Stator, rotating electric machine, drive device, and method for manufacturing stator

Abstract

The present application provides a stator, a rotary electric machine, a driving device, and a manufacturing method of a stator. The stator has a stator core having a first slot and a second slot, and a conductor connecting body having a first conductor and a second conductor. The first and second conductors respectively have first and second straight portions passing through the first and second slots in an axial direction, and first and second extension portions located outside the first and second slots, respectively. The first and second extension portions have first and second connected portions, respectively. The first and second connected portions are arranged in a first direction and are connected to each other. The conductor connecting body has a first welding portion joining the first and second connected portions, and a second welding portion located at a position closer to the axial direction than an end portion on the other side of the axial direction of the first welding portion, and joining the first and second connected portions. The first welding portion joins a portion on one side toward a second direction in the first connected portion and a portion on one side toward the second direction in the second connected portion.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application number 202511236660.4, application date September 1, 2025, and invention title "Stator, Rotary Motor, Drive Device and Method for Manufacturing Stator". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a stator, a rotary electric machine, a drive device, and a method for manufacturing a stator. Background Technology

[0003] For example, there is a known stator of a rotary electric machine that has a coil formed by connecting multiple conductors such as flat wires (e.g., Patent Document 1).

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-41440

[0005] In stators like the one described above, a jig is needed to press the conductors together when welding them. Therefore, if the portion of the conductor being pressed by the jig is close to the portion being welded, the welding heat may be applied to the jig, potentially damaging it. Therefore, it is necessary to make the portions of the conductors being welded relatively long in the axial direction, and to separate the portion being pressed by the jig from the portion being welded in the axial direction within each conductor. This necessitates increasing the axial dimension of the conductors, sometimes making it difficult to miniaturize the stator in the axial direction. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, one object of the present invention is to provide a stator capable of being miniaturized in the axial direction. Furthermore, in view of the above circumstances, one object of the present invention is to provide a rotary electric motor, a drive device, and a method for manufacturing a stator capable of miniaturizing the stator in the axial direction.

[0007] One embodiment of the invention is a stator comprising: a stator core, which is annular around a central axis and has a first slot and a second slot; and a conductor connector having a first conductor and a second conductor, the first conductor having: a first straight portion passing axially through the first slot; and a first extension portion connected to an axial end of the first straight portion and located outside the first slot; the second conductor having: a second straight portion passing axially through the second slot; and a second extension portion connected to an axial end of the second straight portion and located outside the second slot; the first extension portion having a first connected portion including an axial end of the first extension portion; and the second extension portion having a second connected portion including an axial end of the first extension portion. The conductor connector has a second connected portion at one end of the axial side of the extension, the first connected portion and the second connected portion are arranged in a first direction inclined relative to the axial direction and connected to each other, the conductor connector has: a first welding portion that joins the first connected portion and the second connected portion; and a second welding portion located on one side of the axial direction than the end of the first welding portion on the other side of the axial direction, which joins the first connected portion and the second connected portion, when the direction inclined relative to both the axial direction and the first direction is set as the second direction, the first welding portion joins the portion of the first connected portion facing the second direction to the portion of the second connected portion facing the second direction.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a stator, the stator having a stator core and a conductor connector. The stator core is annular around a central axis and has a first groove and a second groove. The conductor connector has a first conductor and a second conductor, wherein the first conductor is made of a first conductor material and the second conductor is made of a second conductor material. The manufacturing method includes the following steps: a deformation step for deforming the first conductor material and the second conductor material; a first welding step for joining the first conductor material and the second conductor material together by welding; a removal step for removing a portion of the first conductor material and a portion of the second conductor material to produce the first conductor and the second conductor; and a second welding step for joining the first conductor and the second conductor together by welding. The deformation step includes the following: deforming at least a portion of the first conductor material, which is axially passing through the first groove, located on the axial side of the first groove to produce a first deformed portion; deforming at least a portion of the second conductor material, which is axially passing through the second groove, located on the axial side of the second groove to produce a first deformed portion. The process involves: creating a second deformed portion; and arranging a portion of the first deformed portion and a portion of the second deformed portion in a first direction inclined relative to the axial direction. The first welding step includes: joining the portion of the first deformed portion and the portion of the second deformed portion together by welding them together, thereby creating a first welded portion that joins the portion of the first deformed portion and the portion of the second deformed portion together. The removal step includes: removing a portion of the first deformed portion located on one side of the axial direction from a first position away from the end on the other side of the axial direction of the first welded portion to create the first conductor; and removing a portion of the second deformed portion located on one side of the axial direction from a second position away from the end on the other side of the axial direction of the first welded portion to create the second conductor. The first conductor has: a first straight portion that passes through the first groove axially; and a first extension portion connected to the end of the first straight portion on one side of the axial direction and located outside the first groove. The second conductor has: a second straight portion that passes through the second groove axially.The second extension is connected to the axial side end of the second straight portion and located outside the second groove. The first extension has a first connected portion including the axial side end of the first extension, and the second extension has a second connected portion including the axial side end of the second extension. The second welding process includes welding a portion of the first connected portion located on an axial side closer to the axial side of the end of the first welded portion to a portion of the second connected portion located on an axial side closer to the axial side of the end of the second welded portion, thereby creating a second welded portion that joins the first connected portion and the second connected portion. When the direction inclined relative to both the axial direction and the first direction is set as the second direction, the first welding process includes welding a portion of the first deformed portion facing the second direction to a portion of the second deformed portion facing the second direction.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, in a rotary electric motor and drive device, the stator can be miniaturized in the axial direction. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a drive device in one embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the stator in one embodiment.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view showing the stator in one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the stator in one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing a portion of a conductor connector in one embodiment, viewed from the radial inside.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing a portion of the first conductor and a portion of the second conductor in one embodiment, viewed from the radial inside.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing a portion of the first conductor and a portion of the second conductor in one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing a portion of the first conductor and a portion of the second conductor in one embodiment, viewed from one axial side.

[0018] Figure 9This is a flowchart illustrating a part of a method for manufacturing a stator in one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating the first and second conductor materials in one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 11 This is a perspective view showing a portion of the process of removing the coating portion in one embodiment.

[0021] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing a portion of the deformation process in one embodiment, viewed from the radial inside.

[0022] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing a portion of the first conductor material and a portion of the second conductor material after the deformation process in one embodiment, viewed from the radial inside.

[0023] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing a portion of the first welding process in one embodiment, viewed from the radial inside.

[0024] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing a portion of the process of the first welding step in one embodiment, viewed from the other side of the circumference.

[0025] Figure 16 This is a diagram showing a portion of the removal process in one embodiment, viewed from the axial side.

[0026] Figure 17 This is a diagram showing a portion of the second welding process in one embodiment, viewed from the other side of the circumference.

[0027] Figure 18 This is a diagram showing a portion of a conductor connector in a modified embodiment, viewed from the radial inside.

[0028] Label Explanation

[0029] 10: Rotary motor; 11: Rotor; 20: Stator; 30: Stator core; 34: Slot; 34a: First slot; 34b: Second slot; 41: Conductor connector; 50, 50a: Conductor; 51: First conductor; 51a: First straight portion; 51b: First extension; 51f: First inclined portion; 51k: First connected portion; 51m: First base material portion; 51n: First covering portion; 51p: First exposed portion; 51r, 52r: Fracture mark; 51s, 52s: Cut surface; 52: Second conductor; 52a: Second straight portion; 52b: Second extension; 52f: Second inclined portion; 52k: Second connected portion; 52 m: Second base material section; 52n: Second covering section; 52p: Second exposed section; 61: First welding section; 62: Second welding section; 70: Power transmission section; 100: Drive device; 150: Conductor material; 150m: Base material section; 150n: Covering section; 151: First conductor material; 151t: First deformation section; 152: Second conductor material; 152t: Second deformation section; J: Central axis; La, Lb, Lc: Laser; P1: First position; P2: Second position; S10: Covering removal process; S30: Deformation process; S40: First welding process; S50: Removal process; S60: Second welding process. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Figure 1 The drive unit 100 of this embodiment shown is mounted on a vehicle 1000. The vehicle 1000 equipped with the drive unit 100 is a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHV), electric vehicle (EV), or other vehicle that uses an electric motor as its power source. The vehicle 1000 is a moving body having the drive unit 100. The drive unit 100 of this embodiment is used as the power source for the mounted vehicle 1000. The drive unit 100 rotates the drive shaft 73 of the vehicle 1000.

[0031] In the accompanying drawings, the XYZ coordinate system is appropriately shown as a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system. In the XYZ coordinate system, the Z-axis direction is the up-down direction. The side to which the arrow on the Z-axis points (+Z side) is the upper side, and the opposite side (-Z side) is the lower side. The X-axis direction is perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and is the front-rear direction of the vehicle 1000 equipped with the drive device 100 of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the side to which the arrow on the X-axis points (+X side) is the front side of the vehicle 1000, and the opposite side (-X side) is the rear side of the vehicle 1000. The Y-axis direction is perpendicular to both the X-axis and Z-axis directions and is the left-right direction of the vehicle 1000, i.e., the vehicle width direction. In this embodiment, the side to which the arrow on the Y-axis points (+Y side) is the left side of the vehicle 1000, and the opposite side (-Y side) is the right side of the vehicle 1000.

[0032] Furthermore, the front-to-back positional relationship is not limited to that of this embodiment; it could also be that the +X side is the rear side of the vehicle 1000 and the -X side is the front side of the vehicle 1000. In this case, the +Y side is the right side of the vehicle 1000 and the -Y side is the left side of the vehicle 1000. Additionally, in this specification, "parallel direction" includes generally parallel directions, and "perpendicular direction" includes generally perpendicular directions.

[0033] Figure 1 The central axis J shown is an imaginary axis extending in a direction intersecting the vertical direction. More specifically, the central axis J extends along the Y-axis direction, which is perpendicular to the vertical direction, i.e., the left-right direction of the vehicle 1000. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the direction parallel to the central axis J is simply referred to as the "axial direction," the radial direction centered on the central axis J is simply referred to as the "radial direction," and the circumferential direction centered on the central axis J is simply referred to as the "circumferential direction." In the following description, the left side (+Y side) of the axial direction is referred to as "one side of the axial direction," and the right side (-Y side) of the axial direction is referred to as "the other side of the axial direction." The vertical direction is, for example, the vertical direction, and the front-back direction and the left-right direction (axial direction) are, for example, the horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the radial direction corresponds to a "first direction" that is inclined relative to the axial direction. In this embodiment, the circumferential direction corresponds to a "second direction" that is inclined relative to both the axial direction and the first direction (radial direction). That is, in this embodiment, the first direction is the radial direction relative to the central axis J, and the second direction is the circumferential direction relative to the central axis.

[0034] The side towards which the arrow R1 (+R1 side) is shown appropriately in the figure represents the radially inner side. The side towards which the arrow R2 (+R2 side) is shown appropriately in the figure represents the radially outer side. The side towards which the arrow θ1 (+θ1 side) is shown appropriately in the figure represents the circumferential side. The side towards which the arrow θ2 (+θ2 side) is shown appropriately in the figure represents the other circumferential side. In this embodiment, the circumferential side is the side that advances counterclockwise when viewed from the axial side in the circumferential direction. The other circumferential side is the side that advances clockwise when viewed from the axial side in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the other circumferential side corresponds to "one side of the second direction." The circumferential side corresponds to "the other side of the second direction."

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, the drive unit 100 includes a rotary motor 10, a power transmission unit 70, a housing 80, and a control unit 90. The housing 80 internally houses the rotary motor 10 and the power transmission unit 70. The housing 80 has a motor housing 81 that internally houses the rotary motor 10 and a gear housing 82 that internally houses the power transmission unit 70. In this embodiment, oil is stored inside the motor housing 81 and the gear housing 82. The control unit 90 controls the rotary motor 10. The control unit 90 is located, for example, on the upper side of the housing 80.

[0036] In this embodiment, the rotary motor 10 is a motor. The rotary motor 10 has a rotor 11 and a stator 20. The rotor 11 is capable of rotating about a central axis J. The rotor 11 is positioned opposite the stator 20 with a gap. In this embodiment, the rotor 11 is located radially inside the stator 20. The rotor 11 has a shaft 12, a rotor core 13, and a magnet 14. The shaft 12 extends axially. In this embodiment, the shaft 12 is generally cylindrical about the central axis J. A portion of the shaft 12 including one axial side (+Y side) protrudes into the gear housing 82. The rotor core 13 is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 12. The magnet 14 is fixed to the rotor core 13.

[0037] A power transmission unit 70 is connected to the rotor 11. The power transmission unit 70 transmits the rotation of the rotor 11 to the drive shaft 73 of the vehicle 1000. The power transmission unit 70 is a gear mechanism. The power transmission unit 70 has a reduction gear 71 and a differential gear 72. The reduction gear 71 is connected to the rotor 11. More specifically, the reduction gear 71 is connected to the portion of the shaft 12 of the rotor 11 located within the gear housing 82. Alternatively, the reduction gear 71 may be connected to the rotor 11 via a gear shaft connected to the end of the shaft 12 on one axial side (+Y side). In this case, the end of the shaft 12 on one axial side may not be located within the gear housing 82. The differential gear 72 is connected to the reduction gear 71. A drive shaft 73 extending axially (Y-axis direction) is connected to the differential gear 72. A pair of drive shafts 73 are provided. A pair of tires 74A and 74B are respectively connected to the pair of drive shafts 73.

[0038] When the rotation of the rotor 11 in the rotary motor 10 is transmitted to the differential device 72 via the reduction gear 71, a pair of drive shafts 73 connected to the differential device 72 rotate. Thus, the drive device 100 rotates the drive shafts 73 that connect to the tires 74A and 74B of the vehicle 1000. The rotation of the pair of drive shafts 73 and the rotation of the pair of tires 74A and 74B cause the vehicle 1000 to move.

[0039] The stator 20 is positioned opposite the rotor 11 with a gap between them. In this embodiment, the stator 20 is located radially outside the rotor 11. Figure 2 As shown, the stator 20 has a stator core 30, a winding section 40, and multiple insulating sheets 42.

[0040] like Figure 3 As shown, the stator core 30 is annular around the central axis J. In this embodiment, the stator core 30 is generally cylindrical about the central axis J. The stator core 30 has multiple plate components stacked axially. These multiple plate components are, for example, electromagnet steel plates. The stator core 30 has a core back 31, multiple teeth 32, and multiple protrusions 33.

[0041] The back of the core 31 is annular, surrounding the central axis J. In this embodiment, the back of the core 31 is generally cylindrical, centered on the central axis J. A plurality of teeth 32 extend radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the back of the core 31. The plurality of teeth 32 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction. The plurality of teeth 32 are arranged at equal intervals throughout the entire circumference. Figure 4As shown, each of the plurality of teeth 32 has an umbrella-shaped portion 32a. Each umbrella-shaped portion 32a is the radially inner end of each tooth 32. Each umbrella-shaped portion 32a protrudes circumferentially to both sides beyond the portion of each tooth 32 that is connected to the radially outer side of the umbrella-shaped portion 32a. Alternatively, the radially inner end of each tooth 32 may not be in a shape that protrudes circumferentially to both sides like the umbrella-shaped portion 32a. That is, each tooth 32 may not have an umbrella-shaped portion 32a. In this case, for example, the opening 34e of each groove 34 described later may be closed by other components. These other components may be, for example, wedge-shaped components.

[0042] like Figure 3 As shown, multiple protrusions 33 protrude radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the back surface 31 of the core. The multiple protrusions 33 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction. The multiple protrusions 33 are arranged at equal intervals throughout the entire circumference. Figure 3 In this example, the number of protrusions 33 is four. The protrusions 33 are fixed to the housing 80, for example, by screws or the like. Alternatively, the stator core 30 may not have multiple protrusions 33. In this case, the stator core 30 may also be fixed to the housing 80, for example, by thermoforming or the like.

[0043] The stator core 30 has multiple slots 34. Each slot 34 is disposed between adjacent teeth 32 in the circumferential direction. The internal space of each slot 34 is the space between adjacent teeth 32 in the circumferential direction. Each slot 34 is open on both axial sides. Figure 4 As shown, each groove 34 has an opening 34e that opens radially inward. The openings 34e are respectively provided between the umbrella portions 32a of adjacent teeth 32 in the circumferential direction.

[0044] A portion of a winding section 40 is disposed in each slot 34. Insulating paper 42 is disposed in each slot 34. When viewed axially, the insulating paper 42 surrounds the portion of the winding section 40 disposed in the slot 34 within the slot 34. The portion of the winding section 40 disposed in each slot 34 is insulated from the stator core 30 by the insulating paper 42. Each insulating paper 42 protrudes axially to both sides of the slot 34. The circumferential dimension of the portion of the winding section 40 disposed in each slot 34 is larger than the circumferential dimension of the opening 34e. This prevents the portion of the winding section 40 disposed in each slot 34 from falling radially inward from the slot 34. Furthermore, as described above, when the opening 34e is closed by other components, the radial inward falling of the portion of the winding section 40 disposed in each slot 34 is prevented by these other components.

[0045] Each slot 34 has multiple imaginary layers arranged radially. In this embodiment, each slot 34 has six imaginary layers arranged radially. However, the number of imaginary layers arranged in each slot 34 is not limited to six; it can be one or more layers but less than five, or even seven or more layers. Within each slot 34, a portion of a conductor 50 (described later) is disposed in each layer. Within each slot 34, portions of six conductors 50 are arranged radially.

[0046] like Figure 2 As shown, the winding portion 40 is mounted on the stator core 30. The winding portion 40 has portions located within each slot 34 and portions protruding axially from both sides of the stator core 30. The portion of the winding portion 40 located on the axial side (+Y side) of the stator core 30 is the coil end 40a. The portion of the winding portion 40 located on the other axial side (-Y side) of the stator core 30 is the coil end 40b.

[0047] The winding section 40 has a plurality of conductor connections 41. That is, the stator 20 has a plurality of conductor connections 41. Each conductor connection 41 is a coil. More specifically, each conductor connection 41 is a segmented coil. Each conductor connection 41 is a coil wound into a wave winding relative to the stator core 30. The plurality of conductor connections 41 includes, for example, two groups of three conductor connections 41 connected by a star connection. The three conductor connections 41 connected by a star connection include the U-phase conductor connection 41, the V-phase conductor connection 41, and the W-phase conductor connection 41.

[0048] like Figure 5 As shown, each conductor connector 41 has multiple conductors 50. Each conductor connector 41 is formed by connecting multiple conductors 50 in series. In this embodiment, each conductor 50 is made of flat wire. Furthermore, in this specification, "flat wire" refers to a wire with a quadrilateral or approximately quadrilateral cross-sectional shape. In this specification, "approximately quadrilateral" includes a quadrilateral shape with rounded corners. Each conductor 50 is formed by covering a portion of the surface of a conductive base material portion with a covering portion. The covering portion of the base material portion of each conductor 50 that is electrically connected to other conductors 50 is peeled off and exposed. The base material portion is made of metal. The material constituting the base material portion is, for example, copper. The material constituting the base material portion can be any material as long as it is conductive. The covering portion is an insulating film. The covering portion is, for example, made of enamel. The material constituting the covering portion can be any material as long as it is insulating.

[0049] Each conductor connector 41 comprises a plurality of conductors 50, each having a portion located inside at least one slot 34. In this embodiment, each of the plurality of conductors 50a has a portion located inside two different slots 34. One or more other slots 34 are arranged circumferentially between the two slots 34 where a portion of each conductor 50a is located. The plurality of conductors 50 in each conductor connector 41 may include conductors 50 that do not have a portion located inside a slot 34, or conductors 50 that have a portion located inside one slot 34 but not portions located inside the other slots 34.

[0050] Two interconnected conductors 50a are connected by welding the portions of each conductor 50a located on the axial side (+Y side) of the stator core 30. In the following description, a group of interconnected conductors 50a will be described using multiple conductors 50a as an example. One side of this group of conductors 50a is referred to as the first conductor 51, and the other side as the second conductor 52. That is, the conductor connector 41 has a first conductor 51 and a second conductor 52. In this embodiment, the second conductor 52 is located on the circumferential side (+θ1 side) of the first conductor 51. In this embodiment, the first conductor 51 and the second conductor 52 are components having the same shape.

[0051] The first conductor 51 has a first straight portion 51a, a first extension portion 51b, a first connecting portion 51c, a third straight portion 51d, and a third extension portion 51e. The first straight portion 51a extends axially. The first straight portion 51a passes through a slot 34 axially. The slot 34 through which the first straight portion 51a passes is called the first slot 34a. That is, the stator core 30 has the first slot 34a.

[0052] The first extension 51b is connected to the end of the first straight portion 51a on one axial side (+Y side). The first extension 51b is located outside the first groove 34a. The first extension 51b is located on the axial side closer to the first groove 34a. The first extension 51b has a first inclined portion 51f. The first inclined portion 51f extends in a direction inclined relative to the axial direction. In this embodiment, the first inclined portion 51f is located on the circumferential side (+θ1 side) towards the axial side. In this embodiment, the ends of the first inclined portion 51f on the other axial side (-Y side) and the other circumferential side (+θ2 side) are connected to the end of the first straight portion 51a on one axial side. In this embodiment, the end of the first inclined portion 51f on both the axial and circumferential sides is the end of the first extension 51b on one axial side. In this embodiment, the first extension 51b is constituted by the first inclined portion 51f. Alternatively, the first extension 51b may also have a portion extending from the end of the first inclined portion 51f on both the axial and circumferential sides towards the axial side.

[0053] like Figure 6 As shown, the first inclined portion 51f has a first curved portion 51g, an inclined main body portion 51h, and a second curved portion 51i. The first curved portion 51g is connected to the end of the first straight portion 51a on the axial side (+Y side). The first curved portion 51g is located on the circumferential side (+θ1 side) as it moves toward the axial side. The first curved portion 51g has a curved shape in which the inclination relative to the axial direction increases as it moves toward the axial side. The inclined main body portion 51h is connected to the end of the first curved portion 51g on the axial side. The inclined main body portion 51h is located on the circumferential side as it moves toward the axial side. The inclination of the inclined main body portion 51h relative to the axial direction is approximately constant. The inclination of the inclined main body portion 51h relative to the axial direction is, for example, 45° or more. The second curved portion 51i is connected to the end of the inclined main body portion 51h on the axial side. The second curved portion 51i is located on the circumferential side as it moves toward the axial side. The second curved portion 51i has a curved shape in which the inclination relative to the axial direction decreases as it moves toward the axial side.

[0054] like Figure 5 As shown, the third straight section 51d extends axially. The third straight section 51d is located on the opposite side (+θ2 side) circumferentially compared to the first straight section 51a. The third straight section 51d passes axially through a slot 34 that is different from the first slot 34a among a plurality of slots 34. The slot 34 through which the third straight section 51d passes is called the third slot 34c. That is, the stator core 30 has a third slot 34c. The third slot 34c is located on the opposite side circumferentially compared to the first slot 34a. One or more other slots 34 are arranged circumferentially between the first slot 34a and the third slot 34c.

[0055] The first connecting portion 51c connects the end of the first straight portion 51a on the other side of the axial direction (-Y side) and the end of the third straight portion 51d on the other side of the axial direction. The first connecting portion 51c is located outside the first groove 34a and the third groove 34c. The first connecting portion 51c is located on the other side of the axial direction than the first groove 34a and the third groove 34c. When viewed from the radial inside, the first connecting portion 51c has a generally V-shaped shape that protrudes to the other side of the axial direction.

[0056] The third extension 51e is connected to the end of the third straight portion 51d on one axial side (+Y side). The third extension 51e is located outside the third groove 34c. The third extension 51e is located on the axial side closer to the third groove 34c. The third extension 51e has a third inclined portion 51j. The third inclined portion 51j extends in a direction inclined relative to the axial direction. In this embodiment, the third inclined portion 51j is located on the other circumferential side (+θ2 side) as it faces the axial side. In this embodiment, the end of the third inclined portion 51j on the other axial side (-Y side) and the circumferential side (+θ1 side) is connected to the end of the third straight portion 51d on one axial side. In this embodiment, the end of the third inclined portion 51j on both the axial side and the circumferential side is the end of the third extension 51e on one axial side. In this embodiment, the third extension 51e is composed of the third inclined portion 51j. Alternatively, the third extension 51e may also have a portion extending from the end of the third inclined portion 51j on both the axial side and the circumferential side toward one axial side. The shape of the third extension 51e is the same as that of the second extension 52b, which will be described later.

[0057] The second conductor 52 has a second straight portion 52a, a second extension portion 52b, a second connecting portion 52c, a fourth straight portion 52d, and a fourth extension portion 52e. The second straight portion 52a extends axially. The second straight portion 52a passes through a slot 34 axially. The slot 34 through which the second straight portion 52a passes is called the second slot 34b. That is, the stator core 30 has a second slot 34b. The second slot 34b is located on the circumferential side (+θ1 side) of the first slot 34a. One or more other slots 34 are arranged circumferentially between the first slot 34a and the second slot 34b. The first slot 34a is located circumferentially between the second slot 34b and the third slot 34c.

[0058] The second extension 52b is connected to the end of the second straight portion 52a on one axial side (+Y side). The second extension 52b is located outside the second groove 34b. The second extension 52b is located on the axial side closer to the second groove 34b. The second extension 52b has a second inclined portion 52f. The second inclined portion 52f extends in a direction inclined relative to the axial direction. In this embodiment, the second inclined portion 52f is located on the other circumferential side (+θ2 side) as it faces the axial side. In this embodiment, the end of the second inclined portion 52f on the other axial side (-Y side) and the circumferential side (+θ1 side) is connected to the end of the second straight portion 52a on one axial side. In this embodiment, the end of the second inclined portion 52f on both the axial side and the circumferential side is the end of the second extension 52b on one axial side. In this embodiment, the second extension 52b is constituted by the second inclined portion 52f. Alternatively, the second extension 52b may also have a portion extending from the end of the second inclined portion 52f on both the axial side and the circumferential side toward the axial side.

[0059] like Figure 6 As shown, the second inclined portion 52f has a first curved portion 52g, an inclined main body portion 52h, and a second curved portion 52i. The first curved portion 52g is connected to the end of the second straight portion 52a on one axial side (+Y side). The first curved portion 52g is located on the other circumferential side (+θ2 side) as it moves toward one axial side. The first curved portion 52g has a curved shape in which the inclination relative to the axial direction increases as it moves toward one axial side. The inclined main body portion 52h is connected to the end of the first curved portion 52g on one axial side. The inclined main body portion 52h is located on the other circumferential side as it moves toward one axial side. The inclination of the inclined main body portion 52h relative to the axial direction is approximately constant. The inclination of the inclined main body portion 52h relative to the axial direction is, for example, 45° or more. The absolute value of the inclination of the inclined main body portion 52h relative to the axial direction is, for example, the same as the absolute value of the inclination of the inclined main body portion 51h relative to the axial direction. The second curved portion 52i is connected to the end of the inclined main body portion 52h on one axial side. The second curved portion 52i is located on the other circumferential side as it moves toward one axial side. The second curved portion 52i has a curved shape in which the inclination relative to the axial direction decreases as it moves toward the axial side.

[0060] like Figure 5 As shown, the fourth straight section 52d extends axially. The fourth straight section 52d is located on the circumferential side (+θ1 side) of the second straight section 52a. The fourth straight section 52d passes axially through a slot 34 that is different from the second slot 34b among a plurality of slots 34. The slot 34 through which the fourth straight section 52d passes is referred to as the fourth slot 34d. That is, the stator core 30 has a fourth slot 34d. The fourth slot 34d is located on the circumferential side of the second slot 34b. One or more other slots 34 are arranged circumferentially between the second slot 34b and the fourth slot 34d. The second slot 34b is located circumferentially between the first slot 34a and the fourth slot 34d.

[0061] The second connecting portion 52c connects the end of the second straight portion 52a on the other side of the axial direction (-Y side) and the end of the fourth straight portion 52d on the other side of the axial direction. The second connecting portion 52c is located outside the second groove 34b and the fourth groove 34d. The second connecting portion 52c is located on the other side of the axial direction than the second groove 34b and the fourth groove 34d. When viewed from the radial inside, the second connecting portion 52c has a generally V-shaped appearance that protrudes to the other side of the axial direction. The shape of the second connecting portion 52c is the same as the shape of the first connecting portion 51c.

[0062] The fourth extension 52e is connected to the end of the fourth straight portion 52d on one axial side (+Y side). The fourth extension 52e is located outside the fourth groove 34d. The fourth extension 52e is located on the axial side closer to the fourth groove 34d. The fourth extension 52e has a fourth inclined portion 52j. The fourth inclined portion 52j extends in a direction inclined relative to the axial direction. In this embodiment, the fourth inclined portion 52j is located on the circumferential side (+θ1 side) towards the axial side. In this embodiment, the ends of the fourth inclined portion 52j on the other axial side (-Y side) and the other circumferential side (+θ2 side) are connected to the end of the fourth straight portion 52d on one axial side. In this embodiment, the end of the fourth inclined portion 52j on both the axial and circumferential sides is the end of the fourth extension 52e on one axial side. In this embodiment, the fourth extension 52e is composed of the fourth inclined portion 52j. Alternatively, the fourth extension 52e may also have a portion extending from the end of the fourth inclined portion 52j on both the axial and circumferential sides towards the axial side. The shape of the fourth extension 52e is the same as that of the first extension 51b.

[0063] like Figure 7 As shown, the first conductor 51 has a first base material portion 51m and a first covering portion 51n. The first base material portion 51m is conductive. The first base material portion 51m is made of metal. The material constituting the first base material portion 51m is, for example, copper. The material constituting the first base material portion 51m can be any material as long as it is conductive. The first covering portion 51n covers a portion of the surface of the first base material portion 51m. The first covering portion 51n is an insulating film. The first covering portion 51n is, for example, made of enamel. The material constituting the first covering portion 51n can be any material as long as it is insulating.

[0064] The first base material portion 51m has a first exposed portion 51p that protrudes from the first covering portion 51n. The first exposed portion 51p is the portion of the end containing the axial side (+Y side) of the first extension portion 51b. The first exposed portion 51p includes a portion of the first inclined portion 51f. The first exposed portion 51p is the portion containing the end containing the axial side of the first inclined portion 51f. In this embodiment, the first exposed portion 51p is a portion of the second curved portion 51i. In addition, the portion of the first base material portion 51m that includes the end containing the axial side of the third extension portion 51e is also the portion that protrudes from the first covering portion 51n. This exposed portion has the same shape as the second exposed portion 52p described later.

[0065] The arithmetic mean roughness (Ra) of the surface of the first exposed portion 51p is greater than the arithmetic mean roughness (Ra) of the surface of the first covered portion 51n. In this embodiment, the arithmetic mean roughness (Ra) of the surface of the first exposed portion 51p is 4 μm or more. The arithmetic mean roughness (Ra) of the surface of the first exposed portion 51p is preferably 8 μm or more. The arithmetic mean roughness (Ra) of the surface of the first exposed portion 51p is, for example, 30 μm or less.

[0066] The second conductor 52 has a second base material portion 52m and a second covering portion 52n. The second base material portion 52m is conductive. The second base material portion 52m is made of metal. The material constituting the second base material portion 52m is, for example, copper. The material constituting the second base material portion 52m can be any material as long as it is conductive. The second covering portion 52n covers a portion of the surface of the second base material portion 52m. The second covering portion 52n is an insulating film. The second covering portion 52n is, for example, made of enamel. The material constituting the second covering portion 52n can be any material as long as it is insulating.

[0067] The second base material portion 52m has a second exposed portion 52p that protrudes from the second covering portion 52n. The second exposed portion 52p is the portion containing the end portion on one axial side (+Y side) of the second extension portion 52b. The second exposed portion 52p includes a portion of the second inclined portion 52f. The second exposed portion 52p is the portion containing the end portion on one axial side of the second inclined portion 52f. In this embodiment, the second exposed portion 52p is a portion of the second curved portion 52i. In addition, the portion of the second base material portion 52m containing the end portion on one axial side of the fourth extension portion 52e is also the portion that protrudes from the second covering portion 52n. This exposed portion has the same shape as the first exposed portion 51p.

[0068] The arithmetic mean roughness (Ra) of the surface of the second exposed portion 52p is greater than the arithmetic mean roughness (Ra) of the surface of the second covered portion 52n. The arithmetic mean roughness (Ra) of the surface of the second exposed portion 52p is 4 μm or more. Preferably, the arithmetic mean roughness (Ra) of the surface of the second exposed portion 52p is 8 μm or more. For example, the arithmetic mean roughness (Ra) of the surface of the second exposed portion 52p is 30 μm or less. The arithmetic mean roughness (Ra) of the surface of the second exposed portion 52p may be the same as or different from the arithmetic mean roughness (Ra) of the surface of the first exposed portion 51p.

[0069] A portion of the first inclined portion 51f included in the first exposed portion 51p and a portion of the second inclined portion 52f included in the second exposed portion 52p overlap each other at least partially when viewed radially. Alternatively, the entire portion of the first extension 51b that overlaps with the second extension 52b when viewed radially can also be the first exposed portion 51p exposed by the first mother material portion 51m. In this case, the entire portion of the second extension 52b that overlaps with the first extension 51b when viewed radially can also be the second exposed portion 52p exposed by the second mother material portion 52m.

[0070] The first extension 51b has a first connected portion 51k. The first connected portion 51k includes the end of the first extension 51b on one axial side (+Y side). The first connected portion 51k is at least a portion of the first exposed portion 51p. That is, the first exposed portion 51p includes the first connected portion 51k. In this embodiment, the first connected portion 51k is a portion on one axial side of the first exposed portion 51p. In this embodiment, the first connected portion 51k is a portion of the first inclined portion 51f. More specifically, the first connected portion 51k is a portion of the second curved portion 51i.

[0071] The second extension 52b has a second connected portion 52k. The second connected portion 52k includes the end portion of the second extension 52b on one axial side (+Y side). The second connected portion 52k is at least a portion of the second exposed portion 52p. That is, the second exposed portion 52p includes the second connected portion 52k. In this embodiment, the second connected portion 52k is a portion of the second exposed portion 52p on one axial side. In this embodiment, the second connected portion 52k is a portion of the second inclined portion 52f. More specifically, the second connected portion 52k is a portion of the second curved portion 52i.

[0072] The first connected portion 51k and the second connected portion 52k are arranged radially. In this embodiment, the second connected portion 52k is located radially outward (+R2 side) of the first connected portion 51k. At least a portion of the radially outward surface of the first connected portion 51k is in contact with at least a portion of the radially inward surface of the second connected portion 52k. The first connected portion 51k and the second connected portion 52k are connected to each other. When viewed radially, at least a portion of the first connected portion 51k overlaps with at least a portion of the second connected portion 52k. In this embodiment, when viewed radially, the first connected portion 51k substantially overlaps with the second connected portion 52k substantially.

[0073] The first connected portion 51k has a first end face 51q. The first end face 51q is the end face of the first connected portion 51k on one axial side (+Y side). The first end face 51q is also the end face of the first extension portion 51b on one axial side. The first end face 51q faces towards the axial side. Figure 8 As shown, a cut surface 51s with a fracture mark 51r is provided on the first end face 51q. The fracture mark 51r is a mark indicating that the cutting direction of the cut surface 51s is radial. Figure 8 In this context, the fracture mark 51r is represented, for example, as a radially extending line-like mark. The fracture mark 51r can be any mark as long as the cutting direction of the cut surface 51s is radial. For example, if the cut surface 51s is created by shearing, the fracture mark 51r can also be a burr, a sheared surface, a fracture surface, or other marks resulting from the shearing process. Figure 8 In this embodiment, only a portion of the fracture mark 51r is shown. The cut surface 51s with the fracture mark 51r is the entire portion of the first end face 51q except for the portion where the second weld portion 62, described later, is provided.

[0074] The second connected portion 52k has a second end face 52q. The second end face 52q is the end face on one axial side (+Y side) of the second connected portion 52k. The second end face 52q is also the end face on one axial side of the second extension portion 52b. The second end face 52q faces towards the axial side. A cut surface 52s with a fracture mark 52r is provided on the second end face 52q. The fracture mark 52r is a mark indicating that the cutting direction of the cut surface 52s is radial. Figure 8 In this context, the fracture mark 52r is represented, for example, as a radially extending line-like mark. The fracture mark 52r can be any mark as long as the cutting direction of the cut surface 52s is radial. For example, if the cut surface 52s is created by shearing, the fracture mark 52r can also be a burr, a sheared surface, a fracture surface, or other marks resulting from the shearing process. Figure 8 In this embodiment, only a portion of the fracture mark 52r is shown. The cut surface 52s with the fracture mark 52r is the entire portion of the second end face 52q except for the portion where the second weld portion 62, described later, is provided.

[0075] The first connected portion 51k and the second connected portion 52k are connected to each other by welding. The first connected portion 51k and the second connected portion 52k are connected to each other by a first welding portion 61 and a second welding portion 62. That is, the conductor connector 41 has a first welding portion 61 and a second welding portion 62. The first welding portion 61 and the second welding portion 62 respectively join the first connected portion 51k and the second connected portion 52k.

[0076] like Figure 7As shown, the first weld portion 61 joins a portion of the first connected portion 51k facing the other circumferential side (+θ2 side) with a portion of the second connected portion 52k facing the other circumferential side. The portion of the first connected portion 51k facing the other circumferential side includes the circumferential side surface of the first connected portion 51k. The portion of the second connected portion 52k facing the other circumferential side includes the circumferential side surface of the second connected portion 52k. The first connected portion 51k is, for example, the portion of the first exposed portion 51p that is axially closer (+Y side) than the end of the first weld portion 61 on the other axial side (-Y side). The second connected portion 52k is, for example, the portion of the second exposed portion 52p that is axially closer (+Y side) than the end of the first weld portion 61 on the other axial side. In this embodiment, the first weld portion 61 is manufactured by laser welding.

[0077] The surface of the first weld portion 61 on the other circumferential side (+θ2 side) is, for example, recessed to one circumferential side (+θ1 side) than the portion of the first connected portion 51k and the second connected portion 52k on the other circumferential side where the first weld portion 61 is not provided. The surface of the first weld portion 61 on the other circumferential side may also protrude circumferentially to the other circumferential side than the portion of the first connected portion 51k and the second connected portion 52k on the other circumferential side where the first weld portion 61 is not provided. The surface of the first weld portion 61 on the other circumferential side may also be located at the same circumferential position as the portion of the first connected portion 51k and the second connected portion 52k on the other circumferential side where the first weld portion 61 is not provided.

[0078] In this embodiment, the end of the first weld portion 61 on one axial side (+Y side) is located on the other axial side (-Y side) of the portion of the first connected portion 51k facing the other circumferential side (+θ2 side) and the end of the portion of the second connected portion 52k facing the other circumferential side. The first weld portion 61 may also be provided at the end of the portion of the first connected portion 51k facing the other circumferential side and the end of the portion of the second connected portion 52k facing the other circumferential side.

[0079] The second weld portion 62 is located on one axial side (+Y side) closer to the end of the first weld portion 61 on the opposite axial side (-Y side). In this embodiment, the second weld portion 62 is located on one axial side closer to the end of the first weld portion 61 on one axial side. The second weld portion 62 is provided across the first end face 51q and the second end face 52q. In this embodiment, the second weld portion 62 is manufactured by laser welding. For example, the axial side surface of the second weld portion 62 is recessed on the opposite axial side from the portion of the first end face 51q and the second end face 52q where the second weld portion 62 is not provided. The axial side surface of the second weld portion 62 may also protrude on one axial side from the portion of the first end face 51q and the second end face 52q where the second weld portion 62 is not provided. The axial side surface of the second weld portion 62 may also be located at the same axial position as the portion of the first end face 51q and the second end face 52q where the second weld portion 62 is not provided.

[0080] The shape of the first weld portion 61, when viewed from the circumferential side (+θ2 side), is, for example, an elliptical or approximately elliptical shape that is longer in the axial direction. The shape of the first weld portion 61 viewed from the circumferential side can be any shape. For example, the shape of the first weld portion 61 viewed from the circumferential side can be an elliptical or approximately elliptical shape that is longer in the radial direction, or a circular or approximately circular shape, or a polygonal or approximately polygonal shape such as a triangle or quadrilateral. The shape of the first weld portion 61 viewed from the circumferential side can be, for example, a radially extending line or approximately a line, or an axially extending line or approximately a line, or an irregular shape. The shape of the second weld portion 62, when viewed from the axial side (+Y side), is, for example, a circular or approximately circular shape. The shape of the second weld portion 62 viewed from the axial side can be any shape. For example, the shape of the second weld portion 62 viewed from the axial side can be an elliptical or approximately elliptical shape that is longer in the radial direction, or an elliptical or approximately elliptical shape that is longer in the circumferential direction, or a polygonal or approximately polygonal shape such as a triangle or quadrilateral. The shape of the second weld portion 62, viewed from one axial side, can be, for example, a radially extending line or a generally linear shape, a circumferentially extending line or a generally linear shape, or an irregular shape. The shape of the first weld portion 61, viewed from the other circumferential side, can be the same as or different from the shape of the second weld portion 62, viewed from one axial side.

[0081] like Figure 2 As shown, the winding portion 40 of the stator 20 has a resin coating 43. In Figure 2In the diagram, the area where the resin coating 43 is provided is schematically indicated by a double-dotted line. The resin coating 43 covers the surface of a portion of the coil end 40a on one axial side (+Y side). The surface of the portion of the coil end 40a on one axial side includes the surfaces of each of the plurality of conductors 50 constituting a part of the coil end 40a. The resin coating 43 is composed of portions that respectively cover a portion of the surfaces of the plurality of conductors 50. The resin coating 43 is made, for example, by powder coating to adhere resin material to the surface of the coil end 40a. The material constituting the resin coating 43 is, for example, epoxy resin. The material constituting the resin coating 43 can be any material as long as it is resin. Figure 6 As shown, the resin coating 43 covers the surfaces of the first connected portion 51k and the second connected portion 52k. That is, the first connected portion 51k and the second connected portion 52k are covered with resin. Therefore, the resin coating 43 can cover and protect the first weld portion 61 and the second weld portion 62 that joins the first connected portion 51k and the second connected portion 52k. This prevents the first conductor 51 and the second conductor 52 from detaching from each other. Furthermore, the resin coating 43 ensures insulation between the first connected portion 51k and the second connected portion 52k and the inner surface of the housing 80. Additionally, in Figure 6 In the middle, a portion of the resin coating 43 is indicated by a double-dotted line.

[0082] The manufacturing method of the stator 20 described above includes, for example, […]. Figure 9 The flowchart shown illustrates the process. Figure 9 As shown, the manufacturing method of stator 20 includes a cladding removal process S10, an insertion process S20, a deformation process S30, a first welding process S40, a removal process S50, a second welding process S60, and a powder coating process S70. The cladding removal process S10 to the powder coating process S70 are processes for manufacturing the winding portion 40 that is installed on the stator core 30. The stator core 30 has already been manufactured before the cladding removal process S10 to the powder coating process S70. Furthermore, in the following description of the manufacturing method, the positional relationships of each component are explained using the axial, radial, and circumferential directions of the stator 20 described above. Also, in the following description, "operators, etc." includes personnel and equipment performing each operation. Each operation can be performed by personnel only, by equipment only, or by both personnel and equipment.

[0083] The coating removal process S10 is performed before the first welding process S40. In this embodiment, the coating removal process S10 is performed before the insertion process S20. The coating removal process S10 can be performed at any time as long as it is performed before the first welding process S40. The coating removal process S10 is a process of removing a portion of the coating of a plurality of conductor materials 150. The plurality of conductor materials 150 are components that become the plurality of conductors 50 described above. That is, the plurality of conductors 50 are each made of the plurality of conductor materials 150. In the coating removal process S10, the plurality of conductor materials 150 are not connected to other conductor materials 150 and are in a state of separation from each other. The plurality of conductor materials 150 includes a first conductor material 151 and a second conductor material 152. The first conductor material 151 is a component that becomes the first conductor 51. That is, the first conductor 51 is made of the first conductor material 151. The second conductor material 152 is a component that becomes the second conductor 52. That is, the second conductor 52 is made of the second conductor material 152.

[0084] Before performing the coating removal process S10, such as Figure 10 As shown, the first conductor material 151 and the second conductor material 152 are flat wires bent into a generally U-shaped form. The first conductor material 151 and the second conductor material 152 have the same shape as each other. Before the coating removal process S10, the first conductor material 151 has a pair of straight portions 150s and a first connecting portion 51c. The portion of one straight portion 150s of the first conductor material 151, excluding the portion removed in the removal process S50, becomes the first straight portion 51a and the first extension portion 51b. The portion of the other straight portion 150s of the first conductor material 151, excluding the portion removed in the removal process S50, becomes the third straight portion 51d and the third extension portion 51e. Before the coating removal process S10, the second conductor material 152 has a pair of straight portions 150s and a second connecting portion 52c. The portion of one straight portion 150s of the second conductor material 152, excluding the portion removed in the removal process S50, becomes the second straight portion 52a and the second extension portion 52b. The portion of another straight section 150s of the second conductor material 152, excluding the portion removed in the removal process S50, becomes the fourth straight section 52d and the fourth extension 52e.

[0085] The first conductor material 151 and the second conductor material 152 each have a base material portion 150m and a covering portion 150n. The base material portion 150m is conductive. The base material portion 150m is made of metal. The material constituting the base material portion 150m is, for example, copper. The material constituting the base material portion 150m can be any material as long as it is conductive. The covering portion 150n covers the surface of the base material portion 150m. The covering portion 150n is an insulating film. The covering portion 150n is, for example, made of enamel. The material constituting the covering portion 150n can be any material as long as it is insulating. Before the covering portion removal process S10, each covering portion 150n covers the entire surface of each base material portion 150m except for the end face of the straight portion 150s on the axial side (+Y side) of each base material portion 150m.

[0086] In the coating removal process S10, the operator removes the coating 150n from the portion of each conductor material 150 that includes the end of each straight portion 150s on one side (+Y side). Figure 10 In the diagram, the portion of each straight section 150s where the covering portion 150n was removed in the covering portion removal process S10 is indicated by a double-dotted line. The portion of the first conductor material 151 where the covering portion 150n was removed is part of the portion that becomes the first inclined portion 51f, including the portion that becomes the first connected portion 51k. That is, the covering portion removal process S10 includes removing both the portion of the first conductor material 151 that becomes the first connected portion 51k and the portion of the first conductor material 151 that becomes the first inclined portion 51f. The portion of the second conductor material 152 where the covering portion 150n was removed is part of the portion that becomes the second inclined portion 52f, including the portion that becomes the second connected portion 52k. That is, the covering portion removal process S10 includes removing both the portion of the second conductor material 152 that becomes the second connected portion 52k and the portion of the second conductor material 152 that becomes the second inclined portion 52f.

[0087] like Figure 11As shown, in the coating removal process S10, operators remove the coating 150n by irradiating the portion of each conductor material 150 where the coating 150n is to be removed with laser La. That is, the coating removal process S10 includes removing a portion of the coating 150n of the first conductor material 151 and a portion of the coating 150n of the second conductor material 152 by irradiating with laser La. By removing the coating 150n with laser La, the base material portion 150m of that portion is exposed. In the case of removing the coating 150n with laser La, not only is the coating 150n removed by laser La, but the surface of the base material portion 150m of the portion where the coating 150n has been removed is also roughened by laser La. Therefore, by removing the coating 150n with laser La, compared to, for example, using a mold to cut off the coating 150n, the surface roughness of the exposed base material portion 150m is increased. Therefore, the laser Lb irradiating the base material portion 150m in the first welding process S40 described later is less likely to be reflected on the surface of the base material portion 150m. Thus, damage to the covering portion 150n of the conductor material 150 from reflected laser Lb can be suppressed. In this embodiment, the arithmetic mean roughness of the surface of the first exposed portion 51p, where the covering portion 150n has been removed by laser La, is greater than the arithmetic mean roughness of the surface of the first covering portion 51n. Therefore, it is easy to appropriately increase the arithmetic mean roughness of the surface of the first exposed portion 51p, and the reflection of laser Lb on the surface of the first exposed portion 51p can be more appropriately suppressed. The same applies to the arithmetic mean roughness of the surface of the second exposed portion 52p. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the arithmetic mean roughness of the surface of the first exposed portion 51p, where the covering portion 150n has been removed by laser La, is 4 μm or more. By setting the arithmetic mean roughness of the surface of the first exposed portion 51p to such a value, the reflection of laser Lb on the surface of the first exposed portion 51p can be more appropriately suppressed. This also applies to the arithmetic mean roughness of the surface of the second exposed portion 52p. The laser La used in the coating removal process S10 is preferably a hybrid laser combining a red laser and a blue laser. However, any type of laser can be used as the laser La.

[0088] Insertion process S20 is the process of inserting each straight portion 150s of each conductor material 150 into each slot 34 of the stator core 30. Operators insert each straight portion 150s of each conductor material 150 into the slot 34 from the opposite axial side (-Y side). For example... Figure 12As shown, through the insertion process S20, each straight portion 150s of each conductor material 150 passes through each groove 34 axially. Through the insertion process S20, one straight portion 150s of the first conductor material 151 passes through the first groove 34a axially. Through the insertion process S20, another straight portion 150s of the first conductor material 151 passes through the third groove 34c axially. Through the insertion process S20, one straight portion 150s of the second conductor material 152 passes through the second groove 34b axially. Through the insertion process S20, another straight portion 150s of the second conductor material 152 passes through the fourth groove 34d axially. The portion of each straight portion 150s including the end on the axial side (+Y side) protrudes axially to one side beyond each groove 34.

[0089] The deformation process S30 is a process of deforming each conductor material 150, including the first conductor material 151 and the second conductor material 152. In the deformation process S30, an operator, for example, while holding the portion of each straight section 150s including the front end of the portion located on the axial side of each groove 34, deforms the portion as follows: Figure 12 It bends circumferentially as shown by the middle arrow. Thus, as... Figure 13 As shown, a deformed portion 150t is formed in each conductor material 150. In this embodiment, a deformed portion 150t including one end of the conductor material 150 and a deformed portion 150t including the other end of the conductor material 150 are formed in each conductor material 150. The deformed portion 150t of one of the first conductor materials 151 is the first deformed portion 151t. That is, in the deformation process S30, the first deformed portion 151t is formed by deforming at least a portion of the portion of the first conductor material 151 that is axially passing through the first groove 34a and located on the axial side (+Y side) of the first groove 34a. The deformed portion 150t of one of the second conductor materials 152 is the second deformed portion 152t. That is, in the deformation process S30, the second deformed portion 152t is formed by deforming at least a portion of the portion of the second conductor material 152 that is axially passing through the second groove 34b and located on the axial side of the second groove 34b.

[0090] The first deformable portion 151t has a first extension 51b including a first inclined portion 51f. That is, in the deformation process S30, the first inclined portion 51f is formed by deforming a portion of the first conductor material 151 located on the axial side (+Y side) of the first groove 34a. The second deformable portion 152t has a second extension 52b including a second inclined portion 52f. That is, in the deformation process S30, the second inclined portion 52f is formed by deforming a portion of the second conductor material 152 located on the axial side of the second groove 34b.

[0091] The first deformable portion 151t has an extension portion 151u extending axially from the end of the first extension portion 51b on one axial side (+Y side). The extension portion 151u is located in the first deformable portion 151t at a position greater than that of the first extension portion 51b. Figure 13 The portion of the cutting line CL shown by the double-dotted line is located on the axial side. The second deformed portion 152t has an extension portion 152u extending axially from the end of the second extension portion 52b on the axial side. The extension portion 152u is located in the second deformed portion 152t at a position closer to the axial side than the end of the second extension portion 52b. Figure 13 The portion of the cutting line CL shown by the double-dotted line on the axial side. The extensions 151u and 152u are the portions removed in the removal process S50.

[0092] A portion of the first deformable portion 151t and a portion of the second deformable portion 152t are arranged radially. A portion of the second deformable portion 152t is located radially outside (+R2 side) of the first deformable portion 151t. That is, in the deformation process S30, a portion of the first deformable portion 151t and a portion of the second deformable portion 152t are arranged radially with the portion of the second deformable portion 152t located radially outside the portion of the first deformable portion 151t. When viewed radially, the extension portion 151u of the first deformable portion 151t overlaps with the extension portion 152u of the second deformable portion 152t. When viewed radially, at least a portion of the exposed portion of the parent material portion 150m in the first inclined portion 51f of the first deformable portion 151t overlaps with at least a portion of the exposed portion of the parent material portion 150m in the second inclined portion 52f of the second deformable portion 152t. In this embodiment, when viewed radially, a portion of the exposed portion of the parent material portion 150m in the first inclined portion 51f of the first deformable portion 151t overlaps with a portion of the exposed portion of the parent material portion 150m in the second inclined portion 52f of the second deformable portion 152t. The exposed portion of the parent material portion 150m in the first inclined portion 51f of the first deformable portion 151t has a portion that does not overlap with the second deformable portion 152t when viewed radially. Similarly, the exposed portion of the parent material portion 150m in the second inclined portion 52f of the second deformable portion 152t has a portion that does not overlap with the first deformable portion 151t when viewed radially. Alternatively, the entire portion of the first deformable portion 151t that overlaps with the second deformable portion 152t when viewed radially may be the entire portion of the exposed parent material portion 150m. In this case, the entire portion of the second deformable portion 152t that overlaps with the first deformable portion 151t when viewed radially may also be the entire portion of the exposed parent material portion 150m.

[0093] The first welding step S40 is a process of joining the first conductor material 151 and the second conductor material 152 together by welding. The first welding step S40 is a process of temporarily fixing the first conductor material 151 and the second conductor material 152. In the first welding step S40 of this embodiment, the first conductor material 151 and the second conductor material 152 are joined together by laser welding by an operator or the like. Figure 14 This is a diagram showing a portion of the plurality of first conductor materials 151 and a portion of the plurality of second conductor materials 152 in the first welding process S40, viewed from the radially inner side (+R1 side). (See diagram below.) Figure 14 As shown, in the first welding process S40, the operator uses a jig T to press the first deformed portion 151t of the first conductor material 151 and the second deformed portion 152t of the second conductor material 152.

[0094] The fixture T has a first circular plate T1 and a second circular plate T2. The first circular plate T1 and the second circular plate T2 are arranged overlapping each other in the axial direction. The second circular plate T2 is located on one side (+Y side) of the axial direction of the first circular plate T1. The plate surfaces of the first circular plate T1 and the second circular plate T2 face the axial direction. The first circular plate T1 has a plurality of first through holes H1 extending through the first circular plate T1 in the axial direction. The plurality of first through holes H1 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction. The circumferential side (+θ1 side) of the inner surface of the plurality of first through holes H1 is a first support surface H1a. The first support surface H1a is, for example, a surface perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the circumferential direction. The second circular plate T2 has a plurality of second through holes H2 extending through the second circular plate T2 in the axial direction. The plurality of second through holes H2 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction. The circumferential side (+θ2 side) of the second through holes H2 is a second support surface H2a. The second support surface H2a is, for example, a surface perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the circumferential direction. The circumferential side of the inner surface of the plurality of second through holes H2 is an inclined surface H2b. The inclined surface H2b is located on the circumferential side as it faces the other side of the axial direction (-Y side).

[0095] Each first through hole H1 and each second through hole H2 presses against each first conductor material 151 and each second conductor material 152 in a state where they partially overlap when viewed axially. The first deformable portion 151t and the second deformable portion 152t, which interlock, pass through the first through hole H1 and the second through hole H2 axially. The first support surface H1a of the first through hole H1 contacts one circumferential side (+θ1 side) of the extension portion 151u and one circumferential side of the extension portion 152u. The second support surface H2a of the second through hole H2 contacts the other circumferential side (+θ2 side) of the extension portion 151u and the other circumferential side of the extension portion 152u. The first deformable portion 151t and the second deformable portion 152t are pressed against each other from both sides in the circumferential direction by the first support surface H1a and the second support surface H2a. This prevents the first deformable portion 151t and the second deformable portion 152t from shifting relative to each other in the circumferential direction. Although the illustrations are omitted, the extensions 151u of the first deformed portion 151t and 152u of the second deformed portion 152t are supported radially inward by at least one of the radially inner surfaces of the inner surfaces of the first through hole H1 and the second through hole H2. The extensions 151u of the first deformed portion 151t and 152u of the second deformed portion 152t are supported radially outward by at least one of the radially outer surfaces of the inner surfaces of the first through hole H1 and the second through hole H2. This prevents the first deformed portion 151t and the second deformed portion 152t from radially offsetting each other.

[0096] In the first welding step S40, while the first deformed portion 151t and the second deformed portion 152t are pressed by the fixture T, the operator welds the first deformed portion 151t and the second deformed portion 152t together using laser Lb. In the first welding step S40, a portion of the first connected portion 51k in the first deformed portion 151t is welded to a portion of the second connected portion 52k in the second deformed portion 152t. As described above, a portion of the first deformed portion 151t and a portion of the second deformed portion 152t overlap when viewed radially. In the first welding step S40 of this embodiment, when viewed radially, at least a portion of the portion of the first inclined portion 51f without the covering portion 150n and at least a portion of the portion of the second inclined portion 52f without the covering portion 150n in the second inclined portion 52f overlap each other. Therefore, in the manufactured stator 20, when viewed radially, at least a portion of the first inclined portion 51f included in the first exposed portion 51p and at least a portion of the second inclined portion 52f included in the second exposed portion 52p overlap each other. In the first welding step S40, when a covering portion 150n is provided on a portion of the radially overlapping first inclined portion 51f and a portion of the second inclined portion 52f, gaps sometimes occur radially between the welded portions of the first deformed portion 151t and the second deformed portion 152t due to the thickness of the covering portion 150n. In contrast, in the first welding step S40, by removing the covering portion 150n covering at least a portion of the radially overlapping first inclined portion 51f and the second inclined portion 52f, gaps radially between the welded portions of the first deformed portion 151t and the second deformed portion 152t can be suppressed. This suppresses the laser Lb from passing through the radial boundary between the welded portions of the first deformed portion 151t and the second deformed portion 152t. Therefore, damage to the covering portion 150n covering the base material portion 150m by a portion of the laser Lb passing through the radial boundary between the welded portions of the first deformed portion 151t and the second deformed portion 152t can be suppressed.

[0097] In the first welding step S40 of this embodiment, an operator or the like irradiates laser Lb from a position closer to the axial side than the fixture T to weld the first deformed portion 151t and the second deformed portion 152t. Laser Lb irradiates the portion of the first deformed portion 151t facing the other circumferential side (+θ2 side) and the portion of the second deformed portion 152t facing the other circumferential side through the second through hole H2 and the first through hole H1. Thus, the portion of the first deformed portion 151t facing the other circumferential side and the portion of the second deformed portion 152t facing the other circumferential side interlock. That is, the first welding step S40 includes interlocking the portion of the first deformed portion 151t facing the second direction (i.e., the other circumferential side) facing the other circumferential side with the portion of the second deformed portion 152t facing the second direction (i.e., the other circumferential side). In this embodiment, the circumferential side (+θ1 side) of the inner surface of the second through hole H2 is an inclined surface H2b, thus preventing laser Lb from hitting the second circular plate T2.

[0098] The laser Lb is irradiated in a direction inclined circumferentially relative to the axial direction. In this embodiment, the laser Lb is irradiated in a direction that is located on the circumferential side (+θ1 side) while facing the other side of the axial direction (-Y side). The laser Lb is irradiated in a direction inclined circumferentially relative to the axial direction at an angle φ1. The angle φ1 is, for example, 5° or more and 45° or less. The angle φ1 is preferably, for example, 20° or more and 45° or less. The angle φ1 is more preferably, for example, 30° or more and 45° or less. In this embodiment, the angle φ1 is 30° or more. That is, in the first welding process S40, laser welding is performed by irradiating the laser Lb in a direction inclined at 30° or more relative to the axial direction toward the portion of the first deformed portion 151t facing the other side of the circumferential direction and the portion of the second deformed portion 152t facing the other side of the circumferential direction. By setting the angle φ1 to 30° or more, compared to the case where the angle φ1 is less than 30°, the inclination of the direction of the irradiating laser Lb relative to the direction perpendicular to the surface on the other side of the circumference of the first deformed portion 151t (+θ2 side) and the direction perpendicular to the surface on the other side of the circumference of the second deformed portion 152t can be reduced. Therefore, in the first welding process S40, it is easy to reduce the spot diameter of the laser Lb irradiating the first deformed portion 151t and the second deformed portion 152t, and it is easy to increase the heat per unit area of ​​the portion irradiated by the laser Lb. As a result, the output of the laser Lb is reduced, and it is easier to weld the first deformed portion 151t and the second deformed portion 152t together. Therefore, even if a portion of the laser Lb is reflected from at least one of the surfaces of the first deformed portion 151t and the second deformed portion 152t and irradiates the portion of the base material portion 150m in the first conductor material 151 and the second conductor material 152 that is covered by the covering portion 150n, it is possible to suppress damage to the covering portion 150n by the laser Lb.

[0099] Figure 15This is a diagram showing a portion of the first conductor material 151 and a portion of the second conductor material 152 in the first welding process S40, viewed from the other side (+θ2 side) circumferentially. (See diagram below.) Figure 15 As shown, laser Lb is irradiated in a direction that is radially inclined relative to the axial direction. In this embodiment, laser Lb is irradiated in a direction that is radially inward (+R1 side) towards the other side of the axial direction (-Y side). Alternatively, laser Lb may be irradiated in a direction that is radially outward (+R2 side) towards the other side of the axial direction. Laser Lb is irradiated in a direction that is radially inclined relative to the axial direction at an angle φ2. That is, in the first welding process S40, laser welding is performed by irradiating laser Lb in a direction that is radially inclined relative to the axial direction towards the portion of the first deformed portion 151t facing the other side of the circumference and the portion of the second deformed portion 152t facing the other side of the circumference. Therefore, even if a gap is formed at the radial boundary between the first deformed portion 151t and the second deformed portion 152t, it is possible to prevent a portion of laser Lb from passing through the radial gap. Therefore, it is possible to prevent laser Lb that has passed through the radial boundary between the first deformed portion 151t and the second deformed portion 152t from irradiating the portion other than the welding object. Therefore, damage to the covering portion 150n of the covering material portion 150m due to laser Lb can be further suppressed. The angle φ2 is, for example, 5° or more and 45° or less. The angle φ2 is preferably, for example, 20° or more and 45° or less.

[0100] A first welded portion 61 is created by irradiating a portion of the first deformed portion 151t facing the other side circumferentially and a portion of the second deformed portion 152t facing the other side circumferentially with laser Lb. That is, the first welding step S40 includes welding a portion of the first deformed portion 151t arranged radially to a portion of the second deformed portion 152t to create the first welded portion 61. The portion of the first deformed portion 151t welded in the first welding step S40 is a part of the first connected portion 51k. The portion of the second deformed portion 152t welded in the first welding step S40 is a part of the second connected portion 52k.

[0101] In this embodiment, the laser welding performed in the first welding step S40 is keyhole welding. That is, in the first welding step S40, laser Lb is irradiated onto the boundary between the first connected portion 51k and the second connected portion 52k to perform keyhole welding. Keyhole welding is a welding method with a higher laser power density compared to heat conduction welding. Keyhole welding is a welding method in which the laser spot diameter irradiated onto the welded area is smaller than the laser spot diameter in heat conduction welding. By using keyhole welding in the first welding step S40, laser Lb can be easily absorbed by the first conductor material 151 and the second conductor material 152, and the reflection of laser Lb can be further suppressed. As a result, damage to the covering portion 150n covering the base material portion 150m due to reflected light from laser Lb can be further suppressed. The type of laser Lb in the first welding step S40 is preferably a hybrid laser composed of a red laser and a blue laser. In addition, any type of laser can be used as laser Lb.

[0102] The removal process S50 is a process of removing a portion of the first conductor material 151 and a portion of the second conductor material 152 to produce the first conductor 51 and the second conductor 52. In the removal process S50, the extended portion 151u of the first conductor material 151 is removed. Figure 14 As shown, the extension portion 151u is the portion of the first deformed portion 151t located axially closer to the first position P1, which is further axially away from the end on the other side (-Y side) of the first weld portion 61. The first position P1 is the axial position of the cutting line CL. In the removal process S50, the extension portion 152u in the second conductor material 152 is removed. The extension portion 152u is the portion of the second deformed portion 152t located axially closer to the second position P2, which is further axially away from the end on the other side of the first weld portion 61. In this embodiment, the second position P2 is the same axial position as the first position P1. The second position P2 is the axial position of the cutting line CL. Alternatively, the first position P1 and the second position P2 may be different axial positions.

[0103] In the removal process S50 of this embodiment, the operator cuts off the first deformed portion 151t at the first position P1, thereby removing the portion of the first deformed portion 151t located on the axial side (+Y side) of the first position P1. In the removal process S50 of this embodiment, the operator cuts off the second deformed portion 152t at the second position P2, thereby removing the portion of the second deformed portion 152t located on the axial side of the second position P2. Figure 16 This is a diagram showing a portion of the first conductor material 151 and a portion of the second conductor material 152 in the removal process S50, viewed from one axial side. (See diagram.) Figure 16As shown, in the removal process S50, the operator slides the cutting tool CB from the radially outer side to the radially inner side, cutting off a portion of the first deformed portion 151t and a portion of the second deformed portion 152t. That is, the removal process S50 includes: radially cutting off the first deformed portion 151t at a first position P1; and radially cutting off the second deformed portion 152t at a second position P2. As described above, in the first welding process S40, the portion of the first deformed portion 151t facing the other circumferential side (+θ2 side) and the portion of the second deformed portion 152t facing the other circumferential side are joined together. Therefore, if a portion of the first deformed portion 151t and a portion of the second deformed portion 152t are cut circumferentially in the removal process S50, a force in the direction of separation between the first deformed portion 151t and the second deformed portion 152t is easily applied to the first welded portion 61 during cutting, potentially damaging the first welded portion 61. In this case, it may be difficult to cut off the first deformed portion 151t and the second deformed portion 152t at the desired location. In contrast, by radially cutting off a portion of the first deformed portion 151t and a portion of the second deformed portion 152t, it is possible to suppress the force applied to the first welded portion 61 in the direction of separation between the first deformed portion 151t and the second deformed portion 152t, thereby suppressing damage to the first welded portion 61. Therefore, it is possible to easily and stably cut off the first deformed portion 151t and the second deformed portion 152t at the desired location.

[0104] In the removal process S50, cutting off a portion of the first deformed portion 151t radially means that this can be confirmed by observing the first end face 51q of the first connected portion 51k of the stator 20. By cutting off a portion of the first deformed portion 151t radially in the removal process S50, a cut surface 51s with a fracture mark 51r indicating the radial cutting direction is provided on the first end face 51q of the first connected portion 51k. An investigator investigating the direction in which the first deformed portion 151t was cut during the stator 20 manufacturing process can confirm, by observing the fracture mark 51r of the cut surface 51s in the manufactured stator 20, that a portion of the first deformed portion 151t was cut radially in the removal process S50. The same applies to the second connected portion 52k.

[0105] Although the illustration is omitted, multiple first deformed portions 151t of the first conductor material 151 and second deformed portions 152t of the second conductor material 152, which are welded together by the first welding step S40, are arranged radially spaced apart. In the removal step S50, the operator cuts off portions of the multiple first deformed portions 151t and portions of the multiple second deformed portions 152t by a single sliding movement in which the cutting tool CB moves from the radially outer side to the radially inner side. In the removal step S50, the operator, for example, repeatedly slides the cutting tool CB from the radially outer side to the radially inner side while changing the circumferential position cut by the cutting tool CB, thereby cutting off portions of all first deformed portions 151t and portions of all second deformed portions 152t. Alternatively, in the removal step S50, the operator may also cut off portions of all first deformed portions 151t and portions of all second deformed portions 152t by other cutting methods. In the removal process S50, the operator may, for example, repeatedly slide the cutting tool CB from the radially inward side to the radially outward side while changing the circumferential position cut by the cutting tool CB, thereby cutting off a portion of all the first deformed portions 151t and a portion of all the second deformed portions 152t. In the removal process S50, the operator may, for example, cut off a portion of all the first deformed portions 151t and a portion of all the second deformed portions 152t by sliding a plurality of circumferentially arranged cutting tools CB from one radially inward side to the other in a single movement. By removing a portion of the first conductor material 151 and a portion of the second conductor material 152 through the removal process S50, the first conductor material 151 becomes the first conductor 51, and the second conductor material 152 becomes the second conductor 52. That is, the removal process S50 includes the following: removing the portion of the first deformed portion 151t located on the axial side (+Y side) of the first position P1 to produce the first conductor 51; and removing the portion of the second deformed portion 152t located on the axial side of the second position P2 to produce the second conductor 52.

[0106] The second welding step S60 is a process of joining the first conductor 51 and the second conductor 52 together by welding. The second welding step S60 is a process of formally fixing the first conductor 51 and the second conductor 52. Figure 17 This is a diagram showing a portion of the first conductor 51 and a portion of the second conductor 52 in the second welding process S60, viewed from the other side (+θ2 side) circumferentially. (See diagram below.) Figure 17As shown, in the second welding step S60, the operator welds the first conductor 51 and the second conductor 52 by irradiating the first conductor 51 and the second conductor 52 with laser Lc. In the second welding step S60, the operator irradiates the portion of the first connected portion 51k located on the axial side (+Y side) of the end opposite to the axial side (-Y side) of the first welded portion 61 and the portion of the second connected portion 52k located on the axial side of the end opposite to the axial side of the first welded portion 61 with laser Lc, joining these portions together. In the second welding step S60 of this embodiment, the operator irradiates the first end face 51q on the axial side of the first connected portion 51k and the second end face 52q on the axial side of the second connected portion 52k with laser Lc. By irradiating with laser Lc, a second welded portion 62 is created, joining the first connected portion 51k and the second connected portion 52k together. That is, the second welding process S60 includes the following: by welding, the portion of the first connected portion 51k located on the axial side of the end on the other side of the first welded portion 61 and the portion of the second connected portion 52k located on the axial side of the end on the other side of the first welded portion 61 are joined together to form a second welded portion 62 that joins the first connected portion 51k and the second connected portion 52k together.

[0107] Laser Lc irradiates the first end face 51q (the axial side) of the first connected portion 51k and the second end face 52q (the axial side) of the second connected portion 52k in a direction that is radially inclined relative to the axial direction. That is, in the second welding step S60, laser welding is performed by irradiating the first end face 51q (the axial side) of the first connected portion 51k and the second end face 52k (the axial side) of the second connected portion 52k in a direction that is radially inclined relative to the axial direction. Therefore, even if there is a gap in the radial direction between the first connected portion 51k and the second connected portion 52k, laser Lc can be prevented from passing through this gap axially. This prevents a portion of laser Lc from irradiating the first conductor 51 and the second conductor 52 located on the axial side (-Y side) of the first connected portion 51k and the second connected portion 52k. Therefore, it is possible to prevent laser Lc from irradiating portions other than the welding object, and to prevent damage to the covering portion 150n of the base material portion 150m due to laser Lc.

[0108] In this embodiment, the laser Lc irradiates in a direction that is radially inward (+R1 side) relative to the opposite side of the axial direction (-Y side). Alternatively, the laser Lc may irradiate in a direction that is radially outward (+R2 side) relative to the opposite side of the axial direction. The laser Lc irradiates in a direction that is radially inclined relative to the axial direction at an angle φ3. The angle φ3 is, for example, 5° or more and 45° or less. The angle φ3 is preferably, for example, 20° or more and 45° or less.

[0109] In this embodiment, the laser welding performed in the second welding step S60 is keyhole welding. That is, in the second welding step S60, laser Lc is irradiated onto the boundary between the first connected portion 51k and the second connected portion 52k to perform keyhole welding. By using keyhole welding in the second welding step S60, the laser Lc can be easily absorbed by the first conductor 51 and the second conductor 52, thereby suppressing laser Lc reflection. As a result, damage to the covering portion 150n covering the base material portion 150m due to reflected light from the laser Lc can be further suppressed. The type of laser Lc used in the second welding step S60 is preferably a hybrid laser composed of a red laser and a blue laser. In addition, any type of laser can be used as the laser Lc.

[0110] As described above, the first welding step S40 includes joining the portion of the first deformed portion 151t facing the second direction (i.e., the circumferential side, +θ2 side) to the portion of the second deformed portion 152t facing the circumferential side. The first welding part 61, created by the first welding step S40, joins the portion of the first connected portion 51k facing the circumferential side to the portion of the second connected portion 52k facing the circumferential side. Therefore, in the second welding step S60, the first connected portion 51k and the second connected portion 52k are temporarily fixed by the first welding part 61. Thus, even without pressing the first connected portion 51k and the second connected portion 52k with a jig in the second welding step S60, the first connected portion 51k and the second connected portion 52k can be formally fixed by welding while preventing separation between them. Therefore, without the need for a portion where the first connected portion 51k and the second connected portion 52k extend axially and are held by a jig, the first conductor 51 and the second conductor 52 can be properly joined by welding. Thus, the axial dimensions of the first conductor 51 and the second conductor 52 can be reduced. Consequently, the stator 20 can be miniaturized axially. Therefore, the rotary motor 10 having the stator 20 can be miniaturized axially. Furthermore, the drive unit 100 having the rotary motor 10 can be miniaturized axially.

[0111] In this embodiment, the deformation step S30 includes arranging a portion of the first deformable portion 151t and a portion of the second deformable portion 152t radially outward from a portion of the first deformable portion 151t. The first welding step S40 includes joining the portion of the first deformable portion 151t facing the other circumferential side (+θ2 side) to the portion of the second deformable portion 152t facing the other circumferential side. Thus, the second connected portion 52k is located radially outward from the first connected portion 51k. The first welding portion 61 joins the portion of the first connected portion 51k facing the other circumferential side to the portion of the second connected portion 52k facing the other circumferential side. When the first extension 51b and the second extension 52b are formed by deforming a portion of the first conductor material 151 and a portion of the second conductor material 152 respectively in the deformation step S30, the deformed first extension 51b and the deformed second extension 52b are easily subjected to radially outward forces due to the restoring forces generated in each conductor material. Therefore, a gap can easily form between the front end of the second extension 52b, located radially outside the first extension 51b, on the other side of its circumference, and the radial direction of the first extension 51b. In contrast, by joining the portion of the first connected portion 51k facing the other side of its circumference with the portion of the second connected portion 52k facing the other side of its circumference in the first welding step S40, gaps that are prone to form between the first connected portion 51k and the second connected portion 52k can be suppressed, and the first connected portion 51k and the second connected portion 52k can be stably joined by the first welding part 61. Thus, welding in the second welding step S60 can be performed stably. Furthermore, by suppressing the formation of a gap in the radial direction between the first connected portion 51k and the second connected portion 52k, a portion of the laser Lc passing through the gap between the first connected portion 51k and the second connected portion 52k in the second welding step S60 can be suppressed. Therefore, damage to the covering portion 150n covering the base material portion 150m can be further suppressed.

[0112] Through the second welding process S60, multiple conductors 50 are connected to each other. In this way, multiple conductor connectors 41 are produced and installed on the stator core 30.

[0113] The powder coating process S70 is a process in which resin is applied to the first connected portion 51k and the second connected portion 52k using powder coating. In the powder coating process S70, an operator applies resin to the axial side of the coil end 40a using powder coating, covering the first connected portion 51k and the second connected portion 52k together with the first weld portion 61 and the second weld portion 62. Through the powder coating process S70, a resin coating 43 is produced. This process then produces the winding portion 40 and manufactures the stator 20.

[0114] Additionally, stator 20 can also be Figure 18 The stator 220 shown has the same structure. In the following description of the stator 220, for structures identical to the stator 20 described above, descriptions are sometimes omitted by appropriately using the same reference numerals, etc. For example... Figure 18 As shown, in the stator 220, the conductor connector 241 has a first conductor 251 and a second conductor 252. The shapes of the first conductor 251 and the second conductor 252 are different from each other. In the conductor connector 241 of the stator 220, multiple first conductors 251 and second conductors 252 are connected in alternating circumferential arrangement.

[0115] The first conductor 251 has a first straight portion 51a, a first extension portion 51b, and a third extension portion 251e. The third extension portion 251e is connected to the end of the first straight portion 51a on the other side of the axial direction (-Y side). The third extension portion 251e is located outside the first groove 34a. The third extension portion 251e is located on the other side of the axial direction than the first groove 34a. The shape of the third extension portion 251e is the same as that of the first extension portion 51b, except that it is reversed in the axial and circumferential directions. The third extension portion 251e has a third inclined portion 251j. The third inclined portion 251j is located on the other side of the circumferential direction (+θ2 side) as it faces the other side of the axial direction. The third extension portion 251e has a third connected portion 251k that includes the end of the third extension portion 251e on the other side of the axial direction.

[0116] The second conductor 252 has a second straight portion 52a, a second extension portion 52b, and a fourth extension portion 252e. The fourth extension portion 252e is connected to the end of the second straight portion 52a on the other side of the axial direction (-Y side). The fourth extension portion 252e is located outside the second groove 34b. The fourth extension portion 252e is located on the other side of the axial direction than the second groove 34b. The shape of the fourth extension portion 252e is the same as that of the second extension portion 52b, except that it is reversed in the axial and circumferential directions. The fourth extension portion 252e has a fourth inclined portion 252j. The fourth inclined portion 252j is located on the circumferential side (+θ1 side) as it faces the other side of the axial direction. The fourth extension portion 252e has a fourth connected portion 252k that includes the end of the fourth extension portion 252e on the other side of the axial direction.

[0117] The first connected portion 51k of the first conductor 251, similar to the stator 20 described above, is connected by welding to the second connected portion 52k of the second conductor 252 located on one circumferential side (+θ1 side) of the first conductor 251. The third connected portion 251k of the first conductor 251 is connected by welding to the fourth connected portion 252k of the second conductor 252 located on the other circumferential side (+θ2 side) of the first conductor 251. The third connected portion 251k and the fourth connected portion 252k are interconnected in the same manner as the interconnected first connected portion 51k and second connected portion 52k, except that they are reversed in the circumferential and axial directions. Therefore, similar to the interconnected first connected portion 51k and second connected portion 52k, the third connected portion 251k and the fourth connected portion 252k can be connected in a manner that does not extend axially. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the conductor connector 241 from growing to the other side (-Y side) in the axial direction, and to make the stator 220 smaller in the axial direction.

[0118] The first conductor 251 differs from the first conductor 51 of the stator 20 in that it does not have a first connecting portion 51c. The second conductor 252 differs from the second conductor 52 of the stator 20 in that it does not have a second connecting portion 52c. In the stator 220, the portions corresponding to the first connecting portion 51c and the portions corresponding to the second connecting portion 52c of the stator 20 are respectively composed of a third extension portion 251e and a fourth extension portion 252e that are interconnected. The other structures of the stator 220 are the same as those of the stator 20.

[0119] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Other structures and methods can be employed within the scope of the technical concept of this invention. The first direction can be any direction as long as it is inclined relative to the axial direction. The second direction can be any direction as long as it is inclined relative to both the axial direction and the first direction. For example, the first direction can also be circumferential relative to the central axis J. In this case, the second direction can also be radial relative to the central axis J. The second weld portion can be positioned arbitrarily as long as it is located on the axial side of the end opposite to the axial direction of the first weld portion. The second weld portion can also have a portion positioned axially at the same location as the first weld portion. The second weld portion can also be connected to the first weld portion. Multiple first weld portions can also be provided. Multiple second weld portions can also be provided. The conductor connector can also have a third weld portion that joins the first connected portion and the second connected portion. The third weld portion can also join the portion of the first connected portion facing the second direction to the portion of the second connected portion facing the second direction. The third weld portion can, for example, be manufactured in the first welding process of manufacturing the first weld portion. The third welding part may also be configured such that the first connected part and the second connected part are sandwiched between the first welding part in a second direction. Multiple third welding parts may also be provided.

[0120] The coating removal process can also be a process of removing the coating by methods other than laser irradiation. For example, the coating removal process can be a process of using a mold to cut off the coating. It can be that one of the first welding process and the second welding process does not include pinhole welding, or neither the first welding process nor the second welding process includes pinhole welding. A welding process that does not include pinhole welding can, for example, weld the first connected portion to the second connected portion by heat conduction welding. At least one of the first welding process and the second welding process can also be a welding process that includes welding other than laser welding. That is, the first weld portion and the second weld portion can also be produced by welding other than laser welding. The aforementioned third weld portion can be produced by laser welding, or by welding other than laser welding. Examples of welding other than laser welding include, for example, arc welding. The removal process only needs to remove a portion of the first deformed portion and a portion of the second deformed portion, and can also be a process of removing a portion of the first deformed portion and a portion of the second deformed portion by methods other than cutting. For example, the removal process can be a process of removing a portion of the first deformed portion and a portion of the second deformed portion by grinding.

[0121] Rotary electric motors can be mounted on vehicles for purposes other than rotating axles, or on equipment outside of vehicles. Rotary electric motors can also be generators. Furthermore, they can combine the functions of both motors and generators.

[0122] Alternatively, this technology can adopt the following structure.

[0123] (1) A stator comprising: a stator core in the form of an annulus surrounding a central axis, having a first slot and a second slot; and a conductor connector having a first conductor and a second conductor, the first conductor having: a first straight portion passing axially through the first slot; and a first extension portion connected to an axial end of the first straight portion and located outside the first slot; the second conductor having: a second straight portion passing axially through the second slot; and a second extension portion connected to an axial end of the second straight portion and located outside the second slot; the first extension portion having a first connected portion including an axial end of the first extension portion; and the second extension portion having a first connected portion including an axial end of the second extension portion. The conductor connector has a second connected portion at one end of the first connected portion on the axial side, the first connected portion and the second connected portion being arranged in a first direction inclined relative to the axial direction and connected to each other, the conductor connector having: a first welding portion that joins the first connected portion and the second connected portion; and a second welding portion located on the axial side of the end of the first welding portion on the other side of the axial direction, joining the first connected portion and the second connected portion, wherein when the direction inclined relative to both the axial direction and the first direction is set as the second direction, the first welding portion joins the portion of the first connected portion facing the second direction to the portion of the second connected portion facing the second direction.

[0124] (2) The stator according to (1), wherein the first direction is radial relative to the central axis, the second direction is circumferential relative to the central axis, the first extension has a first inclined portion located on one side of the circumferential direction as it faces one side of the axial direction, the second extension has a second inclined portion located on the other side of the circumferential direction as it faces one side of the axial direction, the second connected portion is located radially outside the first connected portion, and the first welded portion joins the portion of the first connected portion facing the other side of the circumferential direction to the portion of the second connected portion facing the other side of the circumferential direction.

[0125] (3) The stator according to (1) or (2), wherein the first conductor has: a first base material portion having conductivity; and a first covering portion covering a portion of the surface of the first base material portion, the second conductor has: a second base material portion having conductivity; and a second covering portion covering a portion of the surface of the second base material portion, the first base material portion having a first exposed portion exposed from the first covering portion, the second base material portion having a second exposed portion exposed from the second covering portion, the first extension portion having a first inclined portion extending in a direction inclined relative to the axial direction, the second extension portion having a second inclined portion extending in a direction inclined relative to the axial direction, the first exposed portion including a portion of the first inclined portion and the first connected portion, the second exposed portion including a portion of the second inclined portion and the second connected portion, wherein at least a portion of the first inclined portion included in the first exposed portion and the portion of the second inclined portion included in the second exposed portion overlap each other when viewed along the first direction.

[0126] (4) The stator according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the first conductor has: a first base material portion having conductivity; and a first covering portion covering a portion of the surface of the first base material portion, the first base material portion having a first exposed portion exposed from the first covering portion, the first exposed portion including the first connected portion, the arithmetic mean roughness of the surface of the first exposed portion being greater than the arithmetic mean roughness of the surface of the first covering portion.

[0127] (5) The stator according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein a cutting surface is provided on the end face of the first connected part on the axial side, the cutting surface having a fracture mark indicating that the cutting direction is the first direction.

[0128] (6) The stator according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the first connected portion and the second connected portion are covered with resin.

[0129] (7) A rotating electric motor having: a stator as described in any one of (1) to (6); and a rotor that is opposed to the stator by a gap.

[0130] (8) A drive device comprising: (7) the rotary motor; and a power transmission unit connected to the rotor.

[0131] (9) A method for manufacturing a stator, the stator having a stator core and a conductor connector, the stator core being annular around a central axis and having a first groove and a second groove, the conductor connector having a first conductor and a second conductor, wherein the first conductor is made of a first conductor material and the second conductor is made of a second conductor material, the manufacturing method comprising the following steps: a deformation step, deforming the first conductor material and the second conductor material; a first welding step, joining the first conductor material and the second conductor material together by welding; a removal step, removing a portion of the first conductor material and a portion of the second conductor material to produce the first conductor and the second conductor; and a second welding step, joining the first conductor and the second conductor together by welding, the deformation step comprising the following: deforming at least a portion of the portion of the first conductor material passing axially through the first groove located on the axial side of the first groove to produce a first deformed portion; deforming at least a portion of the portion of the second conductor material passing axially through the second groove located on the axial side of the second groove to produce a first deformed portion. The first welding process includes: welding a portion of the first deformable portion and a portion of the second deformable portion arranged in a first direction inclined relative to the axial direction to form a first welded portion that joins the portion of the first deformable portion and the portion of the second deformable portion together; the removal process includes: removing a portion of the first deformable portion located on one side of the axial direction from a first position away from the end on the other side of the axial direction of the first welded portion to form the first conductor; and removing a portion of the second deformable portion located on one side of the axial direction from a second position away from the end on the other side of the axial direction of the first welded portion to form the second conductor; the first conductor has: a first straight portion that passes through the first groove axially; and a first extension portion connected to the end on one side of the axial direction of the first straight portion and located outside the first groove; the second conductor has: a second straight portion that passes through the second groove axially.The second extension is connected to the axial side end of the second straight portion and located outside the second groove. The first extension has a first connected portion including the axial side end of the first extension, and the second extension has a second connected portion including the axial side end of the second extension. The second welding process includes welding a portion of the first connected portion located on an axial side closer to the axial side of the end of the first welded portion to a portion of the second connected portion located on an axial side closer to the axial side of the end of the second welded portion, thereby creating a second welded portion that joins the first connected portion and the second connected portion. When the direction inclined relative to both the axial direction and the first direction is set as the second direction, the first welding process includes welding a portion of the first deformed portion facing the second direction to a portion of the second deformed portion facing the second direction.

[0132] (10) The stator manufacturing method according to (9), wherein the first direction is radial relative to the central axis, the second direction is circumferential relative to the central axis, the deformation process includes: deforming a portion of the first conductor material located on the axial side of the first slot to create a first inclined portion located on the circumferential side as it faces the axial side; deforming a portion of the second conductor material located on the axial side of the second slot to create a second inclined portion located on the other circumferential side as it faces the axial side; and arranging a portion of the first deformed portion and a portion of the second deformed portion radially with the portion of the second deformed portion located radially outside the portion of the first deformed portion, the first welding process includes: joining the portion of the first deformed portion facing the other circumferential side to the portion of the second deformed portion facing the other circumferential side.

[0133] (11) A method for manufacturing a stator according to (9) or (10), wherein the method includes a covering removal step performed before the first welding step, the first conductor material and the second conductor material each having: a base material portion having conductivity; and a covering portion covering the surface of the base material portion, the deformation step comprising: deforming a portion of the first conductor material located on the axial side of the first slot to create a first inclined portion extending in a direction inclined relative to the axial direction; and deforming a portion of the second conductor material located on the axial side of the second slot to create a first inclined portion extending in a direction inclined relative to the axial direction. The covering removal process for the extended second inclined portion includes: removing the covering portion of the first conductor material that forms part of the first inclined portion and the portion of the first conductor material that forms part of the first connected portion; and removing the covering portion of the second conductor material that forms part of the second inclined portion and the portion of the second conductor material that forms part of the second connected portion. In the first welding process, when viewed along the first direction, at least a portion of the portion of the first inclined portion from which the covering portion has been removed and the portion of the second inclined portion from which the covering portion has been removed overlap each other.

[0134] (12) A method for manufacturing a stator according to any one of (9) to (11), wherein the method includes a coating removal step performed before the first welding step, wherein the first conductor material and the second conductor material each have: a base material portion having electrical conductivity; and a coating portion covering the surface of the base material portion, the coating removal step comprising: removing a portion of the coating portion of the first conductor material and a portion of the coating portion of the second conductor material by irradiating with a laser.

[0135] (13) A method for manufacturing a stator according to any one of (9) to (12), wherein the first welding step comprises: irradiating a laser toward the portion of the first deformed part facing the second direction and the portion of the second deformed part facing the second direction in a direction inclined at more than 30° relative to the axial direction to perform laser welding.

[0136] (14) A method for manufacturing a stator according to any one of (9) to (13), wherein the first welding step comprises: irradiating a laser toward the portion of the first deformed portion facing the second direction and the portion of the second deformed portion facing the second direction in a direction inclined relative to the axial direction to perform laser welding.

[0137] (15) A method for manufacturing a stator according to any one of (9) to (14), wherein the removal process comprises: cutting off the first deformed portion at the first position along the first direction; and cutting off the second deformed portion at the second position along the first direction.

[0138] (16) A method for manufacturing a stator according to any one of (9) to (15), wherein the second welding step comprises: irradiating a laser onto the axial side of the first connected portion and the axial side of the second connected portion in a direction inclined relative to the axial direction toward the first direction to perform laser welding.

[0139] (17) A method for manufacturing a stator according to any one of (9) to (16), wherein at least one of the first welding step and the second welding step includes the following: irradiating the boundary between the first connected portion and the second connected portion with a laser to perform pinhole welding.

[0140] The structures and methods described above can be appropriately combined within a range that do not contradict each other.

Claims

1. A stator having: The stator core is annular, surrounding a central axis, and has a first slot and a second slot; and A conductor connector having a first conductor and a second conductor, The first conductor has: A first straight section, which passes axially through the first groove; and The first extension, which is connected to the end of the first straight portion on one axial side, is located outside the first groove. The second conductor has: The second straight section passes axially through the second groove; and The second extension, which is connected to the end of the second straight portion on one axial side, is located outside the second groove. The first extension has a first connected portion including an end portion on one axial side of the first extension. The second extension has a second connected portion including an end portion on one axial side of the second extension. The first connected portion and the second connected portion are arranged in a first direction inclined relative to the axial direction and are connected to each other. The conductor connector has: A first welding portion joins the first connected portion to the second connected portion, temporarily fixing the first connected portion and the second connected portion; and The second weld portion, located axially to one side of the end opposite to the first weld portion, joins the first connected portion to the second connected portion and formally fixes the first connected portion and the second connected portion. When the direction inclined relative to both the axial direction and the first direction is set as the second direction, the first welded portion joins the portion of the first connected portion facing the second direction with the portion of the second connected portion facing the second direction.

2. The stator according to claim 1, wherein, The first direction is radial relative to the central axis. The second direction is the circumferential direction relative to the central axis. The first extension has a first inclined portion located on one circumferential side as it moves toward one axial side. The second extension has a second inclined portion that is located on the other side of the circumference as it moves toward one axial side. The second connected portion is located radially outside the first connected portion. The first welded portion joins the portion of the first connected portion facing the other side of the circumference with the portion of the second connected portion facing the other side of the circumference.

3. The stator according to claim 1, wherein, The first conductor has: The first base material portion is conductive; and The first covering portion covers a portion of the surface of the first base material portion. The second conductor has: The second base material portion is conductive; and The second covering portion covers a portion of the surface of the second base material portion. The first base material portion has a first exposed portion that protrudes from the first covering portion. The second base material portion has a second exposed portion that protrudes from the second covering portion. The first extension has a first inclined portion extending in a direction inclined relative to the axial direction. The second extension has a second inclined portion extending in a direction inclined relative to the axial direction. The first exposed portion includes a portion of the first inclined portion and the first connected portion. The second exposed portion includes a portion of the second inclined portion and the second connected portion. When viewed along the first direction, at least a portion of the first inclined portion included in the first exposed portion and a portion of the second inclined portion included in the second exposed portion overlap each other.

4. The stator according to claim 1, wherein, The first conductor has: The first base material portion is conductive; and The first covering portion covers a portion of the surface of the first base material portion. The first base material portion has a first exposed portion that protrudes from the first covering portion. The first exposed portion includes the first connected portion. The arithmetic mean roughness of the surface of the first exposed portion is greater than the arithmetic mean roughness of the surface of the first covered portion.

5. The stator according to claim 1, wherein, A cutting surface is provided on the end face of the first connected part on one side of the axial direction, and the cutting surface has a fracture mark indicating that the cutting direction is the first direction.

6. The stator according to claim 1, wherein, The first connected portion and the second connected portion are covered with resin.

7. A rotary electric motor, comprising: The stator according to any one of claims 1 to 6; and The rotor is positioned opposite the stator with a gap between them.

8. A driving device comprising: The rotary motor of claim 7; and A power transmission unit, which is connected to the rotor.

9. A method for manufacturing a stator, the stator having a stator core and a conductor connector, the stator core being annular around a central axis and having a first slot and a second slot, the conductor connector having a first conductor and a second conductor, wherein, The first conductor is made of a first conductor material. The second conductor is made of a second conductor material. The manufacturing method includes the following steps: The deformation process deforms the first conductor material and the second conductor material. The first welding process involves joining the first conductor material and the second conductor material together through welding. The removal process removes a portion of the first conductor material and a portion of the second conductor material to produce the first conductor and the second conductor; and The second welding process involves joining the first conductor and the second conductor together through welding. The deformation process includes the following: A first deformed portion is created by deforming at least a portion of the first conductor material that is axially passing through the first groove and located on the axial side of the first groove. A second deformed portion is created by deforming at least a portion of the second conductor material that is located on the axial side of the second groove, which is in a state of passing through the second groove along the axial direction. as well as A portion of the first deformable portion and a portion of the second deformable portion are arranged in a first direction inclined relative to the axial direction. The first welding process includes the following: by welding a portion of the first deformed portion and a portion of the second deformed portion, which are arranged in the first direction, to each other, a first welded portion is formed by joining the portion of the first deformed portion and the portion of the second deformed portion together. The removal process includes the following: The first conductor is fabricated by removing the portion of the first deformed portion located on one side of the axial direction from the end on the other side of the axial direction of the first welded portion; and The second conductor is produced by removing the portion of the second deformed portion located on one side of the axial direction from the end on the other side of the axial direction of the first welded portion. The first conductor has: A first straight section, which passes axially through the first groove; and The first extension, which is connected to the end of the first straight portion on one axial side, is located outside the first groove. The second conductor has: The second straight section passes axially through the second groove; and The second extension, which is connected to the end of the second straight portion on one axial side, is located outside the second groove. The first extension has a first connected portion including an end portion on one axial side of the first extension. The second extension has a second connected portion including an end portion on one axial side of the second extension. The second welding process includes the following: welding a portion of the first connected portion located on one axial side of the end opposite to the axial side of the first welded portion to a portion of the second connected portion located on one axial side of the end opposite to the axial side of the first welded portion, thereby creating a second welded portion that joins the first connected portion and the second connected portion together. When the direction inclined relative to both the axial direction and the first direction is defined as the second direction, the first welding process includes the following: joining the portion of the first deformed part facing the second direction with the portion of the second deformed part facing the second direction.

10. The method for manufacturing a stator according to claim 9, wherein, The first direction is radial relative to the central axis. The second direction is the circumferential direction relative to the central axis. The deformation process includes the following: The portion of the first conductor material located on the axial side relative to the first groove is deformed to create a first inclined portion on the circumferential side as it moves toward the axial side. The portion of the second conductor material located on the axial side of the second groove is deformed to create a second inclined portion on the circumferential side as it moves toward the axial side. as well as A portion of the first deformable portion and a portion of the second deformable portion are arranged radially with the portion of the second deformable portion located radially outside the portion of the first deformable portion. The first welding process includes the following: joining the portion of the first deformed part facing the other side of the circumference with the portion of the second deformed part facing the other side of the circumference.

11. The method for manufacturing a stator according to claim 9, wherein, The manufacturing method includes a coating removal process performed before the first welding process. The first conductor material and the second conductor material each have: The base material is conductive; and The covering portion covers the surface of the base material portion. The deformation process includes the following: Deform the portion of the first conductor material located on the axial side relative to the first groove to create a first inclined portion extending in a direction inclined relative to the axial direction; and The portion of the second conductor material located on the axial side relative to the second groove is deformed to create a second inclined portion extending in a direction inclined relative to the axial direction. The coating removal process includes the following steps: Remove the covering portion of the first conductor material that forms part of the first inclined portion and the portion of the first conductor material that forms the first connected portion; as well as Remove the covering portion of the second conductor material that forms part of the second inclined portion and the portion of the second conductor material that forms the second connected portion. In the first welding process, when viewed along the first direction, at least a portion of the portion of the first inclined portion where the covering portion has been removed and the portion of the second inclined portion where the covering portion has been removed overlap each other.

12. The method for manufacturing a stator according to claim 9, wherein, The manufacturing method includes a coating removal process performed before the first welding process. The first conductor material and the second conductor material each have: The base material is conductive; and The covering portion covers the surface of the base material portion. The coating removal process includes the following steps: removing a portion of the coating of the first conductor material and a portion of the coating of the second conductor material by irradiating with a laser.

13. The method for manufacturing a stator according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein, The first welding process includes the following: laser welding is performed by irradiating the portion of the first deformed part facing the second direction and the portion of the second deformed part facing the second direction with a laser at an angle of more than 30° relative to the axial direction.

14. The method for manufacturing a stator according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein, The first welding process includes the following: laser welding is performed by irradiating the portion of the first deformed part facing the second direction and the portion of the second deformed part facing the second direction with a laser in a direction inclined relative to the axial direction towards the first direction.

15. The method for manufacturing a stator according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein, The removal process includes the following: Cut the first deformed portion at the first location along the first direction; and The second deformed portion is cut off at the second position along the first direction.

16. The method for manufacturing a stator according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein, The second welding process includes the following: laser welding is performed by irradiating the axial side of the first connected part and the axial side of the second connected part with a laser in a direction inclined relative to the axial direction towards the first direction.

17. The method for manufacturing a stator according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein, At least one of the first welding process and the second welding process includes the following: irradiating the boundary between the first connected portion and the second connected portion with a laser to perform pinhole welding.

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