Motor device and actuator

Abstract

The motor device (2) of the present invention includes an output shaft (34), a motor housing (33), and a filter element (53). The motor housing (33) has an insertion hole (51) through which the output shaft (34) is inserted and a through hole (52). The filter element (53) is installed in the through hole (52). The outer surface of the motor housing (33) includes a mounting surface (46) with the insertion hole (51) open therethrough and a transmission housing (11) mounted thereon; and an outer peripheral surface (47) extending axially from the outer periphery of the mounting surface (46). On the mounting surface (46), a mounting groove (56) is provided for mounting an annular sealing element (57) surrounding the insertion hole (51). In the outer surface of the motor housing (33), the area surrounded by the mounting groove (56) is the inner region, and the area outside the mounting groove (56) is the outer region. The through hole (52) opens into the outer region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a motor device and actuator. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, there have been actuators that include a motor and a transmission device for transmitting the rotation output from the motor. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an actuator that serves as a source of auxiliary force in a vehicle steering control device to assist the driver's steering operation.

[0003] The actuator described in Patent Document 1 includes a motor assembly comprising a motor housing with a through-hole and a filter element mounted in the through-hole. The filter element is waterproof and breathable. Therefore, when the temperature inside the motor housing rises due to heat generated by energizing the motor assembly, air is released from the motor housing through the filter element. Thus, in the motor assembly of Patent Document 1, heat dissipation performance is improved, and malfunctions caused by overheating are suppressed.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-124798

[0005] In recent years, there has been a demand for improved reliability in motor devices and actuators equipped with such motor devices. Therefore, even if the structure described in Patent Document 1 is used to suppress the occurrence of failures, it cannot be said that the required level has been achieved. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a motor device connected to a transmission device is provided. The transmission device includes a transmission housing, a transmission component housed within the transmission housing, and lubricating oil filled within the transmission housing. The motor device includes: an output shaft connected to the transmission component; a motor housing rotatably housing the output shaft and having a through hole through which the output shaft passes and a through hole communicating with the inside and outside of the motor housing; and a filter component mounted in the through hole. The outer surface of the motor housing includes: a mounting surface opening to the through hole and mounting the transmission housing thereon; and an outer peripheral surface extending axially from the outer periphery of the mounting surface. The mounting surface is provided with a mounting groove for mounting an annular sealing component surrounding the through hole. In the outer surface of the motor housing, the area surrounded by the mounting groove is an inner region, and the area outside the mounting groove is an outer region. The through hole opens into the outer region.

[0007] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an actuator is provided, comprising a motor assembly and a transmission device configured to transmit rotation of the motor assembly. The transmission device includes a transmission housing, a transmission member housed within the transmission housing, and lubricating oil filled within the transmission housing. The motor assembly includes: an output shaft connected to the transmission member; a motor housing rotatably housing the output shaft and having a through hole through which the output shaft passes and a through hole communicating with the inside and outside of the motor housing; and a filter member mounted in the through hole. The outer surface of the motor housing includes: a mounting surface opening to the through hole and onto which the transmission housing is mounted; and an outer peripheral surface extending axially from the outer periphery of the mounting surface. An annular sealing member surrounding the through hole is provided between the transmission housing and the motor housing. In the outer surface of the motor housing, the area surrounded by the sealing member is an inner region, and the area outside the sealing member is an outer region. The through hole opens into the outer region. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an actuator equipped with a motor device according to one embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the motor assembly in the actuator and its vicinity.

[0010] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A bottom view of the motor unit.

[0011] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the area near the filter component in the motor assembly.

[0012] Figure 5 Yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a motor unit performing an air leak check. Detailed Implementation

[0013] The following describes one embodiment of the motor device and the actuator equipped with the motor device, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the term "cylindrical" in this specification includes, but is not limited to, circular, elliptical, and polygonal shapes with sharp or rounded corners. Similarly, the term "annular" in this specification includes, but is not limited to, circular, elliptical, and polygonal shapes with sharp or rounded corners.

[0014] Figure 1The actuator 1 shown includes a motor unit 2 and a transmission device 3 for transmitting the rotation output from the motor unit 2. In the vehicle steering control device, the actuator 1 serves as a source of auxiliary force to assist the driver's steering operation or a source of steering force to turn the steering wheels.

[0015] (Transfer device)

[0016] The transmission device 3 includes a transmission housing 11 and a transmission mechanism (not shown) housed within the transmission housing 11. The transmission mechanism includes, for example, a gear mechanism, a ball screw mechanism, and a sector gear. The gear mechanism reduces the rotation output from the motor device 2 and transmits it to the ball screw mechanism. The ball screw mechanism converts the rotation transmitted from the gear mechanism into linear motion of the ball screw nut and transmits it to the sector gear. The sector gear rotates according to the linear motion of the ball screw nut and transmits its rotation to the steering mechanism. As a result, the steering angle of the steering wheel is changed.

[0017] The transmission housing 11 includes a first housing component 12, a second housing component 13, and a third housing component 14. Gear mechanisms are housed in the first housing component 12 and the second housing component 13. A ball screw mechanism and a sector gear are housed in the third housing component 14.

[0018] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the first housing component 12 is formed as a flat cylindrical shape with one end closed. The first housing component 12 is provided with a flange portion 15 extending radially outward from its open end.

[0019] The second housing component 13 is generally cylindrical. The second housing component 13 is provided with a flat plate portion 16. The plate portion 16 extends radially outward from one end of the second housing component 13. The second housing component 13 is disposed on the first housing component 12 such that it covers the opening of the first housing component 12. The first housing component 12 and the second housing component 13 are connected to each other by bolts (not shown). Figure 2 As shown, the plate portion 16 has a central hole 17 extending along its thickness direction. A sealing member 18, such as an O-ring, is provided between the first housing component 12 and the second housing component 13.

[0020] like Figure 1 As shown, the third housing component 14 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape. The third housing component 14 is disposed on the second housing component 13 with a portion inserted therein. The second housing component 13 and the third housing component 14 are connected to each other by bolts (not shown).

[0021] The motor assembly 2 is mounted on the first housing component 12 via the plate portion 16. For example... Figure 2As shown, the motor device 2 is connected to the first housing component 12 and the second housing component 13 by bolts 19 inserted into the flange portion 15 of the first housing component 12 and the plate portion 16 of the second housing component 13.

[0022] The first housing component 12 houses a first gear 21, which serves as a transmission component, and a second gear 22, which meshes with the first gear 21. Additionally, in Figure 2 In this configuration, the second gear 22 meshes with the first gear 21 on the inside of the paper. The gear mechanism described above is constructed by a plurality of gears including the first gear 21 and the second gear 22. The first gear 21 and the second gear 22 are rotatably housed within the first housing member 12. In this embodiment, the first gear 21 and the second gear 22 are spur gears with helical teeth. The first gear 21 has fewer teeth than the second gear 22. Lubricating oil 23 is filled within the first housing member 12. This ensures smooth operation of the gear mechanism. Furthermore, in... Figure 2 For ease of explanation, dotted cross-sectional lines are marked on the lubricating oil 23.

[0023] As described below, the first gear 21 is connected to the output shaft 34 of the motor unit 2 in a manner that allows it to rotate integrally. The second gear 22 is connected to the threaded shaft of the ball screw mechanism via one or more gears (not shown). Thus, as described above, the rotation output from the motor unit 2 is reduced in speed by the gear mechanism and transmitted to the ball screw mechanism.

[0024] (Motor unit)

[0025] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the motor device 2 includes a motor 31 and a controller 32 for controlling the operation of the motor 31.

[0026] First, let’s explain the structure of motor 31.

[0027] like Figure 2 As shown, the motor 31 includes a motor housing 33, an output shaft 34, a stator 35, and a rotor 36.

[0028] The motor housing 33 includes a housing body 41 and a bearing cage 42. The housing body 41 is generally formed as a cylindrical shape with one end closed. Hereinafter, the direction along the axis of the housing body 41 will be referred to as the axial direction.

[0029] Specifically, the outer casing 41 has a cylindrical peripheral wall portion 43 and an end wall portion 44 that closes one end of the peripheral wall portion 43. In this embodiment, the peripheral wall portion 43 has a circular shape when viewed axially. At the closed end of the peripheral wall portion 43, a flange portion 45 protruding radially outward is provided (see reference). Figure 1On the flange portion 45, the aforementioned bolt 19, which passes through the flange portion 15 of the first housing component 12 and the plate portion 16 of the second housing component 13, is screwed in. Thus, the housing body 41 is connected to the transfer housing 11 with the end wall portion 44 abutting against the plate portion 16. That is, the outer end face of the end wall portion 44 corresponds to the mounting surface 46 for mounting the transfer device 3.

[0030] The end wall portion 44 has a first through hole 51. The first through hole 51 extends axially through the end wall portion 44 and connects the inside and outside of the motor housing 33. The first through hole 51 is located at the center of the end wall portion 44. Additionally, the end wall portion 44 has a through hole 52, which is different from the first through hole 51. The through hole 52 extends axially through the end wall portion 44 and connects the inside and outside of the motor housing 33. A filter element 53 with air permeability and water resistance is installed in the through hole 52. Thus, air can enter and exit relative to the motor housing 33 through the through hole 52. Details regarding the through hole 52 and the filter element 53 will be described later.

[0031] On the inner end face of the end wall portion 44, a cylindrical first retaining portion 54 is provided, protruding from the periphery of the first insertion hole 51 into the peripheral wall portion 43. In this embodiment, the first retaining portion 54 has a circular shape when viewed axially. A first bearing 55 is mounted on the first retaining portion 54.

[0032] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, an annular mounting groove 56 surrounding the first through hole 51 is provided on the mounting surface 46 of the end wall portion 44. In this embodiment, the mounting groove 56 has a circular shape when viewed axially. That is, the mounting groove 56 is an endless annular shape. An annular sealing member 57 is installed in the mounting groove 56. In this embodiment, the sealing member 57 is, for example, an O-ring, and has a circular shape when viewed axially. That is, the sealing member 57 is an endless annular shape. The sealing member 57 is axially compressed between the end wall portion 44 and the plate portion 16 of the second housing member 13. As a result, the motor housing 33 and the transmission housing 11 are sealed. Therefore, the lubricating oil 23 filled in the transmission housing 11 will not leak out between the motor housing 33 and the transmission housing 11 to the outside of the area surrounded by the sealing member 57.

[0033] The outer casing body 41 also has an extension 61 extending radially outward from the opening end of the peripheral wall portion 43, and a frame portion 62 extending axially from the outer periphery of the extension 61. The extension 61 has a rectangular shape when viewed axially. The extension 61 extends significantly from the peripheral wall portion 43 in the direction of its long side. The extension 61 has a window portion 63 that extends axially through the periphery. The window portion 63 is, for example, a quadrilateral hole.

[0034] The frame portion 62 extends axially from the outer periphery of the extension portion 61 away from the end wall portion 44. The frame portion 62 extends throughout the entire circumference of the extension portion 61. That is, when viewed axially, the frame portion 62 has a rectangular shape corresponding to the extension portion 61. The frame portion 62 forms the open end of the outer casing body 41.

[0035] like Figure 2 As shown, the bearing cage 42 is formed in a flat plate shape. The bearing cage 42 is fixed to the housing body 41 by covering the open end of the peripheral wall portion 43. The bearing cage 42 has a second through hole 71. The second through hole 71 extends axially through the bearing cage 42 and connects the inside and outside of the motor housing 33. The second through hole 71 is located at the center of the bearing cage 42. On the inner side of the bearing cage 42 facing the inside of the housing body 41, a cylindrical second holding portion 72 is provided, protruding into the housing body 41 from around the second through hole 71. In this embodiment, the second holding portion 72 has a circular shape when viewed axially. A second bearing 73 is mounted on the second holding portion 72.

[0036] The output shaft 34 has a first end 81 and a second end 82. The first end 81 is rotatably supported by a first bearing 55, and the second end 82 is rotatably supported by a second bearing 73. Thus, the output shaft 34 is rotatably housed within the motor housing 33. The axis of the output shaft 34 is aligned with the axis of the peripheral wall portion 43.

[0037] The tip of the first end portion 81 protrudes outward from the motor housing 33 via the first through hole 51. In this embodiment, the tip of the first end portion 81 is disposed within the central hole 17 of the plate portion 16 of the second housing component 13. That is, the tip of the first end portion 81 protrudes into the transmission housing 11. Furthermore, the tip of the first end portion 81 is rotatably connected to the first gear 21. In addition, a lip seal 83 is provided between the tip of the first end portion 81 and the first through hole 51. This prevents lubricating oil 23 from entering the motor housing 33.

[0038] The stator 35 includes a stator core 91 and a coil 92 wound on the teeth of the stator core 91. The stator core 91 is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall portion 43. The coil 92 is connected to the controller 32 via a busbar 93.

[0039] The rotor 36 includes a cylindrical rotor core 94 fixed in a manner that allows it to rotate integrally with the output shaft 34, and a plurality of permanent magnets 95 fixed to the rotor core 94. In the illustrated example, the permanent magnets 95 are fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the rotor core 94, but this is not a limitation; they may also be embedded in the rotor core 94. When power is supplied to the stator 35 from a power source not shown in the illustration to generate a rotating magnetic field, the rotor 36 rotates integrally with the output shaft 34.

[0040] Next, the structure of controller 32 will be described.

[0041] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the controller 32 includes a circuit board 101, a connector 102, and a cover 103. The circuit board 101 is fixed to the housing body 41 above the bearing retainer 42. Various circuit components are mounted on the circuit board 101. Thus, a power circuit for supplying power to the motor 31 and a control circuit for controlling the power circuit are configured on the circuit board 101.

[0042] like Figure 3 As shown, connector 102 is formed as a rectangular plate larger than the window portion 63 of the housing body 41. Connector 102 has a connection port 104 for connecting a cable (not shown). Furthermore, connector 102 does not have a through hole, thus preventing air from passing through it. Connector 102 is fixed to extension 61 by protruding from window portion 63 through connection port 104. A sealing member 105, such as an O-ring or adhesive, is provided throughout the entire circumference of window portion 63 between the inner periphery of window portion 63 and connector 102. This seals the window portion 63 and connector 102.

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, the cover 103 is formed as a square box with an opening on one side. When viewed axially, the cover 103 is formed as a rectangle corresponding to the extension 61. Furthermore, the cover 103 does not have a hole through it, thus preventing air from passing through. The cover 103 is fixed to the frame 62 by blocking the opening of the outer casing 41. A sealing member 106, such as an adhesive, is provided throughout the entire circumference of the frame 62 between the opening of the cover 103 and the top of the frame 62. Thus, the outer casing 41 and the cover 103 are sealed.

[0044] The motor device 2 configured in this way prevents air or other gases from entering or exiting the motor device 2 by blocking the first insertion hole 51 and through hole 52 provided in the end wall portion 44. In other words, the motor device 2 is configured such that, except for the first insertion hole 51 and through hole 52, the interior of the motor device 2 is sealed.

[0045] Therefore, in cases where the temperature inside the motor housing 33 rises due to heat generated by energizing the coil 92 or an increase in ambient temperature, air is released from the motor housing 33 via the filter element 53. This prevents excessive pressure inside the motor housing 33, thus avoiding damage to components such as the damper 103.

[0046] On the other hand, when lubricating oil 23 adheres to the filter element 53, its air permeability decreases. As a result, when the temperature inside the motor housing 33 changes, the airflow through the filter element 53 relative to the motor housing 33 is hindered. Based on this, in the motor device 2 of this embodiment, the position of the through hole 52 for mounting the filter element 53 is set so that lubricating oil 23 does not adhere to the filter element 53.

[0047] Here, the outer surface of the motor housing 33 includes the mounting surface 46 of the end wall portion 44, the outer peripheral surface 47 of the peripheral wall portion 43, the outer side surface 48 of the extension portion 61, and the outer peripheral surface 49 of the frame portion 62. The outer peripheral surface 47 of the peripheral wall portion 43 is a cylindrical surface extending axially from the outer periphery of the mounting surface 46. The outer side surface 48 of the extension portion 61 is a plane extending radially outward from the end of the outer peripheral surface 47 of the peripheral wall portion 43 opposite to the mounting surface 46. The outer peripheral surface 49 of the frame portion 62 is a cylindrical surface extending axially from the outer periphery of the outer side surface 48 of the extension portion 61. In the outer surface of the motor housing 33, the area in the mounting surface 46 surrounded by the mounting groove 56, i.e., the area surrounded by the sealing member 57, is defined as the inner region, and the area outside the mounting groove 56, i.e., the area outside the sealing member 57, is defined as the outer region. As described above, since the sealing member 57 prevents the lubricating oil 23 from leaking out, the inner region is the area in contact with the lubricating oil 23, and the outer region is the area not in contact with the lubricating oil 23.

[0048] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the through hole 52 opens into the outer region of the outer surface of the motor housing 33. More specifically, the through hole 52 opens into the outer region of the mounting surface 46. Furthermore, the through hole 52 is positioned slightly inward from the outer periphery of the mounting surface 46. In other words, the through hole 52 is positioned so as not to open into the outer peripheral surface 47 of the peripheral wall portion 43. Thus, the outer periphery of the mounting surface 46 becomes a flat surface without any irregularities. Additionally, the through hole 52 opens into the portion of the mounting surface 46 not covered by the transfer housing 11. That is, the through hole 52 is exposed outside the transfer housing 11. Furthermore, in... Figure 3 In the diagram, the outer shape of the housing 11 is represented by a double-dotted line. The through hole 52 in this embodiment is a stepped circular hole. Specifically, the through hole 52 has a large-diameter hole portion 111 that opens into the mounting surface 46 of the end wall portion 44, and a small-diameter hole portion 112 that opens into the bottom surface of the large-diameter hole portion 111 and the inner bottom surface of the end wall portion 44.

[0049] like Figure 4As shown, the filter element 53 includes a base 121, a porous membrane 122, a cover 123, and a sealing member 124. The base 121 and cover 123 are made of, for example, resin material. The base 121 is formed in an annular shape. In this embodiment, the base 121 has a circular shape when viewed axially. The base 121 has a plurality of locking claws 125 protruding axially from its inner periphery. The plurality of locking claws 125 are arranged at equal angular intervals along the inner periphery of the base 121. Sealing members 124, such as O-rings, are installed around the outer periphery of the plurality of locking claws 125. The porous membrane 122 is formed as a thin sheet. The porous membrane 122 is, for example, a porous material made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), configured to allow gases such as air to pass through while restricting the passage of liquids such as water. The porous membrane 122 is mounted on the base 121 in a manner that covers the opening of the base 121. The cover 123 is formed as a circular plate. The cover 123 is fixed to the base 121 with a gap between it and the porous membrane 122. An opening extending circumferentially is formed between the base 121 and the cover 123.

[0050] The filter element 53 is inserted into the small-diameter hole 112 via the locking claw 125 and locked against the inner end face of the end wall portion 44, thus being installed in the through hole 52. The base 121 and the locking claw 125 are sealed to the inner circumferential surface of the small-diameter hole 112 by the sealing member 124. The outer diameter of the base 121 and the cover 123 is smaller than the inner diameter of the large-diameter hole 111. The height from the step surface between the large-diameter hole 111 and the small-diameter hole 112 to the surface of the cover 123 is lower than the depth of the large-diameter hole 111. Therefore, the filter element 53 is received within the through hole 52 without protruding from the outer end face of the end wall portion 44.

[0051] Therefore, for example, when the temperature inside the motor housing 33 rises, air passes through the porous membrane 122 and is released to the outside of the motor device 2 through the gap between the base 121 and the cover 123. On the other hand, for example, when the temperature inside the motor housing 33 decreases, air moves in the opposite direction to when the temperature rises, and is thus drawn into the motor housing 33.

[0052] (Air leak inspection)

[0053] Next, the air leak check of motor assembly 2 will be described. As described above, motor assembly 2, except for the first insertion hole 51 and through hole 52, is sealed to prevent air from entering or leaving motor assembly 2. The air leak check is used to check whether motor assembly 2 has adequate sealing performance. The air leak check is performed after motor assembly 2 is assembled and before it is assembled to transmission device 3.

[0054] like Figure 5 As shown, the air leak check is based on whether air leaks from the motor assembly 2 when air is introduced while the clamp 131 is pressed against the mounting surface 46 of the motor housing 33.

[0055] Specifically, the clamp 131 has a cylindrical portion 132. In this embodiment, the cylindrical portion 132 has a circular shape when viewed axially. The cylindrical portion 132 has an outer diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of the mounting surface 46. A sealing member 133 is provided at the top of the cylindrical portion 132, covering its entire circumference. The sealing member 133 is made of, for example, rubber material and has a quadrilateral cross-section. During air leak testing, the clamp 131 and the motor housing 33 are sealed by pressing the sealing member 133 against the mounting surface 46 of the motor housing 33. Then, air is supplied from an air supply source connected to the clamp 131 into the motor housing 33 of the motor assembly 2 being inspected. Figure 5 Air is introduced as indicated by the hollow arrow. As a result, if air does not leak from the motor unit 2, it is determined that the motor unit 2 has adequate sealing performance. On the other hand, if air leaks from the motor unit 2, it is determined that the motor unit 2 does not have adequate sealing performance.

[0056] Next, the function and effects of this implementation method will be explained.

[0057] (1) The through hole 52 opens into the outer region, which is the outer side of the inner region surrounded by the sealing member 133, on the outer surface of the motor housing 33. According to this structure, the lubricating oil 23 filled in the transmission housing 11 does not contact the filter member 53. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the filter member 53 from becoming less permeable due to the lubricating oil 23 adhering to it. Thus, even with temperature changes inside the motor housing 33, the airflow through the filter member 53 relative to the motor housing 33 will not be hindered. Therefore, while ensuring smooth operation of the transmission device 3 through the lubricating oil 23, it is possible to suppress the decrease in the permeability of the filter member 53, thereby improving the reliability of the motor device 2.

[0058] (2) The through hole 52 opens into the outer region within the mounting surface 46. According to this structure, the through hole 52 and the first insertion hole 51 open in the same direction. Therefore, for example, during air leak testing, the through hole 52 and the first insertion hole 51 can be easily covered together using the clamp 131. This allows for easy performance of air leak testing.

[0059] (3) The through hole 52 accommodates the filter element 53 in such a way that the filter element 53 does not protrude from the mounting surface 46. According to this structure, when the clamp 131 covers the first insertion hole 51 and the through hole 52, interference between the filter element 53 and the clamp 131 is suppressed. As a result, air leak checks can be easily performed.

[0060] (4) The outer periphery of the mounting surface 46 has a flat shape throughout its circumference. According to this structure, it is easier to seal the clamp 131 between it and the mounting surface 46 compared to a case where, for example, a portion of the outer periphery of the mounting surface 46 has irregularities. Therefore, air leak checks can be easily performed.

[0061] (5) The through hole 52 is exposed outside the transfer housing 11. With this structure, the filter element 53 can be easily replaced compared to the case where the through hole 52 is covered by the transfer housing 11.

[0062] This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following variations can be combined and implemented within the scope of technical inconsistency.

[0063] The first gear 21 and the second gear 22 are not limited to spur gears, but may also be other gears such as worm gears and worm shafts. The transmission mechanism is not limited to gear mechanisms, ball screw mechanisms, and sector gears. For example, the transmission mechanism may also include only a gear mechanism. In addition, the transmission mechanism may additionally or alternatively include other mechanisms such as belt mechanisms.

[0064] The transfer housing 11 is not limited to having a first housing component 12, a second housing component 13, and a third housing component 14. For example, the transfer housing 11 may have only a single housing component, or it may have two or more housing components.

[0065] The filter element 53 is not limited to having a base 121, a porous membrane 122, a cover 123, and a sealing element 124 as described in the above embodiments. The structure of the filter element 53 can be appropriately modified as long as it is breathable and waterproof.

[0066] The through hole 52 can also be opened in the part of the outer surface of the motor housing 33 that is covered by the transmission housing 11.

[0067] The outer periphery of the mounting surface 46 can also be an uneven surface. Specifically, for example, the large-diameter hole portion 111 of the through hole 52 opens onto the outer peripheral surface 47 of the peripheral wall portion 43 in addition to the mounting surface 46, thereby allowing a portion of the outer periphery of the mounting surface 46 to be cut out. In this case, for example, by providing a portion of the cylindrical portion 132 of the clamp 131 that blocks the notch portion of the outer periphery of the mounting surface 46, an air leak check can be performed.

[0068] The through hole 52 can also be configured such that the filter element 53 protrudes from the mounting surface 46. For example, the through hole 52 may only have a small-diameter orifice 112 and have a constant inner diameter throughout the entire axial region.

[0069] The through hole 52 may not open onto the mounting surface 46. The through hole 52 may simply open onto the outer region of the outer surface of the motor housing 33, for example, it may open onto the outer peripheral surface 47 of the peripheral wall portion 43.

[0070] Alternatively, the mounting groove 56 may not be provided on the mounting surface 46 of the motor housing 33. In this case, a mounting groove may be provided on the plate portion 16 of the second housing component 13, and a sealing component 57 surrounding the first through hole 51 may be installed in the mounting groove.

[0071] Actuator 1 can also be used as a power source in devices other than vehicle steering systems.

[0072] Next, the technical ideas that can be grasped from the above-described embodiments and variations will be further described below.

[0073] (Note) The motor device can also be configured to prevent gas from entering or leaving the motor device by blocking the insertion hole and the through hole.

Claims

1. A motor device connected to a transmission device, the transmission device comprising a transmission housing, a transmission component housed within the transmission housing, and lubricating oil filled within the transmission housing. The motor device includes: The output shaft connected to the transmission component; A motor housing that rotatably houses the output shaft and has a through hole through which the output shaft is inserted and a through hole connecting the inside and outside of the motor housing. as well as The filter element is installed in the through hole. The outer surface of the motor housing includes: a mounting surface with the insertion hole, and the transmission housing is mounted thereon; and the outer peripheral surface, which extends axially from the outer peripheral edge of the mounting surface. The mounting surface is provided with a mounting groove for mounting an annular sealing component surrounding the insertion hole. In the outer surface of the motor housing, the area surrounded by the mounting groove is the inner region, and the area outside the mounting groove is the outer region. The through hole opens into the outer region.

2. An actuator comprising a motor assembly and a transmission device configured to transmit rotation of the motor assembly. The transfer device includes: Transfer the outer casing; The transfer component housed within the transfer housing; and Lubricating oil filling the transmission housing The motor device includes: The output shaft connected to the transmission component; A motor housing that rotatably houses the output shaft and has a through hole through which the output shaft is inserted and a through hole connecting the inside and outside of the motor housing. as well as The filter element is installed in the through hole. The outer surface of the motor housing includes: a mounting surface with the insertion hole, and the transmission housing is mounted thereon; and the outer peripheral surface, which extends axially from the outer peripheral edge of the mounting surface. An annular sealing member surrounding the insertion hole is provided between the transmission housing and the motor housing. In the outer surface of the motor housing, the area surrounded by the sealing member is the inner region, and the area outside the sealing member is the outer region. The through hole opens into the outer region.

3. The actuator according to claim 2, wherein, The through hole opens into the outer region within the mounting surface.

4. The actuator according to claim 3, wherein, The through hole accommodates the filter element in a manner that prevents the filter element from protruding from the mounting surface.

5. The actuator according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, The outer periphery of the mounting surface has a flat shape covering the entire circumferential area of ​​the mounting surface.

6. The actuator according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, The through hole is exposed outside the transmission housing.

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