment.

[0046] Figure 34 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the terminal arrangement.

[0047] Figure 35 This is a top view illustrating the load-bearing part of the third embodiment.

[0048] Figure 36 This is a top view illustrating the load-bearing part of the third embodiment.

[0049] Figure 37 This is a cross-sectional view of the ECU according to the fourth embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0050] The driving device of this disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In various embodiments, substantially identical structures will be labeled with the same reference numerals and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0051] (First Implementation)

[0052] exist Figures 1 to 30 The first embodiment is shown in the figure. The drive unit 1 includes a motor 80 and an ECU 10 as a control unit, and is applied to an electric power steering system 8, which is a steering device for assisting the steering operation of the vehicle. Figure 1 This describes the overall structure of a steering system 90 equipped with an electric power steering device 8. The steering system 90 includes a steering wheel 91, a steering spindle 92, a pinion 96, a rack spindle 97, wheels 98, and the electric power steering device 8, etc. The steering wheel 91 is a steering component.

[0053] The steering wheel 91 is connected to the steering spindle 92. A torque sensor 93 for detecting steering torque is installed on the steering spindle 92. A pinion 96 is installed at the top of the steering spindle 92. The pinion 96 meshes with the rack spindle 97. A pair of wheels 98 are connected to both ends of the rack spindle 97 via steering tie rod ball joints, etc.

[0054] When the driver rotates the steering wheel 91, the steering spindle 92 connected to the steering wheel 91 rotates. The rotational motion of the steering spindle 92 is converted into the linear motion of the rack spindle 97 via the pinion 96. The pair of wheels 98 are steered at an angle corresponding to the displacement of the rack spindle 97.

[0055] The electric power steering system 8 includes a drive unit 1 and a reduction gear 89, which serves as a power transmission unit that reduces the rotation of the motor 80 and transmits it to the rack and pinion spindle 97. The electric power steering system 8 of this embodiment is a so-called "rack-assisted type", but it can also be a so-called "column-assisted type" that transmits the rotation of the motor 80 to the steering spindle 92.

[0056] Motor 80 is a three-phase brushless motor. Motor 80 outputs part or all of the torque required for steering, driven by electricity supplied from vehicle power supply 5, and causes reduction gear 89 to rotate in both directions.

[0057] like Figures 2-6 As shown, the drive unit 1 has an ECU 10 integrally mounted on one side of the axial direction of the motor 80, and the drive unit 1 is a so-called "mechatronic type". On the side opposite to the output shaft of the motor 80, the ECU 10 is coaxially configured with respect to the axis Ax of the main shaft 870. Here, "coaxial" allows for errors and offsets, such as those related to assembly and design. Hereinafter, the axial direction of the motor 80 will be regarded as the axial direction of the drive unit 1, and will be simply referred to as "axial". The same applies to "radial" and "circumferential".

[0058] The motor 80 includes a motor housing 830, a stator 860, a rotor 865, and motor windings 880. The motor housing 830 is formed into a generally bottomed cylindrical shape consisting of a bottom 831 and a cylindrical portion 832, and is provided with an opening on the ECU10 side. A bearing 871 is provided at the bottom 831. The stator 860 is fixed to the cylindrical portion 832. A frame member 40 is pressed and fixed to the opening side of the motor housing 830.

[0059] The stator 860 is fixed to the motor housing 830 and has motor windings 880 wound around it. The motor windings 880 consist of two sets of three-phase windings. Hereinafter, the constituent units involved in the energization control corresponding to each set of windings will be referred to as the "system". The rotor 865 is disposed radially inside the stator 860 and is configured to rotate relative to the stator 860.

[0060] The main shaft 870 is embedded in the rotor 865 and rotates integrally with it. Bearings 871 and 872 support the main shaft 870 rotatably on the motor housing 830 and frame member 40. The ECU 10 controls the energization of the motor windings 880, thereby creating a rotating magnetic field in the stator 860. The rotor 856 rotates the main shaft 870 as an axis using the rotating magnetic field formed in the stator 860.

[0061] The end of the spindle 870 on the ECU10 side is inserted through the shaft hole 409 of the frame member 40 and exposed on the ECU10 side. A magnet 875 is provided at the end of the spindle 870 on the ECU10 side. A wire insertion hole 401 is formed in the frame member 40, and the wires 881 connected to each phase of the motor winding 880 are pulled out toward the ECU10 side.

[0062] like Figures 7-13As shown, the ECU10 includes a base plate 20, a connector unit 50, and a cover 60. The base plate 20 is fixed to the frame member 40 by multiple (three in this embodiment) fixing members 291 to 293 such as screws. Electronic components such as switching elements, microcomputers or ASICs, and capacitors that constitute an inverter related to the drive control of the motor 80 are mounted on the base plate 20.

[0063] Switching elements and rotation angle sensors are mounted on the side of the frame member 40 of the substrate 20. The switching elements are configured to dissipate heat to the heat absorption device 45. The rotation angle sensor is located opposite the magnet 875 and detects the rotation of the motor 80 by detecting the rotating magnetic field of the magnet 875. Larger components such as aluminum electrolytic capacitors are mounted on the side opposite to the frame member 40 of the substrate 20.

[0064] like Figures 15-21 As shown, the frame member 40 is made of a metal such as aluminum alloy and is configured to block the opening of the motor housing 830. The frame member 40 is circular when viewed axially, and a sealing groove 43 is formed along its outer edge on the side opposite to the motor 80. Furthermore, a heat-absorbing device 45, load-bearing portions 461-466, and substrate fixing portions 491-493 are provided on the side of the frame member 40 opposite to the motor 80. Details of the load-bearing portions 461-466, etc., will be described later.

[0065] like Figures 22-25 As shown, the connector unit 50 includes a base 51, a connector portion 52, a terminal holding portion 53, and a connector terminal 55. Figures 22-25 This indicates that the cover 60 of the ECU10 has been removed. The base 51, connector 52, and terminal holding part 53 are integrally formed of resin or the like.

[0066] The base 51 is formed in a generally circular plate shape. A sealing groove 511 is formed on the side of the base 51 opposite to the motor 80, extending radially outward from the outer edge of the connector portion 52. The connector portion 52 protrudes from the base 51 in the direction opposite to the motor 80. The connector portion 52 is formed with its interface facing axially outward and is configured to allow insertion and removal of a wiring harness (not shown).

[0067] The connector section 52 includes vehicle system connectors 521 and 522 and signal system connectors 523 and 524 connected to the torque sensor 93, and is provided for each system. In this embodiment, the vehicle system connectors 521 and 522 and the signal system connector 523 constitute connectors with different interfaces.

[0068] Vehicle system connectors 521 and 522 connect the vehicle power supply 5 and the vehicle communication network 6 (see reference). Figure 1That is, the vehicle system connectors 521 and 522 in this embodiment are integrated hybrid connectors that combine a power system connector for power connection and grounding connection with a communication system connector for vehicle communication network 6. The vehicle communication network 6 in this embodiment is CAN (Controller Area Network), but it can be a network other than CAN. Figure 1 In the text, the vehicle communication network 6 is recorded as "CAN".

[0069] In the outer peripheral region, which is radially outer of the connector portion 52, a terminal holding portion 53 protrudes from the base 51 toward the motor 80 side, and a connector terminal 55 is molded inside it. The connector terminal 55 protrudes from the top of the terminal holding portion 53. In addition, on the substrate 20, the outer side of the projection area of ​​the connector portion 52 projected axially is defined as the outer peripheral region.

[0070] The terminal holding section 53 includes a power terminal holding section 531, ground terminal holding sections 533 and 534, and signal terminal holding sections 535 and 536. Two systems share one power terminal holding section 531. Ground terminal holding sections 533 and 534 and signal terminal holding sections 535 and 536 are provided for each system.

[0071] Connector terminals 55 include power terminals 551 and 552, ground terminals 553 and 554, and signal terminals 555 and 556. Power terminals 551 and 552 are connected to the vehicle power supply 5, and ground terminals 553 and 554 connect the vehicle to the ground. Signal terminals 555 and 556 include terminals connected to the vehicle communication network 6 and terminals connected to the torque sensor 93.

[0072] One end of power terminals 551 and 552 is respectively disposed in vehicle system connectors 521 and 522, the middle part is embedded in base 51 and power terminal holding part 531, and the top end protrudes from power terminal holding part 531.

[0073] One end of the grounding terminal 553 is disposed in the vehicle system connector 521, the middle portion is embedded in the base 51 and the grounding terminal holding portion 533, and the top end protrudes from the grounding terminal holding portion 533. One end of the grounding terminal 554 is disposed in the vehicle system connector 522, the middle portion is embedded in the base 51 and the grounding terminal holding portion 534, and the top end protrudes from the grounding terminal holding portion 534.

[0074] One end of signal terminal 555 is disposed in vehicle system connector 521 or signal system connector 523, the middle portion is embedded in base 51 and signal terminal holding portion 535, and the top end protrudes from signal terminal holding portion 535. One end of signal terminal 556 is disposed in vehicle system connector 522 or signal system connector 524, the middle portion is embedded in base 51 and signal terminal holding portion 536, and the top end protrudes from signal terminal holding portion 536.

[0075] The power terminal holding portion 531 and the ground terminal holding portions 533 and 534 are relatively concentrated in the outer peripheral area on the side of the vehicle system connectors 521 and 522. The ground terminal holding portions 533 and 534 are disposed on both sides, sandwiching the power terminal holding portion 531.

[0076] Power terminals 551 and 552 are connected to the substrate 20 in a region radially inward of a fixing member 291. Ground terminals 553 and 554 are disposed on both sides of the fixing member 291. That is, power terminals 551 and 552 and ground terminals 553 and 554 are connected to the substrate 20 in a manner that surrounds the fixing member 291. In addition, power terminals 551 and 552 and ground terminals 553 and 554 are configured to be arranged laterally when viewed from the radially outward side.

[0077] The signal terminal holding portions 535 and 536 are separately disposed from the outer peripheral areas of the signal system connectors 523 and 524. Signal terminals 555 and 556 include torque signal terminals connected to the torque sensor 93 and communication terminals connected to the vehicle communication network 6. Signal terminals 555 and 292 are arranged adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, and signal terminals 556 and 293 are arranged adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. Signal terminals 555 and 556 are configured in two radial rows of seven on the outermost periphery and six on the inner periphery, but the number and arrangement of terminals can be arbitrarily designed according to the number of signals, etc.

[0078] The top ends of terminals 551 to 556 are formed into elastically deformable rings and are connected to the substrate 20 by press-fit connection (see reference). Figure 26 ).exist Figure 26 Signal terminal 556 is illustrated, but the tops of the other terminals 551 to 555 are also formed in the same shape.

[0079] The base sides of the power terminals 551 and 552 exposed from the power terminal holding portion 531 are formed into wide flat plates, and the top sides branch into several (two in this embodiment) (see reference). Figure 25Similarly, the base sides of grounding terminals 553 and 554 exposed from grounding terminal holding portions 533 and 534 are formed into wide flat plates, and the top side branches into several branches. In the case of press-fit connection, in order to allow the connection portion to deform elastically, the terminals need to be formed relatively thin. On the other hand, if the terminals are thin, it becomes difficult to carry a large current. Therefore, by making the front end side of terminals 551 to 554 branch into multiple branches, both press-fit connection and large current carrying can be taken into account.

[0080] When the area connecting power terminals 551, 552 and ground terminals 553, 554 is designated as power terminal area Rp, the area connecting signal terminal 555 is designated as signal terminal area Rs1, and the area connecting signal terminal 556 is designated as signal terminal area Rs2, areas Rp, Rs1, and Rs2 are distributed separately from the outer peripheral area. In this embodiment, by distributing the terminal areas in three locations, the connector unit 50 is held on the substrate 20 without the use of screws or other fixing components, and is held solely by the press-fit connection of terminals 551 to 556.

[0081] In this embodiment, a relatively large component, such as an aluminum electrolytic capacitor, is mounted on the side of the substrate 20 opposite to the motor 80, and is separated from the electronic component on which the substrate 20 and base 51 are mounted. Therefore, the axial length of the terminal holding portions 531-536 is set such that the terminals 551-556 will not bend, thus maintaining the load of the connector unit 50. In this embodiment, the axial length of the terminal holding portions 531-536 is at least half the length of the substrate 20 and base 51.

[0082] like Figures 17-21 and Figure 29 As shown, on the side of the frame portion 41 of the frame member 40 opposite to the motor 80, load-bearing portions 461-466 that bear the press-fit load of terminals 551-556 protrude and abut against the base plate 20 on the top surface. The load-bearing portions 461-466 are formed in a cylindrical shape for the top end of each terminal to be inserted.

[0083] The height H1 of the load-bearing parts 461-466 is higher than that of the heat-absorbing device 45, and equal to the height H2 of the substrate fixing parts 491-493 (refer to...). Figures 18-21 Here, on the side of the frame member 40 opposite to the motor 80, the axial length of the portion without the heat-absorbing device 45, etc., is taken as the reference plane as the height. "Equal height" means that the degree of error allowed is such that the load-bearing parts 461 to 466 can bear the load during press-fitting. The same applies to the embodiments described later.

[0084] Load-bearing portions 461 to 464 abut against the substrate 20 in the terminal region Rp. Load-bearing portions 461 and 462 are respectively provided at the connection points between the power terminals 551 and 552 and the substrate 20, and are formed by connecting two cylindrical portions corresponding to the branched-off top portions. Load-bearing portions 463 and 464 are respectively provided at the connection points between the ground terminals 553 and 554 and the substrate 20, and are similarly formed by connecting two cylindrical portions corresponding to the branched-off top portions, as with load-bearing portions 461 and 462.

[0085] Load-bearing portion 465 abuts against substrate 20 in terminal region Rs1, and load-bearing portion 66 abuts against substrate 20 in terminal region Rs2. Load-bearing portion 465 is formed by connecting a cylindrical portion corresponding to each signal terminal 555. Load-bearing portion 466 is formed by connecting a cylindrical portion corresponding to each signal terminal 556.

[0086] exist Figure 30 The diagram shows the relationship between the load-bearing parts 461 to 465 and the wiring pattern of the substrate 20. Figure 30 The substrate 20 is a six-layer substrate, and the power terminal 551 and the load-bearing portion 461 are described as examples. The load-bearing portion 461 is provided at a position where the wiring pattern 21 of the through hole through which the terminal 551 is inserted is above the insulation gap G (e.g., 0.5 mm). In addition, in the substrate 20, when the upper side of the paper surface is used as the first layer and the lower side as the Nth layer (N=6 if it is a six-layer substrate), no wiring pattern is provided on the Nth layer at the position where the load-bearing portion 461 is formed, and the substrate 20 abuts against the load-bearing portion 461 at the barrier layer. In addition, the wiring pattern connected to the terminal 551 is formed on the first layer to the (N-1)th layer. As a result, insulation between the terminal 551 and the load-bearing portion 461 can be ensured.

[0087] Alternatively, a grounding pattern may be formed on the Nth layer at the contact points between the load-bearing portions 463 and 464 corresponding to the grounding terminals 553 and 554 and the substrate 20, and the grounding pattern may contact the load-bearing portions 463 and 464.

[0088] like Figures 2 to 13 As shown, the cover 60 is formed into a generally cylindrical shape from materials such as aluminum. An insertion portion 601 is formed at one axial end of the cover 60 to engage with the sealing groove 43 of the frame portion 41. A flange portion 602 is formed in the cover 60 at a location opposite to the radially outer side of the sealing groove 43. Furthermore, as... Figure 14 As shown, the cover 60 can also be provided in the seat 605, which is located on the radial inner side of the sealing groove 43 and abuts against the frame member 40.

[0089] return Figure 13An annular portion 61, bent radially inward, is formed at the other end of the cover 60 along its axial direction. An insertion portion 611 is formed at the top of the annular portion 61. The insertion portion 611 engages with the sealing groove 511 of the base 51 of the connector unit 50. By covering the cover 60 with adhesive material applied to the sealing grooves 43 and 511, the cover 60, the frame member 40, and the connector unit 50 are fixed by the adhesive material.

[0090] For example, as in Patent Document 1, when the connector and cover are integrated, the connection between the connector and the substrate is assembled in an invisible state, making it difficult to check whether the terminals are correctly inserted into the terminal holes of the substrate. Furthermore, when adhesive materials are used to connect the connector-integrated cover to the motor frame, if there is a difference in the linear expansion rate between the connector and the adhesive material, the connection between the connector terminals and the substrate is affected by expansion and contraction due to temperature changes. Therefore, there are concerns that connection reliability cannot be guaranteed due to terminal detachment, wear, etc.

[0091] Therefore, in this embodiment, the connector terminal 55 is assembled as a connector unit 50 separate from the cover 60 by resin molding, and the connector unit 50 is assembled to the substrate 20 fixed to the frame member 40.

[0092] Specifically, such as Figure 27 As shown, the substrate 20 is assembled onto the frame member 40. Figure 28 As shown, the connector unit 50 is assembled by pressing terminals 551 to 556 onto the substrate 20 from this state. Then, from the state where the connector unit 50 is assembled onto the substrate 20, the cover 60 is placed on top, and the cover 60 is assembled onto the frame member 40 and the connector unit 50. Figure 7 wait).

[0093] In this embodiment, since the connector unit 50 and the cover 60 are separate units, therefore, as Figure 23 As shown, the connector unit 50 and the substrate 20 can be connected in a visually perceptible manner. Furthermore, since the connector unit 50 and the cover 60 are separate components, the connection points between the terminals 551-556 and the substrate 20 are not directly affected by the thermal deformation of the adhesive material, which has a higher coefficient of linear expansion than the connector resin. Therefore, it is possible to suppress any decrease in connection reliability.

[0094] As a reference example, when the substrate and connector are assembled offline and then assembled to the motor side, space needs to be reserved beforehand for the electrical connection between the motor and the substrate, and for fixing the substrate, thus narrowing the area available for arranging the connector. In contrast, in this embodiment, by assembling the substrate 20 to the frame member 40, the connector unit 50 can be connected to the substrate 20 after the wire 881 is connected to the substrate 20. Therefore, the assembly of the substrate 20 to the frame member 40 and the connection between the motor 80 and the substrate 20 can be performed without a connector, thus ensuring more space available for arranging the connector. Furthermore, by providing load-bearing portions 461 to 466, clamps or similar fixtures for suppressing deformation caused by terminal insertion loads are not required.

[0095] As described above, the drive unit 1 includes a motor 80, a frame member 40, a base plate 20, a connector unit 50, and a cover 60. The frame member 40 is disposed on one side of the motor 80 along its axial direction. The base plate 20 is fixed to the side of the frame member 40 opposite to the motor 80.

[0096] The connector unit 50 integrally comprises a base 51, a connector portion 52 disposed on the side of the base 51 opposite to the motor 80, and a plurality of terminal holding portions 53 disposed on the motor 80 side of the base 51. The connector unit 50 protrudes from the terminal holding portions 53 and has connector terminals 55 that are connected to the substrate 20 by elastic contact. The cover 60 is separately disposed from the connector unit 50, and with the connector portion 52 exposed to the outside, it houses the substrate 20 and the connector terminals 55 inside.

[0097] In the frame member 40, load-bearing portions 461 to 466 are formed in the terminal region connecting the connector terminal 55 to the substrate 20. These load-bearing portions 461 to 466 protrude toward the substrate 20 and abut against the substrate 20. Specifically, in this embodiment, when the portion through the substrate 20 at the top end of the connector terminal 55 is designated as the terminal top end, the load-bearing portions 461 to 466 are formed in a ring shape on the outer periphery of each terminal top end.

[0098] In this embodiment, the connector unit 50 and the cover 60 are separate units. Therefore, the connector terminal 55 can be connected to the substrate 20 without the cover 60 covering it, and it is possible to check whether the terminal is correctly inserted into the substrate 20. Furthermore, since load-bearing portions 461 to 466 are provided to withstand the load during press-fitting, the press-fitting load can be appropriately withstood. Therefore, the connector can be properly assembled.

[0099] The frame member 40 has substrate fixing portions 491 to 493, which fix the substrate 20 by fixing member 291. The height H1 of the load-bearing portions 461 to 465 is equal to the height H2 of the substrate fixing portions 491 to 493. As a result, the load-bearing portions 461 to 466 can properly bear the press-fit load.

[0100] The load-bearing portions 461 to 466 are separated from the wiring pattern formed in the through holes of the substrate 20 through which the connector terminals 55 are inserted, and abut against the substrate 20 through an insulating layer. This ensures insulation between the connector terminals 55 and the frame member 40.

[0101] The cover 60 has an insertion portion 601 and an insertion portion 611. The insertion portion 601 is fixed to the side of the frame member 40 opposite to the motor 80 on the radially outer side of the base plate 20, and the insertion portion 611 is fixed to the side of the base 51 opposite to the motor 80 on the radially outer side of the connector portion 52. Thus, with the connector unit 50 assembled on the base plate 20, the cover 60 can be properly assembled by covering it from the side opposite to the motor 80.

[0102] (Second Implementation)

[0103] exist Figures 31-34 The second embodiment is shown. The second and third embodiments differ primarily in the load-bearing portion from the embodiments described above; therefore, this will be the focus of the description. Figure 31 In, compared with the first embodiment Figure 29 Correspondingly, and since the right side of the cutting line is roughly symmetrical to the left side, the description and explanation are appropriately omitted.

[0104] like Figure 31 As shown, load-bearing portions 71 and 72 protrude from the side of the frame member 40 opposite to the motor 80. Similar to the embodiment described above, the heights of the load-bearing portions 71 and 72 are the same as those of the substrate fixing portions 491 to 493. The load-bearing portions 71 and 72 are separated to a degree that allows them to be insulated from each of the terminals 551 to 556 (e.g., 0.5 mm).

[0105] like Figure 32 As shown, a load-bearing portion 71 is provided opposite to each of the two top ends of the power supply terminal 551. Specifically, the load-bearing portion 71 is composed of an inner wall portion 711 located radially inward of each of the two top ends of the power supply terminal 551 and side wall portions 712 extending radially outward from both ends of the inner wall portion 711, and is integrally formed into a shape that opens radially outward. Similarly, a load-bearing portion 71 is provided opposite to each of the two top ends of the power supply terminal 552 and the ground terminals 553 and 554.

[0106] like Figure 33 As shown, a load-bearing portion 72 is provided opposite to one of the plurality of signal terminals 555. Specifically, the load-bearing portion 72 is composed of an inner wall portion 721 provided radially inward of the plurality of signal terminals 555 and side wall portions 722 extending radially outward from both ends of the inner wall portion 721, and is integrally formed into a shape that opens radially outward. The side wall portions 722 are provided at both ends of the inner wall portion 721 and between the terminals.

[0107] exist Figure 33 In the example, there are two sidewall portions 722 provided between the terminals, and three openings are formed, but the position, number, shape, etc. of the sidewall portions 722 can be appropriately set according to the load, etc. In addition, the load-bearing portion 72 can also be divided into multiple parts.

[0108] The load-bearing portions 71 and 72 are formed to surround multiple terminals and open radially outward. This allows the connection status of terminals 551-556 to be confirmed radially outward after they are connected to the substrate 20. Furthermore, as... Figure 34 As shown, when the signal terminals 555 are arranged in multiple rows, by offsetting the circumferential positions of the inner terminals from the outer terminals, it becomes easier to confirm the connection status of the inner terminals. Furthermore, an example of two rows of terminals 555 is shown here, but the same applies to cases with three or more rows.

[0109] In this embodiment, when the portion of the connector terminal 55 that is inserted through the substrate 20 is used as the terminal tip, the load-bearing portions 71 and 72 are configured to surround the terminal group composed of multiple terminal tips in a state where at least a portion is open. In this embodiment, the load-bearing portions 71 and 72 are configured to surround the terminal group in a state where they are open radially outward. As a supplement, "terminal group" is not limited to multiple terminals such as signal terminals 555 and 556; the front ends of the two terminals of the power supply terminal 551 shared on the base side are also considered as "terminal group".

[0110] The connector terminals 55 are arranged in multiple rows radially, with the innermost terminals offset from the outermost terminals in a circumferential position. This allows for confirmation of the connection status between the substrate 20 and the connector terminals 55 after the connector unit 50 is assembled onto the substrate 20. Furthermore, it achieves the same effect as the embodiment described above.

[0111] (Third Implementation)

[0112] exist Figure 35 and Figure 36The third embodiment is shown. In the third embodiment, load-bearing portions 73 and 74 are provided protruding from the side of the frame member 40 opposite to the motor 80. Similar to the embodiment described above, the height of the load-bearing portions 73 and 74 is the same as that of the substrate fixing portions 491 to 493. The load-bearing portions 73 and 74 are separated from each of the terminals 551 to 556 to a degree that allows them to be insulated (e.g., 0.5 mm).

[0113] like Figure 35 As shown, load-bearing portions 73 are provided on the outer sides and in the middle of the two top ends of the power supply terminal 551. Similarly, load-bearing portions 73 are provided on the outer sides and in the middle of the grounding terminal 553.

[0114] like Figure 36 As shown, the load-bearing portion 74 is disposed on both outer sides of the signal terminals 555, which are arranged approximately circumferentially adjacent to each other, and between the terminals. The load-bearing portion 74 is formed in a generally radial direction, and can be said to be disposed adjacent to the signal terminals 555.

[0115] The position, number, and shape of the load-bearing portions 73 and 74 can be appropriately set according to the load received when the terminals are inserted. For example, the load-bearing portions 73 may only be formed on both outer sides of the power supply terminals 551, omitting their arrangement between the terminals. Alternatively, for example, the load-bearing portions 74 do not need to be arranged between all the terminals, and some may be omitted if they are spaced apart by one or two.

[0116] The load-bearing portions 73 and 74 are formed to extend from the inside to the outside of the substrate 20. Therefore, after the terminals 551 to 556 are connected to the substrate 20, the connection status of the terminals 551 to 556 can be confirmed from the radial outside.

[0117] In this embodiment, the load-bearing portions 73 and 74 are disposed adjacent to the terminal tip portions. Here, "adjacent" means that a gap sufficient to ensure insulation is provided, and no other components are disposed between the terminal tip portions and the load-bearing portions. Specifically, the load-bearing portions 73 and 74 include at least one of an outer wall disposed on both outer sides of the arranged terminal tip portions and a partition wall separating the terminals. Even with this structure, the same effect as the embodiment described above can be achieved.

[0118] (Fourth Implementation)

[0119] exist Figure 37 The fourth embodiment is shown in the figure. Figure 37 Is with Figure 11In the corresponding cross-sectional view, the ECU11 includes a connector substrate 25 in addition to the substrate 20. That is, the ECU11 in this embodiment has two substrates. The number of substrates may also be three or more. The connector substrate 25 is fixed to the motor 80 side of the base 51 of the connector unit 50 by screws or other fixing members (not shown). The connector substrate 25 is connected to the substrate 20 by an inter-substrate connecting member (not shown) in a manner that enables the transmission and reception of various signals.

[0120] The power terminal 557 includes a power terminal and a ground terminal. One end of the power terminal 557 is disposed in the vehicle system connectors 521 and 522, and branches inside the base 51. One end of the branched-off tip is connected to the connector substrate 25, and the other end is connected to the substrate 20. The structure of the side connected to the substrate 20 is the same as in the above embodiment. One end of the signal terminal 558 is disposed in the vehicle system connectors 521 and 522 and connected to the vehicle communication network 6, and the other end is connected to the connector substrate 25.

[0121] One end of signal terminal 559 is disposed on signal system connectors 523 and 524, and the other end is connected to connector substrate 25. In addition to signal terminals 558 and 559, signal terminals 555 and 556 as described in the above embodiment are also provided. Even with this structure, it achieves the same effect as the above embodiment.

[0122] In this embodiment, the insertion part 601 corresponds to the "first fixing part" and the insertion part 611 corresponds to the "second fixing part". Additionally, the power terminal area Rp, signal terminal areas Rs1, and Rs2 correspond to the "terminal areas".

[0123] (Other implementation methods)

[0124] In the above embodiment, the tips of terminals 551 to 556 are formed in a ring shape. In other embodiments, the tips of the terminals can be any shape that allows for connection based on elastic deformation, or they can be any shape other than a ring. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the shape of the load-bearing portion can be any shape that can withstand the pressure load, or it can be a shape different from the above embodiment. Additionally, in other embodiments, the shape of the load-bearing portion can also vary depending on the terminal region.

[0125] In the above embodiment, the terminal areas are distributed in three locations in the outer peripheral region. In other embodiments, there can be two or more terminal areas, as long as the load of the connector unit can be maintained by a flexible connection.

[0126] In the above embodiment, two vehicle system connectors and two signal system connectors are provided, for a total of four interfaces. In other embodiments, such as when the vehicle system connector is generalized, the number of interfaces may be 1 to 3 or more. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the vehicle system connector is a hybrid connector that integrates the power system connector and the communication system connector. In other embodiments, the power system connector and the communication system connector may be separate components.

[0127] In the above embodiment, the frame member is pressed into the motor housing. In other embodiments, the connection method between the motor housing and the frame member may be other than pressing in by means of fixing the frame member and the motor housing with screws or the like.

[0128] In the above embodiments, the motor is a brushless motor with two systems of three-phase windings. In other embodiments, the number of motor winding systems is not limited to two systems; it can also be one system, three systems, or more, or it can be a motor other than a brushless motor.

[0129] In the above embodiments, the drive unit is applied to the electric power steering system. In other embodiments, it can be applied to vehicle-mounted devices other than electric power steering systems, or to devices outside of vehicles.

[0130] The disclosure regarding the point that "the connector terminals are arranged in multiple rows radially, with the inner radially arranged terminals offset from the outer radially arranged circumferentially" can also be combined with the disclosures regarding the drive device.

[0131] The disclosure that "the load-bearing portion is separated from the wiring pattern formed in the through hole of the substrate through which the connector terminal is inserted, and abuts against the substrate through the insulating layer" can also be combined with the various disclosures regarding the drive device.

[0132] The disclosure that "the cover has a first fixing part 601 and a second fixing part 611, the first fixing part being fixed to the side of the frame member opposite to the motor on the radially outer side of the substrate, and the second fixing part being fixed to the side of the base opposite to the motor on the radially outer side of the connector part" can also be combined with the various disclosures regarding the drive device.

[0133] In summary, this disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be implemented in various ways without departing from its spirit.

[0134] Although this disclosure is based on embodiments, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments and structures. This disclosure also includes various modifications and equivalent variations. Furthermore, various combinations or methods, even those containing only one element, or more than one or fewer other combinations or methods, also fall within the scope and spirit of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A driving device, characterized in that, have: Motor (80); A frame member (40) is disposed on one side of the axial direction of the motor; A base plate (20) is fixed to the side of the frame member opposite to the motor; A connector unit (50) integrally forms a base (51), a connector portion (52) disposed on the side of the base opposite to the motor, and a plurality of terminal holding portions (53) disposed on the motor side of the base. The connector unit has a connector terminal (55) that protrudes from the terminal holding portion and is connected to the substrate by elastic contact. as well as Cover (60), which is separately provided from the connector unit, and with the connector portion exposed to the outside, the cover internally houses the substrate and the connector terminals. In the frame member, a load-bearing portion (461-466, 71-74) is formed in the terminal area where the connector terminal is connected to the substrate. The load-bearing portion protrudes toward the substrate and abuts against the substrate.

2. The driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frame member has a base plate fixing part (491-493) formed therein, and the base plate fixing part fixes the base plate by fixing members (291-293). The height of the load-bearing part is equal to the height of the substrate fixing part.

3. The driving device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, When the portion of the substrate that is inserted through the top of the connector terminal is used as the terminal top portion. The load-bearing portion (461-466) is formed in a ring shape on the outer periphery of the top end of each terminal.

4. The driving device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, When the portion of the substrate that is inserted through the top of the connector terminal is used as the terminal top portion. The load-bearing portions (71, 72) are configured to surround a terminal group consisting of multiple terminal tip portions in a state that is at least partially open.

5. The driving device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, When the portion of the substrate inserted into the top of the connector terminal is designated as the terminal top portion, The load-bearing portions (73, 74) are disposed adjacent to the top end of the terminal.

6. The driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector terminals are arranged in multiple rows radially, with the inner radially arranged terminals offset from the outer radially arranged circumferentially.

7. The driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The load-bearing portion is separated from the wiring pattern formed in the through hole of the substrate through which the connector terminal is inserted, and abuts against the substrate through an insulating layer.

8. The driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover has a first fixing part (601) and a second fixing part (611). The first fixing part is fixed to the side of the frame member opposite to the motor on the radial outer side of the substrate, and the second fixing part is fixed to the side of the base opposite to the motor on the radial outer side of the connector part.

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