Motor device

Abstract

A motor device (31) comprises a motor (40) and a plurality of connectors (53A, 53B, 53C, 54C) which are provided on an end portion of the motor and extend toward a direction opposite to the motor. Each connector includes a peripheral wall and a lock portion (LP1, LP2, LP3, LP4) provided to the peripheral wall and configured to lock a mating state with a mating counterpart. Each lock portion is disposed so as to face toward a direction orthogonal to a straight line (O) passing through the center of the motor as viewed from the opposite side from the motor and so as not to overlap with the peripheral walls of all of the connectors including the connector to which the lock portion itself belongs as viewed in the direction along the straight line.

Description

Motor device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a motor device.

[0002] Conventionally, there exist motor devices having multiple connectors. The connectors may be provided with a Connector Position Assurance (CPA) mechanism. The CPA mechanism is a mechanism for ensuring that the connectors are mated in the correct position.

[0003] The CPA mechanism has a locking member that moves between an unlocked position and a locked position in the mating direction of the connectors. The movement of the locking member is restricted until the mating connectors are properly mated. When the connectors are properly mated, the movement of the locking member is permitted.

[0004] After the connectors are mated, the locking member is moved from the unlocked position to the locked position, locking the connectors into the mated state. The operator can visually check the mated state of the connectors by checking the position of the locking member.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-130546

[0006] Motor devices with multiple connectors pose the following concerns: Depending on the density or location of the connectors, it may be necessary to check the mating status of the connectors from multiple directions, which is cumbersome. Furthermore, depending on the mounting position or orientation of the motor device relative to the mounting object, it may be difficult to check the mating status of the connectors.

[0007] A motor device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a motor and a plurality of connectors provided at an end of the motor and extending in a direction opposite to the motor. Each of the connectors has a peripheral wall and a locking portion provided on the peripheral wall and configured to lock the mated state with a mating connector. When viewed from the side opposite the motor, the locking portion is oriented in a direction perpendicular to a line passing through the center of the motor, and is arranged so as not to overlap the peripheral wall of any of the connectors, including the connector to which the locking portion belongs, when viewed from the direction along the line.

[0008] Fig. 3 is a configuration diagram of a steering mechanism according to one embodiment of a motor device. Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the motor device of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an unlocked state of a locking mechanism of the connector assembly of Fig. 2. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a locked state of the locking mechanism of the connector assembly of Fig. 2. Fig. 7 is a front view of a comparative example of the connector assembly of Fig. 2, seen from the opposite side of the motor. Fig. 8 is a front view of the connector assembly of Fig. 2, seen from the opposite side of the motor.

[0009] A motor device according to one embodiment will be described. The motor device is mounted, for example, in a steering device of a vehicle. As shown in Fig. 1, the steering device of the vehicle has a steering mechanism 11. The steering mechanism 11 is a mechanical part that steers steerable wheels 12 of the vehicle in response to steering of the steering wheel.

[0010] The steering mechanism 11 has a pinion shaft 21, a steered shaft 22, and a housing 23. The housing 23 rotatably supports the pinion shaft 21. The housing 23 also accommodates the steered shaft 22 so that the steered shaft 22 can reciprocate in the axial direction. The pinion shaft 21 is arranged to intersect with the steered shaft 22. Pinion teeth 21a of the pinion shaft 21 mesh with rack teeth 22a of the steered shaft 22. Both ends of the steered shaft 22 are connected to the steered wheels 12 via rack ends 24 and tie rods 25.

[0011] The steering device is a steer-by-wire steering device or an electric power steering device. If the steering device is a steer-by-wire steering device, the pinion shaft 21 is not mechanically connected to the steering wheel. If the steering device is an electric power steering device, the pinion shaft 21 is mechanically connected to the steering wheel via a steering shaft.

[0012] The steering mechanism 11 includes a motor device 31, a transmission mechanism 32, and a conversion mechanism 33. The motor device 31 is a source of the steering force applied to the steered shaft 22. The steering force is a force for steering the steered wheels 12. The transmission mechanism 32 is, for example, a belt transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism 32 transmits the rotation of the motor 31 to the conversion mechanism 33. The conversion mechanism 33 is, for example, a ball screw mechanism. The conversion mechanism 33 converts the rotation transmitted via the transmission mechanism 32 into axial movement of the steered shaft 22. Axial movement of the steered shaft 22 changes the steering angle θ of the steered wheels 12. ｗ The steering shaft 22 is a drive target of the motor device 31.

[0013] When the steering device is a steer-by-wire steering device, the motor device 31 functions as a steering motor. The steering motor generates a steering force for steering the steered wheels 12. When the steering device is an electric power steering device, the motor device 31 functions as an assist motor. The assist motor generates an assist force for assisting the operation of the steering wheel.

[0014] <Configuration of Motor Device 31> Next, the configuration of the motor device 31 will be described. As shown in Fig. 2, the motor device 31 has a motor 40 and a control device 50. The motor 40 is, for example, a three-phase brushless motor. The motor 40 has, for example, two systems of winding groups. The control device 50 is attached to an end of the motor 40. The control device 50 independently controls the power supply to the two systems of winding groups.

[0015] The control device 50 has a control board 51, a power board 52, a connector assembly 53, and a cover 53. The control board 51 has electronic components for controlling the power supply to the motor 40. The electronic components include two microcomputers corresponding to the two winding groups. The microcomputers are chip-type integrated circuits.

[0016] The power board 52 has electronic components for supplying power to the motor 40 through control by the control board 51. The electronic components include two inverter circuits corresponding to the two winding groups. The inverter circuits have a plurality of FETs (Field Effect Transistors).

[0017] A first board housing portion 40A and a second board housing portion 40B are provided at one end of the motor 40. The depth of the first board housing portion 40A is deeper than the depth of the second board housing portion 40B. The control board 51 is housed in the first board housing portion 40A. The power board 52 is housed in the second board housing portion 40B so as to cover the control board 51. The control board 51 and the power board 52 are connected to each other via an inter-board connector.

[0018] The connector assembly 53 is made of synthetic resin. The connector assembly 53 includes a first power connector 53A and a second power connector 53B. The first power connector 53A extends in the opposite direction from the motor 40 and has a peripheral wall that opens in the opposite direction from the motor 40. The peripheral wall has, for example, a rectangular cross-sectional shape with rounded corners. The first power connector 53A includes a power terminal and a ground terminal. A mating power plug is mated with the first power connector 53A. The power plug is provided at a first end of a power line. A second end of the power line is connected to a DC power source such as an on-board battery. Power from the DC power source is supplied to the control board 51 and the power board 52 via the power terminal and the ground terminal. The second power connector 53B has a configuration similar to that of the first power connector 53A.

[0019] The connector assembly 53 has a first signal connector 53C and a second signal connector 53D. The first signal connector 53C has a peripheral wall extending in the opposite direction from the motor 40. The peripheral wall has, for example, a rectangular cross-sectional shape with rounded corners. The first signal connector 53C has a signal terminal. A mating signal plug is fitted into the first signal connector 53C. The signal plug is provided at a first end of a signal line. A second end of the signal line is connected to a vehicle control device. Signals are exchanged between the control board 51 and the vehicle control device via the signal terminal. The second signal connector 53D has a configuration similar to that of the first signal connector 53C.

[0020] The cover 54 is made of synthetic resin. The cover 54 is a box-shaped body that opens toward the motor 40. An end wall of the cover 54 has a fitting hole 54A. The fitting hole 54A is fitted with the outer periphery of the connector assembly 53. The connectors (53A, 53B, 53C, 54C) of the connector assembly 53 pass through the fitting hole 54A and protrude from the end wall of the cover 54 to the outside of the cover 53. The cover 54 is attached to an end of the motor 40. The cover 54 covers the first board accommodating portion 40A and the second board accommodating portion 40B of the motor 40.

[0021] <Connector Locking Mechanism> Next, the connector locking mechanism will be described, taking a first sample connector 61 and a second sample connector 62 as an example, as shown in FIG.

[0022] The first sample connector 61 is fitted into the second sample connector 62. The first sample connector 61 has a first locking mechanism 63. The first locking mechanism 63 is a protrusion provided on the outer circumferential surface of the first sample connector 61.

[0023] The second sample connector 62 has a housing 64 made of synthetic resin. The housing 64 has a peripheral wall, a fitting portion 65, and a second locking mechanism portion 66. The second locking mechanism portion 66 is provided on the peripheral wall and has a stopper portion 68 and a holding portion 69.

[0024] The fitting portion 65 is a recessed portion into which the first sample connector 61 is fitted, and is a portion surrounded by the peripheral wall of the housing 64. The fitting portion 65 opens in the opposite direction to the fitting direction D1 of the first sample connector 61. A terminal 67 is held inside the fitting portion 65.

[0025] The stopper portion 68 is frame-shaped. The stopper portion 68 has two arms 68A (only one is shown in FIG. 3 ) and a locking portion 68B. The arm 68A extends from the end wall of the second housing 62 in a direction opposite to the mating direction D1. The two arms 68A are spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the mating direction D1. The locking portion 68B extends in a direction perpendicular to the mating direction D1 and connects the distal ends of the two arms 68A. The distal ends are ends of the arms 68A opposite the end wall of the second sample connector 62. The arms 68A can elastically bend around their base ends in the direction D2 away from the mating portion 65. The base ends are ends of the arms 68A that are connected to the end wall of the second sample connector 62. When the arm portion 68A is bent, the locking portion 68B also moves in the direction D2.

[0026] The holding portion 69 is located on the opposite side of the arm 68A from the fitting portion 65 in a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction D1. The holding portion 69 protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface of the second sample connector 62. The holding portion 69 extends along the arm 68A. The holding portion 69 is provided so as to surround the outside of the two arms 68A. The holding portion 69 has two side walls located outside the two arms 68A and an end wall connecting the two side walls. In the direction perpendicular to the fitting direction D1, a gap exists between the end wall of the holding portion 69 and the arm 68A. The space defined by the holding portion 69 and the two arms 68A has a rectangular cross-sectional shape.

[0027] The second sample connector 62 has a locking member 70. The locking member 70 is made of synthetic resin and has a flat plate shape. A first end of the locking member 70 is inserted into the holding portion 69 and held by the holding portion 69. A second end of the locking member 70 is exposed to the outside of the holding portion 69. The second end is the end of the locking member 70 opposite the first end. By applying an external force to the second end of the locking member 70, the locking member 70 can be pushed into the holding portion 69. At least the first end of the locking member 70 has a thickness approximately equal to the gap between the end wall of the holding portion 69 and the arm portion 68A. The locking member 70 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape.

[0028] The locking member 70 is movable between an unlocked position P1 shown in FIG. 3 and a locked position P2 shown in FIG. 4. The unlocked position P1 is a position of the locking member 70 in which the first end corresponds to the base end of the arm portion 68A. When the locking member 70 is in the unlocked position P1, a gap exists between the end wall of the holding portion 69 and the portion of the arm portion 68A excluding the base end. This allows the tip of the arm portion 68A to elastically bend in the direction D2 away from the fitting portion 65. The locking portion 68B provided at the tip of the arm portion 68A is also movable in the direction D2 away from the fitting portion 65.

[0029] The locked position P2 is a position of the locking member 70 where the first end is located near the tip of the arm 68A. When the locking member 70 is in the locked position P2, the first end of the locking member 70 is interposed between the end wall of the retaining portion 69 and the portion of the arm 68A near the tip. Therefore, the tip of the arm 68A cannot elastically bend in the direction D2 away from the fitting portion 65. The engaging portion 68B provided at the tip of the arm 68A also cannot move in the direction D2 away from the fitting portion 65.

[0030] <Operation of Locking Mechanism> The operation of the locking mechanism between the first sample connector 61 and the second sample connector 62 is as follows.

[0031] 4, when the first sample connector 61 is mated with the second sample connector 62, the first locking mechanism 63 abuts against the engaging portion 68B of the second locking mechanism 66 in the mating direction D1. As the first sample connector 61 is pushed into the second sample connector 62, the engaging portion 68B moves in the direction D2 away from the mating portion 65. Eventually, the engaging portion 68B overcomes the first locking mechanism 63 and elastically returns to its original position. The engaging portion 66 engages with the first locking mechanism 63 in the direction opposite to the mating direction D1, thereby restricting movement of the first sample connector 61 in the direction opposite to the mating direction D1.

[0032] After mating the first sample connector 61 with the second sample connector 62, the locking member 70 is moved from the unlocked position P1 to the locked position P2. This prevents the tip of the arm 68A from bending in the direction D2 away from the mating portion 65, and thus prevents the locking portion 68B from moving in the direction D2 away from the mating portion 65. This prevents the locking portion 68B, which is locked by the first locking mechanism 63, from moving in the direction D2 away from the mating portion 65 and releasing the locked state. This ensures that the first sample connector 61 and the second sample connector 62 are mated.

[0033] An operator can recognize the mated state of the first sample connector 61 and the second sample connector 62, for example, by visually checking the position of the locking member 70. The locking mechanism also serves as a CPA mechanism (connector position assurance mechanism). The CPA mechanism is a mechanism for ensuring that the first sample connector 61 and the second sample connector 62 are mated in the correct position.

[0034] The first power connector 53A and the second power connector 53B have the same configuration as the second sample connector 62 in terms of the locking mechanism. The locking portion of the first power connector 53A and the locking portion of the second power connector 53B each have the same configuration as the second locking mechanism 66. The power plugs that mate with the first power connector 53A and the second power connector 53B have the same configuration as the first sample connector 61 in terms of the locking mechanism. The locking portion of the power plug has the same configuration as the first locking mechanism 63.

[0035] The first signal connector 53C and the second signal connector 53C have the same configuration as the first sample connector 61 in terms of the locking mechanism. The locking portion of the first signal connector 53C and the locking portion of the second signal connector 53C each have the same configuration as the first locking mechanism 63. The signal plugs mated with the first signal connector 53C and the second signal connector 53D have the same configuration as the second sample connector 62 in terms of the locking mechanism. The locking portion of the signal plug has the same configuration as the second locking mechanism 66.

[0036] <Comparative Example of Connector Layout> Next, a comparative example of the layout of each connector (53A, 53B, 53C, 54C) will be described.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 5 , the connectors (53A, 53B, 53C, 54C) are disposed on the periphery of the cover 54. When viewed from the opposite side of the motor 40, the first power connector 53A and the second power connector 53B are disposed symmetrically with respect to the center line O. The center line O is, for example, a straight line passing through the center of the motor 40 or the connector assembly 53 when viewed from the opposite side of the motor 40. "When viewed from the opposite side of the motor 40" can be rephrased as "when viewed from the direction in which the connectors protrude (or extend)." In this embodiment, the center line O is a line that intersects the axis of the motor 40 at a right angle. In this case, "when viewed from the opposite side of the motor 40" can be rephrased as "when viewed from the direction along the axis of the motor 40."

[0038] The first power connector 53A and the second power connector 53B are disposed at the same position in the direction along the center line O. That is, the first power connector 53A and the second power connector 53B face each other in a direction perpendicular to the center line O. When viewed from the side opposite the motor 40, the long sides of the first power connector 53A and the second power connector 53B extend in a direction perpendicular to the center line O.

[0039] When viewed from the side opposite the motor 40, the first signal connector 53C and the second signal connector 53C are arranged to be symmetrical with respect to the center line O. The first signal connector 53C and the second signal connector 53C are arranged at the same position in the direction along the center line O. That is, the first signal connector 53C and the second signal connector 53C face each other in a direction perpendicular to the center line O. The first signal connector 53C and the second signal connector 53C are arranged at different positions in the direction along the center line O from the first power connector 53A and the second power connector 53B. When viewed from the side opposite the motor 40, the long side of the first signal connector 53C and the long side of the second signal connector 53C extend along the center line O.

[0040] When viewed from the side opposite the motor 40, the first locking portion LP1 faces outward from the motor device 31 in the direction along the central axis O. The first locking portion LP1 is a locking portion for the first power connector 53A. When viewed from the side opposite the motor 40, the second locking portion LP2 faces outward from the motor device 31 in the direction along the central axis O. The second locking portion LP2 is a locking portion for the second power connector 53B. The first locking portion LP1 and the second locking portion LP2 face in the same direction in the direction along the central axis O.

[0041] When viewed from the side opposite the motor 40, the third lock portion LP3 faces outward from the motor device 31 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis O. The third lock portion LP3 is a lock portion for the first signal connector 53C. When viewed from the side opposite the motor 40, the fourth lock portion LP4 faces outward from the motor device 31 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis O. The fourth lock portion LP4 is a lock portion for the second signal connector 53D. The third lock portion LP3 and the fourth lock portion LP4 face in opposite directions from each other in a direction perpendicular to the center line O.

[0042] 5 , there is the following concern: All of the first to fourth locking portions LP1 to LP4 can be visually confirmed from the first direction D11 along the center line O. Therefore, the positions of the locking members 70 corresponding to the first to fourth locking portions LP1 to LP4 can be visually confirmed.

[0043] In contrast, from a second direction D12 along the center line O, only the third locking portion LP3 and the fourth locking portion LP4 can be visually confirmed. The second direction D12 is opposite to the first direction. The first locking portion LP1 is hidden behind the peripheral wall of the first power connector 53A and cannot be visually confirmed. Therefore, the position of the locking member 70 corresponding to the first locking portion LP1 cannot be visually confirmed. Similarly to the first locking portion LP1, the second locking portion LP2 cannot be visually confirmed. Therefore, the position of the locking member 70 corresponding to the second locking portion LP2 cannot be visually confirmed.

[0044] 5, the mated state of all connectors (53A, 53B, 53C, 54C) can only be confirmed from one direction. Therefore, depending on the mounting position or mounting posture of the motor device 31 relative to the steering device, it may be difficult to visually confirm the positions of the first to fourth locking portions LP1 to LP4, and therefore the locking members 70 corresponding to the first to fourth locking portions LP1 to LP4.

[0045] <Connector Layout of the Present Embodiment> In the present embodiment, the connectors (53A, 53B, 53C, 54C) are arranged as follows.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 6 , when viewed from the side opposite the motor 40, the first power connector 53A and the second power connector 53B are disposed near the center of the cover 54. When viewed from the side opposite the motor 40, the first power connector 53A and the second power connector 53B are disposed symmetrically with respect to the center line O. The center line O is, for example, a straight line passing through the center of the motor 40 or the connector assembly 53 when viewed from the side opposite the motor 40. The first power connector 53A and the second power connector 53B are disposed at the same position in the direction along the center line O. In other words, the first power connector 53A and the second power connector 53B face each other in a direction perpendicular to the center line O. When viewed from the side opposite the motor 40, the long side of the first power connector 53A and the long side of the second power connector 53B extend along the center line O.

[0047] When viewed from the side opposite the motor 40, the first signal connector 53C and the second signal connector 53C are arranged near the periphery of the cover 54. When viewed from the side opposite the motor 40, the first signal connector 53C and the second signal connector 53C are arranged to be symmetrical with respect to the center line O. The first signal connector 53C and the second signal connector 53C are arranged at the same position in the direction along the center line O. In other words, the first signal connector 53C and the second signal connector 53C face each other in a direction perpendicular to the center line O. The first signal connector 53C and the second signal connector 53C are arranged at different positions in the direction along the center line O from the first power connector 53A and the second power connector 53B.

[0048] However, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the center line O, a portion of the peripheral wall of the first signal connector 53C overlaps a portion of the peripheral wall of the first power connector 53A. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the center line O, a portion of the peripheral wall of the second signal connector 53D overlaps a portion of the peripheral wall of the second power connector 53B. When viewed from the side opposite the motor 40, the long sides of the first signal connector 53C and the second signal connector 53C extend along the center line O.

[0049] When viewed from the side opposite the motor 40, the first locking portion LP1 faces outward from the motor device 31 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis O. The first locking portion LP1 is a locking portion for the first power connector 53A. When viewed from the side opposite the motor 40, the second locking portion LP2 faces outward from the motor device 31 in a direction along the central axis O. The second locking portion LP2 is a locking portion for the second power connector 53B. The first locking portion LP1 and the second locking portion LP2 face in opposite directions from each other in a direction perpendicular to the central axis O.

[0050] When viewed from the side opposite the motor 40, the third lock portion LP3 faces outward from the motor device 31 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis O. The third lock portion LP3 is a lock portion for the first signal connector 53C. When viewed from the side opposite the motor 40, the fourth lock portion LP4 faces outward from the motor device 31 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis O. The fourth lock portion LP4 is a lock portion for the second signal connector 53D. The third lock portion LP3 and the fourth lock portion LP4 face in opposite directions from each other in a direction perpendicular to the central axis O.

[0051] The four connectors (53A, 53B, 53C, 54C) are spaced apart from one another in a direction perpendicular to the center line O. The first to fourth locking portions LP1 to LP4 are arranged so as not to overlap the peripheral walls of any of the connectors (53A, 53B, 53C, 54C), including the connector to which each locking portion belongs, when viewed from the direction along the center line O. The direction along the center line O is the first direction D11 or the second direction D12.

[0052] Therefore, it is possible to visually confirm all of the first to fourth locking portions LP1 to LP4 from a first direction D11 along the center line O. It is also possible to visually confirm all of the first to fourth locking portions LP1 to LP4 from a second direction D12 along the center line O. In other words, it is possible to visually confirm the positions of the locking members 70 corresponding to the first to fourth locking portions LP1 to LP4, respectively, from both the first direction D11 and the second direction D12.

[0053] When viewed from the side opposite the motor 40, the first locking portion LP1 and the third locking portion LP3 face outward from the motor device 31 in a direction perpendicular to the center line O. Furthermore, the first locking portion LP1 and the third locking portion LP3 are arranged so as not to overlap each other when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the center line O. In the direction perpendicular to the center line O, there is free space on the outside of the first locking portion LP1 and the outside of the third locking portion LP3.

[0054] When viewed from the side opposite the motor 40, the second locking portion LP2 and the fourth locking portion LP4 face outward from the motor device 31 in a direction perpendicular to the center line O. Furthermore, the second locking portion LP2 and the fourth locking portion LP4 are arranged so as not to overlap each other when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the center line O. In the direction perpendicular to the center line O, there is free space on the outside of the second locking portion LP2 and the outside of the fourth locking portion LP4.

[0055] If the steering device is an electric power steering device, the connector assembly 53 is provided with a sensor connector 53E. For example, a torque sensor is connected to the sensor connector 53E via a signal line. The torque sensor detects the steering torque applied to the steering wheel. When viewed from the side opposite the motor 40, the sensor connector 53E is disposed, for example, near the periphery of the cover 54 and on the center line O. When viewed in the direction along the center axis O, the sensor connector 53E is disposed so as not to overlap with the first to fourth locking portions LP1 to LP4.

[0056] Effects of the Embodiment The present embodiment provides the following effects. (1) When viewed from the side opposite the motor 40, the first to fourth locking portions LP1 to LP4 face outward from the motor device 31 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis O. Furthermore, when viewed from the direction along the center line O, each locking portion (LP1 to LP4) is arranged so as not to overlap the peripheral walls of any of the connectors (53A, 53B, 53C, 54C), including the connector to which the locking portion itself belongs. Therefore, the positions of the locking members 70 corresponding to the first to fourth locking portions LP1 to LP4 can be visually confirmed from two directions, the first direction D11 and the second direction D12, along the central axis O.

[0057] (2) The positions of all locking members 70 can be visually confirmed from the first direction D11 or the second direction D12. Since there is no need to check the positions of the locking members 70 from multiple directions, the mating state of each connector (53A, 53B, 53C, 54C) can be easily confirmed.

[0058] (3) The increased visibility of the locking member 70 allows for greater flexibility in the mounting position or orientation of the motor device 31 relative to the steering device. This improves the ease of mounting the motor device 31 to the steering device or vehicle. Furthermore, there is no need to provide multiple types of motor devices 31 with different connector arrangements (53A, 53B, 53C, 54C) depending on the mounting position or orientation of the motor device 31 relative to the steering device.

[0059] (4) In the direction perpendicular to the center line O, there is an empty space on the outside of each of the first locking portion LP1 and the third locking portion LP3. In addition, in the direction perpendicular to the center line O, there is an empty space on the outside of each of the second locking portion LP2 and the fourth locking portion LP4. This ensures the operability of the locking member 70.

[0060] (5) The first power connector 53A and the second power connector 53B are line-symmetrical with respect to the central axis O. The first signal connector 53C and the second signal connector 53D are line-symmetrical with respect to the central axis O. This simplifies the arrangement of electronic components on the control board 51 or the power board 52. The first power connector 53A and the first signal connector 53C are a pair that constitute a first system. The second power connector 53B and the second signal connector 53D are a pair that constitute a second system.

[0061] (6) The peripheral wall of the first power connector 53A and the peripheral wall of the first signal connector 53C partially overlap each other in the direction along the center line O. The peripheral wall of the second power connector 53B and the peripheral wall of the second signal connector 53D partially overlap each other in the direction along the center line O. This allows the size of the motor device 31 to be reduced in the direction along the center line O.

[0062] (7) The first to fourth locking portions LP1 to LP4 protrude from the peripheral surfaces of the respective connectors (53A, 53B, 53C, 54C). That is, the first to fourth locking portions LP1 to LP4 have an undercut shape. The undercut shape prevents the molded connector assembly 53 from being released from the mold in the mold opening / closing direction. The opening / closing direction is, for example, the direction in which the connectors (53A, 53B, 53C, 54C) extend. In this regard, in the direction perpendicular to the center line O, there is free space outside each of the first to fourth locking portions LP1 to LP4. This makes it possible to mold the first to fourth locking portions LP1 to LP4 using a slide core. The slide core can move, for example, in a direction perpendicular to the mold opening / closing direction in conjunction with the mold opening / closing operation. This allows the connector assembly 53 having an undercut shape to be appropriately molded.

[0063] Other Embodiments This embodiment may be modified as follows. The first power connector 53A and the second power connector 53B do not have to be line-symmetrical with respect to the central axis O. The first signal connector 53C and the second signal connector 53D do not have to be line-symmetrical with respect to the central axis O. It is sufficient that each locking portion (LP1 to LP4) is arranged so as not to overlap with the peripheral walls of all connectors (53A, 53B, 53C, 54C) including the connector to which each locking portion itself belongs, when viewed from the direction along the center line O.

[0064] The peripheral wall of the first power connector 53A and the peripheral wall of the first signal connector 53C do not have to partially overlap each other when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the center line O. The peripheral wall of the second power connector 53B and the peripheral wall of the second signal connector 53D do not have to partially overlap each other when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the center line O. It is sufficient that each locking portion (LP1 to LP4) is arranged so as not to overlap with the peripheral walls of all connectors (53A, 53B, 53C, 54C), including the connector to which each locking portion itself belongs, when viewed from the direction along the center line O.

[0065] When viewed from the opposite side of the motor 40, the first to fourth locking portions LP1 to LP4 may face the inside of the motor device 31 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis O. When viewed from the opposite side of the motor 40, either the first locking portion LP1 or the third locking portion LP3 may face the inside of the motor device 31 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis O. When viewed from the opposite side of the motor 40, either the second locking portion LP2 or the fourth locking portion LP4 may face the inside of the motor device 31 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis O. It is sufficient that each locking portion (LP1 to LP4) is arranged so as not to overlap the peripheral walls of any of the connectors (53A, 53B, 53C, 54C), including the connector to which the locking portion itself belongs, when viewed from the direction along the center line O.

[0066] The first locking portion LP1 and the third locking portion LP3 may overlap each other when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the center line O. The second locking portion LP2 and the fourth locking portion LP4 may overlap each other when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the center line O. It is sufficient that each locking portion (LP1 to LP4) is arranged so as not to overlap the peripheral walls of any of the connectors (53A, 53B, 53C, 54C), including the connector to which each locking portion itself belongs, when viewed from the direction along the center line O.

[0067] The motor 40 may have one winding group. The control system and power supply system of the motor 40 may each be one system. In this case, the connector assembly 53 may be configured without the first power connector 53A and the first signal connector 53C, or without the second power connector 53B and the second signal connector 53D.

Claims

1. a motor; and a plurality of connectors provided at an end of the motor and extending in a direction opposite to the motor; Each of the connectors has a peripheral wall and a locking portion provided on the peripheral wall and configured to lock the mated state with a mating connector, The locking portion is When viewed from the opposite side of the motor, the motor faces in a direction perpendicular to a line passing through the center of the motor, and When viewed from the direction along the straight line, the locking portion is arranged so as not to overlap with the peripheral walls of any of the connectors, including the connector to which the locking portion itself belongs, the plurality of connectors include a first connector and a second connector that are positioned differently from each other in a direction along the straight line; the locking portion of the first connector and the locking portion of the second connector are arranged to face outward from the motor in a direction perpendicular to the straight line, and are arranged so as not to overlap each other when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the straight line, The motor device, wherein the peripheral wall of the first connector and the peripheral wall of the second connector partially overlap each other when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the straight line.

2. the first connector includes two first connectors arranged symmetrically with respect to the line, The motor device according to claim 1 , wherein the second connector includes two second connectors arranged symmetrically with respect to the straight line.