drive device

Abstract

drive device (300) which has an engine (310), a control plate (360) configured to control the motor (310), a connecting element (370) located in a predetermined direction between the motor (310) and the control plate (360), wherein the connecting element (370) electrically connects the control plate (360) and an external device (210), and a solder metal (393) that connects the control plate (360) and a motor cable (315) that extends in the specified direction from the motor (310) through the connecting element (370) to the control plate (360), wherein the control plate (360) has a through-hole (361) through which the motor cable (315) passes, the through-hole (361) opening on a lower side (360b) of the control plate (360) facing the connecting element (370) and on an upper side (360a) of the control plate (360) opposite the lower side (360b), wherein the connecting element (370) contains: a base section (371) that is connected to the motor (310), a support section (377) which projects from the base section (371) in the predetermined direction towards the control plate (360) such that a tip surface (377a) of the support section (377) is in contact with the lower side (360b) of the control plate (360) so that the support section (377) supports the control plate (360), and a guide section (378) having a guide hole (378c) through which the motor cable (315) passes, the guide hole (378c) opening on a lower side (378b) of the connecting element (370) facing the motor (310) and on an upper side (378a) of the connecting element (370) facing the control plate (360), the upper side (378a) of the connecting element (370) projects from the base section (371) towards the control plate (360) and is further away from the lower side (360b) of the control plate (360) in the predetermined direction than the tip surface (377a) is from the lower side (360b) of the control plate (360), a rib of solder metal (393) is formed on both the upper side (360a) and the lower side (360b) of the control plate (360), and the rib formed on the lower side (360b) of the control plate (360) is positioned between the upper side (378a) of the connecting element (370) and the control plate (360).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a drive device comprising a motor and a control plate. background

[0002] JP 2018-74677 A discloses a drive device comprising a housing element and an electric motor. An electronic circuit board for controlling the motor is housed within the housing element.

[0003] If soldering is insufficient when the electronic circuit board and the motor of the drive device are electrically connected by soldering according to JP 2018-74677 A, an electrical connection failure may occur between the electronic circuit board (control board) and the motor.

[0004] Furthermore, an electric power steering system is known from EP 3 124 356 A1, which includes, among other things: a power module with a plurality of connections, including a motor control connection and a power supply connection which is connected to a power supply, each having a distal end section which is oriented towards a control board; and a holder with holes through which the connections are passed.

[0005] From DE 10 2014 202 685 A1, an electronic control device is known which includes, among other things: two interconnected housings, a first printed circuit board arranged in one of the two housings, a first connection arranged on one side of the other of the two housings, and a second connection arranged on the first printed circuit board in a relationship opposite to the first connection, wherein the first connection and the second connection are brought into direct contact with each other when the two housings are interconnected.

[0006] From DE 10 2011 056 396 A1 an electric power steering device is known which includes, among other things: a housing, a motor and a control unit, wherein a power connector and a signal connector are arranged such that they protrude radially outwards from the housing and are spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance.

[0007] A soldering system capable of detecting soldering defects is known from JP 2018-186 180 A. The soldering device includes, among other things: a solder quantity feeder that quantitatively feeds a solder piece; a nozzle with an insertion hole through which a quantitatively fed solder piece is inserted; and a heating device that heats and melts the solder piece in the nozzle. An inspection device sends and receives light to acquire solder piece condition data, consisting of at least the area, height, volume, and mass of the solder piece. A discrimination element distinguishes whether a soldering operation is satisfactory based on reference data in the case of a normal soldering operation with a quantity of solder supplied and the solder piece condition data acquired after soldering. Summary

[0008] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a drive device in which an electrical connection failure between a motor and a control plate is suppressed. This object is achieved by the independent claim. An advantageous embodiment is disclosed in the dependent claim.

[0009] A drive device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a motor; a control plate configured to control the motor; a connecting element located in a predetermined direction between the motor and the control plate, the connecting element electrically connecting the control plate and an external device; and a solder metal or solder connecting the control plate and a motor cable extending in the predetermined direction from the motor through the connecting element to the control plate. The control plate has a through-hole through which the motor cable passes, the through-hole opening on a lower side of the control plate facing the connecting element and on an upper side of the control plate opposite the lower side.The connector comprises: a base section connected to the motor; a support section projecting from the base section in the predetermined direction toward the control plate such that a tipped surface of the support section is in contact with the underside of the control plate, thus supporting the control plate; and a guide section having a guide hole through which the motor cable passes, the guide hole opening on a lower side of the connector facing the motor and on an upper side of the connector facing the control plate. The upper side of the connector is located further away from the underside of the control plate in the predetermined direction than the tipped surface is from the underside of the control plate. A rib or strip of solder metal or...Solder is formed on both the top and bottom sides of the control board.

[0010] According to the present disclosure, the upper side is further away from the lower side in the predetermined direction than the tip surface is from the lower side. Accordingly, the lower side of the control plate is spaced further away from the upper side of the guide section. Therefore, the brazing alloy rib is formed on both the upper and lower sides of the control plate. Consequently, the thickness of the brazing alloy connecting the control plate and the motor can be increased. As a result, the occurrence of an electrical connection failure between the motor and the control plate can be suppressed.

[0011] Furthermore, because the motor cable contacts the wall defining the guide hole, its movement is suppressed. Consequently, the stress on the solder connecting the motor cable and the control plate is reduced. As a result, the occurrence of an electrical connection failure between the motor and the control plate is prevented. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram representing a steering system. Fig. Figure 2 is a top view of a drive device. Fig. Figure 3 is a side view of a drive device. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional diagram drawn along a IV-IV line of Fig. 2 is taken. Fig. Figure 5 is a top view of an engine. Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the individual parts in a side view of the drive device. Fig. Figure 7 is a side view showing a situation where a connecting element and a control plate are mounted on the motor. Fig. Figure 8 is a top view of a control panel. Fig. Figure 9 is a bottom view of a connecting element. Fig. Figure 10 is a top view of the connecting element. Fig. Figure 11 is a bottom view of a cover. Fig. Figure 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of region A, defined by a dashed line that extends into Fig. 4 can be seen, surrounded. Fig. Figure 13 is an enlarged side view of region B, defined by a dashed line that extends into Fig. 7 can be seen, surrounded. Detailed description

[0012] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings. In these embodiments, a part corresponding to an item described in a preceding embodiment may be provided with the same reference numeral, and a redundant explanation for the part may be omitted. If only one part of a configuration is described in one embodiment, another preceding embodiment may be applied to the other parts of the configuration. The parts may be combined, even if it is not explicitly stated that the parts may be combined. The embodiments may be partially combined, even if it is not explicitly stated that the embodiments may be combined, provided there is no damage or injury in the combination.

[0013] The following describes embodiments with reference to the drawings. First embodiment

[0014] An electric power steering device to which a drive device according to the present embodiment is applied is referred to as Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12 to Fig. 13 described. Steering system

[0015] As it is in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the electric power steering device 200 is used for a steering system 100 of a vehicle. The steering system 100 includes a steering wheel 110, a steering shaft 120, a gear transmission 130, a rack 140, wheels 150, and the electric power steering device 200.

[0016] The steering wheel 110 is connected to the steering shaft 120. A gear transmission 130 is provided at one end of the steering shaft 120. The gear transmission 130 engages with the rack 140. A pair of road wheels 150 are connected to both ends of the rack 140 via tie rods or the like.

[0017] When a driver turns the steering wheel 110, the steering shaft 120, which is connected to the steering wheel 110, rotates. The rotational movement of the steering shaft 120 is converted into a linear movement of the rack 140 by the gear drive 130. As a result, the pair of wheels 150 is steered at an angle corresponding to the displacement of the rack 140. Electric power steering

[0018] The electric power steering device 200 has the function of assisting the turning of the steering wheel 110. The electric power steering device 200 includes a torque sensor 210, a reduction gear 220 and a drive device 300, as shown in Fig. Figure 1 shows the drive device 300, which includes a motor 310 and a control unit 350.

[0019] The torque sensor 210 is configured to detect a steering torque of the steering shaft 120. The steering torque detected by the torque sensor 210 is fed to the control unit 350.

[0020] The control unit 350 is configured to control the actuation of the motor 310 based on the steering torque detected by the torque sensor 210, signal inputs from ECUs mounted on the vehicle, and the like.

[0021] Motor 310 is connected to reduction gear 220 by a belt (not shown). The reduction gear 220 slows the rotation of motor 310 and transmits this to the steering shaft 120. This assists the rotation (steering) of the steering wheel 110.

[0022] The electric power steering device 200 of the present embodiment is a column-assisted electric power steering device that provides a steering assist force at the steering shaft 120. However, the configuration of the electric power steering device 200 is not limited to the example described above. The electric power steering device 200 can be a rack-and-pinion electric power steering device that provides a steering assist force at the rack shaft 140, or a gear-driven electric power steering device that provides a steering assist force at the gear drive 130. drive device

[0023] The drive device 300 is described next. In the following, three directions, which are perpendicular to each other, are referred to as the X-direction, the Y-direction, and the Z-direction. The Z-direction corresponds to a predetermined direction.

[0024] The drive unit 300 includes the motor 310 and the control unit 350, as described above. As shown in Fig. 2, Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3, the motor 310 and the control unit 350 are arranged in the Z-direction and connected to each other. The drive device 300 has a so-called machine electronics integrated structure. Motor

[0025] As it is in Fig. As shown in simplified form in Figure 4, the motor 310 comprises a motor shaft 311, a rotor 312, a stator 313, and a housing 314. The housing 314 has a circular cylindrical shape, the axial direction of which is the Z-direction. The motor shaft 311, the rotor 312, and the stator 313 are housed within the housing 314. The motor 310 corresponds to the electric motor.

[0026] The motor shaft 311 extends in the Z direction. The rotor 312 is fitted into the center of the motor shaft 311. The stator 313 surrounds the rotor 312 and is housed in the casing 314. A rotational torque is generated at the motor shaft 311 by magnetic fields emitted by the rotor 312 and the stator 313. This causes the motor shaft 311 to rotate.

[0027] The stator 313 of the present embodiment has two turns. Each of the two turns contains a three-phase (U, V, W) stator coil, forming a brushless motor. Six motor cables 315 for supplying three-phase electrical current to the three-phase stator coil, which has two turns, extend in the Z direction from the housing 314 to the control device 350.

[0028] As described above, the housing 314 has a circular cylindrical shape. The housing 314 has a first end face 314a and a second end face 314b, which are opposite in the Z direction, and a side face 314c that connects these end faces.

[0029] As it is in Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. As can be seen in Figure 6, each end of the six motor cables 315, which are connected to the three-phase stator coil, protrudes from the housing 314 at the first end 314a. The ends of the motor cables 315 are connected to a control plate 360, which will be described later. One end of the motor shaft 311 protrudes from the housing 314 at the second end 314b, as shown in Figure 6. Fig. 3, Fig. Figure 4 shows that one end of the motor shaft 311 is connected to the reduction gearbox 220 by a belt.

[0030] As it is in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, the first end face 314a has a circular shape in a plane that is aligned in the Z-direction. The first end face 314a has screw holes 314d for attaching a connecting element 370 to the housing 314, as well as holes through which the end of the motor cable 315 passes.

[0031] In the present embodiment, three screw holes 314d open on the first end face 314a. The three screw holes 314d are located on the circumference of a circle whose center is the center of the first end face 314a. The three screw holes are arranged at intervals of 120 degrees.

[0032] A first recess 316, which is recessed in the Z direction, is formed on the edge of the first end face 314a, as shown in Fig. 4, Fig. Figure 5 shows the first recess 316 having a ring-shaped form around a line along the Z-direction. The second recess 374 is filled with a second adhesive or bonding agent 392, as shown in Figure 5. Fig. Figure 11 shows that the housing 314 and the connecting element 370 are physically connected by the first adhesive or bonding agent 391. Control unit

[0033] The control unit 350 includes the control plate 360, the connecting element 370 and a cover 380, as shown in Fig. 4, Fig. Figure 6 shows that the control plate 360 ​​is attached to the housing 314 by the connecting element 370. The cover 380 is attached to the connecting element 370. Since the housing 314 and the cover 380 are attached by the connecting element 370, a housing space for the control plate 360 ​​is defined. control board

[0034] The 360 ​​control board has a wiring board with a plate-like shape that is thin in the Z-direction. Active components, such as a MOSFET (metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor), and passive components, such as a capacitor, are mounted on the wiring board. The 360 ​​control board contains a microcontroller, a gate driver, an inverter, and similar components for controlling the 310 motor, which are connected via a wiring pattern on the board itself, connecting the active and passive components.

[0035] The control plate 360 ​​has an upper side 360a and a lower side 360b in the Z direction, as shown in Fig. 6, Fig. Figure 7 shows that the control plate 360 ​​is mounted on the connecting element 370 such that a portion of the lower side 360b is spaced in the Z-direction from the first end side 314a of the housing 314. The lower side 360b is aligned in the Z-direction.

[0036] The 360 ​​control plate has several holes that open on the top side 360a and the bottom side 360b, as shown in Fig. Figure 8 shows that the control plate has 360 motor holes 361, sensor holes 362, and communication holes 363. Motor hole 361 is a through hole.

[0037] The motor cable 315 passes through the motor hole 361. A sensor pin 375, which is electrically connected to the torque sensor 210, passes through the sensor hole 362. A communication pin 376 for communication with the ECUs mounted on the vehicle passes through the communication hole 363. The motor cable 315, the sensor pin 375, and the communication pin 376 are soldered to the control board 360.

[0038] The 360 ​​control board also has a power hole through which a power pin (not visible) passes for electrical connection to the battery. The power pin is also soldered to the 360 ​​control board.

[0039] The control plate 360 ​​also has a screw bore 364 and positioning holes 365. The shank of a screw 390, which is fastened or tightened in the screw hole 314d, passes through the screw bore 364. A protrusion 377b, which will be described later, passes through the positioning hole 365. As shown in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 8, the control plate 360 ​​has two positioning holes 365. The positioning holes 365 are spaced apart from each other in the X direction and the Y direction. Connecting element

[0040] In particular, the connecting element 370 has a base section 371 and a connecting section 372, as shown in Fig. 9, Fig. 10 can be seen.

[0041] The base section 371 has an annular opening in the Z-direction. This means that the connecting element 370 can have a cylindrical shape. The base section 371 has an inner annular surface 371a and an outer annular surface 371b, which have an annular shape around a line along the Z-direction. The base section 371 has an upper support surface 371c and a lower support surface 371d that connect the two annular surfaces. The upper support surface 371c and the lower support surface 371d are aligned in the Z-direction.

[0042] A first protrusion 373 projects from an edge of the lower support surface 371d in the Z direction, as shown in Fig. 4, Fig. Figure 9 shows the first protrusion 373, which has a ring-shaped form around a line along the Z-direction.

[0043] The first projection 373 is inserted into the first recess 316 of the housing 314, as shown in Fig. Figure 12 shows that the first protrusion 373 and the first recess 316 are physically connected by the first adhesive or bonding agent 391. The gap or space between the first protrusion 373 and the first recess 316 is filled by the first adhesive or bonding agent 391. Similarly, the gap or space between the connecting element 370 and the motor 310 is sealed by the first adhesive or bonding agent 391.

[0044] The connecting section 372 extends from a portion of the outer annular surface 371b of the base section 371 in the Y-direction. When the base section 371 is attached to the first end face 314a of the housing 314, the connecting section 372 is not opposite the first end face 314a in the Z-direction, as shown in Fig. 7 can be seen.

[0045] The sensor pin 375, the communication pin 376, and the current pin are formed by inserts in the connecting section 372. The ends of each of these three pins are exposed by the connecting section 372.

[0046] The connecting section 372 has a first connecting surface 372a and a second connecting surface 372b, which are aligned in the Z direction, as shown in Fig. 9, Fig. Figure 10 shows that one end of each of the three pins protrudes in the Z-direction from the first connection surface 372a and is connected to the control plate 360. The other end of these three pins protrudes from the second connection surface 372b and is connected to a wiring harness (not shown). Accordingly, the control plate 360 ​​is electrically connected to the torque sensor 210, the ECUs, and the battery mounted on the vehicle. The torque sensor 210, the ECUs, and the battery are external devices.

[0047] A second recess 374, which is recessed in the Z-direction towards the lower support surface 371d, is formed on an edge of the upper support surface 371c of the base section 371, as shown in Fig. 4, Fig. 10 can be seen. The second recess 374, which is recessed in the Z direction towards the second connecting surface 372b, is also formed on an edge of the first connecting surface 372a of the connecting section 372.

[0048] The second recesses formed in the base section 371 and the connecting section 372 are continuous to form an annular shape around a line along the Z-direction. The second recess 374 is filled with a second adhesive or bonding agent 392, as described in Fig. Figure 12 shows that the base section 371 and the cover 380 are physically connected to each other by the second adhesive or bonding agent 392.

[0049] Just as the base section 371 and the connecting section 372 have, the connecting element 370 has support sections 377, guide sections 378 and flange sections 379 which are connected to the base section 371.

[0050] The support section 377 supports the control plate 360. The support sections 377 are integrally provided with the inner annular surface 371a or the outer annular surface 371b. The support section 377 formed on the inner annular surface 371a is positioned within a disk-shaped space surrounded by the inner annular surface 371a.

[0051] The support section 377, which is formed on the outer annular surface 371b, is positioned outside the disk-shaped space surrounded by the inner annular surface 371a.

[0052] The support sections 377 project in the Z direction from the lower support surface 371d to the upper support surface 371c, as shown in Fig. 6, Fig. Figure 13 shows that each of the support sections 377 has a support surface 377a, which is aligned in the Z-direction. The support surface 377a is further away from the lower support surface in the Z-direction than the upper support surface 371c. Accordingly, the support surface 377a is located upwards or further up in the Z-direction compared to the upper support surface 371c. The support surface 377a is a cusp surface.

[0053] In the present embodiment, two support sections 377 are formed, one on the inner annular surface 371a and the other on the outer annular surface 371b. The two support sections 377 formed on the inner annular surface 371a are spaced apart in the Y-direction from the two support sections 377 formed on the outer annular surface 371b. The two support sections 377 formed on the inner annular surface 371a are spaced apart from each other in the X-direction. The support surface 377a of each of the four support sections 377 is oriented in the Z-direction. The positions of the four support surfaces 377a in the Z-direction are identical.

[0054] One of the two support sections 377, formed on the inner annular surface 371a, has a projection 377b that extends further from the support surface 377a in the Z-direction. The other support section 377, formed on the outer annular surface 371b, also has a projection 377b that extends further from the support surface 377a in the Z-direction. The two projections 377b are spaced apart in the X-direction and the Y-direction to be opposite points from the inner annular surface 371a.

[0055] When the control plate 360 ​​is mounted on the connecting element 370, as shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 7, the support surfaces 377a of the support sections 377 touch the lower side 360b of the control plate 360. At the same time, the two protrusions 377b are each inserted into the positioning holes 365 of the control plate 360.

[0056] Accordingly, the control plate 360 ​​is supported by the base section 371 such that the control plate 360 ​​is spaced from the upper support surface 371c in the Z-direction. Furthermore, a relative displacement between the connecting element 370 and the control plate 360 ​​in a direction intersecting the Z-direction is suppressed.

[0057] The guide section 378 is positioned within a disk-shaped space surrounded by the inner annular surface 371a. The guide section 378 has guide holes 378c that extend through the guide section 378 in the Z-direction.

[0058] In the present embodiment, two guide sections 378 are connected to the inner annular surface 371a. The two guide sections 378 are spaced apart from each other in the X-direction so that they are located at opposite points from the inner annular surface 371a.

[0059] Each of the two guide sections 378 has three guide holes 378c. The three guide holes 378c are aligned in the Y direction. Six motor cables 315 are inserted into each of the six guide holes 378c.

[0060] The guide section 378 has an upper side 378a and a lower side 378b, which are aligned in the Z direction, as shown in Fig. Figure 13 shows that the upper side 378a is closer to the upper support surface 371c in the Z-direction than the lower side 378b. The lower side 378b is also closer to the lower support surface 371d in the Z-direction than the upper side 378a. The guide holes 378e open on both the upper side 378a and the lower side 378b.

[0061] The upper side 378a is further away from the lower support surface 371d in the Z-direction than the upper support surface 371c. Accordingly, the upper side 378a is located upwards or further up in the Z-direction compared to the upper support surface 371c. The upper side 378a of the guide section 378 is located outside the disk-shaped space enclosed by the inner annular surface 371a.

[0062] The upper side 378a is closer to the upper support surface 371c in the Z-direction than the support surface 377a of the support section 377. Accordingly, the upper side 378a is spaced further away from the support surface 377a in the Z-direction.

[0063] As described above, the control plate 360 ​​is mounted on the connecting element 370 such that the upper side 360b is in contact with the support surface 377a. In this position, the lower side 360b is spaced apart from the upper side 378a in the Z-direction. In particular, the opening of the motor hole 361 on the lower side 360b and the opening of the guide hole 378c on the upper side 378a are spaced apart from each other in the Z-direction and aligned.

[0064] The lower side 378b is closer to the upper support surface 371c in the Z-direction than the lower support surface 371d. Accordingly, the lower side 378b is located upwards or further up in the Z-direction compared to the lower support surface 371d.

[0065] The inner radius of the opening of the guide hole 378c on the lower side 378b is larger than the inner radius of the opening of the guide hole 378c on the upper side 378a. This means that the guide hole 378c tapers from the lower side 378b to the upper side 378a.

[0066] The motor cable 315 is inserted from the opening on the lower side 378b into the guide hole 378c. The end of the motor cable 315 protrudes from the opening of the guide hole 378c on the upper side 378a to the lower side 360b of the control plate 360.

[0067] The end of the motor cable 315 is inserted from the opening on the lower side 360b into the motor hole 361. The end of the motor cable 315 protrudes upwards from the opening of the motor hole 361 on the upper side 360a.

[0068] The motor cable 315 is connected to the control plate 360 ​​by a solder or solder 393. The solder or solder 393 adheres to the edge of the motor hole 361 on the upper side 360a, the inner surface of the motor hole 361, and the edge of the motor hole 361 on the lower side 360b. A rib or strip of the solder or solder 393 is formed on each of the sides, upper side 360a and lower side 360b.

[0069] The flange section 379 is positioned within a disk-shaped space surrounded by the inner annular surface 371a. The flange section 379 has a through-hole extending through the flange section 379 in the Z-direction.

[0070] In the present embodiment, three flange sections 379 are connected to the inner annular surface 371a. The through-holes 379c formed in the three flange sections 379 are located on the circumference of a circle, the center of which is the center of the base section 371. The three through-holes 379c are arranged at intervals of 120 degrees.

[0071] The shank of screw 390 passes through the through-hole 379c. The end of screw 390 is fastened to the screw hole 314d. The flange section 379 is clamped between the head of screw 390 and the first end face 314a of the housing 314. Accordingly, the connecting element 370 is attached to the motor 310. cover

[0072] The cover 380 has a top plate 381 and a side wall 382. The top plate 381 has a flat shape, thin in the Z-direction. The top plate 381 has an inner surface 381a and an outer surface 381b, which are aligned in the Z-direction.

[0073] The side wall 382 projects from the edge of the inner surface 381a in the Z-direction. The side wall 382 has a ring-shaped form that surrounds the inner surface 381a.

[0074] The side wall 382 has an annular end 382b, which is spaced from the inner surface in the Z-direction, as shown in Fig. 4, Fig. Figure 11 shows that the annular end 382b has a second projection 383 that extends in the Z direction. The second projection 383 has an annular shape around a line along the Z direction.

[0075] The second projection 383 is inserted into the second recess 374 of the connecting element 370, as shown in Fig. Figure 12 shows that the second projection 383 and the second recess 374 are physically connected by the second adhesive or bonding agent 392. The gap or space between the second projection 383 and the second recess 374 is sealed by the second adhesive or bonding agent 392. Similarly, the gap or space between the connecting element 370 and the cover 380 is sealed by the second adhesive or bonding agent 392. Method of manufacturing the drive device

[0076] First, the 310 engine will be provided, as shown in Fig. 6 can be seen. Then the motor 310 is secured or fixed by a clamping device or the like in such a way that the second end side 314b is located in the vertical direction below the first end side 314a.

[0077] Next, the control plate 360 ​​and the connecting element 370 are prepared. The lower side 360b of the control plate 360 ​​is brought into contact with the support surface 377a of the support section 377 of the connecting element 370. At the same time, the projection 377b, which extends from the support surface 377a, is inserted into the positioning hole 365, which opens on the lower side 360b. This temporarily fixes the position of the control plate 360 ​​relative to the connecting element 370. The sensor pin 375, the communication pin 376, and the current pin are each inserted into the sensor hole 362, the communication hole 363, and the current hole of the control plate 360, respectively, and soldered to it.

[0078] As a result of fastening or fixing the control plate 360 ​​to the connecting element 370, the screw through-hole 364 of the control plate 360 ​​and the through-hole 379c of the flange section 379 are aligned in the Z-direction. The motor hole 361 and the guide hole 378c are aligned in the Z-direction.

[0079] Although three through holes 379c are formed, the number of screw through holes 364 is one. Two through holes 379c, which are not aligned with screw through holes 364 in the Z-direction, do not overlap the control plate 360 ​​in the Z-direction. The inner radius of screw through holes 364 is larger than that of through holes 379c.

[0080] Next, the connecting element 370, to which the control plate 360 ​​is attached or fixed, is positioned on the first end face 314a of the housing 314. At the same time, the first adhesive or bonding agent 391 in its liquid phase is applied to the first recess 316.

[0081] At this time, the motor cable 315 is inserted from the opening on the lower side 378b into the guide hole 378c. The motor cable 315 is also inserted from the opening on the lower side 360b into the motor hole 361. Accordingly, the end of the motor cable 315 protrudes upwards from the opening of the motor hole 361 on the upper side 360a.

[0082] The first protrusion 373 is inserted into the first recess 316, which is filled with the first adhesive or bonding agent 391 in its liquid phase. Accordingly, solder metal or the first adhesive or bonding agent 391, which is filled into the first recess 316, flows out of the first recess 316. The gap or space between the first protrusion 373 and the first recess 316 is filled with the first adhesive or bonding agent 391.

[0083] As described above, when the connecting element 370, to which the control plate 360 ​​is attached, is positioned relative to the motor 310, the screw through-hole 364, the through-hole 379c, and the screw hole 314d are aligned in the Z-direction. The shank of the screw 390 is inserted into three or two of these holes, which are aligned in the Z-direction. The end of the screw 390 is tightened against the screw hole 314d. The flange section 379 is clamped between the head of the screw 390 and the first end face 314a of the housing 314. As a result, the connecting element 370 and the motor 310 are secured.

[0084] Next, the end of the motor cable 315, which protrudes upwards from the opening of the motor hole 361 on the upper side 360a, is removed. The motor cable 315 is connected to the control plate 360 ​​on the upper side 360a by a solder metal or solder 393.

[0085] As described above, the control plate 360 ​​is attached or fixed to the connecting element 370 such that the lower side 360b is in contact with the support surface 377a. The opening of the motor hole 361 on the lower side 360b is spaced in the Z-direction from the upper side 378a, on which the guide hole 378c opens.

[0086] When the motor cable 315 is connected to or bound to the control plate 360 ​​on the upper side 360a, the molten solder metal or solder 393 flows from the upper side 360a through the motor hole 361 to the lower side 360b. As a result, the solder metal or solder 393 expands from the upper side 360a through the motor hole 361 to the lower side 360b. The ribs or ridges of the solder metal or solder 393 are formed not only on the upper side 360a but also on the lower side 360b. The lower side 360b of the control plate 360 ​​and the upper side 378a of the guide section 378 are spaced apart from each other in the Z direction such that the formation of the rib of the solder metal or solder 393 on the lower side 360b is not restricted.

[0087] Next, the cover 380 is positioned over the upper support surface 371c of the connecting element 370. At the same time, the second adhesive or bonding agent 392 is applied in its liquid phase to the second recess 374.

[0088] The first protrusion 373 is inserted into the first recess 316, which is filled with the first adhesive 391 in its liquid phase. Correspondingly, the second adhesive 392, which is filled into the second recess 374, flows out of the second recess 374. The gap between the second protrusion 383 and the second recess 374 is filled with the second adhesive 392.

[0089] The above steps fasten or fix the cover 380 to the motor 310 by means of the connecting element 370. The control plate 360 ​​is housed in the housing space defined by the motor 310, the connecting element 370, and the cover 380. Parts of the control plate 360 ​​for electrical connection to the motor 310 and the connecting element 370 are located in this housing space. Effects

[0090] As described above, when the control plate 360 ​​is mounted on the support section 377, the motor hole 361 of the circuit board 360, which opens on the lower side 360b, is spaced in the Z direction from the upper side 378a, on which the guide hole 378c of the guide section 378 opens.

[0091] Accordingly, the ribs or strips of the solder metal or solder 393, which connect the motor cable 315 and the control plate 360, are formed not only on the upper side 360a, but also on the lower side 360b. This increases the thickness of the solder metal or solder 393 connecting the control plate 360 ​​and the motor cable 315. Consequently, the occurrence of an electrical connection failure between the motor 310 and the control plate 360 ​​can be suppressed.

[0092] The motor cable 315 passes through the guide hole 378c. Accordingly, when a portion of the motor cable 315 oscillates between the connection point with the solder 393 and the connection point with the stator coil, this portion of the motor cable 315 contacts the wall defining the guide hole 378c. Because the motor cable 315 contacts the wall surface, its movement is suppressed. Consequently, the stress on the solder 393 connecting the motor cable 315 and the control plate 360 ​​due to this movement is suppressed. As a result, an electrical connection failure between the motor 310 and the control plate 360 ​​is prevented.

[0093] The inner radius of the opening of the guide hole 378c on the lower side 378b is larger than the inner radius of the opening of the guide hole 378c on the upper side 378a. Accordingly, the motor cable 315 can easily be inserted from the opening on the lower side 378b into the guide hole 378c.

[0094] As described above, since the cover 380 is fastened or fixed to the motor 310 by the connecting element 370, the housing space is defined, and the control plate 360 ​​is accommodated within this housing space. The gap or space between the motor 310 and the connecting element 370 is sealed by the first adhesive or bonding agent 391, just as the gap or space between the connecting element 370 and the cover 380 is sealed by the second adhesive or bonding agent 392. Accordingly, the deterioration of the sealing properties of the housing space can be prevented. Therefore, the control plate is protected from dust, moisture, and the like.

[0095] As described above, the first adhesive 391 and the second adhesive 392 adhere to the connecting element 370. The connecting element 370 has bonded parts (sealing parts) that are bonded by the adhesives. Therefore, the inspection of the sealed sections is easier compared to a configuration in which the sealed sections are arranged in multiple links.

[0096] Furthermore, the first recess 361 and the first protrusion 373 are connected by the first adhesive or bonding agent 391. The second recess 374 and the second protrusion 383 are connected by the second adhesive or bonding agent 392. Consequently, the adhesive or bonding agent between the housing cavity and the outer surface is thick. This improves the sealing or sealing properties. Additionally, the strength of the physical connection between the motor 310 and the connecting element 370, and the strength of the physical connection between the connecting element 370 and the cover 380, are improved by an anchoring effect.

[0097] According to the manufacturing process for the drive device 300, when the motor 310, the connecting element 370, and the cover 380 are joined, they do not need to be rotated in the vertical direction. Accordingly, the manufacturing process can be simplified.

[0098] Although the present disclosure is described with reference to the preferred embodiment, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment described above, but can be implemented with various modifications without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0099] Additional advantages and modifications will be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art based on the prior art. The disclosure, in its broadest sense, is not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus, and illustrative examples that are shown and described.

Claims

[1] Drive device (300) which has an engine (310), a control plate (360) configured to control the motor (310), a connecting element (370) located in a predetermined direction between the motor (310) and the control plate (360), wherein the connecting element (370) electrically connects the control plate (360) and an external device (210), and a solder metal (393) that connects the control plate (360) and a motor cable (315) that extends in the specified direction from the motor (310) through the connecting element (370) to the control plate (360), wherein the control plate (360) has a through-hole (361) through which the motor cable (315) passes, the through-hole (361) opening on a lower side (360b) of the control plate (360) facing the connecting element (370) and on an upper side (360a) of the control plate (360) opposite the lower side (360b), wherein the connecting element (370) contains: a base section (371) that is connected to the motor (310), a support section (377) which projects from the base section (371) in the predetermined direction towards the control plate (360) such that a tip surface (377a) of the support section (377) is in contact with the lower side (360b) of the control plate (360) so that the support section (377) supports the control plate (360), and a guide section (378) having a guide hole (378c) through which the motor cable (315) passes, the guide hole (378c) opening on a lower side (378b) of the connecting element (370) facing the motor (310) and on an upper side (378a) of the connecting element (370) facing the control plate (360), the upper side (378a) of the connecting element (370) projects from the base section (371) towards the control plate (360) and is further away from the lower side (360b) of the control plate (360) in the predetermined direction than the tip surface (377a) is from the lower side (360b) of the control plate (360), a rib of solder metal (393) is formed on both the upper side (360a) and the lower side (360b) of the control plate (360), and the rib formed on the lower side (360b) of the control plate (360) is positioned between the upper side (378a) of the connecting element (370) and the control plate (360). [2] Drive device (300) according to claim 1, wherein the control plate (360) has a positioning hole (365) that opens on the lower side (360b), wherein the support section (377) has a projection (377b) that projects from the tip surface (377a) towards the control plate (360), and the protrusion (377b) is inserted into the positioning hole (365).

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