Rotary electric machine and method for manufacturing rotary electric machine

JP2026000651APending Publication Date: 2026-01-06MAZDA MOTOR CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024098108
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-06-18
Publication Date
2026-01-06

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Abstract

To efficiently perform both connection work of terminals in a terminal strip and connection work of connectors in a sensor by using a common service hole provided in a housing in a rotary electric machine.SOLUTION: The rotary electric machine includes a terminal strip that holds terminals electrically connected to the stator, and a housing that houses the stator and the terminal strip. The housing is formed by combining a first housing and a second housing. The first housing holds a terminal strip, a first sensor, a first wiring, and a first connector. The second housing holds an external connector, a second wire, and a second connector. The second housing has a service hole for exposing the terminal strip from the outside of the housing when the first housing and the second housing are combined. The first connector and the second connector correspond to each other. The first connector is arranged at a position that can be seen from the outside of the housing through the service hole when the first housing and the second housing are combined.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a rotating electric machine and a method for manufacturing the rotating electric machine. [Background technology]

[0002] A rotating electric machine includes a housing that houses a stator and a terminal block that holds terminals electrically connected to the stator. When installing the rotating electric machine, it is necessary to connect the terminals in the terminal block. To facilitate the connection of the terminals in the terminal block, there is a method in which the terminal block is provided on the outer wall of the housing and exposed to the outside, as shown in Patent Documents 1 and 2, for example. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-3709 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6552671 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In addition to the above, there is a method for facilitating the work of connecting the terminals on the terminal block by housing the terminal block in a housing and providing a service hole in the housing to expose the terminal block from the outside. With this method, a worker can insert their hand or tool into the housing from the outside through the service hole to connect the terminals on the terminal block.

[0005] Rotating electric machines are usually equipped with sensors. Since the sensors are positioned according to their intended use, during assembly or installation of the rotating electric machine, it is sometimes necessary to connect wiring between the sensor and an external device that uses its output. It is desirable to connect the wiring connectors of the sensor together with the terminals of the terminal block using a common service hole.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to efficiently perform both the work of connecting terminals in a terminal block and the work of connecting connectors in a sensor in a rotating electric machine by using a common service hole provided in a housing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A rotating electric machine according to the present disclosure comprises a terminal block that holds terminals electrically connected to a stator, and a housing that accommodates the stator and the terminal block, wherein the housing is formed by combining a first housing and a second housing, the first housing holds the terminal block, a first sensor, a first wiring extending from the first sensor, and a first connector provided on the first wiring, the second housing holds an external connector that is exposed to the outside of the housing and can be connected from the outside of the housing, a second wiring extending from the external connector, and a second connector provided on the second wiring, the second housing has a service hole that allows the terminal block to be viewed from the outside of the housing when the first housing and the second housing are combined to form the housing, the first connector and the second connector are compatible and connectable to each other, and the first connector is positioned so that it can be viewed from the outside of the housing through the service hole when the first housing and the second housing are combined to form the housing.

[0008] The first housing and the second housing are combined to form a housing.

[0009] At this time, a worker outside the housing can use the service hole to connect the terminals on the terminal block.

[0010] Furthermore, a worker outside the housing can connect the second connector to the first connector using the common service hole.

[0011] This allows the first sensor to be mounted in the first housing in advance, while the external connector can be mounted in the second housing so that it is exposed to the outside, without the need to add a separate service hole for connecting the sensor wiring to a connector, and also allows the terminal connection work and the first and second connector connection work to be performed simultaneously, thereby improving the assembly efficiency of the rotating electrical machine and increasing the design freedom.

[0012] Furthermore, when power supply from outside the housing is required to operate the first sensor, the power can be supplied to the first sensor from outside the housing via the external connector, the second wiring, the second connector, the first connector, and the first wiring, thereby enabling the first sensor to be operated without performing a separate connection work to install a power line.

[0013] As described above, in a rotating electric machine, both the connection work of the terminals in the terminal block and the connection work of the first connector and second connector for operating the first sensor can be performed efficiently using a common service hole provided in the housing.

[0014] In one embodiment, the second wiring has a length that allows the second connector to be brought out to the outside of the second housing through the service hole.

[0015] The first and second housings are combined to form a housing with the second connector protruding from the outside of the second housing through the service hole. At this time, because the second connector is protruding from the outside of the housings, there is no need to provide a separate portion or jig for temporarily holding the second wiring and second connector, and the second wiring and second connector can be prevented from being pinched between the first and second housings or from interfering with internal structures of the housings, such as terminals. The first and second housings can be easily combined.

[0016] Furthermore, it becomes easier for a worker outside the housing to grasp the second connector, facilitating the work of connecting the first connector and the second connector using the service hole.

[0017] In one embodiment, the second housing holds a second sensor, and the second sensor is connected to the external connector via a third wire.

[0018] The power supply and signal transmission functions for operating both the first and second sensors can be provided by a single external connector.

[0019] In one embodiment, the terminal block is made of resin, and the first wiring extends so that the first connector is disposed on the opposite side of the terminal block from the terminal.

[0020] This can prevent the first connector from coming into contact with the terminal and causing a short circuit.

[0021] In one embodiment, the second wiring extends so that the second connector is positioned below the terminal when the first housing and the second housing are combined to form the housing.

[0022] Unless the second connector moves upward against gravity, the second connector will not come into contact with the terminals, which can prevent the second connector from coming into contact with the terminals and causing a short circuit.

[0023] In one embodiment, the first sensor is a thermometer.

[0024] The first sensor can measure the temperature of the rotating electrical machine.

[0025] In one embodiment, the second sensor is a rotational position detection sensor.

[0026] The second sensor can detect the rotational position of the rotor of the rotating electrical machine.

[0027] In one embodiment, the terminal block has a flow path through which a coolant flows.

[0028] The terminals held by the terminal block can be cooled by the refrigerant flowing through the flow path.

[0029] In one embodiment, the rotating electric machine is mounted on a vehicle.

[0030] The production efficiency of vehicles equipped with rotating electric machines can be improved.

[0031] The manufacturing method of a rotating electric machine according to the present disclosure is a method for manufacturing the above-mentioned rotating electric machine, and includes a preparation process for preparing the first housing and the second housing, an ejection process for ejecting the second connector to the outside of the second housing through the service hole, an assembly process for combining the first housing and the second housing to form the housing, and a connection process for connecting the first connector and the second connector using the service hole. [Effects of the Invention]

[0032] According to the present disclosure, in a rotating electric machine, both the work of connecting terminals in a terminal block and the work of connecting wires in a sensor can be efficiently performed using a common service hole provided in a housing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a vehicle. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the drive unit as seen from above. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a front view of the drive unit. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the structure of the motor. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows the cooling structure of the motor. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows the current supply structure between the motor and the inverter. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows an enlarged view of the current-carrying structure between the motor and the inverter. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the inverter-side terminal block as seen from above. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the inverter-side terminal block as seen from below. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the motor-side terminal block as seen from above. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the motor-side terminal block as seen from below. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a plan view showing the fixing surface of the motor block as viewed from above. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the first motor block. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the second motor block. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 shows a combination of the first motor block and the second motor block. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 shows the connection between the thermometer connector and the relay connector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description of the preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its applications, or its uses.

[0035] A rotating electric machine according to this embodiment will be described. From a functional standpoint, the rotating electric machine is an electric motor, a generator, or a dynamomotor. The rotating electric machine is suitable as a driving source for a vehicle. The rotating electric machine mainly functions as an electric motor (motor), although it also functions as a generator during regeneration. In this example, the rotating electric machine will be described as a motor.

[0036] The front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction are based on the vehicle 1. In each figure, these directions are indicated by arrows. The front-rear direction corresponds to the direction of travel of the vehicle 1. The left-right direction corresponds to the width direction of the vehicle 1. The up-down direction corresponds to the height direction of the vehicle 1.

[0037] The direction in which the rotation axis J of the drive unit DU extends is called the axial direction. The direction perpendicular to the rotation axis J is called the radial direction. The outer side in the radial direction is called the outer circumferential side. The inner side in the radial direction is called the inner circumferential side. The rotation direction of the rotation axis J and the opposite direction are called the circumferential direction.

[0038] (vehicle) 1 shows a vehicle 1. The vehicle 1 is a so-called hybrid vehicle. The vehicle 1 includes a motor 2, an engine 3, a battery 4, a joint 5, a transmission 6, and an inverter 7.

[0039] The motor 2, engine 3, joint 5, and transmission 6 are assembled together to form a drive unit DU. The drive unit DU is mounted in the front compartment 1a of the vehicle 1. The drive unit DU drives and rotates the left and right front wheels 1b. The vehicle 1 is a so-called FF vehicle.

[0040] The drive unit DU is placed transversely on the vehicle 1 so that its rotation axis J extends in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction). The engine 3 is, for example, an in-line reciprocating engine. The type and performance of the engine 3 can be selected arbitrarily.

[0041] The battery 4 is mounted under the floor panel of the vehicle 1. The battery 4 has a high voltage and a large capacity, and functions as a power source for the motor 2.

[0042] The drive unit DU includes a motor 2 and an engine 3, as well as a joint 5 and a transmission 6. The motor 2 is electrically connected to a battery 4 via an inverter 7. The motor 2 is driven by the power input from the battery 4 under the control of the inverter 7.

[0043] When the vehicle 1 is driven by the motor 2, the inverter 7 converts the DC power of the battery 4 into three-phase AC power (U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase) consisting of different phases, and inputs the AC power to the motor 2. This causes the motor 2 to rotate.

[0044] During regeneration due to deceleration of the vehicle 1, the inverter 7 converts AC power generated by the motor 2 into DC power and outputs it to the battery 4.

[0045] (Drive unit) Fig. 2 shows a plan view of the drive unit DU as seen from above. Fig. 3 shows a front view of the drive unit DU as seen from the front (from the direction of line III). Fig. 4 shows the structure of the motor 2. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the drive unit DU is constructed by assembling the motor 2, engine 3, joint 5, and transmission 6 together.

[0046] (Motor) The motor 2 includes a shaft 31, a rotor 32, a stator 33, a motor block 40, a motor housing 45, and a motor-side terminal block 50.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 4, the motor 2 is, for example, a three-phase permanent magnet synchronous motor. The shaft 31 extends in the axial direction. The rotor 32 is made of a cylindrical member including a permanent magnet. Although not shown, magnetic poles consisting of north and south poles are provided alternately on the outer periphery of the rotor 32. The shaft 31 and the rotor 32 are fixed coaxially with a rotation axis J as the center.

[0048] The stator 33 is made of a cylindrical member and is disposed coaxially with the rotor 32. An air gap is formed between the rotor 32 and the stator 33. Although not shown, the stator 33 includes a steel core and a group of three-phase coils consisting of U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase, each of which is formed by winding copper wire around the core.

[0049] 2 and 3, the motor block 40 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped block shape. More specifically, the motor block 40 is formed in a substantially square box shape, and a cavity is formed inside.

[0050] The motor block 40 is formed by combining a first motor block 150 and a second motor block 160, as will be described in detail later.

[0051] The motor housing 45 is a cylindrical metal container having a circular cross section and extending in the axial direction. The motor housing 45 is accommodated in the motor block 40.

[0052] 4, the shaft 31, rotor 32, and stator 33 are housed in a motor housing 45. The shaft 31 is rotatably supported by the motor housing 45. The shaft 31 extends horizontally in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction) so as to coincide with the rotation axis J.

[0053] 2 and 3, the right end of the shaft 31 is connected to the crankshaft of the engine 3 via a joint 5. The left end of the shaft 31 is connected to the transmission 6.

[0054] As shown in Figure 4, the outer peripheral surface of the stator 33 is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the motor housing 45. When the motor 2 is in operation, a large current flows through the stator 33. At that time, the stator 33 generates heat due to copper loss and iron loss. To cool the stator 33, a stator cooling channel 34 is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the motor housing 45 and the outer peripheral surface of the stator 33. The stator cooling channel 34 is a band-shaped channel through which a refrigerant C flows, and extends over a wide width around the entire circumference of the motor housing 45.

[0055] A mounting base 46 is disposed diagonally above the front of the motor housing 45 when viewed in the axial direction. The mounting base 46 has a flat mounting surface 47 that faces diagonally above and to the front. The mounting base 46 is formed in a rectangular shape extending tangentially to the motor housing 45. An inlet 47a and an outlet 47b are formed in the mounting surface 47. The inlet 47a and the outlet 47b are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. The inlet 47a and the outlet 47b communicate with the stator cooling passage 34. The mounting surface 47 is formed with two fastening holes 47c and two positioning holes 47d.

[0056] A partition wall 35 is provided in the stator cooling flow passage 34 at a position facing the mount 46. The partition wall 35 is disposed between the inlet 47a and the outlet 47b. The stator cooling flow passage 34 is divided by the partition wall 35. The refrigerant C introduced into the stator cooling flow passage 34 through the inlet 47a flows circumferentially through the stator cooling flow passage 34, and then is discharged to the outside through the outlet 47b.

[0057] The stator 33 is provided with three coil connection bus bars 36 corresponding to the U, V, and W phases. The coil connection bus bars 36 are ring-shaped or arc-shaped. The coil connection bus bars 36 are plate-shaped. The coil connection bus bars 36 are electrically connected to the coil groups of each phase in the stator 33. A connection piece 36a is provided on the coil connection bus bars 36 at a position facing the mounting base 46.

[0058] The motor side terminal block 50 will be described later.

[0059] (inverter) The motor 2 is electrically connected to the battery 4 via an inverter 7. As shown in FIG. 2, the inverter 7 includes a DC side connector 61, a smoothing capacitor 62, a control board 63, an inverter case 70, and an inverter side terminal block 80.

[0060] 2, the DC side connector 61 includes a positive bus bar 61a and a negative bus bar 61b. The positive bus bar 61a and the negative bus bar 61b are connected to a control board 63 via a smoothing capacitor 62. The DC side connector 61 is electrically connected to the battery 4 via a cable 8. The smoothing capacitor 62 smoothes the power.

[0061] Power semiconductors such as IGBTs or MOSFETs are mounted on the control board 63. An inverter circuit is configured on the control board 63. The control board 63 controls the power input and output to and from the motor 2.

[0062] The inverter case 70 houses the DC side connector 61, the smoothing capacitor 62, and the control board 63. The inverter case 70 has a flat shape that is thin in the up-down direction and wide in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions. The inverter case 70 is fastened to and attached to the upper part of the drive unit DU so as to straddle the rotation shaft J.

[0063] The inverter-side terminal block 80 constitutes an AC-side connector. The inverter-side terminal block 80 holds three inverter-side bus bars 90 corresponding to the U, V, and W phases. The inverter-side bus bars 90 are plate-shaped. One end of the inverter-side bus bar 90 is connected to the control board 63. The other end of the inverter-side bus bar 90 is connected to a motor-side bus bar 100 in the motor-side terminal block 50, which will be described later.

[0064] The inverter 7 is electrically connected to the motor 2 via an inverter-side terminal block 80 and a motor-side terminal block 50. The power from the battery 4 is converted from direct current to alternating current by the inverter 7 and supplied to the motor 2.

[0065] The inverter-side terminal block 80 is disposed in the front portion of the upper surface of the motor block 40. The upper portion of the inverter-side terminal block 80 is located inside the inverter case 70, and the lower portion of the inverter-side terminal block 80 is located inside the motor block 40 (see FIG. 5). Details of the inverter-side terminal block 80 will be described later.

[0066] (Motor cooling structure) FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V of the cooling structure of the motor 2. The vehicle 1 is equipped with a circulation system for a refrigerant C. The circulation system is primarily intended to cool the engine 3. In this example, the refrigerant C also serves as cooling water for the engine. Note that the refrigerant C is not limited to water and may be oil or any other type of refrigerant.

[0067] The vehicle 1 includes a heat exchanger 20 and a water pump 21. The heat exchanger 20 is disposed at the front of the vehicle 1 and air-cools the refrigerant C. The water pump 21 is operated by the power or electric power of the drive unit DU. The refrigerant C cooled by the heat exchanger 20 is sent to the engine 3 and the inverter 7 by the water pump 21.

[0068] Although not shown, the inverter 7 is provided with a cooling passage for cooling the electrical components housed therein. The refrigerant C that has cooled the inverter 7 passes through a pipe 22 (see FIG. 2) and is introduced into a flow path connecting mechanism 15 provided in front of the drive unit DU. Although not shown, the flow path connecting mechanism 15 is made up of a connecting flow path, joint pipes, etc.

[0069] The refrigerant C introduced into the flow path connecting mechanism 15 is introduced into the stator cooling flow path 34 of the motor 2 via the motor-side terminal block 50. The stator cooling flow path 34 is provided between the stator 33 of the motor 2 and the motor housing 45. The refrigerant C introduced into the stator cooling flow path 34 circulates in the circumferential direction through the stator cooling flow path 34 and exchanges heat with the stator 33. The heat exchange between the refrigerant C and the stator 33 heats the refrigerant C and cools the stator 33. The refrigerant C that has circulated through the stator cooling flow path 34 is sent to the heat exchanger 20 via the flow path connecting mechanism 15. In the heat exchanger 20, the refrigerant C exchanges heat with the outside air and is cooled.

[0070] (Motor and inverter current flow structure) FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI of the current-carrying structure between the motor 2 and the inverter 7. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the current-carrying structure between the motor 2 and the inverter 7. As described above, the inverter-side terminal block 80 holds three inverter-side bus bars 90 corresponding to the U, V, and W phases. Meanwhile, the motor-side terminal block 50 holds three motor-side bus bars 100 corresponding to the U, V, and W phases. The motor-side bus bars 100 are plate-shaped.

[0071] One end of the motor-side bus bar 100 in the motor-side terminal block 50 is connected to the other end of the inverter-side bus bar 90 in the inverter-side terminal block 80. The other end of the motor-side bus bar 100 in the motor-side terminal block 50 is connected to the coil connecting bus bar 36 in the stator 33. The motor-side bus bar 100 in the motor-side terminal block 50 and the inverter-side bus bar 90 in the inverter-side terminal block 80 are electrically connected to each other.

[0072] (Inverter side terminal block) The inverter-side terminal block 80 will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 9. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the inverter-side terminal block 80 as seen from above. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the inverter-side terminal block 80 as seen from below.

[0073] The inverter side terminal block 80 is made of resin and is formed by injection molding (more specifically, mold forming).

[0074] The inverter-side terminal block 80 includes a fixed portion 81, an insertion portion 84, and a separate portion 87. Furthermore, the fixed portion 81 includes a base portion 82 and a vertically extending portion 83. The base portion 82 is plate-shaped with its thickness direction in the up-down direction, and extends longitudinally in the left-right direction and transversely in the front-rear direction. The vertically extending portion 83 is provided at the front end portion on the upper surface of the base portion 82. The vertically extending portion 83 is formed in the shape of a substantially square pillar extending in the up-down direction. When viewed in the up-down direction, the vertically extending portion 83 is configured to extend longitudinally in the left-right direction and transversely in the front-rear direction.

[0075] The portion of the base portion 82 that projects rearward from the lower end of the vertically extending portion 83 constitutes a flange 82a. The flange 82a is located rearward of the vertically extending portion 83. Two through holes 82b are provided in the flange 82a. The through holes 82b pass through the flange 82a in the up-down direction. The two through holes 82b are arranged side by side with a gap between them in the left-right direction. A fixing device 110, which will be described later, is passed through the through holes 82b in the up-down direction.

[0076] The insertion portion 84 is provided at a position facing the vertically extending portion 83 on the underside of the base portion 82 of the fixed portion 81. The insertion portion 84 is formed in a substantially square pillar shape. The insertion portion 84 extends in the up-down direction. When viewed in the up-down direction, the insertion portion 84 is configured so that its longer side is in the left-right direction and its shorter side is in the front-to-rear direction. The insertion portion 84 extends downward from the fixed portion 81 toward the motor-side terminal block 50 (see FIG. 7).

[0077] A step portion 85 is provided on an outer peripheral surface 84a of the insertion portion 84. The outer peripheral surface 84a faces in the front-rear and left-right directions. On the outer peripheral surface 84a of the insertion portion 84, the step portion 85 has a larger diameter on the upper side and a smaller diameter on the lower side.

[0078] The separate body portion 87 is configured as a separate body from the insertion portion 84. The separate body portion 87 is formed in a substantially square cylindrical shape. The separate body portion 87 extends in the up-down direction. When viewed in the up-down direction, the separate body portion 87 is configured to be long in the left-right direction and short in the front-to-rear direction. The separate body portion 87 is fitted into the outer peripheral surface 84a of the insertion portion 84 from below. In other words, the separate body portion 87 is fitted into the outer peripheral surface 84a of the insertion portion 84 from the side opposite the fixed portion 81 (the side of the motor side terminal block 50). The separate body portion 87 forms the lower end portion of the inverter side terminal block 80.

[0079] The step portion 85 on the outer peripheral surface 84a of the insertion portion 84 and the separate portion 87 form a groove portion 89. An O-ring 120, which will be described later, is disposed in the groove portion 89. The groove portion 89 is configured in the shape of a groove that extends in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction and goes around the circumference.

[0080] The inverter-side terminal block 80 holds three inverter-side bus bars 90 corresponding to the U, V, and W phases. The three inverter-side bus bars 90 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. The inverter-side bus bars 90 are made of metal. Adjacent inverter-side bus bars 90 are insulated from each other by resin.

[0081] The inverter-side bus bar 90 is bent in an inverted L shape. After extending rearward, the inverter-side bus bar 90 bends and extends downward. The lower end of the inverter-side bus bar 90 forms an inverter-side terminal 91 that protrudes downward beyond the lower end of the inverter-side terminal block 80 (the lower end of the separate portion 87).

[0082] The inverter-side terminals 91 are formed at the lower ends of the plate-shaped inverter-side bus bars 90. The insertion portions 84 of the inverter-side terminal block 80 hold the inverter-side terminals 91. The inverter-side terminals 91 extend downward toward the motor-side terminal block 50. More specifically, the inverter-side terminals 91 protrude downward from the insertion portions 84 of the inverter-side terminal block 80 toward the motor-side terminal block 50.

[0083] (Motor side terminal block) The motor side terminal block 50 will be described with reference to Figures 7, 10, and 11. Figure 10 is a perspective view of the motor side terminal block 50 as seen from above. Figure 11 is a perspective view of the motor side terminal block 50 as seen from below.

[0084] The motor-side terminal block 50 is manufactured by injection molding (more specifically, molding) of resin. The motor-side terminal block 50 not only functions to relay the flow of power between the inverter 7 and the motor 2, but also functions to relay the flow of the refrigerant C between the flow path connecting mechanism 15 and the motor 2. The motor-side terminal block 50 includes a resin structure 51, an attachment portion 52, a connection portion 56, a terminal block-side flow path 57, and a guide portion 58.

[0085] Resin structure 51 is made of insulating resin. Resin structure 51 is formed by injection molding of resin. Resin structure 51 is formed by solidifying molten insulating resin into a predetermined shape.

[0086] In motor-side terminal block 50, mounting portion 52 is formed on the lower part of resin structure 51. Mounting portion 52 of motor-side terminal block 50 is attached to mounting base 46 of motor housing 45. Mounting portion 52 includes a mounting surface 53.

[0087] The mounting surface 53 of the motor-side terminal block 50 faces downward and is joined to and mounted on the mounting surface 47 of the motor housing 45. An outlet 53a and an inlet 53b are formed on the mounting surface 53 of the motor-side terminal block 50. The outlet 53a and the inlet 53b on the mounting surface 53 of the motor-side terminal block 50 correspond to the inlet 47a and the outlet 47b on the mounting surface 47 of the motor housing 45 and communicate with the stator cooling passage 34.

[0088] O-ring grooves 53c are provided around the outlet 53a and the inlet 53b on the mounting surface 53 of the motor-side terminal block 50. The O-ring grooves 53c are provided for fitting O-rings 54. The O-rings 54 are provided to prevent leakage of liquid.

[0089] Two positioning protrusions 53d are provided on the mounting surface 53 of the motor-side terminal block 50. The two positioning protrusions 53d on the mounting surface 53 of the motor-side terminal block 50 correspond to two positioning holes 47d on the mounting surface 47 of the motor housing 45.

[0090] In the motor-side terminal block 50, a pair of flanges 55 protruding outward in the front-rear direction are provided at both ends of the lower part of the resin structure 51 in the front-rear direction. The flanges 55 are formed in a plate shape with the thickness direction being the up-down direction. The upper surfaces of the flanges 55 are exposed. The lower surfaces of the flanges 55 form both ends of the mounting surface 53 in the front-rear direction.

[0091] Two fastening holes 53e are provided in the mounting surface 53, which is the lower surface of the flange portion 55. The two fastening holes 53e in the mounting surface 53 of the flange portion 55 of the motor-side terminal block 50 correspond to the two fastening holes 47c in the mounting surface 47 of the motor housing 45. The fastening holes 53e pass through the flange portion 55 in the vertical direction. Fasteners 140 (see FIG. 7) such as bolts are passed through the fastening holes 53e.

[0092] In the motor-side terminal block 50, the connection portion 56 is formed on the right side portion of the resin structure 51. The connection portion 56 of the motor-side terminal block 50 is connected to the flow path connecting mechanism 15. An inlet 56a and an outlet 56b are opened in the connection portion 56 of the motor-side terminal block 50. The inlet 56a and the outlet 56b in the connection portion 56 of the motor-side terminal block 50 are connected to the flow path connecting mechanism 15. The refrigerant C flows from the flow path connecting mechanism 15 to the motor-side terminal block 50 through the inlet 56a. The refrigerant C flows from the motor-side terminal block 50 to the flow path connecting mechanism 15 through the outlet 56b.

[0093] Terminal block side flow path 57 is an example of a flow path. Terminal block side flow path 57 is configured as a cavity provided inside resin structure 51 of motor side terminal block 50. Refrigerant C flows through terminal block side flow path 57. Refrigerant C is used to cool stator 33 of motor 2 (and motor side bus bar 100 of motor side terminal block 50).

[0094] The terminal block side flow path 57 includes a first terminal block side flow path 57a and a second terminal block side flow path 57b. The first terminal block side flow path 57a includes an inlet 56a and an outlet 53a. The second terminal block side flow path 57b includes an outlet 56b and an inlet 53b. The refrigerant C flows from the flow path connecting mechanism 15 through the first terminal block side flow path 57a of the motor side terminal block 50 to the stator cooling flow path 34. The refrigerant C flows from the stator cooling flow path 34 through the second terminal block side flow path 57b of the motor side terminal block 50 to the flow path connecting mechanism 15.

[0095] In the motor-side terminal block 50, the guide portion 58 is provided on the upper part of the resin structure 51. The guide portion 58 is formed in a substantially square pillar shape. The guide portion 58 extends in the up-down direction. When viewed in the up-down direction, the guide portion 58 is configured so that its length is in the left-right direction and its width is in the front-to-rear direction. The upper end of the guide portion 58 forms the upper end of the resin structure 51 of the motor-side terminal block 50. The upper end of the guide portion 58 of the motor-side terminal block 50 is provided with a guide surface 58a that is inclined so as to extend forward or backward as it extends upward.

[0096] Resin structure 51 of motor side terminal block 50 holds three motor side bus bars 100 corresponding to the U, V, and W phases. Motor side bus bars 100 are embedded in resin structure 51 of motor side terminal block 50. Motor side bus bars 100 are made of metal. Adjacent motor side bus bars 100 are insulated from each other by resin structure 51 made of resin.

[0097] In particular, the guide portion 58 of the motor-side terminal block 50 holds the three motor-side bus bars 100 so that they are aligned in the left-right direction and extend in the up-down direction. The guide portion 58 covers the upper ends of the motor-side bus bars 100 from the rear, left, and right sides. The guide portion 58 does not cover the upper ends of the motor-side bus bars 100 from the front. The upper ends of the motor-side bus bars 100 form motor-side terminals 101 that are exposed forward at the guide portion 58 of the motor-side terminal block 50.

[0098] The motor-side terminal 101 is formed at the upper end of the plate-shaped motor-side bus bar 100. The guide portion 58 of the motor-side terminal block 50 holds the motor-side terminal 101. The motor-side terminal 101 extends upward toward the insertion portion 84 of the inverter-side terminal block 80. The inverter-side terminal 91 extends downward toward the guide portion 58 of the motor-side terminal block 50. More specifically, the inverter-side terminal 91 protrudes downward from the insertion portion 84 of the inverter-side terminal block 80 toward the guide portion 58 of the motor-side terminal block 50.

[0099] (Fixing the inverter terminal block to the motor block) Fixing of the inverter-side terminal block 80 to the motor block 40 will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 12. Figure 12 shows a plan view of the fixing surface 41a of the motor block 40 as viewed from above.

[0100] The inverter-side terminal block 80 is fixed to the motor block 40 of the motor 2. As described above, the motor block 40 is substantially rectangular box-shaped and has a cavity formed therein. The motor block 40 accommodates a motor housing 45 (which accommodates the shaft 31, rotor 32, and stator 33).

[0101] A fixing surface 41a is provided on the upper wall portion 41 of the motor block 40. The upper wall portion 41 is plate-shaped and has a thickness in the up-down direction. The upper wall portion 41 extends in the front-rear and left-right directions. The fixing surface 41a faces upward.

[0102] The fixing surface 41a of the upper wall portion 41 of the motor block 40 is provided with an insertion hole 42, two fixing holes 43, and a lightening hole 44. The insertion hole 42 penetrates the upper wall portion 41 in the up-down direction. When viewed in the up-down direction, the insertion hole 42 is configured so that its length is in the left-right direction and its width is in the front-rear direction.

[0103] The two fixing holes 43 are arranged side by side at a distance in the left-right direction behind the insertion hole 42. The fixing holes 43 are, for example, bolt holes, and correspond to the fixing tool 110 described below.

[0104] The lightening portions 44 are provided around the insertion holes 42 on the fixing surface 41a of the motor block 40. The lightening portions 44 are arranged on the front and rear sides of the insertion holes 42. The lightening portions 44 are formed as recesses that are recessed downward relative to the fixing surface 41a.

[0105] The flange 82 a of the fixed portion 81 of the inverter-side terminal block 80 is fixed to the fixing surface 41 a of the motor block 40 of the motor 2 by a fixing tool 110 .

[0106] The fixing device 110 is, for example, a bolt. The fixing device 110 passes through the through-hole 82b of the flange 82a of the fixed portion 81 in the vertical direction, and is bolted to the fixing hole 43 in the fixing surface 41a.

[0107] (Insertion of the insertion part into the insertion hole) The insertion of the insertion portion 84 of the inverter-side terminal block 80 into the insertion hole 42 of the motor block 40 will be described with reference to Figure 7. The insertion portion 84 of the inverter-side terminal block 80 is inserted into the insertion hole 42 provided in the fixing surface 41a of the motor block 40. The lower end of the insertion portion 84 protrudes slightly downward from the back surface 41b of the upper wall portion 41 of the motor block 40 (the downward-facing surface opposite the fixing surface 41a). The insertion direction of the insertion portion 84 into the insertion hole 42 is the vertical direction.

[0108] An O-ring 120 is provided in the gap E between the outer peripheral surface 84a of the insertion portion 84 of the inverter-side terminal block 80 and the inner peripheral surface 42a of the insertion hole 42 of the motor block 40. The O-ring 120 is made of an elastic body. The O-ring 120 is made of rubber, for example. The O-ring 120 prevents leakage of oil and the like from the inside of the motor block 40 to the outside of the motor block 40. The O-ring 120 is arranged so as to surround the outer peripheral surface 84a of the insertion portion 84, which serves as a shaft, around the shaft. The O-ring 120 forms a shaft seal.

[0109] On the outer peripheral surface 84a of the insertion portion 84, a step portion 85 has a larger diameter on the upper side (the side of the fixed portion 81) and a smaller diameter on the lower side (the side of the motor-side terminal block 50). On the inverter-side terminal block 80, the separate portion 87 fits into the outer peripheral surface 84a of the insertion portion 84 from the lower side (the side of the motor-side terminal block 50). The step portion 85 is provided on the outer peripheral surface 84a of the insertion portion 84.

[0110] The step portion 85 on the outer circumferential surface 84a of the insertion portion 84 and the separate portion 87 form a groove portion 89. The groove portion 89 faces the inner circumferential surface 42a of the insertion hole 42. An O-ring 120 is disposed in the groove portion 89.

[0111] (Connection between motor terminals and inverter terminals) The connection between the motor-side terminal 101 and the inverter-side terminal 91 will be described with reference to Figures 7, 8, and 10. The motor-side terminal 101 is plate-shaped with its thickness in the front-to-rear direction. The front surface of the motor-side terminal 101 is the motor-side connection surface 101a. The motor-side connection surface 101a faces forward. The motor-side terminal 101 is provided with a motor-side fastening hole 102 that penetrates in the front-to-rear direction.

[0112] The inverter-side terminal 91 is plate-shaped with its thickness extending in the front-rear direction. The rear surface of the inverter-side terminal 91 serves as an inverter-side connection surface 91a. The inverter-side connection surface 91a faces rearward. The inverter-side terminal 91 is provided with an inverter-side fastening hole 92 that penetrates in the front-rear direction.

[0113] The motor-side connection surface 101a of the motor-side terminal 101 and the inverter-side connection surface 91a of the inverter-side terminal 91 extend parallel to each other in the insertion direction (vertical direction). The motor-side connection surface 101a of the motor-side terminal 101 and the inverter-side connection surface 91a of the inverter-side terminal 91 overlap each other in the insertion direction (vertical direction).

[0114] The motor-side terminal 101 and the inverter-side terminal 91 are connected to each other by fastening them with a fastener 130. The fastening direction by the fastener 130 is the front-rear direction. The fastener 130 is, for example, a bolt.

[0115] (Motor block combination) As described above, the motor 2 is mounted on the vehicle 1. The motor 2 includes the motor-side terminal block 50 and the motor block 40. The motor-side terminal block 50 is an example of a terminal block. The motor block 40 is an example of a housing.

[0116] The resin structure 51 of the motor side terminal block 50 is made of resin. The motor side terminal block 50 holds motor side terminals 101. The motor side terminals 101 are an example of terminals. The motor side terminals 101, which are formed by the motor side bus bar 100, are electrically connected to the connecting pieces 36a of the coil connecting bus bar 36 in the stator 33. The motor side terminal block 50 has a terminal block side flow path 57. The terminal block side flow path 57 is an example of a flow path. A refrigerant C flows through the terminal block side flow path 57. The refrigerant C is intended to cool the stator 33 of the motor 2 (and the motor side bus bar 100 of the motor side terminal block 50).

[0117] The motor block 40 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped block shape. More specifically, the motor block 40 is formed in a substantially rectangular box shape with a hollow space formed therein. A cylindrical motor housing 45 (containing the shaft 31, rotor 32, and stator 33) is housed inside the motor block 40. The mounting surface 53 of the motor side terminal block 50 is attached to a front and upper mounting surface 47 of the motor housing 45. That is, the motor side terminal block 50 (attached to the motor housing 45) is housed inside the motor block 40. The motor block 40 houses the stator 33 and the motor side terminal block 50 inside.

[0118] The motor block 40 is formed by combining a first motor block 150 and a second motor block 160. The first motor block 150 is an example of a first housing, and the second motor block 160 is an example of a second housing.

[0119] The combination of the motor block 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 16. The motor block 40 shown in FIGS. 13 to 16 has a common basic structure with the motor block 40 shown in FIGS. 2 to 12, but the detailed structure is slightly different. Specifically, a thermometer 170, thermometer wiring 171, thermometer connector 172, external connector wiring 181, relay connector 182, rotational position detection sensor 183, rotational position detection sensor wiring 184, and bracket 185, which will be described later, are not shown in FIGS. 2 to 12 but are shown in FIGS. 13 to 16. FIG. 7 also shows a schematic illustration of the external connector 180, which will be described later. In the description of the motor block 40 shown in FIGS. 13 to 16, parts that are common to the motor block 40 shown in FIGS. 2 to 12 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0120] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the first motor block 150. Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the second motor block 160. Fig. 15 shows the combination of the first motor block 150 and the second motor block 160. Fig. 16 shows the connection between the thermometer connector 172 and the relay connector 182.

[0121] The first motor block 150 constitutes the right side of the motor block 40. The first motor block 150 has a shape similar to that of the roughly rectangular box-shaped motor block 40, split in half in the left-right direction. The first motor block 150 includes a first bottom wall portion 151 and a first side wall portion 152. The first bottom wall portion 151 is plate-shaped with its thickness direction extending in the left-right direction. When viewed in the left-right direction, the first bottom wall portion 151 has a roughly rectangular shape that extends over approximately the same length in the front-to-rear and up-down directions.

[0122] The first side wall 152 extends leftward from the edge (four sides) of the first bottom wall 151. The first side wall 152 is plate-shaped with its thickness direction in the front-to-rear or up-down direction. The first side wall 152 has a generally rectangular shape that is long in the up-to-down or front-to-rear direction and short in the left-to-right direction.

[0123] The space surrounded by the first bottom wall portion 151 and the first side wall portion 152 of the first motor block 150 is referred to as a first space 153.

[0124] The first motor block 150 holds a motor housing 45 (containing the shaft 31, rotor 32, and stator 33), a motor side terminal block 50 (attached to the motor housing 45), a thermometer 170, thermometer wiring 171, and a thermometer connector 172.

[0125] The motor housing 45 is fixed to a first bottom wall portion 151 of the first motor block 150. A portion of the right side of the motor housing 45 is housed in a first space 153 of the first motor block 150. A majority of the left side of the motor housing 45 protrudes leftward (outside the first space 153) beyond the left end portion of the first side wall portion 152 of the first motor block 150.

[0126] The motor-side terminal block 50 is attached to the front and upper part of the motor housing 45. A part of the right side of the motor-side terminal block 50 is housed in the first space 153 of the first motor block 150. A majority of the left side of the motor-side terminal block 50 protrudes leftward (outside the first space 153) beyond the left end of the first side wall portion 152 of the first motor block 150.

[0127] Thermometer 170 is an example of a first sensor. Thermometer 170 is configured, for example, with a thermistor. The thermistor measures temperature by utilizing a change in resistance value when heat is detected. The detection section of thermometer 170 is disposed between the coils in stator 33 (housed in motor housing 45).

[0128] The thermometer wiring 171 is an example of a first wiring. The thermometer wiring 171 extends from the thermometer 170. The thermometer wiring 171 is configured, for example, with a metal conductor and a resin coating material that covers the metal conductor. One end of the thermometer wiring 171 is connected to the thermometer 170.

[0129] The thermometer connector 172 is an example of a first connector. The thermometer connector 172 is provided at the other end of the thermometer wiring 171. The thermometer connector 172 is disposed between the motor housing 45 and the motor-side terminal block 50. The thermometer connector 172 is a recessed connector. The thermometer connector 172 faces forward.

[0130] The thermometer wiring 171 extends so that the thermometer connector 172 is disposed on the opposite side of the resin structure 51 of the motor-side terminal block 50 from the motor-side terminal 101 .

[0131] The second motor block 160 constitutes the left side portion of the motor block 40. The second motor block 160 has a shape similar to that of the substantially rectangular box-shaped motor block 40, split in half in the left-right direction. The second motor block 160 includes a second bottom wall portion 161 and a second side wall portion 162.

[0132] The second bottom wall portion 161 is a plate-like member having a thickness in the left-right direction. When viewed in the left-right direction, the second bottom wall portion 161 has a generally rectangular shape that extends with substantially the same length in the front-rear and up-down directions.

[0133] The second side wall portion 162 extends rightward from the edge portions (four sides) of the second bottom wall portion 161. The second side wall portion 162 is plate-shaped with its thickness direction in the front-to-rear or up-down direction. The second side wall portion 162 has a generally rectangular shape with its longer sides in the up-to-down or front-to-back direction and its shorter sides in the left-to-right direction.

[0134] The space surrounded by the second bottom wall portion 161 and the second side wall portion 162 of the second motor block 160 is referred to as a second space 163.

[0135] The second motor block 160 has a service hole 164. The service hole 164 is provided in a front wall portion 162a of the second side wall portion 162 of the second motor block 160. The front wall portion 162a is plate-shaped and has a thickness in the front-to-rear direction. The service hole 164 penetrates the front wall portion 162a in the front-to-rear direction.

[0136] When the first motor block 150 and the second motor block 160 are combined to form the motor block 40, most of the left side of the motor housing 45 is accommodated in the second space 163 of the second motor block 160. When the first motor block 150 and the second motor block 160 are combined to form the motor block 40, most of the left side of the motor-side terminal block 50 is accommodated in the second space 163 of the second motor block 160.

[0137] The service hole 164 is provided so that when the first motor block 150 and the second motor block 160 are combined to form the motor block 40, the motor side terminal block 50 can be viewed from the outside A of the motor block 40. A worker standing outside A of the motor block 40 can see the motor side terminals 101 of the motor side terminal block 50 located inside B of the motor block 40 through the service hole 164.

[0138] The worker reaches into the interior B of the motor block 40 from the exterior A of the motor block 40 through the service hole 164 to connect the motor-side terminals 101 in the motor-side terminal block 50. After the work is completed, the service hole 164 is covered with a lid 165 (see FIG. 7).

[0139] The second motor block 160 holds an external connector 180, a wire 181 for the external connector, a relay connector 182, a rotational position detection sensor 183, and a wire 184 for the rotational position detection sensor.

[0140] The external connector 180 is fixed to the front wall 162a of the second motor block 160. More specifically, the external connector 180 penetrates the front wall 162a in the front-rear direction. The external connector 180 is exposed to the outside A of the motor block 40. The external connector 180 is positioned below the service hole 164 in the front wall 162a, and is attached to the second motor block 160 from the outside with attachment members such as bolts.

[0141] Electric power F is supplied to the external connector 180 from the outside A of the motor block 40. The supply source of the electric power F is, for example, the battery 4 or a 12 V low-voltage battery (not shown). The electric power F may be transformed by an inverter 7, a converter, or the like between the battery 4 or the like and the external connector 180.

[0142] In this embodiment, the external connector 180 is electrically connected to the control board 63 built into the inverter 7 via a wire harness 190 shown in Fig. 1 and an inverter connector 195 provided on the outer surface of the inverter 7 as shown in Fig. 5. The control board 63 may be provided at a position different from the inverter 7.

[0143] The wire harness 190 can be connected from the outside A of the motor block 40 to the external connector 180 (exposed at the outside A of the motor block 40).

[0144] The external connector wiring 181 is an example of a second wiring. The external connector wiring 181 extends from the external connector 180. The external connector wiring 181 is made up of, for example, a metal conductor and a resin coating material that covers the metal conductor. One end of the external connector wiring 181 is connected to the external connector 180.

[0145] The relay connector 182 is an example of a second connector. The relay connector 182 is provided at the other end of the external connector wiring 181. The relay connector 182 is a convex connector.

[0146] The thermometer connector 172 and the relay connector 182 are connectable to each other. The thermometer connector 172 and the relay connector 182 are connected to each other by engaging with each other.

[0147] The wiring 181 for the external connector has a length L that enables the relay connector 182 to be brought out to the outside A of the second motor block 160 through the service hole 164. In fact, the wiring 181 for the external connector starts from the external connector 180, extends a short distance inside B of the second motor block 160, then turns back and comes out to the outside A of the second motor block 160 through the service hole 164. The relay connector 182 is disposed at the outside A of the second motor block 160.

[0148] The rotational position detection sensor 183 is an example of a second sensor. The rotational position detection sensor 183 detects the rotational position (rotation angle) of the rotating body (shaft 31 and rotor 32) of the motor 2. The rotational position detection sensor 183 is, for example, a resolver.

[0149] The resolver is a well-known device that measures the rotation angle by exciting an AC magnetic field with an excitation coil on a resolver core that rotates synchronously with the rotor, and detecting the electromotive force caused by the AC magnetic field with a detection coil fixed to the housing near the resolver core, so a detailed description will be omitted. In this embodiment, the resolver is electrically connected to the control board 63 and is supplied with power to excite the AC magnetic field. The resolver also outputs the measured rotation angle as an analog signal or a digital signal to the electrically connected control board 63. The rotational position detection sensor 183 is fixed to the second bottom wall portion 161 of the second motor block 160.

[0150] The rotational position detection sensor wiring 184 is an example of a third wiring. The rotational position detection sensor wiring 184 connects the external connector 180 and the rotational position detection sensor 183. In other words, the rotational position detection sensor 183 is connected to the external connector 180 via the rotational position detection sensor wiring 184. The rotational position detection sensor wiring 184 is disposed inside B of the second motor block 160. The rotational position detection sensor wiring 184 is held by a bracket 185 in the middle. The rotational position detection sensor wiring 184 is configured, for example, with a metal conductor and a resin coating material that covers the metal conductor.

[0151] When the first motor block 150 and the second motor block 160 are combined to form the motor block 40, the thermometer connector 172 is positioned so that it can be seen from the outside A of the motor block 40 through the service hole 164. An operator standing outside A of the motor block 40 can see the thermometer connector 172 located inside B of the motor block 40 through the service hole 164.

[0152] The external connector wiring 181 extends so that the relay connector 182 is positioned below the motor-side terminal 101 when the first motor block 150 and the second motor block 160 are combined to form the motor block 40 .

[0153] Power F is supplied to the thermometer 170 via the external connector 180, the external connector wiring 181, the relay connector 182, the thermometer connector 172, and the thermometer wiring 171. This causes the thermometer 170 to operate. A signal related to the temperature detected by the thermometer 170 is output from the external connector 180 to the control board 63 via the wire harness 190.

[0154] The power F is supplied to the rotational position detection sensor 183 via the external connector 180 and the wiring 184 for the rotational position detection sensor. This operates the rotational position detection sensor 183. A rotational position signal detected by the rotational position detection sensor 183 is output from the external connector 180 via the wire harness 190 to the control board 63, which serves as a control device for the motor 2.

[0155] (Manufacturing method) A manufacturing method of the motor 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 16. This manufacturing method is a method for manufacturing the motor 2. This manufacturing method includes: a first motor block 150 (first housing) (which holds the motor-side terminal block 50, the thermometer 170 (first sensor), the thermometer wiring 171 (first wiring) extending from the thermometer 170 (first sensor), and the thermometer connector 172 (first connector) provided on the thermometer wiring 171 (first wiring)); and a second motor block 150 (first housing) (which holds the external connector 180, the external connector wiring 181 (second wiring) extending from the external connector 180, and the relay connector 182 (second connector) provided on the external connector wiring 181 (second wiring). The process includes a preparation process (Figures 13 and 14) of preparing the second motor block 160 (second housing) (which holds the relay connector 182 and the first motor block 150), an exit process (Figure 14) of bringing the relay connector 182 out to the outside A of the second motor block 160 through the service hole 164, an assembly process (Figure 15) of combining the first motor block 150 and the second motor block 160 to form the motor block 40, and a connection process (Figure 16) of connecting the thermometer connector 172 and the relay connector 182 using the service hole 164.

[0156] (Action and effect) The motor block 40 is formed by combining the first motor block 150 and the second motor block 160 .

[0157] At this time, a worker located outside A of the motor block 40 can use the service hole 164 to perform the connection work of the motor side terminal 101 on the motor side terminal block 50 (specifically, the connection work between the motor side terminal 101 and the inverter side terminal 91).

[0158] Furthermore, an operator located outside A of the motor block 40 can connect the relay connector 182 to the thermometer connector 172 using the common service hole 164 .

[0159] This allows the thermometer 170 to be provided in advance in the first motor block 150, while the external connector 180 can be provided in the second motor block 160 exposed to the outside A, without adding a service hole for connecting a connector to the sensor wiring, and also allows the connection work of the motor side terminals 101 and the inverter side terminals 91 to be performed simultaneously with the connection work of the thermometer connector 172 and the relay connector 182. This improves the efficiency of the assembly work of the motor 2 and increases the degree of freedom in design.

[0160] Furthermore, when power F needs to be supplied from the outside A of the motor block 40 to operate the thermometer 170, the power F can be supplied to the thermometer 170 from the outside A of the motor block 40 via the external connector 180, the external connector wiring 181, the relay connector 182, the thermometer connector 172, and the thermometer wiring 171. This allows the thermometer 170 to operate without the need for a separate connection work to install a power line.

[0161] As described above, in the motor 2, the common service hole 164 provided in the motor block 40 can be used to efficiently perform both the connection work of the motor side terminal 101 in the motor side terminal block 50 and the connection work of the thermometer connector 172 and relay connector 182 for operating the thermometer 170.

[0162] With the relay connector 182 extending to the outside A of the second motor block 160 via the service hole 164, the first motor block 150 and the second motor block 160 are combined to form the motor block 40.

[0163] At this time, because the relay connector 182 protrudes to the outside A of the motor block 40, there is no need to provide a separate portion or jig for temporarily storing the external connector wiring 181 and the relay connector 182, and it is possible to prevent the external connector wiring 181 and the relay connector 182 from being pinched between the first motor block 150 and the second motor block 160 or from interfering with the structure inside B of the motor block 40 (for example, the motor-side terminals 101, etc.). The first motor block 150 and the second motor block 160 can be easily combined.

[0164] Furthermore, it is easier for an operator located outside A of the motor block 40 to grasp the relay connector 182. The operation of connecting the thermometer connector 172 and the relay connector 182 using the service hole 164 can be facilitated.

[0165] The function of supplying power F and transmitting signals for operating both the thermometer 170 and the rotational position detection sensor 183 can be provided by a single external connector 180.

[0166] Since the thermometer connector 172 is arranged on the opposite side of the motor side terminal block 50 made of resin from the motor side terminal 101, it is possible to prevent the thermometer connector 172 from coming into contact with the motor side terminal 101 and causing a short circuit.

[0167] Unless the relay connector 182 moves upward against gravity, the relay connector 182 will not come into contact with the motor-side terminals 101. This can prevent the relay connector 182 from coming into contact with the motor-side terminals 101 and causing a short circuit.

[0168] The temperature of the stator 33 of the motor 2 can be measured by the thermometer 170 .

[0169] The rotational position detection sensor 183 can detect the rotational position of the rotating body (shaft 31 and rotor 32) of the motor 2.

[0170] The motor side terminals 101 held by the motor side terminal block 50 can be cooled by the refrigerant C flowing through the terminal block side flow path 57.

[0171] The production efficiency of the vehicle 1 equipped with the motor 2 can be improved.

[0172] (Other embodiments) Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, such description is not limiting, and it goes without saying that various modifications, substitutions, or combinations are possible.

[0173] The external connector 180 is not limited to a connector capable of supplying power, and may be, for example, a connector for communication (signal transmission and reception).

[0174] The first and second sensors are not limited to the exemplified sensors, and various types of sensors can be applied. The second sensor held in the second housing may be omitted. Furthermore, the rotational position detection sensor may be a rotary encoder.

[0175] The second connector may be disposed inside the second housing.

[0176] The rotating electric machine does not have to be applied to the vehicle 1. [Industrial Applicability]

[0177] The present disclosure is applicable to rotating electrical machines and is therefore extremely useful and has high industrial applicability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0178] A. External B Inside F power L length E Gap DU Drive Unit J rotation axis C Refrigerant 1 vehicle 1a Antechamber 1b front wheel 2 Motor (rotating electric machine) 3 Engine 4 Battery 5 Joint 6. Transmission 7 inverters 8 Cable 15 Flow path connection mechanism 20 Heat exchanger 21 Water pump 22 Piping 31 Shaft 32 rotor 33 Stator 34 Stator cooling channel 35 Partition Wall 36 Coil-connected busbar 36a Connecting piece 40 Motor block (housing) 41 Upper wall 41a Fixed surface 41b back side 42 Insertion hole 42a Inner surface 43 Fixing hole 44 Cutout 45 Motor housing 46 Mounting base 47 Mounting surface 47a entrance 47b Outlet 47c Fastening hole 47d Positioning hole 50 Motor side terminal block (terminal block) 51 Resin structure 52 Mounting part 53 Mounting surface 53a outlet 53b entrance 53c O-ring groove 53d Positioning protrusion 53e Fastening hole 54 O-ring 55 flange 56 Connection 56a Inlet 56b Outlet 57 Terminal block side flow path (flow path) 57a 1st terminal block side flow path 57b 2nd terminal block side flow path 58 Guide section 58a Guide surface 61 DC side connector 61a Positive busbar 61b Negative bus bar 62 Smoothing capacitor 63 Control board 70 Inverter case 80 Inverter side terminal block 81 Fixed part 82 Base 82a flange 82b Through hole 83 Vertical extension 84 Insertion section 84a Outer surface 85 Step 87 Separate body 89 Groove 90 Inverter side bus bar 91 Inverter side terminal 91a Inverter side connection surface 92 Inverter side fastening hole 100 Motor side bus bar 101 Motor side terminal (terminal) 101a Motor side connection surface 102 Motor side fastening hole 110 Fixtures 120 O-rings 130 Fasteners 140 Fasteners 150 First motor block (first housing) 151 First bottom wall 152 First side wall 153 1st space 160 Second motor block (second housing) 161 Second bottom wall 162 Second side wall 162a front wall 163 2nd space 164 Service Hole 165 Lid 170 Thermometer (first sensor) 171 Thermometer wiring (1st wiring) 172 Thermometer connector (first connector) 180 external connector 181 External connector wiring (second wiring) 182 Relay connector (second connector) 183 Rotational position detection sensor (second sensor) 184 Wiring for rotation position detection sensor (third wiring) 185 Bracket 190 Wire harness 195 Inverter connector

Claims

1. a terminal block that holds terminals electrically connected to the stator; a housing that houses the stator and the terminal block, the housing is formed by combining a first housing and a second housing, the first housing holds the terminal block, a first sensor, a first wiring extending from the first sensor, and a first connector provided on the first wiring; the second housing holds an external connector exposed to the outside of the housing and connectable from the outside of the housing, a second wiring extending from the external connector, and a second connector provided on the second wiring; the second housing has a service hole for exposing the terminal block from the outside of the housing when the first housing and the second housing are combined to form the housing, the first connector and the second connector are connectable to each other, A rotating electric machine, wherein the first connector is positioned in a position that can be seen from outside the housing through the service hole when the first housing and the second housing are combined to form the housing.

2. The rotating electric machine according to claim 1 , wherein the second wiring has a length that allows the second connector to be led out of the second housing through the service hole.

3. the second housing holds a second sensor; The rotating electric machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second sensor is connected to the external connector via a third wiring.

4. The terminal block is made of resin, 3. The rotating electric machine according to claim 1, wherein the first wiring extends so that the first connector is disposed on an opposite side of the terminal block from the terminal.

5. 3. The rotating electric machine according to claim 1, wherein the second wiring extends so that the second connector is positioned lower than the terminal when the first housing and the second housing are combined to form the housing.

6. The rotating electric machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first sensor is a thermometer.

7. The rotating electric machine according to claim 3 , wherein the second sensor is a rotational position detection sensor.

8. The rotating electric machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the terminal block has a flow path through which a coolant flows.

9. The rotating electric machine according to claim 1 or 2, which is mounted on a vehicle.

10. A method for manufacturing the rotating electric machine according to claim 2, comprising the steps of: a preparation step of preparing the first housing and the second housing; an exiting step of bringing the second connector out of the second housing through the service hole; an assembling step of combining the first housing and the second housing to form the housing; a connecting step of connecting the first connector and the second connector using the service hole.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Rotary electric machine

    JP2023003709A

  • Rotating electric machine with signal terminal

    JP6552671B1