Brush module

Abstract

To provide a brush module capable of cooling a brush while being stably energized.SOLUTION: A brush module 10 includes a brush 11, and a main body 12 attached to a stationary-side component 3 and having a guide surface 17a that guides the brush 11 toward a rotation-side component 81, wherein the main body 12 has a flow path 15 that guides a fluid to a position corresponding to the guide surface 17a, a supply-port 15a that supplies the fluid to the flow path 15, and a collection-port 15b that collects the fluid from the flow path 15.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a brush module, for example, a brush module for a rotating electrical machine. [Background technology]

[0002] In various industrial fields, brush modules are used to electrically connect a rotating element and a stationary element in rotary electric machines. The brushes electrically connected to the stationary element are held in sliding contact with the rotating element, thereby maintaining electrical connection even when the rotating element is rotating. Some of these brush modules are configured with a cooling structure to prevent excessive temperature rise of the brushes and failure of various components.

[0003] For example, the brush module in Patent Document 1 includes a brush that is guided along a guide surface of a main body and slides against a slip ring. The main body is configured such that two contact members made of a conductive material sandwich an intermediate member made of an insulating material, and are fixed to the intermediate member.

[0004] The intermediate member is provided with a hole-shaped radial flow passage extending in the radial direction and a hole-shaped axial flow passage extending in the axial direction substantially perpendicular to the inner diameter end of the radial flow passage. The axial flow passage is open axially outward. Coolant supplied to the radial flow passage flows into the axial flow passage and drips from the axial flow passage onto the slip ring. The coolant dripping onto the slip ring is supplied to the brushes as the slip ring rotates, thereby cooling the brushes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2023 / 65349 (page 5, Figure 4) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the brush module of Patent Document 1, excessive heat generation can be prevented by adjusting the amount of coolant supplied depending on the rotation speed and temperature of the rotating electrical machine. However, if the amount of coolant increases too much, it can hinder the electrical connection between the brush and slip ring, and there is a risk that the expected amount of current will not be obtained.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has as its object to provide a brush module capable of cooling the brushes while stably conducting current. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, the brush module of the present invention comprises: A brush module comprising: a brush; and a body attached to a stationary element and having a guide surface for guiding the brush toward a rotating element, The main body has a flow path that guides a fluid to a position corresponding to the guide surface, a supply port that supplies the fluid to the flow path, and a recovery port that recovers the fluid from the flow path. This allows the brush, which is located at a position corresponding to the guide surface, to be cooled using the fluid flowing from the supply port to the recovery port. This reduces the amount of fluid supplied to the brush for cooling, or eliminates the need to supply fluid, allowing for stable current flow between the brush and the rotating element.

[0009] At least one brush is provided on each axial side of the main body, The flow path may have a first flow path on one axial side and a second flow path on the other axial side. With this, the fluid is supplied to both the first flow path and the second flow path, so that the brushes provided on both sides in the axial direction can be reliably cooled.

[0010] The supply port is one, The flow path may have a communication path that communicates with the first flow path and the second flow path. This makes it possible to supply fluid to the first flow path and the second flow path from one supply port.

[0011] The flow path may have a radial flow path extending from the supply port to the inner diameter side, and an inner diameter side flow path communicating with an inner diameter end of the radial flow path and extending in a circumferential direction. This allows the supply of cold fluid to the vicinity of the portion of the brush that has become hot due to sliding contact with the rotating element, thereby improving cooling efficiency.

[0012] the flow path has an outer diameter side flow path that is in communication with the inner diameter side flow path and extends in a circumferential direction on the outer diameter side of the inner diameter side flow path, The outer diameter side flow path may be in communication with the recovery port. This allows parts of the brush other than the hot part to be cooled, resulting in high cooling efficiency.

[0013] The outer diameter side flow path may extend around one circumference. This allows the fluid to be collected efficiently.

[0014] In the regions divided in the circumferential direction of the main body, the outer diameter side flow passages may extend in the circumferential direction. This allows the fluid to be guided to each of the regions divided in the circumferential direction of the main body, thereby allowing the multiple brushes to be cooled in a balanced manner.

[0015] The main body may be provided with an outlet that communicates with the flow path and supplies the fluid between the brush and the rotating element. This allows the fluid to be used to lubricate and cool the brushes and rotating sealing elements.

[0016] the main body includes a base member provided with a groove that forms at least a part of the flow path, and a cover member that covers an opening of the groove, The cover member may be provided with the guide surface. This makes it possible to easily configure a flow path that guides the fluid to a position corresponding to the guide surface. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a rotating electrical machine to which a brush module according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a brush module according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the brush module according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a view of the base plate in the first embodiment as seen from the axial front side. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a view of the base plate in the first embodiment as seen from the axial rear side. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a brush module according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the rear side of the base plate in the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a view of a base plate according to a second embodiment as viewed from the axial front side. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a view of a base plate as a modified example of the second embodiment, as viewed from the axial front side. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a rotating electrical machine to which a brush module according to a third embodiment of the present invention is applied. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A brush module according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Example]

[0019] A brush module according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. The directions indicated by the arrows in the figures will be described as the directions of the brush module. In this embodiment, the annular member may be described as having an angle around its axis increasing clockwise, such as 120 degrees or 240 degrees, with the so-called 12 o'clock position, which is located vertically above the axis, being zero degrees.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, a brush module 10 of the present invention is electrically connected to an external power supply device, and together with a slip ring unit 8, constitutes a power transmission system for a rotating electrical machine 1.

[0021] The rotating electric machine 1 includes a rotating shaft 2, a housing 3, a cover 4, a rotor 5, a stator 6, two bearings 7, a slip ring unit 8, and a brush module 10. The rotating electric machine 1 is also connected to a cooling device 9 through a supply pipe and a recovery pipe, allowing a cooling fluid to circulate between the rotating electric machine 1 and the cooling device 9.

[0022] In this embodiment, the rotating shaft 2, the rotor 5, and the slip ring unit 8 are rotating elements, while the housing 3, the cover 4, the stator 6, and the brush module 10 are stationary elements.

[0023] Furthermore, the cooling fluid in this embodiment is dielectric oil, but is not limited to this, and may be a mixture of coolant and dielectric oil, and the type and combination thereof may be changed as appropriate.

[0024] The rotating shaft 2 has a main flow path 2a to which the first supply pipe S1 is fluidly connected, and a plurality of branch flow paths 2b extending from the axial center of the main flow path 2a to the outer diameter side. The first supply pipe S1 is connected to the main supply pipe S outside the rotating electric machine 1. The main supply pipe S is connected to a cooling device 9 and is a pipe into which the cooling fluid delivered from the cooling device 9 flows.

[0025] The housing 3 defines a space 3s. A first recovery pipe R1 is attached to the housing 3. The first recovery pipe R1 communicates with the space 3s and is connected to a main recovery pipe R outside the rotating electric machine 1. The main recovery pipe R is connected to a cooling device 9 and is a pipe for returning the cooling fluid that has passed through the rotating electric machine 1 to the cooling device 9.

[0026] The fluid circuit connecting the rotating electrical machine 1 and the cooling device 9 is not limited to piping, but may be configured, for example, by holes formed directly in the housing, and may be modified as appropriate.

[0027] The rotary shaft 2 is inserted axially through the inner diameter side of the housing 3. A bearing 7 is interposed between the rotary shaft 2 and the housing 3.

[0028] A rotor 5 fitted and fixed to the outside of the rotary shaft 2 and a stator 6 fixed to the inside of the housing 3 are arranged in the space 3s.

[0029] The cover 4 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom. The cover 4 is fixed to the rear end of the housing 3 and defines a space 4s together with the housing 3. A slip ring unit 8 and a brush module 10 are arranged in the space 4s.

[0030] A second supply pipe S2 is inserted through the cover 4. The second supply pipe S2 is connected to the main supply pipe S outside the rotating electric machine 1 and to an inlet nozzle 161 (see FIG. 2) in the brush module 10, which will be described later.

[0031] In addition, a second recovery pipe R2 is attached to the cover 4. The second recovery pipe R2 communicates with the space 4s and is connected to the main recovery pipe R outside the rotating electrical machine 1.

[0032] A third recovery pipe R3 is inserted through the cover 4. The third recovery pipe R3 is connected to the main recovery pipe R outside the rotating electric machine 1. The third recovery pipe R3 branches in two directions in the space 4s and is connected to an outlet connector 162 (see FIG. 2) in the brush module 10, which will be described later.

[0033] The slip ring unit 8 includes a sleeve 80 fitted and fixed to the outside of the rotating shaft 2, and two slip rings 81 fitted and fixed to the outside of the sleeve 80. The two slip rings 81 are arranged spaced apart in the axial direction.

[0034] 1 to 3, brush module 10 includes six brushes 11, a main body 12, and six springs 13. Brush module 10 is fitted onto slip ring unit 8 and fixed by threading a bolt inserted into connection fixing portion 164 into female thread portion 30 provided at the rear end of housing 3 (see FIG. 1).

[0035] The brushes 11 are made of a conductive carbon material and are formed in a plate shape, with their inner peripheral surfaces curved to be in sliding contact with the outer peripheral surface of the slip ring 81. Three brushes 11 are arranged on each of the front and rear sides of the main body 12. The front brushes 11 are provided at positions of 0 degrees, 120 degrees, and 240 degrees, while the rear brushes 11 are provided at positions of 60 degrees, 180 degrees, and 300 degrees. In other words, the six brushes 11 are equally spaced alternately in the circumferential direction on the front and rear sides.

[0036] The main body 12 is an annular member having an inner hole formed therein that passes through the radial center in the axial direction. The main body 12 is formed with a flow path 15, the details of which will be described later, that allows fluid to flow from the second supply pipe S2 toward the third recovery pipe R3.

[0037] More specifically, the main body 12 includes a base plate 16 as a base member, two brush plates 17 as cover members, six brush holders 18, and six spring holder lips 19.

[0038] The base plate 16 is made of an insulating material such as resin, and has a base 160, an inlet nozzle 161 that introduces fluid from the second supply pipe S2 that protrudes radially outward from the base 160, two outlet connectors 162 that direct the fluid to the third recovery pipe R3, a brush plate holder 163, and three connection fixing parts 164 that fix the base plate 16 to the housing 3.

[0039] 4 and 5, the base 160 is formed in the shape of an annular plate, and includes an annular partition wall 160a in the axial center, and standing wall-shaped fluid guides 160b extending axially forward and backward from the partition wall 160a, and is formed with a first groove 165 (see FIG. 4) on the front side and a second groove 166 (see FIG. 5) on the rear side. Furthermore, the partition wall 160a is formed with four rectangular holes 167A to 167D that penetrate in the axial direction and six elongated holes 168A to 168F that penetrate in the axial direction.

[0040] 4 and 5, a dot pattern is applied to the partition walls 160a that define the first grooves 165. Furthermore, the fluid guides 160b that define the first grooves 165 are colored gray.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 4, the first groove 165 is defined by a partition wall 160a forming the bottom surface and two fluid guides 160b (inner and outer) forming the side surfaces, and is open toward the front in the axial direction.

[0042] The bottom surface of first groove 165 may be curved or inclined, and the shape thereof may be changed as appropriate. Similarly, the side surface of first groove 165 may be curved, inclined relative to the bottom surface, or may have a V-shaped cross section, and the shape may be changed as appropriate. In other words, the cross-sectional shape of first groove 165 may be changed as appropriate. The same applies to second groove 166.

[0043] When viewing the base 160 from the axial front side, the first groove 165 has a radial groove 165a extending radially inward from the inner diameter end of the inlet nozzle 161, an inner diameter side groove 165b extending circumferentially counterclockwise from the inner diameter end of the radial groove 165a, a central groove 165c turning back from the circumferential counterclockwise end of the inner diameter side groove 165b to the outer diameter side and extending circumferentially clockwise, and an outer diameter side groove 165d turning back from the circumferential clockwise end of the central groove 165c to the outer diameter side and extending circumferentially counterclockwise.

[0044] The inner diameter groove 165b extends from the counterclockwise side of the radial groove 165a in the circumferential direction to the clockwise side of the radial groove 165a in the circumferential direction. From another perspective, the inner diameter groove 165b extends continuously in the circumferential direction over approximately 350 degrees around the axis of the base 160. The same applies to the central groove 165c and the outer diameter groove 165d.

[0045] Next, the second groove 166 will be described. Descriptions that overlap with those of the first groove 165 will be omitted or simplified. Referring to Fig. 5, the second groove 166 is defined by a partition wall 160a and a fluid guide 160b, and is open toward the rear in the axial direction.

[0046] The second groove 166 has a radial groove 166a, an inner diameter side groove 166b, a central groove 166c, and an outer diameter side groove 166d when viewed from the axial rear side of the base 160. The first groove 165 and the second groove 166 have substantially the same shape when viewed from each side (front), although the angles around the axis of the base 160 differ between the front side and the rear side.

[0047] 4 and 5, the four rectangular holes 167A to 167D are holes that penetrate the partition wall 160a in the axial direction and have a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the axial direction. The four rectangular holes 167A to 167D are formed on substantially concentric circles.

[0048] 4, rectangular hole 167A is formed at the outer diameter end of radial groove 165a and communicates with communication hole 161a of inlet nozzle 161. Rectangular hole 167B is formed at approximately 120 degrees in outer diameter side groove 165d and communicates with through hole 162a of outlet connector 162 on the outer diameter side. Rectangular hole 167C is formed at approximately 240 degrees in outer diameter side groove 165d and communicates with through hole 162a of outlet connector 162 on the outer diameter side. Rectangular hole 167D is formed at approximately zero degrees in outer diameter side groove 165d and communicates with communication hole 163a extending toward holder 163.

[0049] 4 and 5, the six elongated holes 168A-168F are holes that penetrate the partition wall 160a in the axial direction and are generally elongated when viewed from the axial direction. The six elongated holes 168A-168F are formed on concentric circles and are equally spaced. More specifically, referring to FIG. 4, the elongated holes 168A-168F are formed in clockwise order from the radial groove 165a and are equally spaced.

[0050] 4, inlet nozzle 161 extends radially outward from a position at approximately 45 degrees on base 160, and has communication hole 161a. The opening on the radially outward side of communication hole 161a in inlet nozzle 161 is supply port 15a through which cooling fluid is supplied to flow path 15 from second supply pipe S2.

[0051] The two outlet connectors 162 extend radially outward from either a position at approximately 120 degrees or approximately 240 degrees on the base 160, and have through holes 162a. The outlet connectors 162 are used to secure the third recovery pipe R3 inserted into the through hole 162a. The opening on the inner diameter side of the through hole 162a is a recovery port 15b through which the cooling fluid flows from the flow path 15 into the third recovery pipe R3. Note that two pipes that are individually connected to the main recovery pipe R may be connected to each outlet connector 162.

[0052] The holder 163 extends from a position at approximately zero degrees on the base 160 toward the outer diameter side, and has two arc-shaped notches formed therein.

[0053] In addition, a communication hole 163a extending radially outward from the rectangular hole 167D and through-holes 163b extending axially from the outer diameter ends of the communication hole 163a are formed in the circumferential center of the holder 163. The through-hole 163b is open toward both axial sides. The openings on both axial sides of the through-hole 163b are outlet ports 10a, which will be described in detail later.

[0054] The three connection fixing portions 164 have protruding portions that extend radially outward from positions at approximately 60 degrees, approximately 180 degrees, or approximately 300 degrees on the base portion 160, and cylindrical spacer portions that protrude axially forward from the outer diameter ends of the protruding portions. The connection fixing portions 164 are made of an insulating material, which prevents electricity from flowing directly between the housing 3 and the brush module 10.

[0055] Referring to Fig. 3, the two brush plates 17 are made of metal such as brass or aluminum and are formed into annular thin plates. Each brush plate 17 is a member of approximately the same shape and is fixed to the base plate 16. Furthermore, the angle of each brush plate 17 around the axis of the base plate 16 differs between the front and rear sides. Unless otherwise specified, the following description will focus on the front brush plate 17.

[0056] A protruding piece 170 that protrudes outward is formed on the brush plate 17. A connection feature 14 made up of a screw and a bushing is attached to the outer end of the protruding piece 170.

[0057] The connection mechanism 14 is used to electrically connect wiring electrically connected to an external power supply device to the brush plate 17. In other words, the brush plate 17 is electrically connected to the power supply device through the connection mechanism 14 and the wiring.

[0058] The front brush plate 17 is fixed to the base plate 16 with bolts and nuts (not shown) in a state in which the connection mechanism 14 is fitted into a notch on the counterclockwise circumferential side of the holder 163 in the base plate 16 .

[0059] As a result, the axial front opening of the first groove 165 is blocked by the front brush plate 17, thereby defining a first flow path 151 (see FIG. 4). Similarly, the axial rear opening of the second groove 166 is blocked by the rear brush plate 17, thereby defining a second flow path 152 (see FIG. 5).

[0060] The base plate 16 is made of an insulating material, so that direct current is prevented from flowing between the base plate 16 and each of the connection mechanisms 14 and each of the brush plates 17 .

[0061] The brush holders 18 are made of metal and formed in a gate shape. The three brush holders 18 are equally spaced and fixed by welding to the front end surface of the brush plate 17. The method of fixing the brush holders 18 to the brush plate 17 may be clinching or may be changed as appropriate.

[0062] Brush plate 17 and brush holder 18 define an insertion space into which brush 11 is inserted so as to be movable radially. Referring to the inside of the bubble in Fig. 3, the flat front end face of brush plate 17, at a position facing brush 11, is guide surface 17a that guides the movement of brush 11 and is provided with a dot pattern. In addition, the inner surface of brush holder 18 that defines the insertion space is guide surface 18a that guides the movement of brush 11.

[0063] Since the brush plate 17 and the brush holder 18 are both made of metal, they are electrically connected by abutting against the brushes 11. The brush plate 17 and the brushes 11 are also electrically connected through the installed cables and springs 13.

[0064] The spring holder lips 19 are made of metal and formed in a thin plate shape. The spring holder lips 19 are welded and fixed so as to protrude forward from the front end surface of the brush plate 17. The three spring holder lips 19 are equally spaced. The springs 13 are fitted and fixed onto the spring holder lips 19.

[0065] The spring 13 is a metallic spiral spring. The brush 11 is pressed toward the inner diameter side by the spring 13, and is thereby maintained in a state where it is pressed against the slip ring 81.

[0066] Next, the flow path 15 will be described. With reference to Figures 4 and 5, the flow path 15 includes a communication path 15c, a first flow path 151 (see Figure 4) mainly composed of a first groove 165, and a second flow path 152 (see Figure 5) mainly composed of a second groove 166. Hereinafter, any description of the second flow path 152 that overlaps with that of the first flow path 151 will be omitted or simplified.

[0067] The communication passage 15c is a portion that includes the communication hole 161a in the inlet nozzle 161 and the rectangular hole 167A in the base portion 160. The communication passage 15c is a part of the radial flow passage of the present invention.

[0068] The first flow path 151 has a radial flow path 151a communicating with the communication path 15c, an inner diameter side flow path 151b communicating with the radial flow path 151a, and an outer diameter side flow path 151c communicating with the inner diameter side flow path 151b.

[0069] The radial flow passage 151a is a portion including the radial groove 165a. The radial flow passage 151a is a part of the radial flow passage of the present invention.

[0070] The inner diameter side flow path 151b is a portion including the inner diameter side groove 165b.

[0071] The outer diameter side flow path 151c is a portion including the central groove 165c and the outer diameter side groove 165d. The portion of the outer diameter side flow path 151c including the outer diameter side groove 165d communicates with the recovery port 15b through rectangular holes 167B and 167C, and with the outlet 10a through rectangular hole 167D.

[0072] The portion of the outer diameter side flow passage 151c including the outer diameter side groove 165d extends continuously in the circumferential direction over approximately 350 degrees around the axis of the base 160. In this way, in the present invention, even if the outer diameter side flow passage is not annular, as long as it has a structure in which it extends continuously in the circumferential direction over 270 degrees or more to positions sandwiching the radial flow passage from both sides in the circumferential direction, over approximately 350 degrees in this embodiment, the outer diameter side flow passage is considered to extend over one circumference.

[0073] The second flow passage 152 has a radial flow passage 152a, an inner diameter side flow passage 152b, and an outer diameter side flow passage 152c.

[0074] The radial flow passage 152a is a portion including the radial groove 166a. The radial flow passage 152a is a part of the radial flow passage of the present invention.

[0075] The inner diameter side flow path 152b is a portion including the inner diameter side groove 166b.

[0076] The outer diameter side flow path 152c is a portion that includes the central groove 166c and the outer diameter side groove 166d. The portion of the outer diameter side flow path 152c that includes the outer diameter side groove 166d communicates with the recovery port 15b through rectangular holes 167B and 167C, and with the outlet 10a through rectangular hole 167D.

[0077] Next, cooling of the rotating electrical machine 1 by the cooling device 9 will be described with reference to Figures 1, 4 and 5. The cooling device 9 sends cooled cooling fluid to the main supply pipe S by a pump (not shown).

[0078] The cooling fluid that flows into the first supply pipe S1 flows into the main flow path 2a of the rotating shaft 2, is supplied to the space 3s from one of the branch flow paths 2b, and is recovered through the first recovery pipe R1. The rotor 5 and the stator 6 are cooled by the cooling fluid supplied to the space 3s.

[0079] Space 3s and space 4s are connected through the gap in the rear bearing 7. This allows a small amount of the fluid supplied to space 3s to flow into space 4s. The cooling fluid that flows into space 4s is recovered through the second recovery pipe R2.

[0080] In this way, the space 4s is a so-called wet space containing droplets of the cooling fluid. In this embodiment, the slip ring unit 8 and the brush module 10 are used as wet types.

[0081] The cooling fluid that has flowed into the second supply pipe S2 flows into the flow path 15 from the supply port 15a in the brush module 10.

[0082] 4 and 5, the cooling fluid that flows from supply port 15a into communication passage 15c is divided by partition wall 160a into radial passages 151a in first passage 151 and radial passages 152a in second passage 152, and flows toward recovery port 15b. In FIGS. 4 and 5, the flow of the cooling fluid through communication passage 15c, first passage 151 (see FIG. 4), and second passage 152 (see FIG. 5) is schematically indicated by arrows.

[0083] More specifically, the cooling fluid that flows into the radial flow passages 151a of the first flow passages 151 flows through the inner diameter side flow passages 151b and the outer diameter side flow passages 151c in this order. Similarly, the cooling fluid that flows into the radial flow passages 152a of the second flow passages 152 flows through the inner diameter side flow passages 152b and the outer diameter side flow passages 152c in this order.

[0084] The cooling fluid that flows into the outer diameter groove 165d in the outer diameter side flow path 151c and the outer diameter groove 166d in the outer diameter side flow path 152c flows into the third recovery pipe R3 through the recovery port 15b and is recovered into the cooling device 9 through the third recovery pipe R3.

[0085] In this manner, the cooling fluid flowing through the flow passages 15 cools the front and rear brush plates 17 almost entirely in the circumferential direction from the inner diameter side to the outer diameter side.

[0086] Furthermore, the cooling fluid that has flowed into the outer diameter side groove 165d in the outer diameter side flow path 151c can flow into the outer diameter side groove 166d in the outer diameter side flow path 152c through the rectangular holes 167B to 167D and the six elongated holes 168A to 168F. The same applies to the cooling fluid that has flowed into the outer diameter side groove 166d.

[0087] More specifically, the long hole 168A is connected to the closed circumferential end portion (see Figure 4) of the outer diameter side groove 165d in the first groove 165 and the circumferential end portion (see Figure 5) of the outer diameter side groove 166d in the second groove 166 that is folded back and connected to the central groove 166c.

[0088] In addition, the long hole 168F is connected to the closed circumferential end portion (see Figure 5) of the outer diameter side groove 166d in the second groove 166 and the circumferential end portion (see Figure 4) of the outer diameter side groove 165d in the first groove 165 that is folded back and connected to the central groove 165c.

[0089] As a result, although the outer diameter side flow passages 151c in the first flow passages 151 and the outer diameter side flow passages 152c in the second flow passages 152 have closed circumferential ends, they function like continuous annular flow passages. This allows the cooling fluid to flow smoothly through both the first flow passages 151 and the second flow passages 152.

[0090] Furthermore, a portion of the cooling fluid that has flowed into the rectangular hole 167D passes through the communication hole 163a and the through hole 163b in the holder 163 and drips from either the front or rear outlet 10a toward the front or rear slip ring 81. The slip ring 81 and the brush 11 are lubricated and cooled by the dripped cooling fluid. The cooling fluid that has dripped onto the slip ring 81 is recovered through the second recovery pipe R2.

[0091] As described above, the brush module 10 of this embodiment cools the brush plate 17 using the fluid flowing through the flow path 15 from the supply port 15a toward the recovery port 15b, and the brushes 11 positioned on the guide surface 17a can be cooled by the cooled brush plate 17. In addition, the brush holder 18 cooled by the cooled brush plate 17 can cool the brushes 11 positioned on the guide surface 18a.

[0092] Furthermore, the brush module 10 can recover a portion of the fluid flowing in from the supply port 15a into the third recovery pipe R3 through the recovery port 15b, thereby reducing the amount of cooling fluid supplied to the brushes 11 for cooling. This allows for stable electrical conduction between the brushes 11 and the slip ring 81.

[0093] Furthermore, rectangular hole 167D is located vertically above rectangular holes 167B and 167C. In addition, communication hole 163a extends vertically upward from rectangular hole 167D. This makes it easier for the cooling fluid supplied from second supply pipe S2 to preferentially flow into third recovery pipe R3 through recovery port 15b, making it easier to reduce the amount of cooling fluid dripping from outlet 10a.

[0094] The sum of the cross-sectional flow path areas of the recovery ports 15b and the cross-sectional flow path area of ​​the communication hole 163a are adjusted so that the amount of cooling fluid dripping from each outlet 10a is less than 0.2 L per minute (L / min) even when the amount of cooling fluid delivered per unit time is at its maximum. Here, the amount of cooling fluid delivered is maximum when the temperature of the rotating electrical machine 1 exceeds a certain level or when the rotating shaft 2 is rotating at high speed, i.e., when high heat is generated or is likely to be generated.

[0095] Experimental results using the same cooling fluid as in this embodiment have shown that by keeping the amount of cooling fluid dripping from outlet 10a at less than 0.2 L per minute (L / min), lubrication can be maintained without interfering with the amount of current flow per unit time. As is clear from these experimental results, the brush module 10 of this embodiment can stably cool the brushes 11 and lubricate the brushes 11 and the slip ring 81.

[0096] Furthermore, the flow path 15 has a first flow path 151 and a second flow path 152. As a result, the cooling fluid is supplied to the first flow path 151 and the second flow path 152, respectively, making it difficult for the cooling fluid to be biased toward the front brush plate 17 or the rear brush plate 17. This makes it possible to reliably cool the brushes 11 provided on both sides in the axial direction.

[0097] Furthermore, since the flow path 15 has the communication path 15c, it is possible to supply the cooling fluid to the first flow path 151 and the second flow path 152 from one supply port 15a.

[0098] Furthermore, flow path 15 has communication path 15c, radial flow paths 151a and 152a, and inner diameter side flow paths 151b and 152b. This allows brush module 10 to supply cooling fluid that is kept cool near the sliding contact points of brushes 11 that become hot due to sliding contact with slip ring 81, thereby achieving high cooling efficiency.

[0099] Furthermore, in the flow path 15, outer diameter side flow paths 151c, 152c, which are in communication with inner diameter side flow paths 151b, 152b, are in communication with recovery ports 15b, 15b. As a result, the brush module 10 can supply cooling fluid to positions that overlap with parts of the brush 11 other than the parts that have become hot, thereby cooling parts of the brush 11 other than the parts that have become hot, thereby achieving high cooling efficiency. Furthermore, the cooling fluid is first supplied to the inner diameter side of the brush 11, and then the slightly warmed cooling fluid is supplied to the outer diameter side of the brush 11, so that the entire brush 11 can be efficiently cooled.

[0100] Furthermore, the portions of the outer diameter side flow paths 151c, 152c including the outer diameter side grooves 165d, 166d extend around the entire circumference, so that the cooling fluid can be collected efficiently.

[0101] Furthermore, the main body 12 has a simple structure in which the front and rear brush plates 17 are attached to the base plate 16 provided with the first groove 165 and the second groove 166, and a flow path 15 for guiding the cooling fluid to the position corresponding to the guide surface 17a can be formed.

[0102] In this embodiment, a configuration in which the cooling fluid can be recovered from either of the two recovery ports 15b has been described, but this is not limited thereto. The third recovery pipe R3 may be connected to only one of the recovery ports 15b, and the other recovery port 15b may be closed. In other words, the number of recovery ports may be changed as appropriate as long as the cooling fluid can be recovered from at least one recovery port 15b. This makes it possible to adjust the amount of cooling fluid recovered from the recovery port 15b and the amount of cooling fluid dripping from the outlet 10a.

[0103] Furthermore, the recovery port 15b may be open toward the space 4s, since it can guide the cooling fluid through the through-hole 162a to a position that is vertically above the slip ring unit 8.

[0104] Even with this configuration, the cooling fluid that flows out from the recovery port 15b into the space 4s is recovered through the second recovery pipe R2 without dripping onto the brush 11 or the slip ring 81, making it possible to reduce the amount of cooling fluid supplied between the brush 11 and the slip ring 81. In other words, the recovery port is not limited to a configuration in which it is directly connected to a circuit that leads to the cooling device, and may be indirectly connected via a space or the like.

[0105] Furthermore, a solenoid valve whose opening degree can be adjusted may be provided somewhere along the third recovery pipe R3. With this configuration, the opening degree can be adjusted according to the amount of cooling fluid being delivered, thereby making it possible to adjust the amount of cooling fluid dripping from the outlet 10a to an appropriate amount.

[0106] In addition, in this embodiment, the two outlets 10a are configured to communicate with the flow path 15 through one communication hole 163a, but this is not limiting, and each outlet may be connected to the flow path through an independent communication hole. Also, the number of outlets 10a may be changed as appropriate.

[0107] In this embodiment, the brush module 10 is described as an example in which the cooling fluid drips from the outlet 10a, but this is not limited thereto, and the brush module 10 may be configured as a dry mode in which the outlet 10a is blocked and only the cooling fluid is collected. Even in this configuration, the brush 11 can be indirectly cooled by the fluid flowing through the flow path 15 from the supply port 15a to the collection port 15b. [Example]

[0108] Next, a brush module according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 9. Note that a description of the same configuration as in the previous embodiment will be omitted.

[0109] 6 to 8, the brush module 210 of the present embodiment 2 differs from the main body 12 of the above-described embodiment 1 mainly in the structure relating to the flow path 215 in the main body 212. In the embodiment 1, an example in which the fluid flows in the circumferential direction was described, but in the present embodiment, the structure is such that the fluid flows from the front side to the rear side or from the rear side to the front side for each of the six regions.

[0110] The base plate 216 has a base portion 360, an inlet nozzle 361, a holder 363, and three connection fixing portions 364, while the outlet connector 162 in the first embodiment is omitted.

[0111] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the base 360 ​​is formed with a first groove 365 (see FIG. 8), a second groove 366 (see FIG. 7), one rectangular hole 367A, and six elongated holes 368A to 368F.

[0112] 8, the first groove 365 has an annular inner diameter side groove 365b and six outer diameter side grooves 365d formed in an arc shape on the outer diameter side of the inner diameter side groove 365b. The inner diameter side groove 365b constitutes the inner diameter side flow path 351b of the first flow path 351 of this embodiment.

[0113] The six outer diameter grooves 365d are partitioned in the circumferential direction by the fluid guide 360b and are aligned with the guide surfaces 17a of the six brushes 11. In other words, the six outer diameter grooves 365d extend in the circumferential direction in six regions that are divided in the circumferential direction of the main body 212, and constitute six outer diameter flow paths 351c in the first flow path 351 of this embodiment.

[0114] 7, the second groove 366 has an annular inner diameter groove 366b and six outer diameter grooves 366d extending in the circumferential direction. The inner diameter groove 366b constitutes an inner diameter flow path 352b in the second flow path 352 of this embodiment.

[0115] The six outer diameter side grooves 366d are aligned with the six outer diameter side grooves 365d in the first groove 365. The six outer diameter side grooves 366d constitute six outer diameter side flow paths 352c in the second flow path 352 of this embodiment.

[0116] 8, inner diameter side groove 365b communicates with inner diameter side groove 366b (see FIG. 7) through rectangular hole 367A. Furthermore, rectangular hole 367A communicates with through hole 361a in inlet nozzle 361. The portion including through hole 361a and rectangular hole 367A constitutes communication passage 215c in this embodiment. Furthermore, the opening on the outer diameter side of through hole 361a is supply port 215a.

[0117] 7 and 8, outer diameter side groove 365d of first groove 365 and outer diameter side groove 366d of second groove 366 communicate with each other through one of elongated holes 368A to 368F. Elongated holes 368A to 368F are formed at positions corresponding to six regions obtained by dividing main body 212 in the circumferential direction. Hereinafter, the positions of the six regions will be described as the positions of elongated holes 368A to 368F.

[0118] The outer diameter grooves 365d, 366d in which the elongated hole 368A is located communicate with the inner diameter groove 366b of the second groove 366 (see FIG. 7). The outer diameter groove 365d of the first groove 365 communicates with the recess 364a of the connection and fixing part 364 through a through groove 360c extending outward from the outer diameter groove 365d (see FIG. 8). The opening on the inner diameter side of the through groove 360c is the recovery port 315b. This also applies to the outer diameter grooves 365d, 366d in which the elongated holes 368C, 368E are located. The recess 364a is formed in the protruding part of the connection and fixing part 364.

[0119] In the outer diameter grooves 365d, 366d in which the elongated hole 368D is located, the outer diameter groove 365d in the first groove 365 communicates with the inner diameter groove 365b (see FIG. 8). In addition, the outer diameter groove 366d in the second groove 366 communicates with a through groove 360c that extends more radially outward than the outer diameter groove 366d (see FIG. 7). The opening on the inner diameter side of the through groove 360c is the recovery port 215b. The same applies to the outer diameter grooves 365d, 366d in which the elongated hole 368B is located.

[0120] Regarding the outer diameter grooves 365d, 366d in which the elongated hole 368F is located, the outer diameter groove 365d of the first groove 365 communicates with the inner diameter groove 365b (see FIG. 8). Furthermore, the outer diameter groove 366d of the second groove 366 communicates with the through groove 363a that penetrates the holder 363 via the through groove 360c (see FIG. 7). The opening on the inner diameter side of the through groove 360c is the recovery port 215b.

[0121] Furthermore, a third recovery pipe R3 is connected in a sealed state to the two through grooves 360c on the rear side of the base 360, the recesses 364a of the three connection fixing parts 364, and the through groove 363a of the holder 363.

[0122] 8, a through-hole 360d extending from the outer diameter side groove 365d in which the elongated hole 368A is located to the outer diameter side is formed on the front side of the base 360. The opening on the outer diameter side of the through-hole 360d is the outlet 210a.

[0123] The flow path 215 has a communication path 215c, a first flow path 351, and a second flow path 352. The following describes the cooling fluid flowing through the flow path 215, but because the flow from the supply port 215a to either of the recovery ports 215b is substantially the same, the description will be given taking as an example the outer diameter grooves 365d and 366d in which the elongated holes 368A and 368D are located.

[0124] The cooling fluid that flows from the inner diameter side flow passage 352b in the second flow passage 352 into the outer diameter side groove 366d in which the elongated hole 368A is located flows through the elongated hole 368A toward the outer diameter side groove 365d in the first flow passage 351. In other words, the cooling fluid flows toward the guide surface 17a of the front brush 11, and therefore the guide surface 17a of the front brush 11 can be efficiently cooled.

[0125] Furthermore, the cooling fluid that has flowed into the outer diameter groove 365d in the first flow path 351 flows outward toward the recovery port 215b, thereby efficiently cooling the entire guide surface 17a of one front brush 11. The same applies to the outer diameter grooves 365d and 366d in which the elongated holes 368C and 368E are located.

[0126] The cooling fluid that flows from the inner diameter side flow passage 351b in the first flow passage 351 into the outer diameter side groove 365d in which the elongated hole 368D is located flows through the elongated hole 368D toward the outer diameter side groove 366d in the second flow passage 352. In other words, the cooling fluid flows toward the guide surface 17a of the rear brush 11, and therefore the guide surface 17a of the rear brush 11 can be efficiently cooled.

[0127] Furthermore, the cooling fluid that flows into the outer diameter groove 366d in the second flow path 352 flows outward toward the recovery port 215b, thereby efficiently cooling the entire guide surface 17a of one rear brush 11. The same applies to the outer diameter grooves 365d, 366d in which the elongated holes 368B, 368F are located.

[0128] In this way, the brush module 210 of this embodiment can guide the cooling fluid to each of the regions divided in the circumferential direction of the main body 212, and therefore can cool the plurality of brushes 11 in a balanced manner.

[0129] Furthermore, a portion of the cooling fluid that has flowed into the outer diameter groove 365d in the first flow path 351 flows out through the through-hole 360d and outlet 210a to the outside of the base 360. This outflowing cooling fluid drips onto the front or rear slip ring 81, thereby cooling the brush 11 and maintaining lubrication between the brush 11 and the slip ring 81.

[0130] In this way, the brush module 210 of this embodiment can be provided with outlets 210a that can drip cooling fluid onto the front and rear slip rings 81 using only one through-hole 360d, and therefore has a simpler structure than the brush module 10 of the first embodiment. On the other hand, the brush module 10 of the first embodiment is preferable in that it is easier to make the amount of cooling fluid that drips onto the front and rear slip rings 81 approximately the same.

[0131] In this embodiment, one region, i.e., one outer diameter side flow passage 351c defined in the circumferential direction by the fluid guide 360b, is described as including an outer diameter side groove 365d extending in the circumferential direction, but an outer diameter side groove 565c defined in the circumferential direction by the fluid guide 560b may be folded back at least once or more at a circumferential end, as in an outer diameter side flow passage 451c shown in Fig. 9. With such a configuration, each region can be cooled stably throughout.

[0132] Furthermore, although the single outer diameter side flow path 351c circumferentially partitioned by the fluid guide 360b has been described as having one of the elongated holes 368A to 368F formed therein, this is not limited thereto, and multiple elongated holes 568 may be formed therein, as in the outer diameter side flow path 451c shown in FIG. 9. [Example]

[0133] Next, a brush module according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Note that a description of the same configuration as in the previous embodiment will be omitted.

[0134] 10, a rotating electric machine 1001 has a cylindrical spacer 1002 provided between a housing 3 and a cover 4. A mechanical seal 1003 is disposed radially between the spacer 1002 and the rotating shaft 2. The mechanical seal 1003 seals the space between the spaces 3s and 4s.

[0135] This prevents the cooling fluid that has flowed into space 3s from flowing into space 4s. In other words, space 4s is a so-called dry space. In this embodiment, the slip ring unit 8 and the brush module 10 are used as dry types. In this embodiment, the second recovery pipe R2 is omitted.

[0136] As described in the first embodiment, the brush module 10 can indirectly cool the brushes 11 using the fluid flowing through the flow path 15 from the supply port 15a to the recovery port 15b, eliminating the need to supply a cooling fluid to the brushes 11 for cooling. For this reason, the brush module 10 can maintain a stable current flow between the brushes 11 and the slip ring 81 while keeping the space 4s a dry space by blocking the outlet 10a or connecting the third recovery pipe R3 to the outlet 10a and using it as the recovery port 15b.

[0137] In the rotating electric machine 1001 of this embodiment, the space 3s and the space 4s are sealed by the mechanical seal 1003, so different fluids may be supplied to the space 3s and the space 4s. In other words, the space 4s may be a wet space. In this configuration, the outlet 10a of the brush module 10 may be open.

[0138] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and the present invention also includes modifications and additions that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention.

[0139] For example, in the above Examples 1 to 3, the brush module was described as being applied to rotating electrical machines such as electric motors and generators, but this is not limited to this and the brush module may be modified as appropriate to any rotating device that requires current flow between a stationary element and a rotating element.

[0140] Furthermore, in the first to third embodiments, the brush module has been described as having brush plates provided at the front and rear, but this is not limitative and only one of them may be provided.

[0141] Furthermore, in Examples 1 to 3, the flow path has been described as having a first flow path and a second flow path, but this is not limited to this, and the flow path may not be divided into the first flow path and the second flow path in the axial direction.

[0142] Furthermore, in the first to third embodiments, the flow path has been described as having only one supply port, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of supply ports may be changed as appropriate.

[0143] In addition, in the first to third embodiments, one flow path is configured to cool almost the entire brush plate, but this is not limiting, and one flow path may be formed for one guide surface, or other suitable configurations may be adopted. Furthermore, multiple flow paths may cool almost the entire brush plate.

[0144] Furthermore, in the above-described Examples 1 to 3, the space between the flow path and the brush is described as being sealed and partitioned by a brush plate, but this is not limited to this. For example, the brush may be cooled by applying a cooling fluid directly to the brush through a slit that can be sealed by the brush.

[0145] Furthermore, in Examples 1 to 3, it was explained that the flow path of the brush module is formed by blocking the opening of the groove formed in the base plate with the brush plate, but this is not limited to this, and the flow path may be formed only by the base plate, or the brush plate may be omitted so that the base plate itself guides the brush.

[0146] For example, a flow path may be formed by forming a groove in one of the axially halved base plate pieces and closing the opening of the groove with the other base plate piece. In this configuration, the base plate may be made of a conductive material and the brush holder may be fixed directly to the base plate. In other words, the base plate may have a guide surface. [Explanation of symbols]

[0147] 1 Rotating electric machine 9 Cooling device 10 Brush Module 10a exit 11 Brush 12 Main Unit 15 Flow path 15a Supply port 15b Collection port 15c Communication passage (radial flow passage) 16 Base plate (base member) 17 Brush plate (cover part) 17a Guide surface 18a Guide surface 81 Slip ring (rotating element) 151 First Channel 151a radial flow passage 151b Inner diameter flow path 151c Outer diameter side flow path 152 Second Channel 152a radial flow passage 152b Inner diameter flow path 152c Outer diameter side flow path 165 1st groove (groove) 166 Second groove (groove) 210 Brush Module 210a exit 212 Main Unit 215 Channel 215a Supply port 215b Collection port 215c Communication passage (radial flow passage) 216 Base plate (base member) 351 First Channel 351b Inner diameter flow path 351c Outer diameter side flow path 352 Second Channel 352b Inner diameter flow path 352c Outer diameter side flow path 365 1st groove 366 2nd groove 451c Outer diameter side flow path 1001 Rotating Electric Machine

Claims

1. A brush module comprising: a brush; and a body attached to a stationary element and having a guide surface for guiding the brush toward a rotating element, The main body is a brush module having a flow path that guides fluid to a position corresponding to the guide surface, a supply port that supplies the fluid to the flow path, and a recovery port that recovers the fluid from the flow path.

2. At least one brush is provided on each axial side of the main body, 2. The brush module according to claim 1, wherein the flow passage has a first flow passage on one axial side and a second flow passage on the other axial side.

3. the supply port is one, The brush module according to claim 2 , wherein the flow passage has a communication passage that communicates with the first flow passage and the second flow passage.

4. A brush module as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flow path has a radial flow path extending from the supply port to the inner diameter side, and an inner diameter side flow path communicating with the inner diameter end of the radial flow path and extending circumferentially.

5. the flow path has an outer diameter side flow path that is in communication with the inner diameter side flow path and extends in a circumferential direction on the outer diameter side of the inner diameter side flow path, The brush module according to claim 4 , wherein the outer diameter side flow passage communicates with the recovery port.

6. 6. The brush module according to claim 5, wherein the outer diameter side flow passage extends around one circumference.

7. The brush module according to claim 5 , wherein the outer diameter side flow passage extends in the circumferential direction in the regions divided in the circumferential direction of the main body.

8. 2. The brush module according to claim 1, wherein the main body is provided with an outlet communicating with the flow path for supplying the fluid between the brush and the rotating element.

9. the main body includes a base member provided with a groove that forms at least a part of the flow path, and a cover member that covers an opening of the groove, The brush module according to claim 1 , wherein the cover member is provided with the guide surface.

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