JP6125382B2 - Power steering device and test method for air tightness and liquid tightness of power steering device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a power steering device and a method for testing air tightness and liquid tightness of the power steering device.

  As this type of technique, a technique described in Patent Document 1 below is disclosed. Patent Document 1 discloses an electric power steering that outputs an assist torque with respect to a driver's steering torque by an electric motor.

JP 2009-001243 A

In the technique described in Patent Document 1, the housing in which each member is accommodated is divided and formed, and the liquid tightness is enhanced by providing a seal on the joint surface of the housing. However, there is a possibility that a sealing failure may occur due to a processing error or an assembly error, but the inspection is not taken into consideration.
The present invention has been focused on the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a power steering device capable of improving air tightness and liquid tightness and a method for testing air tightness and liquid tightness of the power steering device. It is.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the power steering device and the air tightness and liquid tightness test method of the power steering device of the present invention, the motor ECU housing portion and the gear housing portion are through holes provided in the motor ECU housing portion. A through-hole for airtight and liquidtight testing was provided on the inner peripheral side of the seal member that seals between the two.

  Therefore, in the present invention, the airtight and liquid tightness test can be performed by the airtight and liquid tightness test through-holes, so that the reliability of the electric motor can be improved. In addition, when the electric motor is assembled to the gear housing part, the airtight and liquid tightness test through-holes are not exposed to the outside, so that intrusion of muddy water and the like from the airtight and liquid tightness test through-holes can be suppressed. it can.

1 is a system diagram of a steering system of Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a front view of a power steering device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagram of a power steering device according to a first embodiment viewed from an axial direction. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a power steering device of Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a power steering device of Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of a screw mechanism of Example 1. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a nut of Example 1. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electric motor of Example 1. FIG. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagram of an electric motor according to a first embodiment viewed from an axial direction. 1 is a perspective view of an electric motor of Example 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the airtight and liquid tightness test through hole of Example 1. 1 is a view showing a sealing plug of Example 1. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electric motor of Example 1. FIG. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagram of an electric motor according to a first embodiment viewed from an axial direction. 1 is a perspective view of an electric motor of Example 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the airtight and liquid tightness test through hole of Example 1. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagram of a power steering device according to a first embodiment viewed from an axial direction. 3 is an enlarged view of a joint portion between a motor ECU side joint portion and a gear housing portion side joint portion according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a view showing an outline of a differential pressure type leak tester of Example 1. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an electric motor and a workpiece according to Embodiment 1. FIG.

[Example 1]
A power steering device 1 according to a first embodiment will be described. The power steering apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment applies an assist force to the driver's steering force by transmitting the driving force of the electric motor 40 to the steered shaft 10 via the screw mechanism 26.
[Configuration of power steering system]
FIG. 1 is a system diagram of a steering system including a power steering device 1. FIG. 2 is a front view of the power steering apparatus 1. FIG. 3 is a view of the power steering device 1 as viewed from the axial direction. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG.
The power steering device 1 includes a steering mechanism 2 that transmits the rotation of the steering wheel 58 steered by the driver to the steered shaft 10 that steers the steered wheels 52, and an assist mechanism 3 that applies assist force to the steered shaft 10. And have.

The steering mechanism 2 has a steering input shaft 80 connected to the steering wheel 58 and a pinion 81 that rotates together with the steering input shaft 80. The pinion 81 meshes with a rack 13 formed on the outer periphery of the steered shaft 10.
The assist mechanism 3 calculates an assist force to be applied to the turning shaft 10 in an electronic control unit (hereinafter referred to as ECU) 55 based on a signal from a torque sensor 59 that detects the steering torque of the driver. Control.
Each component of the power steering apparatus 1 includes a steered shaft housing portion 31 that houses the steered shaft 10 so as to be movable in the axial direction, and an axial middle portion of the steered shaft housing portion 31. The housing 30 is constituted by a gear housing portion 32 formed so as to surround the housing. The gear housing portion 32 houses a speed reducer 33 described later.
The assist mechanism 3 includes an electric motor 40, a speed reducer 33 that increases the torque of the electric motor 40, and a screw mechanism 26 that transmits the output of the electric motor 40 to the steered shaft 10. The electric motor 40 is controlled by the ECU 55 as described above. The configuration of the electric motor 40 will be described in detail later.

The reduction gear 33 is wound between the input pulley 35 that rotates integrally with the motor shaft 45 of the electric motor 40, the output pulley 27 that rotates integrally with the nut 20 of the screw mechanism 26, and the input pulley 35 and the output pulley 27. And a rotated belt 28. The screw mechanism 26 includes a nut 20, a steered shaft 10, a ball circulation groove 12 formed between the nut 20 and the steered shaft 10, and a plurality of balls 22 that circulate in the ball circulation groove 12. ing.
The appearance of the output pulley 27 is a cylindrical member, and is fixed to the nut 20 so as to be integrally rotatable. The output pulley 27 is pivotally supported on the gear housing portion 32 via the nut 20 so as to rotate coaxially with the axis of the steered shaft 10. The rotation axis of the input pulley 35 is provided at a position parallel to and spaced from the rotation axis of the output pulley 27. In the following, the rotation axis of the nut 20, the rotation axis of the output pulley 27, and the axis of the steered shaft 10 are defined as a first reference axis L1, and the rotation axes of the electric motor 40 and the input pulley 35 are defined as a second reference axis L2.

  The nut 20 is formed in an annular shape so as to surround the steered shaft 10, and is provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the steered shaft 10. A groove is spirally formed on the inner periphery of the nut 20, and this groove forms a nut-side ball screw groove 21. A spiral groove is formed on the outer periphery of the steered shaft 10 at a position away from the portion where the rack 13 is formed in the axial direction, and this groove constitutes the steered shaft side ball screw groove 11. doing. In a state where the nut 20 is inserted into the steered shaft 10, a ball circulation groove 12 is formed by the nut-side ball screw groove 21 and the steered shaft-side ball screw groove 11. The ball circulation groove 12 is filled with a plurality of balls 22 made of metal. When the nut 20 rotates, the ball 22 moves in the ball circulation groove 12 so that the steered shaft 10 is longer than the nut 20. Move in the direction.

[Configuration of nut]
FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the screw mechanism 26 of the power steering apparatus 1. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the nut 20. An inner race 24c of the bearing 24 is integrally formed on one end side in the axial direction of the nut 20 (left side in FIG. 6). The bearing 24 is a ball bearing that includes an outer race 24a and includes a ball 24d between the outer race 24a and the inner race 24c. The bearing 24 rotatably supports the nut 20 with respect to the gear housing portion 32.
The other end side in the axial direction of the nut 20 from the inner race 24c (the right side in FIG. 6) constitutes the main body 20a. A ball circulation groove one end side opening 20f communicating with one end of the ball circulation groove 12 is formed on the outer periphery of the main body 20a. A ball circulation groove other end side opening 20e communicating with the other end of the ball circulation groove 12 is formed on the outer periphery of the main body portion 20a. An engagement groove 20g is formed between the ball circulation groove one end side opening 20f and the ball circulation groove other end side opening 20e. The end of the ball circulation groove one end side 20f and the other end of the ball circulation groove 20e are inserted with the end of the tubular circulation member 23 connecting the two openings, and the intermediate portion of the circulation member 23 is engaged. It is engaged with the joint groove 20g.

A pair of female screw portions 20b and 20c are formed on the outer periphery of the main body portion 20a. A line connecting the pair of female screw portions 20b and 20c is formed so as to intersect with a line connecting the ball circulation groove one end side opening 20f and the ball circulation groove other end side opening 20e. A fixed metal that fixes the circulation member 23 to the nut 20 is fastened to the female screw portions 20b and 20c with screws.
The ball 22 in the ball circulation groove 12 enters the circulation member 23 when the ball circulation groove one end side opening 20f of the ball circulation groove 12 is formed, passes through the circulation member 23, and the ball circulation groove and the like. The ball is returned to the ball circulation groove 12 from the end opening 20e. That is, the ball 22 does not move from end to end in the ball circulation groove 12, but moves from the position where the ball circulation groove one end side opening 20f is formed to the position of the ball circulation groove other end side opening 20e. When the steered shaft 10 moves in the opposite direction, the moving direction of the ball 22 is also reversed.
The nut 20 regulates the axial movement of the nut 20 with respect to the housing 30 by holding the outer race 24a of the bearing 24 between the side surface 31a that is one side surface of the gear housing portion 32 and the lock ring 25. .

[Configuration of electric motor]
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the electric motor 40. FIG. 9 is a view of the electric motor 40 as viewed from the axial direction (input pulley 35 side). FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the electric motor 40 with a part thereof cut away. FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the notched portion of FIG.
The electric motor 40 of the first embodiment is an electromechanical integrated type in which a motor element 48 such as a motor shaft 45, a motor rotor 46, a motor stator 47, and an ECU 55 including a control board 49 on which a microcomputer is mounted are integrally combined. Yes (see Figure 5).
The motor element 48 is accommodated in the motor accommodating portion 41 of the motor ECU housing portion 43, and the ECU 55 is accommodated in the ECU accommodating portion 42 of the motor ECU housing portion 43. The space between the motor housing part 41 and the ECU housing part 42 is kept airtight and liquid tight.
A shaft through hole 44 penetrating the motor housing portion 41 and the outside of the motor ECU housing portion 43 is formed. A motor shaft 45 is inserted into the shaft through hole 44. The motor shaft 45 is pivotally supported on the motor housing 41 by bearings 45a and 45b. A shaft seal 83 is provided between the shaft through hole 44 and the motor shaft 45. By the shaft seal 83, the space between the shaft through hole 44 and the motor shaft 45 is also kept airtight and liquid tight.

The motor rotor 46 is fixed so as to rotate integrally with the motor shaft 45. The motor stator 47 is fixed to the motor accommodating portion 41 so as to be on the outer peripheral side of the motor rotor 46. By energizing the motor stator 47, the motor shaft 45 is driven to rotate.
A motor ECU side joint 43a formed so as to surround the shaft through hole 44 and the motor shaft 45 is formed on the input pulley 35 side of the motor ECU housing portion 43. The motor ECU side joint portion 43a is formed in a convex shape in the axial direction with respect to the motor ECU side contact surface 43d formed on a plane around the motor ECU side joint portion 43a. When the motor ECU side joint 43a is viewed from the axial direction of the electric motor 40, it is formed in a substantially circular shape. When viewed from the axial direction of the electric motor 40, the motor ECU side joint 43a and the rotation shaft of the motor shaft 45 are eccentric. A seal groove 43a1 is formed on the entire outer periphery of the motor ECU side joint 43a, and the seal member 50 is engaged with the seal groove 43a1.

(Through hole for airtight and liquid tight test)
On the axial side surface of the motor ECU side joint portion 43a, an airtight and liquid tightness test through-hole 43b that penetrates the motor housing portion 41 and the outside is formed. The air-tight and liquid-tight test through-hole 43b includes a small diameter portion 43b1 formed inside the motor ECU housing portion 43, a large diameter portion 43b2 formed outside, and a step between the small diameter portion 43b1 and the large diameter portion 43b2. It consists of part 43b3. The large diameter portion 43b2 is formed to have a larger diameter than the small diameter portion 43b1. The air-tight and liquid-tight test through hole 43b is disposed on the opposite side of the axis of the motor ECU side joint 43a from the direction in which the rotation shaft of the motor shaft 45 is eccentric. Further, in the state where the power steering device 1 is assembled to the vehicle, the airtight and liquid tightness test through-holes 43b are arranged so as to be positioned above the motor shaft 45 in the vertical direction.

(Sealing plug)
12 is a view of the sealing plug 51, FIG. 12 (a) is a view of the sealing plug 51 viewed from the radial direction, and FIG. 12 (b) is a perspective view of the sealing plug 51. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the electric motor 40. FIG. 14 is a view of the electric motor 40 as viewed from the axial direction (on the input pulley 35 side). FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the electric motor 40 with a part cut away. FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of the notched portion of FIG.
A sealing plug 51 that closes the air-tight and liquid-tight test through-hole 43b is inserted into the air-tight and liquid-tight test through-hole 43b. The sealing plug 51 is formed of an elastic body. The sealing plug 51 includes three seal portions 51a that are spaced apart at an equal distance (distance d2) in the axial direction, and a connection portion 51b that connects adjacent seal portions 51a. The sealing plug 51 is formed in a symmetrical shape in the axial direction (longitudinal direction).
When the seal portion 51a is viewed from the axial direction, the seal portion 51a is formed in a substantially circular shape. When viewed from the radial direction, the substantially intermediate portion in the width direction of the seal portion 51a is the outermost diameter portion. The diameter of the outermost diameter portion is formed to be larger than the inner diameter of the large diameter portion 43b2 of the through hole 43b for airtight and liquid tight testing. When the connection portion 51b is viewed from the axial direction, the outermost diameter portion is formed in a substantially circular shape, and the diameter of the outermost diameter portion is smaller than the diameter of the outermost diameter portion of the seal portion 51a.
When the sealing plug 51 is inserted into the airtight and liquid tightness test through hole 43b, the seal portion 51a is compressed in the radial direction, and the seal portion 51a and the inner periphery of the airtight and liquid tightness test through hole 43b are in close contact with each other. Further, the sealing plug 51 is arranged so as to contact the stepped portion 43b3 when inserted into the airtight and liquid tightness test through-holes 43b.

[Configuration near the input pulley insertion hole of the gear housing]
FIG. 17 is a view of the power steering apparatus 1 with the electric motor 40 removed as viewed from the axial direction.
A concave gear housing portion side joint portion 32a is formed at a portion of the gear housing portion 32 to which the electric motor 40 is attached. The inner diameter of the gear housing portion side joint portion 32a is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the motor ECU side joint portion 43a, and is formed so as to be able to fit into the motor ECU side joint portion 43a.
On the outer periphery of the gear housing portion side joint portion 32a, a gear housing portion side contact surface 32b formed in a flat surface is formed. The protrusion length of the motor ECU side joint portion 43a is shorter than the depth from the gear housing portion side contact surface 32b to the opposing surface 32c which is the bottom of the gear housing portion side joint portion 32a. As a result, the gear housing portion side contact surface 32b and the motor housing side contact surface 43c contact each other, and the axial position of the electric motor 40 with respect to the gear housing portion 32 is regulated.

[Dimensions of sealing plug]
FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of a joint portion between the motor ECU side joint portion 43a and the gear housing portion side joint portion 32a.
When the electric motor 40 is assembled to the gear housing part 32, the gear housing part side contact surface 32b and the motor housing side contact surface 43c contact each other, and the gear housing part side joint part facing the motor ECU side joint part 43a. There will be a gap between the opposing surface 32c, which is the bottom of 32a. The distance between the open end of the large diameter portion 43b2 of the through hole 43b for the airtight and liquid tightness test and the facing surface 32c is defined as d1. The length in the longitudinal direction of the sealing plug 51 is formed to be longer than the distance d1. Further, the dimension in the thickness direction of the seal portion 51a of the sealing plug 51 is formed to be longer than twice the distance d1. In other words, when the distance from the end of the seal portion 51a to the outermost diameter portion is d3, the distance d3 is formed to be longer than the distance d1.

〔Test method〕
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an outline of a differential pressure type leak tester 53 that performs a test of airtightness and liquid tightness in the electric motor 40. As shown in FIG. The differential pressure type leak tester 53 sends air from the pressure source 57 into the electric motor 40 attached to the work 54. At this time, the sealing plug 51 is removed from the airtight and liquid tightness test through hole 43b, and air is filled into the airtight and liquid tightness test through hole 43b. Air is also sent from the pressure source 57 to the master 55. The master 55 is a container in which airtightness and liquid tightness are ensured, and is formed to have the same volume as the sum of the volume in the electric motor 40 that can be filled with air and the volume in the work 54. Between the workpiece 54 and the master 55, a differential pressure tester 56 for detecting a differential pressure between the pressure in the workpiece 54 and the pressure in the master 55 is provided.
Air is sent from the pressure source 57 to the work 54 side and the master 55 side, and the differential pressure after a predetermined time has elapsed is confirmed. If a differential pressure is generated, it can be confirmed that airtightness and liquid tightness in the electric motor 40 are not secured.
FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing the electric motor 40 and the work 54. When the electric motor 40 is attached to the work 54, the motor housing side contact surface 43c of the motor ECU housing portion 43 and the work side contact surface 54c of the work 54 come into contact with each other. A workpiece side seal groove 54a is formed in a substantially circular shape at a position where the workpiece side contact surface 54c contacts the motor housing side contact surface 43c. An annular work-side seal member 54b is engaged with the work-side seal groove 54a. When the motor housing side contact surface 43c of the motor ECU housing part 43 and the work side contact surface 54c of the work 54 contact each other, the work side seal member 54b is compressed and the motor housing side contact surface 43c Airtightness and liquid-tightness between the workpiece-side contact surface 54c are ensured.

[Action]
Since the power steering device 1 is disposed under the engine of the vehicle, it is easy to cover muddy water. In particular, when muddy water or the like enters the electric motor 40, the internal circuit is short-circuited, which immediately leads to the failure of the electric motor 40.
For this reason, it is necessary to conduct an airtight and liquid tightness test of the electric motor 40 to ensure airtightness and liquid tightness. In order to perform an airtight and liquid tightness test, a test through-hole penetrating the inside and the outside of the electric motor 40 is provided, and the test through-hole is sealed after the test. However, there is no method for testing whether or not the test through-hole is securely sealed, and it has not been possible to determine whether airtightness and liquid-tightness are ensured.

Therefore, in the first embodiment, the inner periphery side of the seal member 50 that seals the gap between the motor ECU side joint portion 43a of the motor ECU housing portion 43 and the gear housing portion side joint portion 32a of the gear housing portion 32 in an airtight and liquid tight manner. In addition, a through hole 43b for an airtight and liquid tight test was formed.
Since the airtight and liquid tightness tests can be performed by the airtight and liquid tightness test through-holes 43b, the reliability of the electric motor 40 can be improved. Further, when the electric motor 40 is assembled to the gear housing portion 32, the airtight and liquid tightness test through-holes 43b are not exposed to the outside, so that muddy water or the like can enter from the airtight and liquid tightness test through-holes 43b. Can be suppressed.
Note that the airtightness and liquid tightness tests of the entire power steering device 1 are performed in a state where the power steering device 1 is assembled. Therefore, even if the gas-tight and liquid-tight test through-holes 43b are opened in the gear housing portion 32, muddy water or the like does not enter the electric motor 40. Although it is possible that the boot of the power steering device 1 is damaged due to aging, even if muddy water or the like enters from this part, the approach path is long to the electric motor 40, and muddy water or the like almost enters the electric motor 40. There is nothing.

In Example 1, the airtight and liquid tightness test through hole 43b was closed with the sealing plug 51 after the airtightness and liquid tightness test of the electric motor 40 was performed. Thereby, even if muddy water or the like has entered the electric motor 40 side, the sealing plug 51 can suppress the intrusion of muddy water or the like inside the electric motor 40 from the airtight and liquid tightness test through-holes 43b.
In Example 1, when the sealing plug 51 is inserted into the gas-tight and liquid-tight test through-hole 43b, the sealing plug 51 is formed between the large-diameter portion 43b2 and the small-diameter portion 43b1 of the gas-tight and liquid-tight test through-hole 43b. It arrange | positioned so that it may contact | abut to the step part 43b3 formed in the middle. Thereby, even if the inside of the motor ECU housing part 43 becomes negative pressure, it is possible to prevent the sealing plug 51 from dropping into the motor housing part 41. Therefore, the failure of the electric motor 40 can be suppressed, for example, by the sealing plug 51 hindering the rotation of the rotating member inside the motor housing 41.
In Example 1, the axial length of the sealing plug 51 is greater than the distance d1 between the open end of the large-diameter portion 43b2 of the gas-tight and liquid-tightness test through-hole 43b and the facing surface 32c of the gear housing portion 32. It was formed to be long. As a result, the internal pressure of the motor ECU housing part 43 becomes high, and even when the sealing plug 51 protrudes toward the gear housing part 32, the sealing plug 51 is not removed from the through hole 43b for the airtight and liquid tightness tests. Moreover, since the sealing plug 51 and the facing surface 32c are in contact with each other, the sealing plug 51 can be prevented from falling off.

In the first embodiment, the three sealing portions 51a of the sealing plug 51 are formed to be arranged. Thereby, even if one seal part 51a is damaged, it can be sealed by the other seal part 51a, so that the reliability of the seal can be improved.
In Example 1, the sealing plug 51 was formed to have a symmetrical shape in the longitudinal direction. Thereby, since the direction at the time of inserting the sealing plug 51 into the through hole 43b for the airtight and liquid tightness test is not limited, the workability can be improved, and an error in the insertion direction can be prevented.
In Example 1, the dimension in the thickness direction of the seal portion 51a of the sealing plug 51 is set between the opening end of the large-diameter portion 43b2 of the through hole 43b for the airtight and liquid tight test and the facing surface 32c of the gear housing portion 32. It was formed to be longer than twice the distance d1. As a result, even when the inside of the motor ECU housing portion 43 is at a high pressure and the sealing plug 51 protrudes toward the gear housing portion 32, the sealing portion 51a remains in contact with the facing surface 32c. Since the outermost diameter portion is within the large-diameter portion 43b2, sealing performance can be ensured.

In Example 1, the air-tight and liquid-tight test through-holes 43b are arranged on the opposite side to the direction in which the rotation shaft of the motor shaft 45 is eccentric with respect to the shaft of the motor ECU side joint 43a. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the air-tight and liquid-tight test through-holes 43b, the motor shaft 45, and the bearing 45a from interfering with each other.
In Example 1, in a state where the power steering device 1 is assembled to a vehicle, the airtight and liquid tightness test through-holes 43b are arranged so as to be positioned above the motor shaft 45 in the vertical direction. If muddy water or the like enters the gear housing portion 32, the muddy water or the like may move to the motor ECU housing portion 43 side through the motor shaft 45. Since the air-tight and liquid-tight test through-holes 43b are positioned above the motor shaft 45 in the vertical direction, it is possible to prevent muddy water and the like from entering the air-tight and liquid-tight test through-holes 43b.

In the first embodiment, the work 54 is attached to the motor ECU side joint 43a, and air is introduced into the motor ECU housing 43 through the airtight and liquid tightness test through-holes 43b. The liquid-tightness was confirmed. Since the airtight and liquid tightness tests can be performed by the airtight and liquid tightness test through-holes 43b, the reliability of the electric motor 40 can be improved.
In the first embodiment, the motor housing-side contact surface 43c of the motor ECU housing portion 43 and the work-side contact surface 54c of the work 54 are in contact with each other, and the work-side seal member 54b is compressed, so that the motor housing-side contact surface The air tightness and liquid tightness tests were performed in a state where the air tightness and liquid tightness between the 43c and the workpiece side contact surface 54c were secured. As a result, when the electric motor 40 is attached to the workpiece 54 in the axial direction, the motor housing-side contact surface 43c of the motor ECU housing portion 43 is simply brought into contact with the workpiece-side contact surface 54c of the workpiece 54. Air tightness and liquid tightness between the housing side contact surface 43c and the work side contact surface 54c can be ensured. That is, the inner diameter of the work 54 is formed to be sufficiently larger than the outer diameter of the motor ECU side joint 43a, and the motor housing side contact surface 43c is not relied on for the sealing performance of the seal member 50 of the motor ECU side joint 43a. And airtightness between the workpiece and the workpiece contact surface 54c can be ensured. Therefore, the work of assembling the electric motor 40 to the workpiece 54 is facilitated, and an airtight and liquid tightness test can be easily performed.

〔effect〕
(1) A motor ECU housing part 43 having a motor accommodating part 41 and an electronic control unit (ECU) accommodating part 42 therein, and the space between the motor accommodating part 41 and the ECU accommodating part 42 is kept airtight and liquid-tight; A shaft through hole 44 provided in the motor ECU housing part 43, a motor shaft 45 provided so as to pass through the shaft through hole 44 and rotatably provided to the motor ECU housing part 43, and a motor housing part 41 The motor rotor 46 that is provided inside and rotates integrally with the motor shaft 45, and the motor stator 47 that is provided on the outer peripheral side of the motor rotor 46, and the motor shaft 45 is driven to rotate by being energized and controlled. A motor element 48 that constitutes the electric motor 40 together with the motor accommodating portion 41, and a microcomputer that is provided in the ECU accommodating portion 42 and that drives and controls the electric motor 40 according to the driving state of the vehicle. Mounted on the control board 49 and the motor ECU housing part 43, a joint formed in an annular shape so that the shaft through hole 44 and the motor shaft 45 are surrounded by the joint. An ECU side joint 43a, an output pulley 27 (reduction gear) connected to the motor shaft 45 and transmitting the rotational force of the electric motor 40 to the steered wheels 52, a gear housing portion 32 that houses the output pulley 27, and a gear housing The gear housing portion side joint portion 32a that is formed in a ring shape in the portion 32 and joined to the motor ECU side joint portion 43a, and is provided between the motor ECU side joint portion 43a and the gear housing portion side joint portion 32a, the motor ECU side An annular seal member 50 that hermetically and liquid-tightly seals between the joint portion 43a and the gear housing portion side joint portion 32a, and a through-hole provided in the motor ECU side joint portion 43a, the inner periphery of the seal member 50 Airtight placed on the side And a through hole 43b for liquid-tightness test.
Accordingly, since the airtight and liquid tightness tests can be performed by the airtight and liquid tightness test through-holes 43b, the reliability of the electric motor 40 can be improved. Further, when the electric motor 40 is assembled to the gear housing portion 32, the airtight and liquid tightness test through-holes 43b are not exposed to the outside, so that muddy water or the like can enter from the airtight and liquid tightness test through-holes 43b. Can be suppressed.

(2) A sealing plug 51 for closing the through hole 43b for the airtight and liquid tight test is further provided.
Therefore, even if muddy water or the like has entered the electric motor 40 side, the sealing plug 51 can suppress the intrusion of muddy water or the like inside the electric motor 40 from the airtight and liquid tightness test through-holes 43b.
(3) The through-hole 43b for the airtight and liquid-tight test has a small diameter part 43b1 formed inside the motor ECU housing part 43 in the direction in which the hole extends, and a small diameter formed outside the ECU housing part 43 than the small diameter part 43b1. A large diameter portion 43b2 formed larger in diameter than the portion 43b1, and a step portion 43b3 formed between the small diameter portion 43b1 and the large diameter portion 43b2. It was arranged so as to contact 43b3.
Therefore, even if the inside of the motor ECU housing part 43 becomes negative pressure, it is possible to prevent the sealing plug 51 from dropping into the motor housing part 41. Therefore, the failure of the electric motor 40 can be suppressed, for example, by the sealing plug 51 hindering the rotation of the rotating member inside the motor housing 41.

(4) The gear housing portion 32 includes a facing surface 32c that faces the opening end on the large diameter portion 43b2 side of the through hole 43b for the airtight and liquid tightness test in a state of being separated by a distance d1 (a first predetermined distance), and sealed. The plug 51 is formed so that the length in the longitudinal direction is longer than the distance d1 (first predetermined distance).
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the sealing plug 51 from dropping from the through hole 43b for airtightness and liquidtightness testing.
(5) The sealing plug 51 is made of an elastic material, and a plurality of the sealing plugs 51 are provided in the longitudinal direction of the sealing plug 51 at a distance d2 (second predetermined distance). A seal portion 51a formed so as to be compressed in the radial direction in a state of being installed in the large diameter portion 43b2 larger than the inner diameter of the large diameter portion 43b2 of the through hole 43b for the dense test, and formed in a smaller diameter than the seal portion 51a. And a connecting portion 51b for connecting the seal portions 51a to each other.
Therefore, even when a certain seal portion 51a is damaged, the seal can be sealed by another seal portion 51a, so that the reliability of the seal can be improved.
(6) The power steering device, wherein the sealing plug 51 has a symmetrical shape in the longitudinal direction.
Therefore, since the direction when inserting the sealing plug 51 into the airtight and liquid tightness test through-holes 43b is not limited, workability can be improved and mistakes in the insertion direction can be prevented.

(7) The sealing plug 51 has a shape with the largest outer diameter in the middle in the longitudinal direction of one seal portion 51a, and the longitudinal dimension of one seal portion 51a is a through hole for airtight and liquid tight testing It is formed so as to be longer than twice the distance d1 (first predetermined distance) that is the distance between the opening end on the large diameter portion 43b2 side of 43b and the facing surface 32c.
Therefore, even when the inside of the motor ECU housing part 43 is at a high pressure and the sealing plug 51 protrudes toward the gear housing part 32, the sealing plug 51 is in contact with the opposing surface 32c. Since the outermost diameter portion is in the large diameter portion 43b2, sealing performance can be ensured.
(8) The motor ECU housing portion 43 is provided so as to surround the motor shaft 45, and includes a bearing 45a that supports the motor shaft 45. The motor ECU side joint portion 43a is formed in a substantially circular shape, and the motor shaft 45 The rotating shaft is provided at a position eccentric from the center of the motor ECU side joint 43a, and the airtight and liquid tightness test through hole 43b is opposite to the eccentric direction of the rotating shaft of the motor shaft with respect to the center of the motor ECU side connecting portion. It was arranged on the side.
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the air-tight and liquid-tight test through-holes 43b, the motor shaft 45, and the bearing 45a from interfering with each other.

(9) The through hole 43b for the air tightness and liquid tightness test is arranged so as to be positioned above the motor shaft 45 in the vertical direction when the power steering device 1 is assembled to the vehicle.
Therefore, even if muddy water or the like enters the gear housing portion 32, it can be prevented from entering the through hole 43b for the air tightness and liquid tightness test.
(10) A method for testing air tightness and liquid tightness of a power steering device, wherein the power steering device 1 includes a motor accommodating portion 41 and an ECU accommodating portion 42 therein, and the motor accommodating portion 41 and the ECU accommodating portion 42 The motor ECU housing part 43 is kept airtight and liquid-tight, the shaft through hole 44 provided in the motor ECU housing part 43, and the motor ECU housing part 43 is provided so as to penetrate the shaft through hole 44. A motor shaft 45 that is rotatably provided to the motor, a motor rotor 46 that is provided in the motor housing 41 and rotates integrally with the motor shaft 45, and a motor stator 47 that is provided on the outer peripheral side of the motor rotor 46. The motor shaft 45 is driven to rotate by being energized, and is provided in the motor housing 48 and the ECU housing portion 42 that constitute the electric motor 40 together with the motor housing portion 41. A control board 49 on which a microcomputer for controlling the driving of the electric motor 40 according to the operating state is mounted, and a joint formed on the motor ECU housing part 43 and formed in an annular shape. 44 and the motor ECU side joint 43a formed so as to surround the motor shaft 45, the output pulley 27 connected to the motor shaft 45 and transmitting the rotational force of the electric motor 40 to the steered wheels 52, and the output pulley 27 A gear housing portion 32 for housing the motor housing, a gear housing portion side joint portion 32a that is annularly formed in the gear housing portion 32 and joins the motor ECU side joint portion 43a, and a motor ECU side joint portion 43a and the gear housing portion side joint portion Provided between the motor ECU side joint portion 43a and the gear housing portion side joint portion 32a. Through-hole 43b for airtightness and liquid-tightness testing disposed on the inner peripheral side of the seal member 50, before the gear housing portion 32 is connected to the motor ECU housing portion 43. Mounting a work 54 (airtight and liquid tightness tester) that introduces gas or liquid into the motor ECU housing part 43 through the airtight and liquid tightness test through-hole 43b in the motor ECU side joint 43a, And a step of confirming the air tightness and liquid tightness of the motor ECU housing part 43 by introducing gas or liquid into the motor ECU housing part 43.
Accordingly, since the airtight and liquid tightness tests can be performed by the airtight and liquid tightness test through-holes 43b, the reliability of the electric motor 40 can be improved. Further, when the electric motor 40 is assembled to the gear housing portion 32, the airtight and liquid tightness test through-holes 43b are not exposed to the outside, so that muddy water or the like can enter from the airtight and liquid tightness test through-holes 43b. Can be suppressed.
(11) The workpiece 54 has a workpiece side seal groove 54a (tester side seal portion) formed in an annular shape so as to surround the motor ECU side joint portion 43a, and a workpiece side seal so as to face the motor ECU housing portion 43. An annular workpiece-side seal member 54b (tester-side seal member) provided in the groove 54a, and the tester-side seal member 54b is compressed between the motor ECU housing portion 43 and the tester-side seal portion 54a. As described above, the process of confirming the air tightness and liquid tightness is performed in a state where the air tightness and liquid tightness tester 54 is mounted on the motor ECU housing portion 43.
Therefore, when the electric motor 40 is attached to the work 54 in the axial direction, the motor housing simply contacts the work housing side contact surface 43c of the motor ECU housing portion 43 with the work side contact surface 54c of the work 54. Air tightness and liquid tightness between the side contact surface 43c and the work side contact surface 54c can be ensured.

[Other Examples]
As described above, the present invention has been described based on the first embodiment. However, the specific configuration of each invention is not limited to the first embodiment, and even if there is a design change or the like without departing from the gist of the present invention. Are included in the present invention.
In the first embodiment, the belt 28 is used as a transmission member for transmitting the rotation of the input pulley 35 to the output pulley 27. However, a chain or the like may be used regardless of the belt 28.
In the first embodiment, the air tightness and liquid tightness tests of the electric motor 40 are performed by the differential pressure between the master 55 side and the work 54 side, but other methods may be used.
In Example 1, the airtight and liquid tightness tests of the electric motor 40 were performed using air, but another gas or liquid may be used as long as it does not cause the electric motor 40 to fail. It may be.

[Technical thought other than claims]
Further, technical ideas other than the claims that can be grasped from the above embodiment will be described.
(A) In the power steering device according to claim 2,
The airtight and liquid tightness test through-holes have a small-diameter portion formed inside the motor ECU housing portion in the direction in which the hole extends, and are formed outside the ECU housing portion outside the small-diameter portion and larger than the small-diameter portion. A large-diameter portion formed in a diameter, and a step portion formed between the small-diameter portion and the large-diameter portion,
The power steering device according to claim 1, wherein the sealing plug is disposed so as to contact the stepped portion.
(B) In the power steering device according to (A) above,
The gear housing portion includes a facing surface facing the large-diameter side opening end of the airtight and liquid tightness test through-holes in a state of being separated by a first predetermined distance,
The power steering device, wherein the sealing plug is formed so that a length in a longitudinal direction is longer than the first predetermined distance.

(C) In the power steering device according to (B) above,
The sealing plug is formed of an elastic material, and a plurality of the sealing plugs are provided at a second predetermined distance apart in the longitudinal direction of the sealing plug. A seal part formed so as to be compressed in the radial direction in a state of being installed in the large-diameter part larger than an inner diameter of the large-diameter part, and a connection for connecting the seal parts formed in a smaller diameter than the seal part And a power steering device characterized by comprising:
(D) In the power steering device according to (C) above,
The power steering device according to claim 1, wherein the sealing plug has a symmetrical shape in the longitudinal direction.
(E) In the power steering device according to (D) above,
The sealing plug has a shape in which the substantially middle portion in the longitudinal direction of one seal portion has the largest outer diameter, and the longitudinal dimension of the one seal portion is that of the through hole for the air tightness and liquid tightness test. A power steering device, wherein the power steering device is formed so as to be longer than a length twice as long as the first predetermined distance, which is a distance between the large diameter portion side opening end and the facing surface.

(F) In the power steering device according to claim 3,
The power steering device, wherein the airtight and liquid tightness test through-holes are arranged so as to be positioned vertically above the motor shaft in a state where the power steering device is assembled to a vehicle.
(G) In the test method for air tightness and liquid tightness of the power steering device according to claim 4,
The airtight and liquid tightness tester is provided in the tester side seal part so as to face the motor ECU housing part, and a tester side seal part formed in an annular shape so as to surround the motor ECU side connection part. An annular tester side sealing member,
The airtight and liquid-tight tester is mounted in the motor ECU housing portion so that the tester-side seal member is compressed between the motor ECU housing portion and the tester-side seal portion. A test method for airtightness and liquid tightness of a power steering apparatus, characterized by performing a step of confirming tightness.

32 Gear housing
32a Gear housing side joint
32c facing surface
35 Output pulley (reduction gear)
40 Electric motor
41 Motor housing
42 Electronic control unit housing
43 Motor ECU housing
43a Motor ECU side joint
43b Through-holes for air and liquid tightness tests
43b1 Small diameter part
43b2 Large diameter part
43b3 Step
44 Shaft through hole
45 Motor shaft
46 Motor rotor
47 Motor stator
48 Motor elements
49 Control board
50 Seal member
51 Seal plug
51a Seal part
51b connection
52 Steering wheel
54 Workpiece (Airtight and liquid tightness tester)
54a Workpiece-side seal groove (tester-side seal)
54b Workpiece side seal member (Tester side seal member)

Claims (4)

A motor ECU housing portion having a motor housing portion and an electronic control unit (ECU) housing portion therein, and a space between the motor housing portion and the ECU housing portion being held airtight and liquid-tight,
A shaft through hole provided in the motor ECU housing part;
A motor shaft provided so as to pass through the shaft through-hole, and rotatably provided with respect to the motor ECU housing portion;
The motor rotor is provided in the motor housing portion and rotates integrally with the motor shaft, and a motor stator provided on the outer peripheral side of the motor rotor. The motor shaft is rotationally driven by energization control. A motor element that constitutes an electric motor together with the motor housing portion;
A control board provided with a microcomputer that is provided in the ECU accommodating portion and that controls driving of the electric motor in accordance with a driving state of the vehicle;
The motor ECU housing part is a joint formed in an annular shape, the motor ECU side joint formed so that the shaft through hole and the motor shaft are surrounded by the joint,
A speed reducer connected to the motor shaft and transmitting the rotational force of the electric motor to the steered wheels;
A gear housing portion that houses the speed reducer;
The gear housing part is formed in an annular shape, and the gear housing part side joint part joined to the motor ECU side joint part,
An annular seal member that is provided between the motor ECU side joint and the gear housing part side joint, and seals between the motor ECU side joint and the gear housing part side joint in an airtight and liquid tight manner; ,
A through-hole provided in the motor ECU housing portion, and a gas-tight and liquid-tight test through-hole disposed on the inner peripheral side of the seal member;
A power steering apparatus comprising: In the power steering device according to claim 1,
The power steering apparatus further comprising a sealing plug that closes the through hole for the gas tightness test and the liquid tightness test. The power steering apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The motor ECU housing part includes a bearing provided to surround the motor shaft and pivotally supporting the motor shaft;
The motor ECU side connection portion is formed in a substantially circular shape,
The rotation shaft of the motor shaft is provided at a position eccentric from the center of the motor ECU side connection portion,
The power steering apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the airtight and liquid tightness test through-holes are arranged on a side opposite to an eccentric direction of a rotation shaft of the motor shaft with respect to a center of the motor ECU side connection portion. A test method for airtightness and liquid tightness of a power steering device,
Power steering device
A motor ECU housing part having a motor accommodating part and an ECU accommodating part therein, and a space between the motor accommodating part and the ECU accommodating part being held airtight and liquid-tight,
A shaft through hole provided in the motor ECU housing part;
A motor shaft provided so as to pass through the shaft through-hole, and rotatably provided with respect to the motor ECU housing portion;
The motor rotor is provided in the motor housing portion and rotates integrally with the motor shaft, and a motor stator provided on the outer peripheral side of the motor rotor. The motor shaft is rotationally driven by energization control. A motor element that constitutes an electric motor together with the motor housing portion;
A control board provided with a microcomputer that is provided in the ECU accommodating portion and that controls driving of the electric motor in accordance with a driving state of the vehicle;
The motor ECU housing part is a joint formed in an annular shape, the motor ECU side joint formed so that the shaft through hole and the motor shaft are surrounded by the joint,
A speed reducer connected to the motor shaft and transmitting the rotational force of the electric motor to the steered wheels;
A gear housing portion that houses the speed reducer;
The gear housing part is formed in an annular shape, and the gear housing part side joint part joined to the motor ECU side joint part,
An annular seal member that is provided between the motor ECU side joint and the gear housing part side joint, and seals between the motor ECU side joint and the gear housing part side joint in an airtight and liquid tight manner; ,
A through-hole provided in the motor ECU housing portion, and a gas-tight and liquid-tight test through-hole disposed on the inner peripheral side of the seal member;
Consisting of
An airtight and liquid tightness tester that introduces gas or liquid into the motor ECU housing part through the airtight and liquid tightness test through hole before the gear housing part is connected to the motor ECU housing part. Attaching to the motor ECU side connection part,
Confirming the air tightness and liquid tightness of the motor ECU housing part by introducing gas or liquid into the motor ECU housing part; and
A test method for airtightness and liquid tightness of a power steering apparatus, characterized by comprising:

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