Connection modules and rotating electric machines in rotating electric machines

Abstract

The objective is to improve the layout flexibility of connection modules in rotating electrical machinery. [Solution] The connection module 550 is a connection module in a rotating electric machine and comprises a conductive component 152 including a first end 53, a second end 156, and an intermediate portion 58 located between the first end and the second end and passing through a through hole 533h in the case 530, and a housing 560 that covers the conductive component. The housing 560 covers the conductive component with at least a portion of the first end and at least a portion of the second end exposed. The housing is a portion that is held through the through hole, and the housing has a positioning portion 562 that contacts the case to restrict rotation around the axis of the through hole or movement to at least one side in the axial direction of the through hole.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connection module and a rotating electrical machine in a rotating electrical machine.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a terminal block including a metal plate and a plurality of terminal units held by the plate.

[0003] The terminal unit has a resin housing and a terminal fitting held in a state of passing through an opening of the plate by the housing. The terminal fitting is plate-shaped, and bolt insertion holes penetrating in the plate thickness direction are formed at both ends thereof.

[0004] Further, the plurality of terminal units are separated from each other and are configured to be integrated via the plate. The terminal block is fixed to the case by the plate.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In the terminal block disclosed in Patent Document 1, the plurality of terminal units are integrated via the plate.

[0007] Here, it is desired to further improve the layout freedom of the connection module.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to improve the layout freedom of a connection module in a rotating electrical machine.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] The connection module for a rotating electric machine according to the present disclosure is a connection module for a rotating electric machine comprising an armature and a case housing the armature, the connection module for a rotating electric machine comprising a conductive component including a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion located between the first end and the second end and passing through a through hole in the case, and a housing covering the conductive component, wherein the housing covers the conductive component with at least a portion of the first end and at least a portion of the second end exposed, the housing is a portion that is held through the through hole, and the housing has a positioning portion that contacts the case to restrict rotation about the axis of the through hole or movement to at least one side in the axial direction of the through hole.

[0010] Furthermore, the rotating electric machine of this disclosure comprises a case with a through hole formed therein, an armature located inside the case, and a connection module for the rotating electric machine that penetrates the through hole and electrically connects a conductive member on the armature side with a conductive component outside the case. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to this disclosure, the degree of freedom in the layout of connection modules in rotating electric machines can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an integrated electromechanical unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a partial perspective view showing an integrated electromechanical unit. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the connection module. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the connection module. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the connection module according to the first modified example. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side view showing a connection module according to a second modification. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a connection module according to a third modification. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a connection module according to a fourth modification. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a connection module according to a fourth modification. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a state where the connection module according to Example 1 of Embodiment 1 is penetrated and held in a through hole. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a connection module. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII of FIG. 11. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a state where the connection module according to Example 2 of Embodiment 1 is penetrated and held in a through hole. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a connection module. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line XVI-XVI of FIG. 14. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a state where the connection module according to Example 3 of Embodiment 1 is penetrated and held in a through hole. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a connection module. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a state where the connection module according to Example 4 of Embodiment 1 is penetrated and held in a through hole. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a connection module. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing a state where the connection module according to Example 5 of Embodiment 1 is penetrated and held in a through hole. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view showing a state before the connection module is penetrated and held in a through hole. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line XXIII-XXIII of FIG. 21. [Figure 24] Figure 24 is a schematic diagram showing a rotating electric machine equipped with a connection module. [Figure 25] Figure 25 is a schematic diagram showing the case of another rotating electric machine equipped with a connection module. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] [Description of Embodiments in this Disclosure] First, the embodiments of this disclosure will be listed and described.

[0014] The connection module in the rotating electric machine of this disclosure is as follows:

[0015] (1) A connection module for a rotating electric machine comprising an armature and a case housing the armature, comprising a conductive component including a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion located between the first end and the second end and passing through a through hole in the case, and a housing covering the conductive component, wherein the housing covers the conductive component with at least a portion of the first end and at least a portion of the second end exposed, the housing is a portion that is held through the through hole, and the housing has a positioning portion that contacts the case to restrict rotation about the axis of the through hole or movement on both sides of the through hole in the axial direction.

[0016] This connection module has a housing that contacts the case to restrict rotation around the axis of the through-hole or movement of the through-hole in either direction. Therefore, it is easy to fix the connection module to the case using the housing that covers the conductive components. Thus, the layout flexibility of the connection module in a rotating electric machine can be improved.

[0017] (2) A connection module in the rotating electric machine of (1), wherein the positioning portion may be a rotation stopper that contacts the case to restrict rotation around the axis of the through hole.

[0018] This makes it difficult for the connecting module to rotate within the through-hole. As a result, the orientation of the first and second ends is stabilized, making it easier to connect the first or second end to the mating terminal, and ensuring a stable connection.

[0019] (3)(2) A connection module for a rotating electric machine, wherein the housing has a cylindrical portion that passes through the through hole while covering the conductive component, and the rotation stopper has a pin support projection that protrudes outward from the cylindrical portion and a pin-shaped portion that protrudes from the pin support projection along the axial direction of the through hole, and the pin-shaped portion may be inserted into a positioning hole formed in the housing while the cylindrical portion is passing through the through hole.

[0020] As a result, the pin-shaped portion is inserted into the positioning hole, thereby preventing the connection module from rotating. Since the pin-shaped portion is inserted into the positioning hole at a position away from the cylindrical portion, rotation prevention is more reliable.

[0021] (4)(2) A connection module for a rotating electric machine, wherein the housing has a cylindrical portion that penetrates the through hole while covering the conductive component, the rotation stopper has a rotation stopper projection that protrudes outward from the cylindrical portion, the tip of the rotation stopper projection has a rotation stopper plane parallel to the axial direction of the through hole, and the rotation stopper plane may contact a plane formed in the housing for creating a step while the cylindrical portion is penetrating the through hole.

[0022] As a result, the rotation-stopping plane contacts the step-forming plane formed in the housing, thereby preventing the connection module from rotating. Since the rotation-stopping plane contacts the step-forming plane at a position away from the cylindrical portion, rotation is more reliably prevented. The step in the housing can be easily formed, for example, by milling.

[0023] (5)(2) A connection module for a rotating electric machine, wherein the housing has a cylindrical portion that passes through the through hole while covering the conductive component, and the rotation stopper has a flange-shaped projection that protrudes outward from the cylindrical portion, the flange-shaped projection being eccentric with respect to the cylindrical portion, and the flange-shaped projection may be fitted into an opening edge forming surface of the housing that is eccentric with respect to the through hole in the opening of the through hole.

[0024] As a result, the flange-like projection is fitted into the opening edge forming surface of the housing at the opening of the through hole, thereby preventing the connection module from rotating. Because the rotation is prevented near the through hole, the configuration can be made more compact.

[0025] (6)(5) A connection module for a rotating electric machine, wherein the flange-shaped projection has a tapered surface that gradually decreases in diameter toward the through hole, and the opening edge forming surface has a receiving tapered surface that progressively widens toward the outside, and the tapered surface may be in contact with the receiving tapered surface when the cylindrical portion has penetrated the through hole.

[0026] Thus, if the flange-shaped projection has a tapered surface and the opening edge forming surface has a receiving-side tapered surface, the flange-shaped projection can be easily pressed into the opening edge forming surface. Furthermore, if the opening edge forming surface is a receiving-side tapered surface, processing for rotation prevention becomes easier.

[0027] (7)(5) A connection module for a rotating electric machine, wherein the flange-shaped projection has an end face facing the through hole and an outer peripheral surface extending from the periphery of the end face toward the opposite side of the through hole, and the opening edge forming surface has a bottom surface facing outward and an inner peripheral surface extending from the periphery of the bottom surface toward the outward, and the end face may be in contact with the bottom surface and the outer peripheral surface may be in contact with the inner peripheral surface when the cylindrical portion is through the through hole.

[0028] In this way, the end face contacts the bottom surface and the outer surface contacts the inner surface, which more reliably prevents the connecting module from rotating. Furthermore, the opening edge forming surface having a bottom surface and an inner surface can be easily formed, for example, by counterboring.

[0029] (8) A connection module in any one of (1) to (7) of a rotating electric machine, wherein the housing includes a first housing and a second housing that combines with the first housing from a separated state, and the positioning portion has a first axial positioning portion that contacts the case from one axial side of the through hole and a second axial positioning portion that contacts the case from the other axial side of the through hole, so as to restrict movement of the through hole on both axial sides, and the first housing may have the first axial positioning portion and the second housing may have the second axial positioning portion.

[0030] In this case, since the first housing and the second housing are configured to be joined from a separated state, for example, one of the first housing and the second housing can be inserted into the through hole from one axial side, and the other of the first housing and the second housing can be brought close to the other of the first housing and the second housing from the other axial side of the through hole to join them. This makes it easy to realize a configuration in which the first axial positioning part and the second axial positioning part contact the case from both axial sides of the through hole.

[0031] (9)(8) A connection module for a rotating electric machine, wherein the first housing covers the conductive component with the second end protruding, and the second housing has an end through hole through which the second end passes, and a set recess in which a fastening component for fastening and fixing the second end to a component to be connected is set, and the portion of the second end that protrudes from the end through hole may be placed on the fastening component set in the set recess.

[0032] In this case, the portion of the second end that protrudes from the end through-hole is positioned on the fastening component set in the set recess. Therefore, when the fastening component fastens and secures the component to be connected to the second end, the fastening component is fixed in a fixed position relative to the second end. Since the fastening component is set in the set recess, the second housing having the set recess is also kept in a fixed position relative to the second end. As a result, the first housing and the second housing are kept in a joined state via the conductive component and the fastening component.

[0033] (10) The rotating electric machine of the present disclosure is a rotating electric machine comprising a case having a through hole formed therein, an armature located inside the case, and a connection module for a rotating electric machine according to any one of (1) to (9) that penetrates the through hole and electrically connects a conductive member on the armature side with a conductive component outside the case.

[0034] As described above, using connection modules with improved layout flexibility enhances the design flexibility of rotating electrical machines.

[0035] [Details of the embodiments of this disclosure] Specific examples of the connecting module and the rotating electric machine in the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to these examples and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims as indicated by the claims.

[0036] [Embodiment 1] The following describes a connection module in a rotating electric machine according to Embodiment 1. In this embodiment, an example in which the connection module is incorporated into a mechatronic unit is described.

[0037] <Overall Structure> For the sake of explanation, the overall configuration of the integrated electromechanical unit will be described. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the integrated electromechanical unit 20. Figure 2 is a partial perspective view showing the integrated electromechanical unit 20. Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Figure 2.

[0038] The rotating electric machine 40 is a rotating electric machine comprising a case 30, an armature 42, and a field 48. The rotating electric machine 40 may be an electric motor or a generator.

[0039] The case 30 comprises a bottomed cylindrical case body 32 and a lid 36. An armature 42, which serves as a stator, is housed inside the cylindrical case body 32. The field 48 is positioned inside the armature 42 as a rotor. The magnetic field generated by the armature 42 causes the field 48 to rotate, or the rotation of the field 48 causes the armature 42 to generate an electromotive force. A rotating shaft 49 is connected to the field 48, and the rotational driving force of the rotating electric machine 40 is output through the rotating shaft 49, and external rotational motion is input through the rotating shaft 49. The central axis of the field 48 and the rotating shaft 49 is the rotation axis X.

[0040] The cylindrical case body 32 has a partial partition 33 that is partially located around the outer circumference of the armature 42. The partial partition 33 is located in the cylindrical case body 32 behind the opening 32h and is perpendicular to the axis of rotation X. A partition side wall 34 extends from the periphery of the partial partition 33 toward the rear of the cylindrical case body 32. As a result, the space in the cylindrical case body 32 that houses the armature 42 and field 48 is separated from the space in the cylindrical case body 32 beyond the partial partition 33 by the partial partition 33 and the partition side wall 34. The opening 32h is closed by the lid 31.

[0041] An expanded space forming section 35 is formed on a part of the outer circumference of the cylindrical case body 32. The expanded space forming section 35 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped case surrounded by four side walls. The opening of the expanded space forming section 35 on the side opposite to the cylindrical case body 32 is closed by a lid section 36.

[0042] The space within the expanded space forming section 35 is continuous with the space enclosed by the partial partition 33 and the partition side wall 34. Therefore, the space within the expanded space forming section 35 and the space 33S enclosed by the partial partition 33 and the partition side wall 34 can be used as a single continuous space for housing components. For example, the space within the expanded space forming section 35 and the space 33S enclosed by the partial partition 33 and the partition side wall 34 can be used as a space to house a control board 26, which includes an inverter control circuit on which a circuit for driving and controlling the rotating electric machine 40 is formed (see Figure 3).

[0043] The armature 42 housed in the case 30 includes a coil wire 46a. The coil wire 46a is a linear conductive member made of copper wire or the like. The coil wire 46a may be wound around the armature core. A relay connection member 47 is connected to the coil wire 46a. The relay connection member 47 is wiring for leading the coil wire 46a out of the armature 42. The relay connection member 47 may be a busbar made of copper or the like, an electric wire with a core wire containing one or more strands covered with insulating resin, or a braided wire made of woven metal wires. In this embodiment, an example is described in which the relay connection member 47 is a busbar made of copper or the like.

[0044] More specifically, the intermediate connecting member 47 is an elongated metal plate member. One end of the intermediate connecting member 47 is connected to the end of the coil wire 46a by welding or crimping. The intermediate connecting member 47 is drawn out radially outward from the armature 42 in a direction intersecting the rotation axis X (for example, a perpendicular direction) from the end of the coil wire 46a. A screw insertion hole 47h is formed at the other end of the intermediate connecting member 47. For example, the other end of the intermediate connecting member 47 has a shape that includes a disc-shaped portion 47a having a screw insertion hole 47h and an extension portion 47b extending toward the coil wire 46a from a part of the circumferential direction of the disc-shaped portion 47a.

[0045] In this embodiment, relay connecting members 47 corresponding to the three phases, U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase, extend outward from the armature 42. The relay connecting members 47 extend within the cylindrical case body 32 toward the adjacent direction of the rotation axis X of the partial partition 33.

[0046] External busbar terminals 27, which serve as external wiring, extend from the control board 26 housed within the space 33S. The external busbar terminals 27 are busbars formed from metal plates such as copper. Screw insertion holes are formed in the external busbar terminals 27. Three external busbar terminals 27 may be provided to correspond to three phases. Within the space 33S, the external busbar terminals 27 extend toward the adjacent direction in the rotation axis X direction of the partial partition 33.

[0047] In other words, in this embodiment, a partial partition 33 is placed between the relay connection member 47 and the external busbar terminal 27. The relay connection member 47 intersects (in this case, orthogonal to) the rotation axis X, and the external busbar terminal 27 is parallel to the rotation axis X and intersects (in this case, orthogonal to) the relay connection member 47.

[0048] The connection module 50 is a connection module 50 in a rotating electric machine 40 which comprises an armature 42 and a 30 housing the armature 42. In this embodiment, the relay connection member 47 and the external busbar terminal 27 are the components to be connected. In particular, the relay connection member 47 is an example of a component to be connected on the armature side.

[0049] A through-hole 33h is formed in the partial partition 33 of the case 30, extending through it in the thickness direction. The through-hole 33h may have a continuous diameter in the direction of penetration, or it may have a tapered or stepped diameter. The connection module is held through the through-hole 33h, allowing it to be exposed to both the space 32S housing the armature 42 and the space 33S housing the control board 26 within the case 30, and enabling electrical connection between the relay connection member 47 and the external busbar terminal 27.

[0050] <About connection modules> The connection module 50 will now be described. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the connection module 50, and Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the connection module 50.

[0051] The connection module 50 comprises a conductive component 52 and a housing 60.

[0052] The conductive component 52 includes a first end 54, a second end 56, and an intermediate portion 58 located between the first end 54 and the second end 56. The intermediate portion 58 penetrates the through hole 33h, thereby exposing at least a portion of the first end 54 into the space 32S and at least a portion of the second end 56 into the space 33S. The conductive component 52 may be formed, for example, by cutting, machining, or press-forming a metal rod-shaped base material. The conductive component 52 may be formed from, for example, copper or aluminum.

[0053] The first end portion 54 is the portion that is connected to the intermediate connecting member 47, which is the component to be connected. In this embodiment, a fastening hole 54h is opened on the end face 54f of the first end portion 54, opposite to the intermediate portion 58. The fastening hole 54h is a hole through which a fastening component is fastened for fastening another fastening component. In this embodiment, the fastening component is assumed to be a screw S, and the fastening hole 54h is a screw hole with a screw groove formed on its inner circumferential surface. The fastening hole 54h is a bottomed screw hole extending from the end face 54f of the first end portion 54 toward the intermediate portion 58. The fastening hole 54h may also penetrate to the second end portion 56.

[0054] In this embodiment, the first end portion 54 and the intermediate portion 58 are formed in a cylindrical shape. The central axis of the first end portion 54 and the central axis of the fastening hole 54h may coincide. In the direction of extension of the first end portion 54 of the conductive component 52, the portion in which the fastening hole 54h is formed may be considered as the first end portion 54.

[0055] A fastening plane 56fa is formed on a portion of the periphery of the second end portion 56. In this embodiment, the fastening plane 56fa is perpendicular to the opposite end face 56fb of the second end portion 56 that is opposite to the intermediate portion 58, and is parallel to the central axis of the conductive component 52. The fastening plane 56fa may be formed, for example, by cutting or by press working. The fastening plane may be oblique to the end face of the second end portion 56 that is opposite to the intermediate portion 58, and may be non-parallel to the central axis of the conductive component 52. The first end portion and the intermediate portion may be formed in the shape of a rectangular bar.

[0056] A fastening hole 56h on the opposite side is open in the fastening plane 56fa. The fastening hole 56h on the opposite side extends from the fastening plane 56fa toward the side of the second end 56 opposite to the fastening plane 56fa. The fastening hole 56h on the opposite side may extend in a direction intersecting (for example, perpendicular) to the fastening hole 54h. The fastening hole 56h on the opposite side may be a bottomed hole or a hole that penetrates the second end 56. A screw groove is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the fastening hole 56h on the opposite side. In this embodiment, the explanation assumes that the fastening hole 56h on the opposite side is a hole that penetrates the second end 56.

[0057] In the direction of extension of the second end portion 56 of the conductive component 52, the portion where the fastening plane 56fa is formed may be considered the second end portion.

[0058] The housing 60 is an insulating component that covers the conductive component 52. The housing 60 is, for example, a resin component. The housing 60 may be a part molded with the conductive component 52 as an insert component. Alternatively, it may be a resin component molded separately from the conductive component 52, into which the conductive component 52 is inserted or otherwise incorporated. The conductive component 52 may be a single component or a combination of multiple components. The housing 60 insulates the case 30 from the conductive component 52. An adhesive for watertight sealing may be interposed at the boundary between the conductive component 52 and the housing 60.

[0059] The housing 60 covers the conductive component 52 with at least the end face 54f of the first end 54 and at least a portion of the second end 56 exposed. The housing 60 may cover the entire intermediate portion 58 or a portion of the intermediate portion 58. In this embodiment, the portion of the housing 60 that covers the intermediate portion 58 is formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0060] At least a portion of the housing 60 is a part that is held through the through hole 33h. For example, the outer diameter of the portion of the housing 60 that covers the intermediate portion 58 is set to be the same as the inner diameter of the through hole 33h so that it fits into the through hole 33h without rattling.

[0061] The housing 60 has a positioning projection 61 that contacts the case 30 to position the housing 60 in the direction of penetration of the through hole 33h. Positioning here only requires positioning in at least one direction in the direction of penetration of the through hole 33h. In this embodiment, the positioning projection 61 is formed in an annular convex shape on the outer circumference of the housing 60, near the first end 54. When the housing 60 is inserted into the through hole 33h from the space 32S side on the armature 42 side, the positioning projection 61 contacts the opening edge of the through hole 33h on the space 32S side. This positions the housing 60 to one side in the direction of penetration of the through hole 33h.

[0062] The positioning projection may be a partial convex shape in the circumferential direction of the housing 60. The positioning projection of the housing may be positioned in the direction of the through-hole 33h by contacting a step formed midway through the through-hole 33h.

[0063] The housing 60 may have a protrusion that contacts the opening edge on the control board 26 side of the space 33S in the through-hole 33h direction. In this case, the portion of the housing on which the protrusion is formed may be press-fitted into the through-hole 33h.

[0064] A circumferential groove 60g is formed in the portion of the housing 60 that is positioned within the through hole 33h. An annular elastic ring 68 is fitted onto the circumferential groove 60g. The annular elastic ring 68 is, for example, an O-ring made of rubber or the like. With the housing 60 inserted through the through hole 33h, the annular elastic ring 68 is interposed in a compressed state between the housing 60 and the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 33h. This prevents the entry or leakage of liquid or fluid that travels between the housing 60 and the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 33h.

[0065] The housing 60 covers the portion from the entire intermediate section 58 to the outer circumferential surface of the first end section 54, with the end face 54f of the first end section 54 exposed at one end of the housing 60. It is not necessary for the entire end face 54f to be exposed; for example, the outer circumferential edge of the end face 54f may be covered by the peripheral wall section 62, which will be described later. The intermediate connecting member 47 can make surface contact with the end face 54f.

[0066] The housing 60 includes a peripheral wall portion 62 that surrounds the end face 54f of the first end portion 54, with the end face 54f exposed. The peripheral wall portion 62 is an annular portion that protrudes beyond the end face 54f. The disc-shaped portion 47a of the end of the relay connecting member 47 can be placed within the peripheral wall portion 62.

[0067] A recess 62g is formed in the peripheral wall portion 62, which is partially recessed in the circumferential direction. The bottom of the recess 62g is recessed more than the end face 54f. In other words, in the direction of extension of the first end portion 54, the bottom of the recess 62g is located closer to the intermediate portion 58 than to the end face 54f. Therefore, with the disc-shaped portion 47a in surface contact with the end face 54f, the extension portion 47b extending from the disc-shaped portion 47a can be pulled out to the outside of the peripheral wall portion 62 via the recess 62g. The width of the recess 62g may be the same as the width of the extension portion 47b to the extent that the extension portion 47b can be accommodated without rattling.

[0068] The peripheral wall portion 62 described above may be formed in a shape that can prevent the end of the connecting member from rotating, depending on the shape of the end of the connecting member. For example, if the end of the connecting member is rectangular, the peripheral wall portion may be formed in a shape that is surrounded on three sides by straight walls so that the rectangular portion can be accommodated in a rotation-preventing state.

[0069] The housing 60 covers the conductive component 52 with at least a portion of the second end 56 exposed. In this embodiment, the housing 60 includes a receiving portion 64 that covers the periphery of the second end 56 on the side opposite to the fastening plane 56fa. Thus, the housing 60 covers the conductive component 52 with the fastening plane 56fa of the second end 56 exposed.

[0070] The receiving portion 64 is, for example, a semi-cylindrical part. The receiving portion 64 can close the inner opening of the opposite fastening hole 56h that is opposite to the fastening plane 56fa. This makes it difficult for foreign matter generated in the opposite fastening hole 56h to fall out through the inner opening of the opposite fastening hole 56h.

[0071] In this embodiment, the opposite end face 56fb of the second end 56 is exposed from the housing 60. The housing may cover the opposite end face 56fb.

[0072] The receiving portion 64 may be omitted.

[0073] <About the connection structure using connection modules> As described above, the connection module 50 is held through the through-hole 33h of the partial partition 33. Since the through-hole 33h is aligned with the direction of the rotation axis X, the conductive component 52 penetrates the partial partition 33 of the case 30 along the direction of the rotation axis X.

[0074] In this state, the first end portion 54 is located within the space 32S that houses the armature 42. The second end portion 56 is located within the space 33S that houses the control board 26.

[0075] The disc-shaped portion 47a at the end of the relay connecting member 47, which is the component to be connected on the armature side, contacts the end face 54f of the second end 56 at a position where it is surrounded by the peripheral wall portion 62. In addition, the extension portion 47b extending from the disc-shaped portion 47a is pulled out to the outside of the peripheral wall portion 62 through the recess 62g of the peripheral wall portion 62. In this state, the screw S is inserted through the screw insertion hole 47h of the disc-shaped portion 47a and fastened and fixed in the fastening hole 54h. When the screw S is rotated for fastening, a force acts on the disc-shaped portion 47a to rotate with it. However, since the extension portion 47b is located within the recess 62g, the rotation of the disc-shaped portion 47a is suppressed. As a result, the direction in which the relay connecting member 47 extends relative to the first end 54 is restricted to a certain direction.

[0076] The relay connection member 47 is connected to the coil wire 46a from the first end 54 located on the outer circumference of the armature 42 toward the inside of the armature 42.

[0077] Furthermore, a control board 26 is housed within the space 33S, and an external busbar terminal 27 extends from the control board 26. With the external busbar terminal 27 positioned to make surface contact with the fastening plane 56fa, a screw S is inserted through a screw insertion hole formed in the external busbar terminal 27 and fastened and fixed to the fastening hole 56h on the opposite side.

[0078] As a result, the coil wire 46a is electrically connected to the control board 26 via the relay connection member 47 and the connection module 50.

[0079] <Effects, etc.> As described above, with the connection module 50 configured as shown, a fastening hole 56h for the opposite side is opened on the end face 54f of the first end 54, opposite to the intermediate portion 58. The housing 60 covers the conductive component 52 with at least the end face 54f of the first end 54 and at least a portion of the second end 56 exposed. Therefore, the intermediate connection member 47 can be connected to the connection module 50 by bringing the intermediate connection member 47 into contact with the end face 54f of the first end 54 and fastening a screw S, which is a fastening component, through the screw insertion hole 47h of the intermediate connection member 47 and fastening it to the fastening hole 56h for the opposite side. This makes the connection structure between the intermediate connection member 47 and the first end 54 more compact, and the configuration for drawing out the coil wire 46a inside the rotating electric machine 40 to another location more compact.

[0080] Let's consider the case where the conductive component of the above-mentioned connection module is formed by processing a sheet material. In this case, in order to connect the intermediate connecting member 47, which extends in a direction perpendicular to the conductive component, to the conductive component, it is conceivable to bend the conductive component into an L-shape and fix a fastening nut to the end of the bent portion. In this case, since the end bent into an L-shape in a direction perpendicular to the middle part of the conductive component will spread out, the connection structure with the conductive component may become larger. Furthermore, since it is sufficient to form a screw groove on the inner circumferential surface of the fastening hole 54h, there is no need to add a nut, and from this point of view, the number of parts can be reduced. As a result, cost reduction is also possible.

[0081] In this embodiment, the first end portion 54 for fastening and fixing can be positioned on the extension of the intermediate portion 58, making it difficult for the first end portion 54 to extend far beyond the extension of the intermediate portion 58. Furthermore, it is not necessary to separately attach nuts for fastening and fixing. As a result, the connection structure between the relay connecting member 47 and the connecting module 50 can be miniaturized.

[0082] Furthermore, since the housing 60 is a portion that is held through the through hole 33h, the connection module 50 can be fixed to the case 30 in a compact configuration. For example, it is not necessary to use a separate screw-fastening bracket to fix the housing 60 to the case 30. As a result, the fixing structure of the connection module 50 can be made smaller by omitting the fixing bracket.

[0083] Furthermore, since the housing 60 has a positioning projection 61, the structure of the housing 60 itself allows the connection module 50 to be positioned relative to the through hole 33h, making it possible to make the configuration for fixing the connection module 50 to the case 30 more compact.

[0084] The connection module 50 may be supported so as to be held in a fixed position by fixing its first end 54 or second end 56 to a component to be connected, which is positioned at a fixed location.

[0085] Furthermore, the housing 60 has a peripheral wall portion 62 surrounding the end face 54f, and a recess 62g is formed in the peripheral wall portion 62. Therefore, with the disc-shaped portion 47a of the intermediate connecting member 47 in contact with the end face 54f within the peripheral wall portion 62, the extension portion 47b can be pulled out to the outside of the peripheral wall portion 62 via the recess 62g. Since the extension portion 47b is located within the recess 62g, the intermediate connecting member 47 is less likely to rotate around the first end portion 54 during fastening and fixing work of the screw S, etc. As a result, when fastening the intermediate connecting member 47 to the end face of the first end portion 54, the direction in which the intermediate connecting member 47 extends relative to the first end portion 54 is stable.

[0086] Furthermore, a fastening plane 56fa is formed on a part of the periphery of the second end portion 56, and a fastening hole 56h on the opposite side is opened in the fastening plane 56fa. The housing 60 covers the conductive component 52 with the fastening plane 56fa of the second end portion 56 exposed. Therefore, by bringing the external busbar terminal 27, which is another component to be connected, into contact with the fastening plane 56fa of the second end portion 56, and fastening the screw S through the external busbar terminal 27 to the fastening hole 56h on the opposite side, the external busbar terminal 27 can be connected to the connection module 50. In this way, the fastening direction of the relay connection member 47 and the external busbar terminal 27 can be made different, and the two can be connected via the conductive component 52.

[0087] Furthermore, the housing 60 includes a receiving portion 64 that covers the area around the second end portion 56, on the side opposite to the fastening plane 56fa. Therefore, even if foreign matter is generated when the screw S is fastened into the opposite fastening hole 56h, the foreign matter will be caught by the receiving portion 64.

[0088] Furthermore, the conductive component 52 penetrates the partial partition 33 of the case 30 along the direction of the rotation axis X. This makes it easy to effectively utilize the space around the armature 42 by partitioning it with the partial partition 33 in the direction of the rotation axis X. For example, the space on one main surface side of the partial partition 33 can be used as a space for extending the relay connection member 47 to the outside of the armature 42 and connecting it to the connection module 50, and the space on the other main surface side of the partial partition 33 can be used as a space for housing the control board 26. This makes it possible to effectively utilize space that would otherwise become dead space, and makes it easier to miniaturize the electromechanical unit 20 as a whole. In this case, it is easy to connect the relay connection member 47 to the first end 54 located within the space 32S housing the armature 42 in a compact configuration.

[0089] Furthermore, with this connection module 50, since the housing 60 is held through the through hole 33h, the portion of the first end 54 and the second end 56 that is exposed from the housing can be used to realize a configuration for leading the coil wire 46a of the rotating electric machine 40 to another location. Because the housing 60 is held through the through hole 33h of the case 30, the connection module 50 in the rotating electric machine 40 can be miniaturized. This effect can be obtained even if a fastening hole 54h is not formed in the end face 54f.

[0090] In this case, since the housing 60 has a positioning projection 61, the structure of the housing 60 itself allows the connection module 50 to be positioned relative to the through hole 33h, thus enabling further miniaturization of the configuration.

[0091] <Modified form of Embodiment 1> In this first embodiment, an example was described in which the end face 54f and the fastening hole 54h are located within the space 32S that houses the armature 42. However, the configuration in which the fastening hole is formed on the end face may also be located on the side of the space 32S that houses the control board 26.

[0092] Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, the second end portion 56 does not necessarily have to be located within the space 33S housing the control board 26; for example, it may be exposed outside the case.

[0093] Various modifications will be described based on the above embodiment 1.

[0094] In the connection module 150 according to the first modified example shown in Figure 6, the conductive component 152 corresponding to the conductive component 52 comprises a first end 54, a second end 156, and an intermediate portion 58. Unlike the second end 56 described above, the second end 156 includes a portion formed in the shape of a plate, or more specifically, a disc-shaped portion 156a. The disc-shaped portion 156a may be formed, for example, by press-forming one end of a round bar-shaped base material. A screw insertion hole is formed in the disc-shaped portion 156a, and a nut 156b with a screw groove is fixed to it. The nut 156b is fixed to the disc-shaped portion 156a, for example, by crimping or welding. With the component to be connected superimposed on the disc-shaped portion 156a, the screw is fastened to the nut 156b by passing through the screw insertion hole of the component to be connected and the screw insertion hole of the disc-shaped portion 156a, thereby fixing the component to be connected to the second end 156.

[0095] The housing 160, corresponding to the housing 60, covers the intermediate portion 58 while exposing the end face 54f and outer circumference of the first end portion 54, as well as the second end portion 156. In other words, the peripheral wall portion 62 and the receiving portion 64 are omitted in this housing 160. However, the housing 160 has the positioning projection 61 described in the embodiment.

[0096] In this modified example, the connection module 150 has a first end 54, and therefore the effects of the first end 54 are the same as in the above embodiment.

[0097] Furthermore, since the housing 160 of the connection module 150 is held through the through hole 33h, the effects of this through-holding are also the same as in the above embodiment.

[0098] In the connection module 250 according to the second modified example shown in Figure 7, the conductive component 252 corresponding to the conductive component 52 comprises a first end 54, a second end 256, and an intermediate portion 58. Unlike the second end 56 described above, the second end 256 has a configuration in which a fastening hole 256h for the opposite side is opened on the opposite end face 256f, which is opposite to the intermediate portion 58. In other words, the second end 256 has the same configuration as the first end 54, except that it faces the opposite side from the first end 54.

[0099] The housing 260, corresponding to the housing 60, covers the conductive component 252 with at least the opposite end face 256f of the second end 256 exposed. Therefore, when the external busbar terminal 227, corresponding to the external busbar terminal 27, extends parallel to the opposite end face 256f of the second end 256, the external busbar terminal 227 can be fastened and fixed to the second end 256 by a screw S while the external busbar terminal 227 is in contact with the opposite end face 256f. The housing 260 has the positioning projection 61 described in the embodiment.

[0100] In this modified example, the connection module 250 has a first end portion 54, and therefore the effects of the first end portion 54 are the same as in the above embodiment.

[0101] Furthermore, in this modified example, fastening holes 54h and 256h are formed on both end faces 54f and 256f, respectively, thus achieving a compact connection configuration with the components to be connected at both ends of the connection module 250. This configuration is also effective when the components to be connected at both ends are parallel to each other and their fastening directions are opposite.

[0102] Furthermore, since the housing 260 of the connection module 250 is held through the through hole 33h, the effects of this through-holding are also the same as in the above embodiment.

[0103] In the connection module 350 according to the third modified example shown in Figure 8, the conductive component 352 corresponding to the conductive component 52 comprises a first end portion 354, a second end portion 356, and an intermediate portion 58. Unlike the first end portion 54, the first end portion 354 includes a portion formed in the shape of a plate, more specifically, a rectangular plate portion 354a. A relay connection member 347 corresponding to the relay connection member 47 is joined to this rectangular plate portion 354a. The joining may be ultrasonic welding, laser welding, resistance welding, or soldering.

[0104] The relay connecting member 347 may be an electric wire or a braided wire. In this embodiment, the relay connecting member 347 includes a plurality of electric wires 347a arranged in parallel. The other end of the relay connecting member 347 is joined to a coil wire or a busbar connected to the coil wire. Such a relay connecting member 347 can be bent more flexibly than a busbar made of a metal plate. The second end 356 has the same configuration as the second end 256 in the second modified example described above.

[0105] The housing 360, corresponding to the housing 60, covers the intermediate portion 58 while exposing the end face and outer circumference of the second end portion 356 and the first end portion 354. The housing 360 also has the positioning projection 61 described in the embodiment.

[0106] In this modified example, the connection module 350 has a second end 356, and therefore the effect of the second end 356 is the same as the effect of the first end 54 in the above embodiment.

[0107] Furthermore, since the housing 360 of the connection module 350 is held through the through hole 33h, the effects of this through-holding are the same as in the above embodiment.

[0108] In the fourth modified example shown in Figures 9 and 10, the connecting module 450, which corresponds to the conductive component 52, comprises a first end portion 454, a second end portion 456, and an intermediate portion 458.

[0109] The second end portion 456 is configured similarly to the second end portion 156 described in the first modified example, with a nut 456b fixed to a disc-shaped portion 456a having a screw insertion hole.

[0110] The intermediate section 458 is formed in the shape of a strip.

[0111] The first end portion 454, like the second end portion 456, is configured such that a nut 454b is fixed to a disc-shaped portion 454a having a screw insertion hole. Unlike the second end portion 456, the first end portion 454 is bent relative to the intermediate portion 458. The first end portion may extend straight relative to the intermediate portion.

[0112] The housing 460 corresponding to the housing 60 covers the intermediate portion 458 with the first end 454 and the second end 456 exposed. The housing 460 is able to be held through the through hole 33h and has the positioning projection 61 described in the embodiment.

[0113] In this modified example, the housing 460 of the connection module 450 is held through the through hole 33h, so the effects of this through-holding are the same as in the above embodiment. Furthermore, it is easy to fasten and fix the target connection parts 470 and 472, which extend in different directions, for example, in mutually orthogonal directions, with screws S.

[0114] [Embodiment 2] A connection module in a rotating electric machine according to Embodiment 2 will be described. In Embodiment 1 described above, a connection module 150 etc. in a rotating electric machine 40 comprising an armature 42 and a case 30 housing the armature 42 was described. It is assumed that multiple connection modules 150 will be provided according to the number of phases of the inverter. In Embodiment 1, an example was described in which the connection modules 150 etc. are not integrated with a bracket or the like, but are inserted into the through holes 33h of the case 30 in a separate state. In this case, it is desirable that the connection module 150 itself has a more reliable positioning structure for the through holes 33h. In Embodiment 2, a configuration is described in which the connection module 150 etc. in Embodiment 1 is provided with a positioning part that contacts the case so as to restrict rotation around the axis of the through hole or movement on both sides of the axial direction of the through hole.

[0115] In Embodiment 2, the same reference numerals may be used to refer to the same components as those described in Embodiment 1, and their descriptions may be omitted.

[0116] In the following embodiments 1 to 4, an example is described in which the positioning part is a rotation stopper that contacts the case to restrict the rotation of the housing around the axis of the through hole. In embodiment 5, an example is described in which the positioning part restricts the movement of the through hole on both axial sides.

[0117] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the connection module 550 according to Embodiment 1 in a state where it is held through the through hole 533h. Figure 12 is a perspective view showing the connection module 550. Figure 13 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII in Figure 11. A part of the case 530 is shown in Figure 11. Three through holes 533h are formed in a part of the case 530, and the connection module 550 is held through one of them.

[0118] The connection module 550 comprises a conductive component 152 and a housing 560.

[0119] The conductive component 152 is the same component as the conductive component 152 of the first modified example in Embodiment 1.

[0120] The housing 560, like the housing 160, covers the conductive component 152 with at least a portion of the first end 54 and at least a portion of the second end 156 exposed. The housing 560 is, for example, a resin portion molded with the middle portion 58 of the conductive component as an insert portion.

[0121] The housing 560 includes a cylindrical portion 562 and a flange-shaped projection 563 that serves as a rotation stopper.

[0122] The cylindrical portion 562 is a cylindrical part having an outer diameter that is the same as or smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole 533h. An annular groove 562g is formed on the outer circumference of the cylindrical portion 562. An elastic ring 568 made of rubber or the like is fitted into the annular groove 562g.

[0123] The cylindrical portion 562 is inserted into the through hole 533h of the case 530. The elastic ring 568 is interposed in a compressed state between the bottom of the annular groove 562g and the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 533h, making it easier to ensure watertightness between the housing 560 and the through hole 533h. In particular, since the elastic ring 568 is positioned between the circumferential bottom of the annular groove 562g and the circumferential inner circumferential surface of the through hole 533h, the elastic ring 568 is compressed evenly in the circumferential direction, making it easier to ensure watertightness throughout the entire circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 562.

[0124] The flange-shaped projection 563 is an example of a positioning part, and more specifically, an example of a rotation stopper that contacts the case 530 to restrict the rotation of the housing 560 around the axis of the through hole 533h.

[0125] In this embodiment, the flange-shaped projection 563 is an annular projection that protrudes outward from the outer circumference of the cylindrical portion 562. The flange-shaped projection 563 may be located in the axial middle of the cylindrical portion 562, or it may be located closer to one end. In this embodiment, the flange-shaped projection 563 protrudes from the circumferential portion on the axial end side of the cylindrical portion 562, more specifically, from the circumferential portion on the side of the first end 54 of the cylindrical portion 562. The flange-shaped projection may also protrude from the circumferential portion on the side of the second end of the cylindrical portion.

[0126] The flange-shaped projection 563 is eccentric with respect to the cylindrical portion 562. That is, the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 562 is circular, and the outer surface of the flange-shaped projection 563 is also circular. The central axis A2 of the flange-shaped projection 563 is set at a different position from the central axis A1 of the cylindrical portion 562. Therefore, the projection dimension of the flange-shaped projection 563 relative to the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 562 is largest in one part of the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 562, smallest on the opposite side, and gradually decreases from that part toward the opposite side.

[0127] The annular end face 563a of the flange-shaped projection 563 on the side of the cylindrical portion 562 faces the through hole 533h. The outer circumferential surface 563b of the flange-shaped projection 563 faces away from the end face 563a, on the opposite side from the cylindrical portion 562, that is, on the opposite side from the through hole 533h.

[0128] Here, the through hole 533h includes a hole body portion 533h1 and an opening edge forming surface 533h2 formed on one side of the through hole 533h. The hole body portion 533h1 is the portion through which the cylindrical portion 562 is disposed. The opening edge forming surface 533h2 is wider than the hole body portion 533h1 and is formed as a surface that extends to an annular surface. The opening edge forming surface 533h2 is eccentric with respect to the hole body portion 533h1. In other words, the central axis of the opening edge forming surface 533h2 is located at a different position from the central axis of the hole body portion 533h1.

[0129] In this example, the opening edge forming surface 533h2 includes a bottom surface 533h2a that extends from the opening edge of the hole body 533h1 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the hole body 533h1, and an inner circumferential surface 533h2b that rises from around the bottom surface 533h2a. The bottom surface 533h2a is the surface facing outward in the through hole 533h. The inner circumferential surface 533h2b is the surface that extends from around the bottom surface 533h2a toward the outside of the through hole 533h.

[0130] The above-mentioned through-hole 533h can be easily formed, for example, by forming a circular hole with a drill tool and then countersinking one side of the opening edge of the circular hole with a countersinking tool.

[0131] Then, with the cylindrical portion 562 penetrating the main body portion 533h1 of the through hole 533h, the flange-shaped projection 563 is fitted into the opening edge forming surface 533h2 such that the end face 563a contacts the bottom surface 533h2a and the outer peripheral surface 563b contacts the inner peripheral surface 533h2b. In this state, if the housing 560 attempts to rotate around the central axis of the main body portion 533h1 of the through hole 533h, the flange-shaped projection 563, which is eccentric with respect to the central axis of the through hole 533h, interferes with the outer peripheral surface 563b of the opening edge forming surface 533h2, thereby suppressing the rotation of the housing 560 and the connecting module 550 including the housing 560.

[0132] Furthermore, the statement that the outer circumferential surface 563b is in contact with the inner circumferential surface 533h2b means that the outer circumferential surface 563b is in contact with the inner circumferential surface 533h2b in such a way that the above-mentioned rotation can be restricted, and it is not necessarily required that the entire circumferential direction of the outer circumferential surface 563b is in constant close contact with the inner circumferential surface 533h2b.

[0133] According to this embodiment 1, the housing 560 of the connection module 550 has a flange-shaped projection 563 that contacts the case 530 as a positioning part and rotation stopper, so as to restrict rotation around the axis of the through hole 533h. Therefore, it is easy to fix the connection module 550 to the case 530 using the housing 560 that covers the conductive component 152. Thus, the layout flexibility of the connection module 550 in the rotating electric machine can be improved.

[0134] Furthermore, the connection module 550 can be fixed to the case 530 without using a bracket.

[0135] Furthermore, since the connection module 550 is less likely to rotate within the through hole 533h, the orientation of the first end 54 and the second end 156 is stabilized, making it easier to connect the first end 54 or the second end 156 to the mating terminal, and the connection state is also stabilized.

[0136] Furthermore, the flange-shaped projection 563 is fitted into the opening edge forming surface 533h2 formed at the opening of the through hole 533h, thereby preventing the connection module 550 from rotating. Since the rotation is prevented near the through hole 533h, the configuration for holding the connection module 550 can be made more compact.

[0137] Furthermore, since the rotation of the connecting module 550 is prevented by machining the opening edge of the through hole 533h, machining the case 530 is also easy.

[0138] Furthermore, in the direction of the central axis of the through hole 533h, the end face 563a of the flange-shaped projection 563 contacts the bottom surface 533h2a. In addition, the outer peripheral surface 563b and inner peripheral surface 533h2b, which are perpendicular to the end face 563a and bottom surface 533h2a, contact each other, thereby preventing the housing 560 from rotating. This ensures that the rotation of the connecting module 550 is prevented and that the position of the through hole 533h is restricted to one side of the central axis. Moreover, the opening edge forming surface 533h2, which has a bottom surface 533h2a and an inner peripheral surface 533h2b, can be easily formed, for example, by counterboring.

[0139] Figure 14 is a perspective view showing the connection module 650 according to Embodiment 2 in a state where it is held through the through hole 633h. Figure 15 is a perspective view showing the connection module 650. Figure 16 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line XVI-XVI of Figure 14.

[0140] The connection module 650 according to Example 2 has a configuration in which the shape of the flange-shaped projection 563 is changed compared to the connection module 550.

[0141] In other words, the flange-shaped projection 663 corresponding to the flange-shaped projection 563 is an example of a positioning part, and more specifically, it is an example of a rotation stopper that contacts the case 630 to restrict the rotation of the housing 660 around the axis of the through hole 633h.

[0142] In this embodiment, the flange-shaped projection 663 is an annular projection that protrudes outward from the outer circumference of the cylindrical portion 562. Similar to the flange-shaped projection 563, the flange-shaped projection 663 protrudes from the peripheral edge of the cylindrical portion 562 on the side of the first end 54, but it may be located at any position in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 562.

[0143] Similar to the flange projection 563, the flange projection 663 is eccentric with respect to the cylindrical portion 562. The flange projection 663 has a tapered surface 663f that gradually decreases in diameter toward the cylindrical portion 562, i.e., the through hole 633h. The tapered surface 663f has an outer surface shape that is a frustoconical shape with the apex of a cone cut off. The central axis B2 of the flange projection 663 is set at a different position from the central axis B1 of the cylindrical portion 562.

[0144] Here, the opening edge forming surface 633h2 of the through hole 633h has a receiving side tapered surface 633h2f that gradually widens toward the outside of the through hole 633h.

[0145] Such through-holes 633h can be easily formed, for example, by creating a circular hole with a drill tool and then chamfering one side of the opening edge of the circular hole with a countersink or the like.

[0146] Then, with the cylindrical portion 562 penetrating the main body portion 633h1 of the through hole 633h, the flange-shaped projection 663 is fitted into the opening edge forming surface 633h2 such that the tapered surface 663f contacts the receiving tapered surface 633h2f. In this state, if the housing 660 attempts to rotate around the central axis of the main body portion 633h1 of the through hole 633h, the tapered surface 663f of the flange-shaped projection 663, which is eccentric with respect to the central axis of the through hole 633h, interferes with the receiving tapered surface 633h2f of the opening edge forming surface 633h2, thereby suppressing the rotation of the housing 660 and the connecting module 650 including the housing 660.

[0147] Furthermore, when we say that the tapered surface 663f is in contact with the receiving tapered surface 633h2f, we mean that the tapered surface 663f is in contact with the receiving tapered surface 633h2f in such a way that the above rotation can be restricted. It is not necessarily required that the entire circumferential direction of the tapered surface 663f is in constant close contact with the receiving tapered surface 633h2f.

[0148] According to this embodiment 2, the same effects and advantages as in embodiment 1 can be obtained, except for the effects caused by differences in the shape of the flange-shaped projection 663.

[0149] Furthermore, since the flange-shaped projection 663 has a tapered surface 663f and the opening edge forming surface 633h2 has a receiving side tapered surface 633h2f, the flange-shaped projection 663 can be easily pressed into the opening edge forming surface 633h2. In addition, the receiving side tapered surface 633h2f can be easily machined by a countersink or the like.

[0150] Figure 17 is a perspective view showing the connection module 750 according to Embodiment 3 in a state where it is held through the through hole 733h. Figure 18 is a perspective view showing the connection module 750.

[0151] The connection module 750 according to Embodiment 3 has a positioning portion 762 having a pin-shaped portion 764 instead of the flange-shaped projection 563 in the connection module 550.

[0152] In other words, the positioning portion 762 has a pin-supporting projection 763 and a pin-shaped portion 764.

[0153] The pin support projection 763 protrudes outward from the cylindrical portion 562. The pin support projection 763 may protrude from any position in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 562. In this embodiment, the pin support projection 763 protrudes from the end of the cylindrical portion 562 on the side of the first end portion 54. The pin support projection 763 may protrude partially in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 562, or it may protrude along the entire circumferential direction. In this example, the pin support projection 763 protrudes along the entire circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 562, and also protrudes significantly in part in the circumferential direction. The end face of the pin support projection 763 on the side of the cylindrical portion 562 is perpendicular to the central axis of the cylindrical portion 562.

[0154] The pin-shaped portion 764 protrudes from the pin-supporting projection 763 toward the through-hole 733h along the axial direction of the through-hole 733h. In other words, the pin-shaped portion 764 protrudes from the pin-supporting projection 763 toward the cylindrical portion 562 along the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 562.

[0155] In the case 730, a positioning hole 734h is formed at a location away from the outer circumference from one side of the opening edge of the through hole 733h.

[0156] With the cylindrical portion 562 passing through the through hole 733h, the end face of the pin-supporting projection 763 contacts the case 730 around the through hole 733h, and the pin-shaped portion 764 is inserted into the positioning hole 734h. The insertion of the pin-shaped portion 764 into the positioning hole 734h restricts the rotation of the housing 760 around the axis of the through hole 733h.

[0157] According to this embodiment 3, similar to embodiment 1, the rotation of the connecting module 750 around the through hole 733h is restricted.

[0158] Furthermore, since the pin-shaped portion 764 is inserted into the positioning hole 734h at a position away from the cylindrical portion 562, rotation is more reliably prevented.

[0159] Figure 19 is a perspective view showing the connection module 850 according to Embodiment 4 in a state where it is held through the through hole 833h. Figure 20 is a perspective view showing the connection module 850.

[0160] The connection module 850 according to Embodiment 4 has a rotation-stopping projection 862 as a positioning part, instead of the flange-shaped projection 563 in the connection module 550.

[0161] The rotation-stopping projection 862 protrudes outward from the cylindrical portion 562. The rotation-stopping projection 862 may protrude from any position in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 562. In this embodiment, the rotation-stopping projection 862 protrudes from the end of the cylindrical portion 562 on the side of the first end portion 54. The rotation-stopping projection 862 may partially protrude in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 562, or it may protrude along the entire circumferential direction. In this example, the rotation-stopping projection 862 protrudes along the entire circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 562.

[0162] The tip of the rotation-retaining projection 862 has a rotation-retaining plane 862f parallel to the axial direction of the through hole 833h. In this embodiment, a part of the outer circumference of the rotation-retaining projection 862 is the rotation-retaining plane 862f. More specifically, the rotation-retaining projection 862 is a rectangular annular plate-like portion that protrudes from the cylindrical portion 562 such that its outer circumference is rectangular. The outward-facing surface corresponding to at least one of the four sides of the rotation-retaining projection 862 is the rotation-retaining plane 862f. Alternatively, all four sides of the rotation-retaining projection 862 may be the rotation-retaining plane 862f.

[0163] Here, the area around the through-hole 833h in the case 830 is formed as a recessed step portion 831 compared to the rest of the case. A step-forming plane 831f is formed to make the step portion 831 recessed relative to its surroundings. The step-forming plane 831f faces the through-hole 833h side.

[0164] In the case 830, if multiple through holes 833h are formed in a linear arrangement, the stepped portion 831 may be formed as a groove extending in the direction in which the multiple through holes 833h are aligned. Such a stepped portion 831 can be easily formed by milling or the like.

[0165] With the cylindrical portion 562 passing through the through hole 833h, the rotation-stopping surface 862f makes surface contact with the step-forming surface 831f, thereby stopping the rotation of the housing 560 and the connecting module 850.

[0166] The stepped surface 831f of the stepped portion 831, which is aligned in the direction in which the multiple through holes 833h are aligned, can be used as a plane for preventing rotation of the connecting module 850 in the three through holes 833h. Therefore, compared to the case in which the shape for the rotation prevention portion is machined separately for the multiple through holes 833h, the machining of the case 830 for preventing rotation becomes easier.

[0167] In this embodiment 4, the rotation-stopping surface 862f contacts the step-forming surface 831f at a position away from the cylindrical portion 562, thus ensuring more reliable rotation prevention. Furthermore, the step-forming surface 831f on the case 830 can be easily formed, for example, by milling.

[0168] Figure 21 is a perspective view showing the connection module 950 according to Embodiment 5 in a state where it is held through the through hole 933h. Figure 22 is an exploded perspective view showing the state before the connection module 950 is held through the through hole 933h. Figure 23 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line XXIII-XXIII of Figure 21.

[0169] The connection module 950 comprises a conductive component 152 and a housing 960.

[0170] The conductive component 152 is the same component as the conductive component 152 of the first modified example in Embodiment 1.

[0171] Housing 960 comprises a first housing 962 and a second housing 964. The second housing 964 can be combined with the first housing 962 from a separate state.

[0172] More specifically, the first housing 962 is formed of resin or the like and has a cylindrical portion 962a and a first axial positioning portion 962b. The cylindrical portion 962a is formed in a cylindrical shape and is held through the through hole 933h.

[0173] The first axial positioning portion 962b protrudes outward from the outer circumference of the cylindrical portion 962a. The first axial positioning portion 962b contacts the case 930 from one axial side of the through hole 933h and restricts the movement of the first housing 962 to the other side of the through hole 933h.

[0174] In this embodiment 5, the first axial positioning portion 962b is an annular portion that protrudes outward from the outer peripheral edge of one end of the cylindrical portion 962a. The first axial positioning portion 962b can contact one main surface of the case 930 at the opening edge of the through hole 933h.

[0175] A cross-shaped projection 962c protrudes from the end of the cylindrical portion 962a opposite to the first axial positioning portion 962b. A second end portion 156 protrudes from the center of the projection 962c. A locking projection 962d that engages with the second housing 964 may be formed on the outward-facing surface of the projection 962c.

[0176] The first housing 962 covers the intermediate portion 58 of the conductive component 152, with the first end 53 and the second end 156 protruding. The first housing 962 may be, for example, a portion molded using the intermediate portion 58 of the conductive component 152 as an insert portion.

[0177] The second housing 964 is a part molded from resin or the like, and has a receiving recess 965 and a terminal support portion 966.

[0178] The receiving recess 965 is formed so that the end of the cylindrical portion 962a opposite to the first axial positioning portion 962b and the projection 962c can be fitted into it. For example, the receiving recess 965 has a cylindrical portion 965a and a relative rotation restricting portion 965b.

[0179] The cylindrical portion 965a has a circular hole-like space into which the end of the cylindrical portion 962a opposite to the first axial positioning portion 962b can be fitted. The outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 965a is larger than the outer diameter of the through hole 933h. Therefore, the end face portion of the cylindrical portion 965a can function as a second axial positioning portion 965ap that contacts the case 930 from the other axial side of the through hole 933h, so as to restrict the movement of the second housing 964 to one axial side of the through hole. In this way, the second housing 964 has a second axial positioning portion 965ap.

[0180] The relative rotation restricting portion 965b has a cross-shaped recess into which the projection 962c can be fitted. With the end of the cylindrical portion 962a fitted into the cylindrical portion 965a, the projection 962c fits into the recess in the relative rotation restricting portion 965b, thereby restricting the relative rotation of the first housing 962 and the second housing 964. A recess into which the locking projection 962d fits may or may not be formed in the relative rotation restricting portion 965b. In the latter case, it is preferable that the locking projection 962d is pressed against the relative rotation restricting portion 965b by elastic deformation of the first housing 962 or the second housing 964, or by crushing the locking projection 962d.

[0181] The first housing 962 has an end through-hole 962h through which the second end 156 passes. In this embodiment, the elongated end through-hole 962h is formed in the relative rotation restricting portion 965b. With the projection 962c fitted into the recess in the relative rotation restricting portion 965b, the second end 156 protruding from the projection 962c passes through the end through-hole 962h and protrudes from the relative rotation restricting portion 965b.

[0182] The second housing 964 has a set recess 966g. The set recess 966g is a recess into which a nut N, which is an example of a fastening component, is set. The nut N is a fastening component for fastening and fixing the second end 156 to the component to be connected 156T. The component to be connected 156T is, as described in the first embodiment, a busbar or terminal on the armature side, or a busbar or terminal on the inverter side.

[0183] A hole is formed in the connecting part 156T, and a hole is also formed in the second end part 156. With the connecting part 156T and the second end part 156 overlapping, the bolt, which is the fastening component on the other side, is screwed through the two holes into the nut, thereby fastening and fixing the connecting part 156T and the second end part 156 in an overlapping state.

[0184] The set recess 966g is a recess formed in the terminal support portion 966. The terminal support portion 966 is formed in a partially cylindrical shape, for example, a semi-cylindrical shape, that protrudes from the relative rotation restricting portion 965b. The terminal support portion 966 has a terminal support surface 966f that extends outward from the end through hole 962h along the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 962a. The second end portion 156 that protrudes from the end through hole 962h is positioned on the terminal support surface 966f.

[0185] The set recess 966g is formed to be partially recessed in the terminal support surface 966f. The set recess 966g is formed in a shape that can accommodate the nut N in a non-rotating state. For example, if the nut N is rectangular, the set recess 966g is formed in a rectangular recess shape. Depending on the shape of the nut N, the set recess 966g may be formed in a polygonal recess shape.

[0186] With the second end portion 156 positioned on the terminal support surface 966f, the position of the set recess 966g is set such that the screw hole of the nut N supported by the set recess 966g and the hole of the second end portion 156 are positioned coaxially.

[0187] The connection module 950 is held through the case 930 in the following manner.

[0188] That is, the nut N is fitted into the set recess 966g. The cylindrical portion 962a of the first housing 962 is inserted into the through hole 933h from one axial side of the through hole 933h. The first axial positioning portion 962b contacts the case 930 from one axial side of the through hole 933h. This restricts the first housing 962 from moving to the other axial side of the through hole 933h.

[0189] The second end portion 156 protrudes from the tip of the first housing 962, and the second end portion 156 is passed through the end through hole 962h, while the tip of the first housing 962 is fitted into the cylindrical portion 965a and the relative rotation restricting portion 965b. The locking projection 962d engages with the relative rotation restricting portion 965b, thereby temporarily fixing the first housing 962 and the second housing 964.

[0190] The second axial positioning portion 965ap of the second housing 964 contacts the case 930 from the other axial side of the through hole 933h. This restricts the second housing 964 from moving to one axial side of the through hole 933h.

[0191] In the above state, the portion of the second end 156 that protrudes from the end through hole 962h is placed on the nut N set in the set recess 966g. Then, the component to be connected 156T is placed on the second end 156, and the bolt B is screwed into the nut N through the holes in the second end 156 and the component to be connected 156T.

[0192] As a result, the component 156T to be connected is fastened and fixed to the second end 156, and an electrical connection is made. In this state, the nut N is fixed in a fixed position relative to the second end 156, and the nut N is housed in the set recess 966g. The nut N prevents the second end 156 from passing through the end through hole 962h. Also, because the nut N is housed in the set recess 966g, it can be said that the second housing 964 having the set recess 966g is restricted from moving away from the first housing 962. As a result, the first housing 962 and the second housing 964 are kept in a joined state.

[0193] Furthermore, the set recess 966g can also serve to catch foreign matter generated when screwing bolt B into nut N.

[0194] In this combined state, the first axial positioning portion 962b and the second axial positioning portion 965ap contact the case 930 from both axial sides of the through hole 933h. This restricts the housing 960, formed by the combination of the first housing 962 and the second housing 964, from moving to either side of the through hole 933h.

[0195] The configuration for maintaining the first and second housings in a joined state is not limited to the above example. The first and second housings may be provided with a locking structure to maintain them in a joined state. The first and second housings may also be held together by adhesive or welding.

[0196] According to this embodiment 5, the first housing 962 and the second housing 964 are configured to be joined from a separated state. For example, one of the first housing 962 and the second housing 964 can be inserted into the through hole 933h from one axial side, and the other of the first housing 962 and the second housing 964 can be brought close to the other of the first housing 962 and the second housing 964 from the other axial side of the through hole 933h to join them. This makes it easy to realize a configuration in which the first axial positioning portion 962b and the second axial positioning portion 965ap contact the case 930 from both axial sides of the through hole 933h.

[0197] Furthermore, since the portion of the second end 156 that protrudes from the end through hole 962h is positioned on the nut N set in the set recess 966g, when the connection target component 156T and the second end 156 are fastened and fixed with the bolt B and nut N, the nut N is fixed in a fixed position relative to the second end 156. Because the nut N is set in the set recess 966g, the second housing 964 having the set recess 966g is also kept in a fixed position relative to the second end 156. As a result, the first housing 962 and the second housing 964 are kept in a joined state via the conductive component 152, the nut N, and the bolt B.

[0198] Figure 24 is a schematic diagram showing a rotating electric machine 1000 equipped with the above-mentioned connection module 550.

[0199] The rotating electric machine 1000 comprises a case 1030 and an armature 1002 located inside the case 1030. The case 1030 has a case body 1032 that houses the armature 1002 and a circuit-side case 1034 that houses a circuit board such as an inverter. The circuit-side case 1034 is located on a part of the outer periphery of the case body 1032. The case body 1032 and the circuit-side case 1034 are separated by a partition wall 1040 that runs along the central axis X of the armature 1002 (which is also the rotation axis of the rotor).

[0200] A through-hole 1042h is formed in the partition wall 1040, and a connecting module 550 is held through the through-hole 1042h.

[0201] The connection module 550 may pass through from either the armature 1002 side or the circuit side case 1034 side. In other words, the rotation stopper may contact the case 1030 from either side.

[0202] Any of the above-described connection modules may be inserted through and held in the through-hole 1042h.

[0203] Figure 25 is a schematic diagram showing the case 1130 of another rotating electric machine equipped with the above-mentioned connection module 550.

[0204] Case 1130 differs from case 1030 in that the partition wall 1140 is perpendicular to the central axis X.

[0205] A through-hole 1142h is formed in the partition wall 1140, and a connecting module 550 is held through the through-hole 1142h.

[0206] Thus, because each connection module is small and can be assembled separately into the case, the layout flexibility of the connection modules is improved. This makes it easier to set the position of the connection modules in various locations, thereby improving the design flexibility of rotating electric machines.

[0207] Furthermore, each connection module is designed to be versatile enough to be assembled into rotating electric machines with various layouts.

[0208] In each embodiment of this design, the shape of the end portion is arbitrary. For example, as described in Embodiment 1, both ends of the conductive component may have fastening holes opening into the end faces. Alternatively, both ends of the conductive component may have a plate-like shape with holes. Furthermore, the ends of the conductive component may be connected to other wires, braided wires, etc., by ultrasonic bonding, laser welding, resistance welding, or soldering.

[0209] The configurations of Examples 1 to 4 described above may be applied to Example 5, and the rotation-preventing of the connecting module and the positioning of the through-hole on both sides in the through-direction may be performed.

[0210] Furthermore, the embodiments and modifications described above, as well as the configurations described in each example, can be combined as appropriate, as long as they do not contradict each other. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0211] 20. Integrated electromechanical unit 26 Control board 27, 227 External busbar terminals 30, 530, 630, 730, 830, 930, 1030, 1130 cases 31, 36 Lid 32 Tube Case Body 32S space 32h opening 33 Partition 33S space 33h, 533h, 633h, 733h, 833h, 933h, 1042h, 1142h through hole 34 Partition side wall 35 Expanded space forming section 40 Rotating Electric Machines 42, 1002 armature 46a Coil wire 47, 347 Relay connection member 47a Disc-shaped portion 47b Extension 47h Screw insertion hole 48 Field 49 Rotating shaft 50, 150, 250, 350, 450, 550, 650, 750, 850, 950 connection modules 52, 152, 252, 352, 452 conductive parts 54, 354, 454 1st end 54f end face 54h Fastening hole 56, 156, 256, 356, 456 2nd end 56fa fastening plane 56fb, 256f opposite end face 56h, 256h opposite side fastening hole 58, 458 Middle section 60, 160, 260, 360, 464, 560, 660, 760, 960 Housing housing 60g circumferential groove 61 Positioning protrusion 62 Peripheral wall section 62g recess 64 Receiving Department 68,568 Elastic Rings 156a, 454a, 456a Disc-shaped portion 156b, 454b, 456b nuts 347a electric wire 354a Rectangular plate-shaped portion 470, 472 Target connection parts 533h1, 633h1 Hole body part 533h2, 633h2 Opening edge forming surface 533h2a Bottom 533h2b Inner surface 562, 962a Cylindrical part 562g Ring groove 563, 663 Flange-shaped projection 563a End face 563b Outer surface 633h2f Receiving side tapered surface 734h Positioning hole 762 Positioning section 763 Pin support projection 764 Pin-shaped part 831 Stepped section 831f plane 862 Rotating stopper piece 862f Rotation stop plane 962 Housing No. 1 962b First axial positioning unit 962c protrusion 962d Locking protrusion 962h End through hole 964 Second Housing 965 Receiving recess 965a Cylindrical section 965ap Second axial positioning unit 965b Relative rotation restricting section 966 Terminal support part 966f Terminal support surface 966g set recess 1000 Rotating Electric Machines 1032 Case body 1034 Circuit side case 1040, 1140 Partition wall A1, A2, B1, B2 center axis B bolt N Nut S screw X Central axis (axis of rotation)

Claims

1. A connection module for a rotating electric machine comprising an armature and a case housing the armature, A conductive component comprising a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion located between the first end and the second end and passing through a through hole in the case, A housing that covers the aforementioned conductive component, Equipped with, The housing is a resin portion molded using the intermediate portion of the conductive component as an insert portion, and covers the conductive component with both the first end and the second end protruding from the housing. The conductive component includes a plate-shaped portion disposed within the housing, The housing is a portion that is held through the through hole, A connection module in a rotating electric machine, wherein the housing has a positioning portion that contacts the case to restrict rotation of the through hole about the axis of the through hole or movement of the through hole to at least one side in the axial direction.

2. A connection module for a rotating electric machine according to claim 1, The housing includes a cylindrical portion that penetrates the through-hole while covering the conductive component, and a rotation-preventing projection that protrudes outward from the end of the cylindrical portion on the first end side. A connection module for a rotating electric machine, wherein the end face of the housing located closest to the first end extends from the base end of the first end to the outer circumference of the first end.

3. A connection module for a rotating electric machine according to claim 1 or claim 2, A connecting module in a rotating electric machine, wherein the positioning portion contacts the case to restrict the rotation of the through hole about its axis and the movement of the through hole to at least one side in the axial direction.

4. A connection module for a rotating electric machine according to claim 2, A connection module for a rotating electric machine, wherein the cylindrical portion penetrates the through hole, and the rotation-stopping projection has a rotation-stopping plane that contacts the case outside the through hole to restrict rotation around the axis of the through hole.

5. A connection module for a rotating electric machine according to claim 4, The rotation-stopping plane is parallel to the axial direction of the through-hole in a connection module for a rotating electric machine.

6. A connection module for a rotating electric machine according to claim 1 or claim 2, The positioning portion has a rotation-retaining plane that contacts the case at a position away from the through-hole and restricts rotation around the axis of the through-hole, in a connection module for a rotating electric machine.

7. Cases in which multiple through holes are formed, The armature located inside the aforementioned case, Multiple connection modules in a rotating electric machine, each passing through one of the multiple through holes, electrically connecting the conductive member on the armature side with the conductive member outside the case, Equipped with, The aforementioned connection module is A conductive component comprising a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion located between the first end and the second end and passing through a through hole in the case, A housing that covers the aforementioned conductive component, Equipped with, The housing is a resin portion molded using the intermediate portion of the conductive component as an insert portion, and covers the conductive component with both the first end and the second end protruding from the housing. The conductive component includes a plate-shaped portion disposed within the housing, The housing is a portion that is held through the through hole, The housing has a positioning portion that contacts the case to restrict rotation of the through hole about its axis or movement of the through hole to at least one side in the axial direction, Furthermore, the housing has a cylindrical portion that penetrates the through-hole while covering the conductive component, The positioning portion has a rotation-stopping projection that protrudes outward from the cylindrical portion, With the cylindrical portion passing through the through hole, the rotation-stopping projection has a rotation-stopping plane that contacts the case outside the through hole and restricts rotation around the axis of the through hole. A rotating electric machine, wherein in the case, a single plane for preventing rotation, which contacts the rotation-stopping plane of the plurality of rotation-stopping projections, is formed along the direction in which the plurality of through holes are aligned.

8. A rotating electric machine according to claim 7, A rotating electric machine, wherein the case has grooves formed in a direction in which a plurality of through holes are aligned, and at least one side surface of the groove is the flat surface.

9. A rotating electric machine according to claim 8, A rotating electric machine wherein the rotation-stopping projection is rectangular in shape, and the two opposing side faces of the surface surrounding the rotation-stopping projection are in contact with the two sides of the groove as rotation-stopping planes.

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