Electric driving device

Abstract

To provide an electric driving device which is applicable to a loading target apparatus of a different layout by easily changing a direction and a position of a connector frontage.SOLUTION: An electric driving device includes a junction surface, which is tilted at a predetermined angle in a predetermined direction with respect to a rotary shaft 2a of an electric motor 2, in a coupling part between a connector block 4 and a housing 1 and is configured to dispose a connector frontage in a different direction by changing a junction position. A first coil wire connection part 10 is disposed at a position which is connected with a winding terminal 2c when the connector block is coupled to the housing in a state where the connector frontage is in a first direction, and a second coil wire connection part 11 is disposed at a position which is connected with the winding terminal when the connector block is coupled to the housing in a state where the connector frontage is in a second direction that is different from the first direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric drive device that integrates an electric motor and a control device that controls the drive of the electric motor, and is applicable to, for example, an electric power steering device for a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an electric power steering device that includes an electric motor that outputs auxiliary torque to the steering wheel of a vehicle and a control device that controls the drive of this electric motor. A circuit board on which the control device is mounted is arranged parallel to the motor shaft and attached to the electric motor. A connector opening is provided on the underside of the board, perpendicular to the motor shaft, and a seal structure is provided on the same surface (or horizontal surface) as this installation surface. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-137302 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In this type of device, the orientation of the connector opening is usually predetermined, and new products are developed by setting the orientation of the connector opening in accordance with the requirements of the vehicle in which it will be installed.

[0005] However, in the control device of Patent Document 1, the positional relationship between the connector opening and the seal on the housing side is fixed, so the orientation of the connector opening relative to the position of the seal cannot be changed. Also, because the orientation of the connector opening is determined when the connector base is connected to the exterior of the ECU (Electronic Control Unit), if the connector opening needs to be changed, the connector base must be redesigned and remade. As a result, there is a problem that a great number of development steps are required to apply this to electric power steering devices for different vehicle layouts, which leads to an increase in product costs.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its purpose is to provide an electric drive device in which the orientation and position of the connector opening can be easily changed and which can be applied to devices with different layouts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An electric drive device according to one aspect of the present invention has a joint surface at a joint between a connector block and a housing that is inclined at a predetermined angle in a predetermined direction relative to a rotation shaft of an electric motor, and is configured so that the connector opening can be arranged in different orientations and positions by changing the joining direction.The electric drive device is characterized in that when the connector block is joined to the housing with the connector opening in a first orientation, the first coil wire connection portion is arranged at a position where it can be connected to a winding terminal, and when the connector block is joined to the housing with the connector opening in a second orientation different from the first orientation, the second coil wire connection portion is arranged at a position where it can be connected to a winding terminal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] In the present invention, by installing the circuit board on the back side of the connector forming surface within the connector block, the orientation and position of the connector opening relative to the housing can be changed without changing the relative positioning of the connector opening and the circuit board. Since the position of the circuit board also changes when the orientation and position of the connector opening is changed, it is necessary to change the connection position of the winding set of the electric motor. However, by providing connection structures for the winding set in two places in advance in the connector block, the connection position of the winding set can be easily changed. This makes it possible to easily change the orientation and position of the connector opening using the same part, thereby providing an electric drive unit that can be applied to devices with different layouts. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration example of a first mode of an electric drive device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the electric drive device shown in FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a perspective view showing intra-block wiring formed in the connector block shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the electric drive device shown in FIG. 1 taken along line X1-X1'. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration example of a second mode of the electric drive device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the electric drive device shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 7 is a perspective view showing intra-block wiring formed in the connector block shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 6 is a cross-sectional view of the electric drive device shown in FIG. 5 taken along line X2-X2'. [Figure 9] 5 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 4, illustrating a first mode of an electric drive device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 10] 9 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 8, illustrating a second mode of the electric drive device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. [First embodiment] 1 to 4 each show a configuration example of a first mode of an electric drive device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, with FIG. 1 being a perspective view showing the schematic configuration, FIG. 2 being an exploded perspective view, FIG. 3 being a perspective view showing the wiring within the block, and FIG. 4 being a cross-sectional view taken along line X1-X1' in FIG. 1. This electric drive device is mounted, for example, in an electric power steering device for a vehicle. In this first mode, the connector opening is arranged in the same direction as the rotating shaft of the electric motor and opposite to the output shaft.

[0011] 1 and 2, an electric motor 2 having multiple independent winding sets is housed in a housing 1, and is sealed by a connector block 4 installed on the opposite side of the motor output shaft 2b. Power supply and communication connectors 4a and 4b (external terminals) and sensor connectors 4c and 4d (external terminals) are erected on a first surface f1 of the connector block 4. That is, the openings of the connectors 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d are arranged in the same direction as the rotating shaft 2a of the electric motor 2 and opposite to the output shaft 2b.

[0012] The housing 1 and the connector block 4 are fixed at fastening portions 8a, 8b, 8c, and 8d with screws or the like (not shown) so that the connector opening faces away from the motor output shaft 2b of the housing 1. The joint portion 5 between the housing 1 and the connector block 4 is inclined at a predetermined angle, for example, 45 degrees, with respect to the rotation shaft 2a of the electric motor 2.

[0013] A seal member 5a is interposed at the joint 5 between the housing 1 and the connector block 4 to form a seal structure. The horizontal joints 5-1 and 5-2 of the housing 1 have the same dimensions and shape. Similarly, the vertical joints 5-3 and 5-4 of the housing 1 also have the same dimensions and shape. Therefore, the joint 5 between the housing 1 and the connector block 4 has a rectangular or square shape.

[0014] The seal portion on the housing 1 side has a sealing groove formed to surround the opening, and the seal portion on the connector block 4 side has a sealing rib that fits into the sealing groove to surround the opening. A viscous fluid hardening sealant is interposed between the sealing groove and the sealing rib to form a sealing member 5a, ensuring airtightness and waterproofness of the joint 5.

[0015] In this way, by making the opposing opening and seal shape symmetrical with the same dimensions, the seal member 5a can be shared even when the orientation of the connector block 4 is changed (rotated by 180 degrees). Each seal can be a flat seal or a groove seal in which a protruding part is inserted into a seal groove. In addition to a viscous fluid hardening sealant, a seal using an elastic body such as an O-ring can also be used.

[0016] The connector block 4 has a first surface (opening installation surface) f1 on which the connectors 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d are erected, a second surface (horizontal surface) f2 connected to the first surface f1 at a predetermined angle Δ1, for example 90 degrees, and a third surface (side surface) f3 and a fourth surface (side surface) f4 located on both sides of the direction in which the first surface f1 and the second surface f2 are connected.

[0017] The angles Δ2 and Δ3 of the third and fourth surfaces f3 and f4 relative to the first and second surfaces f1 and f2 at the joint 5 with the housing 1 are smaller than the predetermined angle Δ1, for example, 45 degrees. Of course, these angles are not limited to 45 degrees, and can be set freely as needed as long as they are smaller than 90 degrees. With this configuration, a relatively large connector arrangement area can be secured on the end face side of the electric motor 2 opposite to the output shaft 2b.

[0018] The circuit board 3 is housed and installed in a position (inside the first surface f1) that corresponds to the openings 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d within the connector block 4. Therefore, the component mounting surface of the circuit board 3 is arranged perpendicular to the rotation shaft 2a of the electric motor 2. The circuit board 3 is equipped with an electronic circuit that drives the electric motor 2. More specifically, the circuit board 3 is formed with an inverter circuit that generates the voltage and current that drives the electric motor 2, and output wiring that passes current through the winding sets of the electric motor 2.

[0019] The winding terminals 2c extending from the winding sets of the electric motor 2 are bent upward at 45 degrees relative to the rotating shaft 2a of the electric motor 2 (90 degrees relative to the joint surface between the housing 1 and the connector block 4). These winding terminals 2c are inserted into through holes 1a formed in the housing 1. In this example, the electric motor 2 is a three-phase motor, and six winding terminals 2c for the U, V, and W phases are inserted into the six through holes 1a and protrude from the six through holes 1a of the housing 1 at an angle of 90 degrees relative to the joint surface between the housing 1 and the connector block 4.

[0020] 3, first and second coil wire connection portions 10, 11, to which winding terminals 2c are selectively connected, are arranged on the first face f1 and the second face f2 of the connector block 4. Six intra-block wires 9 are embedded in the first face f1 and the second face f2 of the connector block 4, connecting the first coil wire connection portion 10 or the second coil wire connection portion 11 to an electronic circuit formed on the circuit board 3. The six intra-block wires 9 are patterned to spread from the first coil wire connection portion 10 to both side faces of the connector block 4, pass through both sides of the circuit board 3, reach from the first face f1 to the second face f2, and converge at the second coil wire connection portion 11.

[0021] As shown by the arrow in Figure 4, the connector block 4 is attached at a 90-degree angle to the mating surface of the housing 1, and the sealing grooves on the housing 1 are fitted with the sealing ribs on the connector block 4 via a hardening sealant. Then, the connector block 4 and the housing 1 are joined together using screws or the like at fastening portions 8a, 8b, 8c, and 8d.

[0022] When mated, the tips of the six winding terminals 2c are electrically connected at the first coil wire connection portion 10. As described above, the first coil wire connection portion 10 is connected to the six intra-block wirings 9, which are connected to the output wiring of the inverter circuit mounted on the circuit board 3, and drive power for the electric motor 2 is supplied from the inverter circuit.

[0023] Within the connector block 4, there are further provided power lines 6 and wiring 7 for electrically connecting the front terminals of each connector 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d to the electronic components or electronic circuits mounted on the circuit board 3.

[0024] The portion of the housing 1 that corresponds to the second coil wire connection portion 11 that is not used in the first embodiment serves as a heat sink 1b that dissipates heat generated by the electric motor 2. With the connector block 4 coupled to the housing 1, the second coil wire connection portion 11 that is not connected to the winding terminal 2c is in contact with the housing 1 or is thermally connected via a heat dissipation material 11a. By bringing this second coil wire connection portion 11 into thermal contact with the housing 1 as a heat dissipation destination, heat from the circuit board 3 or the winding set can be transferred to and dissipated by the housing 1, improving heat dissipation performance.

[0025] This configuration makes it possible to couple the connector block 4 and the housing 1, and to couple the first coil wire connecting portion 10 and the winding terminal 2c, by utilizing the inclination of the coupling portion 5. Because the connector block 4 and the housing 1 are coupled from a direction perpendicular to the seal portion (coupling portion 5), it is possible to reduce the application of stress that can cause twisting or misalignment to the seal member 5a. Moreover, because the first coil wire connecting portion 10 and the winding terminal 2c can be connected from the same direction, connectivity is facilitated and deformation of the winding terminal 2c can be suppressed.

[0026] 5 to 8 each show a configuration example of a second mode of the electric drive device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, with Fig. 5 being a perspective view showing the schematic configuration, Fig. 6 being an exploded perspective view, Fig. 7 being a perspective view showing the wiring within the block, and Fig. 8 being a cross-sectional view taken along line X2-X2' in Fig. 5. In this second mode, the connector block of the first mode is rotated 180 degrees and installed in the housing, so that the connector opening faces in a direction perpendicular to the rotation shaft 2a of the electric motor 2.

[0027] That is, the connector block 4 of the first embodiment is rotated 180 degrees at the joint 5 with the housing 1, and the openings of the connectors 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d are changed to face upward. 5 to 8, other basic configurations are the same as those in FIGS. 1 to 4, so the same parts are given the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0028] With the above configuration, the opposing sealing surfaces have symmetrical shapes, so the opening direction of the connectors 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d can be set in two directions. Moreover, by configuring the output of the three-phase inverter circuit to be connected to the winding set of the electric motor 2 at the second coil wire connection part 11 via the intra-block wiring 9 formed in the connector block 4 once, and providing the intra-block wiring 9 with two coil connection parts 10 and 11, connection to the winding terminal 2c is possible even if the opening direction of the connectors 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d is changed.

[0029] In addition, since the connector opening orientation can be changed using the same component configuration, including the connector's seal structure, there is no need to design additional structural components when designing a product with a changed connector opening orientation.

[0030] [Second embodiment] Fig. 9 is for explaining a first mode of an electric drive device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and shows a cross-sectional configuration corresponding to Fig. 4. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above in that it is provided with a rotation sensor component (sensor element, for example, a sensor magnet) 12 that detects the rotation of the rotating shaft 2a of the electric motor 2, and a sensor board 13 on which a sensor element that detects changes in the characteristics of this rotation sensor component 12 is mounted.

[0031] The rotation sensor component 12 is provided on the connector block side of the rotating shaft 2a of the electric motor 2. The sensor board 13 is fixed to the housing 1 parallel to the circuit board 3. This sensor board 13 and circuit board 3 are connected by an electrical connection member, for example, a flexible printed circuit (FPC) 14. The rotation angle and rotation speed of the rotating shaft 2a of the electric motor 2 are detected by changes in the characteristics of the rotation sensor component 12, and are input to an electronic circuit mounted on the circuit board 3 via the flexible printed circuit 14, and are fed back to the drive control of the electric motor 2.

[0032] Fig. 10 illustrates a second mode of the electric drive device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and shows a cross-sectional configuration corresponding to Fig. 8. That is, the connector block 4 of the first mode is rotated 180 degrees at the coupling portion 5 with the housing 1, and the openings of the connectors 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d are changed to face upward and are positioned near the mounting surface of the circuit board 3. To rotate the connector block 4, the connector 14a of the flexible printed circuit board 14 is removed, the connector block 4 is rotated 180 degrees, and the connector 14a of the flexible printed circuit board 14 is reconnected. Even if the orientation of the connector block 4 is changed and the position of the circuit board 3 changes, the flexible printed circuit board 14 can flexibly maintain electrical connection. Other basic configurations are the same as those in FIG. 9, so the same parts are given the same reference numerals and detailed explanations thereof are omitted.

[0033] As explained above, in the present invention, by setting the angles Δ2 and Δ3 of the third and fourth surfaces f3 and f4 of the connector block 4 relative to the first and second surfaces f1 and f2 at the joint 5 with the housing 1 to be smaller than a predetermined angle (for example, 45 degrees), it is possible to form a seal with an inclined surface, so that when the connector block 4 is rotated, for example, 180 degrees and assembled, the connector opening can be oriented in a different direction. This allows multiple options (two options) to be selected for the joint 5 between the housing 1 and the connector block 4, making it easier to share the connector block 4.

[0034] Furthermore, by placing the circuit board 3 on the back side of the connector forming surface within the connector block 4, the orientation and position of the connector opening relative to the housing 1 can be changed without changing the relative positioning of the openings of the connectors 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d and the circuit board 3. Since the position of the circuit board 3 also changes when the orientation and position of the connector openings are changed, it becomes necessary to change the connection position of the winding set of the electric motor 2. However, by providing the connector block 4 with two winding set connection structures (first and second coil wire connection portions) in advance, the connection position of the winding set can be easily changed. This allows the orientation and position of the connector opening to be easily changed using the same part, making it applicable to devices with different layouts.

[0035] It should be noted that the configurations, methods, etc. described in the above-described 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 can be modified in various forms without departing from the scope of the technical idea set forth in the claims.

[0036] For example, the electric drive unit has been described as being mounted on an electric power steering device for a vehicle, but it is of course applicable to various other devices to which the electric drive unit is mounted. In addition, the housing and connector block can be made cylindrical, and their respective joint surfaces can be formed at a predetermined angle in a predetermined direction, preferably at a 45-degree angle relative to the motor shaft, and can be rotated 180 degrees, allowing the connector width to be changed in two directions. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the sensor board and the circuit board are connected by a flexible printed circuit board, but a harness or lead wires may also be used. [Explanation of symbols]

[0037] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1...housing, 1a...through hole, 1b...heat sink, 2...electric motor, 2a...rotating shaft, 2b...output shaft, 2c...winding terminal, 3...circuit board, 4...connector block, 4a, 4b...power supply and communication connectors, 4c, 4d...sensor connector, 5...coupling portion, 5a...sealing member, 5-1, 5-2...horizontal coupling portion, 5-3, 5-4...vertical coupling portion, 6...power supply line, 7...wiring, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d...fastening portion, 9...internal wiring of block, 10...first coil wire connection portion, 11...second coil wire connection portion, 12...rotation sensor component, 13...sensor board, 14...flexible printed circuit board (electrical connection member), 14a...connector, f1...first surface, f2...second surface, f3...third surface, f4...fourth surface

Claims

1. an electric motor having a plurality of winding sets; a housing in which the electric motor is accommodated; a connector block having a connector opening to be connected to an external device, the connector block being coupled to the opening of the housing to seal the inside of the housing; a circuit board on which an electronic circuit for driving the electric motor is mounted, the circuit board being accommodated in the connector block at a position corresponding to the connector opening; first and second coil wire connection portions disposed at different positions on the connector block and to which winding terminals of the plurality of winding sets are selectively connected; an internal wiring formed in the connector block and connecting the selected first or second coil wire connection portion and the electronic circuit; The connecting portion between the connector block and the housing has a joint surface inclined at a predetermined angle in a predetermined direction with respect to the rotation shaft of the electric motor, and is configured so that the connector opening can be arranged in different directions by changing the joint position, the first coil wire connection portion is disposed at a position where it is connected to the winding terminal when the connector block is coupled to the housing with the connector opening in a first orientation, the second coil wire connection portion is disposed at a position where it is connected to the winding terminal when the connector block is coupled to the housing with the connector opening in a second orientation different from the first orientation. An electric drive device characterized by:

2. the joining surface is a seal structure in which a seal member is disposed, 2. The electric drive device according to claim 1, wherein the first coil wire connection portion and the second coil wire connection portion are respectively connected to the winding terminals in a direction perpendicular to the joint surface.

3. 2. The electric drive device according to claim 1, wherein the first coil wire connection portion or the second coil wire connection portion, which is not connected to the winding terminal when the connector block is coupled to the housing, is in contact with the housing or is thermally connected to the housing via a heat dissipation material.

4. the electric motor further includes a sensor board disposed on the connector block side of the rotary shaft and having a sensor element mounted thereon that detects rotation of the rotary shaft; and an electrical connection member that electrically connects the sensor board to the circuit board, the sensor substrate is fixed to the housing; 2. The electric drive device according to claim 1, wherein the circuit board is fixed to the connector block.

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