electronic machinery

Abstract

To structurally increases the waterproofness of an electronic apparatus.SOLUTION: A motor device (100) includes: a connector (2) having a power terminal (30) and a signal terminal (40, 50); an opening (1a) through which the power terminal (30) and the signal terminal (40, 50) are inserted from a first surface (11) to which the connector (2) is fixed to a second surface (12) opposite to the first surface (11); and a lid body (1) having an insertion hole (1b) for fixing the connector (2) to the first surface (11) using a screw (8). A sealing structure (10) sealing between the first surface (11) and the fixing surface (21b) of the connector (2) fixed to the first surface (11) of the lid body (1) is formed in a manner to surround the opening (1a) and the insertion hole (1b).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device having a connector.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an electric motor control device that houses a substrate in a housing and fixes a connector having terminals for electrically connecting the substrate to the outside to a lid body that closes the housing. The connector has a fitting portion that surrounds a power supply terminal and a signal terminal, respectively, and a housing that supports the fitting portion.

[0003] In this device, the housing of the connector is disposed on the inner surface side of the lid body, and the fitting portion of the connector is inserted into the through hole of the lid body and exposed from the lid body. A sealing material is sandwiched between the housing and the fixed edge portion in the through hole of the lid body, thereby ensuring waterproofness between the connector and the lid body. Further, the housing is fixed to the fixed edge portion around the through hole in the lid body by a screw outside the sealing portion by the sealing material.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] As described above, in the above device, the housing of the connector is disposed on the inner surface side of the lid body. On the other hand, there may be a case where the above device is configured such that the housing is disposed on the outer surface side of the lid body. In this case, a screw hole is formed in the fixing surface where the housing is fixed to the lid body, and the housing is fixed to the lid body by tightening a screw passed through the hole penetrating the lid body from the inner surface side of the lid body into the screw hole.

[0006] However, because the screws are located outside the sealing area, there is a concern that moisture entering through the gap between the lid and the housing may reach the screws in front of the sealing area, causing them to rust. Preventing rust on the screws would require the application of rust inhibitors, which complicates the manufacturing process of the device.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention aims to structurally improve the water resistance of electronic devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problems, an electronic device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a connector having terminals, a metal member having an opening for inserting the terminals from a first surface to which the connector is fixed to a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a hole for fixing the connector to the first surface using a screw, wherein a sealing structure is formed to surround the opening and the hole, sealing the space between the first surface and the fixing surface of the connector fixed to the first surface of the metal member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, the waterproofness of electronic devices can be structurally improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a motor device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the control unit in the motor device described above. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the control unit as seen from the outer surface of the cover. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the cover shown above, with the connector not yet secured, as seen from the outer side. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing the connector described above. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing the connector as seen from the fixing surface side that is fixed to the cover. [Figure 7] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the cross-sectional structure of the control unit described above. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view showing the control unit as seen from the inner side of the cover. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view showing the control unit as seen from the inner side, with the control board not yet fixed in place. [Figure 10] This is a side view showing the control unit described above. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, a motor device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 10.

[0012] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a motor device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a control unit 31 in the motor device 100. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the control unit 31 as seen from the outer surface 11 side of the cover 1. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the cover 1 as seen from the outer surface 11 side with the connector 2 not yet fixed. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the connector 2. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the connector 2 as seen from the fixed surface 21b side. Figure 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the cross-sectional structure of the control unit 31.

[0013] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the motor device 100 (electronic device) comprises a cover 1 (metal member), a connector 2, a circuit board case 3, a motor case 4, and a motor 5.

[0014] The cover 1 is made of metal (for example, aluminum). The cover 1 is a plate-shaped member having an outer surface 11 to which the connector 2 is fixed, and an inner surface 12 opposite to the outer surface 11. The drive board 6 (first circuit board) and the control board 7 (second circuit board) are fixed to the inner surface 12. The drive board 6 and the control board 7 are covered by the board case 3. The cover 1 is a member that covers the opening of the board case 3. The drive board 6 and the control board 7 will be described in detail later.

[0015] The connector 2 is provided for electrically connecting the drive substrate 6 and the control substrate 7 to a counterpart connector (socket connector), not shown. The connector 2 is fixed to the outer surface 11 of the lid body 1. The connector 2 will be described in detail later.

[0016] The lid body 1, the connector 2, the drive substrate 6, and the control substrate 7 constitute a control unit 31. It can be said that the control unit 31 is an electronic device for controlling the motor 5.

[0017] The substrate case 3 is a housing formed of metal so as to surround the drive substrate 6 and the control substrate 7. The motor case 4 is a housing that houses the motor 5, and one end thereof is coupled to the end of the substrate case 3 on the side opposite to the opening. Also, the other end of the motor case 4 is open.

[0018] The motor 5 is disposed within the motor case 4. The motor 5 exposes the end provided with the drive shaft 5a from the other end of the motor case 4. Also, the motor 5 is driven by the drive substrate 6 and the control substrate 7 based on the power and signals supplied via the power supply terminal 30 and the signal terminals 40, 50 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) of the connector 2, which will be described later.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, on the outer surface 11 of the lid body l, the connector 2 is fixed by screws 8 in a region from the central portion to one side region. The outer surface 11 has an opening 1a and three insertion holes 1b (holes) in the region where the connector 2 is fixed. The opening 1a penetrates the lid body 1 so as to allow the power supply terminal 30 and the signal terminals 40, 50 to be inserted from the outer surface 11 to the inner surface 12. The insertion holes 1b penetrate the lid body 1 so as to allow the screws 8 to be inserted from the inner surface 12 to the outer surface 11. Also, the insertion holes 1b are formed so as to fit into bosses 25 of the connector 2, which will be described later.

[0020] Of the three through holes 1b, the one adjacent to the opening 1a is connected to the opening 1a. However, this through hole 1b does not need to be connected to the opening 1a if it can be formed at a location separate from the opening 1a. Also, although three through holes 1b are provided, the number is not limited to three.

[0021] On the outer surface 11, a groove 11a is formed in the area where the connector 2 is fixed, surrounding the opening 1a and the insertion hole 1b. The groove 11a is formed continuously without interruption. As will be described later, the groove 11a, together with the projection 26 of the connector 2 and the sealing material 9, forms a sealing structure 10. The sealing structure 10 will be described in detail later.

[0022] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the connector 2 has a housing 20 and power terminals 30 and signal terminals 40 and 50.

[0023] The power terminal 30 and signal terminals 40, 50 are also called contacts. The power terminal 30 and signal terminals 40, 50 consist of a contact portion that contacts the terminals of the mating connector, a holding portion that is held inside the connector 2, and a placement portion that is positioned on the side of the drive board 6 and the control board 7. The contact portions of the power terminal 30 and signal terminals 40, 50 are surrounded by outer casings 22-24. The power terminal 30 is provided for transmitting power, and the signal terminals 40, 50 are provided for transmitting signals. In this embodiment, two or more power terminals 30 and signal terminals 40, 50 are provided.

[0024] The housing 20 constitutes the outer casing of the connector 2 and is made of synthetic resin to ensure electrical insulation. The housing 20 has a base 21 and outer casings 22 to 24.

[0025] The base 21 holds the power terminals 30 and signal terminals 40 and 50 at intervals. The base 21 fixes each of the power terminals 30, each of the signal terminals 40 and each of the signal terminals 50 in an electrically insulated state from each other. That is, by holding the power terminals 30 and signal terminals 40 and 50 at intervals, the base 21 electrically insulates the power terminals 30 and signal terminals 40 and 50 from each other, the power terminals 30 from each other, and the signal terminals 50 from each other. The base 21 is a plate-shaped portion having a predetermined thickness and has a connection surface 21a and a fixing surface 21b.

[0026] The connection surface 21a is provided with outer casings 22-24 so as to connect to the mating connector. Connector 2 functions as a plug connector by having outer casings 22-24. Each of the outer casings 22-24 is formed in a cylindrical shape so as to fit into the mating connector and surround the power terminal 30 and signal terminals 40, 50.

[0027] Three bosses 25 (screw-holding parts) are formed on the fixed surface 21b so as to protrude at positions corresponding to the insertion holes 1b of the cover 1. Inside each boss 25, a screw hole 25a is formed into which a screw 8 is inserted and fitted. Power terminals 30 and signal terminals 40, 50 protrude from the fixed surface 21b at positions opposite the opening 1a of the cover 1, extending in a direction perpendicular to the fixed surface 21b.

[0028] According to the above configuration, when fixing the connector 2 to the cover 1, the boss 25 is fitted into the insertion hole 1b. This makes it easy to roughly align the connector 2 to the cover 1 without using screws 8.

[0029] Connector 2 is fixed to the outer surface 11 by tightening a screw 8, which is inserted from the inner surface 12 to the outer surface 11 through the insertion hole 1b, into the screw hole 25a of the boss 25. The screw hole 25a does not penetrate to the connection surface 21a side. With the above configuration, the screw 8 is not exposed to the connection surface 21a side. As a result, moisture cannot enter through the gap between the part of the screw 8 that is exposed from the connection surface 21a and the connection surface 21a.

[0030] On the outer periphery of the fixed surface 21b, projections 26 are formed so as to surround the boss 25 and the power terminal 30 and signal terminals 40 and 50. The projections 26 are portions that protrude from the fixed surface 21b toward the lid 1. The projections 26 are formed to correspond to the groove 11a. The projections 26 are formed to be approximately the same shape and size as the groove 11a. The projections 26 are formed to have a width narrower than the width of the groove 11a. Like the groove 11a, the projections 26 are formed continuously without interruption. However, a portion of the projection 26 may be formed to be interrupted. In this case, the space between the groove 11a and the interrupted portion of the projection 26 is sealed by the sealing material 9 described later.

[0031] As shown in Figures 4, 6, and 7, the sealing structure 10 has a groove 11a formed on the outer surface 11 of the lid 1 so as to surround the opening 1a and the insertion hole 1b, and a projection 26 formed on the fixing surface 21b of the connector 2 so as to fit into the groove 11a.

[0032] Furthermore, the sealing structure 10 includes a sealing material 9 that seals the space between the groove 11a and the projection 26. The sealing material 9 may be a solid member such as an O-ring, or it may be a solidified sealant, adhesive, etc., poured into the groove 11a. By providing the sealing material 9, the space between the groove 11a and the projection 26 can be sealed more tightly. This further improves the sealing performance between the lid 1 and the connector 2.

[0033] The sealing structure 10 has a groove 11a formed on the outer surface 11 of the lid 1 and a projection 26 formed on the fixing surface 21b of the connector 2, but is not limited to this structure. Although not shown in the figures, the sealing structure 10 may also have a projection formed on the outer surface 11 of the lid 1 and a groove formed on the fixing surface 21b of the connector 2. In other words, the relationship between the protrusions and recesses of the lid 1 and the connector 2 in the sealing structure 10 may be reversed from the configuration described above. In this case, the projection of the lid 1 has a structure corresponding to the groove of the connector 2. For example, the projection of the lid 1 has the same structure as the projection 26, and the groove of the connector 2 has the same structure as the groove 11a. Alternatively, the lid 1 and the connector 2 may each have grooves at corresponding positions on the lid 1 and the connector 2, and the sealing structure 10 may be constructed by sandwiching and fixing a sealing member such as an O-ring between the grooves of the lid 1 and the connector 2. By configuring the sealing structure 10 as described above, the sealing performance between the lid 1 and the connector 2 can be improved.

[0034] Next, the drive board 6 and the control board 7 will be described in detail. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the control unit 31 as seen from the inner surface 12 side of the lid 1. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the control unit 31 as seen from the inner surface 12 side, with the control board 7 not yet fixed. Figure 10 is a side view of the control unit 31.

[0035] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the drive board 6 is rectangular in shape and is fixed at its four corners by screws 61 in an area of ​​the inner surface 12 of the lid 1 where there is no opening 1a. The drive board 6 also has motor connection terminals 6a mounted on it for transmitting drive signals to the motor 5. The motor connection terminals 6a are located at the end of the drive board 6, near the end of the lid 1 opposite to the end where the opening 1a is provided.

[0036] The drive board 6 has a circuit mounted on it that generates drive signals to be supplied to the motor 5. Specifically, the drive board 6 has power FETs (Field Effect Transistors), capacitors, and other components that make up the circuit mounted on it. The drive board 6 also has various conductive pins mounted on it for exchanging power and signals with the control board 7. Based on the power and control signals transmitted from the control board 7, the drive board 6 generates drive signals that control the operation of the motor 5 (start, stop, rotation speed, etc.) and outputs them to the motor connection terminal 6a.

[0037] The drive board 6 is fixed so as to be in thermal contact with the inner surface 12 of the cover 1, and the heat generated by the circuit described above is dissipated through the cover 1. In other words, the cover 1 functions as a heat sink for the drive board 6. The drive board 6 may be in direct contact with the inner surface 12 of the cover 1, or it may be in contact via a heat conductive member with high thermal conductivity. The heat conductive member can be a known material such as so-called thermal conductive grease, paste, or adhesive.

[0038] The lid 1 has a pair of base portions 13 and a pair of base portions 14 on its inner surface 12. The pair of base portions 13 are positioned at one end of the inner surface 12 with an opening 1a in between. The pair of base portions 14 are positioned at the other end of the inner surface 12 with the motor connection terminals 6a of the drive board 6 in between.

[0039] The base portion 13 has a seating surface 13a and a positioning surface 13b at its top. The seating surface 13a is the surface on which the control board 7 is placed. Screw holes (not shown) into which screws 71 are fitted are formed in the seating surface 13a. The positioning surface 13b is formed slightly lower than the seating surface 13a and adjacent to the seating surface 13a. Pins 13c are provided on the positioning surface 13b that are inserted into positioning holes (not shown) of the control board 7.

[0040] The base portion 14 has a seating surface 14a and a projection 14b at its top. The seating surface 14a is the surface on which the control board 7 is placed and is formed to be the same height as the seating surface 13a. The seating surface 14a has screw holes (not shown) into which screws 71 are fitted. The projection 14b is formed to protrude higher than the seating surface 14a. The projection 14b is formed further from the base portion 13 than the seating surface 14a and adjacent to the seating surface 14a. With the above configuration, when the control board 7 is placed on the base portions 13,14, the position of the control board 7 is determined by the projection 14b by abutting the end of the control board 7 against the projection 14b. This makes it easy to position the control board 7 when fixing it to the base portion 14.

[0041] The control board 7 is fixed to the seating surface 13a of the base portion 13 and the seating surface 14a of the base portion 14 by screws 71. By being fixed to the base portions 13 and 14, the control board 7 is positioned on the inner surface 12 of the cover 1 at a distance from the drive board 6. This reduces the influence of heat from the drive board 6 on the control board 7.

[0042] Furthermore, the control board 7 is positioned to avoid the motor connection terminals 6a. The control board 7 is connected to the power terminals 30 and signal terminals 40 and 50 that protrude from the opening 1a of the cover 1, and to the conductive pins provided on the drive board 6.

[0043] The control board 7 transmits power from the power terminal 30 to the drive board 6. The control board 7 also has a circuit that generates a control signal for controlling the motor 5 based on signals transmitted from the signal terminals 40 and 50. Specifically, the control board 7 has semiconductors, capacitors, and other components that make up this circuit. The control signal is transmitted to the drive board 6 via conductive pins 6b that connect the drive board 6 and the control board 7.

[0044] It should be noted that the arrangement of the drive board 6 and the control board 7 as described above is merely an example, and the arrangement of the drive board 6 and the control board 7 is not limited to the example above. For example, the positions of the drive board 6 and the control board 7 may be swapped. Also, the drive board 6 and the control board 7 may be integrated into a single unit.

[0045] As shown in Figure 7, the power terminal 30 is bent from its position within the outer casing 22 to reach the opening 1a inside the base 21 of the connector 2. Similarly, as shown in Figure 10, the signal terminal 50 is bent from its position within the outer casing 24 to reach the opening 1a inside the base 21 of the connector 2. Although not shown, the signal terminal 40 is also bent from its position within the outer casing 23 to reach the opening 1a inside the base 21 of the connector 2.

[0046] If the area where the outer casings 22-24 are arranged in the connector 2 is increased, and the power terminals 30 and signal terminals 40, 50 arranged within the outer casings 22-24 are configured to extend straight towards the inner surface 12 through the opening 1a of the cover 1, then it is necessary to ensure a wider opening 1a. As a result, the area of ​​the region on the inner surface 12 for fixing the drive board 6 becomes smaller.

[0047] In contrast, with the above configuration, the power terminal 30 and signal terminals 40 and 50 are bent inside the connector 2 as described above, so that the opening 1a can be made narrower. This makes it possible to secure a larger area for fixing the drive board 6 on the inner surface 12. Therefore, the inner surface 12 can be used effectively.

[0048] Although the power terminal 30 and signal terminals 40 and 50 are bent inside the connector 2 as described above, if they are positioned to reach the opening 1a in a straight line from their placement position within the outer casing 22-24, they do not need to be bent as described above.

[0049] As described above, in the motor device 100 according to this embodiment, a sealing structure 10 is formed on the fixing surface 21b of the connector 2 and the outer surface 11 of the cover 1 so as to surround the opening 1a and insertion hole 1b of the cover 1, sealing the space between the fixing surface 21b and the outer surface 11.

[0050] In the above configuration, the sealing structure 10 can prevent moisture from entering from the outside between the fixed surface 21b of the connector 2 and the outer surface 11 of the cover 1. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the intrusion of moisture into the opening 1a and insertion hole 1b surrounded by the sealing structure 10. Consequently, rusting of the screw 8 due to moisture can be structurally prevented. Therefore, it becomes unnecessary to apply rust inhibitors or other treatments to the screw 8. This also simplifies the manufacturing of the motor device 100.

[0051] According to the above configuration, a highly waterproof motor device 100 can be constructed.

[0052] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Furthermore, embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment are also included within the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0053] 1. Cover (metal component) 1a aperture 1b Through hole (hole) 2 connectors 5 Motors 6. Drive board (first circuit board) 7. Control board (second circuit board) 8 screws 9. Sealing material 10 Sealing structure 11 External surface (first surface) 11a Groove 12. Inner self (second side) 13,14 Base 14a Seat 14b Projection 21a Connection surface 21b Fixed surface 22-24 Outer shell 25 Boss (screw holding part) 26 Protrusion 30 Power terminal (terminal) 40, 50 Signal terminals (terminals) 100 Motor devices (electronic equipment)

Claims

1. A connector having terminals, At least one screw, A metal member having an opening for inserting the terminal from a first surface on which the connector is fixed to a second surface on the opposite side of the first surface, and a hole for fixing the connector to the first surface using a screw, A first circuit board is fixed to the area on the second surface of the metal member where the opening is not provided, and is electrically connected to the connector. Equipped with, An electronic device characterized in that a sealing structure is formed to seal the space between the first surface and the fixing surface of the connector fixed to the first surface of the metal member, the sealing structure being formed to surround the opening and the hole, and the hole being located between the opening and the sealing structure.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sealing structure has a groove formed on either the first surface or the fixed surface so as to surround the opening and the hole, and a projection formed on the other so as to fit into the groove.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the sealing structure further comprises a sealing material that seals the space between the groove and the projection.

4. The fixing surface has a screw holding portion formed to protrude from the fixing surface and to hold the screw, The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the hole is formed to fit with the screw holding portion.

5. The connector has an outer casing provided on the side opposite to the fixed surface so as to surround the terminals, The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least a portion of the terminal is bent so as to reach the opening inside the connector from its position within the outer casing.

6. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the connector is fixed to the first surface by a screw inserted through the hole from the second surface to the first surface.

7. The present invention further comprises a second circuit board which is electrically connected to the first circuit board and is positioned on the second surface of the metal member at a distance from the first circuit board, The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that the terminals of the connector inserted through the opening of the metal member are connected to the second circuit board.

8. The metal member has a plurality of base portions on its second surface that secure the second circuit board while maintaining a distance from the first circuit board, The electronic device according to claim 7, characterized in that at least a part of the base portion has a seating surface for fixing the second circuit board at its top and a protruding portion that is higher than the seating surface.

9. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a motor driven based on power and signals supplied via the aforementioned terminals.

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