Patent Description:
Conventionally, motors are known that separately detect rotational angle of a rotating shaft using a plurality of resolvers (see Patent Literature <NUM>, for example). Motors are also known that separately detect rotational angle of a rotating shaft using a resolver and magnetic detecting elements (see Patent Literature <NUM>, for example).

If a plurality of sensors that include a resolver are disposed on an electric driving apparatus in which a controlling apparatus is disposed on a motor in order to improve reliability of the electric driving apparatus, the resolver must be disposed in a position that is close to the controlling apparatus. Because of that, detection errors may arise easily in the resolver due to electromagnetic noise that is generated by the controlling apparatus. Consequently, it is necessary to increase distance between the resolver and the controlling apparatus in order to suppress the occurrence of detection errors in the resolver. The electric driving apparatus is thereby enlarged.

The present invention aims to solve the above problems and an object of the present invention is to provide an electric driving apparatus that can improve reliability of detection of a rotational angle of a shaft, and that can also suppress increases in size.

An electric driving apparatus according to the present invention is defined in claim <NUM>.

According to the electric driving apparatus according to the present invention, a plurality of rotational angle detecting sensors can be applied to the electric driving apparatus. Reliability of detection of the rotational angle of the shaft can thereby be improved. Furthermore, the resolver can be disposed closer to the controlling apparatus. Increases in the size of the electric driving apparatus can thereby be suppressed.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be explained with reference to the drawings.

<FIG> is a cross section that shows an electric driving apparatus according to Embodiment <NUM> of the present invention. In the figure, an electric driving apparatus <NUM> includes: a shaft <NUM>; a motor <NUM> that rotates the shaft <NUM>; a controlling apparatus <NUM> that controls the motor <NUM>; a magnetic detecting element sensor <NUM> and a resolver <NUM> that each generate a signal that corresponds to the rotation of the shaft <NUM>; and a housing <NUM> that accommodates the motor <NUM>, the controlling apparatus <NUM>, and the magnetic detecting element sensor <NUM> together. The electric driving apparatus <NUM> is used as a driving apparatus for a vehicle electric power steering apparatus, for example.

The housing <NUM> includes: a case <NUM>; and a cover <NUM> that is fixed to the case <NUM>. The cover <NUM> is a separate member from the case <NUM>.

The motor <NUM> is accommodated inside the case <NUM>. The case <NUM> includes: a tubular portion <NUM>; and an end wall portion <NUM> that is disposed on an end portion of the tubular portion <NUM>. An opening portion is disposed at a first end portion of the tubular portion <NUM>. A second end portion of the tubular portion <NUM> is sealed by the end wall portion <NUM>. An indented portion <NUM> is formed on a central portion of the end wall portion <NUM> as a rear-end bearing box portion.

The controlling apparatus <NUM> is accommodated in the cover <NUM>. The cover <NUM> is fixed to the tubular portion <NUM>. In addition, the cover <NUM> covers the opening portion of the tubular portion <NUM>. A thickness of the cover <NUM> is greater than a thickness of the case <NUM>. The cover <NUM> is constituted by a metal material that has thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity. In this example, a die-cast body that is constituted by an aluminum alloy that constitutes a nonmagnetic material is used as the cover <NUM>. A passage aperture <NUM> is formed on a central portion of the cover <NUM> as a front-end bearing box portion. A protruding portion <NUM> for fitting the cover <NUM> together with a frame of a speed reducing mechanism (not shown) is disposed on an end portion of the cover <NUM> on an opposite side from the case <NUM>.

The shaft <NUM> is passed through the passage aperture <NUM>. The shaft <NUM> includes a first end portion 2a and a second end portion 2b. The first end portion 2a of the shaft <NUM> is positioned outside the housing <NUM> as an output portion of the shaft <NUM>. The second end portion 2b of the shaft <NUM> is positioned inside the housing <NUM>.

A front-end bearing <NUM> that functions as a first bearing that supports an intermediate portion of the shaft <NUM> is fitted into the passage aperture <NUM>. A rear-end bearing <NUM> that functions as a second bearing that supports the second end portion 2b of the shaft <NUM> is fitted into the indented portion <NUM>. The shaft <NUM> is rotatably supported in the housing <NUM> by means of the front-end bearing <NUM> and the rear-end bearing <NUM>. A boss <NUM> that constitutes a coupling member for linking the shaft <NUM> to the speed reducing mechanism (not shown) is mounted to the first end portion 2a of the shaft <NUM>.

The motor <NUM> includes: a tubular motor stator <NUM> that constitutes an armature; and a motor rotor <NUM> that is disposed inside the motor stator <NUM>.

The motor stator <NUM> includes: a tubular stator core <NUM> that is fixed to an inner circumferential surface of the tubular portion <NUM>; a plurality of stator coils <NUM> that are disposed on the stator core <NUM>; and a resin insulator <NUM> that is interposed between the stator core <NUM> and the stator coils <NUM>.

The stator core <NUM> is constituted by a magnetic material. In this example, a laminated body in which a plurality of electromagnetic steel sheets are laminated is used as the stator core <NUM>. In this example, the stator core <NUM> is press-fitted into the tubular portion <NUM>.

The plurality of stator coils <NUM> line up circumferentially around the stator core <NUM>. Each of the plurality of stator coils <NUM> includes coil ends that protrude outward from two axial end portions of the stator core <NUM>. Three-phase alternating current is made to flow through the plurality of stator coils <NUM> under control from the controlling apparatus <NUM>. Rotating magnetic fields are generated in the motor stator <NUM> by supplying electric power to the plurality of stator coils <NUM>.

An annular connecting member <NUM> that is disposed circumferentially around the stator core <NUM> is disposed on an end portion of the motor stator <NUM> near the cover <NUM>. The connecting member <NUM> is thereby disposed between the motor stator <NUM> and the controlling apparatus <NUM>. The connecting member <NUM> includes: a terminal holder <NUM> that constitutes an electrically insulating member that is mounted to the insulator <NUM>; and a plurality of motor terminals <NUM> that constitute conductors that are disposed on the terminal holder <NUM>. In this example, the terminal holder <NUM> is constituted by a resin, and each of the motor terminals <NUM> is constituted by copper.

A plurality of conducting wires <NUM> that protrude from each of the plurality of stator coils <NUM> are selectively connected to each of the motor terminals <NUM>. The connected state of the plurality of stator coils <NUM> thereby becomes either wye-connected or delta-connected. Copper current-supplying terminals <NUM> that each emerge from the controlling apparatus <NUM> are individually connected to each of the motor terminals <NUM>. Consequently, the connecting member <NUM> is an intermediary member that electrically connects the controlling apparatus <NUM> and the motor <NUM>.

The motor rotor <NUM> is fixed to the shaft <NUM>. The motor rotor <NUM> thereby rotates relative to the motor stator <NUM> together with the shaft <NUM>. The motor rotor <NUM> includes: a cylindrical rotor core <NUM> that is fixed to the shaft <NUM>; and a plurality of magnets <NUM> that are disposed on an outer circumferential portion of the rotor core <NUM>.

The rotor core <NUM> is constituted by a magnetic material. In this example, a laminated body in which a plurality of electromagnetic steel sheets are laminated is used as the rotor core <NUM>. A plurality of magnets <NUM> are lined up circumferentially around the motor rotor <NUM>. Magnetic fields are formed on the motor rotor <NUM> by the plurality of magnets <NUM>. The motor rotor <NUM> is rotated relative to the motor stator <NUM> together with the shaft <NUM> by the rotating magnetic fields arising in the motor stator <NUM>. In other words, the motor <NUM> is a three-phase permanent-magnet synchronous motor.

Connectors <NUM> are disposed on a portion between the case <NUM> and the cover <NUM>. The connectors <NUM> include: an electric power supply connector portion <NUM>; and a signal connector portion (not shown). The electric power supply connector portion <NUM> and the signal connector portion are each exposed outside the housing <NUM>. An electric power supply that supplies electric power to the controlling apparatus <NUM> is connected to the electric power supply connector portion <NUM>. A battery or an alternator, for example, can be used as the electric power supply.

The controlling apparatus <NUM> is disposed so as to be separated from the motor <NUM> in an axial direction of the shaft <NUM>. The controlling apparatus <NUM> is disposed at a position that is closer to the first end portion 2a of the shaft <NUM> than the motor <NUM>. In addition, the controlling apparatus <NUM> includes: a plurality of power circuits <NUM> that drive the motor <NUM> by supplying electric power to the motor <NUM>; a controlling circuit board <NUM> that controls each of the power circuits <NUM>; a ripple capacitor (not shown) that absorbs ripples in the electric current that flows through the motor <NUM>; a choking coil (not shown) that absorbs noise in the electric current at frequencies that are higher than a set frequency; and a lead frame <NUM> that is connected to the connectors <NUM>.

The lead frame <NUM> includes: a resin molded body that constitutes an electrically insulating member; and a plurality of copper terminals that constitute conductors that are disposed in the resin molded body. In the lead frame <NUM>, the plurality of copper terminals are integrated with the resin by insert-molding. A passage aperture that allows passage of the shaft <NUM> is disposed at a central portion of the lead frame <NUM>. A tubular lug portion that protrudes in an axial direction toward the cover <NUM> from an inner circumferential surface of the passage aperture on the lead frame <NUM> is disposed on the lead frame <NUM>. The cover <NUM> receives the protruding portion of the lead frame <NUM> in the axial direction of the shaft <NUM>.

In the lead frame <NUM>, electrical connection between the connectors <NUM> and each of the power circuits <NUM>, electrical connection between the connectors <NUM> and the controlling circuit board <NUM>, electrical connection among each of the power circuits <NUM>, electrical connection between each of the power circuits <NUM> and the ripple capacitor, and electrical connection between each of the power circuits <NUM> and the choking coil is performed separately by the plurality of terminals.

Each of the power circuits <NUM> is disposed between the lead frame <NUM> and the cover <NUM>. Furthermore, each of the power circuits <NUM> includes a plurality of switching elements that constitute heat-generating parts that control supply of electric power to the motor <NUM>. Power metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs), for example, are used as the switching elements. In addition, each of the power circuits <NUM> is mounted to the cover <NUM> in a closely-fitted state with an inner surface of the cover <NUM>. Heat that is generated by each of the power circuits <NUM> thereby propagates through the cover <NUM> and is radiated externally. In other words, the cover <NUM> also functions as a heatsink that radiates the heat from each of the power circuits <NUM> externally.

Signal terminals <NUM> and output terminals <NUM> are disposed on each of the power circuits <NUM>. The signal terminals <NUM> are electrically connected to the controlling circuit board <NUM> by means of the terminals of the lead frame <NUM>. The output terminals <NUM> are electrically connected to the current supplying terminal <NUM> by means of the terminals of the lead frame <NUM>. Commands that control the power circuits <NUM> are conveyed from the controlling circuit board <NUM> to each of the power circuits <NUM> individually by means of the signal terminals <NUM>. Electric power that is controlled by the controlling circuit board <NUM> is conveyed from the power circuits <NUM> through the output terminals <NUM> to the motor <NUM>.

The controlling circuit board <NUM> is disposed at a position that is closer to the motor <NUM> than the lead frame <NUM>. The controlling circuit board <NUM> is supported by the lead frame <NUM>. In addition, the controlling circuit board <NUM> includes: a circuit board <NUM> that is made of glass-reinforced epoxy resin; and a microcomputer <NUM> and a field-effect transistor (FET) driving circuit that are both mounted to the circuit board <NUM>. The controlling circuit board <NUM> controls each of the power circuits <NUM> based on external information that is received from the signal connector portions of the connectors <NUM>, and information from at least one of the magnetic detecting element sensor <NUM> and the resolver <NUM>. Examples of external information include vehicle speed information that represents vehicle speed, for example. In this example, the control of each of the power circuits <NUM> by the controlling circuit board <NUM> is pulse-width modulation (PWM) control. In each of the power circuits <NUM>, each of the switching elements performs switching operations in compliance with the control of the controlling circuit board <NUM>. The supply of electric power to the motor <NUM> is controlled thereby.

A resin plate <NUM> that constitutes a partitioning wall that covers the opening portion of the case <NUM> is disposed between the motor <NUM> and the controlling apparatus <NUM>. Entry of foreign matter into the case <NUM> from a side near the controlling apparatus <NUM> is thereby prevented. Space inside the housing <NUM> is partitioned off by the plate <NUM> into space inside the case <NUM> and space inside the cover <NUM>. A passage aperture that allows passage of the shaft <NUM> is disposed at a central portion of the plate <NUM>. A tubular lug portion <NUM> that protrudes toward the controlling apparatus <NUM> from an inner circumferential surface of the passage aperture on the plate <NUM> is disposed on the plate <NUM>. The lead frame <NUM> receives the protruding portion <NUM> of the plate <NUM> in the axial direction of the shaft <NUM>.

The magnetic detecting element sensor <NUM> is disposed between the motor <NUM> and the controlling apparatus <NUM> in the axial direction of the shaft <NUM> as a first rotational angle detecting sensor. The magnetic detecting element sensor <NUM> is disposed radially further inward than the connecting member <NUM>. In addition, the magnetic detecting element sensor <NUM> includes: a magnet rotating body <NUM> that rotates together with the shaft <NUM>; and a plurality of Hall elements <NUM> that constitute magnetic detecting elements that face the magnet rotating body <NUM> in the axial direction of the shaft <NUM>.

The magnet rotating body <NUM> is disposed nearer to the motor <NUM> than the plate <NUM>, and each of the Hall elements <NUM> is disposed nearer to the controlling apparatus <NUM> than the plate <NUM>. An inner circumferential portion of the plate <NUM> is formed into a sensor position plate portion 9a that partitions a space between the magnet rotating body <NUM> and each of the Hall elements <NUM>. A thickness of the sensor position plate portion 9a is thinner than a thickness of the plate <NUM> in portions other than the sensor position plate portion 9a. It thereby becomes possible to place the magnet rotating body <NUM> and each of the Hall elements <NUM> closer to each other in the axial direction of the shaft <NUM>. An indented portion that forms a hollow toward the controlling apparatus <NUM> is formed on the plate <NUM> by the sensor position plate portion 9a. A portion of the magnet rotating body <NUM> is disposed inside the indented portion of the plate <NUM>.

<FIG> is an enlarged cross section that shows the magnetic detecting element sensor <NUM> from <FIG>. <FIG> is an oblique projection that shows the magnet rotating body <NUM> from <FIG>. The magnet rotating body <NUM> includes: a ring-shaped magnet <NUM>; and a magnet holder <NUM> that fixes the magnets <NUM> to the shaft <NUM>.

The magnets <NUM> are disposed so as to surround a circumference of the shaft <NUM>. The magnets <NUM> include a plurality of magnetic poles that line up in a circumferential direction of the magnets <NUM>. In addition, the magnets <NUM> are magnetized in the axial direction of the shaft <NUM> so as to have an identical pole pair count to the motor rotor <NUM>. The magnets <NUM> are fixed to the magnet holder <NUM> by an adhesive.

The magnet holder <NUM> is made of a magnetic material. In this example, the magnet holder <NUM> is produced by pressing metal sheets. The magnet holder <NUM> is fixed to the shaft <NUM> by being press-fitted onto the shaft <NUM>. The magnets <NUM> and the magnet holder <NUM> thereby rotate together with the shaft <NUM> and the motor rotor <NUM>. In addition to functioning to hold the magnets <NUM>, the magnet holder <NUM> also functions as a back yoke that forms a magnetic path for magnetic flux from the magnets <NUM>.

The Hall elements <NUM> face the magnets <NUM> in the axial direction of the shaft <NUM> so as to have the sensor position plate portion 9a interposed. Each of the Hall elements <NUM> detects magnetism from the magnets <NUM>. The magnetism from the magnets <NUM> that is detected by each of the Hall elements <NUM> changes depending on the rotation of the magnet rotating body <NUM>. Each of the Hall elements <NUM> generates a signal that corresponds to the detected magnetism. Each of the Hall elements <NUM> thereby generates a signal that corresponds to the rotation of the shaft <NUM>. Each of the Hall elements <NUM> is disposed on the circuit board <NUM> of the controlling circuit board <NUM>. In this example, three Hall elements <NUM> are disposed at regular intervals in the circumferential direction of the magnets <NUM>. In this example, the magnetic detecting element sensor <NUM> thereby detects the rotational angle of the shaft <NUM> at a resolution of sixty electrical degrees of the motor <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the resolver <NUM> is disposed at a position that is further away from the motor <NUM> than the controlling apparatus <NUM> in the axial direction of the shaft <NUM> as a second rotational angle detecting sensor. In other words, the resolver <NUM> is disposed at a position that is closer to the first end portion 2a of the shaft <NUM> than the controlling apparatus <NUM>. The resolver <NUM> is thereby disposed on an opposite side of the controlling apparatus <NUM> from the motor <NUM> in an axial direction of the shaft <NUM>. The resolver <NUM> is disposed outside the housing <NUM>. The controlling apparatus <NUM> and the resolver <NUM> are thereby partitioned from each other by the cover <NUM>. In this example, the resolver <NUM> is disposed between the boss <NUM> and the cover <NUM>.

The resolver <NUM> includes: a tubular resolver stator <NUM>; and a resolver rotor <NUM> that is disposed inside the resolver stator <NUM>.

The resolver rotor <NUM> is fixed to the shaft <NUM>. The resolver rotor <NUM> thereby rotates together with the shaft <NUM>. The resolver rotor <NUM> is constituted by a magnetic material. In addition, a plurality of salient poles that line up in a circumferential direction of the resolver rotor <NUM> are disposed on an outer circumferential portion of the resolver rotor <NUM>. The size of the gap between the resolver stator <NUM> and the resolver rotor <NUM> thereby changes depending on the rotation of the resolver rotor <NUM>.

The resolver stator <NUM> is supported by the cover <NUM>. The resolver stator <NUM> includes: a tubular resolver stator core; and an excitation coil and a plurality of detecting coils that are each disposed on the resolver stator core. An indented portion that forms a hollow toward the controlling apparatus <NUM> is disposed around a circumference of the passage aperture <NUM> on an external surface of the cover <NUM>. Respective portions of the excitation coil and the respective detecting coils are disposed inside the indented portion of the cover <NUM>. The plurality of detecting coils generate signals that correspond to the rotation of the resolver rotor <NUM> by the resolver rotor <NUM> rotating in a state in which the excitation coil is excited.

The signals from both the magnetic detecting element sensor <NUM> and the resolver <NUM> are sent to the controlling circuit board <NUM>. Disposed on the controlling circuit board <NUM> are: an element sensor processing circuit that processes the signals from the magnetic detecting element sensor <NUM> to detect the rotational angle of the shaft <NUM>; and a resolver processing circuit that processes the signals from the resolver <NUM> to detect the rotational angle of the shaft <NUM>.

Now, the magnetic detecting element sensor <NUM> is accommodated inside the housing <NUM> together with the controlling apparatus <NUM> and the motor <NUM>. The controlling apparatus <NUM> and the motor <NUM> are both noise-generating sources that generate electromagnetic noise. However, the Hall elements <NUM> of the magnetic detecting element sensor <NUM> have a characteristic of only detecting magnetic flux in a specific direction. Consequently, the magnetic detecting element sensor <NUM> is less likely to generate detection errors due to electromagnetic noise. Detecting precision of the magnetic detecting element sensor <NUM> is also lower than detecting precision of the resolver <NUM>. Consequently, problems with electromagnetic noise are less likely to occur in the magnetic detecting element sensor <NUM> from the viewpoint of detecting precision as well.

The resolver <NUM>, on the other hand, detects the rotational angle of the shaft <NUM> using weak magnetism that results from excitation of the excitation coils. Consequently, the resolver <NUM> is a rotational angle detecting sensor that is susceptible to electromagnetic noise. In comparison with that, a large electric current flows in each of the power circuits <NUM> of the controlling apparatus <NUM>, and switching noise also arises due to the operation of the switching elements. Consequently, it is not desirable for the resolver <NUM>, which is susceptible to electromagnetic noise, to be disposed close to the controlling apparatus <NUM>.

In the present embodiment, however, the cover <NUM> is disposed between the controlling apparatus <NUM> and the resolver <NUM>. The cover <NUM> exhibits a shielding effect that reduces effects of noise from the controlling apparatus <NUM> on the resolver <NUM>. Detection errors thereby become less likely to occur in the resolver <NUM>.

In other words, of the electromagnetic noise that is generated by the controlling apparatus <NUM>, the noise that most easily affects the resolver <NUM> is noise that has high-frequency components such as switching noise, etc. Since the cover <NUM> is constituted by a material that has electrical conductivity, eddy currents arise in the cover <NUM> when the electromagnetic noise from the controlling apparatus <NUM> reaches the cover <NUM>. Noise that has high-frequency components is easily suppressed by eddy current loss in the cover <NUM>. The cover <NUM> thereby exhibits a shielding effect, making detection errors less likely to arise in the resolver <NUM>.

Resolution and precision when detecting the rotational angle of the shaft <NUM> is higher in the resolver <NUM> than in the magnetic detecting element sensor <NUM>. Consequently, during normal operation, the operation of the motor <NUM> is controlled by the controlling apparatus <NUM> based on the rotational angle information that is detected by the resolver <NUM>.

However, if the resolver processing circuit that is disposed on the controlling circuit board <NUM> fails, or the resolver <NUM> itself fails, for example, and normal rotational angle detection by the resolver <NUM> becomes impossible, the controlling apparatus <NUM> switches to controlling operation of the motor <NUM> based on rotational angle information that is detected by the magnetic detecting element sensor <NUM>. In other words, in the present embodiment, the magnetic detecting element sensor <NUM> is used as a backup rotational angle detecting sensor for the resolver <NUM>. Improvements in the reliability of detection of the rotational angle of the shaft <NUM> in the electric driving apparatus <NUM> are thereby achieved.

In an electric driving apparatus <NUM> of this kind, because the motor <NUM>, the controlling apparatus <NUM>, and the magnetic detecting element sensor <NUM> are accommodated in the housing <NUM>, and the resolver <NUM> is disposed outside the housing <NUM>, and the magnetic detecting element sensor <NUM> is disposed between the motor <NUM> and the controlling apparatus <NUM>, a plurality of rotational angle detecting sensors can be applied to the electric driving apparatus <NUM>, enabling reliability of the detection of the rotational angle of the shaft <NUM> in the electric driving apparatus <NUM> to be improved. Furthermore, the resolver <NUM> can be shielded by the housing <NUM> from electromagnetic noise from both the motor <NUM> and the controlling apparatus <NUM>, enabling the resolver <NUM> to be disposed closer to the controlling apparatus <NUM>. In addition, the magnetic detecting element sensor <NUM> can be disposed in dead space between the motor <NUM> and the controlling apparatus <NUM>. Increases in the size of the electric driving apparatus <NUM> can thereby be suppressed. Furthermore, a dedicated part that shields the resolver <NUM> from electromagnetic noise is no longer necessary, enabling cost reductions also to be achieved.

Because the opening portion of the case <NUM> is sealed by the plate <NUM> that is disposed between the motor <NUM> and the controlling apparatus <NUM>, foreign matter can be prevented from entering the case <NUM> by the plate <NUM>, further enabling improvements in the reliability of the electric driving apparatus <NUM>.

Because the Hall elements <NUM> are each mounted to the controlling apparatus <NUM>, a dedicated circuit board that controls each of the Hall elements <NUM>, and members that perform wiring of each of the Hall elements <NUM>, no longer need to be disposed separately. Reductions in installation space for the magnetic detecting element sensor <NUM> and cost reductions can thereby be achieved.

Because the connecting member <NUM> that is electrically connected to both the motor <NUM> and the controlling apparatus <NUM> is disposed on the motor <NUM>, and the magnetic detecting element sensor <NUM> is disposed radially further inward than the connecting member <NUM>, the magnetic detecting element sensor <NUM> can be made less likely to interfere with the connecting member <NUM> in the axial direction of the shaft <NUM>. Increases in the size of the electric driving apparatus <NUM> in an axial direction of the shaft <NUM> can thereby be suppressed while still achieving improvements in the reliability of the electric driving apparatus <NUM>.

Because at least a portion of the magnetic detecting element sensor <NUM> is disposed within a zone that overlaps with the connecting member <NUM> in the axial direction of the shaft <NUM>, increases in the size of the electric driving apparatus <NUM> in an axial direction of the shaft <NUM> can be further suppressed.

Moreover, in the above example, the number of Hall elements <NUM> in the magnetic detecting element sensor <NUM> is three, but is not limited thereto, and the number of Hall elements <NUM> in the magnetic detecting element sensor <NUM> may alternatively be one, two, or four or more, for example.

In the above example, the plate <NUM>, which constitutes a partitioning wall, is disposed between each of the Hall elements <NUM> and the magnets <NUM>, but the plate <NUM> may alternatively be disposed so as to avoid being between each of the Hall elements <NUM> and the magnets <NUM>. For example, by disposing the sensor position plate portion 9a of the plate <NUM> nearer to the motor <NUM> than the magnet rotating body <NUM>, it is possible not to dispose the plate <NUM> between each of the Hall elements <NUM> and the magnets <NUM>. In this manner, the distance between each of the Hall elements <NUM> and the magnets <NUM> can be further reduced, enabling the detecting precision of the magnetic detecting element sensor <NUM> to be improved.

In the above example, Hall elements <NUM> are used as the magnetic detecting elements, but the magnetic detecting elements are not limited thereto, and magnetoresistive elements, for example, may alternatively be used as the magnetic detecting elements. Examples of magnetoresistive elements include: anisotropic magnetoresistive (AMR) elements, giant magnetoresistive (GMR) elements, tunnel magnetoresistive (TMR) elements, etc..

In the above example, at least a portion of the magnetic detecting element sensor <NUM> may alternatively be disposed in a zone that overlaps with the connecting member <NUM> in the axial direction of the shaft <NUM>. For example, a portion of the magnet rotating body <NUM> may be disposed in a zone that overlaps with the connecting member <NUM> in the axial direction of the shaft <NUM>. By doing so, reductions in the dimensions of the electric driving apparatus <NUM> in the axial direction of the shaft <NUM> can be further achieved.

In the above example, the motor <NUM> is a three-phase permanent-magnet synchronous motor, but is not limited thereto, and the motor <NUM> may alternatively be an induction motor, for example.

In the above example, a single set of three phase windings is used in the motor <NUM>, but is not limited thereto, and a plurality of sets of three phase windings may alternatively be used in the motor <NUM>, and a plurality of sets of power circuits <NUM> that corresponds to each set of three phase windings may be used in the controlling apparatus <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An electric driving apparatus comprising:
a shaft (<NUM>);
a motor (<NUM>) that rotates the shaft (<NUM>);
a controlling apparatus (<NUM>) that controls the motor (<NUM>), the controlling apparatus (<NUM>) being disposed so as to be separated from the motor (<NUM>) in an axial direction of the shaft (<NUM>);
a first rotational angle detecting sensor (<NUM>) that generates a signal that corresponds to rotation of the shaft (<NUM>), the first rotational angle detecting sensor (<NUM>) being disposed between the controlling apparatus (<NUM>) and the motor (<NUM>); and
a housing (<NUM>) that accommodates the motor (<NUM>), the controlling apparatus (<NUM>), and the first rotational angle detecting sensor (<NUM>) together;
wherein:
the first rotational angle detecting sensor (<NUM>) is a magnetic detecting element sensor that comprises:
a magnet rotating body (<NUM>) that includes a magnet (<NUM>), and that rotates together with the shaft (<NUM>); and
a magnetic detecting element (<NUM>) that detects magnetism from the magnet (<NUM>);
characterized in that
the electric driving apparatus further comprises:
a second rotational angle detecting sensor (<NUM>), which generates a signal that corresponds to rotation of the shaft (<NUM>), the second rotational angle detecting sensor (<NUM>) being disposed at a position that is further away from the motor (<NUM>) than the controlling apparatus (<NUM>) in the axial direction of the shaft (<NUM>), and being disposed outside the housing (<NUM>), and
the second rotational angle detecting sensor (<NUM>) is a resolver;
wherein the housing (<NUM>) comprises:
a case (<NUM>) on which an opening portion is disposed; and
a cover (<NUM>) that covers the opening portion;
the motor (<NUM>) is accommodated inside the case (<NUM>);
the controlling apparatus (<NUM>) is accommodated inside the cover (<NUM>); and
the opening portion is closed by a partitioning wall (<NUM>) that is disposed between the motor (<NUM>) and the controlling apparatus (<NUM>);
wherein an inner circumferential portion of the partitioning wall (<NUM>) is formed into a sensor position plate portion (9a) that partitions a space between the magnet rotating body (<NUM>) and the magnetic detecting element (<NUM>), and
wherein a thickness of the sensor position plate portion (9a) is thinner than a thickness of the partitioning wall (<NUM>) in portions other than the sensor position plate portion (9a).