Electronic control device and motor device

Abstract

An electronic control device (13) is provided with a substrate (32) and a connector assembly (31) facing the substrate. The connector assembly has a resin body (40) having a rectangular cross-sectional shape. The body has a plurality of connector fitting parts (41-45). The plurality of connector fitting parts include power source connector fitting parts (41, 42) and signal connector fitting parts (43-45). The power source connector fitting parts and the signal connector fitting parts each have a rectangular cross-sectional shape and are arranged in a row in a long-side direction of the body. The power source connector fitting parts are larger than the signal connector fitting parts. The long side of the power source connector fitting parts extends in a short-side direction of the body, and the short side of the power source connector fitting parts extends in the long-side direction of the body.

Description

Electronic control device and motor device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic control device and a motor device.

[0002] For example, the electronic control device of Patent Document 1 is provided at an axial end portion of a motor. The electronic control device includes a substrate and a connector. The connector is a box-shaped body having a rectangular cross-sectional shape. The long side of the connector extends in the radial direction of the motor, and the short side extends in the axial direction of the motor. The connector has a plurality of connector fitting portions that open outward in the radial direction of the motor. A connector terminal of a wire harness can be inserted into and removed from the connector fitting portion from the radially outer side of the motor. The plurality of connector fitting portions are arranged side by side in the long-side direction of the connector.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-086611

[0004] The electronic control device of Patent Document 1 has the following concerns. Namely, the plurality of connector fitting portions include one having an opening extending in the long-side direction of the connector. Therefore, if all of the plurality of connector fitting portions are arranged side by side in the long-side direction of the connector, the size of the connector in the long-side direction may increase. Although it depends on specifications and the like, the greater the number of connector fitting portions, the larger the size of the connector in the long-side direction becomes.

[0005] An electronic control device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a substrate and a connector assembly facing the substrate. The connector assembly includes a resin body having a rectangular cross-sectional shape. The body has a plurality of connector fitting portions configured such that a mating connector as a combination partner is fitted therein. The plurality of connector fitting portions include a power connector fitting portion for supplying power from an external power source to the substrate, and a signal connector fitting portion for exchanging signals between an external device and the substrate. The power connector fitting portion and the signal connector fitting portion each have a rectangular cross-sectional shape, and are arranged in a line in the long-side direction of the body. The power connector fitting portion is larger in size than the signal connector fitting portion. The long side of the power connector fitting portion extends in the short-side direction of the body, and the short side of the power connector fitting portion extends in the long-side direction of the body.

[0006] A motor device according to one aspect of this disclosure includes the above-described electronic control device.

[0007] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a motor device according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the motor device of Figure 1 in disassembled form. Figure 3 is a side view of the main part of the motor device of Figure 1 viewed from the radially outer side. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the connector assembly and circuit board of Figure 2 viewed from the back side. Figure 5 is a front view of the power terminal and ground terminal of Figure 4 viewed from the opposite side of the opening of the power connector mating part. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing a first modified example of the arrangement of each connector mating part according to the second embodiment. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing a second modified example of the arrangement of each connector mating part according to the second embodiment. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing a third modified example of the arrangement of each connector mating part according to the second embodiment. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing a fourth modified example of the arrangement of each connector mating part according to the second embodiment. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing a fifth modified example of the arrangement of each connector mating part according to the second embodiment. Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing a first modified example of the arrangement of the power terminal and ground terminal according to the third embodiment. Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing a second modified example of the arrangement of power terminals and ground terminals according to the third embodiment. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a first modified example of the arrangement of the connector assembly according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a second modified example of the arrangement of the connector assembly according to the fourth embodiment.

[0008] <First Embodiment> The motor device 11 according to the first embodiment will now be described. The motor device 11 is mounted, for example, on the steering system of a vehicle.

[0009] <Overall Configuration> As shown in Figure 1, the motor device 11 includes a motor 12 and an electronic control device 13. The motor 12 is, for example, a three-phase brushless motor. The three phases are U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase. The motor 12 has two sets of windings. The electronic control device 13 is provided at the axial end of the motor 12. The electronic control device 13 independently controls the power supply to the two sets of windings.

[0010] <Motor 12> As shown in Figure 2, the motor 12 has a case 12A. The case 12A is a cylindrical metal body with a circular cross-section. The metal is, for example, a metal with excellent thermal conductivity such as aluminum. Inside the case 12A are housed a stator, a busbar module, and a rotor. The stator has a core and a plurality of windings. The core is a hollow cylindrical body with a circular cross-section and is fitted to the inner circumferential surface of the case 12A. The plurality of windings are wound around the core via an insulator. The busbar module has a holder made of synthetic resin and a plurality of busbars held in the holder. The busbars correspond to each of the three phases. One end of a winding is connected to each busbar. The rotor is inserted into the stator and the busbar module without contact. The rotor has an output shaft 12B and a magnet fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the output shaft 12B. The magnet is a cylindrical body with a circular cross-section. The output shaft 12B is rotatably supported by bearings on the inner circumferential surface of the case 12A. The motor 12 has a first end on the side from which the output shaft 12B protrudes, and a second end on the opposite side from the first end. The ends of the motor 12 are also the ends of the case 12A.

[0011] A circuit board mounting portion 20 is provided at the second end of the motor 12. The circuit board mounting portion 20 is made of metal and is integrally provided with the case 12A. The circuit board mounting portion 20 has a recess 21, a protruding portion 22, and a connector housing portion 23.

[0012] The recess 21 has a circular cross-sectional shape and is positioned coaxially with the motor 12. The recess 21 is recessed from the second end of the motor 12 toward the first end. The protruding portion 22 is a plate-like body that protrudes radially outward from the second end of the case 12A. The radial direction is perpendicular to the axial direction of the motor 12.

[0013] The connector housing 23 is provided at the end of the protruding portion 22 opposite to the case 12A. The connector housing 23 is a hollow box-shaped body with a rectangular cross-section. The long side of the connector housing 23 extends radially to the motor 12, and the short side extends axially to the motor 12. The connector housing 23 protrudes from the protruding portion 22 toward the first end of the motor 12. The first side and the second side of the connector housing 23 are open to the outside. The first side is the side of the case 12A toward the second end. The second side is the radially outer side of the case 12A.

[0014] Three first motor terminals 21A are provided inside the recess 21. The three first motor terminals 21A correspond to the three phase windings that constitute the first winding group. The first motor terminals 21A are part of the busbar. Inside the case 12A, one end of the first winding of each phase is connected to the busbar of the corresponding phase. The first motor terminals 21A penetrate the end wall of the motor 12 in the axial direction via an insulating member. The tip of the first motor terminal 21A protrudes axially from the recess 21. The three first motor terminals 21A are arranged in a line tangentially to the cylindrical portion of the case 12A. The cylindrical portion of the case 12A is also the cylindrical portion of the motor 12.

[0015] Three second motor terminals 21B are provided inside the recess 21. The three second motor terminals 21B correspond to the three phase windings that constitute the second winding group. The second motor terminals 21B are part of the busbar. Inside the case 12A, one end of the second winding of each phase is connected to the busbar of the corresponding phase. The second motor terminals 21B penetrate the end wall of the motor 12 in the axial direction via an insulating member. The tip of the second motor terminal 21B protrudes axially from the recess 21. The three second motor terminals 21B are arranged in a line tangentially to the cylindrical portion of the case 12A.

[0016] <Electronic Control Unit 13> As shown in Figure 2, the electronic control unit 13 includes a connector assembly 31, a circuit board 32, and a cover 33.

[0017] The connector assembly 31 has a resin body 40. The body 40 is a box-shaped body with a rectangular cross-section. The long side of the body 40 extends in the radial direction of the motor 12, and the short side extends in the axial direction of the motor 12. The body 40 is fitted inside the connector housing 23. Fitting the body 40 inside the connector housing 23 is also fitting the connector assembly 31 inside the connector housing 23. The body 40 is fixed to the substrate 32, for example, by screws. In this way, the body 40 is housed in the connector housing 23.

[0018] The body 40 has a first power connector mating portion 41, a second power connector mating portion 42, a first signal connector mating portion 43, a second signal connector mating portion 44, and a sensor signal connector mating portion 45. Each connector mating portion (41-45) is arranged in a row along the long side of the body 40. The long side direction is the direction in which the length of the side of the body 40 is longer. Each connector mating portion (41-45) is a rectangular tubular body with a rectangular cross-sectional shape and has an opening that opens radially outward from the motor 12. The opening is a non-through hole.

[0019] The first mating connector is mated inside the first power connector mating portion 41. The first mating connector is connected via first wiring to a DC power source, such as a battery, located outside the motor device 11. The first power connector mating portion 41 is the part of the connector assembly 31 that supplies power from the DC power source to the circuit board 32. The DC power source is an example of an external power source.

[0020] The second mating connector is mated inside the second power connector mating portion 42. The second mating connector is connected via second wiring to a DC power source, such as a battery, located outside the motor device 11. The second power connector mating portion 42 is the part of the connector assembly 31 that supplies power from the DC power source to the circuit board 32.

[0021] A third mating connector is mated inside the first signal connector mating portion 43. The third mating connector is connected via a third wiring to a vehicle control device located outside the motor device 11. The first signal connector mating portion 43 is the part of the connector assembly 31 that transmits and receives signals between the circuit board 32 and the vehicle control device.

[0022] The fourth mating connector is mated inside the second signal connector mating portion 44. The fourth mating connector is connected via a fourth wiring to a vehicle control device located outside the motor device 11. The second signal connector mating portion 44 is the part of the connector assembly 31 that transmits and receives signals between the circuit board 32 and the vehicle control device. The vehicle control device is an example of an external device.

[0023] A fifth mating connector is mated inside the sensor signal connector mating portion 45. The fifth mating connector is connected via a fifth wiring to a sensor located outside the motor device 11. The sensor is, for example, a torque sensor that detects steering torque. The sensor signal connector mating portion 45 is the part of the connector assembly 31 that transmits and receives signals between the circuit board 32 and the sensor.

[0024] The connector assembly 31 has a first power terminal 51 and a first ground terminal 52. The first end of the first power terminal 51 is located inside the first power connector mating portion 41. The second end of the first power terminal 51 protrudes from the portion of the body 40 opposite to the opening of the first power connector mating portion 41 and is bent toward the substrate 32. The first ground terminal 52 is provided in the same manner as the first power terminal 51. The first power terminal 51 and the first ground terminal 52 are spaced apart in the short-side direction of the body 40. The short-side direction is the direction in which the length of the side of the body 40 is shorter.

[0025] The connector assembly 31 has a second power terminal 53 and a second ground terminal 54. The first end of the second power terminal 53 is located inside the second power connector mating portion 42. The second end of the second power terminal 53 protrudes from the portion of the body 40 opposite the opening of the second power connector mating portion 42 and is bent toward the circuit board 32. The second ground terminal 54 is provided in the same manner as the second power terminal 53. The second power terminal 53 and the second ground terminal 54 are spaced apart in the short-side direction of the body 40. The short-side direction is the direction in which the length of the side of the body 40 is shorter.

[0026] The connector assembly 31 has a plurality of first signal terminals 55. The first end of each first signal terminal 55 is located inside the first signal connector mating portion 43. The second end of each first signal terminal 55 protrudes from the portion of the body 40 opposite the opening of the first signal connector mating portion 43 and is bent toward the substrate 32.

[0027] The connector assembly 31 has a plurality of second signal terminals 56. The first end of each second signal terminal 56 is located inside the second signal connector mating portion 44. The second end of each second signal terminal 56 protrudes from the portion of the body 40 opposite the opening of the second signal connector mating portion 44 and is bent toward the substrate 32.

[0028] The connector assembly 31 has a plurality of sensor signal terminals 57. The first end of each sensor signal terminal 57 is located inside the sensor signal connector mating portion 45. The second end of each sensor signal terminal 57 protrudes from the portion of the body 40 opposite the opening of the sensor signal connector mating portion 45 and is bent toward the substrate 32.

[0029] The connector assembly 31 is attached to the connector housing 23 such that each connector mating portion (41-45) is exposed to the outside from the connector housing 23. The mating connector corresponding to each connector mating portion (41-45) can be inserted into and removed from the corresponding connector mating portion from the radially outer side of the motor 12.

[0030] The substrate 32 is a rectangular plate-like body. The substrate 32 is placed on top of the substrate mounting section 20. When viewed from the axial direction of the motor 12, the substrate 32 is positioned to cover the recess 21, the protruding section 22, and a part of the connector assembly 31. The substrate 32 is fixed to the support section of the substrate mounting section 20, for example, by screws. The substrate 32 is perpendicular to the axial direction of the motor 12. The short side direction of the substrate 32 is the long side direction of the connector assembly 31.

[0031] The second end of the first power terminal 51 is inserted into the corresponding first power terminal hole of the substrate 32. The second end of the first ground terminal 52 is inserted into the corresponding first ground terminal hole of the substrate 32. Both the first power terminal hole and the first ground terminal hole are through holes that penetrate the substrate 32 in the thickness direction. The first power terminal hole constitutes the first power terminal connection portion. The first power terminal connection portion is the portion of the substrate 32 to which the first power terminal 51 is connected.

[0032] The second end of the second power terminal 53 is inserted into the corresponding second power terminal hole of the circuit board 32. The second end of the second ground terminal 54 is inserted into the corresponding second ground terminal hole of the circuit board 32. Both the second power terminal hole and the second ground terminal hole are through holes that penetrate the circuit board 32 in the thickness direction. The second power terminal hole constitutes the second power terminal connection portion. The second power terminal connection portion is the part of the circuit board 32 to which the second power terminal 53 is connected.

[0033] The second ends of each of the multiple first signal terminals 55 are inserted into the corresponding first signal terminal holes of the substrate 32. The second ends of each of the multiple second signal terminals 56 are inserted into the corresponding second signal terminal holes of the substrate 32. The second ends of each of the multiple sensor signal terminals 57 are inserted into the corresponding sensor signal terminal holes of the substrate 32. The first signal terminal holes, the second signal terminal holes, and the sensor signal terminal holes are all through holes that penetrate the substrate 32 in the thickness direction.

[0034] The first signal terminal hole constitutes the first signal terminal connection section. The first signal terminal connection section is the portion of the circuit board 32 to which the first signal terminal 55 is connected. The second signal terminal hole constitutes the second signal terminal connection section. The second signal terminal connection section is the portion of the circuit board 32 to which the second signal terminal 56 is connected. The sensor signal terminal hole constitutes the sensor signal terminal connection section. The sensor signal terminal connection section is the portion of the circuit board 32 to which the sensor signal terminal 57 is connected.

[0035] Multiple first motor terminals 21A are each inserted into corresponding first motor terminal holes in the substrate 32. Multiple second motor terminals 21B are each inserted into corresponding second motor terminal holes in the substrate 32. Both the first motor terminal holes and the second motor terminal holes are through holes that penetrate the substrate 32 in the thickness direction. The first motor terminal holes constitute the first motor terminal connection portion. The first motor terminal connection portion is the part of the substrate 32 to which the first motor terminal 23A is connected. The second motor terminal holes constitute the second motor terminal connection portion. The second motor terminal connection portion is the part of the substrate 32 to which the second motor terminal 23B is connected.

[0036] The circuit board 32 has an electrical circuit for supplying power to two winding groups of the motor 12. The electrical circuit includes, for example, two inverter circuits and two microcomputers. The first inverter circuit converts DC power from a DC power source into three-phase AC power to generate power to supply to the first winding group. The second inverter circuit converts DC power from a DC power source into three-phase AC power to generate power to supply to the second winding group. The microcomputers are, for example, chip-type integrated circuits. The first microcomputer controls the power supply to the first winding group via the first inverter circuit. The second microcomputer controls the power supply to the second winding group via the second inverter circuit.

[0037] The cover 33 is a box-shaped body made of resin with a rectangular cross-section. The cover 33 is open towards the motor 12. The cover 33 is attached to the circuit board mounting section 20 so as to cover the connector assembly 31 and the circuit board 32.

[0038] <Arrangement of Connector Mating Parts> Next, the arrangement of each connector mating part (41-45) will be described in detail. As shown in Figure 3, when viewed from the radially outside of the motor 12, the first power connector mating part 41 and the second power connector mating part 42 are spaced apart in the long-side direction of the body 40. For example, when viewed from the radially outside of the motor 12, the first power connector mating part 41 and the second power connector mating part 42 are located at both ends in the long-side direction of the body 40. The long sides of the first power connector mating part 41 and the second power connector mating part 42 extend in the short-side direction of the body 40, and the short sides extend in the long-side direction of the body 40. The short-side direction of the body 40 is also the axial direction of the motor 12. The long-side direction of the body 40 is also the radial direction of the motor 12. The first power connector mating part 41 and the second power connector mating part 42 are the same size.

[0039] Viewed from the radially outer side of the motor 12, the first signal connector mating portion 43 and the second signal connector mating portion 44 are positioned between the first power connector mating portion 41 and the second power connector mating portion 42. The first signal connector mating portion 43 is closer to the first power connector mating portion 41 than to the second signal connector mating portion 44 in the long-side direction of the body 40. The second signal connector mating portion 44 is closer to the second power connector mating portion 42 than to the first signal connector mating portion 43 in the long-side direction of the body 40. The cross-sectional shapes of the first signal connector mating portion 43 and the second signal connector mating portion 44 are close to square and smaller than the size of the first power connector mating portion 41 and the second power connector mating portion 42.

[0040] Viewed from the radially outer side of the motor 12, the sensor signal connector mating portion 45 is positioned between the first signal connector mating portion 43 and the second signal connector mating portion 44. The cross-sectional shape of the sensor signal connector mating portion 45 is close to a square. The sensor signal connector mating portion 45 is the same size as the first signal connector mating portion 43 and the second signal connector mating portion 44. That is, the sensor signal connector mating portion 45 is smaller in size than the first power connector mating portion 41 and the second power connector mating portion 42.

[0041] Each connector mating portion (41-45) is positioned closer to the substrate 32, i.e., in the axial direction of the motor 12. Each connector mating portion (41-45) is positioned at the same distance δ from the substrate 32 in the axial direction of the motor 12. Distance δ is the distance between the inner surface of each connector mating portion (41-45) on the side closer to the substrate 32, and the substrate 32, of the two inner surfaces of the motor 12 that face each other in the axial direction. When viewed from the radially outside of the motor 12, the inner surfaces of each connector mating portion (41-45) on the side closer to the substrate 32, of the two inner surfaces of the motor 12 that face each other in the axial direction, are located on the same virtual plane. In the axial direction of the motor 12, as the position of each connector mating portion (41-45) approaches the substrate 32, the position of each terminal (51-57) also approaches the substrate 32.

[0042] <Shape of power terminals and ground terminals> Next, the shapes of the first power terminal 51, the first ground terminal 52, the second power terminal 53, and the second ground terminal 54 will be described in detail.

[0043] As shown in Figure 4, the first power terminal 51 is formed by, for example, punching out a metal plate such as copper, which has excellent conductivity, into a predetermined shape using a press device, and then bending it. The first power terminal 51 has a first power terminal connecting portion 51A. The first power terminal connecting portion 51A is the part that connects the first end and the second end of the first power terminal 51. The first end is a plate-like body parallel to the substrate 32 and is the part of the first power terminal 51 that is arranged inside the first power connector mating portion 41. The second end is the part of the first power terminal 51 that is connected to the substrate 32. The width of the second end is narrower than the width of the first end. The width is the length of the first power terminal 51 in the long side direction of the body 40.

[0044] The first power terminal connecting portion 51A has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is a linear portion of the first power terminal connecting portion 51A drawn out parallel to the substrate 32 from a portion of the first end of the first power terminal 51 opposite to the opening of the power connector fitting portion 41. The second portion is a linear portion of the first power terminal connecting portion 51A extending in a direction orthogonal to the first portion. The width of the first power terminal connecting portion 51A is, for example, the same as the width of the second end of the first power terminal 51, and narrower than the width of the first end.

[0045] The first ground terminal 52 is formed, for example, by punching a metal plate such as copper having excellent conductivity into a predetermined shape with a pressing device, and then performing bending processing. The first ground terminal 52 has a first ground terminal connecting portion 52A. The first ground terminal connecting portion 52A is a portion that connects the first end and the second end of the first ground terminal 52. The first end is a plate-shaped body parallel to the substrate 32, and is a portion of the first ground terminal 52 disposed inside the first power connector fitting portion 41. The second end is a portion of the first ground terminal 52 connected to the substrate 32. The width of the second end is narrower than the width of the first end. The width is the length of the first ground terminal 52 in the long-side direction of the body 40.

[0046] The first end of the first ground terminal 52 and the first end of the first power terminal 51 are each plate-shaped bodies extending in the long-side direction of the body 40. The first end of the first ground terminal 52 and the first end of the first power terminal 51 are parallel to each other, and face each other in the short-side direction of the body 40. The first end of the first ground terminal 52 and the first end of the first power terminal 51 may be arranged so as to coincide with each other when viewed from the short-side direction of the body 40, for example. In the short-side direction of the body 40, the first end of the first ground terminal 52 is closer to the substrate 32 than the first power terminal 51.

[0047] The first ground terminal connecting portion 52A has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is a linear portion of the first ground terminal connecting portion 52A drawn out parallel to the substrate 32 from a portion of the first end portion of the first ground terminal 52 that is opposite to the opening of the power connector fitting portion 41. The second portion is a linear portion of the first ground terminal connecting portion 52A extending in a direction orthogonal to the first portion. The width of the first ground terminal connecting portion 52A is, for example, the same as the width of the second end portion of the first ground terminal 52, and is narrower than the width of the first end portion.

[0048] The first power terminal connecting portion 51A and the first ground terminal connecting portion 52A are parallel to each other and face each other in the long-side direction of the body 40. In the long-side direction of the body 40, the first ground terminal connecting portion 52A is arranged outside the first power terminal connecting portion 51A. The "outside" refers to the side farther from the first signal terminal 55 in the long-side direction of the body 40. That is, in the long-side direction of the body 40, the first power terminal connecting portion 51A is arranged inside the first ground terminal connecting portion 52A. The "inside" refers to the side closer to the first signal terminal 55 in the long-side direction of the body 40.

[0049] The second power terminal 53 has the same configuration as the first power terminal 51. The second power terminal 53 has a second power terminal connecting portion 53A that is the same as the first power terminal connecting portion 51A. The second power terminal connecting portion 53A is a portion that connects the first end portion and the second end portion of the second power terminal 53. The second ground terminal 54 has the same configuration as the first ground terminal 52. The second ground terminal 54 has a second ground terminal connecting portion 54A that is the same as the first ground terminal connecting portion 52A. The second ground terminal connecting portion 54A is a portion that connects the first end portion and the second end portion of the second ground terminal 54.

[0050] The first end of the second ground terminal 54 and the first end of the second power terminal 53 are both plate-like bodies extending in the direction of the long side of the body 40. The first end of the second ground terminal 54 and the first end of the second power terminal 53 are parallel to each other and face each other in the direction of the short side of the body 40. The first end of the second ground terminal 54 and the first end of the second power terminal 53 may be arranged to coincide with each other when viewed from the direction of the short side of the body 40. In the direction of the short side of the body 40, the first end of the second ground terminal 54 is closer to the substrate 32 than the second power terminal 53.

[0051] The second power terminal connection portion 53A and the second ground terminal connection portion 54A are parallel to each other and face each other in the direction of the long side of the body 40. In the direction of the long side of the body 40, the second ground terminal connection portion 54A is located inside the second power terminal connection portion 53A. Inside means the side closer to the second signal terminal 56 in the direction of the long side of the body 40. That is, in the direction of the long side of the body 40, the second power terminal connection portion 53A is located outside the second ground terminal connection portion 54. Outside means the side further from the second signal terminal 56 in the direction of the long side of the body 40.

[0052] As shown in Figure 5, the first direction D1, which is the direction of the current flowing through the first power terminal 51, and the second direction D2, which is the direction of the current flowing through the first ground terminal 52, are opposite directions. Therefore, according to the right-hand rule, the direction of the first magnetic field φ1 generated around the first power terminal 51 by the current in the first direction D1 and the direction of the second magnetic field φ2 generated around the first ground terminal 52 by the current in the second direction D2 are opposite directions.

[0053] The first power terminal connection portion 51A and the first ground terminal connection portion 52A are parallel to each other and face each other in the direction of the long side of the body 40. The first power terminal connection portion 51A and the first ground terminal connection portion 52A are positioned close enough to ensure the insulation distance required by the specifications. As a result, the adjacent first magnetic field φ1 and the second magnetic field φ2 cancel each other out. This suppresses the influence of the first magnetic field φ1 and the second magnetic field φ2 on the electrical circuit of the substrate 32. The electrical circuit includes various electronic components such as magnetic sensors.

[0054] <Effects of the First Embodiment> The first embodiment provides the following effects: (1) The electronic control device 13 comprises a circuit board 32 and a connector assembly 31 facing the circuit board 32. The connector assembly 31 has a resin body 40 having a rectangular cross-sectional shape. The body 40 has a plurality of connector mating parts. The plurality of connector mating parts include power connector mating parts (41, 42) and signal connector mating parts (43 to 45). The power connector mating parts (41, 42) and the signal connector mating parts (43 to 45) each have a rectangular cross-sectional shape and are arranged in a row along the long side of the body 40.

[0055] The power connector mating portions (41, 42) are larger than the signal connector mating portions (43-45). Furthermore, the longer sides of the power connector mating portions (41, 42) extend in the direction of the shorter side of the body 40, and the shorter sides of the power connector mating portions (41, 42) extend in the direction of the longer side of the body 40. As a result, compared to the case where the longer sides of the power connector mating portions (41, 42) extend in the direction of the longer side of the body and the shorter sides of the power connector mating portions (41, 42) extend in the direction of the shorter side of the body (40), the increase in size of the body (40), and consequently the connector assembly 31, in the direction of the longer side is suppressed. For example, the length of the connector assembly 31 in the direction of the longer side is shorter than the length of the circuit board 32 in the direction of the shorter side.

[0056] As shown by the dashed line in Figure 3, if the long sides of the power connector mating parts (41, 42) extend in the direction of the long side of the body, and the short sides of the power connector mating parts (41, 42) extend in the direction of the short side of the body (40), then the size of the body 40 in the direction of the long side needs to be increased. For example, the length of the connector assembly 31 in the direction of the long side needs to be longer than the length of the circuit board 32 in the direction of the short side. Also, if the size of the body 40 in the direction of the long side increases, new parts or manufacturing equipment will be required, which may increase the product cost of the motor housing 11. For example, a new case 12A or cover 33 will be required to accommodate the increase in the size of the body 40, i.e., the connector assembly 31, in the direction of the long side.

[0057] (2) Multiple power connector mating parts (41, 42) and signal connector mating parts (43-45) are provided. This allows for redundancy in the connector assembly 31. This connector assembly 31 is suitable for an electronic control device 13 having two power circuits and two signal circuits.

[0058] (3) There are two power connector mating sections. The two power connector mating sections are the first power connector mating section 41 and the second power connector mating section 42. The first power connector mating section 41 and the second power connector mating section 42 are located at both ends of the body 40 in the direction of the long side. Multiple signal connector mating sections (43 to 45) are located between the first power connector mating section 41 and the second power connector mating section 42.

[0059] Since the first power connector mating portion 41 and the second power connector mating portion 42 are located at both ends in the long-side direction of the body 40, it is easy to attach and detach the first mating connector to the first power connector mating portion 41 and the second mating connector to the second power connector mating portion 42.

[0060] (4) The short side of the body 40 is in the thickness direction of the substrate 32. Therefore, the long side of the body 40 is along the surface of the substrate 32. The power connector mating parts (41, 42) and the signal connector mating parts (43-45) are arranged in a line along the long side of the body 40. Therefore, when the short side of the body 40 is in the thickness direction of the substrate 32, the power connector mating parts (41, 42) and the signal connector mating parts (43-45) can be arranged in a line along the surface of the substrate 32.

[0061] (5) The connector assembly 31 has a plurality of terminals held by the body 40. The plurality of terminals include power terminals (51, 53) and ground terminals (52, 54). The power terminals (51, 53) have a first end located inside the power connector mating portion (41, 42) and a second terminal connected to the circuit board 32. The ground terminals (52, 54) have a first end located inside the power connector mating portion (41, 42) and a second terminal connected to the circuit board. The first ends of the power terminals (51, 53) and the first ends of the ground terminals (52, 54) have overlapping portions when viewed from the short side direction of the body 40.

[0062] With this configuration, compared to the case where the first ends of the power terminals (51, 53) and the first ends of the ground terminals (52, 54) do not overlap when viewed from the short side of the body 40, the installation space for the first ends of the power terminals (51, 53) and the first ends of the ground terminals (52, 54) in the long side direction of the body 40 can be reduced. Therefore, the size of the power connector mating portions (41, 42) in the long side direction of the body 40 can be reduced.

[0063] (6) The first ends of the power terminals (51, 53) and the first ends of the ground terminals (52, 54) are plate-like bodies that extend in the direction of the long side of the body 40, and are arranged to coincide with each other when viewed from the direction of the short side of the body 40. With this configuration, it is easy to ensure an insulating distance between the power terminals (51, 53) and the ground terminals (52, 54) in the direction of the short side of the body 40. In addition, the size of the power connector mating portion (41, 42) in the direction of the long side of the body 40 can be further reduced.

[0064] (7) The portion connecting the first end and the second end of the power terminals (51, 53) and the portion connecting the first end and the second end of the ground terminals (52, 54) include portions that are parallel to each other. That is, the power terminals (51, 53) and the ground terminals (52, 54) each have portions that function as parallel conductors. The distance between the portions of the power terminals (51, 53) and the ground terminals (52, 54) that function as parallel conductors is preferably short enough to ensure the insulation distance required by the specifications.

[0065] The first power terminal connection portion 51A is the portion that connects the first end and the second end of the first power terminal 51. The first ground terminal connection portion 52A is the portion that connects the first end and the second end of the first ground terminal 52. The second power terminal connection portion 53A is the portion that connects the first end and the second end of the second power terminal 53. The second ground terminal connection portion 54A is the portion that connects the first end and the second end of the second ground terminal 54.

[0066] The direction of the current flowing through the power terminals (51, 53) and the direction of the current flowing through the ground terminals (52, 54) are opposite to each other. Therefore, the direction of the first magnetic field φ1 generated around the power terminals (51, 53) and the direction of the second magnetic field φ2 generated around the ground terminals (52, 54) are opposite to each other. As a result, the first magnetic field φ1 and the second magnetic field φ2 that are adjacent to each other cancel each other out. This suppresses the influence of the first magnetic field φ1 and the second magnetic field φ2 on the electrical circuit of the substrate 32.

[0067] (8) The short side direction of the body 40 is the thickness direction of the substrate 32. The plurality of terminals further include signal terminals (55-57) having a first end that is located inside the signal connector mating portion (43-45) and a second terminal that is connected to the substrate 32. The power connector mating portions (41, 42) and the signal connector mating portions (43-45) are located at the same distance δ from the substrate 32 in the short side direction of the body.

[0068] With this configuration, even if the size of the signal connector mating portions (43-45) is smaller than the size of the power connector mating portions (41, 42), the signal connector mating portions (43-45) can be positioned close to the circuit board 32, similar to the power connector mating portions (41, 42). Therefore, the length of the signal terminals (55-57) in particular can be shortened among the multiple terminals (51-57). The shorter the distance δ, the shorter the length of the terminals (51-57) can be.

[0069] (9) The motor device 11 includes an electronic control unit 13. The electronic control unit 13 has a connector assembly 31, and the size increase in the long side direction of the connector assembly 31 is suppressed. For this reason, the electronic control unit 13 of this embodiment is suitable for a motor device 11 that requires miniaturization.

[0070] (10) The motor device 11 has a motor 12. The substrate 32 and the connector assembly 31 are positioned at the same axial end of the motor 12. That is, the connector assembly 31 is positioned radially outward of the motor 12. The connector assembly 31 is positioned so as not to overlap with the motor 12 when viewed from the axial direction of the motor 12. With this configuration, for example, depending on the mounting layout of the motor device 11, a configuration in which the connector assembly 31 is positioned radially outward of the motor 12 can be adopted. Furthermore, by positioning the connector assembly 31 such that the connector assembly 31 and the cylindrical portion of the motor 12 face each other in the radial direction of the motor 12, an increase in the axial size of the motor device 12 can be suppressed.

[0071] <Second Embodiment> Next, a motor device 11 according to a second embodiment will be described. This embodiment has basically the same configuration as the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5. In this embodiment, the arrangement of each connector mating portion (41 to 45) differs from that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for the same components and components as in the first embodiment, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0072] The arrangement of each connector mating portion (41-45) can be changed as appropriate. The arrangement of each connector mating portion (41-45) is determined by the specifications based on the ease of attaching and detaching the mating connector to each connector mating portion (41-45). For example, the arrangement of each connector mating portion (41-45) can be changed as shown in the following first to fifth modified examples.

[0073] As shown in Figure 6, in the first modified example, when viewed from the radially outside of the motor 12, the first signal connector mating portion 43 and the second signal connector mating portion 44 are located at both ends of the body 40 in the direction of the long side. When viewed from the radially outside of the motor 12, the first power connector mating portion 41, the second power connector mating portion 42, and the sensor signal connector mating portion 45 are located between the first signal connector mating portion 43 and the second signal connector mating portion 44. The first power connector mating portion 41 is adjacent to the first signal connector mating portion 43. The second power connector mating portion 42 is adjacent to the second signal connector mating portion 44. The sensor signal connector mating portion 45 is located between the first power connector mating portion 41 and the second power connector mating portion 42.

[0074] As shown in Figure 7, in the second modified example, when viewed from the radially outside of the motor 12, the first power connector mating portion 41 and the sensor signal connector mating portion 45 are located at both ends in the long-side direction of the body 40. When viewed from the radially outside of the motor 12, the second power connector mating portion 42, the first signal connector mating portion 43, and the second signal connector mating portion 44 are located between the first power connector mating portion 41 and the sensor signal connector mating portion 45. The second power connector mating portion 42 is adjacent to the sensor signal connector mating portion 45. The first signal connector mating portion 43 is adjacent to the first power connector mating portion 41. The second signal connector mating portion 44 is located between the second power connector mating portion 42 and the first signal connector mating portion 43.

[0075] As shown in Figure 8, in the third modified example, when viewed from the radially outside of the motor 12, the first power connector mating portion 41 and the sensor signal connector mating portion 45 are located at both ends in the long-side direction of the body 40. When viewed from the radially outside of the motor 12, the second power connector mating portion 42, the first signal connector mating portion 43, and the second signal connector mating portion 44 are located between the first power connector mating portion 41 and the sensor signal connector mating portion 45. The second power connector mating portion 42 is adjacent to the first power connector mating portion 41. The second signal connector mating portion 44 is adjacent to the sensor signal connector mating portion 45. The first signal connector mating portion 43 is located between the second power connector mating portion 42 and the second signal connector mating portion 44.

[0076] As shown in Figure 9, in the fourth modified example, when viewed from the radially outside of the motor 12, the first signal connector mating portion 43 and the sensor signal connector mating portion 45 are located at both ends of the body 40 in the long-side direction. When viewed from the radially outside of the motor 12, the first power connector mating portion 41, the second power connector mating portion 42, and the second signal connector mating portion 44 are arranged between the first signal connector mating portion 43 and the sensor signal connector mating portion 45. The first power connector mating portion 41 is adjacent to the first signal connector mating portion 43. The second signal connector mating portion 44 is adjacent to the sensor signal connector mating portion 45. The second power connector mating portion 42 is arranged between the first power connector mating portion 41 and the second signal connector mating portion 44.

[0077] As shown in Figure 10, in the fifth modified example, when viewed from the radially outside of the motor 12, the first signal connector mating portion 43 and the sensor signal connector mating portion 45 are located at both ends of the body 40 in the long-side direction. When viewed from the radially outside of the motor 12, the first power connector mating portion 41, the second power connector mating portion 42, and the second signal connector mating portion 44 are located between the first signal connector mating portion 43 and the sensor signal connector mating portion 45. The second signal connector mating portion 44 is adjacent to the first signal connector mating portion 43. The second power connector mating portion 42 is adjacent to the sensor signal connector mating portion 45. The first power connector mating portion 41 is located between the second signal connector mating portion 44 and the second power connector mating portion 42.

[0078] According to the second embodiment, the same effects as those described in (1) to (10) of the first embodiment can be obtained. <Third Embodiment> Next, a motor device 11 according to the third embodiment will be described. This embodiment has basically the same configuration as the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5. In this embodiment, the arrangement of the first power terminal 51 and the first ground terminal 52, and the arrangement of the second power terminal 52 and the second ground terminal 54 differ from the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for the same components and components as in the first embodiment, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0079] The arrangement of the first power terminal 51 and the first ground terminal 52, and the arrangement of the second power terminal 53 and the second ground terminal 54 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the arrangement of the first power terminal 51 and the first ground terminal 52, and the arrangement of the second power terminal 53 and the second ground terminal 54 can be changed as shown in the following first or second modified example.

[0080] As shown in Figure 11, in the first modified example, the first power terminal 51 and the first ground terminal 52 are plate-like bodies that extend in a direction perpendicular to the long side direction of the body 40. That is, the first power terminal 51 and the first ground terminal 52 extend in a direction perpendicular to the substrate 32. When viewed from the short side direction of the body 40, the first power terminal 51 and the first ground terminal 52 overlap.

[0081] The second power terminal 53 and the second ground terminal 54 are plate-like bodies perpendicular to the long side direction of the body 40, and are arranged in the same way as the first power terminal 51 and the first ground terminal 52. That is, the second power terminal 53 and the second ground terminal 54 extend in a direction perpendicular to the substrate 32. When viewed from the short side direction of the body 40, the first power terminal 53 and the first ground terminal 53 overlap.

[0082] As shown in Figure 12, in the second modified example, the first power terminal 51 and the first ground terminal 52 are plate-shaped bodies extending in the direction of the long side of the body 40. That is, the first power terminal 51 and the first ground terminal 52 are parallel to the substrate 32. When viewed from the direction of the short side of the body 40, the first power terminal 51 and the first ground terminal 52 are offset from each other in the direction of the long side of the body 40. When viewed from the direction of the short side of the body 40, the first power terminal 51 and the first ground terminal 52 have overlapping portions.

[0083] The second power terminal 53 and the second ground terminal 54 are plate-like bodies extending in the direction of the long side of the body 40, and are arranged in the same way as the first power terminal 51 and the first ground terminal 52. That is, the second power terminal 53 and the second ground terminal 54 are parallel to the substrate 32. When viewed from the direction of the short side of the body 40, the second power terminal 53 and the second ground terminal 54 are offset from each other in the direction of the long side of the body 40. When viewed from the direction of the short side of the body 40, the second power terminal 53 and the second ground terminal 54 have overlapping portions.

[0084] According to the third embodiment, the same effects as those described in (1) to (10) of the first embodiment can be obtained. <Fourth Embodiment> Next, the motor device 11 according to the fourth embodiment will be described. This embodiment has basically the same configuration as the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5. In this embodiment, the orientation in which the connector assembly 31 is attached differs from that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for the same members and components as in the first embodiment, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0085] The arrangement of the connector assembly 31 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the arrangement of the connector assembly 31 can be changed as shown in the following first or second modification. As shown in Figure 13, in the first modification, the connector assembly 31 is attached to the connector housing 23 such that the openings of each connector mating portion (41 to 45) face a first direction W1. The first direction W1 is a direction perpendicular to the substrate 32 and is the direction away from the back surface of the substrate 32 in the axial direction of the motor 12. The back surface is the surface of the substrate 32 that is closer to the motor 12 in the axial direction of the motor 12. The first direction W1 is also the thickness direction of the substrate 32, or the direction from the second end of the motor 12 toward the first end. A part of the outer circumferential surface of the body 40 is fitted, for example, to the inner circumferential surface of a mating hole 23C provided in the end wall of the connector housing 23. The mating hole 23C penetrates the end wall of the connector housing 23 in the axial direction of the motor 12. Each connector mating portion (41-45) penetrates the mating hole 23C in the first direction W1 and is positioned outside the end wall of the connector housing portion 23. It protrudes outside the end wall of the connector housing portion 23. The shape of the connector housing portion 23 and the paths from each terminal (51-57) to the substrate 32 are appropriately changed according to the orientation of the connector assembly 31.

[0086] As shown in Figure 14, in the second modification, the connector assembly 31 is attached to the connector housing 23 such that the openings of each connector mating portion (41-45) face the second direction W2. The second direction W2 is perpendicular to the substrate 32 and is the direction away from the surface of the substrate 32 in the axial direction of the motor 12. The surface is the side of the substrate 32 that is furthest from the motor 12 in the axial direction of the motor 12. The second direction W2 is also the thickness direction of the substrate 32, or the direction from the first end to the second end of the motor 12. The connector assembly 31 is positioned so as to overlap with the surface of the substrate 32. Each connector mating portion (41-45) penetrates the end wall of the cover 33 in the second direction W2 and protrudes to the outside of the cover 33. The shape of the connector housing 23 and the paths from each terminal (51-57) to the substrate 32 are appropriately changed according to the orientation of the connector assembly 31. The connector housing portion 23 may be a solid portion with its interior filled. Alternatively, the connector housing portion 23 may have a shape in which the protruding portion 22 is extended radially outward.

[0087] According to the fourth embodiment, effects similar to those described in at least (1) to (3) of the first embodiment can be obtained. <Other Embodiments> This embodiment may be implemented with the following modifications.

[0088] Each connector mating portion (41-45) does not necessarily have an opening. Each connector mating portion (41-45) may be a solid rectangular tube protruding from the body 40 radially outward from the motor 12. Each connector mating portion (41-45) is arranged, for example, with a small gap between them in the direction of the long side of the body 40. Each connector mating portion (41-45) fits into the opening of the mating connector.

[0089] The motor 12 may have only one winding group. In this case, the connector assembly 31 and the circuit board 32 may have a configuration for supplying power to only one winding group. That is, the connector assembly 31 does not need to be redundant. The connector assembly 31 may have only a first power connector mating portion 41, a first signal connector mating portion 43, and a sensor signal connector mating portion 45. Alternatively, the connector assembly 31 may have only a second power connector mating portion 42, a second signal connector mating portion 44, and a sensor signal connector mating portion 45. The circuit board 32 only needs to have one power circuit and one signal circuit. Even in this way, the size of the connector assembly 31 in the long side direction can be kept to be the same as or smaller than the size of a redundant connector assembly 31 in the long side direction. For example, if the size of the connector assembly 31 in the long-side direction is equivalent to the size of a redundant connector assembly 31 in the long-side direction, then other components of the motor device 11 can be shared. These components include, for example, a case 12A, a circuit board 32, and a cover 33. The case 12A includes a circuit board mounting section 20.

[0090] The steering system may be an electric power steering system. The motor unit 11 is used as the drive source for the electric power steering system. In this case, the motor 12 functions as an assist motor that generates steering assist force. The electronic control unit 13 controls the motor 12 as an assist motor.

[0091] The steering system may be a steer-by-wire system. The steering system includes a reaction force mechanism and a steering mechanism. The motor device 11 is used as a drive source for either the reaction force mechanism or the steering mechanism. In this case, the motor 12 functions as a reaction force motor that generates steering reaction force, or as a steering motor that generates steering force to turn the steering wheels of the vehicle. The electronic control device 13 controls the motor 12 as either a reaction force motor or a steering motor.

[0092] The motor device 11 is not limited to automotive applications. It may also be used as a drive source for machine tools such as machining centers or robots. Depending on the application of the motor device, the sensor signal connector mating portion may be omitted.

Claims

1. An electronic control device comprising a circuit board and a connector assembly facing the circuit board, wherein the connector assembly has a resin body having a rectangular cross-sectional shape, the body has a plurality of connector mating portions configured to be fitted with mating connectors, the plurality of connector mating portions include a power connector mating portion for supplying power to the circuit board from an external power source, and a signal connector mating portion for exchanging signals between an external device and the circuit board, the power connector mating portion and the signal connector mating portion each have a rectangular cross-sectional shape and are arranged in a row along the long side of the body, the power connector mating portion is larger than the signal connector mating portion, the long side of the power connector mating portion extends along the short side of the body, and the short side of the power connector mating portion extends along the long side of the body.

2. The electronic control device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of power connector mating portions and signal connector mating portions are provided.

3. The electronic control device according to claim 2, wherein the number of power connector mating portions is two, the two power connector mating portions are arranged at both ends in the long-side direction of the body, and the plurality of signal connector mating portions are arranged between the two power connector mating portions.

4. The electronic control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the short side direction of the body is the thickness direction of the substrate.

5. The connector assembly has a plurality of terminals held by the body, the plurality of terminals including: a power terminal having a first end disposed inside the power connector mating portion and a second end connected to the substrate; and a ground terminal having a first end disposed inside the power connector mating portion and a second end connected to the substrate, wherein the first end of the power terminal and the first end of the ground terminal have overlapping portions when viewed from the short side direction of the body, the electronic control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The electronic control device according to claim 5, wherein the first end of the power terminal and the first end of the ground terminal are each plate-shaped bodies extending in the direction of the long side of the body, and are arranged to coincide with each other when viewed from the direction of the short side of the body.

7. The electronic control device according to claim 5, wherein the portion connecting the first end and the second end of the power terminal and the portion connecting the first end and the second end of the ground terminal include portions that are parallel to each other.

8. The motor device according to claim 5, wherein the short-side direction of the body is the thickness direction of the substrate, and the plurality of terminals further include signal terminals having a first end disposed inside the signal connector mating portion and a second end connected to the substrate, and the power connector mating portion and the signal connector mating portion are arranged at the same distance from the substrate in the short-side direction of the body.

9. The electronic control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the power connector mating portion and the signal connector mating portion each open in the thickness direction of the substrate.

10. A motor device comprising an electronic control device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3.

11. The motor device according to claim 10, wherein the circuit board and the connector assembly are arranged at the same end on the axial side of the motor, and the connector assembly is positioned so as to be viewed from the axial side of the motor, not overlapping with the motor.

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