Electric actuator

Abstract

One mode of the electric actuator is that the electric actuator comprises a housing; a motor having a motor drive shaft rotationally driven about a first axis extending in a first direction; a speed reduction mechanism having a plurality of gears for transmitting the rotation of the motor drive shaft, the speed reduction mechanism reducing the rotation of the motor drive shaft; an output shaft that outputs the rotation decelerated by the speed reduction mechanism to the outside of the housing; a connector provided outside the housing and having a plurality of connection terminals to which external wiring is detachably connected; a sensor that detects rotation of the output shaft; and a substrate having a connection circuit connecting the plurality of connection terminals with the motor and the sensor, the motor being disposed on one side in a first direction with respect to the speed reduction mechanism, and the connector being located on one side in a second direction intersecting the first direction with respect to the motor and protruding from the housing toward one side in the first direction. The sensor is disposed on one side of the second direction with respect to the motor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to an electric actuator. Background Technology

[0002] An electric actuator is known, which includes a motor and a reduction mechanism for slowing down the rotation of the motor's rotating shaft (e.g., Patent Document 1). This electric actuator includes a connector for connecting external wiring. The connector is electrically connected to a motor that receives power from the outside via the connector, and to a sensor that detects the operating state of the electric actuator, via a circuit pattern or wiring formed on a substrate.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-166603 Utility Model Content

[0006] In electric actuators like the one described above, depending on the configuration of the motor, reduction gear, sensor, and connector, the circuit connecting the connector to the motor and sensor can sometimes become complex, and the circuit layout takes a lot of effort.

[0007] In view of the above, one of the objectives of this invention is to provide an electric actuator that can suppress the complexity of the circuit.

[0008] One embodiment of the electric actuator of this utility model comprises: a housing; a motor disposed within the housing, having a motor drive shaft that is driven to rotate about a first axis extending in a first direction; an output shaft that outputs the rotation of the motor drive shaft to the outside of the housing; a reduction mechanism disposed within the housing that reduces the rotation of the motor drive shaft and transmits it to the output shaft; a connector disposed outside the housing, having a plurality of connection terminals capable of detachably connecting external wiring; a sensor disposed within the housing that detects the rotation of the output shaft; and a substrate disposed within the housing, having connection circuits connecting the plurality of connection terminals to the motor and the sensor, wherein the motor is disposed on one side of the first direction relative to the reduction mechanism, the connector is located on one side of a second direction intersecting the first direction relative to the motor and protrudes from the housing toward the first direction, and the sensor is disposed on one side of the second direction relative to the motor.

[0009] In one embodiment of the electric actuator of this invention, when viewed from the second direction, the connector overlaps with the motor.

[0010] In one embodiment of the electric actuator of the present invention, the housing has: a first housing portion including a reducer housing portion for housing the reduction mechanism; and a second housing portion extending from a portion of the first housing portion on the other side of the second direction toward one side of the first housing portion and including a motor housing portion for housing the motor, wherein the connector protrudes from a portion of the first housing portion on one side of the second direction toward one side of the first housing portion.

[0011] In one embodiment of the electric actuator of this invention, the plurality of connection terminals include: a sensor connection terminal disposed on one side of the second direction; and a motor connection terminal disposed on the other side of the second direction. The connection circuit includes: a sensor connection circuit connecting the sensor connection terminal and the sensor; and a motor connection circuit disposed on the other side of the second direction relative to the sensor connection circuit and connecting the motor connection terminal and the motor.

[0012] In one embodiment of the electric actuator of this utility model, the output shaft extends along a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, and the reduction mechanism includes: a drive-side bevel gear fixed to the motor drive shaft; a first rotating shaft extending along the third direction; a driven-side bevel gear fixed to the first rotating shaft and meshing with the drive-side bevel gear; a first spur gear disposed on the first rotating shaft at a position different from that of the driven-side bevel gear in the third direction; a second rotating shaft extending along the third direction; a second spur gear fixed to the second rotating shaft and meshing with the first spur gear; a third spur gear disposed on the second rotating shaft at a position different from that of the second spur gear in the third direction; and a fourth spur gear fixed to the output shaft and meshing with the third spur gear, wherein the output shaft is disposed on one side of the second direction relative to the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft.

[0013] According to one aspect of this invention, an electric actuator capable of suppressing circuit complexity can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an electric actuator according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an electric actuator as viewed from above, representing one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3This is a perspective view showing the electric actuator in one embodiment with the housing cover and reducer cover removed.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a side view of an electric actuator according to one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the motor and reduction gear of an electric actuator as observed from a third-party perspective.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the motor and reduction mechanism of an electric actuator according to one embodiment, viewed from above.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the motor and reduction mechanism of an electric actuator according to one embodiment.

[0021] Figure 8 From and Figure 7 A perspective view of the deceleration mechanism of one embodiment, viewed from different angles.

[0022] Figure 9 From and Figure 5 A diagram showing the deceleration mechanism of one embodiment viewed from different angles. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the electric actuator 90 of this embodiment. Figure 2 This is a view of the electric actuator 90 of this embodiment from above. Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the electric actuator 90 of this embodiment with the housing cover and reducer cover 15 removed.

[0024] In the figures, the Z-axis direction is a vertical direction with the positive side (+Z side) as the top and the negative side (-Z side) as the bottom. In this embodiment, the top side corresponds to the other side of the axial direction, and the bottom side corresponds to one side of the axial direction. In addition, the terms "top" and "bottom" are just names used to describe the relative positional relationship of the parts, and the actual configuration relationship may be other than the configuration relationship indicated by these names.

[0025] In each figure, the first direction D1 is orthogonal to the Z-axis. In each figure, the second direction D2 is orthogonal to both the Z-axis and the first direction D1. The third direction D3 is parallel to the Z-axis and orthogonal to both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. In the following description, the side towards which the arrow of the third direction D3 points (the +D3 side) is referred to as "the side towards which the arrow of the third direction D3 points" (the -D3 side), and the opposite side (the -D3 side) is referred to as "the other side towards which the arrow of the third direction D3 points".

[0026] Figures 1-3 The electric actuator 90 shown in this embodiment is, for example, installed in a vehicle. Figures 1-3 As shown, the electric actuator 90 includes a housing 10, a motor 20, and a reduction mechanism 30 (see reference). Figure 3 ), output shaft 50 (refer to) Figure 2 ), substrate 100 (refer to Figure 2 Sensor 120 (reference) Figure 2 ), connector 17.

[0027] The housing 10 internally houses the motor 20, the reduction mechanism 30, and the base plate 100.

[0028] The housing 10 is, for example, L-shaped when viewed from above. The housing 10 has a first housing portion 10A and a second housing portion 10B. The first housing portion 10A includes the reducer housing portion 132, described later. The second housing portion 10B includes the motor housing portion 133, described later. The housing 10 has a housing body 11 and a reducer cover 15 (see reference). Figure 1 ) and housing cover (not shown).

[0029] Figure 4 This is a side view of the electric actuator 90 of this embodiment.

[0030] The housing body 11 has an opening 11b on its upper side. For example... Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the housing body 11 has a bottom wall portion 13 and a peripheral wall portion 14. In this embodiment, the bottom wall portion 13 is, for example, L-shaped when viewed from above. The bottom wall portion 13 has a plate-shaped portion 131, a reducer housing portion 132, and a motor housing portion 133. The plate-shaped portion 131 is a plate that extends in a direction orthogonal to the vertical direction.

[0031] The reducer housing 132 is recessed downwards from the plate-shaped portion 131. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the reducer housing 132 has a wall portion 132w and a closing portion 132c. The wall portion 132w is cylindrical, extending downward from the plate-shaped portion 131. Viewed from a third direction (D3), the wall portion 132w has a shape capable of housing the reduction mechanism 30, which will be described later. The closing portion 132c closes the lower end of the wall portion 132w from below. This reducer housing 132 has an opening at the top. The reducer housing 132 houses the reduction mechanism 30.

[0032] The motor housing portion 133 is recessed downward from the plate-shaped portion 131. The motor housing portion 133 has a curved wall portion 133w and an end wall portion 133c. The curved wall portion 133w is semi-circular in shape when viewed from the first direction D1 and extends along the first direction D1. The end wall portion 133c closes both ends of the curved wall portion 133w in the first direction D1. This motor housing portion 133 has an opening at the top. The motor housing portion 133 houses the motor 20.

[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, the first outer shell portion 10A of this embodiment is a rectangle with the first direction D1 as the short side and the second direction D2 as the long side when viewed from above. The second outer shell portion 10B is also a rectangle with the first direction D1 as the long side and the second direction D2 as the short side when viewed from above.

[0034] Viewed from above, the width of the second outer casing portion 10B in the second direction D2 is smaller than that of the first outer casing portion 10A. The first outer casing portion 10A protrudes relative to the second outer casing portion 10B towards the side in the second direction D2. In other words, the second outer casing portion 10B is biased towards the other side of the first outer casing portion 10A in the second direction D2. The second outer casing portion 10B extends from a portion of the first outer casing portion 10A from the other side in the second direction D2 towards the side in the first direction D1.

[0035] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the peripheral wall portion 14 rises upward from the outer periphery of the bottom wall portion 13. The peripheral wall portion 14 surrounds the space above the bottom wall portion 13 from the outside.

[0036] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, viewed from above, the reducer cover 15 is disposed inside the peripheral wall portion 14. The reducer cover 15 covers the reducer mechanism 30 housed in the reducer housing portion 132 from above. The reducer cover 15 is fixed to the plate-shaped portion 131 surrounding the reducer housing portion 132 by screws or the like.

[0037] The housing cover (not shown) closes the opening 11b of the housing body 11 from the top.

[0038] The housing body 11 has bracket portions 18. Multiple bracket portions 18 are provided around the peripheral wall portion 14. For example, three locations of the bracket portions 18 are provided around the peripheral wall portion 14. Each bracket portion 18 protrudes outward from the peripheral wall portion 14. Each bracket portion 18 has a through hole 18h that extends through the bracket portion 18 in the vertical direction. By inserting bolts (not shown) through the through holes 18h of each bracket portion 18 and fastening them to the vehicle body or the like, the housing 10 can be fixed to the vehicle body or the like.

[0039] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the motor 20 and reduction mechanism 30 of the electric actuator 90 in this embodiment as viewed from a third-party perspective. Figure 6 This is a view of the motor 20 and reduction mechanism 30 of the electric actuator 90 in this embodiment from above. Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the motor 20 and the reduction mechanism 30 of the electric actuator 90 in this embodiment.

[0040] The motor 20 is housed in the motor housing 133. The motor 20 is positioned on one side of the reduction gear 30 in the first direction D1. Figure 3 , Figures 5-7 As shown, the motor 20 has a motor housing 21, a rotor (not shown), a motor drive shaft 23, and a stator (not shown). The motor housing 21 houses the rotor and the stator.

[0041] The rotor is rotatable about a first axis J1 extending along a first direction D1. Magnets (not shown) are fixed to the rotor. Multiple magnets are arranged at circumferential intervals. A motor drive shaft 23 is fixed to the rotor. The motor drive shaft 23 protrudes from the motor housing 21 to the other side of the first direction D1. The motor drive shaft 23 is cylindrical, extending about the first axis J1. The motor drive shaft 23 rotates integrally with the rotor about the first axis J1.

[0042] The stator is positioned radially outward relative to the rotor, centered on the first axis J1. The stator is radially separated from the rotor by a gap. The stator has a coil section (not shown) that receives power from the outside via connector 17 and substrate 100. The motor 20 drives the rotor and motor drive shaft 23 to rotate around the first axis J1 by the magnetic field generated by the coil section of the stator due to the power supplied from the outside.

[0043] Figure 8 From and Figure 7 A perspective view of the deceleration mechanism 30 of this embodiment viewed from different directions. Figure 9 From and Figure 5 The diagram shows the deceleration mechanism 30 of this embodiment viewed from different directions.

[0044] The reduction mechanism 30 transmits the rotation of the motor drive shaft 23 of the motor 20 to the output shaft 50. The reduction mechanism 30 reduces the rotation of the motor drive shaft 23 at a predetermined reduction ratio and transmits it to the output shaft 50. Figures 5-9 As shown, the reduction mechanism 30 includes a drive-side bevel gear 31, a first rotating shaft 32, a driven-side bevel gear 33, a first spur gear 34, a second rotating shaft 35, a second spur gear 36, a third spur gear 37, and a fourth spur gear 38.

[0045] The driving bevel gear 31 transmits the rotation of the motor drive shaft 23 to the driven bevel gear 33. The driving bevel gear 31 is fixed to the front end of the motor drive shaft 23 on the other side of the first direction D1. The driving bevel gear 31 is a conical shape with an outer diameter that gradually decreases from one side of the first direction D1 to the other side. The driving bevel gear 31 has a plurality of circumferential bevel gear teeth 31g on the other side of the first direction D1, centered on the first axis J1. The driving bevel gear 31 is driven by the motor 20 and rotates integrally with the motor drive shaft 23 around the first axis J1.

[0046] The first rotating shaft 32, the second rotating shaft 35, and the output shaft 50 are each cylindrical, extending in a third direction D3 that intersects the first direction D1. The first rotating shaft 32 is supported on the housing body 11 via a bearing (not shown). The first rotating shaft 32 is rotatable about a second axis J2 extending along the third direction D3. The first rotating shaft 32 is disposed away from the motor drive shaft 23 on the opposite side of the first direction D1. The first rotating shaft 32 is configured such that when viewed from the third direction D3, the first axis J1 overlaps with the second axis J2.

[0047] Driven bevel gear 33 meshes with driving bevel gear 31. Driven bevel gear 33 is positioned on the opposite side of the driving bevel gear 31 in the third direction D3. Driven bevel gear 33 is fixed to the end of the first rotating shaft 32 on the opposite side of the third direction D3. Driven bevel gear 33 is capable of rotating integrally with the first rotating shaft 32 about the second axis J2. Driven bevel gear 33 is a disk-shaped gear extending along the surface intersecting the third direction D3. Driven bevel gear 33 is a frustum-shaped gear with its outer diameter gradually decreasing from the opposite side of the third direction D3 toward one side. Driven bevel gear 33 has a plurality of bevel gear teeth 33g on the surface facing the third direction D3. The plurality of bevel gear teeth 33g are provided on the outer periphery of driven bevel gear 33. The bevel gear teeth 33g of driven bevel gear 33 mesh with the bevel gear teeth 31g of driving bevel gear 31. The number of teeth of the driven bevel gear 33g is greater than the number of teeth of the driving bevel gear 31g.

[0048] The first spur gear 34 transmits the rotation of the first rotating shaft 32 to the second spur gear 36. The first spur gear 34 is fixed to the end of the first rotating shaft 32 on one side of the third direction D3. The first spur gear 34 is disc-shaped and centered on the second axis J2. The outer diameter of the first spur gear 34 is smaller than the outer diameter of the driven bevel gear 33. The first spur gear 34 has a plurality of gear teeth 34g on a surface centered on the second axis J2 and facing radially outward. The number of teeth 34g of the first spur gear 34 is less than the number of teeth 33g of the bevel gear 33g of the driven bevel gear 33.

[0049] A spacer 391 is provided between the driven bevel gear 33 and the first spur gear 34. The spacer 391 is cylindrical and extends along a third direction D3. Through the spacer 391, the first spur gear 34 is disposed on one side of the third direction D3 at a predetermined interval relative to the driven bevel gear 33. The driven bevel gear 33, the spacer 391, and the first spur gear 34 are integrated into a gear component 39.

[0050] The second rotating shaft 35 is supported on the housing body 11 via a bearing (not shown). The second rotating shaft 35 is freely rotatable about a third axis J3 extending along a third direction D3. Figure 6As shown, the second rotation axis 35 is disposed on the other side of the first rotation axis 32 in the first direction D1 and the other side of the second direction D2.

[0051] like Figures 5-9 As shown, the second spur gear 36 is fixed to the end of the second rotating shaft 35 on the third axis D3 side. The second spur gear 36 is disc-shaped and centered on the third axis J3. A portion of the second spur gear 36 overlaps with the driven bevel gear 33 when viewed from the third axis D3. The second spur gear 36 rotates integrally with the second rotating shaft 35 around the third axis J3. The second spur gear 36 is disposed radially outside the first spur gear 34. The second spur gear 36 meshes with the first spur gear 34. The outer diameter of the second spur gear 36 is larger than the outer diameter of the first spur gear 34. The second spur gear 36 has a plurality of gear teeth 36g on a surface centered on the third axis J3 and facing radially outward. The number of teeth 36g of the second spur gear 36 is greater than the number of teeth 34g of the first spur gear 34.

[0052] Figure 5 , Figure 9 The third spur gear 37 shown transmits the rotation of the second rotating shaft 35 to the fourth spur gear 38. The third spur gear 37 is positioned on the opposite side of the third direction D3 relative to the second spur gear 36.

[0053] The third spur gear 37 is fixed to the second rotating shaft 35. The third spur gear 37 and the second rotating shaft 35 rotate integrally around the third axis J3. The third spur gear 37 is positioned on the third axis D3 between the driven bevel gear 33, the first spur gear 34, and the second spur gear 36. The third spur gear 37 is disc-shaped, centered on the third axis J3. The outer diameter of the third spur gear 37 is smaller than the outer diameter of the second spur gear 36. The third spur gear 37 has multiple gear teeth 37g on a surface oriented radially outward around the third axis J3. The number of teeth 37g of the third spur gear 37 is less than the number of teeth 36g of the second spur gear 36.

[0054] like Figures 5-9 As shown, the output shaft 50 outputs the driving force of the electric actuator 90. The output shaft 50 is supported on the housing body 11 via a bearing (not shown). Figure 2 , Figure 6As shown, the output shaft 50 is disposed on one side of the second direction D2 relative to the first rotating shaft 32 and the second rotating shaft 35. More specifically, the output shaft 50 is disposed on the other side of the first direction D1 and on one side of the second direction D2 relative to the first rotating shaft 32. The output shaft 50 is disposed on one side of the first direction D1 and on one side of the second direction D2 relative to the second rotating shaft 35. The distance H1 between the drive-side bevel gear 31 on the first direction D1 and the fourth axis J4 is smaller than the distance H2 between the drive-side bevel gear 31 on the first direction D1 and the third axis J3. According to this embodiment, the axes can be densely arranged relative to each other in the first direction D1, and the reduction mechanism 30 can be miniaturized in the first direction D1.

[0055] like Figures 5-9 As shown, the output shaft 50 is rotatable about a fourth axis J4 that extends along a third direction D3 and is parallel to the second axis J2 and the third axis J3. The output shaft 50 has a generally cylindrical shape extending along the third direction D3 with the fourth axis J4 as its center. A first end 50s on one side of the output shaft 50 along the third direction D3 is positioned on the third direction D3, overlapping with the first spur gear 34 and the second spur gear 36. Figure 4 As shown, the second end 50t of the output shaft 50 on the other side of the third direction D3 protrudes outward from the housing 10 through a through hole (not shown) formed in the housing 10.

[0056] like Figures 5-9 As shown, the fourth spur gear 38 is fixed to the end of the output shaft 50 on the third direction D3 side. When viewed from the third direction D3, the fourth spur gear 38 appears as a fan-shaped extension centered on the fourth axis J4. The fourth spur gear 38 rotates (oscillates) integrally with the output shaft 50 around the fourth axis J4. Figure 6 , Figure 8 As shown, the fourth spur gear 38 has an arc-shaped portion 38s on its outer periphery, centered on the fourth axis J4, which is arc-shaped when viewed from the third direction D3. A portion of the fourth spur gear 38 (the arc-shaped portion 38s) overlaps with the driven bevel gear 33 and the second spur gear 36 when viewed from the third direction D3. The fourth spur gear 38 is positioned radially outward of the third spur gear 37. The fourth spur gear 38 meshes with the third spur gear 37. The diameter of the arc-shaped portion 38s of the fourth spur gear 38, centered on the fourth axis J4, is larger than the outer diameter of the third spur gear 37. The arc-shaped portion 38s of the fourth spur gear 38 has a plurality of gear teeth 38g on a surface radially outward oriented centered on the fourth axis J4. The number of teeth 38g of the fourth spur gear 38 is greater than the number of teeth 37g of the third spur gear 37.

[0057] In such a speed reduction mechanism 30, such as Figure 5 , Figure 9As shown, the driven bevel gear 33, the first spur gear 34, the second spur gear 36, the third spur gear 37, and the fourth spur gear 38 are arranged on the first layer G1, the second layer G2, and the third layer G3, arranged from one side toward the third direction D3 to the other. The first layer G1 is located on the far side of the third direction D3. The second layer G2 is located on the opposite side of the third direction D3 relative to the first layer G1. The third layer G3 is located on the opposite side of the third direction D3 relative to the first layer G1 and the second layer G2. That is, the first layer G1, the second layer G2, and the third layer G3 are arranged in this order from one side of the third direction D3 to the other.

[0058] In this embodiment, the first spur gear 34 and the second spur gear 36 are disposed in the first layer G1. The third spur gear 37 and the fourth spur gear 38 are disposed in the second layer G2. The driven side bevel gear 33 is disposed in the third layer G3.

[0059] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, connector 17 is detachably connected to an external wiring (not shown) that supplies power to motor 20 from the outside. Connector 17 is disposed outside housing 10. Connector 17 is located on the side of housing 10 in the second direction D2 relative to motor 20, protruding from housing 10 towards the side of housing 10 in the first direction D1. Connector 17 protrudes from a portion of the first housing portion 10A on the side of housing 10A in the second direction D2 towards the side of housing 10A. Connector 17 protrudes from the connector mounting surface 14f of the peripheral wall portion 14 on the side of housing 10B in the second direction D2 and towards the side of housing 10B in the first direction D1. Viewed from the second direction D2, connector 17 overlaps with motor 20 and the second housing portion 10B, which includes a motor housing portion 133 for housing motor 20.

[0060] Connector 17 has a connector sleeve 171 and a plurality of connection terminals 172. The connector sleeve 171 is made of insulating material and is cylindrical in shape, extending along a first direction D1. Connectors for external wiring are inserted and removed along the first direction D1 inside the connector sleeve 171.

[0061] Multiple connecting terminals 172 are arranged at intervals along the second direction D2. In this embodiment, for example, five connecting terminals 172 are provided. Each of the multiple connecting terminals 172 is made of a conductive material. Each of the multiple connecting terminals 172 passes through the peripheral wall portion 14 along the first direction D1, thereby connecting the inside and outside of the housing 10. One end (not shown) of one side of the multiple connecting terminals 172 along the first direction D1 is disposed within the connector sleeve 171. The front end portion 172b of the multiple connecting terminals 172 is bent upward within the first housing portion 10A.

[0062] The plurality of connection terminals 172 include sensor connection terminals 172A and motor connection terminals 172B. For example, three sensor connection terminals 172A are provided. For example, two motor connection terminals 172B are provided. The number of sensor connection terminals 172A and motor connection terminals 172B can be appropriately varied. The sensor connection terminals 172A of the plurality of connection terminals 172 are disposed on one side of the second direction. The motor connection terminals 172B of the plurality of connection terminals 172 are disposed on the other side of the second direction.

[0063] like Figure 2 As shown, sensor 120 is disposed within housing 10. Sensor 120 is disposed within the first housing portion 10A. Sensor 120 is disposed on one side of the motor 20 in the second direction D2. Sensor 120 detects the rotation of output shaft 50. Sensor 120 is disposed, for example, on one side of the output shaft 50 in the third direction D3. Sensor 120 is, for example, a Hall effect IC. Sensor 120 has a power supply terminal, a signal output terminal, and a ground terminal (all not shown).

[0064] The substrate 100 is disposed within the housing 10. For example, the substrate 100 is disposed on one side of the third direction D3 within the first housing portion 10A relative to the reducer cover 15. The substrate 100 is plate-shaped and extends along a surface orthogonal to the third direction D3.

[0065] The substrate 100 has a connection circuit 110 that connects a plurality of connection terminals 172 to the motor 20 and the sensor 120. The connection circuit 110 is arranged in a predetermined pattern along the surface of the substrate 100. The connection circuit 110 includes a sensor connection circuit 111 and a motor connection circuit 112.

[0066] Sensor connection circuit 111 connects each of a plurality of (e.g., three) sensor connection terminals 172A to each of the power supply terminal, signal output terminal, and ground terminal of sensor 120. Sensor connection circuit 111 is positioned on one side relative to motor connection circuit 112 in the second direction D2. Sensor connection circuit 111 extends primarily along the first direction D1 between the plurality of sensor connection terminals 172A and sensor 120.

[0067] The motor connection circuit 112 is disposed on the opposite side of the sensor connection circuit 111 in the second direction D2. The motor connection circuit 112 connects the motor connection terminal 172B to two motor-side terminals 26 protruding from the motor housing 21 of the motor 20 toward the opposite side in the first direction D1. The motor connection circuit 112 extends mainly along the second direction D2 between the motor connection terminal 172B and the motor-side terminals 26.

[0068] When the electric actuator 90 causes the motor drive shaft 23 to rotate around the first axis J1 via the motor 20, the rotation of the motor drive shaft 23 is transmitted to the output shaft 50 via the reduction mechanism 30. Specifically, the rotation of the motor drive shaft 23 is transmitted to the output shaft 50 via the drive-side bevel gear 31, the driven-side bevel gear 33, the first rotating shaft 32, the first spur gear 34, the second spur gear 36, the second rotating shaft 35, the third spur gear 37, and the fourth spur gear 38. The rotation of the motor drive shaft 23 is thus reduced at a predetermined reduction ratio via the drive-side bevel gear 31, the driven-side bevel gear 33, the first spur gear 34, the second spur gear 36, the third spur gear 37, and the fourth spur gear 38.

[0069] In this embodiment, the electric actuator 90 includes: a housing 10; a motor 20 disposed within the housing 10, having a motor drive shaft 23 that is driven to rotate about a first axis J1 extending along a first direction D1; an output shaft 50 that outputs the rotation of the motor drive shaft 23 to the outside of the housing 10; a reduction mechanism 30 disposed within the housing 10 that reduces the rotation of the motor drive shaft 23 and transmits it to the output shaft 50; a connector 17 disposed outside the housing 10, having a plurality of connection terminals 172 detachably connected to external wiring; a sensor 120 disposed within the housing 10 that detects the rotation of the output shaft 50; and a substrate 100 disposed within the housing 10, having a connection circuit 110 connecting the plurality of connection terminals 172 to the motor 20 and the sensor 120. The motor 20 is disposed on one side of the first direction D1 relative to the reduction mechanism 30. The connector 17 is located on one side of the second direction D2 intersecting the first direction D1 relative to the motor 20, protruding from the housing 10 toward the first direction D1 side. The sensor 120 is positioned on one side of the motor 20 in the second direction D2.

[0070] According to this structure, the sensor 120 is disposed on one side of the second direction D2 relative to the connector 17, and the motor 20 is disposed on the other side of the second direction D2. Therefore, in the connection circuit 110 of the substrate 100, it is easy to prevent the portion connecting the connector 17 to the sensor 120 on one side of the second direction D2 and the portion connecting the connector 17 to the motor 20 on the other side of the second direction D2 from intersecting, and the connection circuit 110 of the substrate 100 can be arranged compactly, thereby enabling miniaturization of the substrate 100. In addition, the connector 17 is located on the side of the second direction D2 that intersects with the first direction D1 relative to the motor 20, and protrudes from the housing 10 toward the side of the first direction D1, thereby preventing the housing 10 from becoming larger toward the side of the first direction D1.

[0071] In this embodiment, connector 17 overlaps with motor 20 when viewed from the second direction D2.

[0072] According to this structure, the projected area of ​​the electric actuator 90 in the second direction D2 can be reduced, and the electric actuator 90 can be miniaturized.

[0073] In this embodiment, the housing 10 includes: a first housing portion 10A, which includes a reducer housing portion 132 for housing the reduction mechanism 30; and a second housing portion 10B, which includes a motor housing portion 133 extending from a portion of the first housing portion 10A in the second direction D2 toward the first direction D1 and housing the motor 20. The connector 17 protrudes from a portion of the first housing portion 10A in the second direction D2 toward the first direction D1. According to this structure, the connector 17 and the second housing portion 10B can be arranged along the second direction D2 on one axial side of the first housing portion 10A. Therefore, the area for arranging the connector 17 and the second housing portion 10B can be configured within the width range of the first housing portion 10A in the second direction D2. This allows for miniaturization of the electric actuator 90 in the second direction.

[0074] In this embodiment, the plurality of connection terminals 172 include: a sensor connection terminal 172A disposed on one side of the second direction D2; and a motor connection terminal 172B disposed on the other side of the second direction D2. The connection circuit 110 includes: a sensor connection circuit 111 that connects the sensor connection terminal 172A and the sensor 120; and a motor connection circuit 112 disposed on the other side of the second direction D2 relative to the sensor connection circuit 111, that connects the motor connection terminal 172B and the motor 20.

[0075] According to the connection circuit 110 of this embodiment, the sensor connection circuit 111 connecting the sensor connection terminal 172A and the sensor 120 can be centrally arranged on one side of the second direction D2, and the motor connection circuit 112 connecting the motor connection terminal 172B and the motor 20 can be centrally arranged on the other side of the second direction D2. Therefore, the sensor connection circuit 111 and the motor connection circuit 112 are less likely to intersect, and the connection circuit 110 can be arranged compactly. As a result, miniaturization of the substrate 100 can be achieved.

[0076] In this embodiment, the output shaft 50 extends along a third direction D3 that intersects the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The reduction mechanism 30 includes: a drive-side bevel gear 31 fixed to the motor drive shaft 23; a first rotating shaft 32 extending along the third direction D3; a driven-side bevel gear 33 fixed to the first rotating shaft 32 and meshing with the drive-side bevel gear 31; a first spur gear 34 disposed on the first rotating shaft 32 at a position different from the driven-side bevel gear 33 in the third direction D3; a second rotating shaft 35 extending along the third direction D3; a second spur gear 36 fixed to the second rotating shaft 35 and meshing with the first spur gear 34; a third spur gear 37 disposed on the second rotating shaft 35 at a position different from the second spur gear 36 in the third direction D3; and a fourth spur gear 38 fixed to the output shaft 50 and meshing with the third spur gear 37.

[0077] The output shaft 50 is positioned on one side of the second direction D2 relative to the first rotation shaft 32 and the second rotation shaft 35. With this configuration, the output shaft 50 can be positioned on one side of the second direction D2 relative to the first rotation shaft 32 and the second rotation shaft 35. This facilitates the placement of the sensor connection circuit 111, which connects the sensor connection terminal 172A and the sensor 120, on one side of the second direction D2 relative to the motor connection circuit 112, enabling a compact layout of the connection circuit 110.

[0078] The above describes one embodiment and its variations of the present invention. However, the structures and combinations thereof in the embodiment and variations are merely examples, and additions, omissions, substitutions, and other changes to the structure are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0079] For example, in the above embodiment, the specific structure of the deceleration mechanism 30 has been described, but the structure of the deceleration mechanism 30 can be appropriately changed.

[0080] Furthermore, the applications of the deceleration mechanism 30 and the electric actuator 90 in the above embodiments are not particularly limited. The deceleration mechanism 30 and the electric actuator 90 in the above embodiments can also be installed in equipment other than vehicles.

[0081] Note that this technology can be configured as follows.

[0082] (1) An electric actuator comprising: a housing; a motor disposed within the housing having a motor drive shaft that is driven to rotate about a first axis extending in a first direction; an output shaft that outputs the rotation of the motor drive shaft to the outside of the housing; a reduction mechanism disposed within the housing that reduces the rotation of the motor drive shaft and transmits it to the output shaft; a connector disposed outside the housing having a plurality of connection terminals capable of detachably connecting external wiring; a sensor disposed within the housing that detects the rotation of the output shaft; and a substrate disposed within the housing having connection circuits connecting the plurality of connection terminals to the motor and the sensor, wherein the motor is disposed on one side of the first direction relative to the reduction mechanism, the connector is located on one side of a second direction intersecting the first direction relative to the motor and protrudes from the housing toward the first direction, and the sensor is disposed on one side of the second direction relative to the motor.

[0083] (2) The electric actuator according to (1), wherein, when viewed from the second direction, the connector overlaps with the motor.

[0084] (3) The electric actuator according to (1) or (2), wherein the housing has: a first housing portion including a reducer housing portion for housing the reduction mechanism; and a second housing portion extending from a portion of the first housing portion in a second direction to one side in the first direction and including a motor housing portion for housing the motor, the connector protruding from a portion of the first housing portion in a second direction to one side in the first direction.

[0085] (4) The electric actuator according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the plurality of connection terminals have: a sensor connection terminal disposed on one side of the second direction; and a motor connection terminal disposed on the other side of the second direction, and the connection circuit has: a sensor connection circuit that connects the sensor connection terminal and the sensor; and a motor connection circuit disposed on the other side of the second direction relative to the sensor connection circuit and connecting the motor connection terminal and the motor.

[0086] (5) The electric actuator according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the output shaft extends upward in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, and the reduction mechanism comprises: a drive-side bevel gear fixed to the motor drive shaft; a first rotating shaft extending upward in the third direction; a driven-side bevel gear fixed to the first rotating shaft and meshing with the drive-side bevel gear; a first spur gear disposed on the first rotating shaft at a position different from that of the driven-side bevel gear in the third direction; a second rotating shaft extending upward in the third direction; a second spur gear fixed to the second rotating shaft and meshing with the first spur gear; a third spur gear disposed on the second rotating shaft at a position different from that of the second spur gear in the third direction; and a fourth spur gear fixed to the output shaft and meshing with the third spur gear, wherein the output shaft is disposed on one side of the second direction relative to the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft.

[0087] Symbol Explanation

[0088] 10: Housing, 10A: First housing part, 10B: Second housing part, 17: Connector, 20: Motor, 23: Motor drive shaft, 30: Reduction mechanism, 31: Drive side bevel gear, 32: First rotating shaft, 33: Driven side bevel gear, 34: First spur gear, 35: Second rotating shaft, 36: Second spur gear, 37: Third spur gear, 38: Fourth spur gear, 50: Output shaft, 90: Electric actuator, 100: Base plate, 110: Connection circuit, 111: Sensor connection circuit, 112: Motor connection circuit, 120: Sensor, 132: Reducer housing, 133: Motor housing, 172: Connection terminal, 172A: Sensor connection terminal, 172B: Motor connection terminal, D1: First direction, D2: Second direction, D3: Third direction, J1: First axis.

Claims

1. An electric actuator, characterized by Possessing: a housing; a motor provided in the housing and having a motor drive shaft that is driven to rotate about a first axis extending in a first direction; an output shaft that outputs rotation of the motor drive shaft to the outside of the housing; a speed reduction mechanism provided in the housing and reducing and transmitting rotation of the motor drive shaft to the output shaft; a connector provided outside the housing and having a plurality of connection terminals that can be detachably connected to an external wiring; a sensor provided in the housing and detecting rotation of the output shaft; and a substrate provided in the housing and having a connection circuit that connects the plurality of connection terminals and the motor and the sensor, the motor is disposed on one side in the first direction with respect to the speed reduction mechanism, the connector is located on one side in a second direction intersecting the first direction with respect to the motor, and protrudes from the housing toward one side in the first direction, the sensor is disposed on one side in the second direction with respect to the motor.

2. The electric actuator according to claim 1, wherein the connector overlaps the motor as viewed from the second direction.

3. The electric actuator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing has: a first housing portion including a speed reducer housing portion that houses the speed reduction mechanism; and a second housing portion that extends from a portion on the other side in the second direction of the first housing portion toward one side in the first direction and includes a motor housing portion that houses the motor, the connector protrudes from a portion on one side in the first direction of the first housing portion toward one side in the first direction.

4. The electric actuator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of connection terminals have: a sensor connection terminal disposed on one side in the second direction; and a motor connection terminal disposed on the other side in the second direction, the connection circuit has: a sensor connection circuit that connects the sensor connection terminal and the sensor; and a motor connection circuit disposed on the other side in the second direction with respect to the sensor connection circuit and connecting the motor connection terminal and the motor.

5. The electric actuator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the output shaft extends in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, the speed reduction mechanism has: a drive side bevel gear fixed to the motor drive shaft; a first rotation shaft extending in the third direction; a driven side bevel gear fixed to the first rotation shaft and engaged with the drive side bevel gear; a first spur gear provided on the first rotation shaft at a position different from the driven side bevel gear in the third direction; a second rotation shaft extending in the third direction; and a second spur gear provided on the second rotation shaft at a position different from the first spur gear in the third direction. a second spur gear fixed to the second rotation shaft and engaged with the first spur gear; a third spur gear provided at a position different from the second spur gear in the third direction on the second rotation shaft; and a fourth spur gear fixed to the output shaft and engaged with the third spur gear, the output shaft is disposed on one side of the second direction with respect to the first rotation shaft and the second rotation shaft. ​

Images