Electronic control device

Abstract

To provide an electronic control device with a proximal end of a socket connector made hardly damaged even when a pushing pressure for causing a plug connector to fit into the socket connector is increased.SOLUTION: An electronic control device includes: a circuit board mounted with electronic components; a connector block 530 in which socket connectors 534 and 536 including a plurality of terminals are integrated; and a line which connects the plurality of terminals to the circuit board. Engagement projections 534A and 536A which maintain a fitting state of plug connectors PC1 and PC2 are formed on outer peripheral surfaces of the socket connectors 534 and 536 of the connector block 530. Projecting parts 534B and 534B extending from one face of the connector block 530 in an extension direction of the socket connectors 534 and 536 are formed in a proximal end which is positioned directly under the engage projections 534A and 536A in a planar view of the connector block 530.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic control device. [Background technology]

[0002] As described in JP 2021-125391 A (Patent Document 1), the socket connector of the electronic control device is provided with a locking mechanism that maintains the mated state with the plug connector. The locking mechanism of the socket connector is configured as an engaging protrusion that extends outward from the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical socket connector. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-125391 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the mating operation of mating a plug connector with a socket connector is generally performed manually, which makes it difficult to control the pressure with which the plug socket is pressed against the socket connector, and therefore the pressing force of the plug connector is prone to variation.For this reason, if the plug connector is pressed against the socket connector with an unexpected pressing force, the engagement force with which the engaging protrusion of the socket connector engages with the locking mechanism (engagement recess) of the plug connector will increase, and excessive stress will be generated in the base end located directly below the engaging protrusion, which may cause damage.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an electronic control device that is less likely to damage the base end of the socket connector even when a large pressing force is applied when fitting the plug connector to the socket connector. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The electronic control device includes a circuit board on which electronic components are mounted, a connector block integrated with at least one socket connector having a plurality of terminals, and lines electrically connecting the plurality of terminals to the circuit board. An engaging protrusion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the socket connector of the connector block to maintain a mated state with the plug connector. In addition, a protrusion is formed at a base end of the socket connector located directly below the engaging protrusion in a plan view of the connector block, extending from one surface of the connector block in the direction of extension of the socket connector, and is integrated from one surface of the connector block to the base end of the socket connector. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, even if the pressing force applied to fit the plug connector to the socket connector in the electronic control device increases, damage to the base end of the socket connector can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an electric power steering system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a motor unit. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of a connector block. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a connector block. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of an example of a connector block. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams of the operation and effect when the plug connector is fitted into the socket connector; [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the reason why resin moldability is improved. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a first modified example of the connector block. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a second modified example of the connector block. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 1 shows an example of an electric power steering system 100, which is an example of an application target of this embodiment, and is attached to a vehicle such as a passenger car, a bus, a truck, or construction machinery. Note that the electric power steering system 100 described below is merely an example showing one example of this embodiment, and should not be construed as being limited to this configuration.

[0010] The electric power steering system 100 includes a rack-and-pinion steering gear box 200 and a motor unit 300 that assists the driver's steering wheel operation force.

[0011] The steering gearbox 200 includes an input shaft 210 to which a steering wheel is connected via a steering shaft, a pinion (not shown) fixed to the tip of the input shaft 210, a rack (not shown) extending in the left-right direction and meshing with the pinion, and a gear housing 220 that houses the pinion and rack. Tie rods 230 are connected to both ends of the rack. Tie rod ends 240, which are connected to knuckle arms of the steering knuckle, are connected to the tip of the tie rod 230. Laterally expandable rubber boots 250 are attached to both ends of the gear housing 220 to prevent rainwater, dust, and other foreign matter from entering the interior. A torque sensor 260 is attached to the middle of the input shaft 210 to detect steering torque, which indicates the force with which the driver operates the steering wheel. The torque sensor 260 is duplicated (redundant) for purposes such as improving safety, and therefore outputs two output signals.

[0012] A mounting portion 270 is formed at a predetermined location on the gear housing 220 for mounting the motor unit 300 with the axis of the motor unit 300 approximately parallel to the axis of the gear housing 220. The mounting portion 270 is formed, for example, on a protruding surface that follows the outline of the joint surface of the motor unit 300, and has a reducer and ball nut gear (not shown) disposed inside it that transmits the rotational driving force of the motor unit 300 to the rack while reducing the speed.

[0013] 2, the motor unit 300 includes an electric motor 400 such as a brushless motor, and an electronic control device 500 that is integrally coupled to the electric motor 400 and controls the electric motor 400. The electronic control device 500 has a power module 510 that drives the electric motor 400, a circuit board 520 on which multiple electronic components are mounted, a resin connector block 530, an aluminum alloy cover 540, and a ventilation filter 550.

[0014] A power module 510 is disposed on the back surface of the electric motor 400, i.e., on the end surface opposite to the end surface from which the output shaft 410 connected to a steering gear (not shown) protrudes, and applies a voltage to the stator of the electric motor 400 to rotate the output shaft 410. Four cylindrical mounting bosses 420 are provided at predetermined locations on the back surface of the electric motor 400, extending axially from the back surface. A connector block 530 is fastened and fixed to the tip ends of the mounting bosses 420 with four screws 560, with the circuit board 520 interposed therebetween. The number of mounting bosses 420 provided on the back surface of the electric motor 400 is not limited to four, and any number may be used depending on, for example, the sizes of the circuit board 520 and the connector block 530.

[0015] The circuit board 520 is configured to include two printed circuit boards 522 and 524 on which a plurality of electronic components are mounted, and a flexible cable 526 that electrically connects the two printed circuit boards 522 and 524. Note that the circuit board 520 is not limited to the configuration shown in the figure, and may be configured to include one printed circuit board, or three or more printed circuit boards. Furthermore, the two printed circuit boards 522 and 524 are not limited to being electrically connected by the flexible cable 526, and may be electrically connected by, for example, lead wires.

[0016] 3, the connector block 530 is a resin member that integrates a bottom plate 532 made of a plate member that is approximately rectangular in plan view, two first socket connectors 534 having signal terminals ST, power terminals PT, and ground terminals GT, and two second socket connectors 536 having torque sensor terminals TT. Here, the first socket connectors 534 and the second socket connectors 536 are given as an example of socket connectors. The signal terminals ST, power terminals PT, ground terminals GT, and torque sensor terminals TT are given as an example of terminals.

[0017] The signal terminal ST of the first socket connector 534 is a terminal for transmitting and receiving arbitrary data to and from other electronic control devices, etc., and is connected to other electronic control devices, etc., mounted on the vehicle, for example, via a wire harness and a CAN (Controller Area Network) bus. The power supply terminal PT of the first socket connector 534 is a terminal for receiving current from a DC power supply (battery) mounted on the vehicle, and is connected to the positive pole of the DC power supply, for example, via a wire harness. The ground terminal GT of the first socket connector 534 is a terminal for returning current to the DC power supply mounted on the vehicle, and is connected to the negative pole of the DC power supply, for example, via a wire harness. The torque sensor terminal TT of the second socket connector 536 is a terminal for receiving an output signal from the torque sensor 260, and is connected to the output terminal of the torque sensor 260, for example, via a wire harness.

[0018] The first socket connector 534 and the second socket connector 536 of the connector block 530 have openings in the shape of rounded rectangles with four arc-shaped corners in a plan view seen from the direction in which they extend. A first plug connector PC1 provided at the tip of a wire harness connecting to a battery and a CAN bus, and a second plug connector PC2 provided at the tip of a wire harness connecting to the torque sensor 260, are detachably fitted into the openings of the first socket connector 534 and the second socket connector 536, respectively, as shown in Fig. 4. Here, the first plug connector PC1 and the second plug connector PC2 are given as examples of plug connectors.

[0019] An engaging protrusion 534A, 536A that maintains the mated state with the first plug connector PC1 and the second plug connector PC2 is formed at a predetermined position on one of the four faces that make up the outer circumferential surfaces of the first socket connector 534 and the second socket connector 536. The engaging protrusion 534A, 536A is formed on one face that can operate a locking mechanism (not shown) provided on the first socket connector 534 and the second socket connector 536 when the first plug connector PC1 and the second plug connector PC2 are mated with each other, for example. Furthermore, the engaging protrusion 534A, 536A is formed near the center of each face that makes up the outer circumferential surface of the first socket connector 534 and the second socket connector 536 in a plan view.

[0020] The signal terminal ST, power terminal PT, and ground terminal GT of the first socket connector 534 are electrically connected to the circuit board 520 via lead wires (not shown) at least partially sealed in the bottom plate 532 of the connector block 530 and a bus bar BB. The torque sensor terminal TT of the second socket connector 536 is electrically connected to the circuit board 520 via lead wires (not shown) at least partially sealed in the bottom plate 532 of the connector block 530. Here, the lead wires and the bus bar BB are given as an example of lines that electrically connect multiple terminals to the circuit board.

[0021] Here, resin connector block 530 is generally manufactured by injection molding using a mold. In injection molding, a material such as synthetic resin is heated and melted, injected into a mold, and then cooled and hardened, allowing products of a variety of shapes, including complex shapes, to be continuously manufactured at low cost.

[0022] The cover 540 has a cylindrical shape with a bottom, including a cylindrical peripheral wall portion 540A and a bottom wall portion 540B that closes one axial opening end of the peripheral wall portion 540A so as to accommodate the circuit board 520 fixed to the back surface of the electric motor 400. The bottom wall portion 540B of the cover 540 is formed with an opening portion 540C through which the first socket connector 534 and the second socket connector 536 can pass together. Therefore, the leading ends of the first socket connector 534 and the second socket connector 536 protrude to the outside through the opening portion 540C, allowing a wire harness (not shown) to be detachably connected to the opening portion. Furthermore, a cylindrical inner end portion 540D that extends parallel to the axial direction of the peripheral wall portion 540A is integrally joined to the inner peripheral end of the opening portion 540C of the cover 540 toward the other axial direction of the peripheral wall portion 540A. The peripheral wall portion 540A, the bottom wall portion 540B, the opening portion 540C, and the inner end portion 540D can be integrally formed by, for example, pressing during the manufacturing process of the cover 540.

[0023] A circumferential groove 430 into which the opening end (outer edge 540E) of the other end of the peripheral wall 540A of the cover 540 can be fitted over a predetermined depth is formed on the peripheral edge of the back surface of the electric motor 400. Furthermore, a circumferential groove 538 into which the inner end 540D of the cover 540 can be fitted over a predetermined depth is formed on the peripheral edge of one surface of the bottom plate 532 of the connector block 530 on which the first socket connector 534 and the second socket connector 536 are erected.

[0024] Therefore, the outer edge 540E and inner end 540D of the cover 540 are fitted into the circumferential groove 430 of the electric motor 400 and the circumferential groove 538 of the connector block 530, respectively, thereby making the internal space of the cover 540 a sealed space. At this time, it is desirable that a well-known sealant be applied to the circumferential groove 430 of the electric motor 400 and the circumferential groove 538 of the connector block 530 to ensure sealing performance with the cover 540.

[0025] Furthermore, a ventilation filter 550 that is breathable and exhibits waterproof and dustproof properties is disposed on the back surface of the electric motor 400 at a position facing the shaft portion of the output shaft 410. Therefore, the internal space of the cover 540 attached to the back surface of the electric motor 400 communicates with the external space via the ventilation filter 550 and the internal space of the electric motor 400, and pressure fluctuations in the internal space of the cover 540 can be suppressed even if, for example, temperature changes occur.

[0026] As described above, the mating operation of mating the first plug connector PC1 and the second plug connector PC2 with the first socket connector 534 and the second socket connector 536 of the connector block 530, respectively, is generally performed manually, which makes it difficult to control the pressing force. Therefore, the pressing force acting on the first plug connector PC1 and the second plug connector PC2 is likely to vary, and there is a possibility that the first plug connector PC1 and the second plug connector PC2 will be pressed into the first socket connector 534 and the second socket connector 536 with an unexpected pressing force. In this case, the engagement force with which the engagement protrusion 534A of the first socket connector 534 and the engagement protrusion 536A of the second socket connector 536 engage with the locking mechanisms (engagement recesses) of the first plug connector PC1 and the second plug connector PC2 becomes large, which may cause excessive stress to be generated at the base ends of the first socket connector 534 and the second socket connector 536 located directly below the engagement protrusions 534A and 536A, resulting in damage.

[0027] 3 and 4, in a plan view of the connector block 530, a protrusion 534B extending from one surface of the connector block 530 in the extension direction of the first socket connector 534 is formed at the base end of the first socket connector 534 located directly below the engaging protrusion 534A of the first socket connector 534. The protrusion 534B has a rectangular cross section in a plan view of the connector block 530, and is formed from one surface of the connector block 530 to the base end of the first socket connector 534, as shown in FIG.

[0028] Furthermore, in a plan view of the connector block 530, a protrusion 536B extending from one surface of the connector block 530 in the extension direction of the second socket connector 536 is formed at the base end of the second socket connector 536 located directly below the engaging protrusion 536A of the second socket connector 536. The protrusion 536B has a rectangular cross section in a plan view of the connector block 530, and is formed from one surface of the connector block 530 to the base end of the second socket connector 536, as shown in FIG.

[0029] Here, it is desirable that the protrusions 534B and 536B have a width at least greater than the width of the engaging protrusions 534A and 536A so as to fully receive the engaging force of the engaging protrusion 534A of the first socket connector 534 and the engaging protrusion 536A of the second socket connector 536. Note that the cross section of the protrusions 534B and 536B is not limited to a rectangular shape when viewed from above the connector block 530, and they may be formed in any shape, such as a semicircular or trapezoidal cross section.

[0030] According to the electronic control device 500, even if the pressing force when fitting the first plug connector PC1 and the second plug connector PC2 to the first socket connector 534 and the second socket connector 536 increases, it is possible to make it difficult for damage to occur to the base ends of the first socket connector 534 and the second socket connector 536, as described below. Note that, for the sake of simplicity, the following will describe the case where the first plug connector PC1 is fitted to the first socket connector 534, but the same applies to the case where the second plug connector PC2 is fitted to the second socket connector 536.

[0031] 6, when the engaging projection 534A of the first socket connector 534 engages with the locking mechanism (engagement recess RP) of the first plug connector PC1, a large stress is generated at the base end of the first socket connector 534 located directly below the engaging projection 534A in a plan view of the first socket connector 534. However, since the protrusion 534B is integrally formed at the base end of the first socket connector 534 located directly below the engaging projection 534A of the first socket connector 534, the mechanical strength of that portion is improved and it can withstand the stress. At this time, by preventing the tip end of the first plug connector PC1 from abutting against the upper surface of the protrusion 534B of the first socket connector 534 as shown in the same figure, pressing force is not directly transmitted from the tip end of the first plug connector PC1 to the protrusion 534B of the first socket connector 534, and thus excessive stress can be prevented from being generated at the protrusion 534B.

[0032] Therefore, it is possible to make the base end of first socket connector 534 less susceptible to damage simply by integrally forming protrusion 534B at the base end located directly below engaging protrusion 534A of first socket connector 534. Note that protrusion 534B of first socket connector 534 can be formed, for example, simply by changing the mold that integrally molds resin connector block 530, and therefore increases in cost and weight can be almost ignored.

[0033] Because the opening of first socket connector 534 rises vertically from one surface of bottom plate 532, the thickness of connector block 530 changes abruptly at that portion. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7 , when resin is poured from gate portion GP at the bottom of connector block 530, the flow of resin supplied toward the tip of the opening of first socket connector 534 may be poor, potentially reducing resin moldability. However, because protrusion 534B is formed at the base end of first socket connector 534, the thickness of connector block 530 changes gradually in stages, improving resin flow and resin moldability. Furthermore, improved resin moldability improves the quality of connector block 530 while suppressing deformation, thereby reducing residual stress after connector block 530 is manufactured.

[0034] In a plan view of the connector block 530, one surface thereof, excluding its peripheral edge, the first socket connector 534 and its protrusion 534B, and the second socket connector 536 and its protrusion 536B, may be formed with a recess 570 recessed in the thickness direction (toward the other surface) of the bottom plate 532 of the connector block 530, as shown in FIG. 8 . Note that the peripheral edge of the connector block 530 includes a circumferential groove 538 formed in the peripheral edge of the bottom plate 532. This reduces the absolute amount of resin constituting the connector block 530, thereby achieving weight and cost reductions. Furthermore, because the thickness of the bottom plate 532 of the connector block 530 is reduced, the difference in hardening speed between the surface and interior resins is reduced, thereby reducing or eliminating warping of the resin connector block 530 finally manufactured using a mold.

[0035] When recess 570 is formed on one surface of bottom plate 532 of connector block 530, it is desirable that the tip ends of protrusion 534B of first socket connector 534 and protrusion 536B of second socket connector 536 are located closer to engaging protrusion 534A and 536A than the peripheral edge of bottom plate 532 of connector block 530. In this way, the thickness of the base ends of first socket connector 534 and second socket connector 536 rising vertically from one surface of connector block 530 gradually changes, thereby improving resin moldability as described above.

[0036] The first socket connector 534 and the second socket connector 536 are not limited to a configuration having one protrusion 534B and 536B on one surface of their base ends, and may be configured to have protrusions 534B and 536B on four surfaces of the base ends of the first socket connector 534 and the second socket connector 536, respectively, as shown in Fig. 9. In this case, the protrusion 534B of the first socket connector 534 and the protrusion 536B of the second socket connector 536 can be formed near the center of each surface where stress is likely to occur in a plan view of the connector block 530. In this way, the mechanical strength of the base ends of the first socket connector 534 and the second socket connector 536 can be further improved, making it easier to achieve the above-mentioned functions and effects. Furthermore, when the first plug connector PC1 and the second plug connector PC2 are attempted to be fitted at an angle to the first socket connector 534 and the second socket connector 536, large stresses are generated on the four sides of the base end, making it easy for bending to occur in the center of each side, but the formation of protrusions 534B and 536B at these points makes it possible to reduce the bending.

[0037] It is sufficient that at least one protrusion 534B or 536B other than the protrusions 534B or 536B located directly below the engaging protrusions 534A or 536A is formed. In this case, it is desirable to form them in the following order: on the surface opposite to the surface on which the engaging protrusions 534A or 536A are formed, on the opposing surface, and on the side surface thereof.

[0038] Furthermore, recess 570 of connector block 530 may be formed in connector block 530 shown in Figures 3 to 5. In this way, the above-described functions and effects of recess 570 can be exerted in connector block 530 shown in Figures 3 to 5.

[0039] Furthermore, a person skilled in the art will easily understand that new embodiments can be created by omitting parts of the technical ideas of the above embodiments, combining parts as appropriate, or replacing parts with well-known technology.

[0040] To cite one example, connector block 530 is not limited to a configuration in which two first socket connectors 534 and two second socket connectors 536 are integrated, but may be a configuration in which at least one socket connector is integrated. Furthermore, the terminals of first socket connector 534 and second socket connector 536 are not limited to the configuration described above, and may be configured according to, for example, the number of input / output signals.

[0041] Furthermore, the electronic control device 500 is not limited to being integrated into the rear surface of the electric motor 400, but may be, for example, housed in a housing separate from the electric motor 400. In addition, the electronic control device 500 is not limited to being configured to control the electric motor 400 of the electric power steering system 100, but may be, for example, configured to control various devices mounted on a vehicle, a ship, or the like.

[0042] Furthermore, the openings of the first socket connector 534 and the second socket connector 536 are not limited to a rounded rectangular shape in a plan view of the connector block 530, and may be any shape, such as a circle, an oval, or an ellipse. [Explanation of symbols]

[0043] 500...Electronic control device, 520...Circuit board, 530...Connector block, 534...First socket connector (connector), 534A...Engagement protrusion, 534B...Protrusion, 536...Second socket connector (connector), 536A...Engagement protrusion, 536B...Protrusion, 570...Recess, ST...Signal terminal (terminal), PT...Power terminal (terminal), GT...Ground terminal (terminal), TT...Torque sensor terminal (terminal), BB...Bus bar (line), PC1...First plug connector (plug connector), PC2...Second plug connector (plug connector)

Claims

1. a circuit board on which electronic components are mounted; a connector block integrated with at least one socket connector having a plurality of terminals; lines electrically connecting the plurality of terminals to the circuit board; An electronic control device comprising: an engaging projection formed on the outer peripheral surface of the socket connector of the connector block to maintain a fitted state with the plug connector; In a plan view of the connector block, a protrusion extending from one surface of the connector block toward the extension direction of the socket connector is formed at a base end of the socket connector located directly below the engaging protrusion, the protrusion being integrated from one surface of the connector block to the base end of the socket connector. Electronic control unit.

2. In a plan view of the connector block, a recess is formed on one surface of the connector block, excluding the peripheral edge of the connector block, the socket connector, and its protrusion, the recess being recessed toward the other surface of the connector block. The electronic control device according to claim 1 .

3. The tip of the protrusion is located closer to the engaging protrusion than the peripheral edge of the connector block. The electronic control device according to claim 2 .

4. The socket connector has a rounded rectangular opening, In a plan view of the connector block, another protrusion is formed on a base end portion of at least one of the other three surfaces of the socket connector excluding the one surface on which the engaging protrusion is formed, and the other protrusion is integrated from the one surface of the connector block to the base end portion of the socket connector and extends from the one surface of the connector block in the extension direction of the socket connector. The electronic control device according to claim 1 .

5. In a plan view of the connector block, the engaging projection, the protruding portion, and the other protruding portion are formed near the center of each surface constituting the outer peripheral surface of the socket connector. The electronic control device according to claim 4.

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