JP2011225195A - Electric power steering device - Google Patents

Abstract

An electric power steering apparatus for mounting a control unit on a gearbox mounting surface of a reduction gearbox without providing a gap is provided.
Notches 28a through which a plurality of external connection terminals 15c to 15f pass are formed in a cover plate portion 28 of a cover of a control unit facing a gear box mounting surface 20b of a reduction gear box 4. A stepped portion 34 protruding outside the control unit is formed on the periphery of the cutout portion 28 a of the cover plate portion 28. The sealing member 33 having a thickness larger than the gap generated between the cover plate portion 28 and the gear box mounting surface 20b is disposed along the stepped portion 34 so that the mounting position is maintained, and the cutout portion 34 is formed. It is enclosed and integrated with the cover plate portion 28.
[Selection] Figure 8

Description

  The present invention provides a control unit including an electric motor that transmits a steering assist force to a steering shaft to which a steering torque is transmitted via a speed reduction mechanism in a speed reduction gear box, and a control board on which a control circuit that drives and controls the electric motor is mounted. And an electric power steering apparatus.

  As a conventional electric power steering device, for example, an electric motor is accommodated in a rack case or a reduction gear box in which a rack shaft is slidably accommodated or mounted, and a control board for controlling driving of the electric motor is accommodated. The housing is formed in a rack case or a reduction gear box, and when the control board inserted from the opening is brought into contact with a mounting boss formed on the bottom facing the opening of the housing, the electric motor projects from the electric motor. There has been proposed an electric power steering device in which board connection terminals provided on a control board are in contact with each other and electrically connected to the motor side connection terminals (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In the conventional example described in Patent Document 1, the wiring length between the electric motor and the control board is directly attached between the electric motor and the control board without inserting an electric connection line. It is possible to prevent the electric noise from getting to the shortest and reduce the wiring resistance to reduce the electrical loss.
However, it is necessary to input a torque detection value of a torque sensor that detects torque transmitted to the steering shaft to a control board that controls the electric motor. It is installed on the wheel side, and it is necessary to provide a long connection cable between this torque sensor and the control board. Electric noise is added to this connection cable, and electrical resistance increases, resulting in an increase in electrical loss. .

  Therefore, a mounting surface is formed on the outer periphery of the reduction gear box, and a control unit incorporating a control board is mounted on the mounting surface, and a plurality of external connection terminals connected to a torque sensor built in the reduction gear box. Projecting to the outside from the opening provided so as to open at the mounting surface in communication with the position where the torque sensor is housed, and inserted into a plurality of through holes provided on the control board of the control unit mounted on the mounting surface In addition, we have developed an electric power steering device that has a structure in which both are electrically connected by soldering, and the connection distance between the control board and the torque sensor is minimized to prevent electrical noise and electrical loss between the two. Has been.

JP 2005-329866 A

However, as described above, the mounting surface of the reduction gear box to which the control unit is mounted is provided with an opening communicating with the position where the torque sensor is accommodated, and the outside of the torque sensor connected to the control board from this opening. If the connection terminal is protruded and connected to the through hole of the control board, conductive foreign matter enters from the gap between the reduction gearbox mounting surface and the control unit mounting surface, and is connected to any external part of the torque sensor. There is a possibility that the connection terminals come into contact with each other, the torque sensor outputs an erroneous torque detection value, and the electric motor performs erroneous drive control.
Here, it is difficult in terms of manufacturing cost to form the mounting surface and the mounting surface with high accuracy so that there is no gap between the mounting surface of the reduction gear box and the mounting surface of the control unit.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made paying attention to the unsolved problems of the above-described conventional example, projecting the external connection terminal of the torque sensor from the gear box mounting surface to the outside, and connecting it to the control board of the control unit, To provide an electric power steering device that can reliably prevent intrusion of conductive foreign matters that adversely affect the detection operation of a torque sensor even with a structure that makes the gear box mounting surface and the control unit face each other. It is aimed.

  In order to achieve the above object, an electric power steering apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention is an electric motor that transmits a steering assist force to a steering shaft to which a steering torque is transmitted via a reduction mechanism in a reduction gear box. And a control unit including a control board on which a control circuit for driving and controlling the electric motor is mounted, and a cover for housing the control board of the control unit on a gear box mounting surface formed on the outer periphery of the reduction gear box And mounting the control unit close to the cover plate portion, and projecting a plurality of external connection terminals connected to the torque sensor built in the reduction gear box from a part of the gear box mounting surface, A plurality of board-side terminals provided on the control board are electrically directly connected to each of the plurality of external connection terminals. In the power steering device, the cover plate portion is formed with notches that allow the plurality of external connection terminals to protrude from a part of the gear box mounting surface, and is formed on the periphery of the notch portion of the cover plate portion. Forming a stepped portion protruding outward or inward of the control unit and enclosing a seal member thicker than a gap formed between the cover plate portion and the gear box mounting surface while surrounding the notch portion The seal plate is integrated between the cover plate portion and the gear box mounting surface, and the seal member is disposed along the stepped portion to guide the position of the seal member that contacts the gear box mounting surface. It was to so.

  According to the present invention, the seal member integrated with the cover plate portion and the gear box mounting surface is in contact with the gear box mounting surface while surrounding the plurality of external connection terminals of the torque sensor protruding from a part of the gear box mounting surface. . At this time, since the cover plate portion and the gear box mounting surface are in close contact with each other without providing a gap, the conductive foreign matter does not contact any pair of the plurality of external connection terminals from the outside. In addition, since the seal member is arranged along the stepped portion, the position of contact with the gear box mounting surface is guided, so that the seal member can be easily positioned.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the electric power steering apparatus according to the first aspect, the stepped portion is formed around the notch in a state of projecting to the inside of the control unit, and the seal The member is integrated in a state of surface contact with the step surface of the step portion located inside the control unit and the boundary surface of the step surface and the cover plate portion.
According to the present invention, the step surface where the seal member is in surface contact and the boundary portion of the cover plate portion reliably prevent misalignment even when an external force is applied to the seal member.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the electric power steering apparatus according to the first aspect, the stepped portion is formed around the notch in a state of protruding outward from the control unit, and the seal The member is integrated in a state where the member is in surface contact with the flat portion of the cover plate portion adjacent to the step portion and the boundary portion of the cover plate portion and the step portion.
According to the present invention, the cover plate portion where the seal member is in surface contact and the boundary portion between the step portions reliably prevent misalignment even when an external force is applied to the seal member.

  On the other hand, an electric power steering apparatus according to claim 4 is an electric motor that transmits a steering assist force to a steering shaft to which a steering torque is transmitted via a speed reduction mechanism in a speed reduction gear box, and a control that controls driving of the electric motor. A control unit including a control board on which a circuit is mounted, and a cover plate portion of a cover for housing the control board of the control unit is brought close to a gear box mounting surface formed on an outer periphery of the reduction gear box. The unit is mounted, and a plurality of external connection terminals connected to a torque sensor built in the reduction gear box are projected from a part of the gear box mounting surface, and the plurality of external connection terminals are In an electric power steering apparatus in which a plurality of board-side terminals provided on a control board are electrically connected directly The gear box mounting surface is formed with openings through which the plurality of external connection terminals connected to the torque sensor pass toward the control unit, and the plurality of the plurality of protrusions protruding from the openings on the cover plate portion Forming a notch that allows the external connection terminal to pass therethrough, and enclosing a seal member that is thicker than a gap formed between the cover plate portion and the gear box mounting surface while surrounding the opening and the notch The seal plate is brought into contact with the cover plate portion and the gear box mounting surface, and at least one member of the gear box mounting surface, the cover plate portion, and the seal member, the seal member is connected to the gear box mounting surface and the cover. A guide portion for guiding the position of contact with the plate portion was provided.

  According to the present invention, the seal member integrated with the cover plate portion and the gear box mounting surface surrounds the openings and notches through which the plurality of external connection terminals of the torque sensor pass. No conductive foreign matter comes into contact with any pair of connection terminals. Further, since the guide portion for guiding the position where the seal member contacts the gear box mounting surface and the cover plate portion is provided, the seal member can be easily positioned.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the electric power steering apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the guide portion is formed so as to protrude from the gear box mounting surface so as to surround the opening portion, and the gear of the seal member. It is a guide engaging part engaged with the surface which does not contact | abut a box attachment surface.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the electric power steering apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the guide engaging portion is a part formed integrally with the gear box mounting surface.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the electric power steering apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the guide portion is formed to protrude from the cover plate portion so as to surround the notch portion, and the cover of the seal member It is a guide engaging part engaged with the surface which does not contact | abut a board part.
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the electric power steering apparatus according to the seventh aspect, the guide engaging portion is a portion formed integrally with the cover plate portion.

The invention according to claim 9 is the electric power steering device according to any one of claims 4, 5 and 7, wherein the guide portion is formed on the gear box mounting surface so as to surround the opening. And a guide convex portion that protrudes from a part of the surface of the seal member that contacts the gear box mounting surface and fits into the guide concave portion.
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the electric power steering apparatus according to any one of the fourth, fifth, and seventh aspects, the guide portion is formed on the cover plate portion so as to surround the notch portion. And a guide convex portion that protrudes from a part of the surface of the seal member that contacts the cover plate portion and fits into the guide concave portion.
According to these fifth to tenth aspects, the seal member is prevented from being deformed in an uneven shape between the cover plate portion and the gear box mounting surface. Further, the seal member is restricted from being deformed in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction.

The invention according to claim 11 is the electric power steering device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, or any one of claims 4, 5, 7, 9, and 10. The seal member is made of an elastically deformable material.
According to the present invention, even if motor vibration is transmitted from the electric motor mounted on the reduction gear box, the seal member absorbs the vibration, so that the vibration that affects the control unit and the sound that gives the driver an unpleasant sound. Can be suppressed.

Furthermore, the invention according to claim 12 is the electric power steering device according to claim 11, wherein the seal member is a seal base that contacts one of the gear box mounting surface and the cover plate portion, and the seal base from the seal base. A gear box mounting surface and a lip portion that extends toward the other of the cover plate portion and contacts the other while being elastically deformed.
According to this invention, the seal base of the seal member abuts one of the gear box mounting surface and the cover plate portion, and the lip portion of the seal member is in close contact with the other of the gear box mounting surface and the cover plate portion while being elastically deformed. The sealing performance between the notch portion of the cover plate portion and the opening portion of the gear box mounting surface can be enhanced.

  According to the electric power steering device of the present invention, the seal member integrated with the cover plate portion and the gear box mounting surface surrounds the plurality of external connection terminals of the torque sensor protruding from a part of the gear box mounting surface. Abuts against the gear box mounting surface and adheres without any gap between the cover plate and the gear box mounting surface, so one of the external connection terminals protruding from a part of the gear box mounting surface. The conductive foreign matter does not come into contact with each other, and the penetration of the conductive foreign matter can be reliably prevented with an inexpensive structure.

It is the perspective view shown from the right direction at the time of applying one Embodiment of the electric power steering device which concerns on this invention to a right-hand drive vehicle. It is the perspective view which showed the reduction gear box before mounting | wearing with a control unit from the vehicle width direction. It is the perspective view which showed the reduction gear box before mounting | wearing with a control unit from the vehicle front side. It is a right view which shows the reduction gear box before mounting | wearing with a control unit. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the principal part of the reduction gear box which comprises an electric power steering apparatus. It is a disassembled perspective view of a control unit. (A) is the sectional view on the AA line of FIG. 6, (b) is sectional drawing on the BB line of FIG. It is a figure which shows the state by which the sealing member is interposed between the cover board part of 1st Embodiment which concerns on this invention, and a gear box attachment surface. It is a figure which shows the state by which the sealing member is interposed between the cover board part and gearbox attachment surface of 2nd Embodiment which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the state by which the sealing member is interposed between the cover board part of 3rd Embodiment which concerns on this invention, and a gear box attachment surface. It is a figure which shows the state by which the sealing member is interposed between the cover board part of 4th Embodiment which concerns on this invention, and a gear box attachment surface. It is a figure which shows the state by which the sealing member is interposed between the cover board part of 5th Embodiment which concerns on this invention, and a gear box attachment surface. It is a figure which shows the state by which the sealing member is interposed between the cover board part of 6th Embodiment which concerns on this invention, and a gear box attachment surface. It is a figure which shows the state by which the sealing member is interposed between the cover board part of 7th Embodiment which concerns on this invention, and a gear box attachment surface. It is a figure which shows the state by which the sealing member is interposed between the cover board part of 8th Embodiment which concerns on this invention, and a gear box attachment surface. It is a figure which shows the state by which the sealing member is interposed between the cover board part of 9th Embodiment which concerns on this invention, and a gear box attachment surface.

Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as an embodiment) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an electric power steering apparatus according to the present invention from the front of a vehicle.
Reference numeral 1 in FIG. 1 denotes a column-type electric power steering device. A reduction gear box 4 is connected to a steering column 3 that rotatably houses a steering shaft 2 connected to a steering wheel (not shown). The reduction gear box 4 is provided with an electric motor 5 whose axial direction is extended in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the steering column 3.

The steering column 3 has a double tube structure of an inner tube 3a and an outer tube 3b. The inner tube 3 a and the reduction gear box 4 of the steering column 3 are attached to the vehicle body side by an upper mounting bracket 6 and a lower mounting bracket 7.
The lower mounting bracket 7 is formed of a mounting plate portion 7a attached to the vehicle body side member, and a pair of support plate portions 7b extending in parallel from the lower surface of the mounting plate portion 7a in the left-right direction with a predetermined interval. . And the lower end of the support plate part 7b is rotatably connected to the support part 4b integrally formed in the vehicle body front side of the reduction gear box 4 via the pivot 7c.

  The upper mounting bracket 6 is formed on a pair of flanges 6a, a pair of support plate portions 6c fixed to the lower ends of the flanges 6a and spaced apart in the left-right (vehicle width) direction, and the pair of support plate portions 6c. And a tilt mechanism 6 d that supports the outer tube 3 b of the steering column 3. A slit 6a1 is formed in the flange 6a, and a release capsule 6b is fitted in the slit 6a1. A bolt through hole 6b1 is formed in the release capsule 6b, and a fixing bolt (not shown) that penetrates the bolt through hole 6b1 from below the release capsule 6b is screwed into a vehicle body side member (not shown). The flange 6a is attached to the vehicle body side member.

Then, by tilting the tilt lever 6g of the tilt mechanism 6d and releasing the support state of the outer tube 3b, the tilt position of the steering column 3 can be adjusted up and down around the pivot 7c of the lower mounting bracket 7. .
As shown in FIG. 5, the steering shaft 2 includes an input shaft 2a whose upper end is coupled to the steering wheel, and an output shaft 2c that covers the torsion bar 2b coupled to the lower end of the input shaft 2a via the torsion bar 2b. It consists of

  The reduction gear box 4 is formed by die-casting, for example, any one of materials having high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, magnesium, and magnesium alloy. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the reduction gear box 4 includes a worm storage portion 12 that stores a worm 11 connected to an output shaft (not shown) of the electric motor 5, and a lower portion of the worm storage portion 12. A worm wheel housing part 14 for housing a worm wheel 13 having a central axis perpendicular to the central axis and meshing with the worm 11, and a torque sensor integrally and coaxially connected to the rear side of the vehicle body of the worm wheel housing part 14 15, a torque sensor housing portion 16 for housing 15, a motor mounting portion 17 for attaching the electric motor 5 formed on the open end surface of the worm housing portion 12, and a cylindrical column formed at the rear end of the vehicle body of the torque sensor housing portion 16. A control unit device for mounting a mounting unit 18 and a control unit 19 formed over part of the worm storage unit 12 and the worm wheel storage unit 14. And a part 20. The front end portion of the vehicle body of the steering column 3 is externally fitted and connected to the column mounting portion 18 of the reduction gear box 4.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 5, the torque sensor 15 magnetically detects the twisted state between the input shaft 2a and the output shaft 2c of the steering shaft 2 and detects a pair of steering torques transmitted to the steering shaft 2. The external connection terminals 15c are configured to be detected by the coils 15a and 15b and project outwardly in parallel to the direction perpendicular to the central axis of the steering column 3 at the start and end of winding of the pair of detection coils 15a and 15b, respectively. 15d and 15e, 15f are connected, and the protruding portions of these external connection terminals 15c to 15f are bent in parallel with the central axis of the steering column 3 at the central portion to form an L shape.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the electric motor 5 has a connection terminal (not shown) at a position close to and facing the control unit 19 mounted on the control unit mounting portion 20 at a position close to the mounting flange 5b. Although not specifically shown, each of the connection terminals is insulated from each other in a synthetic resin brush support body having an armature insertion hole at the bottom center, and is individually connected to two sets of brushes. The arc-shaped connection terminals are integrally formed at opposite ends.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the control unit mounting portion 20 formed in the reduction gear box 4 includes a flat mounting surface 20 a formed by the worm storage portion 12 and the upper side of the worm wheel storage portion 14 below the worm storage portion 12. And a unit mounting surface 20b formed on the upper surface of the torque sensor housing portion 16 and orthogonal to the flat mounting surface 20a.
An opening 20d that communicates with the internal space of the torque sensor storage unit 16 that stores the torque sensor 15 is formed at the center of the unit mounting surface 20b of the control unit mounting unit 20 in the left-right direction. The external connection terminals 15c to 15f of the torque sensor 15 are provided so as to protrude above the unit placement surface 20b through the portion 20d.

Further, a frame mounting surface 20c having a narrow width is formed on the vehicle rear end surface of the motor mounting portion 17 at a position parallel to the flat mounting surface 20a and on the vehicle rear side from the flat mounting surface 20a.
As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 19 mounted on the control unit mounting unit 20 includes a heat radiating plate 21, a power substrate 22, a rectangular frame 23, a control substrate 24, and a cover 26. Yes.

  The heat radiating plate 21 is directly fixed to the flat mounting surface 20a of the control unit mounting portion 20 via heat radiating grease. The power substrate 22 is an integrated circuit 22a, 22b such as an H bridge circuit composed of a power switching element such as a field effect transistor that drives and controls the electric motor 5, and a pulse width modulation circuit that drives the power switching element of the H bridge circuit. Is implemented.

  The control board 24 is attached to the front surface of the frame 23, and has through holes 24a to 24d that are directly inserted through the external connection terminals 15c to 15f of the torque sensor 15. A torque detection value from the torque sensor 15 or a vehicle speed sensor (not shown) is provided. The steering assist current command value is calculated based on the detected vehicle speed value from the vehicle, and the current feedback control is performed based on the steering assist current command value and the detected value of the motor current output to the electric motor 5 to perform the pulse of the power board 22. In addition to the micro control unit (MCU) that controls the steering assist force generated by the electric motor 5 and its peripheral devices by calculating the voltage command value to the width modulation circuit, discrete components 24e such as capacitors, coils, relays, etc. Is implemented.

  The frame 23 is a member that surrounds the power board 22, and includes a rectangular frame-shaped frame body 23 a and a mounting plate portion 23 b that is formed at the left end of the frame body 23 a and is fixed to the frame mounting surface of the reduction gear box 4. A terminal block 23c fixed on the mounting plate 23b and electrically connected to a connection terminal of the electric motor 5 and a female connector 45 fixed to the right end of the frame body 23a are provided. Although not shown, the female connector 45 includes a power connector 45a that is connected to a battery via a male connector for power supply, and a signal connector 45b that is connected to a network such as a CAN that transmits and receives data to / from a control device in each part of the vehicle body. And. The power board 22 and the control board 24 are connected via a connection terminal 22c.

The cover 26 is a metal member capable of blocking electromagnetic waves and protecting internal components. As shown in FIG. 6, the cover 26 has a rectangular first plate portion 27 that covers the control board 24 and the first plate portion 27. Second and third plate portions 28 and 29 extending orthogonally from the edge in the longitudinal direction, and second and third plate portions 28 and 29 from the edge in the short direction of the first plate portion 27 The fourth and fifth plate portions 30 and 31 extending in the same direction and the second plate portion 28 and the fourth and fifth plate portions 30 and 31 are formed in a direction orthogonal to the outside of the cover. And a plurality of fixing pieces 32 having screw insertion holes. Further, the fourth plate portion 30 is formed with a notch 30 a surrounding the outer periphery of the female connector 45.
At the center in the longitudinal direction of the second plate portion 28, a cutout portion 28a cut out in a square shape is formed, and a portal-shaped seal is formed on the outer wall of the second plate portion 28 around the cutout portion 28a. The member 33 is stuck.

As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, a stepped portion 34 that protrudes to the outside of the cover 26 is formed on the periphery of the cutout portion 28 a of the second plate portion 28.
The seal member 33 is formed of a flexible foamed resin material, an elastic material such as synthetic rubber, and as shown in FIG. 6, a first seal portion 33a extending in the longitudinal direction of the second plate portion 28, A pair of second seal portions 33 b and 33 c that are spaced apart from each other in parallel and extend in the short direction of the second plate portion 28, and these first to third seal portions 33 a to 33 c are formed on the stepped portion 34. It is stuck in a state where it is in surface contact with the flat portion of the adjacent second plate portion 28 and the boundary portion between the second plate portion 28 and the stepped portion 34.
When the second plate portion 28 of the cover 26 is opposed to the unit placement surface 20b of the control unit mounting portion 20, the seal member 33 creates a gap generated between the second plate portion 28 and the unit placement surface 20b. The thickness is set to be thicker than the gap so as to be buried and in close contact with elastic deformation.

  Then, the heat radiation plate 21 and the frame 23 of the control unit 19 are fixed to the control unit mounting portion 20 of the reduction gear box 4, and the external connection of the torque sensor 15 protruding from the opening 20 d of the control unit mounting portion 20 of the reduction gear box 4. After the terminals 15c to 15f (see FIG. 2) are directly inserted and soldered into the through holes 24a to 24d (see FIG. 6) of the control board 24 of the control unit 19, the cover 26 is also fixed to the control unit mounting portion 20. Thus, the control unit 19 is mounted on the control unit mounting portion 20 of the reduction gear box 4. Further, the terminal block 23 c fixed to the mounting plate portion 23 b of the frame 23 and the connection terminal of the electric motor 5 are electrically connected. The electrically connected terminal block 23c and the connection terminal of the electric motor 5 are covered with a synthetic resin terminal cover denoted by reference numeral 27 in FIG.

Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be described.
When power is supplied from the battery to the power board 22 and the control board 24 by turning on an ignition switch (not shown) of the vehicle body, a steering assist control process is executed by the micro control unit (MCU), and the torque sensor 15 and the vehicle speed sensor (not shown) are A steering assist current command value is calculated based on the detected value. A current feedback process is executed based on the steering assist current command value and the motor current detected by the motor current detection unit to calculate a voltage command value. By supplying this voltage command value to the gate drive circuit of the power board 22 and controlling the H bridge circuit, a motor drive current flows through the electric motor 5 and the electric motor 5 needs to be operated in the forward or reverse direction. Drive to generate force.

Therefore, a steering assist force corresponding to the steering torque of the steering wheel is generated from the electric motor 5, and this steering assist force is transmitted to the output of the steering shaft 2 via the worm 11 and the worm wheel 13, whereby the steering wheel Can be steered with a light steering force.
Here, according to the present embodiment, when the second plate portion 28 of the cover 26 faces the unit placement surface 20b in order to mount the control unit 19 on the control unit mounting portion 20 of the reduction gear box 4, it is shown in FIG. As described above, the seal member 33 attached to the second plate portion 28 is in close contact with the unit placement surface 20b while being elastically deformed while surrounding the opening 20d formed on the unit placement surface 20b. To do.

  The external connection terminals 15c to 15f of the torque sensor 15 pass through the opening 20d, and the conductive foreign matter generated on the outer peripheral side of the reduction gear box 4 is on the opening 20d side where the external connection terminals 15c to 15f are arranged. Even if it is going to enter, it is interrupted | blocked by the sealing member 33 closely_contact | adhered without providing a clearance gap between the 2nd board part 28 and the unit mounting surface 20b. Accordingly, the conductive foreign matter does not contact any pair of the plurality of external connection terminals 15 c to 15 f of the torque sensor 15, and the torque sensor 15 outputs a normal torque detection value to normalize the electric motor 5. Drive control can be performed.

  Further, the seal member 33 of the present embodiment is stuck in a state of being in surface contact with the flat portion of the second plate portion 28 adjacent to the step portion 34 and the boundary portion between the second plate portion 28 and the step portion 34. Therefore, the sealing member 33 can be easily positioned with respect to the second plate portion 28. In addition, even when an external force in a direction orthogonal to the thickness direction is applied to the seal member 33, the boundary between the second plate portion 28 and the step portion 34 with which the seal member 33 is in surface contact causes the positional deviation of the seal member 33. The seal member 33 is closely attached without providing a gap between the notch portion 28a of the second plate portion 28 and the opening portion 20d of the unit mounting surface 20b.

Further, in the present embodiment, the stepped portion 34 of the second plate portion 28 protrudes to the outside of the cover 26 and is located between the second plate portion 28 and the unit placement surface 20b. Even if a small stone or the like passes through the seal member 33 and enters the opening 20d side, the step 34 can function as a shield.
Further, the seal member 33 is attached to the second plate portion 28 of the cover 26, and only by fixing the cover 26 to the flat mounting surface 20a of the control unit mounting portion 20, the opening portion 20d of the unit mounting surface 20b. Since it is arranged on the unit mounting surface 20b and the second plate portion 28 while surrounding the housing, the assemblability can be facilitated.

Further, the seal member 33 is formed of an elastic material such as a flexible foamed resin material or synthetic rubber. Even if motor vibration is transmitted from the electric motor 5 mounted on the reduction gear box 4, the seal member 33 vibrates. Therefore, the vibration that affects the control unit 19 and the sound that gives an unpleasant sound to the driver can be suppressed.
Furthermore, since the external connection terminals 15c to 15f of the torque sensor 15 and the through holes 24a to 24d of the control board 24 of the control unit 19 are soldered, the cover 26 is fixed to the control unit mounting portion 20, so that the cover 26 The seal member 33 attached to the connector is not susceptible to solder skipping or heat influence due to soldering.

Next, FIG. 9 shows a second embodiment of the electric power steering apparatus according to the present invention. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same component as the structure shown in FIG. 8, and description is abbreviate | omitted.
In the present embodiment, a stepped portion 35 that protrudes inside the cover 26 is formed on the periphery of the notch portion 28 a of the second plate portion 28.

Further, the seal member 33 is stuck in a state of surface contact with the step surface 35 a located inside the cover 26 of the step portion 35 and the boundary portion between the step surface 35 a and the second plate portion 28.
Also in the present embodiment, when the second plate portion 28 of the cover 26 faces the unit placement surface 20b in order to mount the control unit 19 on the control unit mounting portion 20 of the reduction gear box 4, as shown in FIG. The seal member 33 adhered to the two plate portions 28 is in close contact with the unit placement surface 20b while being elastically deformed while enclosing the opening 20d formed on the unit placement surface 20b. The conductive foreign matter does not contact any pair of the plurality of external connection terminals 15c to 15f of the sensor 15, and the torque sensor 15 outputs a normal torque detection value to perform normal drive control of the electric motor 5. Can be done.

  Further, the seal member 33 according to the present embodiment is stuck in a state of surface contact with the step surface 35 a located inside the cover 26 of the step portion 35 and the boundary portion between the step surface 35 a and the second plate portion 28. Therefore, the sealing member 33 can be easily positioned on the step surface 35a. In addition, even when an external force in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction is applied to the seal member 33, the stepped surface 35a where the seal member 33 is in surface contact and the boundary portion of the second plate portion 28 cause the positional deviation of the seal member 33. The seal member 33 is closely attached without providing a gap between the notch portion 28a of the second plate portion 28 and the opening portion 20d of the unit mounting surface 20b.

  And also in this embodiment, since the sealing member 33 is affixed on the 2nd board part 28 of the cover 26, while being able to make assembly property easy, the sealing member 33 is a flexible foamed resin material. Since the seal member 33 absorbs the vibration, the vibration that affects the control unit 19 and the sound that gives the driver an unpleasant sound can be suppressed. .

Next, what is shown in FIG. 10 shows a third embodiment of the electric power steering apparatus according to the present invention. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same component as the structure shown in FIG. 8, and description is abbreviate | omitted.
In this embodiment, a guide engaging portion 36 separate from the reduction gear box 4 is fixed to the unit placement surface 20b of the reduction gear box 4 so as to protrude from the unit placement surface 20b.
The guide engaging portion 36 is a surface that does not come into contact with the unit placement surface 20b when the second plate portion 28 of the cover 26 faces the unit placement surface 20b, and faces the notch portion 28a. The side surfaces of the seal member 33 not engaged are engaged.

  According to the present embodiment, when the second plate portion 28 of the cover 26 faces the unit mounting surface 20b in order to mount the control unit 19 on the control unit mounting portion 20 of the reduction gear box 4, as shown in FIG. The seal member 33 adhered to the second plate portion 28 is in close contact with the unit placement surface 20b while being elastically deformed while surrounding the opening 20d formed on the unit placement surface 20b. The side surface of the seal member 33 that does not face the notch portion 28a engages with the guide engagement portion 36 that protrudes from the unit placement surface 20b.

Since the seal member 33 that is in close contact with the second plate portion 28 and the unit mounting surface 20b while being elastically deformed is engaged with the guide engagement portion 36, the side surface not facing the notch portion 28a is engaged. Deformation in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction and away from the opening 20d of the unit placement surface 20b is restricted.
According to the present embodiment, the side surface of the seal member 33 facing the stepped portion 34 is in surface contact with the boundary between the second plate portion 28 and the stepped portion 34 and does not face the opening 20d of the unit mounting surface 20b. Since the side surface of the member 33 is in surface contact with the guide engaging portion 36, the seal member 33 can be further easily positioned.

In addition, even when an external force in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction is applied to the seal member 33, the guide engaging portion 36 that is engaged with the side surface of the seal member 33 resists the external force. It is reliably prevented, and the sealing performance between the notch portion 28a of the second plate portion 28 and the opening portion 20d of the unit placement surface 20b can be enhanced.
In the embodiment of FIG. 10, the electric power steering apparatus in which the control unit 19 is mounted on the upper part of the control unit mounting portion 20 of the reduction gear box 4 has been described. However, the reduction gear so that the control unit mounting portion 20 faces downward. When the box 4 is arranged and the control unit 19 is mounted at the lower part of the control unit mounting part 20, even if water droplets adhering to the control unit mounting part 20 flow into the opening 20d, the unit mounting surface The guide engaging part 36 fixed to 20b can prevent a water drop from flowing into the opening 20d.

Moreover, although the 2nd board part 28 in which the level | step-difference part 34 which protrudes outside the cover 26 from the periphery of the notch part 28a is formed is shown, the level | step difference which protrudes inside the cover 26 from the periphery of the notch part 28a is shown. Even if the second plate portion 28 (see FIG. 9) in which the portion 35 is formed is used, the same effect can be obtained.
Moreover, in each embodiment mentioned above, although the structure which formed the level | step-difference part 34 and 35 in the peripheral part of the notch part 28a was shown, the summary of this invention is not limited to this, A plurality of levels | steps The step portion may be formed.

Next, what is shown in FIG. 11 shows a fourth embodiment of the electric power steering apparatus according to the present invention. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same component as the structure shown in FIG. 10, and description is abbreviate | omitted.
In the present embodiment, a guide engagement portion 37 that is formed integrally with the reduction gear box 4 and protrudes from the unit placement surface 20b is provided.
The guide engagement portion 37 is a surface that does not contact the unit placement surface 20b of the seal member 33 when the second plate portion 28 of the cover 26 faces the unit placement surface 20b. The side surface not facing the opening 20d of 20b is engaged.

According to the present embodiment, the side surface of the seal member 33 facing the stepped portion 34 is in surface contact with the boundary between the second plate portion 28 and the stepped portion 34 and does not face the opening 20d of the unit mounting surface 20b. Since the side surface of the member 33 is in surface contact with the guide engaging portion 37, the sealing member 33 can be further easily positioned.
In addition, even when an external force in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction is applied to the seal member 33, the guide engaging portion 37 engaged with the side surface of the seal member 33 resists the external force. Is reliably prevented, and the sealing performance between the notch portion 28a of the second plate portion 28 and the opening portion 20d of the unit mounting surface 20b can be enhanced.

Further, the guide engaging portion 37 is formed integrally with the unit mounting surface 20b of the reduction gear box 4, and the guide engaging portion 37 on the unit mounting surface 20b is compared with the embodiment shown in FIG. Since the mounting work is not required, the control unit 19 can be easily mounted on the control unit mounting portion 20 of the reduction gear box 4.
In this embodiment, the control unit 19 is mounted on the upper part of the control unit mounting portion 20 of the reduction gear box 4. However, the reduction gear box 4 is arranged so that the control unit mounting portion 20 faces downward, and control is performed. Assuming that the control unit 19 is mounted at the lower part of the unit mounting portion 20, even if water droplets adhering to the control unit mounting portion 20 try to flow toward the opening 20d, the guide is integrally formed on the unit mounting surface 20b. The engaging portion 37 can prevent water droplets from flowing into the opening 20d.

  In this embodiment, the guide engaging portion 37 is integrally formed on the unit mounting surface 20b of the reduction gear box 4, but the second plate portion 28 of the cover 26 faces the notch portion 28a. Even if the guide engaging portion that engages with the side surface of the non-sealing seal member 33 is integrally formed, the same effect can be obtained.

Next, FIG. 12 shows a fifth embodiment of the electric power steering apparatus according to the present invention.
This embodiment is different from the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 in that the step portions 34 and 35 are not formed on the periphery of the notch portion 28a provided in the third plate portion 28 of the control unit 19, and The 3rd board part 28 of the periphery of the notch part 28a is made into the flat shape.

In this embodiment, a guide engagement portion 37 that is integrally formed with the reduction gear box 4 and protrudes from the unit placement surface 20b is provided.
The guide engagement portion 37 is a surface that does not contact the unit placement surface 20b of the seal member 33 when the second plate portion 28 of the cover 26 faces the unit placement surface 20b. The side surface not facing the opening 20d of 20b is engaged.
According to the present embodiment, the side surface of the seal member 33 that does not face the opening 20d of the unit placement surface 20b is in surface contact with the guide engaging portion 37, so that the seal member 33 can be easily positioned.

Further, even when an external force in a direction orthogonal to the thickness direction is applied to the seal member 33, the guide engaging portion 37 engaged with the side surface of the seal member 33 resists the external force. Is reliably prevented, and the sealing performance between the notch portion 28a of the second plate portion 28 and the opening portion 20d of the unit mounting surface 20b can be enhanced.
Further, the guide engaging portion 37 is formed integrally with the unit mounting surface 20b of the reduction gear box 4, and the guide engaging portion 37 on the unit mounting surface 20b is compared with the embodiment shown in FIG. Since the mounting work is not required, the control unit 19 can be easily mounted on the control unit mounting portion 20 of the reduction gear box 4.

In this embodiment, the control unit 19 is mounted on the upper part of the control unit mounting portion 20 of the reduction gear box 4. However, the reduction gear box 4 is arranged so that the control unit mounting portion 20 faces downward, and control is performed. Assuming that the control unit 19 is mounted at the lower part of the unit mounting portion 20, even if water droplets adhering to the control unit mounting portion 20 try to flow toward the opening 20d, the guide is integrally formed on the unit mounting surface 20b. The engaging portion 37 can prevent water droplets from flowing into the opening 20d.
In this embodiment, the guide engaging portion 37 is integrally formed on the unit mounting surface 20b of the reduction gear box 4, but the second plate portion 28 of the cover 26 faces the notch portion 28a. Even if the guide engaging portion that engages with the side surface of the non-sealing seal member 33 is integrally formed, the same effect can be obtained.

Next, FIG. 13 shows a sixth embodiment of the electric power steering apparatus according to the present invention. In the present embodiment, similarly to the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the third plate portion 28 at the periphery of the notch portion 28 a provided in the third plate portion 28 of the control unit 19 has a flat shape.
In the present embodiment, a guide engagement portion 38 that is integrally formed with the reduction gear box 4 and protrudes from the unit placement surface 20b is provided at the opening periphery of the opening 20d of the unit placement surface 20b.

When the second plate portion 28 of the cover 26 faces the unit placement surface 20b, the side surface of the seal member 33 that faces the opening 20d of the unit placement surface 20b engages with the guide engagement portion 38. .
According to the present embodiment, since the side surface of the seal member 33 facing the opening 20d of the unit placement surface 20b is in surface contact with the guide engaging portion 38, the seal member 33 can be easily positioned.

Even if an external force in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction is applied to the seal member 33, the guide engaging portion 38 engaged with the side surface of the seal member 33 resists the external force. Is reliably prevented, and the sealing performance between the notch portion 28a of the second plate portion 28 and the opening portion 20d of the unit mounting surface 20b can be enhanced.
Further, the guide engaging portion 38 is formed integrally with the unit mounting surface 20b of the reduction gear box 4, and the guide engaging portion 38 on the unit mounting surface 20b is compared with the embodiment shown in FIG. Since the mounting work is not required, the control unit 19 can be easily mounted on the control unit mounting portion 20 of the reduction gear box 4.

In this embodiment, the control unit 19 is mounted on the upper part of the control unit mounting portion 20 of the reduction gear box 4. However, the reduction gear box 4 is arranged so that the control unit mounting portion 20 faces downward, and control is performed. Assuming that the control unit 19 is mounted at the lower part of the unit mounting portion 20, even if water droplets adhering to the control unit mounting portion 20 try to flow toward the opening 20d, the guide is integrally formed on the unit mounting surface 20b. The engaging portion 38 can prevent water droplets from flowing into the opening 20d.
In the present embodiment, the guide engaging portion 38 is integrally formed on the unit mounting surface 20b of the reduction gear box 4, but the seal facing the notch portion 28a is formed on the second plate portion 28 of the cover 26. Even if the guide engaging portion that engages the side surface of the member 33 is formed integrally, the same effect can be obtained.

Next, what is shown in FIG. 14 shows a seventh embodiment of the electric power steering apparatus according to the present invention. Also in the present embodiment, the third plate portion 28 at the periphery of the notch portion 28a provided in the third plate portion 28 of the control unit 19 is flat.
In the present embodiment, the guide groove 39a formed on the unit mounting surface 20b so as to surround the opening 20d and the part of the contact surface of the seal member 33 that contacts the unit mounting surface 20b are formed to protrude from the guide. And a guide convex portion 39b having a shape slightly larger than the internal shape of the concave portion 39a. The guide groove 39a is formed continuously or intermittently along the opening 20d, and the guide protrusion 39b formed on the seal member 33 is continuously or intermittently corresponding to the guide groove 39a. Is formed.

And when the 2nd board part 28 of the cover 26 opposes the unit mounting surface 20b, the guide convex part 39b fits in and engages with the guide groove part 39a, elastically deforming, and the sealing member 33 is united. Engages with the mounting surface 20b.
According to the present embodiment, the seal member 33 can be easily positioned simply by fitting the guide protrusion 39b into the guide groove 39a of the unit placement surface 20b.

Even if an external force in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction is applied to the seal member 33, the guide convex portion 39b of the seal member 33 fitted in the guide groove portion 39a of the unit mounting surface 20b resists the external force. The positional deviation of the seal member 33 is reliably prevented, and the sealing performance between the notch portion 28a of the second plate portion 28 and the opening portion 20d of the unit placement surface 20b can be enhanced.
In this embodiment, the control unit 19 is mounted on the upper part of the control unit mounting portion 20 of the reduction gear box 4. However, the reduction gear box 4 is arranged so that the control unit mounting portion 20 faces downward, and control is performed. With the structure in which the control unit 19 is attached to the lower part of the unit mounting part 20, even if water droplets adhering to the control unit mounting part 20 try to flow toward the opening 20d, the unit mounting surface 20b and the seal member 33 are engaged. The combined guide groove 39a and guide protrusion 39b have a structure that prevents water droplets from flowing into the opening 20d.

Next, FIG. 15 shows an eighth embodiment of the electric power steering apparatus according to the present invention. Also in the present embodiment, the third plate portion 28 at the periphery of the notch portion 28a provided in the third plate portion 28 of the control unit 19 is flat.
In the present embodiment, the guide hole 40a formed in the second plate portion 28 so as to surround the notch portion 28a and the part of the contact surface of the seal member 33 that contacts the second plate portion 28 are formed to protrude. And a guide protrusion 40b having a shape slightly larger than the internal shape of the guide hole 40a. The guide hole 40a is formed continuously or intermittently along the notch 28a, and the guide protrusion 40b formed on the seal member 33 is continuous or intermittent so as to correspond to the guide hole 40a. Is formed.

And when the 2nd board part 28 of the cover 26 opposes the unit mounting surface 20b, the guide convex part 40b fits and engages in the guide hole 40a, elastically deforming, and the seal member 33 becomes unit. Engages with the mounting surface 20b.
According to the present embodiment, the seal member 33 can be easily positioned simply by fitting the guide convex portion 40 b into the guide hole 40 a of the second plate portion 28.
Even if an external force in a direction orthogonal to the thickness direction is applied to the seal member 33, the guide convex portion 40b of the seal member 33 fitted in the guide hole 40a of the second plate portion 28 resists the external force. The positional deviation of the seal member 33 is reliably prevented, and the sealing performance between the notch portion 28a of the second plate portion 28 and the opening portion 20d of the unit placement surface 20b can be enhanced.

Next, FIG. 16 shows a ninth embodiment of the electric power steering apparatus according to the present invention. Also in the present embodiment, the third plate portion 28 at the periphery of the notch portion 28a provided in the third plate portion 28 of the control unit 19 is flat.
This embodiment includes a belt-like seal base 41a extending so as to surround the opening 20d of the unit mounting surface 20b, and a belt-like lip portion 41b integrally formed in the thickness direction of the seal base 41a. A seal member 41 is used.
Further, a guide engaging portion 42 that is formed integrally with the reduction gear box 4 and protrudes from the unit mounting surface 20b is provided.

  When the second plate portion 28 of the cover 26 faces the unit placement surface 20b, the seal base portion 41a of the seal member 41 contacts the unit placement surface 20b, and the lip portion 41b is notched while being elastically deformed. The guide engaging portion 42 is a surface that does not contact the unit mounting surface 20b of the seal base 41a and faces the opening 20d of the unit mounting surface 20b. The side that is not engaged is engaged.

According to the present embodiment, the side surface of the seal base portion 41a that does not face the opening 20d of the unit placement surface 20b is in surface contact with the guide engaging portion 37, so that the seal member 41 can be further easily positioned. .
In addition, even when an external force in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction is applied to the seal member 41, the guide engagement portion 42 that is engaged with the side surface of the seal base portion 41a resists the external force. Can be reliably prevented.

Further, the seal base 41a of the seal member 41 contacts the unit mounting surface 20b in a surface contact state, and the lip portion 41b is in close contact with the third plate portion 28 at the periphery of the notch portion 28a while being elastically deformed. The sealing performance between the notch portion 28a of the plate portion 28 and the opening portion 20d of the unit placement surface 20b can be enhanced.
Furthermore, the guide engaging portion 42 is formed integrally with the unit mounting surface 20b of the reduction gear box 4, and the guide engaging portion 37 on the unit mounting surface 20b is compared with the embodiment shown in FIG. Since the mounting work is not required, the control unit 19 can be easily mounted on the control unit mounting portion 20 of the reduction gear box 4.

  In this embodiment, the control unit 19 is mounted on the upper part of the control unit mounting portion 20 of the reduction gear box 4. However, the reduction gear box 4 is arranged so that the control unit mounting portion 20 faces downward, and control is performed. Assuming that the control unit 19 is mounted at the lower part of the unit mounting portion 20, even if water droplets adhering to the control unit mounting portion 20 try to flow toward the opening 20d, the guide is integrally formed on the unit mounting surface 20b. The engaging part 42 can prevent a water droplet from flowing into the opening 20d.

  Further, the stepped portion 34 shown in FIG. 8, the stepped portion 35 shown in FIG. 9, the stepped portion 34 and the guide engaging portion 36 shown in FIG. 10, the stepped portion 34 and the guide engaging portion 37 shown in FIG. The guide engaging portion 37 shown in FIG. 12, the guide engaging portion 38 shown in FIG. 13, the guide groove 39a and the guide convex portion 39b in FIG. 14, the guide hole 40a and the guide convex portion 40b in FIG. 15, and the guide in FIG. The engaging portion 42 may not be formed continuously along the opening 20d or the cutout portion 28a, and is provided at one place in the axial direction of the steering column 3 facing the flat mounting surface 20a of the reduction gear box 4. Alternatively, two locations may be formed in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the steering column 3.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the electric motor 5, the control unit 19, and the female connector 45 are arranged in a straight line along a line orthogonal to the central axis of the steering column 3 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be arranged in a straight line along a line intersecting the central axis of the steering column 3.
Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the case where a brush motor was applied as the electric motor 5 was demonstrated, it is not limited to this, You may make it apply a brushless motor, In this case, a connection terminal 5c and 5d are connected to the power supply side of the excitation coil of each phase, and, for example, an inverter circuit having a field effect transistor (FET) for driving a brushless motor on the power board 23 and a gate of the field effect transistor of the inverter circuit are pulse width modulated. A gate driving circuit driven by a signal may be mounted.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a right-hand drive vehicle has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and when applied to a left-hand drive vehicle, the reduction gear box 4 and the electric motor 5 are used. The control unit 19 is arranged symmetrically with respect to the vertical plane passing through the central axis of the steering column 3, that is, the electric motor 5 is arranged on the right side of the control unit 19, and the female connector 45 and the terminal block 24c of the control unit 19 are connected. What is necessary is just to arrange | position on the left side, Furthermore, you may make it arrange | position the electric motor 5 on the vehicle outer side, and arrange | position the female connector 45 and the terminal block 24c on the vehicle inner side.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Electric power steering device, 2a ... Input shaft, 2b ... Torsion bar, 2c ... Output shaft, 3 ... Steering column, 3a ... Inner tube, 3b ... Outer tube, 4 ... Reduction gear box, 4b ... Support part, 5 ... Electric motor, 5b ... flange, 6 ... upper mounting bracket, 6a ... flange, 6a1 ... slit, 6b ... release capsule, 6b1 ... bolt through-hole, 6c ... support plate, 6d ... tilt mechanism, 6g ... tilt lever, 7 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Lower mounting bracket, 7a ... Mounting plate part, 7b ... Supporting plate part, 7c ... Pivot, 11 ... Worm, 12 ... Worm storage part, 13 ... Worm wheel, 14 ... Worm wheel storage part, 15 ... Torque sensor, 15a, 15b ... Detection coil, 15c-15f ... External connection terminal, 16 ... Torque sensor housing, 17 ... Motor mounting, 18 ... Column mounting , 19 ... control unit, 20 ... control unit mounting portion, 20a ... flat mounting surface, 20b ... unit mounting surface (gearbox mounting surface), 20c ... frame mounting surface, 20d ... opening, 21 ... heat dissipation plate, 22 ... Power board, 22a, 22b ... Integrated circuit, 22c ... Connection terminal, 23 ... Frame, 23a ... Frame body, 23b ... Mounting plate, 23c ... Terminal block, 24 ... Control board, 24a-24d ... Through hole, 24e ... Discrete 26, cover, 27 ... first plate portion, 28 ... second plate portion (cover plate portion), 28a ... notch portion, 29 ... third plate portion, 28a ... notch portion, 30 ... fourth plate portion 31 ... 5th plate part, 32 ... Fixed piece, 33 ... Seal member, 33a ... 1st seal part, 33b ... 2nd seal part, 33c ... 3rd seal part, 34 ... Step part, 35 ... Step part, 35 ... Step surface 36 ... Guide engaging part 37 ... Guide engaging part 38 ... Guide engaging part 39a ... Guide groove part (guide concave part) 39b ... Guide convex part 40a ... Guide hole (guide concave part), 40b ... Guide convex part, 41 ... Seal member, 41a ... Seal base part, 41b ... Lip part, 42 ... Guide engaging part, 45 ... Female connector, 45a ... Power supply connector, 45b ... Signal connector

Claims (12)

An electric motor for transmitting a steering assist force to a steering shaft to which a steering torque is transmitted via a speed reduction mechanism in a speed reduction gear box, and a control unit including a control board on which a control circuit for driving and controlling the electric motor is mounted The control unit is mounted on the gear box mounting surface formed on the outer periphery of the reduction gear box with the cover plate portion of the cover for housing the control board close thereto, and the control unit is mounted in the reduction gear box. A plurality of external connection terminals connected to a torque sensor that is projecting from a part of the gear box mounting surface, and a plurality of board side terminals provided on the control board are electrically connected to each of the plurality of external connection terminals. In the electric power steering device directly connected to
The cover plate portion is formed with notches that allow the plurality of external connection terminals protruding from a part of the gearbox mounting surface to pass through,
On the periphery of the notch portion of the cover plate portion, a stepped portion protruding outward or inward of the control unit is formed,
A seal member having a thickness larger than a gap formed between the cover plate portion and the gear box mounting surface is integrated between the cover plate portion and the gear box mounting surface while surrounding the notch portion. ,
An electric power steering apparatus characterized in that the position of the seal member in contact with the gear box mounting surface is guided by arranging the seal member along the stepped portion.   The stepped portion is formed around the notch in a state of projecting to the inside of the control unit, and the seal member includes a stepped surface of the stepped portion located inside the control unit and the stepped portion. 2. The electric power steering apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electric power steering apparatus is integrated in a state of surface contact with a surface and a boundary portion of the cover plate portion.   The step portion is formed around the notch in a state of protruding to the outside of the control unit, and the seal member includes a flat portion of the cover plate portion adjacent to the step portion, and the cover 2. The electric power steering apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electric power steering apparatus is integrated with the plate portion and the boundary portion of the stepped portion in surface contact with each other. An electric motor for transmitting a steering assist force to a steering shaft to which a steering torque is transmitted via a speed reduction mechanism in a speed reduction gear box, and a control unit including a control board on which a control circuit for driving and controlling the electric motor is mounted The control unit is mounted on the gear box mounting surface formed on the outer periphery of the reduction gear box with the cover plate portion of the cover for housing the control board close thereto, and the control unit is mounted in the reduction gear box. A plurality of external connection terminals connected to a torque sensor that is projecting from a part of the gear box mounting surface, and a plurality of board side terminals provided on the control board are electrically connected to each of the plurality of external connection terminals. In the electric power steering device directly connected to
Forming an opening through which the plurality of external connection terminals connected to the torque sensor pass toward the control unit on the gear box mounting surface;
The cover plate portion is formed with notches that allow the plurality of external connection terminals protruding from the opening to pass through,
A seal member having a thickness greater than a gap formed between the cover plate portion and the gear box mounting surface is brought into contact with the cover plate portion and the gear box mounting surface while surrounding the opening and the notch portion. As well as
At least one member of the gear box mounting surface, the cover plate portion, and the seal member is provided with a guide portion that guides a position where the seal member contacts the gear box mounting surface and the cover plate portion. Electric power steering device.   The guide portion is a guide engagement portion that is formed so as to protrude from the gear box mounting surface so as to surround the opening, and is engaged with a surface of the seal member that does not contact the gear box mounting surface. The electric power steering apparatus according to claim 4.   6. The electric power steering apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the guide engaging portion is a portion formed integrally with the gear box mounting surface.   The guide portion is a guide engagement portion that is formed to protrude from the cover plate portion so as to surround the notch portion, and is engaged with a surface of the seal member that does not contact the cover plate portion. The electric power steering device according to claim 4.   The electric power steering apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the guide engaging portion is a portion formed integrally with the cover plate portion.   The guide portion protrudes from a guide recess formed on the gear box mounting surface so as to surround the opening, and a part of the surface of the seal member that contacts the gear box mounting surface, and fits into the guide recess. The electric power steering apparatus according to any one of claims 4, 5 and 7, wherein the electric power steering apparatus comprises a guide convex portion.   The guide portion protrudes from a guide recess formed in the cover plate portion so as to surround the notch portion, and a part of the surface of the seal member that contacts the cover plate portion, and fits into the guide recess. The electric power steering apparatus according to any one of claims 4, 5, and 7, wherein the electric power steering apparatus includes a convex portion.   The seal member is made of an elastically deformable material, or any one of claims 1 to 3, or any one of claims 4, 5, 7, 9, and 10. The electric power steering device described in 1.   The seal member is in contact with one of the gear box mounting surface and the cover plate portion, and extends from the seal base toward the other of the gear box mounting surface and the cover plate portion, and is elastically deformed. The electric power steering apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the electric power steering apparatus comprises a lip portion that contacts the other.

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