Electronic control device

Abstract

To provide an electronic control device in which a mounting area can be expanded without allowing the mounting area of an electronic component to depend on a motor diameter.SOLUTION: An electronic control device 10 includes: a circuit board 11 arranged on a side face of an electric motor 20 along a direction of a rotation axis; a plurality of systems of motor control circuit parts 12-1 and 12-2 which include microcomputers 15-1 and 15-2 for generating driving signals of the electric motor for each wiring group and power supply circuits 16-1 and 16-2 for supplying power to the microcomputers and are mounted on the circuit board; and connectors 13-1 and 13-2 having power supply terminals of a positive electrode and a negative electrode. The motor control circuit parts are arranged on a mounting face of the circuit board in parallel to a direction of an output shaft 20a. The power supply terminals of the positive electrode and the negative electrode are connected to the circuit board in positions corresponding to the motor control circuit parts. Connection positions of the power supply terminals of the positive electrode and the negative electrode and the circuit board, and the mounting positions of the microcomputers are arranged along the direction of the rotation axis of the electric motor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic control device mounted on an electromechanical integrated motor in which a motor and peripheral components are integrated into a single module. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a motor device in which a control device and an information exchange unit are arranged in the direction of the motor's rotation axis. The control device drives the motor and includes a power board, a control board, and an inter-board connector for transmitting and receiving information between the power board and the control board. The information exchange unit also includes a plurality of cylindrical parts (connectors) for transmitting and receiving information to and from an external device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-65018 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the conventional control device described above, the connector and the circuit board are arranged with the mounting surface facing the direction of the rotation shaft of the electric motor, and the shape of the circuit board is matched to the outline of the electric motor as seen from the direction of the rotation shaft. Therefore, the mounting area for electronic components depends on the motor diameter, and as the circuit scale and system scale increase due to high functionality and redundancy, the number of electronic components increases, resulting in a shortage of mounting area.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic control device in which the mounting area for electronic components can be expanded without depending on the motor diameter. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The electronic control device of the present invention includes a circuit board arranged on a side of an electric motor along the direction of the rotation axis of the electric motor having multiple winding sets, multiple motor control circuit parts (drive control systems) mounted on the circuit board, and multiple power connectors to which external power harnesses are connected.The multiple motor control circuit parts are arranged symmetrically with respect to the rotation axis of the electric motor on the mounting surface of the circuit board, the positive power terminals and the negative power terminals of the multiple power connectors respectively correspond to the multiple motor control circuit parts and are connected to the circuit board at positions symmetrical with respect to the rotation axis of the electric motor, and the connection positions of the positive power terminals and the negative power terminals to the circuit board and the mounting position of the microcomputer on the circuit board are arranged along the direction of the rotation axis of the electric motor. Effect of the Invention

[0007] In the present invention, in an electronic control device mounted on an electromechanical integrated motor, a circuit board is disposed on the side of the motor along the direction of the motor's rotation axis, so that the mounting area of ​​electronic components does not depend on the motor diameter. Also, since the longitudinal direction of the circuit board can be extended in the direction of the motor's rotation axis, it is possible to easily expand the mounting area. Furthermore, by arranging the connection positions between the positive and negative power supply terminals and the circuit board and the mounting position of the microcomputer along the direction of the motor's rotation axis and arranging the motor control circuit section line-symmetrically with respect to the motor's rotation axis, it is possible to suppress an increase in the size of the circuit board in the short direction. Therefore, it is possible to provide an electronic control device in which the mounting area for electronic components does not depend on the motor diameter and the mounting area can be expanded. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a mechanically and electrically integrated motor to which an electronic control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied; [Diagram 2] 2 is a plan view showing a state in which a cover for a circuit board housing portion in the mechanically and electrically integrated motor shown in FIG. 1 is removed. [Diagram 3] 2 is a plan view of a connector base in the mechanically and electrically integrated motor shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X1-X1' in FIG. [Diagram 5] 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Y1-Y1' in FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of an electric power steering device to which the mechanically and electrically integrated motor shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 is applied. FIG. [Figure 7] 7 is a perspective view showing an area near a mounting portion of an integrated mechanical and electrical motor in the electric power steering device shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 8 is an enlarged plan view of the vicinity of the mechanically and electrically integrated motor in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a mechanically and electrically integrated motor to which an electronic control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 10] 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which a connector base is removed from the mechanically and electrically integrated motor shown in FIG. 9. [Figure 11] 10 is a plan view showing a state in which a cover for a circuit board housing portion in the mechanically and electrically integrated motor shown in FIG. 9 is removed. [Figure 12] 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X2-X2' in FIG. 9. [Figure 13] 10 is a perspective view showing an L-shaped mounting base in the mechanically and electrically integrated motor shown in FIG. 9. [Figure 14] 14 is a perspective view showing a state in which a connector base is attached to the L-shaped mounting base shown in FIG. 13. [Figure 15] 15 is a plan view showing an example of the arrangement of the power supply and communication connectors and the communication connector in the connector base shown in FIG. 14. [Figure 16] 15 is a perspective view showing a state in which a circuit board is mounted in a circuit board receiving portion of the L-shaped mounting base shown in FIG. 14. [Figure 17] 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Y2-Y2' in FIG. 16. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a mechanically and electrically integrated motor to which an electronic control device according to a third embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 19]19 is a perspective view of the mechanically and electrically integrated motor shown in FIG. 18, seen from a different direction. [Figure 20] 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X3-X3' in FIG. 19. [Figure 21] 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Y3-Y3' in FIG. 19. [Figure 22] FIG. 20 is a front view of the mechanically and electrically integrated motor shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, as viewed from the output shaft side of the electric motor. [Diagram 23] 20 is a plan view showing a state in which a cover for a circuit board accommodating portion in the mechanically and electrically integrated motor shown in FIG. 19 is removed. FIG. [Figure 24] 24 is a perspective view showing the connector base and the circuit board in FIG. 23. FIG. [Diagram 25] 25 is a perspective view of the connector base and the circuit board in FIG. 24 as viewed from the rear surface side. [Figure 26] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a mechanically and electrically integrated motor to which an electronic control device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 27] 27 is a perspective view of the mechanically and electrically integrated motor shown in FIG. 26, seen from a different direction. [Figure 28] 28 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X4-X4' in FIG. 27. [Figure 29] 28 is a perspective view showing the connector base and the circuit board in FIG. 27. FIG. [Diagram 30] 30 is a perspective view of the connector base and the circuit board in FIG. 29 as viewed from the rear surface side. [Diagram 31] FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing a state in which a cover is attached to FIG. 29. [Diagram 32] 32 is a perspective view of the connector base, the circuit board, and the cover of FIG. 31 as viewed from the rear surface side. [Diagram 33] 32 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Y4-Y4' in FIG. 31. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. [First embodiment] 1 to 5 each show an example of the configuration of an electromechanically integrated motor to which an electronic control unit (ECU) according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration, Fig. 2 is a plan view of a circuit board housing part with a cover removed, and Fig. 3 is a plan view of a connector base. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X1-X1' in Fig. 1, and Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Y1-Y1' in Fig. 1.

[0010] As shown in Fig. 1, an electronic control device 10 controls the driving of an electric motor 20 in an electromechanically integrated motor (also called an EPP: Electric Power Pack) 100 in which the electric motor 20 and peripheral parts are integrated into a single module. The electronic control device 10 is disposed on the upper side of the electric motor 20 along the direction of the rotation axis (motor axis ZX direction) of the electric motor 20 in a motor housing (casing) 100a of the electromechanically integrated motor 100. This electronic control device 10 is configured such that a circuit board 11 is accommodated in a circuit board accommodating portion 100b formed integrally with the motor housing 100a. Therefore, the ECU size (external dimensions) is equivalent to the external dimensions of the motor housing 100a.

[0011] 2, the electronic control device 10 is constructed as a redundant system, has two motor control circuit sections 12-1, 12-2 that can independently drive and control the electric motor 20, and drives the electric motor 20 having a plurality of winding sets (two sets in this example) for the redundant system. That is, the electronic control device 10 includes two motor control circuit sections 12-1, 12-2 mounted on a circuit board 11, two power supply and communication connectors 13-1, 13-2, and two sensor connectors 14-1, 14-2.

[0012] The motor control circuit units 12-1, 12-2 include a plurality of microcomputers 15-1, 15-2 provided corresponding to each winding group of the electric motor 20, which generate a drive signal for each winding group of the electric motor 20, and power supply circuits 16-1, 16-2 which supply power to the microcomputers 15-1, 15-2, respectively. Also, from the output shaft 20a side of the electric motor 20, inverter circuits 18-1, 18-2, pre-driver circuits 19-1, 19-2, and connector terminal connection units 21-1, 21-2 are arranged in this order.

[0013] As shown in Fig. 3, power supply and communication connectors 13-1, 13-2 and sensor connectors 14-1, 14-2 are provided upright on the connector base 17. Each of the power supply and communication connectors 13-1, 13-2 includes a positive power supply terminal 13a, a negative power supply terminal 13b, and a plurality of communication terminals (including CAN) 13c. Each of the sensor connectors 14-1, 14-2 includes a plurality of torque sensor terminals (steering torque sensor terminals) 14a. The power supply and communication connectors 13-1, 13-2 are closer to the edge of the circuit board 11 than the sensor connectors 14-1, 14-2.

[0014] Here, the connectors 13-1 and 13-2 are provided with a positive power terminal 13a, a negative power terminal 13b, and multiple communication terminals 13c, and are used for both power and communication, but separate connectors may be used for power and communication. The connectors 14-1 and 14-2 may also be used as communication connectors. Furthermore, the connectors 14-1 and 14-2 may each be provided with a communication terminal 13c and a torque sensor terminal 14a, and used for communication and the sensor.

[0015] The circuit board 11 is accommodated in a circuit board accommodating section 100b arranged on the upper side surface of the electric motor 20 along the direction of the output shaft (rotating shaft) 20a of the electric motor 20 having two winding sets, and is fixed with screws 22-1 to 22-3. The circuit board accommodating section 100b is covered with a cover 100c, and the circuit board 11 is protected from the external environment, such as heat, moisture, and electromagnetic waves.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 4, MOSFETs constituting inverter circuits 18-1, 18-2 and capacitors constituting power supply circuits 16-1, 16-2 are mounted on one surface side (upper surface in the figure) of the circuit board 11. Pre-driver circuits 19-1, 19-2 and IC chips or LSI chips constituting microcomputers 15-1, 15-2 are mounted on the other surface side (lower surface in the figure). Wiring 25-1, 25-2 of power supply and communication connectors 13-1, 13-2 and sensor connectors 14-1, 14-2 are connected to connector terminal connection parts 21-1, 21-2 from the other surface side of the circuit board 11. In addition, a plurality of winding sets of the electric motor 20 are also connected to winding connection parts 23-1, 23-2 from the other surface side of the circuit board 11 via wiring 28-1, 28-2.

[0017] In this way, electronic components are mounted on both sides of the circuit board 11. In this case, thin (low mounting height) electronic components are mounted near the center of the circuit board 11 along the motor axis ZX, and thick (high mounting height) electronic components are mounted on both ends of the circuit board 11, thereby making effective use of the space of the circuit board accommodating portion 100b integrally formed on the side of the motor housing 100a, i.e., making the circuit board accommodating portion 100b thinner.

[0018] As described above, the power supply and communication connectors 13-1, 13-2 each have a positive power supply terminal 13a and a negative power supply terminal 13b, and are connected to an external power supply harness (not shown). The power supply and communication connectors 13-1, 13-2 are provided on a connector base 17. In addition, the sensor connectors 14-1, 14-2 are provided on the connector base 17, and are connected to an external sensor harness and signal harness (not shown).

[0019] These power supply and communication connectors 13-1, 13-2 and sensor connectors 14-1, 14-2 are provided for each of the motor control circuit sections 12-1, 12-2 of multiple systems (two systems in this example). The power supply and communication connectors 13-1, 13-2 corresponding to the motor control circuit sections 12-1, 12-2 of each system are located closer to the circuit board 11 than the sensor connectors 14-1, 14-2. The openings of the power supply and communication connectors 13-1, 13-2 are adjacent to the circuit board 11 with respect to the openings of the sensor connectors 14-1, 14-2, and the power supply circuits 16-1, 16-2 are located closer to the edge of the circuit board 11 than the microcomputers 15-1, 15-2.

[0020] The motor control circuit units 12-1 and 12-2 are arranged on the mounting surface of the circuit board 11 in parallel with respect to the axis ZX (indicated by a dashed line) of the electric motor 20, in other words, substantially symmetrically with respect to the motor axis ZX. Furthermore, the microcomputers 15-1 and 15-2 included in the respective motor control circuit units 12-1 and 12-2 are arranged in positions symmetrical with respect to the axis ZX. The positive power terminal 13a and the negative power terminal 13b of the power supply and communication connectors 13-1 and 13-2 are connected to the connector terminal connection parts 21-1 and 21-2 at positions corresponding to the motor control circuit units 12-1 and 12-2, respectively (positions symmetrical with respect to the motor axis ZX). Furthermore, the connection positions of the positive power terminal 13a and the negative power terminal 13b to the circuit board 11 and the mounting positions of the microcomputers 15-1 and 15-2 are arranged along the axis ZX of the electric motor 20.

[0021] 1 to 5, the motor housing 100a and the circuit board accommodating portion 100b are integrated, and therefore can be assembled as follows. First, the connector base 17 is attached to the motor housing 100a with screws 24-1 to 24-4, and the circuit board 11 on which the motor control circuit sections 12-1 and 12-2 are mounted is attached to the circuit board accommodating portion 100b with screws 22-1 to 22-3. Next, the wiring 28-1 and 28-2 for the winding set of the electric motor 20 and the wiring 25-1 and 25-2 for power supply, sensors, communication, etc. are soldered. After that, the cover 100c is attached to the circuit board accommodating portion 100b.

[0022] According to the above-described configuration, the circuit board 11 is disposed on the side of the motor along the direction of the motor rotation axis, so that the mounting surface of the circuit board 11 can be extended in the direction of the rotation axis (longitudinal direction) of the electric motor 20, thereby increasing the mounting area of ​​the circuit board 11. In addition, by arranging the connection positions between the positive and negative power supply terminals 13a, 13b and the circuit board 11 and the mounting positions of the microcomputers 15-1, 15-2 along the motor rotation axis direction and arranging the motor control circuit parts (drive control systems) 12-1, 12-2 line-symmetrically with respect to the motor rotation axis, it is possible to suppress the enlargement and upsizing of the size (short side direction) of the circuit board 11 in the motor radial direction. Moreover, it is possible to suppress the increase in the mounting area and wiring area of ​​the electronic control device 10 including the power supply circuits 16-1, 16-2 and the microcomputers 15-1, 15-2.

[0023] Furthermore, by erecting the connector base 17 having the openings for the power supply and communication connectors 13-1, 13-2 on the end face side of the electric motor 20 in the direction of the motor rotation axis from the arrangement position of the circuit board 11, the area of ​​the connector base 17 can be increased, and the range of connector layout options can be expanded. Also, the area on the motor end face side can be effectively used, and the expansion of the connector base in the motor radial direction can be suppressed. In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, by arranging the power supply and communication connectors 13-1, 13-2 closer to the edge of the circuit board 11 than the sensor connectors 14-1, 14-2, it becomes easier to connect the wiring 25-1, 25-2 to the connector terminal connection portions 21-1, 21-2, so that the wiring length can be shortened and the wiring inductance can be reduced.

[0024] Furthermore, electrical connection between the connectors 13-1, 13-2, 14-1, and 14-2 and the circuit board 11 can be performed on the circuit board accommodating portion 100b side while the circuit board 11 is being assembled, facilitating assembly to the motor housing 100a. Furthermore, by arranging the circuits related to drive control in a row in the direction of the motor axis ZX, an increase in the mounting and wiring area can be suppressed. Therefore, the mounting area for electronic components does not depend on the motor diameter, and the mounting area can be easily expanded.

[0025] [Example of application] Fig. 6 shows a schematic configuration of an electric power steering device to which the mechanically and electrically integrated motor shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 5 is applied. This electric power steering device 111 includes a steering mechanism 112 for performing steering based on an operation by a driver, and a steering assist mechanism 113 for assisting the steering operation of the driver. The electric motor 20 in the mechanically and electrically integrated motor 100 is used to assist the steering force, and the electric motor 20 is controlled by an electronic control device (control unit) 10 to assist the steering operation.

[0026] The mechanically and electrically integrated motor 100 is mounted on a gear rack 122 as shown in Fig. 7. In this mechanically and electrically integrated motor 100, the power supply and communication connectors 13-1, 13-2 are connected to a battery power supply via a power supply harness (not shown), and the sensor connector is electrically connected to the torque sensor 124 and the steering angle sensor 123 via a sensor harness 135. Alternatively, the communication connector is electrically connected to an electronic device for in-vehicle communication (CAN communication) via a signal harness (not shown).

[0027] The steering mechanism 112 has a steering shaft (steering axis) 115 connected to a steering wheel 114, and a rack bar (steered axis) 118 connected to tires (steered wheels) 116, 117, and the steering shaft 115 and rack bar 118 are connected via a rack and pinion mechanism 119.

[0028] The steering shaft 115 is configured by connecting an input shaft 120 as a first shaft member that rotates integrally with the steering wheel 114 and an output shaft 121 as a second shaft member that links to a rack bar 118 by a torsion bar (not shown). One axial end of the input shaft 120 is connected to the steering wheel 114, and the other end is connected to the torsion bar. One axial end of the output shaft 121 is connected to the torsion bar, and the other end is linked to the rack bar 118.

[0029] Then, pinion teeth 121a formed on the outer periphery of the other end of the output shaft 121 mesh with rack teeth 118a formed on one end side of the rack bar 118 in the axial direction (longitudinal direction), thereby converting the rotational motion of the output shaft 121 into axial motion of the rack bar 118 and transmitting it.

[0030] Further, on the radially outer side (outer periphery side) of the steering shaft 115, a steering angle sensor 123 for detecting the steering angle, which is the rotation angle of the steering shaft 115, and a torque sensor 124 for detecting the steering torque applied to the steering shaft 115 by the steering operation of the driver are integrally provided as one unit. The steering angle sensor 123 detects the steering angle based on the difference in rotation angle between a pair of gears that rotate with the rotation of the steering shaft 115. The torque sensor 124 detects the steering torque based on the amount of relative rotational displacement between the input shaft 120 and the output shaft 121.

[0031] Tires 116, 117 are attached to both axial ends of the rack bar 118 via tie rods 125, 126 and knuckle arms (not shown). When the rack bar 118 moves in the axial direction and the knuckle arms are pushed and pulled via the tie rods 125, 126, the orientation of the tires 116, 117 is changed.

[0032] The steering assist mechanism 113 uses an electromechanical integrated motor 100 as an electric actuator. This electromechanical integrated motor 100 is composed of an electric motor 20 that generates a steering assist force, and an electronic control device 10 that drives and controls the electric motor 20. The rotation of the electric motor 20 is transmitted to the rack bar 118 by a transmission mechanism 133, and the rotational force of the electric motor 20 assists the axial movement of the rack bar 118.

[0033] The electric motor 20 is driven and controlled based on the detection results of various sensors, such as the output signal S1 of the steering angle sensor 123 and the output signal S2 of the torque sensor 124 input to the electronic control device 10 via a sensor harness 135, the output signal S3 of a vehicle speed sensor (not shown) input via a CAN bus 134, and the output signal of a Hall IC that detects the rotation angle of the electric motor 20. Alternatively, the electronic control unit 10 is connected to another ECU, for example, a control unit for ESC (Electronic Stability Control), via a CAN bus 134, and transmits and receives information via CAN communication.

[0034] The transmission mechanism 133 has a reducer that reduces the speed of the rotation of the electric motor 20, and a conversion mechanism that converts the rotation of the reducer into axial motion of the rack bar 118. The reducer is composed of, for example, an input pulley 136 fixed to the drive shaft of the electric motor 20 so as to rotate integrally therewith, an output pulley 137 fixed to be rotatable integrally with a nut that functions as a conversion mechanism, and a belt 138 or chain that is a transmission member wound around these pulleys 136, 137.

[0035] The conversion mechanism may be, for example, a ball screw mechanism using a nut formed into a cylindrical shape so as to surround the rack bar 118. A nut-side ball screw groove is formed in a spiral shape on the inner circumference of the nut, and a steering shaft-side ball screw groove is formed in a spiral shape on the outer circumference of the rack bar 118. With the nut inserted into the rack bar 118, a ball circulation groove is formed by the nut-side ball screw groove and the steering shaft-side ball screw groove.

[0036] The ball circulation groove is filled with multiple metal balls, and when the nut rotates, the balls move inside the ball circulation groove, causing the rack bar 118 to move in the axial direction relative to the nut. The ball screw mechanism converts the rotational motion of the electric motor 20 into linear motion, and the rack bar 118 moves in the axial direction, pushing and pulling the knuckle arms via the tie rods 125, 126, applying a steering force to the tires 116, 117.

[0037] The reduction gear may be a worm gear having a worm shaft connected to the output shaft of the electric motor 20 so as to be rotatable together with the worm shaft and a worm wheel that rotates in mesh with the worm shaft. The conversion mechanism may be a so-called rack and pinion mechanism that is composed of pinion teeth formed on the outer periphery of the other axial end of the output shaft that rotates together with the worm wheel, and rack teeth formed on the other axial end of the rack bar 118 and that mesh with the pinion teeth.

[0038] Fig. 8 is an enlarged plan view of the electromechanical integrated motor and its periphery in Fig. 7. This shows a state in which the cover 100c of the circuit board housing portion 100b has been removed. The motor housing 100a is mounted on the gear rack 122 and is coupled to the rack bar 118 by a transmission mechanism 133. The motor axis ZX is oriented substantially parallel to the center line of the rack bar 118. In this way, the motor axis ZX of the mechanically and electrically integrated motor 100 can be oriented so as to be substantially parallel to the center line of the rack bar 118, thereby preventing the occurrence of dead space and enabling effective use of space.

[0039] [Second embodiment] 9 to 12 respectively show examples of the configuration of a mechanically and electrically integrated motor to which an electronic control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention is applied. Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration, Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which a connector base is removed, Fig. 11 is a plan view showing a state in which a cover for a circuit board housing part is removed, and Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X2-X2' in Fig. 9. In the first embodiment described above, the circuit board 11 was mounted in a circuit board accommodating section 100b formed integrally with the motor housing 100a, whereas in the second embodiment, the circuit board 11 is built into an L-shaped mounting base 30 attached to the motor housing 100a. 9 to 12, the same components as those in FIGS. 1 to 4 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0040] That is, as shown in Fig. 13, the L-shaped mounting base 30 is bent from a side surface of the motor housing 100a toward one end surface (the surface opposite to the output shaft 20a of the electric motor 20) to form an L-shape. The L-shaped mounting base 30 includes a circuit board accommodating portion 30a that accommodates the circuit board 11 and is attached to the side surface of the motor housing 100a, and a holding portion 30b that is attached to the end surface of the motor housing 100a. The L-shaped mounting base 30 is attached to the side surface of the motor housing 100a using the screw holes 32-1 to 32-4 with screws 33-1 to 33-4 (bolts and nuts may also be used) as shown in Figs. 9 and 10.

[0041] 14, the connector base 17 is fixed to the holding portion 30b with screws 31-1 to 31-4. The openings of the power supply and communication connectors 13-1, 13-2 and the sensor connectors 14-1, 14-2 that are erected on the connector base 17 face in the opposite direction to the output shaft 20a of the electric motor 20.

[0042] Figure 15 is a plan view showing an example of the arrangement of power supply and communication connectors 13-1, 13-2 and sensor connectors 14-1, 14-2 in the connector base 17 shown in Figure 14. The connector base 17 has a larger area than that shown in Figure 3. Also, the power supply and communication connectors 13-1, 13-2 are spaced apart more widely than in the arrangement shown in Figure 3, and the sensor connectors 14-1, 14-2 are spaced apart less widely. The other configurations are the same as those in Figure 3. The power supply and communication connectors 13-1, 13-2 and the sensor connectors 14-1, 14-2 may be arranged upside down.

[0043] 16 and 17, the circuit board accommodating section 30a accommodates a circuit board 11 on which two motor control circuit sections 12-1, 12-2 are mounted. The microcomputers 15-1, 15-2 are disposed near the center of the circuit board 11, and the capacitors of the power supply circuits 16-1, 16-2 are disposed on the edge of the rear surface of the circuit board 11. The circuit board 11 is installed so that the mounting surface of the inverter circuits 18-1, 18-2 and the power supply circuits 16-1, 16-2 faces inward (toward the electric motor 20) when the L-shaped mounting base 30 is assembled to the motor housing 100a.

[0044] According to the second embodiment, the connector base 17, which has an enlarged area compared to the first embodiment, is fixed to the holding portion 30b of the L-shaped mounting base 30, so that the stability and strength of the fixation can be ensured. In addition, since the edge of the circuit board 11 is farther away from the rotor of the electric motor 20 than the center, and it is easier to provide a space, the power supply circuits 16-1 and 16-2 are disposed on the side edges of the circuit board 11, so that tall electronic components such as capacitors can be disposed in the space. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in the thickness of the electronic control device. Furthermore, interference and intersection with the power supply terminals in the left-right direction are reduced, and the wiring layout can be simplified.

[0045] [Third embodiment] Fig. 18 to Fig. 21 respectively show configuration examples of an electronic control device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 18 and Fig. 19 are perspective views showing a schematic configuration, Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X3-X3' in Fig. 19, and Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Y3-Y3' in Fig. 19.

[0046] In the first and second embodiments described above, the openings of the power supply and communication connectors 13-1, 13-2 and the sensor connectors 14-1, 14-2 are installed facing away from the output shaft 20a of the electric motor 20. In contrast, in the third embodiment, the connector base 17 is installed on the circuit board accommodating portion 100b formed integrally with the motor housing 100a. Therefore, the openings of the power supply and communication connectors 13-1, 13-2 and the sensor connectors 14-1, 14-2 are perpendicular to the output shaft 20a of the electric motor 20.

[0047] When assembling a structure such as that of the third embodiment, the circuit board 11 and connector base 17 are attached to the motor assembly, the motor windings and sensor terminal wiring are soldered to the circuit board 11, and finally the cover 100d is attached. Other basic configurations are similar to those of the first and second embodiments described above, so the same parts are given the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0048] In the above configuration, the circuit board 11 and the connector base 17 are arranged in parallel with the output shaft 20a of the electric motor 20, and the multiple winding sets of the electric motor 20 are vertically extended from the rotating shaft side toward the circuit board 11 and electrically connected to the wiring 28-1, 28-2 formed on the circuit board 11. This makes it easier to manage the pull-out angle from the motor windings, improving the workability of connection to the circuit board 11. Moreover, it is possible to reduce the area (area and volume) required for connection, which contributes to the miniaturization of the electronic control device.

[0049] Fig. 22 is a front view of the mechanically and electrically integrated motor 100 shown in Fig. 18 and Fig. 19, viewed from the output shaft 20a side of the electric motor 20. At least one coupling position with the output shaft side is disposed eccentrically from the output shaft center ZXa so that the center of a circle drawn through all of the centers of the three mounting screw holes 27-1 to 27-3 of the motor housing 100a is closer to the circuit board 11 than the output shaft center ZXa of the electric motor 20. Here, if there are two mounting screw holes, it is the center of a circle when an arc is drawn whose diameter is the center of the mounting screw holes. If there are four or more mounting screw holes, it is the center of a circle when an arc is drawn that passes through the centers of all three of the mounting screw holes. In this way, by coupling the electric motor 20 and the motor control circuit units 12-1, 12-2 to the driven object around the center of gravity CG, the mechanically and electrically integrated motor 100 is firmly fixed against vibrations transmitted from the driven object, thereby suppressing an increase in vibration of the entire device.

[0050] In addition, when the openings of the power supply and communication connectors 13-1, 13-2 and the sensor connectors 14-1, 14-2 are erected in the opposite direction to the output shaft 20a of the electric motor 20, and the connector base 17 is installed on the end face opposite the output shaft 20a of the electric motor 20, as in the first and second embodiments, it is preferable to align the center of the motor rotating shaft and the centers of the three mounting screw holes.

[0051] Fig. 23 is a plan view showing a state in which the cover 100d of the circuit board accommodating portion 100b in Fig. 19 has been removed. By providing the connector base 17 on the circuit board 11, the length of the mechanically and electrically integrated motor 100 in the motor axis ZX direction can be shortened. Fig. 24 is a perspective view showing connector base 17 and circuit board 11 extracted from Fig. 23. Also, Fig. 25 is a perspective view showing connector base 17 and circuit board 11 of Fig. 24 as viewed from the back side. Connector base 17 is installed on the back side of the mounting surface of circuit board 11 on which inverter circuits 18-1, 18-2 and power supply circuits 16-1, 16-2 are mounted, via columnar members 34-1, 34-2, ... serving as spacers.

[0052] According to the above-described configuration, the connector base 17 is fixed separately (or may be integrally formed) onto the circuit board accommodating portion 100b, so that the connector opening can be arranged in the planar direction of the circuit board 11, thereby increasing the area for arranging the connector.

[0053] [Fourth embodiment] Fig. 26 to Fig. 28 respectively show examples of the configuration of a mechanically and electrically integrated motor to which an electronic control device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is applied. Fig. 26 and Fig. 27 are perspective views showing a schematic configuration, and Fig. 28 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X4-X4' in Fig. 27. The fourth embodiment differs from the above-mentioned third embodiment in the configuration of the cover 100e of the circuit board accommodating portion 100b, the configuration of the joint between this cover 100e and the connector base 17, and the method of attaching the cover 100e. In the fourth embodiment, the same parts as those in the third embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0054] That is, the cover 100e of the circuit board housing portion 100b is fixed with screws, and the four corners of the cover 100e are fixed with screws 26-1 to 26-4. An opening 17a is formed in the cover 100e, and the power supply and communication connectors 13-1, 13-2 and the sensor connectors 14-1, 14-2 of the connector base 17 protrude from the opening 17a.

[0055] When assembling a structure such as that of the fourth embodiment, the circuit board 11 and the connector base 17 are attached to the cover 100e and the four corners are secured with screws 26-1 to 26-4 to form the ECU subassembly 40. Wires 28-1, 28-2 from the motor windings and wires 25-1, 25-2 from the sensor connector extend onto the circuit board 11, and after these wires are soldered, the ECU subassembly 40 is accommodated in the circuit board accommodating portion 100b and attached by fixing together with the cover 100e with the screws 26-1 to 26-4.

[0056] 29 and 30 show the state in which the connector base 17 is attached to the circuit board 11 from the top and bottom (rear side), and FIGS. 31 and 32 show the state in which the cover 100e is further attached to form the ECU subassembly 40 from the top and bottom (rear side). FIG. 33 shows a cross-sectional configuration of the ECU subassembly 40. As in the third embodiment, the connector base 17 is installed on the rear side of the mounting surface of the inverter circuits 18-1, 18-2 and the power supply circuits 16-1, 16-2 on the circuit board 11 via the columnar members 34-1, 34-2, ... serving as spacers. Then, the power supply and communication connectors 13-1, 13-2 and the sensor connectors 14-1, 14-2 are arranged to protrude from the opening 17a of the connector base 17.

[0057] Even with this configuration, substantially the same effects as those of the third embodiment described above can be obtained. Therefore, according to the present invention, in an electronic control device used in a mechanically and electrically integrated motor, the mounting area for electronic components does not depend on the motor diameter, and the mounting area can be easily increased.

[0058] The configurations described in the above embodiments are merely schematic illustrations to enable the present invention to be understood and practiced. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, and may be modified in various forms without departing from the scope of the technical ideas set forth in the claims.

[0059] For example, the above description takes as an example a case where an electric motor has two winding sets and is controlled by a two-system motor control circuit unit, but it goes without saying that the present invention is equally applicable to a case where an electric motor has three or more winding sets and is controlled by three or more systems of motor control circuit units.

[0060] Although the application example has been described as an electric power steering device for a vehicle, it is needless to say that the present invention can also be applied to other systems using an electromechanical integrated motor, such as a steer-by-wire system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 10...Electronic control device, 11...Circuit board, 12-1, 12-2...Motor control circuit section, 13-1, 13-2...Power supply and communication connector (power supply connector), 14-1, 14-2...Sensor connector (sensor or communication connector), 15-1, 15-2...Microcomputer (microcomputer), 16-1, 16-2...Power supply circuit, 18-1, 18-2...Inverter circuit, 19-1, 19-2...Pre-driver circuit, 20...Electric motor, 30...L-shaped mounting base, 30a...Circuit board accommodating section, 30b...Holding section, 100...Mechanical-electric integrated motor, 100a...Motor housing (casing), 100b...Circuit board accommodating section, 100c, 100d, 100e...Cover, ZX...Motor axis

Claims

1. a circuit board disposed on a side surface of an electric motor along a direction of a rotation axis of the electric motor having a plurality of winding sets; a plurality of motor control circuit units mounted on the circuit board, the motor control circuit units including a plurality of microcomputers provided corresponding to the respective winding sets of the electric motor, the microcomputers generating drive signals for the electric motor for each winding set, and a plurality of power supply circuits supplying power to the plurality of microcomputers, respectively; a plurality of power connectors each having a positive power terminal and a negative power terminal, connected to an external power harness, and supplying power to the plurality of power circuits; the plurality of motor control circuit units are disposed symmetrically with respect to a rotation shaft of the electric motor on a mounting surface of the circuit board, a positive power terminal and a negative power terminal of the plurality of power connectors respectively corresponding to the plurality of motor control circuit units and connected to the circuit board at positions symmetrical with respect to a rotation axis of the electric motor; a connection position of the positive power supply terminal and the negative power supply terminal of the motor control circuit unit of each system to the circuit board, and a mounting position of the microcomputer on the circuit board are arranged along a rotation axis direction of the electric motor; 1. An electronic control device comprising:

2. 2. The electronic control device according to claim 1, further comprising a connector base that is disposed on an end face of the electric motor opposite the output shaft, the openings of the plurality of power connectors being erected in a direction opposite to the output shaft of the electric motor.

3. the connector base further includes a sensor or communication connector for each of the motor control circuit units of the plurality of systems, 3. The electronic control device according to claim 2, wherein the power connector in the motor control circuit of each system is located closer to the circuit board than the sensor or communication connector.

4. the connector base further includes a sensor or communication connector for each of the motor control circuit units of the plurality of systems, an opening of the power connector is adjacent to the circuit board with respect to an opening of the sensor or communication connector; 3. The electronic control device according to claim 2, wherein the power supply circuit is located closer to an edge of the circuit board than the microcomputer.

5. a circuit board accommodating portion that is integrally formed with a motor housing located on a side surface of the electric motor and that accommodates the circuit board; The electronic control device according to claim 1 , wherein the circuit board is held in the circuit board housing portion.

6. an L-shaped mounting base having a circuit board accommodating portion that is joined to a motor housing located on a side surface of the electric motor and that accommodates the circuit board, and a holding portion that is bent and extended in the direction of the rotation axis from the side surface of the electric motor and that is joined to the motor housing located on the end surface of the electric motor opposite to the output shaft, 3. The electronic control device according to claim 2, wherein the connector base is installed on the holding portion such that the openings of the plurality of power connectors face in a direction opposite to an output shaft of the electric motor.

7. a circuit board accommodating portion that is integrally formed with a motor housing located on a side surface of the electric motor and that accommodates the circuit board; a connector base that is installed on the circuit board housing and has an opening for the plurality of power connectors that is vertically arranged in a direction perpendicular to the rotation shaft of the electric motor, 2. The electronic control device according to claim 1, wherein a connector base is fixed separately or integrally formed on the circuit board receiving portion.

8. 8. The electronic control device according to claim 7, wherein the circuit board and the connector base are arranged parallel to a rotating shaft of the electric motor, and a plurality of winding sets of the electric motor extend vertically from the rotating shaft side toward the circuit board and are electrically connected to wiring formed on the circuit board.

9. 2. The electronic control device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic circuits and electronic components mounted on the circuit board are arranged in the following order from the output shaft side of the electric motor: an inverter circuit, a pre-driver circuit, and a connector terminal connection portion.

10. 2. The electronic control device according to claim 1, wherein a coupling position between the output shaft of the electric motor and the driven object is eccentric to at least one of the output shaft sides so that the center of a circle connecting the mounting screw holes of the motor housing is closer to the circuit board than the rotating shaft of the electric motor.

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