WO2016056363A1

WO2016056363A1 - Engine starter

Info

Publication number: WO2016056363A1
Application number: PCT/JP2015/076213
Authority: WO
Inventors: 伸次郎渡; 修一國分; 中里　成紀; 懐之新田
Original assignee: 日立オートモティブシステムズ株式会社
Priority date: 2014-10-08
Filing date: 2015-09-16
Publication date: 2016-04-14
Also published as: JPWO2016056363A1; JP6280233B2

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide an engine control device (starter) in which the length of a surge-current return circuit can be reduced, and loss of the returning surge current due to electrical resistance can be reduced. To achieve the above-described purpose, an engine control device of the present invention is configured such that, in an engine starter including a gear case 2, a magnet switch 7 that is supported by the gear case 2 in a cantilever manner, a starter motor 4 that is supported by the gear case 2 in a cantilever manner and is provided next to the magnet switch 7, and a starter control device 3 for controlling the supply of power to the magnet switch 7 and the starter motor 4, the starter control device 3 is provided at an end 6 of the starter motor 4 opposite from the end supported by the gear case 2, and an earth terminal of the starter control device 3 is electrically connected to the end 6 of the starter motor 4.

Description

Engine starter

The present invention relates to an engine starter (starter) for starting an engine of a vehicle.

As a background art in this technical field, there is JP 2012-229638 A (Patent Document 1). In this publication, a gear case that cantilever supports a starter motor and a magnet switch is provided with a fixing plate that extends from the side of the starter motor to the side of the magnet switch, and by fixing the starter control device to the fixing plate, A starter that suppresses the influence of vibration from the starter motor is described. (See summary). In addition, this starter suppresses the influence of vibration from the magnet switch on the starter control device by using a connection harness mainly composed of electric wires for the connection between the starter control device and each terminal installed in the magnet switch. (See summary).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2013-209900 (Patent Document 2) discloses a starter motor having one end grounded, a starting resistor having one end connected to the other end of the starter motor, and a starting resistor connected in parallel to the starting resistor. Engine starter (starter) comprising a p-type MOSFET, a flywheel diode whose cathode is connected to the positive terminal of the starter motor and whose anode is grounded, a voltage dividing circuit connected in parallel to the starter motor, and an n-type MOSFET ) (See paragraph 0066). In this engine starting device, a surge current generated when the power to the starter motor is cut off is returned to the starter motor through the flywheel diode (see paragraph 0070).

JP 2012-229638 A JP 2013-209900 A

In the starter of Patent Document 1, the starter control device is screwed and fixed to the gear case via a fixing plate. In this case, the starter control device is usually grounded to the gear case. On the other hand, the starter motor is usually covered with a rear cover on the side opposite to the gear case side (rear side), and the starter motor is usually grounded to the rear cover.

When surge current is circulated to the starter motor via the flywheel diode of the starter controller grounded to the gear case, the gear case and the rear cover of the starter motor are separated from each other, and the ground (ground) of the gear case and the rear cover are grounded. (Ground) is electrically connected to the housing of the starter motor, through bolts provided between the gear case and the rear cover, and the like.

Therefore, the length of the closed circuit (surge current return circuit) configured to return the surge current to the starter motor including the flywheel diode and the starter motor is increased, and the loss due to the increase in electric resistance is increased.

An object of the present invention is to provide an engine control device (starter) in which the length of a surge current return circuit can be shortened and loss due to electrical resistance can be reduced when the surge current is returned.

In order to achieve the above object, an engine control device of the present invention includes a starter motor configured by a motor and a starter control device that controls energization to the starter motor, and starts the engine by the motor. In the apparatus, the ground of the starter control device is provided at a position close to the ground of the starter motor. For example, a gear case that houses a pinion gear and a shift mechanism of the pinion gear, a magnet switch that is supported in a cantilever manner on the gear case, and a cantilever that is supported in a cantilever manner on the gear case. A starter motor and a starter control device for controlling energization of the magnet switch and the starter motor, and energizing the magnet switch to drive the shift mechanism to connect the pinion gear from the retracted position to the engine. In the engine starting device that starts the engine by rotating the pinion gear by energizing the starter motor by displacing it to the meshed position with the ring gear, the starter control device is connected to the gear case of the starter motor. At the end opposite the supported side Only, a ground terminal of the starter control device may be electrically connected to said end portion of said starter motor.

According to the present invention, since the ground of the starter control device is provided at a position close to the ground of the starter motor, the length of the surge current return circuit can be shortened and loss due to electric resistance can be reduced. . For example, by providing a starter control device at the end opposite to the side supported by the gear case of the starter motor, and electrically connecting the ground terminal of the starter control device to the end, The length can be shortened, and loss due to electrical resistance can be reduced.

Issues, configurations, and effects other than those described above will be clarified by the following description of the embodiments.

1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of an engine starter 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view of the engine starting device 1 as seen from the direction indicated by an arrow II in FIG. 1. It is the external view which looked at the engine starting apparatus 1 which concerns on a present Example from the rear side. It is a circuit diagram which shows the principal part of the electrical structure of the engine starting apparatus 1 which concerns on a present Example. It is a schematic diagram which shows the wiring structure provided in the exterior of the engine starting apparatus 1 which concerns on a present Example. It is a figure which shows the structure of the through volt | bolt 9 of the engine starting apparatus 1 which concerns on a present Example. 3 is a plan view showing structures of a circuit board 3C and a circuit board housing part 3AA of the starter control device 3. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a configuration of lead terminals provided on a circuit board 3C of the starter control device 3. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a configuration of lead terminals provided on a circuit board 3C of the starter control device 3. FIG. It is the top view which looked at assembly 3A (3) which assembled circuit board accommodating part 3AA and flange part 3AB from the front side. It is a top view which shows the part exposed from the epoxy resin with which it filled in circuit board accommodating part 3AA of the assembly of the starter control apparatus 3 shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an enlarged cross section (cross section XI-XI in FIG. 10) in the vicinity of the connection portion between the lead terminal and the bus bar. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the engine starting apparatus 1 which concerns on 2nd Example of this invention. It is a circuit diagram which shows the principal part of the electrical constitution of the engine starting apparatus 1 'which concerns on a comparative example with a present Example. It is a figure which shows another Example.

Hereinafter, examples according to the present invention will be described.

First, the overall configuration of the engine starter (starter) 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of an engine starter 1 according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view of the engine starter 1 as seen from the direction indicated by the arrow II in FIG. FIG. 3 is an external view of the engine starter 1 according to the present embodiment as viewed from the rear side. In the following description, the front side and the rear side are defined and used as shown in FIG. That is, in the direction along the center line CL, the gear case 2 side is defined as the front side, and the starter control device 3 side is defined as the rear side.

The engine starter 1 includes a gear case (gear housing) 2 on the front side, a starter control device 3 on the rear side, and a starter motor 4 in an intermediate portion between the gear case 2 and the starter control device 3. The outer periphery of the starter motor 4 is covered with a housing 4A, and the rear end of the housing 4A is covered with a rear cover 6. The housing 4A and the rear cover 6 constitute a housing (starter motor housing) of the starter motor 4. The housing 4A is a member constituting a yoke of the starter motor 4. The housing 4A and the rear cover 6 are included in the starter motor 4. In the following description, the entire starter motor including the housing 4A and the rear cover 6 may be referred to as the starter motor 4 and described.

The gear case 2 accommodates a shift mechanism 12 (see FIG. 4), a one-way clutch 10 (see FIG. 4), a pinion gear 13 (see FIG. 4), and the like, and has a cylindrical portion 2A on the rear side. A mounting portion 5 for fixing the engine starter 1 to the engine side is provided on the gear case 2 so as to project from the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 2A outward in the radial direction. By inserting a bolt (not shown) into a bolt insertion hole 5A formed in the attachment portion 5, the engine starter 1 is fastened and fixed to the engine side.

Further, a magnet switch for fixing a magnet switch 7 (see FIG. 4), which is a drive unit of the shift mechanism 12, so as to project radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 2A of the gear case 2. A mounting portion 8 is provided. The cylindrical portion 2A of the gear case 2 constitutes a fixed portion of the starter motor 4, and the starter motor 4 is attached to the rear end portion of the cylindrical portion 2A. The starter motor 4 is attached to the rear end portion of the cylindrical portion 2A, and the magnet switch 7 is attached to the magnet switch attachment portion 8 in a cantilevered manner. The starter motor 4 and the magnet switch 7 are connected to the rotation shaft of the starter motor 4 or The output shaft 4B (see FIG. 5) via a speed reducer (not shown) and the drive shaft of the magnet switch 7 are arranged in parallel.

The starter control device 3 is a device that controls energization to the solenoid 30 (see FIG. 4) provided in the starter motor 4 and the magnet switch 7. The case 3 A that accommodates the starter control device 3 is attached to the end (end surface) of the rear cover 6 opposite to the starter motor 4 side. On the outer periphery of the case 3A of the starter control device 3, a connector 104 is provided for electrical connection with an engine control device (engine control unit: ECU).

Here, the configuration of the through bolt 9 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the through bolt 9 of the engine starting device 1 according to this embodiment.

In this embodiment, three through bolt connecting portions 3B are provided on the outer peripheral portion of the case 3A at intervals in the circumferential direction (see FIG. 3). The through bolt connecting portion 3B is formed with a through hole 3B1 penetrating from the rear side to the front side. An annular member 3B2 made of metal (copper in the present embodiment) is provided at the intermediate portion of the through hole 3B1. The annular member 3B2 is formed with a through hole 3B3 penetrating the annular member 3B2 in the axial direction.

The case 3A constitutes a resin casing (starter control device casing) of the starter control device 3, and constitutes a circuit assembly of the engine starter 1. The metal annular member 3B2 described above is molded in a resin that forms the case 3A. The case 3A includes a circuit board housing portion 3AA in which a circuit board is housed, and a flange portion (a collar portion) 3AB in which a through bolt connecting portion 3B is formed. The circuit board housing portion 3AA and the flange portion (a Part) 3AB are stacked in the direction of the center line CL. Note that the case 3A is included in the starter control device 3. In the following description, the entire starter control device including the case 3A may be referred to as the starter control device 3.

The center line CL is a line segment passing through the axis of the rotation shaft of the starter motor 4, and a line segment passing through the axis of the output shaft of the starter motor 4 via a reduction gear (not shown).

The outer periphery of the rear cover 6 is provided with three through bolt penetration portions (flange portions) 6A at intervals in the circumferential direction. A through hole 6A1 penetrating in the axial direction is formed in the through bolt penetrating portion 6A. The rear cover 6 is made of metal (in this embodiment, made of aluminum) and constitutes the ground of the starter motor 4. The starter control device 3 is assembled from the rear side of the rear cover 6.

The cylindrical portion 2A of the gear case 2 is provided with three screw hole forming portions 2B formed so as to protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 2A at intervals in the circumferential direction. A screw hole 2B1 is formed in the axial direction in the screw hole forming portion 2B.

The through bolt 9 is inserted from the rear side to the front side (gear case 2 side) through the through hole 3B3 of the annular member 3B2 provided in the through bolt connecting part 3B and the through hole 6A1 of the through bolt through part 6A. The screw hole 2B1 formed in the screw hole forming portion 2B of the case 2 is screwed. Thereby, the starter control device 3 (case 3A) is connected to the gear case 2 and fixed.

At this time, the annular member 3B2 of the starter control device 3 comes into contact with the end surface 6A2 of the through bolt through portion 6A and is pressed against the end surface 6A2 by the fastening force of the through bolt 9. Of the three annular members 3B2, one annular member 3B2 is electrically connected to the ground terminal 103 of the starter control device 3 through a bus bar 3B2B. Therefore, by fastening the starter control device 3 to the gear case 2 with the through bolt 9, the ground terminal 103 of the starter control device 3 is electrically connected to the rear cover 6, that is, the ground of the starter motor 4.

The through bolt 9 inserted through the through hole 3B1 of the through bolt connecting portion 3B of the case 3A is provided so as to pass through the through bolt through portion 6A of the rear cover 6. The fastening force acting between the case 3 A and the gear case 2 by the through bolt 9 acts to compress the housing 4 A of the starter motor 4 in the direction of the rotation shaft 4 B of the starter motor 4. With this fastening force, the rear cover 6 and the starter motor 4 are sandwiched and fixed between the case 3A and the gear case 2. In the present embodiment, the through bolt 9 is disposed outside the housing (yoke) 4A of the starter motor 4 and exposed to the outside.

In this embodiment, the distance L1 between the two through bolts 9 disposed on the magnet switch 7 side is the distance between the two through bolts 9 and the through bolt 9 disposed farthest from the magnet switch 7. The distance L2 is made shorter than the distances L2 and L3. In this embodiment, the distance L2 and the distance L3 are particularly equal, and when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis 4B of the starter motor 4, the three through bolts 9 are arranged at the vertices of an isosceles triangle. It is a configuration.

In this embodiment, the support force (fixing force) of the starter motor 4 is increased on the magnet switch 7 side by arranging three through bolts 9 at the vertices of an isosceles triangle. Thereby, the influence of the vibration with respect to wiring part (bus bar) 20B, 20M, 20S provided between the magnet switch 7 and the starter control apparatus 3 is reduced. Further, by providing wiring portions (including internal wiring of the starter control device 3) 20B, 20M, and 20S between the two through bolts 9 arranged at both ends of the side L1, the fixed portion and the wiring of the starter control device 3 are provided. Interference with the

parts

20B, 20M, and 20S is avoided to facilitate the wiring work.

The three through bolts 9 may be arranged at the vertices of an equilateral triangle so that the distance L1, the distance L2, and the distance L3 are equal. In this case, the supporting force in the circumferential direction is more uniform than when three through bolts 9 are arranged at the vertices of an isosceles triangle. However, there is no change in that interference between the fixing structure of the starter control device 3 and the

wiring portions

20B, 20M, and 20S can be avoided.

A harness 22 (see FIG. 4) from the battery 50 (see FIG. 4) and a bus bar 20B from the starter control device 3 are connected to the rear side end surface 7AB of the housing (magnet switch housing) 7A of the magnet switch 7. The battery connection terminal 15B, the motor connection terminal 15M to which the bus bar 20M for energizing the starter motor 4 from the starter control device 3 is connected, and the solenoid 30B (see FIG. 4) of the magnet switch 7 are energized from the starter control device 3. And a solenoid connection terminal 15S to which a bus bar 20S is connected. The battery connection terminal 15B, the motor connection terminal 15M, and the solenoid connection terminal 15S are connection terminals to which the wiring members are electrically connected.

Note that the housing 7A is included in the magnet switch 7. In the following description, the entire magnet switch including the housing 7A may be referred to as the magnet switch 7.

The bus bar 20B from the starter control device 3 is electrically connected to the battery connection terminal 15B, and the battery connection terminal 15B serves as a relay terminal for supplying battery voltage to the starter control device 3. Further, the harness 21 drawn from the starter motor 4 is connected to the motor connection terminal 15M, and the starter control device 3 energizes the starter motor 4 through the motor connection terminal 15M. That is, the motor connection terminal 15 M is a relay terminal for energizing the starter motor 4 from the starter motor 4.

The bus bar 20B, the bus bar 20M, and the bus bar 20S are extended from the starter control device 3 in a direction along the rotation shaft 4B of the starter motor 4, and are connected to the battery connection terminal 15B, the motor connection terminal 15M, and the solenoid connection terminal 15S.

The ends connected to the battery connection terminal 15B, the motor connection terminal 15M, and the solenoid connection terminal 15S of the bus bar 20B, the bus bar 20M, and the bus bar 20S are provided with bifurcated branches, and the branch parts are provided for the

terminals

15B and 15M. , 15S are fastened to the

terminals

15B, 15M, 15S by nuts 28B, 28M, 28S so as to surround a part of the periphery. Thereby, the electrical connection is improved, and a connection structure that is strong against vibration is realized.

Next, the electrical configuration and operation of the engine starter will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing the main part of the electrical configuration of the engine starter 1 according to this embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a wiring structure provided outside the engine starter 1 according to this embodiment.

The positive side of the battery power supply 50 is electrically connected to an engine control device (engine control unit: ECU) 70 via an ignition switch 60. The ECU is electrically connected to a controller (ASIC) 110 of the starter control device 3 via a connector 104. The output side of the ignition switch 60 is also electrically connected to the controller 110, and the controller 110 is electrically connected to the positive side of the battery power supply 50 via the ignition switch 60.

The magnet switch 7 includes a solenoid 30 including a first solenoid 30A and a second solenoid 30B. One end of the first solenoid 30 A is electrically connected to a terminal 17 provided on the magnet switch 7, and the terminal 17 is electrically connected to the output side of the relay 80 via the harness 24. The input side of the relay 80 is electrically connected to the positive side of the battery power supply 50. On the other hand, the other end of the first solenoid 30 A is electrically connected to the terminal 19. The terminal 19 is grounded to the body ground 31.

Body earth is gear case 2 and gear case 2 is at ground potential.

One end of the second solenoid 30B is connected to the solenoid connection terminal 15S, and the solenoid connection terminal 15S is electrically connected to the terminal 105 of the starter control device 3 via the bus bar 20S. The terminal 105 is electrically connected to a switching element 150 formed of a MOSFET. On the other hand, the other end of the second solenoid 30 B is electrically connected to the terminal 19.

The first solenoid 30A is electrically connected to the plus side of the battery power supply 50 via the relay 80, and when the relay 80 is turned on, the first solenoid 30A is energized from the battery power supply 50. On / off of the relay 80 is controlled from the ECU 70 through the signal line 25.

The second solenoid 30B is electrically connected to the source S of the MOSFET 150 constituting the switching element, and the drain D of the MOSFET 150 is connected to the battery connection terminal 15B via the terminal 101 of the starter control device 3 and the bus bar 20B. The battery 22 is electrically connected to the positive side of the battery power supply 50 via the harness 22. The gate G of the MOSFET 150 is electrically connected to the controller (ASIC) 110 via a signal line 150S, and the MOSFET 150 is turned on / off in response to a control signal from the controller 110. When the MOSFET 150 is turned on, the second solenoid 30B is energized from the battery power supply 50.

The starter motor 4 is composed of a DC motor, and the positive electrode of the starter motor 4 is electrically connected to the motor connection terminal 15M via the harness 21. The motor connection terminal 15M is electrically connected to the terminal 102 of the starter control device 3 through the bus bar 20M. The terminal 102 is electrically connected to the source S of the MOSFET 120 constituting the switching element, and the drain D of the MOSFET 120 is connected to the battery connection terminal 15B via the terminal 101 of the starter control device 3 and the bus bar 20B. Is electrically connected to the positive side of the battery power supply 50 via On the other hand, the negative electrode of the starter motor 4 is connected to the terminal 18. The terminal 18 is electrically connected to the body ground 31 via the through bolt 9 or the housing (yoke) 4A of the starter motor 4.

A fixed contact 214 of a magnet switch 7 described later is electrically connected to the motor connection terminal 15M, and the other fixed contact 212 is connected to a plus terminal of the battery power supply 50 via the battery connection terminal 15B. .

Since the body ground 31 is provided in the gear case 2, a through bolt 9 or a housing (yoke) 4A of the starter motor 4 is provided between the terminal 18 and the terminal 19 to which the negative electrode of the starter motor 4 is connected. Will intervene.

In this embodiment, as an energization circuit for the starter motor 4, an energization circuit for energizing through the fixed contact 212 and the fixed contact 214 and an energization circuit for energizing through the MOSFET 120 are provided. When the engine is started after being stopped for a long time, a large drive current is required to drive the starter motor 4. On the other hand, when restarting after a relatively short stop time, the drive current of the starter motor 4 may be small. For example, for idling stop or the like, the starter motor 4 can be energized using the energization circuit of the MOSFET 120 to start the engine.

The gate G of the MOSFET 120 is electrically connected to the controller 110 through a signal line 120S, and the MOSFET 120 is turned on / off in response to a control signal from the controller 110. When the MOSFET 120 is turned on, the starter motor 4 is energized from the battery power supply 50. A control signal is output from the controller 110 to the gate G of the MOSFET 120 so that the starter motor 4 is energized at a continuity (Duty) based on a command from the ECU 70.

Note that the drain D of the MOSFET 150 and the drain D of the MOSFET 120 are grounded via a capacitor 170. The capacitor 170 is provided to absorb a surge during switching of the MOSFET 150 and the MOSFET 120.

The source S of the MOSFET 150 is connected to the second solenoid 30 B through the terminal 105, and is connected to the terminal 103 of the starter control device 3 through the diode 160. The source S of the MOSFET 120 is connected to the starter motor 4 through the terminal 102, and is connected to the terminal 103 of the starter control device 3 through the diode 130. The terminal 103 is connected to a terminal 18 provided on the negative electrode side of the starter motor 4 via a wiring component 23.

Specifically, the terminal 18 is electrically connected to the rear cover 6, and the terminal 18 and the rear cover 6 are both at ground (ground) potential. A terminal 103 is an earth (ground) terminal of the starter control device 3 and is electrically connected to the rear cover 6. The ground terminal 103 of the starter control device 3 and the negative electrode side terminal 18 of the starter motor 4 are electrically connected via the rear cover 6, and the rear cover 6 constitutes a part of the wiring member 23.

In the present embodiment, it is preferable that the ground terminal 103 of the starter control device 3 and the rear cover 6 are electrically connected by fastening the through bolt 9. In this case, the ground terminal 103 and the rear cover 6 may be electrically connected via the through bolt 9. Alternatively, a conductive member is provided in each contact portion between the through bolt connecting portion (flange portion) 3B and the through bolt penetrating portion (flange portion) 6A, and the conductive member on the through bolt connecting portion 3B side is electrically connected to the terminal 103. Then, the conductive member on the through bolt penetration portion (flange portion) 6A side is electrically connected to the terminal 18 and the through bolt 9 is fastened so that both the conductive members abut and be electrically connected. Also good. In this case, the terminal 103 may be configured by a conductive member on the through bolt connecting portion 3B side.

The rear cover 6 is electrically connected to the body ground 31 of the gear case 2 via the through bolt 9 or the yoke 4A of the starter motor 4. Therefore, the rear cover 6 is ideally equipotential with the gear case 2 and is at ground potential. Actually, since there is an electrical resistance in the through bolt 9 or the yoke 4A of the starter motor 4, etc., strictly, a potential difference is generated between the rear cover 6 and the gear case 2.

The diode 130 is a flywheel diode that circulates to the starter motor 4 a surge current Is generated when the energization of the starter motor 4 is interrupted, and electrically connects the terminal 103 and the terminal 18 with the wiring component 23. Thus, a closed circuit for connecting the flywheel diode 130, the terminal 102, the bus bar 20M, the motor connection terminal 15M, the starter motor 4, the terminal 18 (earth), and the terminal 103 (earth) is formed. That is, in the present embodiment, a closed circuit for flowing the circulating current Is to the starter motor 4 is configured in the energization circuit for energizing the starter motor 4. By using the circulating current Is circulating through the closed circuit for driving the starter motor 4, power saving can be achieved. Note that Id indicates the drive current of the starter motor 4 supplied through the MOSFET 120.

The electrical connection described above is realized as schematically shown in FIG. As described above, in FIG. 5, the ground terminal 103 of the starter control device 3 and the negative electrode side terminal 18 of the starter motor 4 are electrically connected via the rear cover 6. FIG. 5 shows a case where the ground terminal 103 of the starter control device 3 and the rear cover 6 are electrically connected via the through bolt 9.

When the ignition switch 60 is turned on, the ECU 70 starts the controller 110 when the initialization is completed, and the operation of the starter control device 3 is started. Further, the ECU 70 outputs a signal for turning on the relay 80 through the signal line 25 when the initialization is completed. In the started starter control device 3, an ON signal is output from the controller 110 to the gate G of the MOSFET 150 through the signal line 150S.

When the relay 80 and the MOSFET 150 are turned on and the first solenoid 30A and the second solenoid 30B are energized, the shift mechanism 12 is driven to push the one-way clutch 10 and the pinion gear 13 in the direction indicated by the arrow A. The pinion gear 13 pushed out from the retracted position by the shift mechanism 12 meshes with a ring gear 500 A connected to the engine 500. That is, the shift mechanism 12 is a mechanism for displacing the pinion gear 13 between the retracted position and the meshing position of the ring gear 500A connected to the engine.

When the pinion gear 13 meshes with the ring gear 500A, an ON signal is output from the controller 110 to the MOSFET 120 through the signal line 120S. Note that the ON signal in this case is output so as to be the conductivity (Duty) instructed by the ECU. Thereby, the starter motor 4 is driven and the pinion gear 13 rotates. Further, the engine 500 is started when the ring gear 500A meshed with the pinion gear 13 rotates.

Here, one of the features of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram showing the main part of the electrical configuration of the engine starting device 1 ′ according to a comparative example with the present embodiment.

For example, as in Patent Document 1 described in the background art, when the starter control device 4 is grounded to the gear case 2, the through bolt 9 or the housing (yoke) of the starter motor 4 is included in the closed circuit in which the circulating current Is flows. 4A and the gear case 2 are included. That is, in the through bolt 9 or the housing (yoke) 4A of the starter motor 4, at least a length corresponding to the distance between the gear case 2 and the rear cover 6 and the gear case 2 are included in the closed circuit. For this reason, the electrical resistance in the closed circuit through which the circulating current Is flows increases, and the circulating current Is generated when the energization to the starter motor 4 is interrupted cannot be used effectively.

In this embodiment, the starter control device 3 is provided on the end face of the rear cover 6 serving as the ground of the starter motor 4, and the starter control device 3 is disposed close to the rear cover 6, thereby shortening the closed circuit through which the circulating current Is flows. Can do. That is, the through bolt 9 or housing (yoke) 4A having a length corresponding to the distance between the gear box 2 and the rear cover 6 and the gear case 2 are not included in the closed circuit through which the circulating current Is flows. Thereby, the power saving can be achieved by effectively using the circulating current Is generated when the energization to the starter motor 4 is interrupted.

Next, the configuration of the bus bar will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the curved portion 20-3 is provided on the bus bar 20B. Similarly to the bus bar 20B, the bus bars 20M and 20S are provided with curved portions 20-3. However, in FIG. 2, the curved portions 20-3 of the bus bars 20M and 20S are hidden behind and cannot be seen.

The curved portion 20-3 provided in the bus bars 20B, 20M, and 20S improves the assembling property of the engine starter 1. That is, in the engine starter 1 as in the present embodiment, it is difficult to increase the dimensional accuracy in the direction along the rotation shaft 4B of the starter motor 4. Therefore, the positions of the bus bar 20B, bus bar 20M, and bus bar 20S provided on the starter control device 3 side, and the battery connection terminal 15B, motor connection terminal 15M, and solenoid connection terminal 15S provided on the rear end surface 7B of the magnet switch housing 7B. The position may be shifted in the direction along the rotation axis 4 B of the starter motor 4. The bending portion 20-3 absorbs the deviation in the direction along the rotating shaft 4B, thereby improving the assembling property particularly in the wiring work. Further, even when the positions of the bus bar 20B, the bus bar 20M, and the bus bar 20S are shifted from the positions of the battery connection terminal 15B, the motor connection terminal 15M, and the solenoid connection terminal 15S due to thermal expansion, the deviation is caused by the curved portion 20-3. Can be absorbed. Furthermore, the stress on the bus bar portion generated by the vibration can be reduced by the bending portion 20-3.

More specifically, the bus bars 20B, 20M, and 20S of the present embodiment include a first portion 20-1 that extends from the starter control device 3 in a direction along the rotation shaft 4B of the starter motor 4, and the starter motor 4 And a second portion 20-2 extending outward from the center side of the starter motor 4 in a direction perpendicular to the direction along the rotation axis 4B (radial direction of the starter motor 4). In addition, a curved portion 20-3 is provided between the first portion 20-1 and the second portion 20-2 so as to have a slack in the direction along the rotation axis 4B of the starter motor 4. That is, the bending portion 20-3 connects the first portion 20-1 and the second portion 20-2.

Next, the structure of the starter control device 3 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the structure of the circuit board 3C and the circuit board housing 3AA of the starter control device 3. FIG. 8A is a perspective view showing the configuration of the lead terminals provided on the circuit board 3C of the starter control device 3. FIG. FIG. 8B is a plan view showing a configuration of lead terminals provided on the circuit board 3 C of the starter control device 3. FIG. 9 is a plan view of the assembly 3A (3) in which the circuit board housing portion 3AA and the flange portion 3AB are assembled as seen from the front side. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a portion exposed from the epoxy resin filled in the circuit board housing portion 3AA of the assembly of the starter control device 3 shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an enlarged cross section (cross section XI-XI in FIG. 10) in the vicinity of the connection portion between the lead terminal and the bus bar.

The case 3A is composed of a circuit board housing part 3AA and a flange part (saddle part) 3AB. A circuit board 3C is housed in the circuit board housing portion 3AA. Electronic components such as MOSFET 120A, MOSFET 120B, MOSFET 150, diode 130, diode 160, controller 110 and capacitor 170 are arranged on the circuit board 3C.

The MOSFET 120A and the MOSFET 120B constitute the MOSFET 120 shown in FIG. Since the current controlled by the MOSFET 120 shown in FIG. 4 is very large and the capacity of one MOSFET is insufficient, the two MOSFETs are connected in parallel and are simultaneously turned on and off. The MOSFET 120A and the MOSFET 120B are electronic components through which a particularly large current flows in the starter control device 3, and are arranged in the center of the circuit board 3C. A metal heat transfer member 36 (see FIG. 11) is provided on the rear end face of the circuit board housing 3AA, and heat generated by the MOSFET 120A and the MOSFET 120B is diffused by the heat transfer member 36. . By disposing the MOSFET 120A and the MOSFET 120B in the center of the circuit board 3C, heat is efficiently diffused around the entire circumference.

In this embodiment, the heat transfer member 36 is made of aluminum.

The diode 130 is a diode constituting a flywheel diode as described above, and is constituted by a MOSFET. Since a large current flows through the flywheel diode 130, the diode 130 is configured using a parasitic diode of the MOSFET 130. The diode 130 can be configured by short-circuiting the gate and the source of the MOSFET 130.

A MOSFET 150, a MOSFET 160, a controller 110, and a capacitor 170 are disposed around the MOSFET 120A and the MOSFET 120B disposed in the center of the circuit board 3C. MOSFET 160 constitutes diode 160 in the same manner as MOSFET 130.

As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the lead terminal 101A, the lead terminal 105A, the lead terminal 102A, and the lead terminal 103A are connected by a resin-made support member 34, so that solder bonding provided on the copper foil on the substrate side is performed. The surface dimension l3 can be made larger than the solder joint surface dimension l1 of the lead terminal alone, and the positional deviation of the lead terminal is suppressed. Furthermore, the lead terminal 103A is provided on the copper foil on the substrate side by being connected by the support member 34 in a linear shape different from the arrangement of the lead terminal 101A, the lead terminal 105A, and the lead terminal 102A. The solder joint surface dimension l4 can be made larger than the solder joint surface dimension l2 of the lead terminal alone, suppressing the displacement of the lead terminal and the fall of the lead terminal due to vibration during belt conveyance during solder reflow. Yes. The support member 34 is embedded in the epoxy resin 33 when the epoxy resin 33 is filled. As will be described later, the support member 34 plays a role of stopping the progress of cracks generated in the epoxy resin 33.

In this embodiment, the terminal 101, the terminal 105, and the terminal 102 are disposed in the vicinity of the MOSFET 120A and the MOSFET 120B. Further, a terminal 103 is disposed in the vicinity of the MOSFET 130 constituting the diode. The terminal 101, the terminal 105, the terminal 102, and the terminal 103 are arranged in a line, and are arranged at a boundary between a region where the MOSFET 120A, the MOSFET 120B, and the MOSFET 130 are arranged and a region where the MOSFET 150 and the MOSFET 160 are arranged.

The terminal 101, the terminal 105, the terminal 102, and the terminal 103 are electrically connected to the lead terminal 101A, the lead terminal 105A, the lead terminal 102A, and the lead terminal 103A by solder 37, respectively. The lead terminal 101A, the lead terminal 105A, the lead terminal 102A, and the lead terminal 103A are erected perpendicular to the circuit board surface and are three-dimensionally arranged with respect to the circuit board surface.

The epoxy resin 33 is filled in the circuit board housing part 3AA of the assembly 3A in which the circuit board housing part 3AA and the flange part 3AB are assembled (see FIG. 10). FIG. 9 shows a state seen through the epoxy resin 33.

After the circuit board housing portion 3AA is filled with the epoxy resin 33, the lead terminal 101A, the lead terminal 105A, the lead terminal 102A, and the lead terminal 103A are connected to the terminal portion 20BA of the bus bar 20B, the terminal portion 20SA of the bus bar 20S, and the bus bar 20M. Terminal portion 20MA and terminal portion 3B2A of annular member 3B2 are connected by welding. Of the three annular members 3B2, one annular member 3B2 is configured such that the annular member portion and the bus bar 3B2B are integrally formed, and the terminal portion 3B2A is integrally formed at the end of the bus bar 3B2B opposite to the annular member portion side. Is provided.

Heat generated by the MOSFET 120A, MOSFET 120B, MOSFET 130, MOSFET 150, and MOSFET 160 is transmitted to the bus bar 20B, bus bar 20S, bus bar 20M, and bus bar 3B2 via the lead terminal 101A, lead terminal 105A, lead terminal 102A, and lead terminal 103A. It is transmitted to the outside of 3A. Thereby, the heat dissipation performance can be improved.

FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a portion exposed from the epoxy resin, and the leading ends of the lead terminal 101A, the lead terminal 105A, the lead terminal 102A, and the lead terminal 103A are exposed from the epoxy resin. The lead terminal 101A, the lead terminal 105A, the lead terminal 102A, and the lead terminal 103A, which are exposed from the epoxy resin, are connected to the tip portions of the bus bar 20B, the terminal part 20BA of the bus bar 20S, the terminal part 20MA of the bus bar 20M, and the annular member. The terminal portions 3B2A of 3B2 are welded respectively.

9 and 10 are plan views in which the starter control device 3 is projected on a plane perpendicular to the center line CL, and a surface (electronic component mounting surface) on which an electronic component such as a MOSFET of the circuit board 3C is mounted is the center line CL. Is perpendicular to. 9 and 10, the lead terminal 101A, the lead terminal 105A, the lead terminal 102A and the lead terminal 103A, the terminal part 20BA of the bus bar 20B, the terminal part 20SA of the bus bar 20S, the terminal part 20MA of the bus bar 20M, and the annular member When the terminal portion 3B2A of 3B2 is projected, each lead terminal and each terminal portion are arranged inside the circuit board 3C. And the joint part of each lead terminal and each terminal part is between epoxy resin filling part 3D (refer FIG. 11) with which the epoxy resin 33 was filled, and the rear cover 6 (namely, rear side end surface of the starter motor 4). It is provided in the formed space 3E (see FIG. 11).

In the present embodiment, in the plan views shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the joint portion between each lead terminal and each terminal portion is arranged inside the circuit board 3 C, so that the radial direction (perpendicular to the center line CL). The dimensions can be reduced. Thereby, the starter control device 3 can be configured compactly on the rear side of the starter motor 4.

As shown in FIG. 11, the electric circuit section 3F of the starter control device 3 is laminated on a metal heat transfer member (aluminum) 36 provided on the rear end face of the circuit board housing section 3AA. Circuit board 3C. The heat transfer member is usually made of aluminum. The circuit board 3C is composed of an insulating layer and a copper foil provided thereon. Solder 37 is provided on the copper foil, and electronic components such as MOSFETs are attached.

A heat transfer member, an insulating layer, a copper foil, an electronic component, and the like are members having different linear expansion coefficients, and these members are laminated to constitute an electric circuit. For this reason, members with different linear expansion coefficients may repeatedly expand and contract due to the heat cycle, and cracks may occur in the solder 37. By filling the epoxy resin 33 and restraining the electronic component mounting surface side of the circuit board 3C, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of cracks due to the heat cycle.

In this embodiment, the bend structure 35 is adopted for the

lead terminals

101A, 105A, 102A, and 103A. The bend structure 35 is provided on the terminal 101, 105, 102, 103 side (the side embedded in the epoxy resin 33 of the lead terminal) with respect to the joint portion of the lead terminal with the bus bars 20B, 20S, 20M, 3B2B. The curved portion 35 is configured. The curved portion 35 is provided outside the epoxy resin 33.

By providing the bend structure 35, when the lead terminal and the bus bar are joined, the misalignment of both can be corrected, and the working efficiency is improved. Further, the relative positional accuracy between the lead terminal and the bus bar is improved, the bonding between the lead terminal and the bus bar is stabilized, and the quality is improved. Furthermore, the stress generated in the joint portion by the solder 37 can be relaxed.

In this embodiment, the

lead terminals

101A, 105A, 102A, and 103A are connected and supported by the support member 34, and the support member 34 is embedded in the epoxy resin 33. Cracks are likely to occur in the portion where the lead terminal of the epoxy resin 33 protrudes due to the heat cycle. By configuring the support member 34 with resin, it is possible to prevent the development of cracks generated in the epoxy resin 33 by utilizing the adhesive strength between the resin constituting the support member 34 and the epoxy resin 33. As a result, the crack that has progressed from the surface side of the epoxy resin 33 is prevented from further progress by the resin constituting the support member 34, and does not reach the solder 37. Thereby, the sealing structure of the junction part by the solder 37 of

lead terminal

101A, 105A, 102A, 103A and terminal 101,105,102,103 can be maintained.

In this embodiment, since the starter control device 3 is arranged on the rear cover 6, the lengths of the bus bar 20B, the bus bar 20M, and the bus bar 20S that are the external wiring of the starter control device 3 can be shortened. Thereby, it can be set as the engine starting device excellent in noise resistance.

In addition, since the starter control device 3 is arranged on the rear cover 6, the structure is difficult to receive the heat of the magnet switch 7.

The magnet switch 7 includes two solenoids, a first solenoid 30A and a second solenoid 30B. However, the magnet switch 7 may be composed of a single solenoid.

A second embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is an external view showing a part of the engine starter 1 according to the present embodiment in section.

In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the through bolt 9 is provided inside the yoke 4A of the starter motor 4 is different from the first embodiment. Further, due to this difference, the starter control device 3 is configured to be fixed to the rear cover 6 with three bolts. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be obtained. Details will be described below.

In this embodiment, the through bolt 9 is arranged between two yokes 4A adjacent in the circumferential direction, and the rear cover 6 is fixed to the gear case 2. In the case 3A including the starter control device 3, the bolt 29 is inserted into the bolt fastening portion 3B 'in which the through hole 3B1 is formed, and fastened to the bolt fastening portion 6A' on the rear cover 6 side. In this case, a screw hole 6A3 is formed in the bolt fastening portion 6A ', and the bolt 29 is screwed. Instead of the screw hole 6A3, a through hole may be formed in the bolt fastening portion 6A ', and a nut may be screwed into the bolt 29 inserted through the through hole of the bolt fastening portion 6A' and fastened.

The configuration of the bolt fastening portion 3B ′ is the same as the configuration of the through bolt connecting portion 3B, and the ground terminal 103 of the starter control device 3 is electrically connected to the rear cover 6 by fastening the bolt 29 to the rear cover 6. .

スルー Through bolts 9 may be composed of three as in the first embodiment, or may be composed of two. Alternatively, four or more may be used to further increase the strength. However, as the number of through bolts 9 increases, the size of the apparatus increases or the number of through holes provided in the yoke 4A decreases the performance of the motor, so it is preferable to use two or three.

The bolt fastening portion 3B 'of the case 3A and the bolt fastening portion 6A' of the rear cover 6 are provided at three locations with a gap in the circumferential direction. This arrangement is the same as the arrangement of the through bolt 9 or the through bolt connecting portion 3B of the first embodiment. The configuration of the bolt fastening portion 3B 'is the same as the configuration of the through bolt connecting portion 3B of the first embodiment.

In addition, this invention is not limited to each above-mentioned Example, Various modifications are included. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail for easy understanding of the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations. Further, a part of the configuration of one embodiment can be replaced with the configuration of another embodiment, and the configuration of another embodiment can be added to the configuration of one embodiment. Further, it is possible to add, delete, and replace other configurations for a part of the configuration of each embodiment.

In the above-described embodiment, the starter control device is described as being mounted on the end portion opposite to the side supported by the gear case of the starter motor, that is, the rear portion (rear end portion). However, as shown in FIG. The device can also be mounted on the rear end of the starter motor at the side of the starter motor.

Also in this embodiment, since the ground terminal of the control circuit and the ground terminal of the motor can be brought close to each other, the effect of the embodiment described above can be obtained.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Engine starting device, 2 ... Gear case, 2A ... Cylindrical part, 2B ... Screw hole formation part, 3 ... Starter control device, 3A ... Case of starter control device, 3AA ... Circuit board accommodating part, 3AB ... Flange part (鍔Part), 3B ... through bolt connecting part (flange part), 3B '... bolt fastening part, 3B2A ... terminal part of the annular member 3B2, 3B2B ... bus bar, 3C ... circuit board, 3D ... epoxy resin filling part, 3E ... space, 3F ... Electric circuit part, 4 ... Starter motor, 4A ... Housing (yoke), 4B ... Rotating shaft of

starter motor

4, 5 ... Mounting part, 5A ... Bolt insertion hole, 6 ... Rear cover, 6A ... Through bolt through part (flange) Part), 6A '... bolt fastening part, 7 ... magnet switch, 7A ... housing of magnet switch 7, 7B ... rear end face of housing 7A, 8 ... magnet Switch mounting portion, 9 ... through bolt, 10 ... one-way clutch, 11 ... rotation sensor, 11A ... rotation sensor connector, 12 ... shift mechanism, 13 ... pinion gear, 15B ... battery connection terminal, 15M ... motor connection terminal, 15S ... Solenoid connection terminal, 17 ... terminal, 18 ... terminal, 19 ... terminal, 20B ... bus bar (wiring part), 20BA ... terminal part of bus bar 20B, 20C ... curved part of bus bar, 20M ... bus bar (wiring part), 20MA ... Terminal part of

bus bar

20M, 20S ... bus bar (wiring part), 20SA ... terminal part of

bus bar

20S, 22 ... harness, 23 ... wiring component, 24 ... harness, 25 ... signal wire, 28B, 28M, 28S ... nut, 29 ... Bolt, 30 ... solenoid, 30A ... first solenoid, 30B ... second solenoid, 31 ... body arm 33 ... Epoxy resin, 34 ... Support member, 35 ... Bend structure, 36 ... Heat transfer member, 37 ... Solder, 50 ... Battery power supply, 60 ... Ignition switch, 70 ... Engine control device (engine control unit: ECU), 80 ... Relay, 101 ... Terminal, 101A ... Lead terminal, 102 ... Terminal, 102A ... Lead terminal, 103 ... Terminal, 103A ... Lead terminal, 104 ... Connector, 105 ... Terminal, 105A ... Lead terminal, 110 ... Controller (ASIC), 120 ... switching element (MOSFET), 120A ...

MOSFET

120, 120B ... MOSFET, 150 ... switching element (MOSFET), 120S ... signal line, 130 ... diode, 150S ... signal line, 170 ... capacitor, 160 ... diode, 500 ... engine, 500 A ... Ring gear.

Claims

In an engine starter comprising: a starter motor constituted by a motor; and a starter control device for controlling energization to the starter motor, wherein the engine is started by the motor;
An engine starter characterized in that a ground of the starter control device is provided at a position close to a ground of the starter motor.
The engine starter according to claim 1,
An engine starter characterized in that a ground terminal of the starter control device and a ground terminal of the starter motor are electrically connected to a member having the same ground potential.
The engine starting device according to claim 2,
A gear case accommodating a pinion gear and a shift mechanism of the pinion gear, and a magnet switch supported in a cantilevered manner on the gear case,
The starter motor is supported in a cantilevered manner on the gear case and is arranged side by side with the magnet switch,
In addition to controlling energization to the starter motor, the starter control device controls energization to the magnet switch, and energizes the magnet switch to drive the shift mechanism to move the pinion gear from the retracted position. Displace to the meshing position with the ring gear connected to the engine, and energize the starter motor to rotate the pinion gear to start the engine,
The engine starter according to claim 1, wherein the starter control device is provided at an end of the starter motor opposite to the side supported by the gear case.
The engine starter according to claim 3,
The engine starting device according to claim 1, wherein the member having a ground potential is a member constituting the end portion of the starter motor.
The engine starting device according to claim 4,
The starter control device has a closed circuit for returning a surge current Is generated when the starter motor is energized to the starter motor in an energization circuit for energizing the starter motor. Engine starting device.
The engine starting device according to claim 5,
An engine starter characterized in that a terminal to which a wiring member from the starter control device is connected is provided at the end of the magnet switch opposite to the side supported by the gear case.
The engine starter according to claim 6, wherein
A rear cover constituting a housing of the starter motor at the end of the starter motor;
Fixing the starter control device to the end face of the rear cover;
An engine starter characterized in that the ground terminal of the starter control device is electrically connected to the rear cover.
The engine starter according to claim 7,
The wiring member is composed of a bus bar,
The engine starter according to claim 1, wherein the bus bar extends from the starter controller in a direction along a rotation axis of the starter motor and is connected to the terminal.
The engine starting device according to claim 8,
The bus bar includes a first portion extending from the starter control device in a direction along the rotation axis of the starter motor, and a direction perpendicular to the direction along the rotation axis of the starter motor. A second portion extending outward from the center side, and between the first portion and the second portion, with respect to a direction along the rotation axis of the starter motor An engine starter characterized by being provided with a curved portion for giving looseness.
The engine starter according to claim 9,
The starter control device includes a circuit board on which electronic components are mounted, and a lead terminal that is erected on the circuit board and to which the bus bar is joined.
An engine starter characterized in that a joint between the lead terminal and the bus bar is located inside the circuit board when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the starter motor.
The engine starter according to claim 10, wherein
The circuit board and the electronic component are embedded in a resin,
The engine starting device, wherein the joint portion between the lead terminal and the bus bar is exposed from the resin.
The engine starter according to claim 11,
The engine starter according to claim 1, wherein the lead terminal has a bend structure at a position exposed from the resin on a side where the lead terminal is embedded with the resin.
The engine starting device according to claim 5,
The engine starter characterized in that the surge current is prevented from flowing through a through bolt for fastening the starter motor control device, the gear case and the starter motor together.
The engine starter according to claim 1,
An engine starting device, wherein the starter control device is mounted on a rear end of a side portion of the starter motor.
A gear case containing a pinion gear and a pinion gear shift mechanism, a magnet switch supported in a cantilevered manner on the gear case, and a starter supported in a cantilevered manner on the gear case and juxtaposed with the magnet switch A motor and a starter control device for controlling energization to the magnet switch and the starter motor, and energizing the magnet switch to drive the shift mechanism to connect the pinion gear from the retracted position to the engine In the engine starter that starts the engine by rotating the pinion gear by displacing it to the meshing position with the ring gear and energizing the starter motor,
The starter control device is provided at an end of the starter motor opposite to the side supported by the gear case, and a ground terminal of the starter control device is electrically connected to the end of the starter motor. A characteristic engine starting device.