Drive device

Abstract

A drive device (1, 2) comprises: a motor (10); a base board (31); and a connector part (50). The motor (10) has: a motor case (11, 110) including a case body (12, 120) having a cylindrical part (121); a stator (17) fixed to the cylindrical part (121); a motor winding (21) wound around the stator (17); and a rotor (18) provided so as to be rotatable when electric current is supplied to the motor winding (21). The base board (31) is provided on one side of the motor (10) in the axial direction, and is formed so that at least a portion thereof extends radially outward beyond the cylindrical part (121). The connector part (50) is connected to the base board (31). The motor case (11, 110) is provided with an extension part (123, 165) in which at least a portion thereof extends along the base board (31) radially outward beyond the cylindrical part (121). The connector part (50) is attached to the extension part (123, 165).

Description

Drive unit CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is based on Patent Application No. 2024-008836 filed on January 24, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a drive device.

[0003] A drive device having a motor and a control unit is known. For example, in Patent Document 1, a connector has a base and a connecting portion, and the connecting portion extends in a manner spaced apart in the y direction from a part of an outer annular surface of the base.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-188655

[0005] When the connector connection portion is provided extending radially outward from the motor, if the base and the connection portion are integrally formed as in Patent Document 1, the connector member becomes large and difficult to mold. Furthermore, there is a risk that the connector opening may fall over. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a drive device in which the connector portion can be made smaller.

[0006] The drive device of the present disclosure includes a motor, a substrate, and a connector. The motor has a motor case including a case body with a cylindrical portion, a stator fixed to the cylindrical portion, motor windings wound around the stator, and a rotor that is rotatable relative to the stator when current is applied to the motor winding. Electronic components related to motor drive control are mounted on the substrate, and the substrate is provided on one axial side of the motor, with at least a portion extending radially outward beyond the cylindrical portion. The connector is connected to the substrate. The motor case has an extension that extends radially outward beyond the cylindrical portion so as to fit along the substrate, and the connector is attached to the extension. This allows the connector to be made smaller.

[0007] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a steering system according to a first embodiment, Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a drive unit according to the first embodiment, Fig. 3 is a side view of the drive unit according to the first embodiment, Fig. 4 is a bottom view of the drive unit according to the first embodiment, Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the assembly of a connector unit and a board according to the first embodiment, Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the assembled state of the connector unit and the board according to the first embodiment, Fig. 7 is a plan view showing a seal groove according to the first embodiment, Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the seal groove according to the first embodiment, Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a drive unit according to a second embodiment, Fig. 10 is an example of a shape modification in which the connector opening is located on the opposite side of the motor, and Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a drive unit according to a second embodiment. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the seal groove according to the third embodiment; FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the attachment of the connector portion according to the fourth embodiment; FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the attachment of the connector portion according to the fifth embodiment; FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the attachment of the connector portion according to the sixth embodiment; FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the attachment of the connector portion according to the seventh embodiment; FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the attachment of the connector portion according to the eighth embodiment; FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the attachment of the connector portion according to the ninth embodiment; and FIG. 19 is a reference example in which the extension portion is formed integrally with the connector portion.

[0008] A drive device according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following, substantially identical components in multiple embodiments will be assigned the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0009] (First embodiment) A first embodiment is shown in Figures 1 to 8. As shown in Figure 1, a drive device 1 includes a motor 10 and an ECU 30, and is applied to an electric power steering device 8. Figure 1 shows the configuration of a steering system 90 that includes the electric power steering device 8. The steering system 90 includes a steering wheel 91, which is a steering member, a steering shaft 92, a pinion gear 96, a rack shaft 97, wheels 98, the electric power steering device 8, and the like.

[0010] The steering wheel 91 is connected to a steering shaft 92. A torque sensor 94 that detects steering torque is provided on the steering shaft 92. A pinion gear 96 is provided at the tip of the steering shaft 92. The pinion gear 96 meshes with a rack shaft 97. A pair of wheels 98 are connected to both ends of the rack shaft 97 via tie rods or the like.

[0011] When the driver turns the steering wheel 91, the steering shaft 92 connected to the steering wheel 91 rotates. The rotational motion of the steering shaft 92 is converted into linear motion of a rack shaft 97 by a pinion gear 96. A pair of wheels 98 are steered to an angle corresponding to the amount of displacement of the rack shaft 97.

[0012] The electric power steering device 8 includes the drive unit 1 and a reduction gear 89, which is a power transmission unit that reduces the speed of the rotation of the motor 10 and transmits it to the steering shaft 92. That is, the electric power steering device 8 of this embodiment is a so-called "column assist type," and the steering shaft 92 can be said to be the driven object. It may also be a so-called "rack assist type," in which the rotation of the motor 10 is transmitted to a rack shaft 97.

[0013] The motor 10 is, for example, a three-phase brushless motor. The motor 10 outputs part or all of the torque required for steering, is driven by power supplied from a battery (not shown), and rotates the reduction gear 89 forward and reverse. The drive unit 1 has an ECU 30 on one axial side of the motor 10. That is, the drive unit 1 is a so-called "mechatronically integrated" drive unit in which the motor 10 and the ECU 30 that controls the drive of the motor 10 are integrally provided. The mechatronically integrated drive unit 1 allows the motor 10 and the ECU 30 to be efficiently arranged in a vehicle with limited installation space. Hereinafter, the terms "axial direction," "radial direction," and "circumferential direction" will be used to refer to the axial direction, radial direction, and circumferential direction of the motor 10, as appropriate.

[0014] The drive unit 1 is shown in FIGS. 2 to 4. The side view in FIG. 3 is a view seen from the direction III in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a view seen from the direction IV in FIG. 2. The motor 10 is, for example, a three-phase brushless motor, and includes a motor case 11, a stator 17, a rotor 18, and motor windings 21. The motor case 11 includes a case body 12 and a frame member 15. The case body 12 is formed of a metal such as an aluminum alloy, and includes a cylindrical portion 121 and an extension portion 123 formed integrally. The cylindrical portion 121 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape with a bottom that opens toward the substrate 31. Hereinafter, the area obtained by projecting the cylindrical portion 121 in the axial direction will be referred to as the "motor silhouette."

[0015] The extension 123 is provided so as to protrude radially outward from a portion of the opening side of the cylindrical portion 121. The extension 123 is formed approximately perpendicular to the motor shaft. The extension 123 is formed with a connector insertion hole 124 through which the connector portion 50 is inserted, and a groove 125 that fits with the insertion protrusion 513 of the connector portion 50.

[0016] The frame member 15 is provided on the opening side of the cylindrical portion 121 and is shrink-fitted to the radially inner side of the cylindrical portion 121. The frame member 15 is formed with board contact portions 152 that protrude toward the board 31. The board contact portions 152 are provided at multiple locations on the outer edge side of the frame member 15 and abut against the surface of the board 31 on the motor 10 side. The board contact portions 152 may also be formed on the extension portion 123.

[0017] The stator 17 is made of laminated steel plates or the like and is fixed to the radially inner side of the cylindrical portion 121. Motor windings 21 are wound around the stator 17. The rotor 18 is made of laminated steel plates or the like and is provided radially inner side of the stator 17 so as to be rotatable relative to it. A shaft (not shown) that penetrates the rotor 18 in the vertical direction on the page of FIG. 2 is press-fitted and fixed into the rotor 18. The shaft is rotatably supported by the motor case 11, and the rotor 18 and the shaft rotate together when current is applied to the motor windings 21.

[0018] The motor windings 21 are brought out to the circuit board 31 side and electrically connected to the circuit board 31 via the electromechanical connecting member 22. The electromechanical connecting member 22 may be composed of multiple members, for example, by providing separate members for connecting circuit board connection terminals and each phase of the motor windings and electrically connecting them, or may be composed of a single member. In this embodiment, the tip end of the electromechanical connecting member 22 on the circuit board 31 side is formed into an elastically deformable shape, and is inserted into a terminal connection hole formed in the circuit board 31 to be electrically connected to the circuit board 31 by a so-called press-fit connection. The electromechanical connecting member 22, which is made of a conductive material such as a copper alloy, is held in a holder 23, which is made of, for example, resin.

[0019] The ECU 30 includes a circuit board 31 and a connector portion 50. The circuit board 31 is provided on one axial side of the motor 10, and like the extension portion 123, a portion of the circuit board 31 extends radially outward in the circumferential direction. The surface of the circuit board 31 facing the motor 10 abuts against a circuit board abutment portion 152 of the frame member 15. Various electronic components related to the drive control of the motor 10 are mounted on the circuit board 31.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 8 , the connector unit 50 includes a connector housing 51 and connector terminals 55. The connector housing 51 includes a base portion 511 and a main body portion 512 that protrudes from the base portion 511 and is integrally formed from resin or the like. The main body portion 512 is inserted into the connector insertion hole 124 of the motor case 11, with its opening facing away from the board 31 (the lower side of the paper in FIG. 2 ). While FIGS. 3 and 4 show an example in which there are four main body portions 512, the number of openings may be different. The base portion 511 has an insertion protrusion 513 formed along its outer edge that protrudes toward the motor 10. The insertion protrusion 513 fits into the groove 125 of the motor case 11.

[0021] The connector terminals 55 are formed of, for example, a copper alloy, and have their bases embedded in the main body 512. The tip ends of the connector terminals 55 are formed in an elastically deformable shape, and are inserted into terminal connection holes formed in the circuit board 31 to be electrically connected to the circuit board 31 by a so-called press-fit connection. In this embodiment, the circuit board 31 is supported by the press-fit connection between the electromechanical connection member 22 and the connector terminals 55. The circuit board 31 abuts against a circuit board abutment portion 152 on the motor 10 side, and is not fixed to the motor case 11.

[0022] The assembly of the connector portion 50 and the circuit board 31 will be explained with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figures 5 and 6 are simplified diagrams for the purpose of explanation, and the seal grooves and screw fastening positions do not necessarily correspond to the actual positions. The same applies to Figures 13 to 18.

[0023] 5, the case body 12 and the connector portion 50 are sealed together by inserting the insertion convex portion 513 into the groove portion 125 with adhesive 527 applied to the groove portion 125. The connector portion 50 is fixed to the case body 12 with a screw 526. This allows the connector portion 50 to be reliably fixed to the case body 12, ensuring sealing.

[0024] As shown in Figure 6, in this embodiment, after the connector unit 50 is assembled to the case body 12, the electromechanical connection member 22 (not shown in Figure 7) and the connector terminals 55 are press-fit connected to the board 31, thereby assembling the motor 10 and the connector unit 50 to the board 31. By press-fit connecting the electromechanical connection member 22 and the connector terminals 55 to the board 31, the electrical connection is completed simultaneously with the assembly. This allows the assembly process to be shortened compared to when electrical connection is made by soldering or the like.

[0025] 2 and 8, the cover 70 is made of, for example, resin and has a generally cylindrical shape with a bottom that opens toward the motor 10. The circuit board 31 is housed in a space formed inside the extension 123 of the case body 12, the frame member 15, and the cover 70. An engagement portion 701 is formed around the entire periphery of the tip of the cover 70.

[0026] The engaging portion 701 is inserted into the groove 126. The outer peripheral wall of the groove 126 is formed by a wall 127 that stands along the outer edge of the case body 12. The inner peripheral wall of the groove 126 is formed by a wall 128 that is provided on the case body 12 or the frame member 15. By inserting the engaging portion 701 into the groove 126 with adhesive 527 (not shown in FIG. 8 ) applied to the groove 126, the case body 12 and the cover 70 are sealed together.

[0027] 7 and 8, wall portion 128 is provided on the outside of connector portion 50 between groove portions 125 and 126, and functions as the outer peripheral wall of groove portion 125 and the inner peripheral wall of groove portion 126. In other words, wall portion 128 is used as a partition wall between groove portions 125 and 126. Note that FIG. 7 shows a state in which substrate 31 and cover 70 are removed, and the number of openings and the like differ from those in FIG. 2.

[0028] 19 is a reference example, and the connector section 500 has a connector housing 501 and connector terminals 55. The connector housing 501 is fixed to the cylindrical section 121, and the portion extending from the motor silhouette and the connector main body are integrally formed.

[0029] If the portion extending radially outward from the motor silhouette were formed integrally with the connector body out of resin, the connector assembly would become larger, making molding more difficult. Furthermore, if the connector assembly becomes larger, there is a risk that the connector opening will become tilted. If the connector opening becomes tilted, the alignment of the connector terminals 55 will deteriorate, which is detrimental to press-fit connections. Furthermore, during the inspection process using an automated machine with the connector assembled, dimensional deviations cannot be detected. To relax dimensional tolerances, the automated machine must be equipped with a floating mechanism, which increases the size of the inspection equipment.

[0030] In this embodiment, the extension 123 is formed integrally with the cylindrical portion 121 as the case body 12 from metal, making it easy to ensure dimensional accuracy. Furthermore, the connector portion 50 can be made smaller, and can be molded relatively easily. Furthermore, because the connector opening does not collapse, the inspection device can be made without a floating mechanism.

[0031] As described above, the drive device 1 includes the motor 10, the substrate 31, and the connector unit 50. The motor 10 includes a motor case 11 including a case body 12 having a cylindrical portion 121, a stator 17 fixed to the cylindrical portion 121, motor windings 21 wound around the stator 17, and a rotor 18 that is rotatable relative to the stator 17 when current is applied to the motor windings 21.

[0032] The circuit board 31 has electronic components mounted thereon that are related to drive control of the motor 10, and is provided on one axial side of the motor 10, with at least a portion extending radially outward beyond the cylindrical portion 121. The connector portion 50 is connected to the circuit board 31 radially outward of the cylindrical portion 121. The motor case 11 is provided with an extension portion 123 that extends radially outward beyond the cylindrical portion 121 so as to fit along the circuit board 31, and the connector portion 50 is attached to the extension portion 123. In this embodiment, the extension portion 123 is formed integrally with the case body 12.

[0033] This allows the connector 50 to be made smaller than when the extension is provided on the connector side. Also, by extending the motor case 11 up to the connector 50 side, dimensional accuracy can be improved. In particular, when the motor case 11 is made of metal, the connector opening will not tip over, and connector position accuracy can be further improved.

[0034] The connector portion 50 has connector terminals 55 that connect to the board 31 through elastic contact. The board 31 is supported by the connector terminals 55. Specifically, the board 31 is not fixed to the motor case 11, but is supported by a press-fit connection between the connector terminals 55 and the electromechanical connecting members 22. This reduces the number of parts required for fixing and connecting the board 31.

[0035] The connector portion 50 is inserted from the substrate 31 side into a connector insertion hole 124 formed in the extension portion 123 and fixed to the extension portion 123. The connector portion 50 is fixed to the extension portion 123 with a screw 526, and the insertion convex portion 513 is inserted into a groove portion 125 formed in the extension portion 123 and sealed with an adhesive 527. This allows the connector portion 50 to be properly fixed to the extension portion 123.

[0036] The drive unit 1 includes a cover 70 having an engaging portion 701 at its tip end, which is inserted into a groove 126 provided in the motor case 11 and fixed to the motor case 11. The cover 70 houses a circuit board 31. The grooves 125 and 126 are adjacent to each other and share a wall 128. This simplifies the fixing points between the motor case 11, the connector portion 50, and the cover 70.

[0037] Second Embodiment A second embodiment is shown in Figure 9. The drive unit 2 according to the second embodiment differs from the above-described embodiment in that the motor case is different, and this point will be mainly described below. The motor case 110 of this embodiment has a case main body 120 and a frame member 16. The case main body 120 of this embodiment has a cylindrical portion 121 and does not have the extension portion 123 of the above-described embodiment.

[0038] The frame member 16 has a small diameter portion 161, a large diameter portion 162, a board contact portion 164, an extension portion 165, a wall portion 169, etc., and is integrally formed from a metal such as an aluminum alloy. The small diameter portion 161 has an outer diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 121, and is provided so as to protrude from the large diameter portion 162 on the side opposite to the board 31. The small diameter portion 161 is inserted into the opening side of the cylindrical portion 121 and is fixed by shrink fitting or the like.

[0039] The large diameter portion 162 has an outer diameter substantially equal to that of the cylindrical portion 121, and a step surface 163 between the large diameter portion 162 and the small diameter portion 161 abuts against the end of the opening side of the cylindrical portion 121. The board abutting portion 164 is substantially similar to the board abutting portion 152 of the first embodiment, and is formed to protrude from the large diameter portion 162 toward the board 31.

[0040] The extension 165 protrudes radially outward from a portion of the outer edge of the large-diameter portion 162. The extension 165 is formed approximately perpendicular to the motor shaft. The extension 165 is formed with a connector insertion hole 166 through which the connector 50 is inserted, and a groove 167 that fits with the insertion protrusion 513 of the connector 50.

[0041] The engaging portion 701 of the cover 70 is inserted into the groove 168. The groove 168 is formed on the tip side of a wall portion 169 that stands along the outer edge of the frame member 16 on the side opposite the motor 10. By inserting the engaging portion 701 into the groove 168 with adhesive 527 applied to the groove 168, the frame member 16 and the cover 70 are sealed together. Outside the connector portion 50, the inner peripheral side of the wall portion 169 is used in common as a partition wall between the grooves 167 and 168.

[0042] Here, the assembly of the case main body 120 and the frame member 16 will be described. First, the small diameter portion 161 of the frame member 16 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 121, and the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 161 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 121 by shrink fitting. Then, the outer edges of the contact surfaces of the cylindrical portion 121 and the large diameter portion 162 are joined by friction stir welding (FSW). The cylindrical portion 121 and the large diameter portion 162 may be joined by a method other than FSW as long as they are joined in a waterproof manner.

[0043] That is, in this embodiment, the small diameter portion 161 is provided with a fixing function, and the joint portion on the outer periphery of the large diameter portion 162, indicated by the two-dot chain block arrow, is provided with a waterproof function. Because the small diameter portion 161 is fixed to the tubular portion 121 during FSW, there is no need to press down the two components, making FSW easy. Note that, to ensure a tool space for FSW below the two-dot chain line in FIG. 8 , the end face of the extension portion 165 on the motor 10 side and the joint portion are spaced apart in the axial direction by an amount corresponding to the tool space. The connector portion 50 is assembled to the frame member 16 after FSW.

[0044] In this embodiment, the extension 165 is provided on the frame member 16, and the connector portion 50 is fixed to the frame member 16. Since the member that holds the connector portion 50 is the metal frame member 16, similar to the above embodiment, dimensional accuracy can be easily ensured and the connector portion 50 can be made smaller.

[0045] Even if it is necessary to change the gear fastening shape or the vehicle mounting state and the shape of the case body 120 is changed, the connector portion 50 can be held without changing the frame member 16. Furthermore, when the width of the connector portion 50 needs to be changed, this can be accommodated by changing the shape of the frame member 16 without changing the case body 120.

[0046] FIG. 10 shows an example of a shape modification in which the connector opening is located on the radially outer side of the case body 120, opposite the motor 10. When the connector opening is located on the opposite side of the motor 10, the connector assembly is first assembled to the circuit board 31. FIG. 11 shows an example of a shape modification in which the connector opening is located on the opposite side of the motor 10 within the motor silhouette. In FIGS. 10 and 11, the main components that are subject to shape modifications are denoted by the suffix "A" or "B." Also, in FIG. 11, the electromechanical connecting member 22 has been omitted to avoid complication.

[0047] The motor case 110 has a case body 120 and a frame member 16 that is provided to close the opening of the case body 120 on the circuit board 31 side. In this embodiment, the extension portion 165 is provided on the frame member 16. This allows the connector portion 50 to be attached without changing the frame member 16, even if the case body side is changed to match the gear shape or the like when mounting on a vehicle. Furthermore, by changing the shape of the frame member 16, the direction and position of the connector opening can be changed without changing the configuration of the case body 120.

[0048] The frame member 16 has a small diameter portion 161 that is inserted into the cylindrical portion 121, and a large diameter portion 162 that is provided on the substrate 31 side of the small diameter portion 161 and abuts against the end of the opening side of the cylindrical portion 121. The small diameter portion 161 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 121, and the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 121 and the outer peripheral surface of the large diameter portion 162 are joined together. This allows the case main body 120 and the frame member 16 to be appropriately fixed and sealed together. The same effects as those of the above embodiment are also achieved.

[0049] (Third Embodiment) A third embodiment is shown in Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a view corresponding to Fig. 8. In the first embodiment, grooves 125 and 126 are adjacent to each other and share wall 128. In this embodiment, insertion protrusion 513 of connector 50 and engagement portion 701 of cover 70 are inserted into a common groove 129, and adhesive 527 provided in groove 129 seals the three components, i.e., case body 120, connector 50, and cover 70. This reduces the number of sealing points.

[0050] In addition, in Figure 11, an example in which a groove portion 129 is provided in the case main body 120 in the configuration of the first embodiment is described, but in the configuration of the second embodiment, a similar groove portion 129 may be provided in the frame member 16 to seal the three members, i.e., the frame member 16, the connector portion 50, and the cover 70.

[0051] In this embodiment, the groove 129 is shared between the insertion protrusion 513 and the engagement portion 701 where they are adjacent. That is, in this embodiment, the groove 129 functions as both a "connector seal groove" and a "cover seal groove." This reduces the number of sealing locations. The same effects as those of the above embodiment are also achieved.

[0052] (Fourth to Ninth Embodiments) In the fourth to ninth embodiments, the connection between the connector portion 50 and the case body 12 will be mainly described. Here, an example in which the connector portion 50 is attached to the case body 12 will be described, but the same applies to the case in which the connector portion 50 is attached to the frame member 16. Figures 13 to 18 are views corresponding to Figure 6.

[0053] 13 , the connector portion 50 is fixed to the case body 12 by a screw 526. An O-ring 61 is provided between the connector portion 50 and the case body 12. The provision of the O-ring 61 seals the case body 12 and the connector portion 50. In this embodiment, the O-ring 61 is sandwiched between the case body 12 and the connector portion 50 from both sides in the axial direction, thereby achieving sealing.

[0054] 14 , an O-ring 61 may be provided on the side surface of the main body 512 of the connector portion 50, and the seal may be formed by sandwiching the O-ring 61 between the case body 12 and the outer peripheral wall of the main body 512 of the connector portion 50. By sandwiching the O-ring 61 on the side surface of the connector portion 50, the position of the connector relative to the connector insertion hole 124 is defined, thereby enabling self-alignment of the connector terminal 55.

[0055] 15 , the case body 12 and the connector portion 50 are fixed and sealed together by adhesive 527. In this case, during assembly, the connector portion 50 is fixed in place with a jig or the like until the adhesive 527 hardens. This allows the screws 526 to be omitted, thereby reducing the space required for joining the connector portion 50.

[0056] 16 , the connector portion 50 is provided with a crimping portion 56, and the connector portion 50 is fixed to the case body 12 by thermal crimping. When assembling the connector portion 50 to the case body 12, the connector portion 50 is temporarily fixed to the case body 12 with adhesive 527, and then thermal crimping is performed. This allows the connector portion 50 to be fixed to the case body 12 without waiting for the adhesive 527 to harden. Furthermore, compared to when the connector portion 50 is fixed using screws 526, the space required for joining the connector portion 50 can be made smaller.

[0057] 17, instead of thermal caulking, the case body 12 and the connector portion 50 may be fixed by direct bonding of dissimilar materials. In direct bonding of dissimilar materials, for example, the contact surface of the case body 12 is roughened by laser, and the resin connector portion 50 is pressed against the roughened surface while being heated, thereby adhering the connector portion 50 to the roughened surface with an anchor. In the figure, the direct bonding point of dissimilar materials is denoted by the symbol "DJ."

[0058] Furthermore, as in the ninth embodiment shown in Fig. 18, the adhesive 527 may be omitted and the fixing and sealing may be performed by direct bonding of dissimilar materials. This reduces the space required for bonding the case body 12 and the connector portion 50. This configuration also achieves the same effects as the above-described embodiments.

[0059] In the embodiment, grooves 125, 129, and 167 correspond to "connector seal grooves," grooves 126, 129, and 168 correspond to "cover seal grooves," frame member 16 corresponds to "frame member," screw 526 corresponds to "fixing member," and adhesive 527 corresponds to "sealing member."

[0060] Other Embodiments In the above embodiment, the frame member is shrink-fitted to the case body. In other embodiments, the frame member may be fixed to the case body by a method other than shrink-fitting, such as press fitting.

[0061] In the above embodiment, the electromechanical connection member that connects the motor windings to the circuit board is connected to the circuit board by a press-fit connection. In other embodiments, the electromechanical connection member and the circuit board may be connected by soldering, or may be connected by a solderless method other than press-fit.

[0062] In the above embodiment, the drive device is applied to an electric power steering device. In other embodiments, the drive device may be applied to an in-vehicle device other than an electric power steering device, or may be applied to a device other than an in-vehicle device.

[0063] (Disclosure of Technical Ideas) This specification discloses multiple technical ideas described in the following multiple clauses. Some clauses may be described in a multiple dependent form, with the subsequent clause alternatively referring to the preceding clause. Furthermore, some clauses may be described in a multiple dependent form, with the subsequent clause referring to another multiple dependent clause. These multiple dependent clauses define multiple technical ideas.

[0064] (Technical Idea 1) A drive device comprising: a motor (10) having a motor case (11, 110) including a case body (12, 120) having a cylindrical portion (121), a stator (17) fixed to the cylindrical portion, motor windings (21) wound around the stator, and a rotor (18) arranged to be rotatable relative to the stator when current is applied to the motor windings; a board (31) on which electronic components related to drive control of the motor are mounted, the board being arranged on one side in the axial direction of the motor and formed so that at least a portion thereof extends radially outward beyond the cylindrical portion; and a connector portion (50) connected to the board, wherein the motor case is provided with an extension portion (123, 165) at least a portion of which extends radially outward beyond the cylindrical portion so as to follow the board, and the connector portion is attached to the extension portion. (Technical Idea 2) The drive device according to Technical Idea 1, wherein the connector portion has a connector terminal (55) that connects to the board by elastic contact on the radially outer side of the cylindrical portion, and the board is supported by the connector terminal. (Technical Idea 3) The drive device according to Technical Idea 1 or 2, wherein the extension portion is provided on the case main body. (Technical Idea 4) The drive device according to Technical Idea 1 or 2, wherein the motor case has the case main body (120) and a frame member (16) that is provided to close the opening of the case main body on the board side, and the extension portion is provided on the frame member. (Technical Idea 5) The drive device according to Technical Idea 4, wherein the frame member has a small diameter portion (161) that is inserted into the cylindrical portion and a large diameter portion (162) that is provided on the board side of the small diameter portion and abuts against the end of the cylindrical portion, and the small diameter portion is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion, and the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion and the outer peripheral surface of the large diameter portion are joined. (Technical Idea 6) The drive device according to any one of Technical Ideas 1 to 5, wherein the connector portion is inserted from the board side into a connector insertion hole (124, 166) formed in the extension portion and fixed to the extension portion.(Technical Idea 7) The drive device according to any one of Technical Ideas 1 to 6, wherein the connector portion is fixed to the extension portion by a fixing member (526) in a state where an insertion convex portion (513) is inserted into a connector seal groove (125, 167) formed in the extension portion and sealed by a seal member (527). (Technical Idea 8) The drive device according to Technical Idea 7, further comprising: a cover (70) that has an engaging portion (701) on a tip side, the engaging portion being inserted into a cover seal groove (126) provided in the motor case and fixed to the motor case, and that houses the board inside, wherein the connector seal groove and the cover seal groove share a wall portion (128, 169) at a location adjacent to each other. (Technical Idea 9) A drive device according to Technical Idea 7, further comprising a cover (70) having an engaging portion (701) at the tip side, the engaging portion being inserted into a cover seal groove (129) provided in the motor case and fixed to the motor case, and accommodating the substrate therein, wherein the connector seal groove and the cover seal groove are common at the location where the insertion convex portion and the engaging portion are adjacent to each other.

[0065] As described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0066] The present disclosure has been described based on the embodiments. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and structures. The present disclosure also encompasses various modifications and variations within the scope of equivalents. Furthermore, various combinations and forms, as well as other combinations and forms including only one element, more than one element, or less than one element, are also within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A drive device comprising: a motor case (11, 110) including a case body (12, 120) having a cylindrical portion (121); a stator (17) fixed to the cylindrical portion; a motor winding (21) wound around the stator; and a rotor (18) provided so as to be rotatable relative to the stator by energizing the motor winding; an electronic component related to drive control of the motor is mounted, a substrate (31) provided on one side in the axial direction of the motor, and at least a part of which extends radially outward beyond the cylindrical portion; and a connector portion (50) connected to the substrate. At least a part of the motor case extends radially outward beyond the cylindrical portion along the substrate, and the connector portion is attached to the extending portion.

2. The drive device according to claim 1, wherein the connector portion has a connector terminal (55) that is elastically in contact with and connected to the substrate on the outer side in the radial direction of the cylindrical portion, and the substrate is supported by the connector terminal.

3. The drive device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the extending portion is provided on the case body.

4. The drive device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the motor case has the case body (120) and a frame member (16) provided to close an opening on the substrate side of the case body, and the extending portion is provided on the frame member.

5. The drive device according to claim 4, wherein the frame member has a small-diameter portion (161) inserted into the cylindrical portion and a large-diameter portion (162) provided on the substrate side of the small-diameter portion and in contact with an end portion of the cylindrical portion, the small-diameter portion is fixed to an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion, and an outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion and an outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter portion are joined.

6. The drive device according to claim 1, wherein the connector portion is inserted from the substrate side into a connector insertion hole (124, 166) formed in the extending portion and fixed to the extending portion.

7. The drive device according to claim 1, wherein the connector portion is fixed to the extending portion by a fixing member (526) in a state where an insertion convex portion (513) is inserted into a connector seal groove (125, 167) formed in the extending portion and sealed by a seal member (527).

8. A cover (70) having an engaging portion (701) on the tip side, the engaging portion being inserted into a cover seal groove (126) provided in the motor case and fixed to the motor case, and accommodating the substrate therein, and the drive device according to claim 7, wherein wall portions (128, 169) are shared at a location where the connector seal groove and the cover seal groove are adjacent to each other.

9. A cover (70) having an engaging portion (701) on the tip side, the engaging portion being inserted into a cover seal groove (129) provided in the motor case and fixed to the motor case, and accommodating the substrate therein, and the drive device according to claim 7, wherein the connector seal groove and the cover seal groove are shared at a location where the insertion convex portion and the engaging portion are adjacent to each other.

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