Motor device

Abstract

To obtain a motor device capable of suppressing a short circuit of a bus bar without adding other insulating components thereto, as one example.SOLUTION: A motor device according to an embodiment as one example comprises: a motor comprising a coil stored in a storage chamber provided thereto and an output shaft protruding from the storage chamber and being rotatable around a rotation axis; a conductive support member; a planetary gear mechanism comprising a ring gear provided around the rotation axis while being supported by the conductive support member, a sun gear provided to the output shaft, and a planetary gear provided between the ring gear and the sun gear; at least one bus-bar unit comprising a second bus-bar connected to the coil or to a first bus-bar electrically connected to the coil at a connection part located outside the storage chamber; and at least one insulative recessed face provided to the ring gear and defining a recess in which the connection part is stored.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD An embodiment of the present invention relates to a motor device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, motors have been known that have a coil and a bus bar connected to the coil. The motor may further include an insulating component that separates the bus bar from other conductive components to prevent short circuits of the bus bar (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-048078 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the conventional configuration requires insulating parts, which increases the cost of the motor device.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above, and provides a motor device that can suppress short circuits of bus bars without adding other insulating parts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A motor device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes, for example, a motor having a housing chamber, a coil accommodated in the housing chamber, and an output shaft protruding from the housing chamber and rotatable about a rotation axis; a planetary gear mechanism including a conductive support member, a ring gear supported by the support member and arranged around the rotation axis, a sun gear provided on the output shaft, and planetary gears provided between the ring gear and the sun gear; at least one busbar unit including a second busbar joined to the coil or a first busbar electrically connected to the coil at a joint located outside the housing chamber; and at least one insulating concave surface provided on the ring gear, the concave surface defining a recess in which the joint is accommodated, the concave surface being located between the support member and the joint. Therefore, for example, since the joint is located outside the housing chamber, joining the coil or the first busbar to the second busbar is facilitated. The joint is accommodated in the recess defined by the insulating concave surface. That is, the insulating concave surface separates the joint from the conductive support member. Because the concave surface is provided on the ring gear, the motor device can suppress short circuits between the busbar unit and the support member without adding any other insulating parts. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view that schematically shows a brake system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the motor device of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a rear view showing the gearbox of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the motor device of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the motor device according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] (First embodiment) The first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. In this specification, components according to the embodiment and descriptions of the components may be described using multiple expressions. The components and their descriptions are merely examples and are not limited by the expressions in this specification. The components may also be identified by names different from those in this specification. Furthermore, the components may also be described using expressions different from those in this specification.

[0009] In the following description, "suppress" is defined as, for example, preventing an event, action, or influence from occurring, or reducing the severity of an event, action, or influence. Also, in the following description, "restrict" is defined as, for example, preventing movement or rotation, or allowing movement or rotation within a predetermined range and preventing movement or rotation beyond the predetermined range.

[0010] 1 is a cross-sectional view that schematically shows a brake system 10 according to a first embodiment. The brake system 10 is mounted on a vehicle 1 such as a four-wheeled automobile. However, the brake system 10 is not limited to this example.

[0011] The brake system 10 includes a hydraulic control device 11 and a plurality of wheel cylinders 12. The brake system 10 may further include various other components such as a master cylinder, a pump, and a solenoid valve.

[0012] The hydraulic pressure control device 11 controls, for example, the hydraulic pressure of at least one of the plurality of wheel cylinders 12. The hydraulic pressure control device 11 includes an electric cylinder device 21, a reservoir 22, an electronic control unit (ECU) 23, and a plurality of hydraulic paths 24.

[0013] The electric cylinder device 21 is connected to at least one of the plurality of wheel cylinders 12 and the reservoir 22 via a fluid path 24. The electric cylinder device 21 can increase the pressure of the brake fluid in the wheel cylinder 12 to generate a braking force for the vehicle 1.

[0014] The electric cylinder device 21 includes a housing 31, a piston 32, two seals 33 and 34, a rotary-to-linear motion conversion mechanism 35, and a motor device 36. The motor device 36 may also be referred to as a drive device or a geared motor.

[0015] The housing 31 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. A cylinder 41 is provided inside the housing 31. The cylinder 41 is a substantially cylindrical space extending along a central axis Ax. The central axis Ax is, for example, a virtual central axis of the cylinder 41 and is an example of a rotation axis. Note that the central axis of the cylinder 41 may be different from the central axis Ax.

[0016] For convenience, the axial direction, radial direction, and circumferential direction are defined in this specification. The axial direction is a direction along the central axis Ax. The axial direction includes a forward direction Df and a rearward direction Db. The forward direction Df is a direction along the central axis Ax. The rearward direction Db is the opposite direction to the forward direction Df. Note that the rearward direction Db and the forward direction Df may be different from the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle 1. The radial direction is a direction perpendicular to (intersecting with) the central axis Ax. The circumferential direction is a direction around the central axis Ax.

[0017] The housing 31 has an inner circumferential surface 41a that defines a cylinder 41. The inner circumferential surface 41a is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending along the central axis Ax and faces generally radially inward. The inner circumferential surface 41a may have multiple portions with different diameters.

[0018] The housing 31 is further provided with an output port 42 and an input port 43. The output port 42 and the input port 43 each open to the inner circumferential surface 41a and communicate with the cylinder 41. In the axial direction, the input port 43 is spaced from the output port 42 in the rear direction Db.

[0019] The piston 32 is disposed in the cylinder 41 so as to be movable in the axial direction. The piston 32 has an outer peripheral surface 32a. The outer peripheral surface 32a is formed in a cylindrical shape extending axially along the central axis Ax and faces radially outward. The outer peripheral surface 32a of the piston 32 and the inner peripheral surface 41a of the housing 31 face each other with a gap therebetween.

[0020] The piston 32 defines a part of the cylinder 41 as a liquid chamber C. The liquid chamber C is provided axially between an end of the piston 32 in the forward direction Df and an end of the cylinder 41 in the forward direction Df.

[0021] The output port 42 is connected to the fluid chamber C. The fluid chamber C is connected to the wheel cylinder 12 through the output port 42 and the fluid passage 24. The piston 32 reduces the volume of the fluid chamber C by moving forward Df. This allows the electric cylinder device 21 to increase the pressure of the brake fluid in the fluid chamber C and the wheel cylinder 12.

[0022] On the other hand, the piston 32 moves in the rear direction Db to increase the volume of the fluid chamber C. This allows the electric cylinder device 21 to reduce the pressure of the brake fluid in the fluid chamber C and the wheel cylinder 12.

[0023] The two seals 33, 34 seal the gap between the housing 31 and the piston 32. In the axial direction, one seal 33 is spaced forward Df from the other seal 34. The input port 43 opens to the inner circumferential surface 41a between the two seals 33, 34. The seal 33 can seal between the liquid chamber C and the input port 43.

[0024] The reservoir 22 is connected to the input port 43 through the fluid passage 24. The reservoir 22 stores brake fluid. For example, the reservoir 22 is open to the atmosphere, so that the pressure in the reservoir 22 is maintained at atmospheric pressure. When the piston 32 moves backward in the rearward direction Db beyond a predetermined position, the reservoir 22 communicates with the fluid chamber C through the fluid passage 24, the input port 43, and, for example, a groove provided in the piston 32.

[0025] The rotary-to-linear motion conversion mechanism 35 is disposed in the cylinder 41. The rotary-to-linear motion conversion mechanism 35 is, for example, a ball screw. The rotary-to-linear motion conversion mechanism 35 has a nut 51, a screw shaft 52, and a plurality of balls 53. The nut 51 may also be referred to as a linear motion member. The screw shaft 52 may also be referred to as a rotating member.

[0026] The nut 51 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape extending axially along the central axis Ax. The nut 51 is coupled to the piston 32 and is capable of moving axially together with the piston 32. The nut 51 is restricted from rotating around the central axis Ax by, for example, fitting with a pin 55 extending axially in the cylinder 41.

[0027] The screw shaft 52 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction along the central axis Ax. The screw shaft 52 is disposed inside a cylindrical nut 51. The plurality of balls 53 are held between a female screw provided in the nut 51 and a male screw provided in the screw shaft 52. Note that the rotary-linear motion conversion mechanism 35 is not limited to this example, and the female screw and the male screw may directly mesh with each other, or the linear motion member may have a male screw and the rotary member may have a female screw.

[0028] The motor device 36 rotates the screw shaft 52 around the central axis Ax. The motor device 36 includes a motor 61 and a gear box 62. The motor 61 may also be referred to as an electric motor, for example. The gear box 62 may also be referred to as a reducer, for example.

[0029] The motor 61 is, for example, a three-phase motor. However, the motor 61 is not limited to this example. The motor 61 is disposed outside the housing 31. The motor 61 has a motor case 71, a motor cover 72, a stator 73, a rotor 74, and three busbar units 75.

[0030] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the motor device 36 of the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the motor case 71 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with a closed end in the rear direction Db. However, the motor case 71 is not limited to this example. An accommodation chamber 77 is provided inside the motor case 71.

[0031] The motor cover 72 is made of, for example, synthetic resin. The motor cover 72 has a lid portion 72a and a protruding portion 72b. The lid portion 72a is formed in a circular plate shape that is approximately perpendicular to the central axis Ax. The lid portion 72a closes the accommodation chamber 77. In other words, the accommodation chamber 77 is defined by the motor case 71 and the lid portion 72a of the motor cover 72. The protruding portion 72b protrudes from the lid portion 72a in the forward direction Df at a position radially spaced from the central axis Ax.

[0032] 1, the stator 73 is attached to the motor case 71. The stator 73 has a plurality of coils 73a. Each of the plurality of coils 73a corresponds to a U phase, a V phase, or a W phase. The plurality of coils 73a are housed in a housing chamber 77.

[0033] The rotor 74 is rotatable around the central axis Ax. The rotor 74 has an output shaft 74a. The output shaft 74a is formed in a generally cylindrical shape extending axially along the central axis Ax. The output shaft 74a protrudes from the accommodation chamber 77 in the forward direction Df, penetrating the lid portion 72a of the motor cover 72. The output shaft 74a is disposed concentrically with (coaxially with) the screw shaft 52, and is spaced apart from the screw shaft 52 in the rearward direction Db.

[0034] In motor 61, which is a three-phase motor, three busbar units 75 correspond to the U phase, V phase, and W phase. Each of the three busbar units 75 has a coil side busbar 81 and a power supply side busbar 82. Coil side busbar 81 is an example of a first busbar. Power supply side busbar 82 is an example of a second busbar. Coil side busbar 81 and power supply side busbar 82 are each a conductive member such as a metal plate.

[0035] One end 81a of the coil-side bus bar 81 is electrically connected to the corresponding coil 73a. For example, the end 81a is welded to the coil 73a. The other end 81b of the coil-side bus bar 81 passes through, for example, the gap G between the motor case 71 and the motor cover 72 at a position radially spaced from the central axis Ax and protrudes in the forward direction Df from the accommodation chamber 77.

[0036] The power supply side bus bar 82 is embedded in the motor cover 72 by, for example, insert molding between two ends 82a, 82b of the power supply side bus bar 82. In other words, the power supply side bus bar 82 is molded integrally with the motor cover 72.

[0037] One end 82a of the power supply side bus bar 82 protrudes from the protruding portion 72b and is electrically connected to the ECU 23. The other end 82b of the power supply side bus bar 82 protrudes forward from the lid portion 72a of the motor cover 72 and is joined to the coil side bus bar 81 at a joint 85.

[0038] The joint portion 85 is a portion of the busbar unit 75 where the end 81b of the coil side busbar 81 and the end 82b of the power supply side busbar 82 are joined. Therefore, the joint portion 85 has the end 81b of the coil side busbar 81 and the end 82b of the power supply side busbar 82, and protrudes in the forward direction Df from the accommodating chamber 77. The joint portion 85 is located outside the accommodating chamber 77.

[0039] The three coil side bus bars 81 are arranged at approximately equal intervals around the central axis Ax. Therefore, the three joint portions 85 are also arranged at approximately equal intervals around the central axis Ax. Note that the coil side bus bars 81 and the joint portions 85 are not limited to this example.

[0040] In manufacturing the motor 61, for example, the coil side bus bar 81 is welded to the coil 73a of the stator 73. Then, the stator 73 and the rotor 74 are housed inside the motor case 71 (the housing chamber 77).

[0041] Next, the motor cover 72 is attached to the motor case 71. As a result, the end 82b of the power supply side bus bar 82 formed integrally with the motor cover 72 comes into contact with the end 81b of the coil side bus bar 81.

[0042] Next, the end 81b of the coil side bus bar 81 and the end 82b of the power supply side bus bar 82 are joined by, for example, welding to provide a joint 85. The end 81b of the coil side bus bar 81 and the end 82b of the power supply side bus bar 82 are located outside the accommodation chamber 77, and therefore can be easily welded.

[0043] The gear box 62 is provided between the screw shaft 52 and the motor 61. The gear box 62 has a gear case 91, a planetary gear mechanism 92, and a cover 93. The gear case 91 is an example of a support member. Note that the gear box 62 may not include the cover 93.

[0044] The gear case 91 is made of a metal such as an aluminum alloy and has electrical conductivity. The gear case 91 is interposed between the housing 31 and the motor case 71, for example, and is attached to the housing 31 and the motor case 71.

[0045] Fig. 3 is a rear view showing the gear box 62 of the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, the gear case 91 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending along the central axis Ax. However, the gear case 91 is not limited to this example.

[0046] The gear case 91 has an inner circumferential surface 91a. The inner circumferential surface 91a is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending along the central axis Ax and faces generally radially inward. The inner circumferential surface 91a may have multiple portions with different diameters.

[0047] Three grooves 95 are provided in the gear case 91. Each of the three grooves 95 is recessed radially outward from the inner circumferential surface 91a and opens in the rear direction Db. In other words, the grooves 95 open toward the motor 61.

[0048] The three grooves 95 are arranged at approximately equal intervals around the central axis Ax. The three grooves 95 and the three joints 85 are provided at approximately the same positions around the central axis Ax. The three joints 85 are housed in the corresponding grooves 95. Note that the joints 85 may be spaced radially inward from the grooves 95.

[0049] The gear case 91 further has three pairs of support surfaces 91b shown in FIG. 3 and three bottom surfaces 91c shown in FIG. 2. A pair of support surfaces 91b and one bottom surface 91c define one groove 95. As shown in FIG. 3, each of the support surfaces 91b faces in the circumferential direction. Each of the plurality of grooves 95 is provided between a pair of support surfaces 91b. As shown in FIG. 2, the bottom surface 91c is provided at an end (bottom) of the groove 95 in the forward direction Df and faces the rearward direction Db.

[0050] 1, the planetary gear mechanism 92 is housed in a gear case 91. The planetary gear mechanism 92 has a sun gear 101, a ring gear 102, a plurality of planetary gears 103, and a planetary carrier 104, and transmits rotation between the output shaft 74a of the motor 61 and the screw shaft 52.

[0051] The sun gear 101 is provided on the output shaft 74a of the motor 61. The sun gear 101 is formed integrally with the output shaft 74a. The sun gear 101 is, for example, a helical gear. However, the sun gear 101 is not limited to this example.

[0052] The ring gear 102 is made of, for example, synthetic resin and has insulating properties. However, the ring gear 102 is not limited to this example. As shown in Fig. 3, the ring gear 102 is disposed around the central axis Ax and has an annular portion 105 and three protrusions 106.

[0053] The annular portion 105 is formed in a circular ring shape extending around the central axis Ax. The annular portion 105 has an outer peripheral surface 105a and an inner peripheral surface 105b shown in Fig. 3, a plurality of teeth 105c and two end faces 105d and 105e shown in Fig. 2.

[0054] As shown in Fig. 3, the outer peripheral surface 105a and the inner peripheral surface 105b are each formed into a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction along the central axis Ax. The outer peripheral surface 105a faces radially outward. The outer peripheral surface 105a faces the inner peripheral surface 91a of the gear case 91. For example, the outer peripheral surface 105a is slightly spaced from or partially supported by the inner peripheral surface 91a of the gear case 91. The inner peripheral surface 105b is located on the opposite side of the outer peripheral surface 105a. A plurality of teeth 105c are provided on the inner peripheral surface 105b.

[0055] 2, the end face 105d is provided at an end of the annular portion 105 in the forward direction Df and faces the forward direction Df. The end face 105e is provided at an end of the annular portion 105 in the rearward direction Db and faces the rearward direction Db. The end face 105e faces the lid portion 72a of the motor cover 72. Each of the two end faces 105d, 105e is formed to be approximately flat.

[0056] 3, the three protrusions 106 each protrude radially outward from the outer circumferential surface 105a of the annular portion 105. The three protrusions 106 are arranged at approximately equal intervals around the central axis Ax. Each of the three protrusions 106 fits into a corresponding groove 95.

[0057] The protrusion 106 is disposed between two support surfaces 91b that define the corresponding groove 95. The protrusion 106 is slightly spaced apart from the two support surfaces 91b or is in contact with one of the support surfaces 91b. The support surface 91b of the gear case 91 supports the protrusion 106 of the ring gear 102 around the central axis Ax, restricting the ring gear 102 from rotating in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the protrusion 106 is supported by the bottom surface 91c that defines the corresponding groove 95, and is restricted from moving in the forward direction Df.

[0058] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the motor device 36 of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the protruding portions 106 protrude in the rear direction Db from the end surface 105e of the annular portion 105. Each of the three protruding portions 106 has an end surface 106a and a concave surface 106b. That is, each of the three protruding portions 106 of the ring gear 102 is provided with a concave surface 106b, and the three concave surfaces 106b are aligned around the central axis Ax.

[0059] The end surface 106a is provided at the end of the convex portion 106 in the rear direction Db and faces the rear direction Db. The end surface 106a faces the gap G of the motor 61. The concave surface 106b is recessed in the front direction Df from the end surface 106a.

[0060] The concave surface 106b defines a recess 107. The recess 107 is a substantially rectangular prism-shaped depression with a bottom that opens to the end surface 106a. The recess 107 accommodates the joint portion 85 of the corresponding busbar unit 75. That is, the coil-side busbar 81 protrudes from the accommodation chamber 77 toward the planetary gear mechanism 92 so that the end portion 81b is accommodated in the recess 107. Furthermore, the power-supply-side busbar 82 protrudes from the lid portion 72a of the motor cover 72 toward the planetary gear mechanism 92 so that the end portion 82b is accommodated in the recess 107. Therefore, the concave surface 106b surrounds the joint portion 85.

[0061] The concave surface 106b defining the recess 107 is spaced apart from the joints 85 (the end 81b of the coil-side bus bar 81 and the end 82b of the power-side bus bar 82) of the bus bar unit 75. A clearance that complies with, for example, an industrial standard is provided between the concave surface 106b and the bus bar unit 75.

[0062] Since ring gear 102 has insulating properties, concave surface 106b also has insulating properties. Note that concave surface 106b may be formed, for example, by painting, coating, or a resin part made of a material different from that of ring gear 102. Since concave surface 106b has insulating properties, it may come into contact with bus bar unit 75.

[0063] The protrusion 106 provided with the concave surface 106b is located between the gear case 91 and the joint portion 85. In other words, the concave surface 106b separates the gear case 91 from the joint portion 85. For this reason, the protrusion 106 provided with the concave surface 106b can prevent a short circuit between the gear case 91 and the joint portion 85 caused by, for example, foreign matter such as grease or dust of the motor device 36, or arc discharge.

[0064] Since the ring gear 102 is made of synthetic resin, the concave surface 106b and the recessed portion 107 can be easily formed by, for example, injection molding. However, the concave surface 106b and the recessed portion 107 may also be formed by other methods such as cutting.

[0065] 1, the plurality of planetary gears 103 are provided between the sun gear 101 and the ring gear 102. The plurality of planetary gears 103 are arranged at approximately equal intervals around the central axis Ax. The plurality of planetary gears 103 mesh with the teeth 105c of the sun gear 101 and the ring gear 102, respectively.

[0066] The planetary carrier 104 is located between the planetary gear 103 and the screw shaft 52. The planetary carrier 104 is formed, for example, in a disk shape that is approximately perpendicular to the central axis Ax. Each of the multiple planetary gears 103 is attached to the planetary carrier 104 so as to be rotatable around a central axis that is parallel to the central axis Ax.

[0067] The planetary carrier 104 is supported by the gear case 91 via, for example, a bearing. An end of the screw shaft 52 in the rear direction Db is attached to the planetary carrier 104. The planetary carrier 104 and the screw shaft 52 can rotate integrally around the central axis Ax.

[0068] The cover 93 is, for example, a metal plate that is approximately perpendicular to the central axis Ax. However, the cover 93 is not limited to this example. The cover 93 is attached to the gear case 91 by, for example, screws 111 shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 2, the cover 93 is located between the lid portion 72a of the motor 61 and the ring gear 102.

[0069] The cover 93 restricts movement of the ring gear 102 in the rear direction Db by abutting against the end surface 105e of the annular portion 105. In other words, the cover 93 holds the ring gear 102 between the cover 93 and the bottom surface 91c of the gear case 91.

[0070] For example, the ECU 23 drives the motor 61 by supplying power to the coil 73a through the power supply side bus bar 82 and the coil side bus bar 81. When the motor 61 rotates the output shaft 74a, the rotation of the output shaft 74a is transmitted to the screw shaft 52 via the planetary gear mechanism 92.

[0071] The screw shaft 52 rotates in one direction around the central axis Ax, thereby pushing the nut 51 in the forward direction Df via the ball 53. As a result, the nut 51 moves (advances) in the forward direction Df together with the piston 32, and the volume of the liquid chamber C is reduced by the piston 32.

[0072] Meanwhile, the screw shaft 52 rotates in the other direction around the central axis Ax, thereby pushing the nut 51 in the rear direction Db via the ball 53. As a result, the nut 51 moves (retracts) in the rear direction Db. The piston 32 retracts substantially integrally with the nut 51 due to the pressure of the liquid chamber C or is pulled by the nut 51. As a result, the volume of the liquid chamber C expands. That is, the nut 51 moves in the forward direction Df or the rearward direction Db in response to the rotation of the screw shaft 52.

[0073] In the above description, the busbar unit 75 includes the coil side busbar 81 and the power supply side busbar 82. However, the coil side busbar 81 may be omitted as a component of the busbar unit 75. In other words, the coil side busbar 81 may be a part of the coil 73a. In this case, the coil side busbar 81 is not a metal plate, but is, for example, one end of the winding of the coil 73a.

[0074] For example, one end of the winding of the coil 73a (coil side bus bar 81) passes through, for example, the gap G and protrudes in the forward direction Df from the accommodation chamber 77. An end 82b of the power supply side bus bar 82 is joined to one end of the winding of the coil 73a (coil side bus bar 81) at a joint 85. That is, the power supply side bus bar 82 is joined at the joint 85 to the coil 73a or the coil side bus bar 81 electrically connected to the coil 73a.

[0075] In the motor device 36 according to the first embodiment described above, the joint 85 is located outside the accommodation chamber 77, which facilitates joining the coil 73a or the coil-side bus bar 81 to the power-supply-side bus bar 82. The joint 85 is accommodated in the recess 107 defined by the insulating recess 106b. That is, the insulating recess 106b separates the joint 85 from the conductive gear case 91. Because the ring gear 102 is provided with the recess 106b, the motor device 36 can prevent short circuits between the bus bar unit 75 and the gear case 91 without adding any other insulating components, thereby preventing increases in costs. Furthermore, because the joint 85 is located outside the accommodation chamber 77, the motor 61 can be made smaller than when the joint 85 is provided inside the accommodation chamber 77.

[0076] The gear case 91 supports the protruding portion 106, thereby restricting the rotation of the ring gear 102 around the central axis Ax. In addition, the protruding portion 106 is provided with a concave surface 106b. Therefore, the annular portion 105 of the ring gear 102 can be made thinner, and therefore more compact, than in a case where the annular portion 105 is provided with the concave surface 106b. Furthermore, the gear case 91 requires less machining to form the groove 95, compared to a case where the ring gear 102 is provided with a separate protruding portion 106 with the concave surface 106b that accommodates the joint portion 85 and a protruding portion 106 that is supported by the gear case 91 and restricts the rotation of the ring gear 102.

[0077] The multiple concave surfaces 106b are arranged around the central axis Ax. As a result, the concave surfaces 106b are arranged along the shape of the ring gear 102 provided around the central axis Ax, and therefore can be easily provided on the ring gear 102 in design.

[0078] The motor 61 is a three-phase motor. Therefore, the motor 61 is provided with three busbar units 75 corresponding to the U, V, and W phases. The joints 85 of the three busbar units 75 can be easily arranged at equal intervals around the central axis Ax. Therefore, three concave surfaces 106b corresponding to the three joints 85 can be easily provided on the ring gear 102 arranged around the central axis Ax in the design. Furthermore, since the joints 85 and the concave surfaces 106b are arranged at equal intervals around the central axis Ax, the motor device 36 can improve the degree of freedom in the angle of arrangement of the motor 61 and the ring gear 102 around the central axis Ax. Furthermore, the motor device 36 can easily be designed so that the convex portions 106 of the ring gear 102 supported by the gear case 91 are arranged at equal intervals around the central axis Ax.

[0079] (Second embodiment) The second embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 5. In the following description of the embodiment, components having the same functions as components already described are given the same reference numerals as the components already described, and further description may be omitted. Furthermore, multiple components given the same reference numerals do not necessarily have all the same functions and properties, and may have different functions and properties according to each embodiment.

[0080] In the second embodiment, the convex portion 106 does not have the concave surface 106b and is spaced circumferentially from the joint portion 85. Furthermore, six grooves 95 are provided in the gear case 91. Note that the concave surface 106b may be provided in one or two of the three convex portions 106, and the joint portion 85 may be housed in the recess 107.

[0081] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a motor device 36 according to a second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5, a gear box 62 according to the second embodiment has a cover 201 instead of the cover 93. Note that the cover 201 is substantially the same as the cover 93, except for the points described below.

[0082] The cover 201 has a partition wall 205, three protrusions 206, and three insulating layers 207. Note that the cover 201 is not limited to this example. The partition wall 205 and the protrusions 206 are made of metal and are integrally formed.

[0083] The partition wall 205 is formed in a plate shape that is approximately perpendicular to the central axis Ax, and is attached to the gear case 91 with screws 111. The partition wall 205 is located between the cover portion 72a of the motor 61 and the ring gear .

[0084] The three protrusions 206 are provided on the outer edge of the partition wall 205 and protrude from the partition wall 205 in the forward direction Df and the rearward direction Db. Note that the protrusions 206 are not limited to this example. The three protrusions 206 are arranged at approximately equal intervals around the central axis Ax. The three grooves 95 and the three protrusions 206 are provided at approximately the same positions around the central axis Ax. The protrusions 206 are fitted into the corresponding grooves 95. The three protrusions 206 each have an end surface 206a and a concave surface 206b. That is, the three concave surfaces 206b are aligned around the central axis Ax.

[0085] The end surface 206a is provided at the end of the convex portion 206 in the rear direction Db and faces the rear direction Db. The end surface 206a faces the gap G of the motor 61. The concave surface 206b is recessed in the front direction Df from the end surface 206a.

[0086] The insulating layer 207 is made of, for example, an insulating synthetic resin. The insulating layer 207 covers at least the entire area of ​​the concave surface 206b of the cover 201. As a result, the insulating layer 207 forms a concave surface 207a of the insulating layer 207 on the concave surface 206b of the protrusion 206.

[0087] The concave surface 207a defines a recess 211. The recess 211 is a substantially rectangular prism-shaped depression with a bottom that opens to the end surface 206a. The joint portion 85 of the corresponding bus bar unit 75 is housed in the recess 211. Therefore, the insulating concave surface 207a surrounds the joint portion 85. The concave surface 207a that defines the recess 211 is spaced apart from the joint portion 85 of the bus bar unit 75. The concave surface 207a may be in contact with the bus bar unit 75.

[0088] The concave surface 207a is located between the gear case 91 and the joint 85. In other words, the concave surface 207a separates the gear case 91 from the joint 85. Furthermore, the concave surface 207a separates the partition wall 205 and the protrusion 206, which are made of metal and are included in the cover 201, from the joint 85. Therefore, the concave surface 207a can prevent a short circuit from occurring at the joint 85.

[0089] In the motor device 36 of the second embodiment described above, the cover 201 is provided with an insulating recessed surface 207a. The cover 201 is attached to the gear case 91 with screws 111. This prevents the cover 201 from moving in the circumferential direction, and thus maintains the distance between the recessed surface 207a and the joint 85. The entire cover 201 may be made of synthetic resin, and the insulating layer 207 may be omitted.

[0090] At least one of the motor devices according to the above-described embodiment includes, for example, a motor having a housing chamber, a coil accommodated in the housing chamber, and an output shaft protruding from the housing chamber and rotatable about a rotation axis; a planetary gear mechanism including a conductive support member, a ring gear supported by the support member and arranged around the rotation axis, a sun gear provided on the output shaft, and planetary gears provided between the ring gear and the sun gear; at least one busbar unit including a second busbar joined to the coil or a first busbar electrically connected to the coil at a joint located outside the housing chamber; and at least one insulating concave surface provided on the ring gear, the concave surface defining a recess in which the joint is accommodated, the concave surface being located between the support member and the joint. Therefore, for example, since the joint is located outside the housing chamber, joining the coil or the first busbar to the second busbar is facilitated. The joint is accommodated in the recess defined by the insulating concave surface. The insulating concave surface separates the joint from the conductive support member. Because the concave surface is provided on the ring gear, the motor device can prevent short circuits between the busbar unit and the support member without adding any other insulating parts. Furthermore, because the joint is located outside the housing chamber, the motor can be made smaller.

[0091] In the above motor device, as an example, the ring gear has an annular portion extending around the rotation axis and at least one protruding portion protruding from the annular portion in a radial direction intersecting the rotation axis, the support member is provided with at least one groove into which the protruding portion is fitted and is configured to support the protruding portion around the rotation axis, and the concave surface is provided on the protruding portion. Therefore, as an example, the support member supports the convex portion, thereby restricting rotation of the ring gear around the rotation axis. Furthermore, the ring gear can have a thinner annular portion than when a concave surface is provided on the annular portion, thereby enabling miniaturization. Furthermore, compared to when the convex portion with the concave surface and the convex portion supported by the support member are separately provided on the ring gear, the support member requires less processing to form the groove.

[0092] In the motor device, for example, the number of the at least one concave surface is two or more, and the concave surfaces are arranged around the rotation axis. Therefore, for example, the concave surfaces are arranged along the shape of a ring gear provided around the rotation axis, and therefore can be easily provided on the ring gear in design.

[0093] In the above motor device, as an example, the motor is a three-phase motor. Therefore, as an example, the three-phase motor is provided with three busbar units corresponding to the U phase, V phase, and W phase. The joints of the three busbar units can be easily arranged at equal intervals around the rotation axis. Therefore, three concave surfaces corresponding to the three joints can be easily provided on a ring gear provided around the rotation axis in the design. Furthermore, by arranging the joints and concave surfaces at equal intervals around the rotation axis, the motor device can improve the degree of freedom in the angle of arrangement of the motor and ring gear around the rotation axis. Furthermore, in the design of the motor device, it is easy to arrange the convex portions of the ring gear supported by the support member at equal intervals around the rotation axis.

[0094]

[0013] At least one of the motor devices according to the above-described embodiments includes, for example, a motor including a housing chamber, a coil housed in the housing chamber, and an output shaft protruding from the housing chamber and rotatable about a rotation axis, a planetary gear mechanism including a conductive support member, a ring gear supported by the support member and disposed around the rotation axis, a sun gear provided on the output shaft, and planetary gears provided between the ring gear and the sun gear, a cover provided between the motor and the ring gear and holding the ring gear, at least one busbar unit including a second busbar joined to the coil or a first busbar electrically connected to the coil at a joint located outside the housing chamber, and at least one insulating concave surface located between the support member and the joint, the concave surface defining a recess in which the joint is housed and positioned. Therefore, for example, since the joint is located outside the housing chamber, joining the coil or the first busbar to the second busbar is facilitated. The joint is accommodated in a recess defined by an insulating concave surface. That is, the insulating recess separates the joint from the conductive support member. Because the recess is provided in the ring gear or the cover, the motor device can suppress short circuits between the busbar and the support member without adding other insulating parts. Furthermore, because the joint is located outside the accommodation chamber, the motor can be made smaller.

[0095] While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above-described embodiments and modifications are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above-described embodiments and modifications can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, combinations, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the configurations and shapes of each embodiment and each modification can be partially interchanged. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 36...motor device, 61...motor, 73a...coil, 74a...output shaft, 75...busbar unit, 77...accommodation chamber, 81...coil side busbar (first busbar), 82...power supply side busbar (second busbar), 85...joint, 91...gear case (support member), 92...planetary gear mechanism, 93, 201...cover, 95...groove, 101...sun gear, 102...ring gear, 103...planetary gear, 105...annular portion, 106...convex portion, 106b, 207a...concave surface, 107, 211...recess, Ax...central axis (rotation axis).

Claims

1. a motor having a housing chamber, a coil housed in the housing chamber, and an output shaft protruding from the housing chamber and rotatable around a rotation axis; a conductive support member; a planetary gear mechanism including a ring gear supported by the support member and provided around the rotation shaft, a sun gear provided on the output shaft, and a planetary gear provided between the ring gear and the sun gear; at least one bus bar unit including a second bus bar joined to the coil or a first bus bar electrically connected to the coil at a joint located outside the accommodation chamber; at least one insulating concave surface provided on the ring gear, defining a recess in which the joint portion is accommodated, and positioned between the support member and the joint portion; A motor device comprising:

2. the ring gear has an annular portion extending around the rotation axis and at least one protrusion protruding from the annular portion in a radial direction intersecting the rotation axis, the support member is provided with at least one groove into which the protrusion is fitted and is configured to support the protrusion around the rotation axis; The concave surface is provided on the convex portion. The motor device of claim 1.

3. the number of the at least one concave surface is two or more, and the concave surfaces are arranged around the rotation axis; The motor device of claim 1.

4. The motor is a three-phase motor. The motor device according to claim 3.

5. a motor having a housing chamber, a coil housed in the housing chamber, and an output shaft protruding from the housing chamber and rotatable around a rotation axis; a conductive support member; a planetary gear mechanism including a ring gear supported by the support member and provided around the rotation shaft, a sun gear provided on the output shaft, and a planetary gear provided between the ring gear and the sun gear; a cover provided between the motor and the ring gear and configured to hold the ring gear; at least one bus bar unit including a second bus bar joined to the coil or a first bus bar electrically connected to the coil at a joint located outside the accommodation chamber; at least one recessed surface that is provided on at least one of the ring gear and the cover, that defines a recess in which the joint portion is accommodated, that is positioned between the support member and the joint portion, and that is insulating; A motor device comprising:

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