Electric device

Abstract

To provide a dynamo-electric device capable of easily performing an airtightness inspection before use and protecting a waterproof ventilation film in use.SOLUTION: A dynamo-electric device comprises: an electrical driving portion 50; a circuit board 70 on which a control unit for controlling driving of the electrical driving portion is mounted; a housing H that houses the electrical driving portion and the circuit board; a ventilation portion that is formed in the housing so as to provide communication between an inside of the housing with outside; and a waterproof ventilation film 80 that is arranged on the inner side relative to the ventilation portion. The ventilation portion includes: a penetration path 27a that extends outward from a region where the waterproof ventilation film is arranged; a folding path Rp that is formed so as to be folded from an opening end 27a1 of the penetration path; and an external communication port Op that places the penetration path in communication with the outside via the folding path. The housing includes an opening part 17a that is formed so as to face the opening end 27a1 of the penetration path and is blocked so as to cover the opening end 27a1 during use.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric device having a ventilation structure that suppresses the pressure difference between the inside and outside of a housing that accommodates an electric part such as a motor and a circuit board, and in particular to an electric device having a waterproof breathable membrane in the housing. [Background technology]

[0002] A known conventional electric device is a motor with a reducer, which includes a gear case that houses a reduction mechanism, a motor case that houses a brushless motor that transmits power to the reduction mechanism, a controller board and power supply unit that are disposed within the gear case and control the drive of the brushless motor, and a pressure compensation unit that maintains the pressure within the gear case within a predetermined value (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In this motor with a reducer, the pressure compensation section is formed by a ventilation hole opened in the gear case, a frame body fixed to the gear case outside the ventilation hole, and a porous membrane serving as a waterproof, breathable membrane fixed to the frame body and positioned so as to be directly exposed to the atmosphere outside the gear case. Here, since this motor with a reduction gear is used as a wiper motor that drives a wiper that wipes away dust and raindrops from the windshield of a vehicle such as an automobile, there is a risk that the porous membrane will be destroyed if splashes of water, a fountain, or a foreign object collides with the porous membrane. To address this issue, if a protective wall is simply provided to prevent the porous membrane from being visually recognized, it will be difficult to easily inspect the inside of the gear case for airtightness through the porous membrane. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-57964 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide an electric device that can easily perform an airtight inspection before use and can protect a waterproof, breathable membrane during use, in consideration of the problems with the prior art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The electric device of the present invention is an electric device comprising an electrically operated electric part, a circuit board equipped with a control unit that drives and controls the electric part, a housing that accommodates the electric part and the circuit board, a ventilation part formed in the housing to connect the inside of the housing with the outside, and a waterproof air-permeable membrane arranged inside the ventilation part, wherein the ventilation part includes a through passage extending outward from the area in which the waterproof air-permeable membrane is arranged, a folded passage formed to fold back from the open end of the through passage, and an external communication port that connects the through passage to the outside via the folded passage, and the housing includes an opening that is formed to face the open end of the through passage and is blocked to cover the open end when in use.

[0007] In the above-mentioned electric device, a configuration may be adopted in which the through passage opens so as to face the waterproof air-permeable membrane in a region closer to the outer edge away from the center of the waterproof air-permeable membrane.

[0008] The electric device may include a cylindrical portion that defines the through passage, and the turn-back passage may be formed around the cylindrical portion.

[0009] In the above-mentioned electric device, the electric part is a motor that generates a driving force, and the housing may include a housing main body having a motor accommodating recess for accommodating the motor, a motor cover joined to the housing main body to cover the motor accommodating recess, and an outer cover joined to the motor cover to cover the circuit board and waterproof breathable membrane arranged on the outside of the motor cover.

[0010] In the above-mentioned electric device, a configuration may be adopted in which the motor cover includes an installation portion for installing a waterproof breathable membrane and a through passage, the housing main body includes a folded passage and an opening, and the motor cover and the housing main body cooperate to define an external communication port.

[0011] In the above-described electric device, a configuration may be adopted in which the motor cover includes an expanded space communicating with the turn-back passage, and the external communication port communicates with the turn-back passage via the expanded space.

[0012] In the above-described electric device, a configuration may be adopted in which the motor cover includes a cylindrical portion defining the through passage, and the turn-back passage is formed around the cylindrical portion.

[0013] In the above-mentioned electric device, the motor cover and the housing body may be fitted together to be positioned on a predetermined axis, and the cylindrical portion may include a positioning protrusion that abuts against the inner wall surface of the folded passage to position the motor cover relative to the housing body about the axis.

[0014] In the above-mentioned electric device, a configuration may be adopted in which the housing body and the motor cover define a first internal space, the outer cover and the motor cover define a second internal space, the motor cover is formed to communicate between the first internal space and the second internal space, and the through passage is formed to communicate with the second internal space.

[0015] In the above-described electric device, a configuration may be adopted in which the housing body includes a flange portion formed to protrude from a wall portion that defines the motor accommodating recess, and a turn-back passage and an opening portion are formed in the flange portion.

[0016] In the above-described electrically-driven device, a configuration may be adopted in which the opening is covered by a joint of an object to which the housing body is joined.

[0017] In the electrically-driven device, a configuration may be adopted that includes a shielding member attached to the housing body to shield the opening.

[0018] The above-mentioned electric device may employ a configuration in which a driven body driven by a drive shaft of the motor is included, and the housing body includes a driven body accommodating recess for accommodating the driven body.

[0019] In the above-described electric device, a configuration may be adopted that includes a driven body cover joined to the housing body so as to cover the driven body accommodating recess.

[0020] In the above-described electric device, a configuration may be adopted in which the driven body is a pump unit that causes a fluid to flow, and the driven body accommodating recess is a pump accommodating recess.

[0021] In the above-described electric device, the driven body cover may be a pump cover that is joined to the housing main body to cover the pump accommodating recess, and the pump cover may be configured to include an intake passage for sucking in fluid and a discharge passage for discharging the fluid. Effect of the Invention

[0022] With an electric device having the above-described configuration, airtightness testing can be easily performed before it is assembled to the object of application, and when it is attached to the object of application and in use, it is possible to protect the waterproof breathable membrane while preventing the intrusion of foreign matter such as water and dust into the housing. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is an external perspective view showing an electric device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which an electrically-driven device according to a first embodiment is attached to an application object. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the electric device according to the first embodiment, seen from the housing main body side. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the electric device according to the first embodiment, seen from the outer cover side. [Diagram 5]FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing a motor cover included in the electric device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a housing main body included in the electric device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] 4 is a partial plan view showing a structure for positioning a motor cover about an axis relative to a housing main body in the electric device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the state in which the inspection opening is exposed for airtightness inspection before the electric device of the first embodiment is attached to the object to which it is applied, with the ventilation area being partially enlarged. [Figure 9] 1 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the electrically-driven device according to the first embodiment is attached to an object to which the device is to be applied and an inspection opening of a ventilation section is blocked by a joint of the object to which the device is to be applied. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 6 is an external perspective view showing an electric device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of an electric device according to a second embodiment, seen from the housing main body side. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of an electric device according to a second embodiment, seen from the outer cover side. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is an external perspective view showing a motor cover included in an electric device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a housing main body included in an electric device according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 15] 13 is a partial plan view showing a structure for positioning a motor cover about an axis relative to a housing main body in an electric device according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 16] This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the state in which the inspection opening is exposed for airtightness inspection before the electric device of the second embodiment is attached to the object to which it is applied, with the ventilation area being partially enlarged. [Figure 17] 13 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the inspection opening of the ventilation section is covered by the covering member after an airtight inspection is completed in the electric device according to the second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an electric device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, partially illustrating the area of ​​the ventilation portion of the housing. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an electric device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, partially illustrating the area of ​​the ventilation portion of the housing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The electric device M according to the first embodiment is a built-in electric pump device that pumps out hydraulic oil as a fluid, and as shown in Figures 1 to 3, it includes a housing main body 10, a motor cover 20, an outer cover 30, a pump cover 40 as a driven body cover, a motor 50 as an electric part, a pump unit 60 as a driven body, a circuit board 70, and a waterproof breathable membrane 80. Here, the housing H of the electric device M is constituted by the housing main body 10, the motor cover 20, and the outer cover 30.

[0025] In addition, as shown in Figure 2, the application object 1 to which the electric device M is applied has a joint 1a forming a plane perpendicular to the axis S of the electric device M, a fitting recess 1b, a hydraulic oil storage section 1c, an introduction passage 1d for leading the hydraulic oil to a supply destination, and four screw holes (not shown) for screwing in mounting screws. The object 1 is, for example, a cooling and lubrication system for a vehicle transmission, a cooling and lubrication system for an engine, or any other device requiring circulation of hydraulic oil.

[0026] The housing body 10 is formed using a metal material such as steel, cast iron, sintered steel, aluminum alloy, etc., and is provided with a pump accommodating recess 11 as a driven body accommodating recess 13, a joint surface 12, a motor accommodating recess 13, a partition wall portion 14, a fitting recess 15, a flange portion 16, a through hole 17, and four boss portions 18, as shown in Figures 3, 4 and 6.

[0027] The pump accommodating recess 11 is an area that rotatably accommodates the pump unit 60, and as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, has an inner circumferential surface 11a and a bottom surface 11b. The inner peripheral surface 11a forms a cylindrical surface centered on an axis offset in parallel with the axis S, and slidably supports the outer peripheral surface of an outer rotor 62 that constitutes a part of the pump unit 60. The bottom surface 11b slidably receives the inner end surface of the pump unit 60 (the inner rotor 61 and the outer rotor 62) in the direction of the axis S. The joining surface 12 is formed as an annular flat surface perpendicular to the axis S in order to join the pump cover 40 that covers the pump accommodating recess 11, and is provided with three screw holes 12a into which screws b3 for fastening the pump cover 40 are screwed.

[0028] The motor accommodating recess 13 is an area for accommodating the motor 50, and as shown in FIG. 6, has an inner circumferential surface 13a, an inner circumferential surface 13b, and an inner circumferential surface 13c. The inner circumferential surface 13a is formed as a cylindrical surface centered on the axis S so that a stator 51 of the motor 50 is fitted and fixed thereto. The inner peripheral surface 13b is formed as a cylindrical surface with the axis line S as its center so that a bearing B1 that rotatably supports a drive shaft 53 of the motor 50 is fitted and fixed therein. The inner peripheral surface 13c is formed as a cylindrical surface centered on the axis S so that a lip-type seal member Sr that seals around the drive shaft 53 can be fitted and fixed thereto.

[0029] The partition wall portion 14 is formed so as to separate the pump accommodating recess 11 and the motor accommodating recess 13, and is provided with an insertion hole 14a having an axis S as its center. The insertion hole 14a is formed as a cylindrical surface with the axis S as the center so that the drive shaft 53 of the motor 50 can be rotatably inserted therethrough.

[0030] The fitting recess 15 is formed as a cylindrical surface centered on the axis S in the outer end region of the motor accommodating recess 13. The fitting protrusion 22 of the motor cover 20 is fitted into the fitting recess 15. That is, by fitting the fitting protrusion 22 of the motor cover 20 into the fitting recess 15 of the housing body 10, the center of the cylindrical bearing portion 23 formed in the motor cover 20 is positioned coaxially with the axis S of the housing body 10.

[0031] 3, 4 and 6, the flange portion 16 is formed in a flat plate shape protruding from a wall portion 13d that defines the motor accommodating recess 13 in a direction perpendicular to the axis S. The flange portion 16 has a joint surface 16a, a joint surface 16b, and four screw holes 16c into which screws b2 that fasten the outer cover 30 and the motor cover 20 are screwed.

[0032] The joint surface 16a is formed as a plane perpendicular to the axis S so as to be joined to the joint portion 1a of the application object 1. The joint surface 16a is also formed with an annular groove 16a1 into which a seal member SR3 is fitted to be interposed between the joint surface 16a and the joint portion 1a. The seal member SR3 is an O-ring made of a rubber material. The joining surface 16b is formed as a plane perpendicular to the axis S so that the motor cover 20 is joined thereto with the seal member SR1 sandwiched therebetween.

[0033] The through hole 17 is formed as a cylindrical hole extending parallel to the axis S in the flange portion 16 so that a cylindrical portion 27 formed in the motor cover 20 can be inserted with a gap therebetween. Then, as shown in FIG. 8, when the tubular portion 27 is inserted into the through hole 17, the through hole 17 defines an inspection opening 17a as an opening that opens onto the joining surface 16a so as to expose the opening end 27a1 of the tubular portion 27 to the outside. As shown in FIG. 8, the inspection opening 17a is used to connect an inspection probe P to the tip of the tubular portion 27, i.e., the opening end 27a1 of the through passage 27a defined by the tubular portion 27, during an airtight inspection after assembling the electric device M.

[0034] Further, the inner peripheral surface 17b of the through hole 17 cooperates with the outer wall surface of the cylindrical portion 27 to define a turn-back passage Rp that constitutes a part of the ventilation portion. Here, the turn-back passage Rp is formed around the cylindrical portion 27 so as to turn back in the opposite direction from the open end 27a1 of the through passage 27a defined by the cylindrical portion 27. That is, the flange portion 16 is formed with a turn-back passage Rp that constitutes a part of the ventilation portion and an inspection opening 17a. The boss portion 18 has a circular hole through which a mounting screw for mounting the housing body 10 to the joint portion 1a of the application object 1 is passed.

[0035] The motor cover 20 is joined to the housing body 10 to cover the motor accommodating recess 13 of the housing body 10, and is formed using a resin material, and as shown in Figures 3, 4, 5 and 8, has a joint surface 21, a mating protrusion 22, a bearing cylindrical portion 23, an opening 24, a joint surface 25, an installation portion 26, a tubular portion 27, six boss portions 28a having screw holes for screwing in screws b1 that fasten the circuit board 70, four circular holes 28b for passing screws b2, and a connector portion 29 with embedded terminals.

[0036] The joint surface 21 is formed as a plane perpendicular to the axis S so as to be joined to the joint surface 16b of the housing body 10. An annular groove 21a in which a seal member SR1 is disposed is formed in the joint surface 21. The seal member SR1 is an annular molded rubber made of a rubber material or a liquid seal material injected during joining. The fitting protrusion 22 is fitted into the fitting recess 15 of the housing body 10 and is formed in a cylindrical shape centered on the axis S so that the center of the bearing cylindrical portion 23 is positioned on the axis S.

[0037] The cylindrical bearing portion 23 is formed by press-fitting a metal molded product that defines a cylindrical surface centered on the axis S, so that a bearing B2 that supports the drive shaft 53 of the motor 50 is fitted and fixed therein. The opening 24 is formed as a circular hole that opens coaxially with the bearing cylindrical portion 23 so that the detected portion D provided at the end of the drive shaft 53 faces a detection sensor (not shown) provided on the circuit board 70. The joining surface 25 is formed as a plane perpendicular to the axis S so that the joining surface 31 of the outer cover 30 is joined to it. An annular groove 25a in which a seal member SR2 is disposed is formed in the joining surface 25. The seal member SR2 is an annular molded rubber made of a rubber material or a liquid seal material injected during joining. As shown in Figures 4 and 8, the installation portion 26 is formed as an annular recess that is recessed toward the joining surface 21 in the direction of the axis S and has a joining surface in its outer edge region, in order to install a disk-shaped waterproof breathable membrane 80 in the region inside the joining surface 25.

[0038] As shown in Figure 8, the tubular portion 27 is formed in the flange portion 16 so as to extend in the direction of the axis S from the area in which the waterproof breathable membrane 80 is arranged, and defines a through passage 27a that forms part of the ventilation portion that connects the inside of the housing H with the outside. In other words, when the motor cover 20 is joined to the housing main body 10, the tubular portion 27 is inserted into the inside of the through hole 17, the through passage 27a extends outward toward the inspection opening 17a, and the opening end 27a1 of the through passage 27a is formed so as to be positioned inside the joining surface 16a of the flange portion 16 (the upper inspection opening 17a).

[0039] 5 and 7, the cylindrical portion 27 has a plurality of protrusions 27b as positioning protrusions that protrude radially outward from the outer circumferential surface. When the motor cover 20 is joined to the housing main body 10, the two protrusions 27b abut against the inner circumferential surface 17b of the through hole 17, which serves as the inner wall surface of the turn-back passage Rp, as shown in Fig. 7, and serve to position the motor cover 20 at a predetermined position around the axis S relative to the housing main body 10. In this way, the cylindrical portion 27 that constitutes the ventilation portion also serves the function of positioning the motor cover 20 around the axis S relative to the housing main body 10, eliminating the need to provide a separate dedicated positioning portion and simplifying the structure.

[0040] As shown in Figs. 5 and 8, an annular recess 27c is formed in the root region of the tubular portion 27, and functions as an expanded space that constitutes a part of the ventilation portion. Furthermore, continuous with the annular recess 27c, there is formed a step portion 27d that is recessed from the joint surface 21. The area of ​​the step portion 27d defines an external communication port Op that forms part of the ventilation portion as a predetermined gap between the flange portion 16 (joint surface 16b) of the housing body 10 when the motor cover 20 is joined to the housing body 10. That is, the motor cover 20 and the housing body 10 cooperate to define an external communication port Op. As shown in FIG. 8, the external communication port Op is formed at a position offset from the opening end 27a1 of the through passage 27a, i.e., so as to open in a different direction (here, in a direction different by approximately 90 degrees) so as not to face the opening end 27a1, and is configured to connect the through passage 27a to the outside via the return passage Rp.

[0041] As described above, the ventilation section formed in the housing H includes the through passage 27a extending outward from the area where the waterproof breathable membrane 80 is arranged, the folded passage Rp formed to fold back from the opening end 27a1 of the through passage 27a, and the external communication port Op that connects the through passage 27a to the outside via the folded passage Rp, thereby connecting the inside of the housing H to the outside.

[0042] The outer cover 30 covers the circuit board 70 and waterproof breathable membrane 80 arranged on the outside of the motor cover 20, and is formed using a resin material. As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 8, the outer cover 30 has a joint surface 31 that is joined to the joint surface 25 of the motor cover 20, an accommodation section 32 that accommodates the circuit board 70 and the waterproof breathable membrane 80, and four circular holes 33 for passing screws b2. Then, with the circuit board 70 and the waterproof breathable membrane 80 attached to the motor cover 20, the outer cover 30 is fixed to the housing body 10 by joining the joint surface 31 to the joint surface 25 of the motor cover 20 with the screws b2.

[0043] The pump cover 40 is joined to the housing body 10 so as to cover the pump accommodating recess 11 of the housing body 10, and is formed in a flat plate shape using a material such as steel, cast iron, sintered steel, or an aluminum alloy. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the pump cover 40 has a cylindrical portion 41, a cylindrical portion 42, an inner wall surface 43, a central recess 44 for receiving the tip of the drive shaft 53, and three circular holes 45 for passing through fastening screws b3.

[0044] The cylindrical portion 41 defines a suction passage 41a for sucking hydraulic oil, and is disposed within the reservoir portion 1c of the application object 1. The cylindrical portion 42 defines a discharge passage 42a for discharging the hydraulic oil, and is fitted into the introduction passage 1d of the application object 1. The inner wall surface 43 slidably receives the outer end surface of the pump unit 60 (the inner rotor 61 and the outer rotor 62 ) housed in the pump housing recess 11 . With the pump unit 60 accommodated in the pump accommodating recess 11, the pump cover 40 is fixed to the housing body 10 by joining the inner wall surface 43 to the joining surface 12 of the housing body 10 with the screws b3.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the motor 50 is a three-phase brushless motor including a stator 51, a rotor 52, and a drive shaft 53. The stator 51 includes a stator core formed from a steel plate made of a magnetic material, a bobbin formed from an electrically insulating resin material, and a coil wound around the bobbin. The rotor 52 includes a rotor core formed using a steel plate made of a magnetic material, and a permanent magnet fitted in the rotor core.

[0046] The drive shaft 53 is formed into a cylindrical shape using a steel material or the like and extends in the direction of the axis S, and is fitted to the rotor 52 so as to rotate integrally with the rotor 52. The drive shaft 53 is supported on both sides of the rotor 52 by a bearing B1 fixed to the housing body 10 on one side and a bearing B2 fixed to the motor cover 20 on the other side, so as to be rotatable about the axis S. Further, the drive shaft 53 has a region on the tip side beyond the bearing B1 fitted into a fitting hole 61a of an inner rotor 61, and transmits the rotational driving force to the pump unit 60.

[0047] Furthermore, a lip-type seal member Sr is arranged on the drive shaft 53 in the outer peripheral region between the bearing B1 and the insertion hole 14a, to seal against hydraulic oil flowing from the pump accommodating recess 11 side toward the motor accommodating recess 13, and against air or the like being sucked from the motor accommodating recess 13 side toward the pump accommodating recess 11 side.

[0048] The pump unit 60 is disposed in the pump accommodating recess 11 so as to perform the pumping action of suction, pressurization, and discharge of hydraulic oil, and is a trochoidal type pump unit including an inner rotor 61 and an outer rotor 62, as shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0049] The inner rotor 61 is made of a metal material such as steel or sintered steel and is formed as an external gear having a tooth profile according to a trochoid curve. The inner rotor 61 has an end face that slides on the bottom surface 11b of the housing body 10, an end face that slides on the inner wall surface 43 of the pump cover 40, a fitting hole 61a into which the drive shaft 53 is fitted, and a row of teeth (five protrusions and five recesses) on the outer periphery. The inner rotor 61 rotates integrally with the drive shaft 53 in one direction about the axis S.

[0050] The outer rotor 62 is made of a metal material such as steel or sintered steel and is formed as an internal gear having teeth capable of meshing with the inner rotor 61. The outer rotor 62 has an end face that slides on the bottom surface 11b of the housing body 10, an end face that slides on the inner wall surface 43 of the pump cover 40, a cylindrical outer circumferential surface that slidably contacts the inner circumferential surface 11a, and a row of teeth (six protrusions and six recesses) on the inner circumference.

[0051] The outer rotor 62 rotates in the same direction as the inner rotor 61 about an axis offset from the axis S at a slower speed than the inner rotor 61 while being linked to the rotation of the inner rotor 61 about the axis S. In addition, the inner rotor 61 and the outer rotor 62 are partially meshed with each other, so that a pumping action of suction, pressurization, and discharge is continuously generated between them.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, the circuit board 70 is formed in a flat plate shape and has six circular holes 71 through which the fastening screws b1 pass. The circuit board 70 has wiring printed thereon and is equipped with a control unit that controls the drive of the motor 50 and various electronic components (not shown).In addition, a detection sensor (not shown) is mounted on the inner surface facing the opening 24 of the motor cover 20. The detection sensor detects the rotational position of the rotor 52, and includes three Hall elements arranged in an arc about the axis S so as to face the detection target D in the direction of the axis S.

[0053] The waterproof breathable membrane 80 is formed in a disk shape using a material such as a porous membrane that does not allow liquids such as water droplets or dust to pass through but allows gases such as air to pass through. 8, the waterproof breathable membrane 80 is installed on the installation portion 26 of the motor cover 20 and fixed with an adhesive or the like. The waterproof breathable membrane 80 elastically deforms when subjected to an external force, and the amount of deformation caused by this elastic deformation is greatest in the central region. Here, the positional relationship between the waterproof breathable membrane 80 installed in the installation portion 26 and the through passage 27a defined by the tubular portion 27 is such that the through passage 27a opens opposite the waterproof breathable membrane 80 in an area toward the outer edge away from the center of the waterproof breathable membrane 80. According to this, even if an external force that elastically deforms the waterproof air-permeable membrane 80 acts through the through passage 27a, the through passage 27a is opened at a position away from the central region where the deformation amount is greatest, so the through passage 27a is not blocked by the elastically deformed waterproof air-permeable membrane 80. Therefore, a desired air-tightness test can be performed during an air-tightness test or the like.

[0054] Next, an assembly operation of the electric device M according to the first embodiment will be described. Prior to assembly, the housing main body 10, motor cover 20, outer cover 30, pump cover 40, motor 50 (stator 51, rotor 52, drive shaft 53), pump unit 60 (inner rotor 61, outer rotor 62), circuit board 70 on which a control unit and various electronic components are mounted, waterproof breathable membrane 80, bearings B1, B2, wave spring Sb as a thrust bearing, lip-type seal member Sr, seal members SR1, SR2, and multiple screws b1, b2, b3 are prepared.

[0055] In advance, in a sub-assembly process, the drive shaft 53 is fitted and fixed to the rotor 52, and the bearings B1, B2 and the detected part D are attached to the drive shaft 53. Furthermore, connection terminals and the like that connect the coils of the stator 51 to the circuit on the circuit board 70 are embedded in the motor cover 20, the circuit board 70 is fixed to the boss part 28a with the screw b1, and the waterproof breathable membrane 80 is fixed to the installation part 26 with an adhesive or the like.

[0056] Then, in the main assembly process, first, the motor 50 is assembled into the motor accommodating recess 13 of the housing body 10. Specifically, the lip-type seal member Sr is fitted into the inner circumferential surface 13c, and the stator 51 is fitted and fixed to the inner circumferential surface 13a. Next, the drive shaft 53 with the rotor 52 fitted and fixed thereto is inserted so that the wave spring Sb is sandwiched between the bearing B1 and the lip-type seal member Sr, and the bearing B1 attached to one side of the drive shaft 53 is fitted and fixed to the inner circumferential surface 13b, and the tip side region of the drive shaft 53 is protruded into the pump accommodating recess 11 through the insertion hole 14a.

[0057] Next, the motor cover 20, to which the circuit board 70 and the waterproof breathable membrane 80 are attached, is brought close to the housing main body 10 from the direction of the axis S so as to cover the motor accommodating recess 13, the bearing B2 attached to the other side of the drive shaft 53 is fitted into the bearing cylindrical portion 23, the tubular portion 27 is inserted into the through hole 17 while the mating convex portion 22 is fitted into the mating recess 15, and the joint surface 21 is joined to the joint surface 16b of the housing main body 10 with the sealing member SR1 interposed therebetween.

[0058] As a result, the drive shaft 53 of the motor 50 is supported by the housing body 10 and the motor cover 20 so as to be rotatable about the axis S via the bearings B1 and B2. Furthermore, the motor cover 20 is positioned around the axis S relative to the housing body 10 by the protrusions 27b of the cylindrical portion 27 coming into contact with the inner peripheral surface 17b of the through hole 17, which serves as the inner wall surface of the turn-back passage Rp. The housing body 10 and the motor cover 20 joined together as described above define a first internal space IS1 that houses the motor 50.

[0059] Next, the outer cover 30 is brought close to the motor cover 20 from the direction of the axis S so as to cover the circuit board 70 and the waterproof breathable membrane 80, and the joint surface 31 is joined to the joint surface 25 of the motor cover 20 with the seal member SR2 interposed therebetween. Then, the screw b2 is screwed into the screw hole 16c of the housing body 10 through the circular holes 33, 28b. As a result, the outer cover 30 is fastened and fixed to the housing body 10 with the motor cover 20 sandwiched therebetween.

[0060] The outer cover 30 and the motor cover 20 joined together as described above define a second internal space IS2 that houses the circuit board 70, the waterproof breathable membrane 80, and the like. In this assembled state, the motor cover 20 is formed to communicate the first internal space IS1 with the second internal space IS2 through the opening 24 and the passages or gaps of other terminals, etc. Furthermore, the through passage 27a defined by the cylindrical portion 27 communicates with the second internal space IS2.

[0061] Next, the inner rotor 61 is inserted into the pump accommodating recess 11 of the housing body 10 and fitted to the drive shaft 53 so as to rotate integrally therewith. Next, the outer rotor 62 is inserted into the pump accommodating recess 11 so as to mesh with the inner rotor 61 .

[0062] Next, the pump cover 40 is brought close from the direction of the axis S so as to cover the pump accommodating recess 11 and is joined to the joining surface 12, and is fastened and fixed to the housing body 10 by the screws b3. This completes the assembly of the electric device M. In this assembled state, the inspection opening 17a is formed to face the opening end 27a1 of the through passage 27a defined by the cylindrical portion 27, exposing the opening end 27a1 to the outside. The assembly procedure is not limited to the above, and other procedures may be used.

[0063] Next, the airtightness inspection of the electrically-driven device M will be described. During an airtightness test, as shown in FIG. 8, a test probe P is abutted against the tip of the cylindrical portion 27 through the opened test opening 17a and connected to the open end 27a1 of the through passage 27a. Then, the inspection gas is injected and sucked through the through passage 27a and the waterproof breathable membrane 80 to pressurize and depressurize the inside of the housing H, that is, the second internal space IS2 and the first internal space IS1. In this state, the airtightness (sealing performance) is inspected to see if there is any leakage from the areas of the seal members SR1, SR2 and other areas.

[0064] If no problems are found in the airtightness inspection, after the inspection probe P is removed, the inspection opening 17a is covered, if necessary, with a temporary shielding member (e.g., shielding tape) to prevent foreign objects from entering until the inspection probe P is transported to the destination for attachment to the object 1. In this manner, by providing the inspection opening 17a, an airtightness inspection can be easily performed before the electrically-driven device M is attached to the application object 1 and used.

[0065] Then, the electrically-driven device M is attached to the application object 1 at the delivery destination, and when the electrically-driven device M is in use, the inspection opening 17a is shielded by the joint 1a of the application object 1 as shown in FIG. In this state, the ventilation section that connects the inside of the housing H with the outside is formed by the through passage 27a, the expanded space Es between the opening end 27a1 and the joint portion 1a, the folded passage Rp, the expanded space (annular recess 27c), and the outside communication port Op.

[0066] In this way, the ventilation section has a labyrinth structure with expanding and contracting passages, so that it can efficiently prevent foreign matter such as water droplets and dust from entering from the outside while allowing only the flow of air. Outside air can be taken into the interior (second internal space IS2 and first internal space IS1) through the ventilation section and the waterproof air-permeable membrane 80, and air inside the housing H can be discharged to the outside through the waterproof air-permeable membrane 80 and the ventilation section. In this way, the respiration of the ventilation portion can suppress pressure fluctuations inside the housing H caused by heat generation from the electronic components mounted on the circuit board 70 and the motor 50, for example.

[0067] The electric device M having the above-mentioned configuration functions as an electric pump device, so that when the pump unit 60 is driven to rotate by the rotation of the motor 50, the hydraulic oil accumulated in the storage section 1c is sucked in through the suction passage 41a, pressurized, discharged from the discharge passage 42a, and supplied to the destination via the introduction passage 1d.

[0068] According to the electric device M having the above-mentioned configuration, the ventilation section includes a through passage 27a extending outward from the area where the waterproof breathable membrane 80 is arranged, a folded passage Rp formed to fold back from the opening end 17a1 of the through passage 27a, and an external communication port Op that connects the through passage 27a to the outside via the folded passage Rp, and the housing H includes an inspection opening 17a that is formed facing the opening end 27a1 of the through passage 27a and is blocked to cover the opening end 27a1 when in use. Therefore, when an airtightness test is performed after the assembly of the electric device M is completed, the airtightness test can be easily performed by connecting the test probe P through the test opening 17a to the opening end 27a1. Furthermore, when the electric device M is used in the application object 1, the test opening 17a is shielded by the joint 1a, so that the waterproof breathable membrane 80 is protected while preventing the intrusion of foreign matter such as water and dust into the housing H, and breathing can be achieved through the ventilation part.

[0069] Furthermore, according to the electric device M having the above-mentioned configuration, the through passage 27a opens opposite the waterproof breathable membrane 80 in an area toward the outer edge away from the center of the waterproof breathable membrane 80, so that even if the waterproof breathable membrane 80 is elastically deformed by an external force, the through passage 27a is not blocked and the desired breathing function can be obtained. In addition, the housing H includes a housing main body 10, a motor cover 20, and an outer cover 30, the motor cover 20 includes an installation section 26 for installing the waterproof breathable membrane 80 and a through passage 27a, the housing main body 10 includes a folded passage Rp and an inspection opening 17a, and the motor cover 20 and the housing main body 10 cooperate to define the external communication port Op, so that a ventilation section can be easily formed by combining each component.

[0070] Furthermore, according to the electric device M having the above-mentioned configuration, the motor cover 20 includes an enlarged space (annular recess 27c) communicating with the turn-back passage Rp, and the external communication port Op communicates with the turn-back passage Rp via the enlarged space, thereby obtaining a labyrinth structure as a ventilation section, and effectively preventing the intrusion of foreign matter into the housing H. In addition, since the motor cover 20 includes a cylindrical portion 27 that defines the through passage 27a, and the return passage Rp is formed around the cylindrical portion 27, the paths of the ventilation sections can be concentrated and arranged, which contributes to the miniaturization of the device. Furthermore, the motor cover 20 and the housing main body 10 are fitted together to be positioned on the axis S, and the cylindrical portion 27 formed on the motor cover 20 includes a protrusion portion 27b as a positioning protrusion that abuts against the inner wall surface (inner surface 17b of the through hole 17) of the turn-back passage Rp formed in the housing main body 10 to position the motor cover 20 around the axis S relative to the housing main body 10. Therefore, since the cylindrical portion 27 also serves to position the motor cover 20 about the axis S relative to the housing body 10, there is no need to provide a separate dedicated positioning portion, and the structure can be simplified.

[0071] 10 to 17 show an electrically driven device M2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and the same components as those in the above-described first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. The electric device M2 of the second embodiment is an in-line electric pump device that pumps hydraulic oil as a fluid, and as shown in Figures 10 to 12, it includes a housing main body 110, a motor cover 120, an outer cover 30, a pump cover 140, a motor 50, a pump unit 60, a circuit board 70, a waterproof breathable membrane 80, and a shielding member 190. Here, the housing body 110, the motor cover 120, and the outer cover 30 form a housing H2 of the electric device M2.

[0072] In addition, the application object 2 to which the electric device M2 is applied is equipped with a fixing part 2a having three circular holes (not shown) through which mounting screws are passed to fix the electric device M2, an inlet pipe 2b for introducing hydraulic oil, and an outlet pipe 2c for delivering the hydraulic oil to a supply destination, as shown in Figure 10. The application object 2 is, for example, a cooling and lubrication system of a vehicle transmission, a cooling and lubrication system of an engine, or any other device requiring circulation of hydraulic oil.

[0073] The housing body 110 is formed using a metal material such as steel, cast iron, sintered steel, or an aluminum alloy, and is provided with a pump accommodating recess 11, a joint surface 112, a motor accommodating recess 13, a partition wall portion 14, a fitting recess 15, a flange portion 16, a through hole 117, and one boss portion 118, as shown in Figures 11, 12, and 14.

[0074] 11, the joining surface 112 is formed as an annular flat surface perpendicular to the axis S in order to join the pump cover 140 that covers the pump accommodating recess 11. The joining surface 112 also has three screw holes 112a into which screws b3 for fastening the pump cover 140 are screwed, and an annular groove 112b into which a seal member (O-ring, not shown) is fitted.

[0075] 14, the through hole 117 is formed as a stepped cylindrical hole extending parallel to the axis S in the flange portion 16 so that the tubular portion 127 formed in the motor cover 120 can be inserted with a gap therebetween. Then, as shown in FIG. 16, when the tubular portion 127 is inserted into the through hole 117, the through hole 117 defines an inspection opening 117a as an opening that opens onto the end face 116a so as to expose the open end 127a1 of the tubular portion 127 to the outside.

[0076] In the through hole 117, between the inspection opening 117a and the cylindrical inner circumferential surface 117b, an annular recess a and a conical surface portion b, and on the joining surface 16b side of the flange portion 16, an annular recess c are formed adjacent to each other. The annular recess a is an area into which the disk portion 191 of the shielding member 190 is fitted, the conical surface portion b is an area that guides the locking piece 192 of the shielding member 190, and the annular recess c is an area into which the locking claw 192a of the shielding member 190 is engaged by a snap fit.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 16, the inspection opening 117a is used to connect an inspection probe P to the tip of the tubular portion 127, i.e., the opening end 127a1 of the through passage 127a defined by the tubular portion 127, during an airtight inspection after assembling the electric device M2.

[0078] Further, the inner peripheral surface 117b of the through hole 117 cooperates with the outer wall surface of the cylindrical portion 27 to define a turn-back passage Rp forming a part of the ventilation portion. Here, the turn-back passage Rp is formed around the cylindrical portion 127 so as to turn back in the opposite direction from the opening end 127a1 of the through passage 127a defined by the cylindrical portion 127. That is, the flange portion 16 is formed with a turn-back passage Rp that constitutes a part of the ventilation portion and an inspection opening 117a. The boss portion 118 has a screw hole into which a mounting screw for mounting the housing body 110 to the fixed portion 2 a of the application object 2 is screwed.

[0079] The motor cover 120 is joined to the housing body 110 to cover the motor accommodating recess 13 of the housing body 110, and is formed using a resin material, and has a joint surface 21, a mating protrusion 22, a bearing cylindrical portion 23, an opening 24, a joint surface 25, an installation portion 26, a tubular portion 127, six boss portions 28a, four circular holes 28b, and a connector portion 29, as shown in Figures 11, 12, 13, and 16.

[0080] As shown in Figure 16, the tubular portion 127 is formed in the flange portion 16 so as to extend in the direction of the axis S from the area in which the waterproof breathable membrane 80 is arranged, and defines a through passage 127a which forms part of the ventilation portion that connects the inside of the housing H with the outside. That is, when the motor cover 120 is joined to the housing main body 110, the tubular portion 127 is inserted into the inside of the through hole 117, the through passage 127a extends outward toward the inspection opening 117a, and the opening end 127a1 of the through passage 127a is formed so as to be positioned more inward than the end face 116a of the flange portion 16 (the upper inspection opening 117a).

[0081] 13 and 15, the cylindrical portion 127 is provided with two protrusions 127b as positioning protrusions protruding radially outward from the outer circumferential surface. When the motor cover 120 is joined to the housing main body 110, the two protrusions 127b abut against the inner circumferential surface 117b of the through hole 117 as the inner wall surface of the turn-back passage Rp, as shown in FIG. 15, and serve to position the motor cover 120 at a predetermined position around the axis S with respect to the housing main body 110. In this way, the cylindrical portion 127 constituting the ventilation portion also serves the function of positioning the motor cover 120 about the axis S relative to the housing body 110, so there is no need to provide a separate dedicated positioning portion, and the structure can be simplified.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 16, an annular recess 127c is formed in the base region of the tubular portion 127, and functions as an expanded space that constitutes a part of the ventilation portion. Furthermore, continuous with the annular recess 127c, a step portion 127d is formed which is recessed from the joint surface 21. The area of ​​the step portion 127d defines an external communication port Op which forms part of the ventilation portion as a predetermined gap between the flange portion 16 (joint surface 16b) of the housing main body 110 when the motor cover 120 is joined to the housing main body 110. That is, the motor cover 120 and the housing main body 110 cooperate to define an external communication port Op. As shown in FIG. 16, the external communication port Op is formed at a position offset from the opening end 127a1 of the through passage 127a, i.e., so as to open in a different direction (here, in a direction different by approximately 90 degrees) so as not to face the opening end 127a1, and is configured to connect the through passage 127a to the outside via the return passage Rp.

[0083] As described above, the ventilation section formed in the housing H2 includes the through passage 127a extending outward from the area where the waterproof breathable membrane 80 is arranged, the folded passage Rp formed to fold back from the opening end 127a1 of the through passage 127a, and the external communication port Op that connects the through passage 127a to the outside via the folded passage Rp, thereby connecting the inside of the housing H2 to the outside.

[0084] The pump cover 140 is joined to the housing body 110 so as to cover the pump accommodating recess 11 of the housing body 110, and is formed in a flat plate shape using a material such as steel, cast iron, sintered steel, or an aluminum alloy. As shown in Figures 10 to 12, the pump cover 140 has a pipe portion 141, a pipe portion 142, an inner wall surface 143, a central recess 144 for receiving the tip of the drive shaft 53, two boss portions 145, and three circular holes 146 for passing the fastening screws b3.

[0085] The pipe portion 141 defines a suction passage 141 a for sucking hydraulic oil, and is connected to an introduction pipe 2 b of the application object 2 . The pipe portion 142 defines a discharge passage 142a for discharging the hydraulic oil, and is connected to a discharge pipe 2c of the application object 2. The inner wall surface 143 slidably receives the outer end surface of the pump unit 60 (the inner rotor 61 and the outer rotor 62 ) housed in the pump housing recess 11 . With the pump unit 60 accommodated in the pump accommodating recess 11, the pump cover 140 is fixed to the housing body 110 by joining the inner wall surface 143 to the joining surface 112 of the housing body 110 with the screws b3. Moreover, the boss portion 145 has a screw hole into which a fastening screw for fixing to the fixing portion 2a of the application object 2 is screwed.

[0086] The shielding member 190 shields the inspection opening 117a, is made of a resin material, and includes a disk portion 191 and two elastically deformable locking pieces 192, as shown in FIGS. The disk portion 191 is fitted into an annular recess a adjacent to the through hole 117, thereby blocking the inspection opening 117a. The two locking pieces 192 have a rectangular cross section and are formed to extend in the direction of the axis S. At their tips, they are provided with locking claws 192a that are engaged with an annular recess c adjacent to the through hole 117 by snap-fitting.

[0087] The assembly work of the electrically-driven device M2 according to the second embodiment is similar to that of the electrically-driven device M according to the first embodiment, except that the assembly is completed by finally attaching the shielding member 190, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here. Next, the airtightness inspection of the electric device M2 will be described. During an airtightness test, as shown in FIG. 16, a test probe P is abutted against the tip of the cylindrical portion 127 through the opened test opening 117a and connected to the open end 127a1 of the through passage 127a. Then, the gas for inspection is injected and sucked through the through passage 127a and the waterproof air-permeable membrane 80 to pressurize and depressurize the inside of the housing H2, that is, the second internal space IS2 and the first internal space IS1. In this state, the airtightness (sealing performance) is inspected to see if there is any leakage from the areas of the seal members SR1, SR2 and other areas.

[0088] If there is no problem in the airtightness inspection, the inspection probe P is removed, and then, as shown in FIG. 17, a shielding member 190 is attached to the housing main body 110 so as to shield the inspection opening 117a. In this manner, by providing the inspection opening 117a, an airtightness inspection can be easily performed before the electrically-driven device M2 is attached to the application object 2.

[0089] In addition, when the shielding member 190 is attached, the ventilation section that connects the inside of the housing H2 with the outside is formed by the through passage 127a, the expanded space Es between the opening end 127a1 and the shielding member 190, the folded passage Rp, the expanded space (annular recess 127c), and the external communication port Op, as shown in FIG. 17. In this state, the ventilation part has a labyrinth structure with an expanding and contracting passage, so that it can efficiently prevent the intrusion of foreign matter such as water droplets and dust from the outside while allowing only the flow of air. Outside air can be taken into the inside (the second internal space IS2 and the first internal space IS1) through the ventilation part and the waterproof air-permeable membrane 80, and air within the housing H2 can be exhausted to the outside through the waterproof air-permeable membrane 80 and the ventilation part. In this way, the respiration of the ventilation portion can suppress pressure fluctuations inside the housing H2 caused by heat generation from the electronic components mounted on the circuit board 70, the motor 50, etc. In addition, the electrically-driven device M2 of the second embodiment also provides the same effects as those of the electrically-driven device M of the first embodiment described above.

[0090] FIG. 18 shows an electrically driven device M3 according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and the same components as those in the above-described first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. The electric device M3 according to the third embodiment includes a housing H3, electrically operated electric parts other than the motor 50, a circuit board having a control unit mounted thereon for controlling the drive of the electric parts, and a waterproof breathable membrane 80. Note that the electric parts and the circuit board are omitted in Fig. 18.

[0091] The housing H3 includes a first housing 210 and a second housing 220 joined to each other with a seal member SR4 sandwiched therebetween. The first housing 210 includes an installation portion 211 for installing the waterproof breathable membrane 80, a cylindrical portion 212 defining a through passage 212a, a return passage 213, an external communication port 214, an inspection opening 215 as an opening portion, and the like.

[0092] The through passage 212a is formed so as to extend outward from the area where the waterproof breathable membrane 80 is disposed. The turn-back passage 213 is formed so as to include an annular passage that turns back in the opposite direction from the open end 212b of the through passage 212, and a passage that turns at a right angle from the base region of the cylindrical portion 212 and extends outward. The external communication port 214 is formed so as to open at a position offset from the opening end 212b, i.e., in a different direction (here, in a direction differing by approximately 90 degrees) so as not to face the opening end 212b, in order to connect the through passage 212 to the outside via the folded passage 213. The inspection opening 215 is formed to face the open end 212b of the through passage 212, and is covered by a shielding member 290 so as to cover the open end 212b during use. That is, the ventilation section that connects the inside of the housing H3 with the outside is composed of the through passage 212a, the return passage 213, and the outside communication port 214.

[0093] In the third embodiment, the cylindrical portion 212 defining the through passage 212a, the turn-back passage 213, and the external communication port 214 are formed in the first housing 210 by machining or molding. That is, a ventilation portion is formed in one member (first housing 210) that forms the housing. This allows a reduction in the number of parts, and during an airtightness test performed after the assembly of the motorized device M3 is completed, an airtightness test can be easily performed by connecting the inspection probe P to the opening end 212b through the inspection opening 215. In addition, during use, the inspection opening 215 is shielded by the shielding member 290, so that the waterproof breathable membrane 80 is protected, foreign matter such as water and dust is prevented from entering the housing H3, and breathing can be achieved through the ventilation part.

[0094] FIG. 19 shows an electrically driven device M4 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and the same components as those in the first and third embodiments described above are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. The electric device M4 according to the fourth embodiment includes a housing H4, electrically operated electric parts other than the motor 50, a circuit board having a control unit mounted thereon that drives and controls the electric parts, and a waterproof breathable membrane 80. Note that the electric parts and the circuit board are omitted in Fig. 19.

[0095] The housing H4 includes a first housing 310 and a second housing 320 joined to each other with a seal member SR4 sandwiched therebetween. The first housing 310 includes an installation portion 311 for installing the waterproof breathable membrane 80, a through passage 312, a return passage 313, an external communication port 314, an inspection opening 315 as an opening portion, and the like.

[0096] The through passage 312 is formed so as to extend outward from the area where the waterproof breathable membrane 80 is disposed. The turn-back passage 313 is formed so as to extend parallel to the through passage 312 in such a manner as to turn back in the opposite direction from the open end 312a of the through passage 312, and then turn at a right angle and extend outward. The external communication port 314 is formed at a position away from the open end 212 a so as to connect the through passage 212 to the outside via the return passage 313 . The inspection opening 215 is formed to face the open end 312a of the through passage 212, and is covered by a shielding member 290 so as to cover the open end 312a during use. That is, the ventilation section that connects the inside of the housing H4 with the outside is composed of the through passage 312, the return passage 313, and the outside communication port 314.

[0097] In the fourth embodiment, the through passage 312, the return passage 313, and the external communication port 314 are formed in the first housing 310 by machining or molding. That is, a ventilation part is formed in one member (first housing 310) that forms the housing. This allows a reduction in the number of parts, and during an airtightness test performed after the assembly of the electric device M4 is completed, an airtightness test can be easily performed by connecting the test probe P to the opening end 312a through the test opening 315. In addition, during use, the test opening 315 is shielded by the shielding member 290, so that the waterproof breathable membrane 80 is protected, foreign matter such as water and dust is prevented from entering the housing H4, and breathing can be achieved through the ventilation part.

[0098] In the above embodiment, the motor 50 is shown as an electric motor, but the present invention is not limited to this, and any electrically operated electric motor such as a reciprocating actuator or other operating module can be applied. In the above embodiment, the pump unit 60 accommodated in the pump accommodating recess 11 of the housing body 10, 110 is shown as the driven body driven by the motor 50, but this is not limited to this and a reduction gear device or other mechanism may also be used.

[0099] As described above, the electric device of the present invention can easily be inspected for airtightness before being attached to an object of application, and when in use attached to the object of application, it can protect the waterproof breathable membrane while preventing the intrusion of foreign matter such as water and dust into the housing. Therefore, it can be used not only as an electric pump device, but also as an electric reduction gear, electric actuator device, and other electric equipment with functions other than a pump. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 1,2 Applicable items 1a Joint M,M2,M3,M4 Electric device S axis H,H2 Housing 10,110 Housing body (housing) 11 Pump accommodating recess (driven body accommodating recess) 13 Motor housing recess 16 Flange section 17,117 Through holes 17a, 117a Inspection opening (opening) 17b, 117b Inner surface (inner wall surface of the return passage) Rp Turn-around passage (ventilation section) 20,120 Motor cover (housing) 26 Installation part 27,127 Cylindrical part 27a, 127a Passageway (ventilation section) 27a1,127a1 open end 27b, 127b Protrusion (positioning protrusion) 27c, 127c Annular recess (expanded space, ventilation section) 27d,127d Step Op External communication port (ventilation section) 30 Outer cover IS1 1st internal space IS2 2nd internal space 40,140 Pump cover (driven body cover) 41a,141a Suction passage 42a,142a Discharge passage 50 Motor (electric part) 60 Pump unit (driven body) 70 Circuit Board 80 waterproof breathable membrane 190 Shielding material H3,H4 housing 210,310 1st housing (housing) 220,320 Second housing (housing) 211,311 Installation part 212 Cylindrical part 212a Passageway (ventilation section) 212b Open end 213,313 Turnaround passage (ventilation section) 214,314 External communication port (ventilation section) 215,315 Inspection opening (opening) 290 Shielding material

Claims

1. An electrically operated motor unit; A circuit board having a control unit mounted thereon for controlling the drive of the electric motor; a housing that accommodates the motorized unit and the circuit board; A ventilation portion formed in the housing for communicating the inside of the housing with the outside; An electric device comprising: a waterproof air-permeable membrane arranged inside the ventilation portion; The ventilation section includes a through passage extending outward from the region in which the waterproof breathable membrane is disposed, a folded passage formed to fold back from an open end of the through passage, and an external communication port that connects the through passage to the outside via the folded passage, The housing includes an opening formed to face an open end of the through passage and to be closed to cover the open end during use.

1. An electrically powered device comprising:

2. The through passage is opened so as to face the waterproof air-permeable membrane in a region near the outer edge away from the center of the waterproof air-permeable membrane, 2. The electrically powered device according to claim 1 .

3. a tubular portion defining the through passage; The return passage is formed around the cylindrical portion.

3. An electric device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The electric motor is a motor that generates a driving force, The housing includes a housing main body having a motor accommodating recess for accommodating the motor, a motor cover joined to the housing main body so as to cover the motor accommodating recess, and an outer cover joined to the motor cover so as to cover the circuit board and the waterproof breathable membrane arranged on the outside of the motor cover.

3. An electric device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The motor cover includes an installation portion for installing the waterproof breathable membrane and the through passage, the housing body includes the folded passage and the opening, The motor cover and the housing main body cooperate to define the external communication port.

5. The electric device according to claim 4.

6. the motor cover includes an enlarged space communicating with the turn-back passage, The external communication port communicates with the return passage through the expanded space.

6. The electric device according to claim 5.

7. The motor cover includes a cylindrical portion that defines the through passage, The return passage is formed around the cylindrical portion.

7. An electric device according to claim 5 or 6.

8. The motor cover and the housing body are fitted together so as to be positioned on a predetermined axis, the cylindrical portion includes a positioning protrusion that abuts against an inner wall surface of the turn-back passage to position the motor cover relative to the housing body around the axis; 8. The electrically powered device according to claim 7.

9. The housing body and the motor cover define a first interior space; the outer cover and the motor cover define a second interior space; the motor cover is formed to communicate between the first internal space and the second internal space, The through passage is formed so as to communicate with the second internal space.

9. An electric device according to any one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that

10. The housing body includes a flange portion formed to protrude from a wall portion that defines the motor accommodating recess, The flange portion is formed with the turn-back passage and the opening.

10. An electric device according to claim 4, wherein the electric device is a motor.

11. The opening is covered by a joint of an object to which the housing body is joined.

11. An electric device according to any one of claims 4 to 10, characterized in that

12. a shielding member attached to the housing body to shield the opening; 11. An electric device according to any one of claims 4 to 10, characterized in that

13. a driven body driven by a drive shaft of the motor; The housing body includes a driven body accommodating recess that accommodates the driven body.

13. An electric motor device according to any one of claims 4 to 12, characterized in that

14. a driven body cover joined to the housing body so as to cover the driven body accommodating recess, 14. The electrically powered device according to claim 13.

15. the driven body is a pump unit that drives a fluid, The driven body accommodating recess is a pump accommodating recess.

14. The electrically powered device according to claim 13.

16. the driven body cover is a pump cover joined to the housing main body so as to cover the pump accommodating recess, The pump cover includes a suction passage for sucking in a fluid and a discharge passage for discharging the fluid.

16. The electrically powered device according to claim 15.

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