Rotor

Abstract

To provide a rotor capable of sufficiently increasing the force of pressing an end plate against a rotor core.SOLUTION: A rotor 10 includes a rotor shaft 1, a rotor core 2, and an end plate 3. The end plate 3 includes: a first member 31 that contacts an end face; a second member 32 that is disposed to face the first member 31 in an axial direction at a position farther from the rotor core 2 than the first member 31; a flow path space 30 that is formed between the first member 31 and the second member 32, through which a liquid can flow; and a chamber part 34 that is a part of the flow path space 30 and placed at a radially outer part of the end plate 3 and stores the liquid.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a rotor having an end plate. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, rotors equipped with end plates are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 discloses a rotor including a rotor shaft extending along the axial direction, a rotor core, two end surface members contacting the axial end of the rotor core, and a collar contacting the end surface of the end surface member on the opposite side of the rotor core in the axial direction. In Patent Document 1, the rotor shaft includes a flange portion extending radially on one end side in the axial direction, and the end surface member, rotor core, and collar are attached to the rotor shaft so that the flange portion, one end surface member, rotor core, other end surface member, and collar are arranged in this order along the axial direction. In addition, the end surface member and the rotor core are sandwiched between the flange portion and the collar of the rotor shaft in the axial direction, thereby restricting the axial movement of the end surface member and the rotor core. Furthermore, in Patent Document 1, the radial length of the flange portion and the radial length of the collar are smaller than the radial length of the rotor core and the radial length of the end surface member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-120425 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] It is known that, as in the rotor described in the above Patent Document 1, a pressing member such as a flange portion and a collar is provided to press the end surface member (end plate) against the rotor core, thereby increasing the force pressing the end surface member (end plate) against the rotor core. However, even if a pressing member is provided, there is a problem in that the force pressing the end plate against the rotor core is small due to the small pressing force of the pressing member. Therefore, there is a demand for a sufficiently large force pressing the end plate against the rotor core.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one object of the present invention is to provide a rotor that can sufficiently increase the force pressing the end plates against the rotor core. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a rotor in one aspect of the present invention comprises a rotor shaft rotatable about an axis, a rotor core, and an end plate arranged to contact an axial end face of the rotor core, the end plate including a first member contacting the end face, a second member arranged axially opposite the first member at a position farther from the rotor core than the first member, a flow path space formed between the first member and the second member through which liquid can flow, and a chamber portion for storing liquid that is part of the flow path space and is provided on the radially outer portion of the end plate.

[0008] As described above, the rotor according to one aspect of the present invention includes a rotor shaft rotatable about an axis, a rotor core, and an end plate arranged to contact an axial end face of the rotor core, the end plate including a first member in contact with the end face, a second member arranged to face the first member in the axial direction at a position farther from the rotor core than the first member, a flow passage space formed between the first member and the second member through which liquid can flow, and a chamber portion for storing liquid, which is a part of the flow passage space and is provided in a radially outer portion of the end plate. As a result, the liquid in the chamber portion is pressed radially outward by centrifugal force due to the rotation of the rotor, but the liquid stored at the radially outer end of the chamber portion cannot flow radially outward from the chamber portion and collides with the first member or the second member constituting the radially outer end of the chamber portion. Therefore, the radially outward force acting on the liquid stored at the radially outer end of the chamber portion is converted into an axial force. As a result, when the rotor rotates, an axial force acting on the liquid accumulated at the radially outer end of the chamber generates a force pressing the first member of the end plate in contact with the rotor core toward the rotor core, making it possible to sufficiently increase the force pressing the end plate against the rotor core. Also, as a result, when a pressing member is provided to press the end plate toward the rotor core, even if the force of the pressing member is small, this is compensated for by the force pressing the first member of the end plate in contact with the rotor core toward the rotor core, making it possible to sufficiently increase the force pressing the end plate against the rotor core.

[0009] In the rotor according to the above aspect, preferably, at least one of the first member and the second member includes an external communication hole portion that performs at least one of supplying liquid to the flow path space and discharging liquid from the flow path space, and the chamber portion is located radially outward from the external communication hole portion.

[0010] With this configuration, by providing the chamber portion radially outward from the external communication hole portion, when liquid is supplied through the external communication hole portion, the supplied liquid can be stored in the chamber portion located radially outward where the centrifugal force is greater, so that a force pressing the end plate toward the rotor core can be reliably generated. Also, when liquid is discharged through the external communication hole portion, after a sufficient amount of liquid has been stored in the chamber portion located radially outward where the centrifugal force is greater, further supplied liquid can be discharged to the outside, so that a force pressing the end plate toward the rotor core can be reliably generated.

[0011] In the rotor according to the above aspect, preferably, the rotor core includes a rotor core flow passage extending in the axial direction and allowing liquid to flow, the first member includes an external communication hole portion communicating the flow passage space with the rotor core flow passage, and the chamber portion is located radially outward from the external communication hole portion and is arranged in a circular ring shape.

[0012] With this configuration, when liquid is stored in the chamber portion, further supplied liquid flows into the rotor core flow path through the external communication hole portion. This allows the rotor core to be cooled by the liquid flowing into the rotor core flow path. As a result, the rotor core can be cooled using the liquid for pressing the end plates toward the rotor core, so that the end plates can be pressed toward the rotor core at the radially outer end portion during rotation of the rotor, and the rotor core can be cooled. In addition, since the chamber portion can be provided over the entire outer periphery of the end plates, liquid can be stored over the entire outer periphery of the end plates. As a result, a force can be generated over the entire outer periphery of the end plates during rotation of the rotor, so that a contact state between the end plates and the rotor core can be effectively maintained.

[0013] In the rotor according to the aforementioned aspect, the first member is preferably configured to be movable in the axial direction while maintaining a state of contact with the second member.

[0014] With this configuration, the first member can move in the axial direction while maintaining contact with the second member, so that the contact state between the end plate and the rotor core can be maintained. Also, because the first member can move while maintaining contact with the second member, it is possible to prevent liquid from flowing radially outward due to a gap being formed as a result of the first member and the second member moving away from each other.

[0015] In the rotor according to the above aspect, the following configuration is also possible.

[0016] (Additional note 1) In the above-mentioned configuration in which the end plate includes a chamber portion, it is preferable that the liquid flowing radially outward collides with the radial inner end surface of the chamber portion, causing the liquid to press the first member toward the rotor core.

[0017] With this configuration, the liquid flowing radially outward collides with the radial inner end surface of the chamber portion, thereby converting the radially outward force into an axially directed force, making it easy to generate a force pressing the end plate toward the rotor core.

[0018] (Additional note 2) In the above-mentioned configuration in which the end plate includes the chamber portion, it is preferable that a seal member be included that seals a contact portion where the first member and the second member contact each other in the radial direction.

[0019] With this configuration, the portion where the first member and the second member contact each other is sealed by the sealing member, thereby effectively preventing liquid from flowing to the outside through the portion where the first member and the second member contact each other.

[0020] (Additional note 3) In a configuration in which the above-mentioned end plate includes a chamber portion, preferably, the first member has a step portion formed at its radially outer end portion, the step portion having an axial length smaller than other portions, and the second member is configured to contact the radially outer peripheral surface of the first member that forms the step portion, and the axially end face that forms the step portion.

[0021] With this configuration, the first member can be arranged up to the radially outer end by contacting the end surfaces of the first member and the second member in the axial direction. In addition, the second member is configured to contact the outer peripheral surface of the first member on the radial side that forms the step portion and the end surface on the axial side that forms the step portion, so that the second member can be brought into contact with the step portion of the first member that has a small axial length. This makes it possible to reduce the axial length of the entire end plate, which is the sum of the axial length of the first member and the axial length of the second member, compared to when the first member does not have a step portion. As a result, it is possible to prevent the axial length of the entire rotor from becoming large.

[0022] (Additional note 4) In a configuration in which the above-mentioned end plate includes a chamber portion, the second member preferably includes an inner circumferential end surface portion that contacts the outer circumferential end surface of the first member in the radial direction, and an axial end surface portion that is integrally formed with the inner circumferential end surface portion and faces the first member in the axial direction.

[0023] With this configuration, the inner peripheral end face portion can form the radially outer surface of the chamber portion, so that the liquid flowing in the radial direction can be collided with and changed into a force in the axial direction. Also, since the axial end face portion and the inner peripheral end face portion are integrally formed, unlike when they are formed separately, a gap is formed in the chamber portion, and leakage of the liquid can be suppressed.

[0024] (Additional note 5) In the above-mentioned configuration in which the rotor core includes a rotor core flow passage, the external communication hole portion is preferably provided in the first member of the end plate, and is configured to be inclined radially outwardly toward the rotor core.

[0025] With this configuration, since the external communication hole portion is inclined, the external communication hole portion has an inclined surface, so that liquid flowing radially outward can be made to flow more easily into the rotor core flow passage. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a rotating electric machine including a rotor according to an embodiment, viewed from the axial direction; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are views showing a first member, in which (A) is a view of the first member seen from the Z1 side, and (B) is a view of the first member seen from the Z2 side. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a view of the second member as seen from the Z2 side. [Figure 6] 1A and 1B show the positions of rotor core flow passages, where FIG. 1A shows an example in which the flow passages are provided at a position away from the magnets, and FIG. 1B shows an example in which the flow passages are provided adjacent to the magnets. [Figure 7] 5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining forces acting on a rotor in the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a rotor in a first modified example. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a rotor in a second modified example. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a rotor in a third modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a rotor in a fourth modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0028] 1 to 7, a rotor 10 according to this embodiment that is provided in a rotating electric machine 100 will be described. As an example, the rotating electric machine 100 is used as a motor for an automobile.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, the rotating electric machine 100 includes a rotor 10 and a stator 20. The rotor 10 and the stator 20 face each other in the radial direction. Specifically, the rotor 10 is disposed on the radial inside (R2 direction side) of the stator 20. That is, the rotating electric machine 100 of this embodiment is configured as an inner rotor type rotating electric machine. In this application, the axial direction in which the rotation center axis C extends is defined as the Z direction. The radial direction of the rotor 10 and the stator 20 is defined as the R direction, the radial outer side is defined as the R1 side, and the radial inner side is defined as the R2 side. Furthermore, the circumferential direction of the rotor 10 and the stator 20 is defined as the r direction.

[0030] The rotating electric machine 100 is configured as an interior permanent magnet motor (IPM motor). A plurality of permanent magnets form a plurality of magnetic poles arranged circumferentially.

[0031] (Rotor configuration) 2, the rotor 10 includes a rotor shaft 1, a rotor core 2, an end plate 3, a seal member 4, a fixing member 5, and a liquid discharge plate 6. In the rotor 10, the end plate 3, the rotor core 2, the liquid discharge plate 6, and the fixing member 5 are arranged in this order along the axial direction and attached to the rotor shaft 1.

[0032] (Rotor shaft configuration) The rotor shaft 1 is an axial portion that serves as the center of rotation of the rotating electric machine 100. The rotor shaft 1 is formed in a cylindrical (annular) shape when viewed from the axial direction. As an example, the rotor shaft 1 is formed from steel. The rotor shaft 1 extends in the axial direction (Z direction) along a central rotation axis C. The rotor shaft 1 is rotatable around the axis (central rotation axis).

[0033] The rotor shaft 1 includes a main body portion 11, a hollow portion 12, a connecting flow passage 13, and a flange portion 14. The rotor shaft 1 includes the main body portion 11, the hollow portion 12, the connecting flow passage 13, and the flange portion 14, which are integrally configured.

[0034] The main body 11 is a cylindrical portion extending in the axial direction. The rotor core 2, the end plates 3, and the liquid discharge plate 6 are attached so as to be in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the main body 11. The axial length of the main body 11 is greater than the sum of the axial length of the end plates 3 and the axial length of the rotor core 2.

[0035] The hollow portion 12 is a hole provided on the inner periphery side of the main body portion 11. The hollow portion 12 extends in the axial direction along the central axis of rotation C. The hollow portion 12 is configured to receive liquid from a liquid supply source (not shown) in which the liquid is stored. The hollow portion 12 supplies the supplied liquid to the end plate 3. The liquid is, for example, oil. The diameter of the hollow portion 12 is smaller than the diameter of the main body portion 11. As an example, the diameter of the hollow portion 12 is larger than half the diameter of the main body portion 11. Furthermore, the main body portion 11 and the hollow portion 12 are concentric circles.

[0036] The connection flow passage 13 is a through hole for allowing the refrigerant to flow out from the hollow portion 12 to the outside of the rotor shaft 1. The connection flow passage 13 is configured by a through hole extending linearly in the radial direction (R direction). Note that, as an example, FIG. 1 shows a connection flow passage extending horizontally, but it may be inclined with respect to the radial direction. A plurality of connection flow passages 13 are provided in the circumferential direction (r direction) of the main body portion 11. As an example, eight connection flow passages 13 are provided at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction (r direction). As an example, the connection flow passage 13 has a circular shape when viewed from the radial direction. The axial length of the connection flow passage 13 is smaller than the axial length of the flow passage space 30. Liquid flows into and passes through the connection flow passage 13 due to centrifugal force.

[0037] The flange portion 14 is provided on one end side of the main body portion 11 in the axial direction. As an example, in this embodiment, the flange portion 14 is provided on the Z1 side. The flange portion 14 has an annular shape with a radial length greater than that of the main body portion 11. The flange portion 14 is a portion that protrudes radially from the main body portion 11. The flange portion 14 is configured to press the rotor core 2, the end plate 3, and the liquid discharge plate 6 in the axial direction. Specifically, the flange portion 14 and the fixing member 5 sandwich the rotor core 2, the end plate 3, and the liquid discharge plate 6 in the axial direction, thereby fixing the rotor core 2, the end plate 3, and the liquid discharge plate 6 so that they do not move in the axial direction. The flange portion 14 functions as a pressing member that presses the end plate 3 toward the rotor core 2. The flange portion 14 is arranged on the inner circumferential side (R1 side) in the radial direction, and is not arranged on the outer circumferential side (R2 side). In other words, the radial length of flange portion 14 is smaller than the radial length of rotor core 2 and the radial length of end plate 3. In detail, the radial length of flange portion 14 is smaller than half the radial length of rotor core 2 and the radial length of end plate 3. Flange portion 14 is formed integrally with main body portion 11.

[0038] (Rotor core configuration) Rotor core 2 is made of multiple electromagnetic steel plates stacked in the axial direction and is configured to allow magnetic flux to pass through. Rotor core 2 has an annular shape. Rotor core 2 also includes a shaft insertion hole 21, a rotor core flow path 22, and magnet holes 23 (see FIG. 6).

[0039] The shaft insertion hole 21 is a hole for inserting the rotor shaft 1 in the axial direction. The shaft insertion hole 21 is a through hole extending in the axial direction. The shaft insertion hole 21 is formed by laminating annular electromagnetic steel plates that form the rotor core 2 in the axial direction.

[0040] The rotor core flow passage 22 extends in the axial direction in which the liquid flows. The rotor core flow passage 22 is disposed radially on the outer circumferential side (R1 side) of the shaft insertion hole 21. The rotor core flow passage 22 is a flow passage through which liquid flows for cooling the rotor core 2. This allows the liquid to cool the permanent magnets 15 that generate heat when the rotating electric machine 100 is driven.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 6, rotor core 2 is provided with a plurality of magnet holes 23 in which permanent magnets 15 are arranged. Magnet holes 23 are arranged at predetermined angular intervals in the circumferential direction of rotor core 2. As an example, magnet holes 23 are arranged radially inward close to rotation center axis C. Magnet holes 23 penetrate rotor core 2 in the axial direction. Furthermore, resin molding is performed with permanent magnets 15 arranged in magnet holes 23, whereby magnet holes 23 are sealed so that permanent magnets 15 do not fall out. During resin molding, as an example, a nesting mold or a pin is inserted, and when the resin has solidified, the nesting mold is removed or the pin is pulled out, thereby forming rotor core flow passages 22.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 6(A), when the rotor core passage 22 is provided away from the permanent magnets 15, heat of the permanent magnets 15 is transferred to the liquid flowing in the rotor core passage 22 via the resin, thereby cooling the permanent magnets 15. Also, as shown in Fig. 6(B), when the rotor core passage 22 and the permanent magnets 15 are provided adjacent to each other, heat of the permanent magnets 15 is transferred to the liquid flowing in the rotor core passage 22, thereby cooling the permanent magnets 15. In this way, by efficiently cooling the permanent magnets 15, deterioration in the performance of the permanent magnets 15 can be suppressed.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the end plate 3 includes a first member 31 and a second member 32. The end plate 3 includes a flow path space 30 between the first member 31 and the second member 32 through which liquid can flow. The end plate 3 includes a chamber portion 34 that is a part of the flow path space 30 and is provided on the radially outer side of the end plate 3 and that stores liquid. The end plate 3 is disposed so as to contact an end face in the axial direction of the rotor core 2. The end plate 3 abuts against the flange portion 14 of the rotor shaft 1 in the axial direction. The end plate 3 is provided with a hole portion 35 for inserting the rotor shaft 1 so as to extend in the axial direction, and the inner peripheral portion of the hole portion 35 abuts against the outer peripheral portion of the rotor shaft 1. The diameter of the hole portion 35 may be the same as the diameter of the shaft insertion hole 21 of the rotor core 2, but is not necessarily the same in consideration of the balance between processing accuracy and cost. As an example, the outer diameter of the end plate 3 is the same as the outer diameter of the rotor core 2. In other words, the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the end plates 3 and the rotor shaft 1 are located at approximately the same position in the axial direction. As another example, when reducing the inertia of the rotor, the outer diameter of the end plates 3 may be smaller than (may be smaller than) the outer diameter of the rotor core 2. As one example, the end plates 3 are made of a non-magnetic material, and further as one example, are made of aluminum.

[0044] As shown in Fig. 2, the first member 31 has a flat plate shape extending in the radial direction. The first member 31 is disposed on the rotor core 2 side in the axial direction, and contacts the end face 24 of the rotor core 2. Specifically, the first member 31 contacts the end face 24 of the rotor core 2 in the axial direction. A recess 31a for attaching the seal member 4 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the first member 31 that abuts against the second member 32 in the radial direction of the first member 31. The first member 31 is configured to be movable in the axial direction while maintaining contact with the second member 32.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 4, the first member 31 has a disk shape when viewed in the axial direction. The first member 31 is provided with a plurality of external communication holes 33. As shown in Fig. 4(A) and Fig. 4(B), the external communication holes 33 are located radially outward on the Z2 side compared to the Z1 side. As a result, the external communication holes 33 are configured to incline radially outward toward the rotor core 2 (from the Z1 side to the Z2 side).

[0046] 2, the second member 32 is disposed at a position farther from the rotor core 2 than the first member 31 and so as to face the first member 31 in the axial direction. The second member 32 is provided on the opposite side of the rotor core 2 in the axial direction. The second member 32 abuts against the flange portion 14 in the axial direction. The first member 31 and the second member 32 are assembled together to form a hole 35 and a flow path space 30.

[0047] The second member 32 includes an inner peripheral end surface portion 32a that contacts the outer peripheral end surface 31b of the first member 31 in the radial direction, and an axial end surface portion 32b that is integrally formed with the inner peripheral end surface portion 32a and faces the first member 31 in the axial direction. The second member 32 has an L-shape.

[0048] The inner peripheral end surface portion 32a extends in the axial direction. The inner peripheral end surface portion 32a forms an inner end surface 32e of the chamber portion 34. The inner peripheral end surface portion 32a has an axial tip that contacts the outer peripheral end surface 31b of the first member 31 in the radial direction. The chamber portion 34 is located radially outward of the external communication hole portion 33.

[0049] The axial end surface portion 32b extends in the radial direction. In this embodiment, the radial length of the axial end surface portion 32b is approximately the same as the radial length of the first member 31.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 5, the second member 32 has a disk shape when viewed in the axial direction. A diameter d3 (inner diameter of the second member 32) of the axial end face portion 32b is slightly larger than an outer diameter d1 (see Fig. 4) of the first member 31. This allows the first member 31 to be attached to the inner peripheral portion of the second member 32. In addition, the outer diameter d2 of the second member 32 is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the rotor core 2. This allows the outer diameter of the rotor core 2 and the outer diameter of the end plate 3 to be approximately the same.

[0051] The second member 32 further includes a plurality of flow passage forming portions 32c that connect to the connection flow passage 13 of the rotor shaft 1, and a plurality of attachment portions 32d for attaching the second member 32 to the first member 31. The flow passage forming portions 32c connect an annular chamber portion 34 provided on the radially outer side to the connection flow passage 13 of the rotor shaft 1. The attachment portions 32d and the flow passage forming portions 32c are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction.

[0052] The flow passage forming portions 32c extend in the radial direction and are arranged in a plurality of numbers in the circumferential direction at predetermined angular intervals. In Fig. 5, as an example, eight flow passage forming portions 32c are arranged in the circumferential direction, but this is not limiting. The flow passage forming portions 32c are portions of the axial end surface portion 32b where the attachment portions 32d are not provided, and are also gaps between the attachment portions 32d.

[0053] The mounting portion 32d has a sector shape with a circumferential length greater on the outer circumferential side than on the inner circumferential side when viewed from the axial direction. A plurality of mounting portions 32d are arranged in the circumferential direction at predetermined angular intervals. FIG. 5 shows an example in which eight flow passage forming portions 32c are arranged in the circumferential direction, but is not limited to this. The mounting portion 32d abuts against the Z1 side surface of the first member 31. The mounting portion 32d is a portion of the axial end face portion 32b that protrudes toward the rotor core 2. The axial length (protrusion amount) of the mounting portion 32d is a value obtained by subtracting the axial length of the first member 31 from the axial length of the inner circumferential end face portion 32a.

[0054] As shown in Fig. 2, at the position where the external communication hole portion 33 and the flow path forming portion 32c are provided, the liquid is directly supplied from the rotor shaft 1. On the other hand, at the position where the external communication hole portion 33 and the flow path forming portion 32c are not provided, the liquid is not directly supplied from the rotor shaft 1, as shown in Fig. 3. In this case, since the chamber portion 34 is annular, the liquid supplied by the flow path forming portion 32c provided in other portions flows along the circumferential direction, and thus the liquid is indirectly supplied.

[0055] The first member 31 and the second member 32 are configured to be able to move relative to each other in the axial direction while maintaining a contact state. Specifically, the first member 31 and the second member 32 are configured to be able to move relative to each other in the axial direction while maintaining a state in which the inner peripheral surface of the inner peripheral end surface portion 32a of the second member 32 that constitutes the inner end surface 32e of the chamber portion 34 is in contact with the outer peripheral end surface 31b of the first member 31.

[0056] The external communication hole portion 33 of at least one of the first member 31 and the second member 32 at least one of supplies liquid to the flow path space 30 and discharges liquid from the flow path space 30. In this embodiment, the external communication hole portion 33 is provided in the first member 31, and an end of the external communication hole portion 33 on the rotor core 2 side is connected to the rotor core flow path 22. The radial length of the external communication hole portion 33 and the radial length of the rotor core flow path 22 are approximately the same. The external communication hole portion 33 discharges liquid from the end plate 3 to the rotor core flow path 22, which is the outside.

[0057] (Configuration of sealing member) 2, the seal member 4 seals the contact portion where the first member 31 and the second member 32 contact each other. Specifically, the seal member 4 is configured to seal the contact portion between the inner peripheral end face portion 32a of the second member 32 and the outer peripheral end face 31b of the first member 31. One example of the seal member 4 is an O-ring. The seal member 4 is attached to a recess 31a provided on the outer peripheral end face 31b of the first member 31 in the radial direction.

[0058] (Configuration of fixing parts) As shown in Fig. 2, the fixing member 5 is a member for fixing the rotor core 2, the end plates 3, and the liquid discharge plate 6 in the axial direction while they are in contact with each other, and is attached to the rotor shaft 1. One example of the fixing member 5 is a nut. The fixing member 5 is disposed on the radially inner side (R2 side). One example is shown in which the diameter of the fixing member is smaller than the diameter of the end plates, but it may be the same as the diameter of the end plates.

[0059] (Configuration of liquid discharge plate) 2, the liquid discharge plate 6 is disposed so as to sandwich the rotor core 2 together with the end plates 3. The liquid discharge plate 6 has a flow path 61 for discharging liquid and an insertion hole 62 into which the rotor shaft 1 is inserted. The liquid discharge plate 6 is made of, for example, a non-magnetic material. The inner and outer diameters of the liquid discharge plate 6 are approximately the same as those of the end plates 3 and the rotor core 2.

[0060] The flow path 61 is a flow path for discharging the refrigerant that has passed through the rotor core flow path 22 of the rotor core 2 to the outside of the rotor 10. As one example, the liquid discharged from the flow path 61 is configured to circulate and be supplied again to the rotor shaft 1. The flow path 61 is configured of a cylindrical through hole extending in the axial direction.

[0061] (Stator configuration) As shown in FIG. 2, the stator 20 includes a stator core 20a and a coil 20b arranged in the stator core 20a.

[0062] At both axial ends of the stator core 20a, coil end portions of the coils 20b are provided, which protrude from the stator core 20a in the axial direction. The stator core 20a is formed by laminating a plurality of electromagnetic steel plates in the axial direction, and is configured to allow magnetic flux to pass through. The coils 20b are connected to an external power supply unit, and configured to receive power (e.g., three-phase AC power). The coils 20b are configured to generate a magnetic field when power is supplied to them.

[0063] (Liquid flow) In Fig. 2, the flow of liquid is indicated by arrows. First, liquid is supplied to the hollow portion 12 of the rotor shaft 1. The liquid supplied to the rotor shaft 1 passes through the connecting flow passage 13 of the rotor shaft 1 and is supplied into the flow passage space 30 formed between the first member 31 and the second member 32. The liquid supplied to the flow passage space 30 flows from the inside to the outside in the radial direction (from the R2 side to the R1 side) and is stored in the chamber portion 34. The liquid also flows into the external communication hole portion 33 and is supplied to the rotor core flow passage 22. The refrigerant supplied to the rotor core flow passage 22 is discharged to the outside through the flow passage 61 of the liquid discharge plate 6.

[0064] (Regarding the force applied to the end plate) The force acting on the end plate 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 7, when the rotor shaft 1 rotates, a force (centrifugal force) F1 acting radially outward is applied to the liquid. Therefore, the liquid is pushed radially outward (toward R1). Furthermore, the liquid in the chamber 34 is pushed radially outward by the liquid newly supplied from the rotor shaft 1. Since the chamber 34 is configured such that the liquid does not leak outward in the axial direction by the inner circumferential end surface portion 32a of the second member 32, the liquid pushed by the force F1 collides with the inner end surface 32e of the chamber 34 formed by the inner circumferential end surface portion 32a of the second member 32. As a result, the force F1 is dispersed into an axial force F2 and a reaction force F3 of the force F2.

[0066] Furthermore, fixing force F5 applied by fixing member 5 is a force directed toward the Z1 side in the axial direction, and the application of force F5 presses rotor core 2 toward first member 31. Furthermore, force F4 directed toward the Z2 side in the axial direction is generated by flange portion 14. This makes it possible to maintain the contact state between rotor core 2 and end plate 3.

[0067] (Effects of this embodiment) In this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0068] In this embodiment, as described above, the rotor 10 includes the rotor shaft 1 rotatable about an axis, the rotor core 2, and the end plate 3 arranged to contact an axial end face of the rotor core 2, and the end plate 3 includes a first member 31 in contact with the end face, a second member 32 arranged to face the first member 31 in the axial direction at a position farther away from the rotor core 2 than the first member 31, a flow path space 30 formed between the first member 31 and the second member 32 through which liquid can flow, and a chamber portion 34 for storing liquid, which is a part of the flow path space 30 and is provided on the radially outer side of the end plate 3. As a result, the liquid in the chamber portion 34 is pressed radially outward by centrifugal force due to the rotation of the rotor 10, but the liquid stored at the radially outer end of the chamber portion 34 cannot flow radially outward from the chamber portion 34 and collides with the first member 31 or the second member 32 constituting the radially outer end of the chamber portion 34. Therefore, the radially outward force acting on the liquid accumulated at the radially outer end of the chamber portion 34 is converted into an axial force. As a result, a force pressing the first member 31 of the end plate 3 in contact with the rotor core 2 toward the rotor core 2 is generated by the axial force acting on the liquid accumulated at the radially outer end of the chamber portion 34 during rotation of the rotor 10, and the force pressing the end plate 3 against the rotor core 2 can be made sufficiently large. Furthermore, as a result, when a pressing member is provided to press the end plate 3 toward the rotor core 2, even if the force of the pressing member is small, this is compensated for by the force pressing the first member 31 of the end plate 3 in contact with the rotor core 2 toward the rotor core 2, so that the force pressing the end plate 3 against the rotor core 2 can be made sufficiently large.

[0069] In this embodiment, as described above, at least one of the first member 31 and the second member 32 includes the external communication hole portion 33 that performs at least one of supplying liquid to the flow path space 30 and discharging liquid from the flow path space 30, and the chamber portion 34 is located radially outward from the external communication hole portion 33. By providing the chamber portion 34 radially outward from the external communication hole portion 33, when liquid is supplied through the external communication hole portion 33, the supplied liquid can be stored in the chamber portion 34 located radially outward where the centrifugal force is large, so that a force pressing the end plate 3 toward the rotor core 2 can be reliably generated. Furthermore, when liquid is discharged through the external communication hole portion 33, after a sufficient amount of liquid is stored in the chamber portion 34 located radially outward where the centrifugal force is large, the supplied liquid can be further discharged to the outside, so that a force pressing the end plate 3 toward the rotor core 2 can be reliably generated.

[0070] In this embodiment, as described above, the rotor core 2 includes a rotor core flow passage extending in the axial direction and through which liquid can flow, the first member 31 includes an external communication hole portion 33 that communicates the flow passage space 30 with the rotor core flow passage 22, and the chamber portion 34 is located radially outward of the external communication hole portion 33 and is provided in an annular shape. With this, when liquid is stored in the chamber portion 34, further supplied liquid flows into the rotor core flow passage 22 through the external communication hole portion 33. With this, the rotor core 2 can be cooled by the liquid that has flowed into the rotor core flow passage 22. As a result, the rotor core 2 can be cooled using the liquid for pressing the end plate 3 toward the rotor core 2, and therefore the end plate 3 can be pressed toward the rotor core 2 at the radially outer end portion during rotation of the rotor 10, and the rotor core 2 can be cooled. In addition, since the chamber portion 34 can be provided over the entire outer periphery of the end plate 3, liquid can be stored over the entire outer periphery of the end plate 3. As a result, when the rotor 10 rotates, a force can be generated that presses the end plate 3 toward the rotor core 2 over the entire outer periphery of the end plate 3, thereby effectively maintaining contact between the end plate 3 and the rotor core 2.

[0071] In this embodiment, as described above, the first member 31 is configured to be movable in the axial direction while maintaining a contact state with the second member 32. As a result, the first member 31 is movable in the axial direction while maintaining a contact state with the second member 32, and therefore it is possible to maintain a contact state between the end plate 3 and the rotor core 2. In addition, because the first member 31 is movable while maintaining a contact state with the second member 32, it is possible to suppress the liquid from flowing radially outward due to a gap being formed as a result of the first member 31 and the second member 32 being separated from each other.

[0072] In this embodiment, as described above, the liquid flowing radially outward collides with the radial inner end surface 32e of the chamber portion 34, causing the liquid to press the first member 31 toward the rotor core 2. In this way, when the liquid flowing radially outward collides with the radial inner end surface 32e of the chamber portion 34, the radially outward force can be converted into an axial force, making it possible to easily generate a force that presses the end plate 3 toward the rotor core 2.

[0073] As described above, this embodiment includes the seal member 4 that seals the contact portion where the first member 31 and the second member 32 contact in the radial direction. As a result, the contact portion between the first member 31 and the second member 32 is sealed by the seal member 4, so that it is possible to effectively prevent liquid from flowing to the outside through the contact portion between the first member 31 and the second member 32.

[0074] In this embodiment, as described above, the second member 32 includes an inner peripheral end face portion 32a that contacts the outer peripheral end face 31b of the first member 31 in the radial direction, and an axial end face portion 32b that is formed integrally with the inner peripheral end face portion 32a and faces the first member 31 in the axial direction. This allows the inner peripheral end face portion 32a to form the radially outer surface of the chamber portion 34, so that liquid flowing in the radial direction can be collided with the liquid and changed into a force in the axial direction. In addition, since the axial end face portion 32b and the inner peripheral end face portion 32a are formed integrally, unlike when they are formed as separate bodies, it is possible to prevent a gap from being formed in the chamber portion 34 and liquid from leaking.

[0075] In this embodiment, as described above, the external communication hole 33 is provided in the first member 31 of the end plate 3, and is configured to be inclined radially outward toward the rotor core 2. With this, the external communication hole 33 is inclined, and therefore the external communication hole 33 has an inclined surface, making it easier for liquid flowing radially outward to flow into the rotor core flow path 22.

[0076] [Variations] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not by the description of the embodiments above, and further includes all modifications (variations) within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0077] For example, in the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which the rotor core flow path 22 is provided in the first member 31, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the rotor core flow path 22 does not have to be provided in the first member 31. In this case, as shown in Fig. 8, the external communication hole portion 33 may be provided in the second member 32, and the coolant in the chamber portion 34 may be discharged to the outside of the end plate 3.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the first member 31 has a flat plate shape extending in the radial direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, as shown in Fig. 9, the first member 31 may have a step portion 36 formed at the radial outer end portion, the step portion 36 having an axial length smaller than other portions. In this case, the second member 32 is configured to contact the radial outer peripheral surface 36a and the axial end surface 36b of the first member 31, which form the step portion 36.

[0079] 9, in the present invention, the liquid discharge plate 6 may have the same configuration as the end plate 3. In this case, the liquid discharge plate 6 includes a flow path 61, which is an external communication hole portion, a first member 63, and a second member 64. The first member 63 and the second member 64 form a chamber portion 65. In this case, the liquid discharge plate 6 may be supplied with a coolant from the rotor shaft 1, for example, or may be supplied with liquid from outside the rotating electric machine 100. The liquid discharge plate 6 is configured to maintain contact between the liquid discharge plate 6 and the rotor core 2 by liquid collecting in the chamber portion 65, similarly to the end plate 3.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the flow passages 61 of the liquid discharge plate 6 extend along the axial direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the flow passages 61 may be configured to incline from the inner periphery side to the outer periphery side in the radial direction as they move away from the rotor core 2, as shown in Fig. 10.

[0081] In the above embodiment, an example in which the seal member 4 is provided on the end plate 3 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, as shown in Fig. 11, instead of providing the seal member 4, a convex portion 37 may be provided on the radial outer circumferential end face 31b of the first member 31, a concave portion 38 may be provided on the corresponding radial inner face of the second member 32, and the convex portion 37 may be fitted into the concave portion 38 to provide sealing. In this case, the convex portion 37 may be configured to be smaller than the concave portion 38, and a gap may be provided that allows movement in the axial direction, thereby allowing the first member 31 and the second member 32 to be movable relative to each other.

[0082] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which liquid is supplied from the rotor shaft 1 to the end plate 3, but the present invention is not limited to this. Liquid may be supplied from a liquid supply source external to the rotating electric machine to the inside of the end plate through the external communication hole. In this case, the external communication hole is used to supply the liquid. Furthermore, the external communication hole is provided in the second member.

[0083] In the above embodiment, the external communication hole 33 is configured to discharge liquid to the outside, but the present invention is not limited to this. The external communication hole 33 may be configured to discharge liquid to the outside and supply liquid to the inside. For example, the external communication hole 33 may be used to supply liquid when the rotor is rotating and to discharge liquid when the rotor is stopped. In this case, the second member may be provided with an external communication hole that serves both as a supply hole and a discharge hole.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the end plate 3 includes the first member 31 and the second member 32, but the present invention is not limited to this. The end plate 3 may include a third member in addition to the first member and the second member. In this case, the third member may be configured to divide the chamber portion in the axial direction.

[0085] In the above embodiment, the external communication hole portions 33 and the flow path forming portions 32c are arranged at equal angular intervals, but the present invention is not limited to this. The external communication hole portions and the flow path forming portions may be arranged irregularly.

[0086] Furthermore, the combination of the end plate 3 and the liquid discharging plate 6 shown in the above embodiment and modified example is just one example, and for example, the end plate of the embodiment may be combined with the liquid discharging plate of the modified example.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the permanent magnet 15 is disposed on the inner periphery side close to the central axis C of rotation, but the present invention is not limited to this. The permanent magnet may be disposed on the outer periphery side away from the central axis C of rotation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1 rotor shaft 2 Rotor core 3 End Plate 10 Rotor 21 Shaft insertion hole 22 Rotor core flow passage 24 End face 30 Flow passage space 31 First member 32 Second member 33 External communication hole 34 Chamber section 35 Hole

Claims

1. A rotor shaft rotatable about an axis; A rotor core; an end plate arranged to contact an axial end surface of the rotor core, The end plate is A first member in contact with the end surface; a second member disposed at a position farther from the rotor core than the first member so as to face the first member in the axial direction; A flow path space formed between the first member and the second member, through which a liquid can flow; a chamber portion that is a part of the flow path space and is provided on a radially outer side of the end plate, and that stores the liquid.

2. At least one of the first member and the second member includes an external communication hole portion that performs at least one of supplying the liquid to the flow path space and discharging the liquid from the flow path space, The rotor according to claim 1 , wherein the chamber portion is located radially outward of the external communication hole portion.

3. The rotor core includes a rotor core flow path extending in the axial direction and through which the liquid can flow, the first member includes an external communication hole portion that communicates the flow passage space with the rotor core flow passage, The rotor according to claim 1 , wherein the chamber portion is located radially outward of the external communication hole portion and is provided in an annular shape.

4. The rotor according to claim 1 , wherein the first member is configured to be movable in the axial direction while maintaining a contact state with the second member.

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