ELECTRIC DRIVE DEVICE AND ELECTRIC POWER STEERING DEVICE

Abstract

An electric drive device (6) comprising: an electric motor (M) for driving a mechanical control element; and an electronic control unit (9) which is arranged on one side opposite the output shaft of the electric motor (M) to control the electric motor (M), the electronic control unit (9) comprises: an ECU housing (11B) connected to a motor housing (11A) in which the electric motor (M) is installed; and a conversion circuit section (14) installed in the ECU housing (11B) and configured to perform the drive control of the electric motor (M), wherein the conversion circuit section (14) comprises at least: two positive electrode-side current lines (32, 33, 74, 75) and two negative electrode-side current lines (38, 39, 70, 71) which are arranged adjacent to each other on a mounting carrier (19) from an outer edge side to an inner side of the mounting carrier (19); two conversion circuits (30, 31) arranged on both sides of the mounting carrier (19) in relation to the two positive electrode-side current lines (32, 33, 74, 75) and the two negative electrode-side current lines (38, 39, 70, 71) and each configured to drive and control the electric motor (M); Output terminals (52U, 52V, 52W, 53U, 53V, 53W) are arranged on the mounting bracket (19) at a location outside the conversion circuits (30, 31) and are connected to the electric motor (M); and two positive electrode-side current connections (34, 35, 76, 77), each connected to one of the two positive electrode-side current lines (32, 33, 74, 75), and two negative electrode-side current connections (40, 41, 72, 73), each connected to one of the two negative electrode-side current lines (38, 39, 70, 71), wherein the two positive electrode-side current connections (34, 35, 76, 77) and the two negative electrode-side current connections (40, 41, 72, 73) are arranged adjacent to each other insulated on the outer edge of the mounting carrier (19).

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric drive device and an electric power steering device, each comprising an integrated electronic control unit. Technical background

[0002] In the field of general industrial machinery, mechanical control elements are driven by electric motors. Recently, the use of a so-called mechanically and electrically integrated type of electric drive device has begun. In this device, an electronic control unit with a semiconductor element and the like is attached to an electric motor to control the speed and torque of the electric motor.

[0003] An example of a mechanically and electrically integrated type of electric drive device is an electric power steering system for a vehicle. This system is adapted to detect the direction of rotation and torque of a steering shaft, which is generated by the driver's steering wheel input. Based on these detection results, it drives an electric motor, causing the motor to rotate in the same direction as the steering shaft and thus generating steering assistance. This power steering system is equipped with an electronic control unit (ECU) to control the electric motor.

[0004] An electric power steering device of the type disclosed in JP 2013-60119A (Patent Document 1) is commonly known. The electric power steering device of Patent Document 1 comprises an electric motor and an electronic control unit. The electric motor is installed in a cylindrical motor housing made of an aluminum alloy or the like. The electronic control unit is installed in an ECU housing located on the side of the motor housing axially opposite an output shaft of the electric motor. The electronic control unit in the ECU housing comprises: a power supply section; a conversion circuit section equipped with a power switching element, such as a MOSFET or an IGBT, to drive and control the electric motor; and a control circuit section configured to control the power switching element.The output terminals of the power switching element are electrically connected to the input terminals of the electric motor via a busbar.

[0005] The electronic control unit (ECU) inside the housing receives electrical power from a power source via a plastic connector assembly. It also receives an operating status signal from a sensor or similar device. This connector assembly, which also serves as a cover, is connected to the ECU and secured to the outer surface of the housing with screws, thus sealing an opening in the housing.

[0006] Further examples of drive devices with electronic control unit are disclosed in JP 2014 - 043 122 A, DE 10 2011 002 027 A1, DE 10 2010 017 518 A1, JP 2015 - 116 095 A and JP 2009 - 081 993 A.

[0007] Other examples of an electric drive device with an integrated electronic control unit include electric brakes and electric hydraulic systems for various hydraulic controls. Overview of the invention

[0008] In an electric power steering system, an electric motor is used to assist the steering process; and a conversion circuit, acting as an inverter, is used to drive and control the electric motor. If, as in a conventional power steering system, a single conversion circuit is used, it becomes impossible to drive the electric motor in the event of a fault, such as a ground fault. This results in a decrease in steering assistance and consequently, a deterioration in steering performance. Recently, it has become necessary to design electric power steering systems with redundancy by using two conversion circuits with the same function to provide a backup in case of failure.

[0009] For such redundant system designs, it is necessary to install an identical conversion circuit in addition to the originally installed conversion circuit. It is conceivable to mount two conversion circuits on separate mounting brackets. In this case, the problem arises that the axial length of the ECU housing must be as long as the mounting brackets on which the conversion circuits are mounted, which are axially stacked within the ECU housing.

[0010] To prevent the axial length of the ECU housing from becoming too long, it is conceivable to mount two conversion circuits on the same mounting bracket. In this case, the axial length of the ECU housing can be shorter compared to the case where two conversion circuits are mounted on separate mounting brackets.

[0011] However, the radial length of the ECU housing is longer in a case where two conversion circuits are mounted on the same mounting bracket. This creates a new problem: as the radial length increases, the external dimensions of the ECU housing also become larger. Furthermore, it is essential that the mounting brackets have a shape that allows them to be installed in the ECU housing, which, corresponding to the external shape of the engine casing, has a cylindrical outer shape.

[0012] For the reasons stated above, it is an important task to mount two conversion circuits closely together on the same mounting bracket. Therefore, there is a significant need to develop a mounting technique capable of solving this problem.

[0013] The present invention was made to propose a new assembly technique according to such a problem.

[0014] An objective of the present invention is to provide an electric drive device and an electric power steering device, each comprising a new conversion circuit section mounted on a mounting bracket, with redundant conversion circuits, in order to suppress a radial increase in the size of the mounting bracket. Here, the term "conversion circuit section" refers to the combination of a mounting bracket and the conversion circuits mounted on the mounting bracket.

[0015] The present invention is defined in the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims. The fundamental features of the present invention are: two positive electrode-side current conductors and two negative electrode-side current conductors arranged adjacent to one another on a mounting carrier from an outer peripheral edge to an inner side of the mounting carrier; conversion circuits for drive control of an electric motor are arranged on both peripheral sides of the mounting carrier with respect to the two positive electrode-side current conductors and the two negative electrode-side current conductors; and output terminals for connection to the electric motor are arranged at a location outside the conversion circuits on the mounting carrier.

[0016] Since in the present invention the conversion circuits are arranged from the center to the edge of the mounting carrier, it is possible to achieve a shorter wiring length and a smaller mounting area for the conversion circuits, thereby making it possible to suppress the radial increase in size of the mounting carrier on which the redundant conversion circuits are mounted. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective overall view of a steering device as an application example for the present invention. Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective overall view of an electric power steering system as an example of an electric drive device of the mechanically and electrically integrated type. Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective exploded view of the electric power steering unit. Fig. 2. Fig. Figure 4 is a circuit diagram of a conversion circuit for one phase. Fig. Figure 5 is a top view of a conversion circuit section in which redundant conversion circuits are mounted on a mounting bracket, according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 6 is an enlarged top view of part of the conversion circuit section. Fig. 5. Fig. Figure 7 is a sectional view of part of the conversion circuit section near a negative electrode-side current line, shown in Fig. 6. Fig. Figure 8 is a top view of a conversion circuit section in which redundant conversion circuits are mounted on a mounting bracket according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 9 is a top view of a conversion circuit section in which redundant conversion circuits are mounted on a mounting bracket according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 10 is a vertical sectional view of part of the electric power steering system. Description of the embodiments

[0017] Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the drawings. It should be understood that: the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments; and various modifications and application examples are possible within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0018] Before discussing in detail the respective embodiments of the present invention, a brief explanation of the design of a steering device applicable to the present invention is given, wherein the configuration of an electric power steering device is given as an example of an electric drive device of a mechanically and electronically integrated type with reference to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 is.

[0019] The steering device here is configured to control the front wheels of a vehicle, as in Fig. Figure 1 shows a steering shaft 2 connected at its upper end to a steering wheel (not shown). A pinion (not shown) is attached to a lower end of the steering shaft 2 and engages with a rack (not shown) extending laterally along the vehicle body. Tie rods 3 are connected to both ends of the rack to turn the front wheels left or right. The rack is covered by a rack housing 4. Rubber boots 5 are provided between the rack housing 4 and the tie rods 3.

[0020] The electric power steering device 6 is arranged to generate torque to assist the steering operation of the steering wheel. The electric power steering device 6 comprises a torque sensor 7, which detects the direction of rotation and torque of the steering shaft 2; an electric motor unit 8, which transmits a steering assist force to the rack via a gear 10, based on the detection results of the torque sensor; and an electronic control unit (ECU) 9, which performs motor drive control of the electric motor unit 8. In the electric power steering device 6, an output shaft end of the electric motor unit 8 is coupled to the gear 10 at three circumferential points by bolts (not shown). The electronic control unit 9 is arranged on the side of the electric motor unit 8 opposite the output shaft end.

[0021] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the electric motor unit 8 comprises: a motor housing 11A made of an aluminum alloy or the like; and an electric motor (such as a three-phase DC electric motor; not specifically shown) installed in the motor housing 11A. The electronic control unit 9 comprises: an ECU housing 11B made of an aluminum alloy or the like, arranged on one side of the motor housing 11A axially opposite the output shaft of the electric motor; and an electronic control unit (not shown) installed in the ECU housing 11B.

[0022] The motor housing 11A and the ECU housing 11B are integrally fastened to each other at opposite end faces by fastening bolts. The electronic control unit in the ECU housing 11B includes a supply circuit section designed to provide the required electrical energy; a conversion circuit section equipped with power switching elements, such as MOSFETs or IGBTs, and configured to drive and control the electric motor of the electric motor unit 8; and a control circuit section configured to control the power switching element. The output terminals of the power switching element are connected to the input terminals of the electric motor via a busbar.

[0023] A cover element 12 also serves as a connector terminal assembly and comprises: a connector terminal section 12A for connection to a power source; a connector terminal section 12B for connection to a sensing sensor; and a connector terminal section 12C for outputting the control status information to an external device. The electronic control unit in the ECU housing 11B is supplied with electrical energy from a power source via the power source connector terminal section 12A of the plastic cover element 12. An operating status sensing signal is transmitted from the sensing sensor to the electronic control assembly via the sensing sensor connector terminal section 12B. A current control status information signal from the electric power steering device is output from the control status output connector terminal 12C to an external device.In this example, the cover element 12 is shaped to cover the entire opening end of the ECU housing 11B. Alternatively, the cover element 12 can be designed with smaller connector sections to provide a connection to the electrical control assembly by insertion into an entry hole of the ECU housing 11B.

[0024] The electric power steering device 6 described above operates as follows. When the steering shaft 2 is rotated in any direction by turning the steering wheel, the direction of rotation and the torque of the steering shaft 2 are detected by the torque sensor 7. Based on these detection results, the control circuit section determines the required drive input for the electric motor. According to this determined drive input, the electric motor is driven by the power switching elements of the conversion circuit section. The output shaft of the electric motor then rotates in the same direction as the steering shaft 1. The rotation of the output shaft is transmitted to steer the vehicle via the pinion 10 onto the rack. Since the design and operation of these mechanisms are well understood, further detailed explanation is omitted.

[0025] The power steering device is not limited to the so-called pinion-assisted type mentioned above and can alternatively be a so-called column-assisted type, in which the electric motor unit 8 and the electronic control unit 9 are mounted together in a reducer or column in which the steering shaft 2 connected to the steering wheel is rotatably held, so that an assisting force is applied to the column.

[0026] The electric power steering system 6 is in Fig. Figure 3 shows a perspective exploded view. Generally, the electric motor is installed in the motor housing 11A. Although the motor housing 11A and the ECU housing 11B are formed as separate parts in an aluminum alloy, these housings can be integrally formed in a single piece.

[0027] In the electronic control unit 9, the ECU housing 11B is coupled to the side of the motor housing 11A that faces the output shaft of the electric motor installed in the motor housing; and the cover element is attached to the ECU housing 11B by a plurality of fastening bolts. The cover element can, as mentioned above, serve as a connector terminal assembly and can be formed by injection molding of resin. Various connector wiring configurations are embedded in the cover element by injection molding.

[0028] The power supply circuit section 13 is installed in an installation space defined by the ECU housing 11B and the cover element. The conversion circuit section 14, together with a guide plate 15 and the control circuit section 16, is installed in an installation space within the ECU housing 11B. The electronic control assembly consists of the power supply circuit section 13, the conversion circuit section 14, the guide plate 15, and the control circuit section 16.

[0029] A heat sink 17, made of a metal such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy, is arranged within the ECU housing 11B and integrally connected to the ECU housing 11B. First and second mounting brackets 18 and 19, each made of metal, are attached to both sides of the heat sink 17. Electronic components forming part of the power supply circuit section 13 and the conversion circuit section 14 are mounted on one side of the first mounting bracket 18 and on one side of the second mounting bracket 19, respectively.

[0030] As mentioned above, the heat-emitting element 17, which is made of aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or the like and has a predetermined thickness, is arranged between the first and second mounting brackets 18 and 19, which are each made of metal. Furthermore, the heat-emitting element 17 is integrally connected to the ECU housing 11B. The heat-emitting element therefore acts as a heat radiator to radiate heat from the ECU housing 11B to the outside. A heat-emitting material with high thermal conductivity, such as a heat-emitting adhesive, a heat-emitting film, or a heat-emitting grease, is arranged between the mounting brackets 18 and 19 and the heat-emitting element 17 to improve thermal contact.

[0031] The power supply circuit section 13 is positioned between the cover element and the heat dissipation medium 17. The main function of the power supply circuit section 13 is to generate and supply direct current to an inverter to drive the electric motor.

[0032] The supply circuit section 13 has a structure in which electronic components, including a capacitor, an inductor, a power switching element such as a MOSFET, a current source-side connector for connection to a current source-side connector terminal for a battery power source, a high-voltage-side connector for connection to a high-voltage-side connector terminal to supply a high-voltage current to the conversion circuit section 14, and a low-voltage-side connector for connection to a low-voltage-side connector terminal to supply the control circuit section 16 with low-voltage current, are mounted on a surface of the mounting carrier 18 made of a thermally highly conductive metal, such as aluminum.After an insulating layer is formed on the first mounting bracket 18 made of aluminum, a wiring pattern made of copper foil is printed onto the insulating layer. The electronic components are mounted on the wiring pattern and electronically connected to each other via the wiring pattern. Relatively large (tall) electronic components, such as capacitors, inductors, and connectors, are used in the power supply circuit section 13. If the current consumption is low, the first mounting bracket 18 can be made of plastic.

[0033] The conversion circuit section 14 is located on the side of the heat-radiating element 17 opposite the supply circuit section 13. The main function of the conversion circuit 14 is to implement inverter control for driving the electric motor. The conversion circuit section 14 is arranged such that the second mounting bracket 19 of the conversion circuit section 14, extending through the heat-radiating element 17, is opposite and facing the first mounting bracket 18 of the supply circuit section 13.

[0034] The opposing surfaces of the second mounting bracket 19 and the first mounting bracket 18 are adapted to facilitate easy heat transfer to and from the heat-emitting carrier 17. Furthermore, the heat-emitting material, which has high thermal conductivity, for example a heat-emitting adhesive, a heat-emitting film, or a heat-emitting grease, is arranged between the mounting brackets 18, 19 and the heat-emitting carrier 17, as mentioned above.

[0035] The conversion circuit section 14 has a structure in which electronic components, including a variety of power switching elements such as MOSFETs or IGBTs, output terminals for the output from the power switching elements, and connection terminals for the input of source, drain, and gate input signals to the power switching elements, as well as for feedback of the operating status of the power switching elements to the control circuit section 16, are mounted on a surface of the mounting carrier 19 made of a highly thermally conductive metal (such as aluminum). The conversion circuit section 14 also has a converter-side connector for the input of the power supply from the supply circuit section 13. The conversion circuit section 14 consists of: the mounting carrier 19; and the power conversion circuits mounted on the mounting carrier 19.

[0036] The control circuit section 16 is arranged between the conversion circuit section 14 and the motor housing 11A. The main function of the control circuit section 16 is to perform the switching control of the switching elements of the conversion circuit section 14. Plastic mounting lugs 20 are formed in the ECU housing 11B to extend towards the motor housing 11A. A plastic support 21 of the control circuit section 16 is attached to the plastic mounting lugs 20 by fastening bolts.

[0037] The control circuit section 16 has a structure in which a microcomputer for controlling the power switching elements of the conversion circuit section 14 is arranged on the plastic carrier 21 made of a plastic material. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the electronic components include not only the microcomputer 32, but also the peripheral circuits mounted on the plastic carrier 21. A magnetism detection element (such as an MR component) is also mounted here in such a way that it operates synchronously with a magnetic sensor MG, which is fixed to the rotating shaft of the electric motor, in order to detect the rotational speed and phase of the electric motor.

[0038] As mentioned above, the power supply circuit section 13, the heat dissipation carrier 17, the conversion circuit section 14, and the control circuit section 18 are arranged in that order from the cover element towards the motor housing 11A. If the control circuit section 16 is arranged at a distance from the power supply circuit section 13, electrical energy can be supplied to the control circuit section 16 stably after the removal of power source noise.

[0039] It has recently become necessary for electric power steering systems to be designed redundantly by using two conversion circuits with the same function, in order to provide a safeguard in case of a failure, as mentioned above. For such a redundant system design, it is necessary to install an additional conversion circuit identical to the original one. It is possible to mount both conversion circuits on the same mounting bracket. In this case, the axial length of the ECU housing can be shortened compared to mounting two conversion circuits on separate brackets.

[0040] However, the radial length of the ECU housing increases if two conversion circuits are mounted on the same mounting bracket. This creates a new problem, as the external dimensions of the ECU housing increase with the radial length. Furthermore, it is essential that the mounting bracket has a shape that allows it to be installed in the ECU housing, which, corresponding to the external shape of the engine housing, has a cylindrical outer shape.

[0041] For the reasons mentioned above, a key objective was to mount the two conversion circuits close together on the same mounting bracket. There was also a strong demand to develop a mounting technique capable of achieving this objective. Design 1

[0042] To meet such a requirement, the first embodiment of the present invention proposes the following assembly technique.

[0043] The conversion circuit section according to the first embodiment is structured such that two positive electrode-side current lines are arranged near the center of the mounting bracket, extending from an outer peripheral side to an inner side of the mounting bracket; negative electrode-side current lines and conversion circuits for the drive control of the electric motor are arranged on both sides of the mounting bracket with respect to the positive electrode-side current lines; and output terminals for connecting the electric motor are arranged on the mounting bracket at a location facing outwards from the conversion circuit.

[0044] In the first embodiment, the conversion circuits are arranged from the center to the edge of the mounting bracket. This arrangement results in a shorter wiring length and a smaller mounting area for the conversion circuits. It is therefore possible to suppress a radial increase in the size of the mounting bracket on which the redundant conversion circuits are mounted.

[0045] The first embodiment of the present invention is described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0046] In the first embodiment, the electric motor M is designed as a three-phase DC electric motor with U, V, and W phase coils wound on a stator core; and the conversion circuit section 14 is configured to supply the respective phase coils with regulated current. Since MOSFETs are used as power switching elements, the power switching elements will be referred to as MOSFETs in the following description.

[0047] The conversion circuit of conversion circuit section 14 is generally designed as an inverter circuit, as shown in Fig. 4 shown.

[0048] More precisely, in Fig. Figure 4 shows the circuit diagram for one phase. The high-potential MOSFET 24 and the low-potential MOSFET 25 are connected in series between the positive electrode-side (power source side) current line 22 and the negative electrode-side (ground side) current line 23. The phase relay MOSFET 26 is connected to the corresponding phase coil 27 of the electric motor M.

[0049] The high-potential MOSFET 24 has a drain electrode DA, a gate electrode GA, and a source electrode SA. The drain electrode DA is connected to the positive electrode-side current line 22. The low-potential MOSFET 25 has a drain electrode DB, a gate electrode GB, and a source electrode SB. The source electrode SB is connected to the negative electrode-side current line 23. The source electrode SA of the high-potential MOSFET 24 is connected to the drain electrode DB of the low-potential MOSFET 25.

[0050] The phase relay MOSFET 26 has a drain electrode DC, a gate electrode GC, and a source electrode SC. The drain electrode DC is connected to the junction between the source electrode SA of the high-potential MOSFET 24 and the drain electrode DB of the low-potential MOSFET 25. The source electrode SC is connected to the coil 27.

[0051] The regulated current to the coil 27 of the electric motor is thus supplied by the output of control signals from the control circuit section 16 to the corresponding gate electrodes GA, GB and GC of the high-potential MOSFET 24, the low-potential MOSFET 25 and the phase relay MOSFET 26.

[0052] Although in Fig. Since the circuit diagram for one phase is shown in Figure 4, the circuit diagrams for the other two phases are similar to the one shown in the figure between the positive electrode-side current line 22 and the negative electrode-side current line 23, thus introducing a three-phase bridge circuit. The plurality of conversion circuits (corresponding to the number of winding systems in the electric motor M), each of which has such a circuit configuration, are mounted on the second mounting bracket 19.

[0053] The mounting state of the electronic components in the conversion circuit section 14 according to the first embodiment is now described below with reference to Fig. 5 explained. Fig. 5. Each high-potential MOSFET is designated with "H", as an abbreviation for High, and each low-potential MOSFET is designated with "L", as an abbreviation for Low; and each phase relay MOSFET is designated with "P", as an abbreviation for Phase.

[0054] In Fig. 5 The second mounting carrier 19 of the conversion circuit section 14 is made of a metal with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum, as mentioned above. After an insulating layer is formed on the second mounting carrier 19, wiring lines (wiring pattern) made of copper foil are printed onto the insulating layer. A variety of MOSFETs are arranged on these wiring lines, along with the output terminals for the output of the corresponding MOSFETs, the input terminals for the gate, drain, and source input signals of the respective MOSFETs, and the monitoring terminals for feedback of the operating states of the corresponding MOSFETs to the control circuit section 16.

[0055] An insulated area 28 is present essentially over the entire main surface of the second mounting bracket 19. The first conversion circuit 30 and the second conversion circuit 31 are located on both sides (left and right sides in Fig. 5) of the insulated surface area of ​​the second mounting carrier 19 in relation to the vicinity of the center C of the second mounting carrier 19. In the first embodiment, the first and second conversion circuits 30 and 31 have essentially the same structure, but they differ from each other in the arrangement positions of the high-potential MOSFETs. These arrangements will be explained in detail later.

[0056] This is the in Fig. 4. Motor winding designated with reference numeral 27 is formed with two systems in the motor housing. The first winding is excited by the first conversion circuit 30. The second winding is excited by the second conversion circuit 31.

[0057] The electric motor M is therefore driven with approximately 50% of the output power of the respective drive systems relative to the required auxiliary torque when the power steering device 6 is in a normal operating state.

[0058] In the event of an abnormal condition, such as a component failure, a short circuit in the motor circuit, or a short circuit in the first conversion circuit 30, the control circuit section 16 stops the operation of the first conversion circuit 30. The second conversion circuit 31 continues its operation, continuously supplying energy to the electric motor. During this abnormal operating condition, the current supplied to the electric motor is only about half the maximum current supplied during normal operation.

[0059] In the event of an abnormal condition in the second conversion circuit 31, reverse procedures are carried out.

[0060] Alternatively, in normal operating conditions, the electric motor can be controlled via the first conversion circuit 30 while the input / output of the second conversion circuit 31 is interrupted. In this case, the electric motor M is driven by the output of the first conversion circuit according to the required auxiliary torque (e.g., 100% of the output corresponding to the auxiliary torque).

[0061] In the event of an abnormal condition, for example a ground fault in the first conversion circuit 30, the control circuit section 16 stops the operation of the first conversion circuit 30. Instead, the control circuit section starts the operation of the second conversion circuit 31 as a safeguard to supply the electric motor with power.

[0062] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the wiring pattern for connecting the drain, source, and gate electrodes of the respective MOSFETs is printed on the insulated surface area 28 of the second mounting bracket 19. Near the center C of the second mounting bracket 19, the first positive electrode-side current line 32 for the first conversion circuit 30 and the second positive electrode-side current line 33 for the second conversion circuit 31 are arranged adjacent to each other in a predetermined interval, insulated, so that they can be routed vertically across the second mounting bracket 19. Fig. 5 to lie.

[0063] Each of the first and second positive electrode-side current lines 32 and 33 has a predetermined width and extends substantially linearly through the vicinity of the center point C of the second mounting support 19. These positive electrode-side current lines 32 and 33 are each connected to their corresponding first and second positive electrode-side current terminals 34 and 35. The first and second positive electrode-side current terminals 34 and 35 are connected to the positive electrode of the power supply section.

[0064] In other words, the first and second positive electrode-side current lines 32 and 33 are insulated and arranged adjacent to each other to extend across the support towards the center C from the first and second positive electrode-side current terminals 34 and 35, which are arranged adjacent to each other insulated on the outside (edge ​​side) of the second mounting support 19.

[0065] The first and second negative electrode-side current lines 38 and 39 mentioned below are arranged adjacent to and outside of the first and second positive electrode-side current lines 34 and 35, in order to lie along the outer sides of the first and second positive electrode-side current lines 32 and 33.

[0066] Each of the first and second positive electrode-side current connections 34 and 35 is designed as a connecting piece.

[0067] The high-potential MOSFETs 36U, 36V, and 36W for the respective phases are arranged on a common current line, that is, on the first positive electrode-side current line 32. The high-potential MOSFET (first U-phase) 36U, the high-potential MOSFET (first V-phase) 36V, and the high-potential MOSFET (first W-phase) 36W are arranged in this order starting from the outer edge (the top side in Fig. 5) opposite the outer edge where the first positive electrode-side current connection 34 is located.

[0068] The high-potential MOSFETs 37U, 37V, and 36W for the respective phases are arranged on the common current line, that is, on the second positive electrode-side current line 33. The high-potential MOSFET (second U-phase) 37U, the high-potential MOSFET (second V-phase) 37V, and the high-potential MOSFET (second W-phase) 37W are arranged in this order from the top side. Fig. 5. The arrangement order of the MOSFETs for these three phases is arbitrary. The arrangement positions of the MOSFETs may depend on the positions of the output terminals of the electrical drive device.

[0069] The first and second positive electrode-side current lines 32 and 33 each serve as a common connecting part of the drain electrodes DA of the corresponding phases of the high-potential-side MOSFETs, as shown in Fig. 4 shown.

[0070] The first and second negative electrode-side current lines 38 and 39 are arranged on both outer sides (outer faces) of the mounting bracket 19 with respect to the positive electrode-side current lines 32 and 33. The first and second negative electrode-side current lines 38 and 39 have a predetermined width and extend substantially linearly along and adjacent to the positive electrode-side current lines 32 and 33 on the mounting bracket 19. The negative electrode-side current lines 38 and 39 are each connected to their corresponding first and second negative electrode-side current terminals 40 and 41. The first and second negative electrode-side current terminals 40 and 41 are connected to the negative electrode of the power supply section.The negative electrode-side current lines 38 and 39 each serve as a common connecting part of the source electrodes SB of the corresponding phases of the low-potential-side MOSFETs.

[0071] Shunt resistors 29A and 29B are formed at corresponding symmetrical positions between the first and second negative electrode-side current lines 38 and 39 and the first and second negative electrode-side current terminals 40 and 41.

[0072] The positive electrode-side current connections 34 and 35 and the negative electrode-side current connections 40 and 41 are accordingly adjacent to each other and aligned in a line.

[0073] As mentioned above, the positive electrode-side current lines 32 and 33 and the negative electrode-side current lines 38 and 39 are arranged adjacent to each other. This makes it possible to shorten the wiring length and reduce the mounting area. Since the positive electrode-side current lines 32 and 33 and the negative electrode-side current lines 38 and 39 are arranged adjacent to each other, it is possible to reduce inductance and noise by shortening the wiring length. Furthermore, the positive electrode-side current terminals 34 and 35 and the negative electrode-side current terminals 40 and 41 of the first and second conversion circuits 30 and 31 are arranged adjacent to each other.Since the power connections for the connection on the supply circuit section 13 are brought together at one point, it is possible to combine the connection area on the mounting bracket 16 and to simplify the connection structure on the mounting bracket.

[0074] The first interconnection wiring sections 42U to 42W and the second interconnection wiring sections 43U to 43W are arranged on the outer sides of the mounting bracket 19 that are further outward than the negative electrode-side power lines 38 and 39 (i.e., on the outer sides opposite the positive electrode-side power lines 32 and 33). The first and second interconnection wiring sections 42U to 42W and 43U to 43W are configured as three subdivided sections corresponding to the respective phases and are isolated from each other. The low-potential MOSFET and the phase relay MOSFET for each phase are arranged on the corresponding wiring sections.

[0075] The arrangement sequence of the first interconnection wiring sections 42U, 42V and 42W (of the second interconnection wiring sections 43U, 43V and 43W) corresponds to the arrangement sequence of the high-potential-side MOSFETs 36U (37U), 36V (37V) and 36W (37W) with respect to the wiring direction of the first positive electrode-side current line 32 (of the second positive electrode-side current line 33).

[0076] The low-potential MOSFETs for the corresponding phases are arranged insulated on the first connecting wiring sections 42U to 42W. The low-potential MOSFET (first U phase) 44U, the low-potential MOSFET (first V phase) 44V, and the low-potential MOSFET (first W phase) 44W are arranged in this order from the top side. Fig. 5 arranged.

[0077] Similarly, the low-potential MOSFETs for the corresponding phases are arranged insulated form on the second interconnection wiring sections 43U to 43W. The low-potential MOSFET (second U phase) 45U, the low-potential MOSFET (second V phase) 45V, and the low-potential MOSFET (second W phase) 45W are arranged in that order from the top side. Fig. 5 arranged.

[0078] The phase relay MOSFETs for the corresponding phases are also arranged in an insulated manner, together with the corresponding low-potential MOSFETs, on the first connecting wiring sections 42U to 42W. The phase relay MOSFET (first U phase) 46U, the phase relay MOSFET (first V phase) 46V, and the phase relay MOSFET (first W phase) 46W are arranged in that order from the top side. Fig. 5 arranged on the corresponding first connecting wiring sections 42.

[0079] Similarly, the phase relay MOSFETs for the corresponding phases are arranged on the second connecting wiring sections 43U to 43W. The phase relay MOSFET (second U phase) 47U, the phase relay MOSFET (second V phase) 47V, and the phase relay MOSFET (second W phase) 47W are arranged in this order from the top side. Fig. 5 arranged. The first connecting wiring sections 42U to 42W and the second connecting wiring sections 43U to 43W serve as connecting parts for the sources SA, the outlets DB and the outlets DC, as shown in Fig. 4 shown.

[0080] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, each set of high-potential MOSFETs, low-potential MOSFETs, and phase-relay MOSFETs is preferably aligned along the wiring direction of the positive electrode-side current lines 32 and 33. This facilitates simple wiring and contributes to a reduction in the size of the mounting bracket 19.

[0081] It is even more preferred that the three corresponding phase MOSFETs are essentially aligned along the same line parallel to the positive electrode-side current lines 32, 33 to further simplify the wiring and contribute to reducing the size of the mounting carrier 19.

[0082] Since the negative electrode-side current lines 38, 39 are positioned between the positive electrode-side current lines 32, 33, on which the high-potential MOSFETs are arranged, and the connecting wiring sections 42U to 42W, 43U to 43W, on which the low-potential MOSFETs are arranged, it is necessary to establish connections between the high-potential MOSFETs and the low-potential MOSFETs across the negative electrode-side current lines 38, 39.

[0083] For this reason, a wire bridge 48U is provided between the high-potential MOSFET (first U phase) 36U and the low-potential MOSFET (first U phase) 44U; a wire bridge 48V is provided between the high-potential MOSFET (first V phase) 36V and the low-potential MOSFET (first V phase) 44V; and a wire bridge 48W is provided between the high-potential MOSFET (first W phase) 36W and the low-potential MOSFET (first W phase) 44W.

[0084] Similarly, a wire bridge 49U is provided between the high-potential MOSFET (second U phase) 37U and the low-potential MOSFET (second U phase) 45U; a wire bridge 49V is provided between the high-potential MOSFET (second V phase) 37V and the low-potential MOSFET (second V phase) 45V, and a wire bridge 49W is provided between the high-potential MOSFET (second W phase) 37W and the low-potential MOSFET (second W phase) 45W.

[0085] The high-potential MOSFETs 36U to 36W and the low-potential MOSFETs 44U to 44W of the first conversion circuit 30 are arranged opposite each other on the same lines. The wire bridges 48U to 48W are connected to the upper sides of the corresponding MOSFETs in Fig. 5 for a mutual connection between the MOSFETs.

[0086] In contrast, the high-potential MOSFETs 37U to 37W of the second conversion circuit 31 are offset by one MOSFET towards the top (i.e., the outer edge opposite the outer edge on which the second positive and negative electrode-side current terminals 35 and 41 are located) relative to the high-potential MOSFETs 36U to 36W of the second conversion circuit 30. Furthermore, the low-potential MOSFETs 45U to 45W are offset by one MOSFET towards the bottom (i.e., the outer edge on which the second positive and negative electrode-side current terminals 35 and 41 are located) relative to the high-potential MOSFETs 37U to 37W.

[0087] In contrast to the high-potential MOSFETs 36U to 33W of the first conversion circuit 30, the wire bridges 49U to 49W are connected to the low sides of the high-potential MOSFETs 37U to 37W in Fig. 5 connected. The wire bridges 48U to 48W and 49U to 49W are therefore arranged symmetrically in order to correspond to each other in their position.

[0088] On mounting bracket 19, the first output wiring sections 50U to 50W and the second output wiring sections 51U to 51W are arranged on the outermost edge sections of mounting bracket 19 compared to the first connecting wiring sections 42 to 42W and the second connecting wiring sections 43U to 43W (i.e., on the outer sides opposite the positive electrode-side power lines 32 and 33). The first and second output wiring sections 50U to 50W and 51U to 51W are each formed with three subdivided sections, corresponding to the respective phases, and are insulated from one another. The output terminal for each phase is located on the corresponding output wiring section.

[0089] The output connections for the respective phases are isolated and configured as corresponding connection points on the first output wiring sections 50U to 50W. The first U-phase output connection 52U, the first V-phase output connection 52V, and the first W-phase output connection 52W are located in that order in front of the top side. Fig. 5. The output terminals for the corresponding phases are also insulated on the second output wiring sections 51U to 51W. The second U-phase output terminal 53U, the second V-phase output terminal 53V, and the second W-phase output terminal 53W are arranged in this order from the top side in Fig. 5 arranged (i.e. the outer edge opposite the outer edge on which the second positive and negative electrode-side current terminals 35 and 41 are arranged).

[0090] Accordingly, the first conversion circuit 30 is constructed as follows: the high-potential MOSFET (first U-phase) 36U, the high-potential MOSFET (first V-phase) 36V and the high-potential MOSFET (first W-phase) 36W are arranged on the first positive electrode-side current line 32; the low-potential MOSFET (first U-phase) 44U, the low-potential MOSFET (first V-phase) 44V and the low-potential MOSFET (first W-phase) 44W are arranged closer to the outer edge of the mounting carrier than (= arranged outside of) the high-potential MOSFETs parallel to the first positive electrode-side current line 32;The phase relay MOSFET (first U-phase) 46U, the phase relay MOSFET (first V-phase) 46V and the phase relay MOSFET (first W-phase) 46W are arranged closer to the outer edge of the mounting carrier than (= arranged outside of) the low-potential-side MOSFETs in series with the first positive electrode-side current line 32; and the first U-phase output terminal 52U, the first V-phase output terminal 52V and the first W-phase output terminal 52W are arranged closer to the outer edge of the mounting carrier than (= arranged outside of) the phase relay MOSFETs in parallel with the first positive electrode-side current line 32.

[0091] The second conversion circuit 31 is constructed as follows: the high-potential MOSFET (second U-phase) 37U, the high-potential MOSFET (second V-phase) 37V and the low-potential MOSFET (second W-phase) 37W are arranged on the second positive electrode-side current line 33; the low-potential MOSFET (second U-phase) 45U, the low-potential MOSFET (second V-phase) 45V and the low-potential MOSFET (second W-phase) 45W are arranged closer to the outer edge of the mounting carrier than (= arranged outside of) the high-potential MOSFETs parallel to the second positive electrode-side current line 33;The phase relay MOSFET (second U-phase) 47U, the phase relay MOSFET (second V-phase) 47V and the phase relay MOSFET (second W-phase) 47W are arranged closer to the outer edge of the mounting carrier than (= arranged outside of) the low-potential-side MOSFETs parallel to the second positive electrode-side current line 33; and the second U-phase output terminal 53U, the second V-phase output terminal 53V and the second W-phase output terminal 53W are arranged closer to the outer edge of the mounting carrier than (= arranged outside of) the phase relay MOSFETs parallel to the second positive electrode-side current line 33.

[0092] In this way, the first conversion circuit 30 and the second conversion circuit 31 are essentially symmetrical with respect to the first and second positive electrode-side current lines 32 and 33 near the center of the mounting bracket 19 of the first embodiment. If the high-potential MOSFET, the low-potential MOSFET, and the phase relay MOSFET for each phase are arranged in that order towards the edge (outside) along a direction perpendicular to the wiring direction of the positive electrode-side current line (i.e., in the vertical direction of the Fig. 5) It is possible to shorten the wiring leads and reduce the mounting area. It is also possible to reduce inductance and noise because the positive electrode-side current leads 32 and 33 and the negative electrode-side current leads 38 and 29 are arranged adjacent to each other.

[0093] Returning to Fig. 5 The output terminals 52U, 52V and 52W of the first conversion circuit 30 and the output terminals 53U, 53V and 53W of the second conversion circuit 31 are aligned parallel to each other along the same vertical lines as shown by the dashed lines VL; and the positive electrode-side current terminals 34 and 35 and the negative electrode-side current terminals 40 and 41 of the first and second conversion circuits 30 and 31 are aligned along the same horizontal line as shown by the dashed line HL.

[0094] The arrangement directions (dashed lines VL) of the output terminals 52U, 52V and 52W of the first conversion circuit 30 and the output terminals 53U, 53V and 53W of the second conversion circuit 31 are arranged perpendicular to the arrangement direction (dashed line HL) of the positive electrode-side current terminals 34 and 35 and the negative electrode-side current terminals 40 and 41 of the first and second conversion circuits 30 and 31, as shown in Fig. 5 shown.

[0095] This arrangement makes it possible, even though the mounting bracket 19 is designed with an outer shape corresponding to the cylindrical shape of the ECU housing 11B, to arrange the output terminals 52U, 52V, 52W, 53U, 53V and 53W and the current terminals 34, 35, 40 and 41 of the first and second conversion circuits 30 and 31 in a cylindrical shape. This contributes to a reduction in the size of the second mounting bracket 19.

[0096] Furthermore, the high-potential MOSFETs 36U, 36V and 36W of the first conversion circuit and the high-potential MOSFETs 37U, 37V and 37W of the second conversion circuit 31 are offset by one MOSFET size, as shown in Fig. Figure 5 shows that the outermost MOSFET of one of the conversion circuits is located on the top or bottom side of the figure relative to that of the other conversion circuit. This allows for effective use of the mounting surface of the mounting carrier 19, which is shaped to match the cylindrical ECU housing 11B.

[0097] For example, if the high-potential MOSFETs 36U, 36V, and 36W and the high-potential MOSFETs 37U, 37V, and 37W are mounted in a contacting manner near the center of the mounting bracket 19, the edge MOSFETs are located closer to the edge of the mounting bracket 19. A sufficient mounting surface cannot be provided for such an edge component. It is necessary to enlarge the mounting bracket to ensure a mounting surface for the edge component.

[0098] In the case where the high-potential MOSFETs 36U, 36V and 36W and the high-potential MOSFETs 37U, 37V and 37W are, as in the first embodiment in Fig. In contrast to the arrangement shown in Figure 5, only one MOSFET is positioned closer to the edge of the mounting bracket 19. It is therefore possible to provide a sufficient mounting surface for the edge-side part.

[0099] In the case where the second mounting bracket 19 is manufactured more circularly, according to the curved surface of the motor housing, the arrangements of the output terminals 52U, 52V and 52W of the first conversion circuit 30 and the output terminals 53U, 53V and 53W of the second conversion circuit 31, the positive electrode-side current terminals 34 and 35 and the negative electrode-side current terminals 40 and 41 can be modified in accordance with the given surface of the motor housing.

[0100] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the gate input terminals for the respective MOSFETs are arranged around the conversion circuits 30 and 31, as shown in Figure 5. Fig. Figure 5 shows the gate input terminals for the high-potential MOSFETs 36U, 36V and 36W of the first conversion circuit 30. These gate input terminals are arranged as a first U-phase high-potential gate input terminal 54U, a first V-phase high-potential gate input terminal 54V and a first W-phase high-potential gate input terminal 54W at a location adjacent to the high-potential MOSFET 36U on the top side of the figure.

[0101] The gate input terminals for the high-potential MOSFETs 27U, 27V and 27W of the second conversion circuit 31 are arranged as a second U-phase high-potential gate input terminal 55U, a second V-phase high-potential gate input terminal 55V and a second W-phase high-potential gate input terminal 55W at a location adjacent to the high-potential MOSFET 37U on the top side in the figure.

[0102] This means that the first U-phase high-potential gate input terminal 54U, the first V-phase high-potential gate input terminal 54V, the first W-phase high-potential gate input terminal 54W, the second U-phase high-potential gate input terminal 55U, the second V-phase high-potential gate input terminal 55V and the second W-phase high-potential gate input terminal 55W are located adjacent to the edge of the mounting carrier 19.

[0103] The gate input terminals for the low-potential MOSFETs 44U, 44V and 44W of the first conversion circuit 30 are arranged as a first U-phase low-potential gate input terminal 56U, a first V-phase low-potential gate input terminal 56V and a first W-phase low-potential gate input terminal 56W, at locations adjacent to the low-potential MOSFETs 44U and 44W on the top and bottom sides in the figure.

[0104] The gate input terminals for the low-potential MOSFETs 45U, 45V and 45W of the second conversion circuit 31 are arranged as a second U-phase low-potential gate input terminal 57U, a second V-phase low-potential gate input terminal 57V and a second W-phase low-potential gate input terminal 57W at locations adjacent to the low-potential MOSFETs 45U and 45W on the top and bottom sides in the figure.

[0105] This means that the U-phase low-potential gate input terminal 56U, the first V-phase low-potential gate input terminal 56V, the first W-phase low-potential gate input terminal 56W, the second U-phase low-potential gate input terminal 57U, the second V-phase low-potential gate input terminal 57V and the second W-phase low-potential gate input terminal are also arranged adjacent to the edge of the mounting carrier 19.

[0106] The gate input terminals for the phase relay MOSFETs 46U, 46V and 46W on the first conversion circuit 30 are arranged as a first U-power phase relay gate input terminal 58U, a first V-phase relay gate input terminal 58V and a first W-phase relay gate input terminal 58W at locations adjacent to the phase relay MOSFETs 46U and 46W on the top and bottom sides in the figure.

[0107] The gate input terminals for the phase relay MOSFETs 47U, 47V and 47W on the second conversion circuit 31 are arranged as a second U phase relay gate input terminal 59U, a second V phase relay gate input terminal 59V and a second W phase relay gate input terminal 59W at locations adjacent to the phase relay MOSFETs 46U and 46W on the top and bottom sides in the figure.

[0108] This means that the first U-phase relay gate input terminal 58U, the first V-phase relay gate input terminal 58W, the second U-phase relay gate input terminal 59U, the second V-phase relay gate input terminal 59V and the second W-phase relay gate input terminal 59W are also arranged adjacent to the edge of the mounting bracket 19.

[0109] As mentioned above, the gate input terminals 54U to 54W, 55U to 55W, 56U to 56W, 57U to 57W, 58U to 58W and 59U to 59W for the high-potential MOSFETs 36U to 36W and 37U to 37W, the low-potential MOSFETs 44U to 44W and 45U to 45W and the phase relay MOSFETs 46U to 46W and 47U to 47W are arranged on the edge parts of the second mounting carrier 19 along the arrangement directions of the corresponding MOSFETs. This allows for a simple arrangement of the gate signal line between the gate input terminals and the MOSFETs along the negative electrode-side power lines 38 and 39 and the interconnection wiring sections 42U to 42W and 43U to 43W, thereby reducing the wiring length.

[0110] The wiring configuration of the gate signal line for the high-potential MOSFETs 36U to 36W and 37U to 37W and for the low-potential MOSFETs 44U to 44W and 45U to 45W is shown in Fig. 6 shown. Although in particular the wiring configuration of the gate signal line of the first conversion circuit 30 in Fig. As shown in Figure 6 (detailed view), the wiring configuration of the gate signal lines of the second conversion circuit 31 is similar to the wiring configuration of the gate signal lines of the first conversion circuit 30.

[0111] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, first high-potential MOSFET connection sections 60U and 60W are provided such that the gate electrodes of the high-potential MOSFETs 36U to 36W, to which the gate signal lines are connected, as well as the corresponding source electrodes, are positioned on these connection sections. The respective phases of the first high-potential MOSFET connection sections 60U to 60B are arranged at predetermined intervals, preferably at equal intervals, between the first positive electrode-side current lines 32 and the first negative electrode-side current line 38. The terminals of the first high-potential MOSFET connection sections 60U to 60W are oriented towards the first positive electrode-side current line 32.

[0112] Consequently, the first high-potential MOSFET connection sections 60U to 60W for the respective phases of the electric motor can be arranged along the first positive electrode-side current line 32. This makes it possible to prevent the shape of the first positive electrode-side current line 32 from becoming complicated.

[0113] First low-potential MOSFET connection sections 62U to 62W are also provided along the first negative electrode-side current line 38, which are opposite and facing the first connection wiring sections 42U to 42W, at positions corresponding to the first high-potential MOSFET connection sections 60U to 60W.

[0114] The respective phases of the first low-potential MOSFET interconnects 62U to 62W are arranged at predetermined intervals, preferably at equal intervals, on the first negative electrode-side current line 38. The terminals of the first low-potential MOSFET interconnects 62U to 62W are oriented towards the low-potential MOSFETs 44U to 44W.

[0115] The first low-potential MOSFET interconnects 62U to 62W for the corresponding phases of the electric motor can therefore be arranged along the first positive electrode-side current line 32. This also prevents the shape of the first positive electrode-side current line 32 from becoming complicated.

[0116] In the first embodiment, the gate signal lines 64 for the low-potential MOSFETs 44U to 44W are provided between the first low-potential MOSFET sections 62U to 62W and the first interconnection wiring sections 42U to 42W. In this case, the gate signal line 64V for the low-potential MOSFET (first V-phase) 44V can be arranged without the use of a wire bridge. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the gate signal line 64V for the low-potential MOSFET (first V-phase) 44V crosses the low-potential MOSFET (first U-phase) 44U. The gate signal line 64V must therefore be positioned to avoid interference with the low-potential MOSFET (first U-phase) 44U.

[0117] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, in the first embodiment the gate signal line 64V for the low-potential MOSFET (first V-phase) is located between the first low-potential MOSFET connection section 62U and the first connection wiring section 42U. Furthermore, a connecting wire 66V made of a copper material or similar extends over the gate signal line 64 and establishes a connection between the first low-potential MOSFET connection section 62U and the low-potential MOSFET (first U-phase) 44U, as shown in Figure 7. Fig. Figure 7 shows this. This reduces the use of wire bridges, resulting in a reduction of the mounting area, a reduction in costs, and a suppression of an increase in inductance.

[0118] As described above, the conversion circuit section according to the first embodiment is structured such that: two positive electrode-side current lines and two negative electrode-side current lines are arranged substantially in the center of the mounting bracket; the respective phase MOSFETs of the conversion circuits for the drive control of the electric motor are arranged on both sides of the mounting bracket with respect to the two positive electrode-side current lines and the two negative electrode-side current lines; and the output terminals for connection to the electric motor are arranged on the mounting bracket at a location outside the conversion circuits.

[0119] In the first embodiment, the redundant conversion circuits are arranged essentially symmetrically from the center to the edge of the mounting bracket, as mentioned above. This arrangement results in a shorter wiring length and a smaller mounting area of ​​the bracket. It is therefore possible to prevent an increase in the radial size of the mounting bracket on which the redundant conversion circuits are mounted. Design 2

[0120] Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the Fig. The second embodiment is described in section 8. The second embodiment is fundamentally similar in design to the first embodiment, with the exception of the arrangement positions of the high-potential MOSFETs and the arrangement positions of the wire bridges between the high-potential and low-potential MOSFETs. The basic features and effects of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment. The different features and effects are explained below.

[0121] Since the design of the second embodiment is fundamentally similar to that of the first embodiment, all those structural parts and sections that do not require further explanation below are included. Fig. 8 not provided with reference marks, but can be referenced to Fig. 4 can be understood.

[0122] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the first conversion circuit 30 of the second embodiment has the same configuration as that in the first embodiment. On the other hand, the second conversion circuit 31 of the second embodiment is configured as follows. The high-potential MOSFETs 37U to 37W are each arranged on the same line opposite the high-potential MOSFETs 36U and 36W of the first conversion circuit 30. The wire bridges 49U to 49W are connected to the lower sides of the high-potential MOSFETs 37U to 37W in Fig. 8 connected (closer to the second positive and negative electrode-side current terminals 35 and 41), which is the opposite of that in the first embodiment.

[0123] The high-potential MOSFETs 37U to 37W and the low-potential MOSFETs 45U to 45W are arranged opposite each other on the same line. The wire bridges 49U to 49W are connected to the lower sides of the low-potential MOSFETs 45U to 45W. Fig. 8 connected, which is the opposite of those in the first embodiment. The high-potential side MOSFETs 37U to 37W and the low-potential side MOSFETs 45U to 45W are connected to each other on their undersides by the wire bridges 49U to 49W.

[0124] As a consequence, the wire jumpers 49U to 49W of the second conversion circuit 31 are offset by the size of a MOSFET towards the bottom (i.e., towards the second positive and negative electrode-side current terminals 35 and 41) compared to the wire jumpers 48U to 48W of the first conversion circuit 30. Since the wire jumpers 49U to 49W of the second conversion circuit 31 are located at a relatively low position, it is possible to effectively utilize the mounting surface of the mounting bracket 19, which is shaped according to the cylindrical ECU housing 11B.

[0125] For example, if the high-potential MOSFETs 36U, 36V, and 36W and the low-potential MOSFETs 37U, 37V, and 37W are mounted by wire jumpers in a close proximity to the center of the mounting bracket 19, the wire jumpers on the outer edges are positioned closer to the outer edge of the mounting bracket 19. Sufficient mounting area cannot be guaranteed for such an outer edge component. To ensure sufficient mounting area for the outer edge component, it is necessary to enlarge the mounting bracket.

[0126] In the case where the wire bridges in the second embodiment are arranged as described in Fig. In contrast to the arrangement shown in Figure 8, only one wire bridge is arranged closer to the edge of the mounting bracket 19. It is therefore possible to obtain a sufficient mounting surface for the edge-side part. embodiment 3

[0127] Next, the third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the Fig. 9 described. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the arrangement of the positive and negative electrode-side current lines is changed by arranging the positive electrode-side current lines adjacent to and outside of the negative electrode-side current lines; and the arrangement direction of the high-potential-side MOSFESTs and the low-potential-side MOSFETs is changed according to the arrangement of the positive and negative electrode-side current lines.

[0128] The fundamental features and effects of the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment. Only the different features and effects are described below.

[0129] In Fig. 9. All structural parts and sections not further explained below are not marked with reference numerals. Since the configuration of the gate signal lines and the like in the third embodiment is fundamentally the same or similar to that in the first embodiment, a further explanation is omitted here.

[0130] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the wiring pattern for connecting the drain, source, and gate electrodes of the respective MOSFETs is printed on the insulated surface area 28 of the second mounting carrier 19. Near the center C of the second mounting carrier 19, the first negative electrode-side current line 70 for the first conversion circuit 30 and the second positive electrode-side current line 71 for the second conversion circuit 31 are arranged adjacent to each other at a predetermined interval, insulated so that they lie vertically across the second mounting carrier 19 from the first and second negative electrode-side current terminals 72 and 73 towards the opposite edge, as shown in Figure 9. Fig. 9 shown.

[0131] Each of the first and second negative electrode-side current lines 70 and 71 has a predetermined width and extends essentially linearly near the center of the mounting bracket 19. The negative electrode-side current lines 70 and 71 each serve as a common connection for the source electrodes SB of the respective phase of the low-potential-side MOSFETs. These negative electrode-side current lines 72 and 71 are connected to corresponding first and second negative electrode-side current terminals 72 and 73.

[0132] The first and second positive electrode-side current lines 74 and 75 are arranged on both outer edges (outer sides) of the mounting carrier 19 with respect to the negative electrode-side current lines 70 and 71. The first and second positive electrode-side current lines 74 and 75 each comprise sections extending parallel to the negative electrode-side current lines 70 and 71, and sections of a predetermined width extending substantially linearly perpendicular to such parallel sections towards the outer edges, parallel to each other.

[0133] In particular, the first and second positive electrode-side power lines 74 and 75 comprise: first wiring sections 74a and 75a, which are positioned on opposite sides of the negative electrode-side power lines 70 and 71; second wiring sections 74b and 75b, which each bend from the first wiring section 74a, 75a towards the outer edge, on which the following first U-phase, V-phase and W-phase output terminals 86U, 86V and 86W or second U-phase, V-phase and W-phase output terminals 87U, 87V and 87W are arranged; and third wiring sections 74cU, 74cV, 74cW, 75cU, 75cV and 75cW, which face the second wiring sections 74b and 75b across insulated areas and extend along the wiring direction of the negative electrode-side power lines 70 and 71.

[0134] The third wiring sections 74cU, 74cV, 74cW, 75cU, 75cV and 75cW are each provided according to the winding phases of the electric motor M.

[0135] The positive electrode-side current lines 74 and 75 are connected to the corresponding first and second positive electrode-side current terminals 76 and 77. The first and second positive electrode-side current lines 74 and 75 each serve as a common connecting element for the drain electrodes DA of the respective phases of the high-potential-side MOSFETs, as shown in Fig. 4 shown.

[0136] The high-potential MOSFETs are arranged for the respective phases on the second wiring section 74b of the first positive electrode-side current lines 74. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the high-potential side MOSFET (first W phase) 78W, the high-potential side MOSFET (first V phase) 78V and the high-potential side MOSFET (first U phase) 78U are aligned in this order towards the outer edge side with respect to the first negative electrode-side current line 70.

[0137] The high-potential MOSFETs are also arranged for the corresponding phases on the second wiring section 75b of the second positive electrode-side current line 75. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the high-potential side MOSFET (second W phase) 79W, the high-potential side MOSFET (second V phase) 79V and the high-potential side MOSFET (second U phase) 79U are aligned in this order towards the outer edge side with respect to the second negative electrode-side current line 71.

[0138] The arrangement of the MOSFETs for these three phases is arbitrary. The MOSFET positions may be determined by the positions of the output terminals of the electrical drive device.

[0139] The low-potential MOSFETs for the respective phases are arranged insulated on the third wiring sections 74cW, 74cV, and 74cU of the first positive electrode-side current line 74, which extend from the high-potential MOSFET (first W phase) 78W, the high-potential MOSFET (first V phase) 78V, and the high-potential MOSFET (first U phase) 78U. The high-potential MOSFET (first W phase) 80W, the low-potential MOSFET (first V phase) 80V, and the low-potential MOSFET (first U phase) 80U are arranged in this order toward the outer edge with respect to the first negative electrode-side current line 70.

[0140] The low-potential MOSFETs are arranged, insulated for the respective phases, on the third wiring sections 72cW, 74cV, and 74cU of the second positive electrode-side current line 75, which extend from the high-potential MOSFETs (second W phase) 79W, the high-potential MOSFETs (second V phase) 79V, and the high-potential MOSFET (second U phase) 79U. The low-potential MOSFET (second W phase) 81W, the low-potential MOSFET (second V phase) 81V, and the low-potential MOSFET (second U phase) 81U are arranged in this order toward the outer edge with respect to the negative electrode-side current line 71.

[0141] The phase relay MOSFETs are arranged, insulated for their respective phases, on the outer edge of the second mounting bracket 19, essentially parallel to the first negative electrode-side current line 70. The phase relay MOSFET (first U-phase) 82U, the phase relay MOSFET (first V-phase) 82V, and the phase relay MOSFET (first W-phase) 82W are arranged in this order from the top side in Fig. 9 (i.e., the outer edge opposite the outer edge on which the first and second negative electrode-side current terminals 72 and 73 are arranged).

[0142] The phase relay MOSFETs are arranged, insulated for the respective phases, on the outer edge of the second mounting bracket 19, essentially parallel to the second negative electrode-side current line 71. The phase relay MOSFET (second U-phase) 83U, the phase relay MOSFET (second V-phase) 83V, and the phase relay MOSFET (second W-phase) 83W are arranged in this order from the top side in Fig. 9 arranged.

[0143] The third wiring section 74cW of the first positive electrode-side power line 74, which extends between the high-potential-side MOSFET (first W phase) 78W and the low-potential-side MOSFET (first W phase) 80W, is connected to the phase relay MOSFET (first W phase) 82W by a wire bridge 84W. The third wiring section 74cV of the first positive electrode-side power line 74, which extends between the high-potential-side MOSFET (first V phase) 78V and the low-potential-side MOSFET (first V phase) 80V, is connected to the phase relay MOSFET (first V phase) 82V by the wire bridge 84V.

[0144] The third wiring section 75cW of the second positive electrode-side current line 75, which extends between the high-potential MOSFET (second W phase) 79W and the low-potential MOSFET (second W phase) 81W, is connected to the phase relay MOSFET (second W phase) 83W by the wire bridge 85W. The third wiring section 75cV of the second positive electrode-side current line 75, which extends between the high-potential MOSFET (second V phase) 79V and the low-potential MOSFET (second V phase) 81V, is connected to the phase relay MOSFET (second V phase) 82V by the wire bridge 85V.

[0145] The first negative electrode-side current line 70 and the negative electrode sides of the low-potential-side MOSFETs (first U-phase) 80U up to the low-potential-side MOSFET (first W-phase) 80W are connected together by the wire bridge 88A. The second negative electrode-side current line 71 and the negative electrode sides of the low-potential-side MOSFET (second U-phase) 81U up to the low-potential-side MOSFET (second W-phase) 81W are connected together by the wire bridge 88W.

[0146] As in the first embodiment, the first U-phase output terminal 86U, the first V-phase output terminal 86V, and the first W-phase output terminal 86W are arranged in that order from the top side (i.e., the edge side opposite the edge side on which the first and second negative electrode-side current terminals 72 and 73 are located) to near the edge of the second mounting bracket 19. The second U-phase output terminal 87U, the second V-phase output terminal 87V, and the second W-phase output terminal 87W are also arranged in that order from the top side (i.e., the outer edge side opposite the outer edge side on which the first and second negative electrode-side current terminals 72 and 73 are located).

[0147] As mentioned above, in the third embodiment the circuits are arranged from the center to the edge of the mounting bracket. This arrangement results in a shorter wiring length and a smaller mounting area for the conversion circuits. It is therefore possible to suppress a radial increase in the size of the mounting bracket on which the redundant conversion circuits are mounted.

[0148] In the third embodiment, a magnetism detection element is arranged to operate synchronously with the magnetic sensor MG, which is mounted on the rotating shaft of the electric motor and detects the rotational speed and phase of the electric motor, as shown in Fig.Figure 10 shows that the magnetic sensor MG is attached to a front end of the electric motor's rotating shaft SH. The magnetism detection element MR is located on the control circuit section 16 in a position close to the magnetic sensor MG. Since the magnetic sensor is attached to the rotating shaft SH, the magnetism detection element MR is located close to the rotating shaft SH.

[0149] The magnetism detection element MR can be affected by electrical noise. For example, if the MOSFETs of the conversion circuit are located near the magnetism detection element, it is very likely that the magnetism detection element MR will be affected by the electrical noise caused by the switching of the MOSFETs. In the third embodiment, as mentioned above, the first and second negative electrode-side current lines are located in the center of the mounting bracket. Thus, the high-potential and low-potential MOSFETs can be located at positions farther away from the magnetism detection element MR, thereby reducing the degree of influence exerted on the magnetism detection element MR by the electrical noise caused by the switching of the MOSFETs.

[0150] As described above, the present invention is characterized in that: two positive electrode-side current lines and two negative electrode-side current lines are arranged adjacent to one another essentially in the center of the mounting bracket; conversion circuits for the drive control of the electric motor are arranged on both sides of the mounting bracket with respect to the two positive electrode-side current lines and the two negative electrode-side current lines; and the output terminals for connection to the electric motor are arranged on the mounting bracket at a location outside the conversion circuits.

[0151] Since the conversion circuits in the present invention are arranged from the center to the edge of the mounting bracket, it is possible to achieve shorter wiring lengths and smaller mounting areas for the conversion circuits, and thus it is possible to suppress a radial increase in the size of the mounting bracket on which redundant conversion circuits are mounted.

[0152] Furthermore, it is possible to shape the second mounting bracket 19 according to the outer shape of the ECU housing 11B. For example, the second mounting bracket 19 can be made even more circular than in the embodiments described above. Alternatively, the second mounting bracket 19 can be formed in any other shape, such as a rectangular shape or a combined shape formed from these.

[0153] Although in the above embodiments six MOSFETs are provided as inverting circuit components in each of the first and second conversion circuits, it is alternatively possible to avoid the use of phase relay MOSFETs.

[0154] It is possible to appropriately change the stacking order (arrangement order) of the control circuit section 16, the first mounting carrier 18 and the second mounting carrier 19 with respect to the motor M.

[0155] Furthermore, it is possible to integrate at least some of the functional circuits and electronic components of the control circuit section into the second mounting carrier 19 by means of a high-density packing.

[0156] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments mentioned above. Various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of protection of the present invention. For example, the embodiments mentioned above are provided only for the purpose of illustrating the present invention. The present invention does not necessarily include all features described with reference to the embodiments mentioned above. Any feature of one embodiment can be replaced by that of the other embodiments. Any feature of one embodiment can be incorporated into the other embodiments. It is conceivable to add, remove, or replace any feature of the respective embodiment mentioned above.

[0157] For example, the present invention can be implemented by the following aspects based on the embodiments mentioned above.

[0158] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an electric drive device is provided, comprising: an electric motor for driving a mechanical control element; and an electronic control unit arranged on one side opposite the output shaft of the electric motor for controlling the electric motor, the electronic control unit comprising: an ECU housing connected to a motor housing in which the electric motor is installed; and a conversion circuit section installed in the ECU housing and configured to perform the drive control of the electric motor, the conversion circuit section comprising at least: two positive electrode-side current lines and two negative electrode-side current lines arranged adjacent to each other on a mounting carrier from an outer edge to an inner side of the mounting carrier;two conversion circuits arranged on both sides of the mounting bracket with respect to the two positive electrode-side current leads and the two negative electrode-side current leads, each configured to drive and control the electric motor; and output terminals arranged on the mounting bracket at a location outside the conversion circuits and connected to the electric motor.

[0159] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an electric drive device is provided, comprising: an electric motor for driving a mechanical control element; and an electronic control unit arranged on one side opposite the output shaft of the electric motor for controlling the electric motor, the electronic control unit comprising: an ECU housing connected to a motor housing in which the electric motor is installed; and an electronic control assembly installed in the ECU housing and configured to perform the drive control of the electric motor, the electronic control assembly comprising: a supply circuit section that functions to provide electrical energy; a conversion circuit section that functions to drive the electric motor;and a control circuit section functioning to control the conversion circuit section, wherein the conversion circuit section comprises at least: two positive electrode-side power lines and two negative electrode-side power lines arranged adjacent to each other on a mounting carrier from an outer edge to an inside of the mounting carrier; two conversion circuits arranged on either side of the mounting carrier with respect to the two positive electrode-side power lines and the two negative electrode-side power lines, each configured to drive and control the electric motor; and output terminals arranged on the mounting carrier at a location outside the conversion circuits and connected to the electric motor.

[0160] In accordance with a preferred aspect of the present invention, the electrical drive device described above is provided, wherein the conversion circuit section is structured such that: the two positive electrode-side current lines are arranged to extend from the outer edge to the inside of the mounting bracket; the two negative electrode-side current lines are arranged adjacent to and outside of the two positive electrode-side current lines; high-potential-side power switching elements are arranged on each of the two positive electrode-side current lines; low-potential-side power switching elements are arranged outside of each of the two negative electrode-side current lines;the high-potential-side power switching elements and the low-potential-side power switching elements are each connected in series with each other between the positive and negative electrode-side power lines; phase relay power switching elements are arranged outside of the low-potential-side power switching elements; the output terminals are arranged outside of the phase relay power switching elements; and the phase relay power switching elements are configured to control the power supply between the output terminals and the connection points of the high-potential-side power switching elements and the low-potential-side power switching elements.

[0161] In accordance with another preferred aspect of the present invention, the electrical drive device described above is provided, wherein the two positive electrode-side current lines and the two negative electrode-side current lines are each formed in a linear shape to subdivide the mounting bracket; wherein the high-potential-side power switching elements comprise three corresponding phases of the high-potential-side power switching elements, a high-potential-side U-phase power switching element, a high-potential-side V-phase power switching element, and a high-potential-side W-phase power switching element, configured to control, respectively, the energy supplied to a U-phase coil, a V-phase coil, and a W-phase coil of the electric motor.The three corresponding phases of the high-potential-side power switching elements are arranged along a wiring direction of the positive electrode-side current line, wherein the low-potential-side power switching elements comprise three corresponding phases of the low-potential-side power switching elements, a low-potential-side U-phase power switching element, a low-potential-side V-phase power switching element, and a low-potential-side W-phase power switching element, each of which is connected to the high-potential-side U-phase power switching element, the high-potential-side V-phase power switching element, and the high-potential-side W-phase power switching element, and are arranged along a wiring direction of the positive electrode-side current line; wherein the phase relay power switching elements comprise three corresponding phases of the phase relay power switching elements, a U-phase relay power switching element,comprising a V-phase relay power switching element and a W-phase relay power switching element arranged along the wiring direction of the positive electrode-side power line; and wherein the output terminals comprise three corresponding phase output terminals, a U-phase output terminal, a V-phase output terminal, and a W-phase output terminal arranged along a wiring direction of the positive electrode-side power line.

[0162] In accordance with another preferred aspect of the present invention, the electrical drive device described above is provided, wherein the three corresponding phases of the high-potential-side power switching elements on one of the positive electrode-side current lines are offset in the wiring direction in the arrangement relative to the three respective phases of the high-potential-side power switching elements on the other of the positive electrode-side current lines.

[0163] In accordance with another preferred aspect of the present invention, the electrical drive device described above is provided, wherein the three respective phases of the high-potential-side power switching elements on one of the positive electrode-side current lines are connected to the corresponding three respective phases of the low-potential-side power switching elements by first wire bridges, wherein the three respective phases of the high-potential-side power switching elements on the other of the positive electrode-side current lines are connected to the corresponding three respective phases of the low-potential-side power switching elements by second wire bridges; and wherein the first wire bridges and the second wire bridges are arranged in a substantially symmetrical position with respect to the positive electrode-side current lines.

[0164] In accordance with another preferred aspect of the present invention, the electrical drive device described above is provided, wherein the three corresponding phases of the high-potential-side power switching elements are arranged on one of the positive electrode-side current lines opposite the three respective phases of the high-potential-side power switching elements on the other of the positive electrode-side current lines.

[0165] In accordance with another preferred aspect of the present invention, the electrical drive device described above is provided, wherein the three respective phases of the high-potential-side power switching elements on one of the positive electrode-side current lines are connected to the corresponding three respective phases of the low-potential-side power switching elements by first wire bridges; wherein the three respective phases of the high-potential-side power switching elements on the other of the positive electrode-side current lines are connected to the corresponding three respective phases of the low-potential-side power switching elements by second wire bridges; and wherein the first wire bridges and the second wire bridges are offset relative to each other in the wiring direction of the positive electrode-side current lines.

[0166] In accordance with another preferred aspect of the present invention, the electrical drive device described above is provided, wherein the conversion circuit section is structured such that: the two negative electrode-side current lines are arranged to extend from the outer edge to the inside of the mounting bracket; the two positive electrode-side current lines are arranged adjacent to and outside of the two negative electrode-side current lines; high-potential-side power switching elements are arranged on each of the two positive electrode-side current lines; low-potential-side power switching elements are arranged outside of each of the two negative electrode-side current lines;the high-potential-side power switching elements and the low-potential-side power switching elements are each connected in series with each other between the positive and negative electrode-side power lines; phase relay power switching elements are arranged outside of the high-potential-side power switching elements and the low-potential-side power switching elements; the output terminals are arranged outside of the phase relay power switching elements; and the phase relay power switching elements are configured to control the power supply between the output terminals and the connection points of the high-potential-side power switching elements and the low-potential-side power switching elements.

[0167] In accordance with another preferred aspect of the present invention, the electrical drive device described above is provided, wherein the two negative electrode-side current conductors are each formed in a linear shape to subdivide the mounting bracket; wherein the two positive electrode-side current conductors each comprise: a first wiring section extending along the negative electrode-side current conductor, a second wiring section extending in a different direction from the first wiring section; and a third wiring section that is opposite the second wiring section across insulation areas and extends along the negative electrode-side current conductor;wherein the high-potential-side power switching elements comprise three corresponding phases of the high-potential-side power switching elements, a high-potential-side U-phase power switching element, a high-potential-side V-phase power switching element and a high-potential-side W-phase power switching element, which are configured to control the energy supplied to a U-phase coil, a V-phase coil and a W-phase coil of the electric motor respectively, the three corresponding phases of the high-potential-side power switching elements are arranged on the second wiring section and connected accordingly to the third wiring section;wherein the low-potential-side power switching elements comprise three corresponding phases of the low-potential-side power switching elements, a low-potential-side U-phase power switching element, a low-potential-side V-phase power switching element, and a low-potential-side W-phase power switching element, each arranged on the third wiring sections; wherein the phase relay power switching elements comprise three corresponding phases of the phase relay power switching elements, a U-phase relay power switching element, a V-phase relay power switching element, and a W-phase relay power switching element, arranged in the order mentioned along the wiring direction of the negative electrode-side power line;and wherein the output terminals comprise three corresponding phase output terminals, a U-phase output terminal, a V-phase output terminal and a W-phase output terminal, arranged in the order mentioned along the wiring direction of the negative electrode-side current line.

[0168] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an electric power steering device is comprising: an electric motor arranged to apply a steering assist force to a steering shaft; and an electronic control unit arranged on one side opposite the output shaft of the electric motor to control the electric motor, the electronic control unit comprising: an ECU housing connected to a motor housing in which the electric motor is installed; and an electronic control assembly installed in the ECU housing and configured to perform the drive control of the electric motor, the electronic control assembly comprising: a supply circuit section mounted on a metal support and functioning to provide electrical energy;a conversion circuit section mounted on a metal carrier and functioning to drive the electric motor; and a control circuit section mounted on a plastic carrier and functioning to control the conversion circuit section; and wherein the conversion circuit section comprises at least: two positive electrode-side current leads and two negative electrode-side current leads arranged adjacent to each other on a mounting carrier from an outer edge to an inside of the mounting carrier; two conversion circuits arranged on either side of the mounting carrier with respect to the two positive electrode-side current leads and the two negative electrode-side current leads, each configured to drive and control the electric motor;and output terminals that are located on the mounting bracket at a point outside the conversion circuits and are connected to the electric motor.

[0169] In accordance with a preferred aspect of the present invention, the electric power steering device described above is provided, wherein the conversion circuit section is structured such that: the two positive electrode-side current lines are arranged to extend from the outer edge to the inside of the mounting bracket; the two negative electrode-side current lines are arranged adjacent to and outside of the two positive electrode-side current lines; high-potential-side power switching elements are arranged on each of the two positive electrode-side current lines; low-potential-side power switching elements are arranged outside of each of the two negative electrode-side current lines;the high-potential-side power switching elements and the low-potential-side power switching elements are each connected in series with each other between the positive and negative electrode-side power lines; phase relay power switching elements are arranged outside of the low-potential-side power switching elements; the output terminals are arranged outside of the phase relay power switching elements; and the phase relay power switching elements are configured to control the power supply between the output terminals and the connection points of the high-potential-side power switching elements and the low-potential-side power switching elements.

[0170] In accordance with another preferred aspect of the present invention, the electric power steering device described above is provided, wherein the two positive electrode-side current lines and the two negative electrode-side current lines are each formed in a linear shape to subdivide the mounting bracket; wherein the high-potential-side power switching elements comprise three corresponding phases of the high-potential-side power switching elements, a high-potential-side U-phase power switching element, a high-potential-side V-phase power switching element, and a high-potential-side W-phase power switching element, configured to control, respectively, the energy supplied to a U-phase coil, a V-phase coil, and a W-phase coil of the electric motor.The three corresponding phases of the high-potential-side power switching elements are arranged along a wiring direction of the positive electrode-side current line, wherein the low-potential-side power switching elements comprise three corresponding phases of the low-potential-side power switching elements, a low-potential-side U-phase power switching element, a low-potential-side V-phase power switching element, and a low-potential-side W-phase power switching element, each of which is connected to the high-potential-side U-phase power switching element, the high-potential-side V-phase power switching element, and the high-potential-side W-phase power switching element, and are arranged along a wiring direction of the positive electrode-side current line; wherein the phase relay power switching elements comprise three corresponding phases of the phase relay power switching elements, a U-phase relay power switching element,comprising a V-phase relay power switching element and a W-phase relay power switching element arranged along the wiring direction of the positive electrode-side power line; and wherein the output terminals comprise three corresponding phase output terminals, a U-phase output terminal, a V-phase output terminal, and a W-phase output terminal arranged along a wiring direction of the positive electrode-side power line.

[0171] In accordance with another preferred aspect of the present invention, the electric power steering device described above is provided, wherein the three corresponding phases of the high-potential-side power switching elements on one of the positive electrode-side current lines are offset in the wiring direction in the arrangement relative to the three respective phases of the high-potential-side power switching elements on the other of the positive electrode-side current lines.

[0172] In accordance with another preferred aspect of the present invention, the electric power steering device described above is provided, wherein the three respective phases of the high-potential-side power switching elements on one of the positive electrode-side current lines are connected to the corresponding three respective phases of the low-potential-side power switching elements by first wire bridges; wherein the three respective phases of the high-potential-side power switching elements on the other of the positive electrode-side current lines are connected to the corresponding three respective phases of the low-potential-side power switching elements by second wire bridges; and wherein the first wire bridges and the second wire bridges are arranged in a substantially symmetrical position with respect to the positive electrode-side current lines.

[0173] In accordance with another preferred aspect of the present invention, the electric power steering device described above is provided, wherein the three corresponding phases of the high-potential-side power switching elements are arranged on one of the positive electrode-side current lines opposite the three respective phases of the high-potential-side power switching elements on the other of the positive electrode-side current lines.

[0174] In accordance with another preferred aspect of the present invention, the electric power steering device described above is provided, wherein the three respective phases of the high-potential-side power switching elements on one of the positive electrode-side current lines are connected to the corresponding three respective phases of the low-potential-side power switching elements by first wire bridges; wherein the three respective phases of the high-potential-side power switching elements on the other of the positive electrode-side current lines are connected to the corresponding three respective phases of the low-potential-side power switching elements by second wire bridges; and wherein the first wire bridges and the second wire bridges in the arrangement are offset relative to each other in the wiring direction of the positive electrode-side current lines.

Claims

[1] An electric drive device (6) comprising: an electric motor (M) for driving a mechanical control element; and an electronic control unit (9) which is arranged on one side opposite the output shaft of the electric motor (M) to control the electric motor (M), the electronic control unit (9) comprises: an ECU housing (11B) connected to a motor housing (11A) in which the electric motor (M) is installed; and a conversion circuit section (14) installed in the ECU housing (11B) and configured to perform the drive control of the electric motor (M), wherein the conversion circuit section (14) comprises at least: two positive electrode-side current lines (32, 33, 74, 75) and two negative electrode-side current lines (38, 39, 70, 71) which are arranged adjacent to each other on a mounting carrier (19) from an outer edge side to an inner side of the mounting carrier (19); two conversion circuits (30, 31) arranged on both sides of the mounting carrier (19) in relation to the two positive electrode-side current lines (32, 33, 74, 75) and the two negative electrode-side current lines (38, 39, 70, 71) and each configured to drive and control the electric motor (M); Output terminals (52U, 52V, 52W, 53U, 53V, 53W) are arranged on the mounting bracket (19) at a location outside the conversion circuits (30, 31) and are connected to the electric motor (M); and two positive electrode-side current connections (34, 35, 76, 77), each connected to one of the two positive electrode-side current lines (32, 33, 74, 75), and two negative electrode-side current connections (40, 41, 72, 73), each connected to one of the two negative electrode-side current lines (38, 39, 70, 71), wherein the two positive electrode-side current connections (34, 35, 76, 77) and the two negative electrode-side current connections (40, 41, 72, 73) are arranged adjacent to each other insulated on the outer edge of the mounting carrier (19). [2] An electric drive device (6) comprising: an electric motor (M) for driving a mechanical control element; and an electronic control unit (9) which is arranged on one side opposite the output shaft of the electric motor (M) to control the electric motor (M), the electronic control unit (9) comprises: an ECU housing (11B) connected to a motor housing (11A) in which the electric motor (M) is installed; and an electronic control assembly installed and configured in the ECU housing (11B), to execute the drive control of the electric motor (M), the electronic control assembly includes: a supply circuit section (13) that functions to provide electrical energy; a conversion circuit section (14) that functions to drive the electric motor (M); and a control circuit section (16) that functions to control the conversion circuit section (14) and, wherein the conversion circuit section (14) comprises at least: two positive electrode-side current lines (32, 33, 74, 75) and two negative electrode-side current lines (38, 39, 70, 71) which are arranged adjacent to each other on a mounting carrier (19) from an outer edge side to an inner side of the mounting carrier (19); two conversion circuits (30, 31) arranged on both sides of the mounting carrier (19) in relation to the two positive electrode-side current lines (32, 33, 74, 75) and the two negative electrode-side current lines (38, 39, 70, 71) and each configured to drive and control the electric motor (M); Output connections (52U, 52V, 52W, 53U, 53V, 53W, 86U, 86V, 86W, 87U, 87V, 87W), which are arranged on the mounting bracket (19) at a location outside the conversion circuits (30, 31) and are connected to the electric motor (M); and two positive electrode-side current connections (34, 35, 76, 77), each connected to one of the two positive electrode-side current lines (32, 33, 74, 75), and two negative electrode-side current connections (40, 41, 72, 73), each connected to one of the two negative electrode-side current lines (38, 39, 70, 71), wherein the two positive electrode-side current connections (34, 35, 76, 77) and the two negative electrode-side current connections (40, 41, 72, 73) are arranged adjacent to each other insulated on the outer edge of the mounting carrier (19). [3] The electric drive device (6) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the conversion circuit section (14) is structured such that: the two positive electrode-side current lines (32, 33) are arranged to extend from the outer edge to the inside of the mounting carrier (19); the two negative electrode-side current lines (38, 39) are arranged adjacent to and outside of the two positive electrode-side current lines (32, 33); High-potential-side power switching elements (36U, 36V, 36W, 37U, 37V, 37W) are arranged on each of the two positive electrode-side power lines (32, 33); Low-potential power switching elements (44U, 44V, 44W, 45U, 45V, 45W) are arranged outside of each of the two negative electrode-side power lines (38, 39); the high-potential-side power switching elements (36U, 36V, 36W, 37U, 37V, 37W) and the low-potential-side power switching elements (44U, 44V, 44W, 45U, 45V, 45W) are each connected in series to each other between the positive and negative electrode-side current lines (32, 33, 38, 39); Phase relay power switching elements (46U, 46V, 46W, 47U, 47V, 47W) are arranged outside of the low-potential side power switching elements (44U, 44V, 44W, 45U, 45V, 45W); the output terminals (52U, 52V, 52W, 53U, 53V, 53W) are located outside of the phase relay power switching elements (46U, 46V, 46W, 47U, 47V, 47W); and The phase relay power switching elements (46U, 46V, 46W, 47U, 47V, 47W) are configured to control the power supply between the output terminals (52U, 52V, 52W, 53U, 53V, 53W) and the connection points of the high-potential side power switching elements (36U, 36V, 36W, 37U, 37V, 37W) and the low-potential side power switching elements (44U, 44V, 44W, 45U, 45V, 45W). [4] The electric drive device (6) according to claim 3, wherein the two positive electrode-side current lines (32, 33) and the two negative electrode-side current lines (38, 39) are each formed in a linear form in order to subdivide the mounting carrier (19); wherein the high-potential-side power switching elements (36U, 36V, 36W, 37U, 37V, 37W) comprise three corresponding phases of the high-potential-side power switching elements (36U, 36V, 36W, 37U, 37V, 37W), a high-potential-side U-phase power switching element (36U, 37U), a high-potential-side V-phase power switching element (36V, 37V) and a high-potential-side W-phase power switching element (36W, 37W), which are configured to control the energy supplied to a U-phase coil, a V-phase coil and a W-phase coil of the electric motor (M), respectively, the three corresponding phases of the high-potential-side power switching elements (36U, 36V, 36W, 37U, 37V, 37W) are along a Wiring direction of the positive electrode-side current lines (32, 33) arranged, wherein the low-potential-side power switching elements (44U, 44V, 44W, 45U, 45V, 45W) comprise three corresponding phases of the low-potential-side power switching elements (44U, 44V, 44W, 45U, 45V, 45W), a low-potential-side U-phase power switching element (44U, 45U), a low-potential-side V-phase power switching element (44V, 45V) and a low-potential-side W-phase power switching element (44W, 45W), each of which is connected to the high-potential-side U-phase power switching element (36U, 37U), the high-potential-side V-phase power switching element (36V, 37V) and the high-potential-side W-phase power switching element (36W, 37W) respectively, and are connected along a wiring direction of the positive electrode-side power lines (32, 33) are arranged; wherein the phase relay power switching elements (46U, 46V, 46W, 47U, 47V, 47W) comprise three corresponding phases of the phase relay power switching elements (46U, 46V, 46W, 47U, 47V, 47W), a U-phase relay power switching element (46U, 47U), a V-phase relay power switching element (46V, 47V) and a W-phase relay power switching element (46W, 47W) arranged along the wiring direction of the positive electrode-side power lines (32, 33); and wherein the output terminals (52U, 52V, 52W, 53U, 53V, 53W) comprise three corresponding phase output terminals, a U-phase output terminal (52U, 53U), a V-phase output terminal (52V, 53V) and a W-phase output terminal (52W, 53W) arranged along a wiring direction of the positive electrode-side power lines (32, 33). [5] The electric drive device (6) according to claim 4, wherein the three corresponding phases of the high-potential-side power switching elements (36U, 36V, 36W) on one of the positive electrode-side current lines (32) are offset in the wiring direction in the arrangement relative to the three respective phases of the high-potential-side power switching elements (37U, 37V, 37W) on the other of the positive electrode-side current lines (33). [6] The electric drive device (6) according to claim 5, wherein the three respective phases of the high-potential-side power switching elements (36U, 36V, 36W) on one of the positive electrode-side current lines (32) are connected to the corresponding three respective phases of the low-potential-side power switching elements (44U, 44V, 44W) by first wire bridges (48U, 48V, 48W), wherein the three respective phases of the high-potential-side power switching elements (37U, 37V, 37W) on the other of the positive electrode-side current lines (33) are connected to the corresponding three respective phases of the low-potential-side power switching elements (45U, 45V, 45W) by second wire bridges (49U, 49V, 49W); and wherein the first wire bridges (48U, 48V, 48W) and the second wire bridges (49U, 49V, 49W) are arranged in a substantially symmetrical position with respect to the positive electrode-side current lines (32, 33). [7] The electric drive device (6) according to claim 4, wherein the three corresponding phases of the high-potential-side power switching elements (36U, 36V, 36W) are arranged on one of the positive electrode-side current lines (32) opposite the three respective phases of the high-potential-side power switching elements (37U, 37V, 37W) on the other of the positive electrode-side current lines (33). [8] Electric drive device (6) according to claim 7, wherein the three respective phases of the high-potential-side power switching elements (36U, 36V, 36W) on one of the positive electrode-side current lines (32) are connected to the corresponding three respective phases of the low-potential-side power switching elements (44U, 44V, 44W) by first wire bridges (48U, 48V, 48W); wherein the three respective phases of the high-potential-side power switching elements (37U, 37V, 37W) on the other of the positive electrode-side current lines (33) are connected to the corresponding three respective phases of the low-potential-side power switching elements (45U, 45V, 45W) by second wire bridges (49U, 49V, 49W); and wherein the first wire bridges (48U, 48V, 48W) and the second wire bridges (49U, 49V, 49W) are offset relative to each other in the wiring direction of the positive electrode-side current lines (32, 33). [9] The electric drive device (6) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the conversion circuit section (14) is structured such that: the two negative electrode-side current lines (70, 71) are arranged to extend from the outer edge to the inside of the mounting carrier (19); the two positive electrode-side current lines (74, 75) are arranged adjacent to and outside of the two negative electrode-side current lines (70, 71); High-potential-side power switching elements (78U, 78V, 78W, 79U, 79V, 79W) are arranged on each of the two positive electrode-side power lines (74, 75); Low-potential power switching elements (80U, 80V, 80W, 81U, 81V, 81W) are arranged outside of each of the two negative electrode-side power lines (70, 71); the high-potential-side power switching elements (78U, 78V, 78W, 79U, 79V, 79W) and the low-potential-side power switching elements (80U, 80V, 80W, 81U, 81V, 81W) are each connected in series to each other between the positive and negative electrode-side current lines (70, 71, 74, 75); Phase relay power switching elements (82U, 82V, 82W, 83U, 83V, 83W) are arranged outside of the high-potential side power switching elements (78U, 78V, 78W, 79U, 79V, 79W) and the low-potential side power switching elements (80U, 80V, 80W, 81U, 81V, 81W); the output terminals (86U, 86V, 86W, 87U, 87V, 87W) are located outside of the phase relay power switching elements (82U, 82V, 82W, 83U, 83V, 83W); and The phase relay power switching elements (82U, 82V, 82W, 83U, 83V, 83W) are configured to control the power supply between the output terminals (86U, 86V, 86W, 87U, 87V, 87W) and the connection points of the high-potential side power switching elements (78U, 78V, 78W, 79U, 79V, 79W) and the low-potential side power switching elements (80U, 80V, 80W, 81U, 81V, 81W). [10] The electric drive device (6) according to claim 9, wherein the two negative electrode-side current lines (70, 71) are each designed in a linear form in order to subdivide the mounting carrier (19); wherein the two positive electrode-side current lines (74, 75) each comprise: a first wiring section (74a, 75a) extending along the negative electrode-side current line (70, 71), a second wiring section (74b, 75b) extending in a different direction from the first wiring section (74a, 75a); and a third wiring section (74cU, 74cV, 74cW, 75cU, 75cV, 75cW) opposite the second wiring section (74b, 75b) across insulation regions and extending along the negative electrode-side current line (70, 71);wherein the high-potential-side power switching elements (78U, 78V, 78W, 79U, 79V, 79W) comprise three corresponding phases of the high-potential-side power switching elements (78U, 78V, 78W, 79U, 79V, 79W), a high-potential-side U-phase power switching element (78U, 79U), a high-potential-side V-phase power switching element (78V, 79V) and a high-potential-side W-phase power switching element (78W, 79W), which are configured to control the energy supplied to a U-phase coil, a V-phase coil and a W-phase coil of the electric motor (M), respectively, the three corresponding phases of the high-potential-side power switching elements (78U, 78V, 78W, 79U, 79V, 79W) are on the second wiring section (74b, 75b) arranged and connected accordingly to the third wiring section (74cU, 74cV, 74cW, 75cU, 75cV, 75cW);wherein the low-potential-side power switching elements (80U, 80V, 80W, 81U, 81V, 81W) comprise three corresponding phases of the low-potential-side power switching elements (80U, 80V, 80W, 81U, 81V, 81W), a low-potential-side U-phase power switching element (80U, 81U), a low-potential-side V-phase power switching element (80V, 81V) and a low-potential-side W-phase power switching element (80W, 81W), each arranged on the third wiring sections (74cU, 74cV, 74cW, 75cU, 75cV, 75cW); wherein the phase relay power switching elements (82U, 82V, 82W, 83U, 83V, 83W) comprise three corresponding phases of the phase relay power switching elements (82U, 82V, 82W, 83U, 83V, 83W), a U-phase relay power switching element (82U, 83U), a V-phase relay power switching element (82V, 83V) and a W-phase relay power switching element (82W, 83W) arranged in the order of mention along the wiring direction of the negative electrode-side power line (70, 71); and wherein the output terminals (86U, 86V, 86W, 87U, 87V, 87W) comprise three corresponding phase output terminals (86U, 86V, 86W, 87U, 87V, 87W), one U-phase output terminal (86U, 87U), one V-phase output terminal (86V, 87V) and one W-phase output terminal (86W, 87W) arranged in the order mentioned along the wiring direction of the negative electrode-side power line (70, 71). [11] An electric power steering system (6) comprising: an electric motor (M) arranged to apply an auxiliary steering force to a steering shaft (2); and an electronic control unit (9) which is arranged on one side opposite the output shaft of the electric motor (M) to control the electric motor (M), the electronic control unit (9) comprises: an ECU housing (11B) connected to a motor housing (11A) in which the electric motor (M) is installed; and an electronic control assembly installed and configured in the ECU housing (11B), to execute the drive control of the electric motor (M), the electronic control assembly includes: a supply circuit section (13) which is mounted on a metal support (18) and which works to provide electrical energy; a conversion circuit section (14) mounted on a metal support (19) which functions to drive the electric motor (M); and a control circuit section (16) mounted on a plastic carrier (21) which functions to control the conversion circuit section (14); wherein the conversion circuit section (14) comprises at least: two positive electrode-side current lines (32, 33, 74, 75) and two negative electrode-side current lines (38, 39, 70, 71) which are arranged adjacent to each other on a mounting carrier (19) from an outer edge side to an inner side of the mounting carrier (19); two conversion circuits (30, 31) arranged on both sides of the mounting carrier (19) in relation to the two positive electrode-side current lines (32, 33, 74, 75) and the two negative electrode-side current lines (38, 39, 70, 71) and each configured to drive and control the electric motor (M); Output connections (52U, 52V, 52W, 53U, 53V, 53W, 86U, 86V, 86W, 87U, 87V, 87W), which are arranged on the mounting bracket (19) at a location outside the conversion circuits (30, 31) and are connected to the electric motor (M); and two positive electrode-side current connections (34, 35, 76, 77), each connected to one of the two positive electrode-side current lines (32, 33, 74, 75), and two negative electrode-side current connections (40, 41, 72, 73), each connected to one of the two negative electrode-side current lines (38, 39, 70, 71), wherein the two positive electrode-side current connections (34, 35, 76, 77) and the two negative electrode-side current connections (40, 41, 72, 73) are arranged adjacent to each other insulated on the outer edge of the mounting carrier (19). [12] The electric power steering device (6) according to claim 11, wherein the conversion circuit section (14) is structured such that: the two positive electrode-side current lines (32, 33) are arranged to extend from the outer edge to the inside of the mounting carrier (19); the two negative electrode-side current lines (38, 39) are arranged adjacent to and outside of the two positive electrode-side current lines (32, 33); High-potential-side power switching elements (36U, 36V, 36W, 37U, 37V, 37W) are arranged on each of the two positive electrode-side power lines (32, 33); Low-potential power switching elements (44U, 44V, 44W, 45U, 45V, 45W) are arranged outside of each of the two negative electrode-side power lines (38, 39); the high-potential-side power switching elements (36U, 36V, 36W, 37U, 37V, 37W) and the low-potential-side power switching elements (44U, 44V, 44W, 45U, 45V, 45W) are each connected in series to each other between the positive and negative electrode-side current lines (32, 33, 38, 39); Phase relay power switching elements (46U, 46V, 46W, 47U, 47V, 47W) are arranged outside of the low-potential side power switching elements (44U, 44V, 44W, 45U, 45V, 45W); the output terminals (52U, 52V, 52W, 53U, 53V, 53W) are located outside of the phase relay power switching elements (46U, 46V, 46W, 47U, 47V, 47W); and The phase relay power switching elements (46U, 46V, 46W, 47U, 47V, 47W) are configured to control the power supply between the output terminals (52U, 52V, 52W, 53U, 53V, 53W) and the connection points of the high-potential side power switching elements (36U, 36V, 36W, 37U, 37V, 37W) and the low-potential side power switching elements (44U, 44V, 44W, 45U, 45V, 45W). [13] The electric power steering device (6) according to claim 12, wherein the two positive electrode-side current lines (32, 33) and the two negative electrode-side current lines (38, 39) are each formed in a linear form in order to subdivide the mounting carrier (19); wherein the high-potential-side power switching elements (36U, 36V, 36W, 37U, 37V, 37W) comprise three corresponding phases of the high-potential-side power switching elements (36U, 36V, 36W, 37U, 37V, 37W), a high-potential-side U-phase power switching element (36U, 37U), a high-potential-side V-phase power switching element (36V, 37V) and a high-potential-side W-phase power switching element (36W, 37W), which are configured to control the energy supplied to a U-phase coil, a V-phase coil and a W-phase coil of the electric motor (M), respectively, the three corresponding phases of the high-potential-side power switching elements (36U, 36V, 36W, 37U, 37V, 37W) are along a Wiring direction of the positive electrode-side current lines (32, 33) arranged, wherein the low-potential-side power switching elements (44U, 44V, 44W, 45U, 45V, 45W) comprise three corresponding phases of the low-potential-side power switching elements (44U, 44V, 44W, 45U, 45V, 45W), a low-potential-side U-phase power switching element (44U, 45U), a low-potential-side V-phase power switching element (44V, 45V) and a low-potential-side W-phase power switching element (44W, 45W), each of which is connected to the high-potential-side U-phase power switching element (36U, 37U), the high-potential-side V-phase power switching element (36V, 37V) and the high-potential-side W-phase power switching element (36W, 37W) respectively, and are connected along a wiring direction of the positive electrode-side power lines (32, 33) are arranged; wherein the phase relay power switching elements (46U, 46V, 46W, 47U, 47V, 47W) comprise three corresponding phases of the phase relay power switching elements (46U, 46V, 46W, 47U, 47V, 47W), a U-phase relay power switching element (46U, 47U), a V-phase relay power switching element (46V, 47V) and a W-phase relay power switching element (46W, 47W) arranged along the wiring direction of the positive electrode-side power lines (32, 33); and wherein the output terminals (52U, 52V, 52W, 53U, 53V, 53W) comprise three corresponding phase output terminals, a U-phase output terminal (52U, 53U), a V-phase output terminal (52V, 53V) and a W-phase output terminal (52W, 53W) arranged along a wiring direction of the positive electrode-side power lines (32, 33). [14] The electric power steering device (6) according to claim 13, wherein the three corresponding phases of the high-potential-side power switching elements (36U, 36V, 36W) on one of the positive electrode-side current lines (32) are offset in the wiring direction in the arrangement relative to the three respective phases of the high-potential-side power switching elements (37U, 37V, 37W) on the other of the positive electrode-side current lines (33). [15] The electric power steering device (6) according to claim 14, wherein the three respective phases of the high-potential-side power switching elements (36U, 36V, 36W) on one of the positive electrode-side current lines (32) are connected to the corresponding three respective phases of the low-potential-side power switching elements (44U, 44V, 44W) by first wire bridges (48U, 48V, 48W), wherein the three respective phases of the high-potential-side power switching elements (37U, 37V, 37W) on the other of the positive electrode-side current lines (33) are connected to the corresponding three respective phases of the low-potential-side power switching elements (45U, 45V, 45W) by second wire bridges (49U, 49V, 49W); and wherein the first wire bridges (48U, 48V, 48W) and the second wire bridges (49U, 49V, 49W) are arranged in a substantially symmetrical position with respect to the positive electrode-side current lines (32, 33). [16] The electric power steering device (6) according to claim 13, wherein the three corresponding phases of the high-potential-side power switching elements (36U, 36V, 36W) are arranged on one of the positive electrode-side current lines (32) opposite the three respective phases of the high-potential-side power switching elements (37U, 37V, 37W) on the other of the positive electrode-side current lines (33). [17] The electric power steering device (6) according to claim 16, wherein the three respective phases of the high-potential-side power switching elements (36U, 36V, 36W) on one of the positive electrode-side current lines (32) are connected to the corresponding three respective phases of the low-potential-side power switching elements (44U, 44V, 44W) by first wire bridges (48U, 48V, 48W); wherein the three respective phases of the high-potential-side power switching elements (37U, 37V, 37W) on the other of the positive electrode-side current lines (33) are connected to the corresponding three respective phases of the low-potential-side power switching elements (45U, 45V, 45W) by second wire bridges (49U, 49V, 49W); and wherein the first wire bridges (48U, 48V, 48W) and the second wire bridges (49U, 49V, 49W) are offset relative to each other in the wiring direction of the positive electrode-side current lines (32, 33).

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