A stator unit, an electric motor equipped with the stator unit, and an air conditioning system, refrigerator, and vehicle-mounted device on which the electric motor is installed.

Abstract

To provide a stator unit, etc., that can ensure the cooling efficiency of the coil. [Solution] At least one refrigerant passage between multiple coils U1 to W3 is blocked by the cluster block 70. However, at least a portion of the tube 59 covering the neutral point 58 is placed between the bottom surface of the cluster block 70 and the coils V1 and W2, so that the tube 59 does not further block the refrigerant passage. As a result, the cooling medium can be easily passed through many refrigerant passages, so that the cooling efficiency of coils U1 to W3 can be ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a stator unit capable of ensuring the cooling efficiency of a coil, an electric motor including the stator unit, and an air conditioner, a refrigerator, and a vehicle-mounted device equipped with the electric motor.

Background Art

[0002] An electric compressor mounted in an air conditioner, a refrigerator, a vehicle-mounted device, etc. mainly includes a compression part that compresses a fluid, a three-phase alternating current type electric motor that drives the compression part, and a control circuit that controls the drive of the electric motor (Patent Documents 1 and 2). The stator of a three-phase alternating current type electric motor includes a cylindrical stator core, an insulating cylindrical bobbin disposed on the axial end surface of the stator core, and three-phase coils wound around the stator core and the bobbin in concentrated winding and arranged in plurality in the circumferential direction thereof. A plurality of terminal side lead wires are drawn out from each of the coils, and a plurality of connection terminals provided at the tips of these terminal side lead wires are connected to the control circuit. These connection terminals are housed in an insulating cluster block. Further, a plurality of refrigerant passages communicating with both axial ends of the stator are provided between the plurality of coils arranged in the circumferential direction, and the coils are cooled when a cooling medium passes through these refrigerant passages.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, in order to house the electric motor in a limited space inside the electric compressor housing, the cluster block is brought into contact with the axial end surface of the bobbin on the side opposite to the stator core. Further, in the axial view, the cluster block is arranged so as to cover a part between the plurality of coils, so that a part of the refrigerant passage between the coils is blocked by the cluster block.

[0004] In Patent Document 2, a neutral point is formed by connecting multiple neutral point lead wires drawn from the coil, and the neutral point is covered with a cylindrical, bag-shaped insulating tube with a closed end. This tube is fixed to the stator by being inserted between the coils, but at the same time, a part of the refrigerant passage between the coils is blocked. However, in Patent Document 2, because the space inside the housing of the electric compressor is wide, the cluster block is axially separated from the bobbin, and the refrigerant passage is not blocked by the cluster block. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2023 / 189893 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-157711 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] In Patent Document 2, the cluster block is provided at a position circumferentially away from the tube. In Patent Document 2, if the cluster block is in contact with the bobbin as in Patent Document 1, the refrigerant passages at different circumferential positions are blocked by the cluster block and the tube, respectively. This results in a problem where the cooling efficiency of the coil decreases.

[0007] The present invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a stator unit that can ensure the cooling efficiency of a coil, an electric motor equipped with the stator unit, and an air conditioning system, refrigerator, and in-vehicle device on which the electric motor is mounted. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve this objective, the stator unit of the present invention comprises a cylindrical stator provided on an electric motor, and an insulating cluster block in contact with the axial end face of the stator, wherein the stator comprises a stator core with a plurality of teeth protruding radially inward from a yoke, an insulating bobbin disposed on the axial end face of the stator core, a plurality of three-phase coils arranged in the circumferential direction of the stator, each formed by a wire wound in a concentrated winding manner around each of the teeth and the bobbin, a plurality of refrigerant passages formed between the coils in the circumferential direction and communicating with both sides of the stator in the axial direction, and each of the coils connected to one end of the wire forming the coils The cluster block comprises a plurality of terminal-side lead wires drawn out from the stator core, a plurality of neutral point-side lead wires drawn out from each of the coils in continuous with the other end of the conductor forming the coil and connected to each other to form a neutral point, and a cylindrical, closed-end insulating tube covering the neutral point, wherein the cluster block is an insulating box body that houses three-phase connection terminals provided at the ends of the plurality of terminal-side lead wires, the bottom surface of the cluster block contacts the axial end face of the bobbin opposite to the stator core so as to cover at least one of the refrigerant passages in the axial view, and at least a portion of the tube is arranged to overlap between the bottom surface of the cluster block and the coil in the axial view. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the stator unit described in claim 1, the bottom surface of the cluster block contacts the axial end face of the bobbin opposite to the stator core. Therefore, in an axial view, if the cluster block covers at least one refrigerant passage between multiple coils, that refrigerant passage is blocked by the cluster block. However, since at least a portion of the tube covering the neutral point is positioned between the bottom surface of the cluster block and the coil so as to overlap in an axial view, further blocking of the refrigerant passage by the tube can be suppressed. As a result, the cooling medium can be easily passed through many refrigerant passages, thereby ensuring the cooling efficiency of the coils.

[0010] The stator unit according to claim 2 provides the following effects in addition to those of the stator unit according to claim 1. Of the circumferential directions of the bobbin, the direction in which the terminal-side lead wires exit the cluster block is designated as the first direction, and the direction opposite to the first direction is designated as the second direction. In the vicinity of the cluster block on the second direction side, the terminal-side lead wires are not as densely packed as in the vicinity of the first direction side, making it easier to widen the refrigerant passage. The tip of the closed tube faces the second direction and is located on the first direction side of the second direction end of the cluster block. That is, the tube does not protrude into the vicinity of the cluster block on the second direction side. As a result, the refrigerant passage, which is easier to widen due to the lack of densely packed terminal-side lead wires, is prevented from being blocked by the tube, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the coil.

[0011] The stator unit according to claim 3 provides the following effects in addition to those of the stator unit according to claim 1. The bobbin has an outer peripheral wall portion and an inner peripheral wall portion that protrude from the coil on the side opposite to the stator core. The outer peripheral wall portion is provided along the radially outer side of the bobbin in the coil, and the inner peripheral wall portion is provided along the radially inner side of the bobbin in the coil. Multiple terminal-side lead wires, multiple neutral-side lead wires, and a tube are fixed to either the outer peripheral wall portion or the inner peripheral wall portion by winding thread around them. As a result, on the side opposite to where they are fixed, the refrigerant passage is less likely to be blocked by the terminal-side lead wires, neutral-side lead wires, and tube on the other side of the outer peripheral wall portion and the inner peripheral wall portion. That is, the refrigerant passage can be easily widened on the other side of the outer peripheral wall portion and the inner peripheral wall portion, and the cooling efficiency of the coil can be improved.

[0012] The stator unit according to claim 4 provides the following effects in addition to those of the stator unit according to claim 3: The direction in which the tip of the tube faces is defined as the second direction in the circumferential direction of the bobbin. Multiple neutral point lead wires extend from each coil in the second direction and gradually merge. In an axial view, the tip of the tube and the cluster block overlap with the coil where only one neutral point lead wire overlaps. In such overlapping portions, the space between the bottom surface of the cluster block and the coil can be made wider than in other portions for arranging components other than the neutral point lead wire. This minimizes the need to enlarge the space for arranging the tube, thus allowing the stator unit to be miniaturized.

[0013] The stator unit according to claim 5 provides the following effects in addition to those of the stator unit according to claim 1. The cluster block comprises a bottom plate having a bottom surface, a first through hole penetrating the bottom plate in the axial direction, and a wall portion having a regulating surface facing the first through hole and extending from the bottom surface toward the stator core. When a protruding portion protruding from the axial end face of the bobbin is inserted into the first through hole, movement of the cluster block in directions other than the axial direction relative to the bobbin is basically restricted. Furthermore, with the contact surface in contact with the regulating surface, an overhang extending from the tip of the protruding portion in the same direction as the regulating surface faces a part of the bottom plate around the first through hole in the axial direction. Therefore, the overhang catches on the bottom plate, restricting the axial movement of the cluster block relative to the bobbin. Even if one attempts to move the bottom plate relative to the overhang in the direction of the overhang to release this opposition, the contact between the contact surface of the bobbin and the regulating surface of the wall portion restricts this relative movement, thereby preventing the release of the opposition. These results make it more difficult for the cluster block to detach from the bobbin.

[0014] On the other hand, when assembling the cluster block to the bobbin, first, the bottom plate is tilted so that the wall side of the bottom plate is away from the bobbin, and the protruding and projecting parts are inserted into the first through-hole. Then, using the first through-hole as a pivot point, the wall side of the bottom plate is tilted, and the bottom surface of the bottom plate is brought into contact with the axial end face of the bobbin, while the restricting surface is brought opposite the contact surface, allowing the cluster block to be easily assembled. As a result, both ease of assembly of the cluster block to the bobbin and resistance to detachment after assembly can be achieved. Furthermore, this resistance to detachment prevents the cluster block from floating away from the bobbin due to the elastic reaction force of the tube placed between the bottom surface of the cluster block and the coil. Therefore, the increase in the axial dimension of the stator unit due to such floating can be suppressed.

[0015] The electric motor according to claim 6, the air conditioning system according to claim 7, the refrigerator according to claim 8, and the in-vehicle device according to claim 9 each include a stator unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, and perform the effects of the stator unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] (a) is a schematic block diagram showing a vehicle equipped with an electric motor in the first embodiment, and (b) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an electric compressor. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of one side of the stator unit along line II-II in Figure 1(b). [Figure 3] This is a schematic top view of the stator unit showing the terminal side lead wires. [Figure 4] This is a top view of the stator unit, schematically showing the lead wire on the neutral point side. [Figure 5] (a) is a cross-sectional view of the tube and neutral point lead wire in the Va-Va line of Figure 4, and (b) is a side view of the tube and neutral point lead wire as seen from the direction of arrow Vb in Figure 5(a). [Figure 6](a) is a top view of a stator unit schematically showing threads for fixing the terminal-side lead wire and the neutral-point-side lead wire, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the stator unit taken along line VIb-VIb of FIG. 6(a). [Figure 7] (a) is a cross-sectional view of the stator unit taken along line VIIa-VIIa of FIG. 2, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the stator unit taken along line VIIb-VIIb of FIG. 2. [Figure 8] (a) is a top view of a stator unit having a cluster block in the second embodiment, and (b) is a perspective view of the cluster block. [Figure 9] (a) is a block diagram schematically showing an air conditioner equipped with an electric motor, and (b) is a block diagram schematically showing a refrigerator equipped with an electric motor.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1(a) is a block diagram schematically showing a vehicle 1 equipped with an air conditioner 10 including an electric compressor 11 including an electric motor 30 in the first embodiment. FIG. 1(b) is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the electric compressor 11. In FIG. 1(b), in order to simplify the drawing, the hatching of a part (such as the rotor 31 and the stator 40) of the electric compressor 11 is omitted.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b), the air conditioner 10 (in-vehicle device) of the vehicle 1 is a device for blowing the cold air generated by the electric compressor 11 into the vehicle interior space of the vehicle 1. The electric compressor 11 mainly includes a compression part 20, an electric motor 30, and an accumulator 12. The compression part 20 and the electric motor 30 are arranged in a sealed container 13. The sealed container 13 is provided with a suction pipe 15 and a discharge pipe 16 that communicate the inside and outside of the sealed container 13.

[0019] The accumulator 12 is for separating the fluid cooling medium (e.g., cooling gas) from the lubricating oil. The cooling medium separated by the accumulator 12 returns to the compression unit 20 via the suction pipe 15. The lubricating oil separated by the accumulator 12 returns to the lubricating oil reservoir in the sealed container 13. The air conditioning unit 10 may also be equipped with a receiver for storing the compressed cooling medium together with the accumulator 12, or in place of the accumulator 12.

[0020] The compression unit 20 comprises a rotating shaft 21, an orbiting scroll 22 driven by an electric motor 30 via the rotating shaft 21, and a fixed scroll 23 fixed to the sealed container 13. The rotating shaft 21 is a rod-shaped member that rotates around axis C, which is the axis of the rotating shaft 21. The compression unit 20 rotates the orbiting scroll 22 by rotating it around axis C, and compresses the cooling medium sucked in from the suction pipe 15 between a spiral wrap provided on the orbiting scroll 22 and a spiral wrap provided on the fixed scroll 23 that meshes with it. Hereinafter, the axial direction of axis C will be referred to as the "axis C direction," the direction perpendicular to axis C will be referred to as the "radial direction," and the direction around axis C will be referred to as the "circumferential direction."

[0021] The cooling medium compressed in the compression section 20 is discharged from the discharge pipe 16. In the electric compressor 11 of this embodiment, a medium containing a mixture of cooling medium and lubricating oil is discharged from the discharge pipe 16. Note that the compression section 20 is not limited to the scroll type as described above, but may also be a reciprocating type, rotary type, screw type, etc.

[0022] The electric motor 30 is a three-phase AC motor. The electric motor 30 comprises a cylindrical stator 40 fixed to a sealed container 13, a cylindrical rotor 31 positioned on the inner circumference side of the stator 40, and a cluster block 70 consisting of a box. The rotor 31 surrounds the shaft C, and the stator 40 surrounds the rotor 31. The stator 40 and the cluster block 70 form a stator unit 18.

[0023] The rotor 31 comprises a cylindrical rotor core 32 formed by stacking multiple thin, plate-shaped electromagnetic steel sheets in the direction of axis C, and multiple permanent magnets 33 embedded within the rotor core 32. The rotating shaft 21 is inserted into the inner circumference of the rotor core 32, and the rotating shaft 21 is fixed to the rotor core 32 by press-fitting, shrink-fitting, or the like. The multiple permanent magnets 33 are arranged rotationally symmetrically around axis C. The permanent magnets 33 may be embedded so as to be exposed on the outer surface of the rotor core 32, or they may be embedded so as not to be exposed.

[0024] Figure 2 is a one-sided cross-sectional view of the stator unit 18 along the line II-II in Figure 1(b). Specifically, in Figure 2, the stator unit 18 is shown in a cross-sectional view on the right half and in a top view on the left half.

[0025] As shown in Figures 1(b) and 2, the stator 40 of the stator unit 18 mainly comprises a cylindrical stator core 41 fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the sealed container 13, cylindrical bobbins 42 positioned on the axial end faces 41a on both sides of the stator core 41, and coils 43 wound around the bobbins 42 and the stator core 41.

[0026] The stator core 41 is formed by stacking multiple thin, plate-shaped electromagnetic steel sheets in the direction of axis C. Alternatively, the stator core 41 may be formed in a cylindrical shape from an annular electromagnetic steel sheet that is continuous in the circumferential direction, or it may be formed in a cylindrical shape by connecting multiple electromagnetic steel sheets that are divided in the circumferential or radial direction. The stator core 41 comprises a cylindrical yoke portion 41b that forms the outer circumference of the stator core 41, and multiple tooth portions 41c that protrude toward axis C from the inner circumferential surface of the yoke portion 41b. The inner circumferential end portion 41d of the tooth portion 41c on the rotor 31 side protrudes on both sides in the circumferential direction.

[0027] Multiple teeth 41c are identical in shape and are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Multiple slots are formed between adjacent teeth 41c in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the number of teeth 41c and slots is 9, but they may be changed to a multiple of 3 (but 6 or more) as appropriate.

[0028] A concentrated winding coil 43 is inserted into the slot. In addition, multiple insulating buffer plates 44 are provided between them to prevent the coil 43 from directly touching the inner surface of the yoke portion 41b, both circumferential surfaces of the teeth portion 41c, or the outer surface of the inner end portion 41d, and to prevent the coils 43 wound around adjacent teeth portions 41c from touching each other.

[0029] The bobbin 42 is an insulating member that prevents the coil 43 from directly touching the axial end face 41a of the stator core 41. The bobbin 42 may be integrally formed in the circumferential direction, similar to the stator core 41, or it may be formed by connecting multiple members that are divided in the circumferential or radial direction. The bobbin 42 comprises a cylindrical outer peripheral wall portion 42a rising in the direction of axis C from the axial end face 41a of the yoke portion 41b, a plurality of wall connecting portions 42b extending radially inward along the teeth portion 41c from the lower part of the outer peripheral wall portion 42a, and a plurality of inner peripheral wall portions 42c rising in the direction of axis C from the radially inward ends of the wall connecting portions 42b.

[0030] Multiple wall connecting portions 42b are identical in shape and are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Multiple inner circumferential wall portions 42c are also identical in shape and are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The number of wall connecting portions 42b and inner circumferential wall portions 42c is the same as the number of teeth portions 41c. The wall connecting portions 42b are positioned on the axial end faces 41a of the teeth portions 41c and inner circumferential end portions 41d, and are formed to have approximately the same circumferential width as the teeth portions 41c, excluding the inner circumferential end portions 41d. The inner circumferential wall portions 42c are located above the inner circumferential end portions 41d, and the circumferential width of the inner circumferential wall portions 42c is approximately the same as the circumferential width of the inner circumferential end portions 41d.

[0031] The axial end face 42e on the inner circumferential wall portion 42c, opposite to the stator core 41, is positioned lower toward the stator core 41 than the axial end face 42d on the outer circumferential wall portion 42a, opposite to the stator core 41.

[0032] A cluster block 70 is positioned on one of the bobbins 42 on both sides in the direction of axis C, such that it abuts against the axial end face 42d. Hereinafter, in the direction of axis C, the side on which the cluster block 70 is positioned will be referred to as the upper side of the electric motor 30 (stator unit 18), and the side on which the cluster block 70 is not positioned will be referred to as the lower side of the electric motor 30 (stator unit 18).

[0033] Above the cluster block 70, a partition wall 57a is provided that divides the inside of the sealed container 13 in the direction of axis C. An electric motor 30 is arranged in the space below the partition wall 57a. A control circuit 56 for driving and controlling the electric motor 30 is arranged in the space 57 above the partition wall 57a. Alternatively, the space 57 may be provided outside the sealed container 13, and a part of the outer wall of the sealed container 13 may be used as the partition wall 57a.

[0034] Three mating terminals 56a, 56b, and 56c, corresponding to the U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase respectively, protrude downward from the control circuit 56. The mating terminals 56a to 56c are cylindrical metal terminals electrically connected to the control circuit 56. The mating terminals 56a to 56c penetrate the partition wall 57a and protrude into the space where the electric motor 30 is located.

[0035] Each of the nine (multiples of three) toothed sections 41c and the wire wound around the bobbin 42 in a concentrated winding manner are arranged in a circumferential direction. The nine coils 43 are each housed in the portion enclosed by the outer peripheral wall 42a, the wall connecting section 42b, and the inner peripheral wall 42c of the bobbin 42. Specifically, the outer peripheral wall 42a is provided along the radially outer side of the coil 43 and protrudes upward relative to the coil 43 (opposite side from the stator core 41). The inner peripheral wall 42c is provided along the radially inner side of the coil 43 and protrudes upward relative to the coil 43.

[0036] The circumferential spacing between the coils 43 creates nine (multiples of three) refrigerant passages that communicate with both sides of the stator 40 in the axial direction C. The coils 43 are cooled as the cooling medium passes through these multiple refrigerant passages.

[0037] The nine coils 43 are three-phase coils consisting of U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase coils. The nine coils 43 are composed of U-phase coils U1, U2, U3, V-phase coils V1, V2, V3, and W-phase coils W1, W2, W3. These are arranged in the order of U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase in a clockwise direction in Figure 2. Specifically, the coils are arranged in the order of U1, V1, W2, U2, V2, W3, U3, V3, W1 in a clockwise direction in Figure 2. Note that in Figure 2, coil W2 is hidden on the underside (back of the page) of the cluster block 70. The clockwise direction in Figure 2 is referred to as the second direction D2, and the counterclockwise direction, which is the opposite direction, is referred to as the first direction D1.

[0038] Figure 3 is a top view of the stator unit 18, schematically showing the terminal-side lead wires 51a to 53c. The cluster block 70 is not shown in Figure 3. In Figure 3, the terminal-side lead wires 51a to 51c are shown as dashed lines, the terminal-side lead wires 52a to 52c are shown as dashed lines, and the terminal-side lead wires 53a to 53c are shown as single-dash lines.

[0039] The terminal-side lead wires 51a to 53c are wires that are drawn out from each of the coils U1 to W3, continuously from one end of the conductor forming the coils U1 to W3. Each of the terminal-side lead wires 51a to 53c is basically formed by covering the conductor with an individual covering material 54 (see Figure 7(a)) made of an insulating elastic material. Furthermore, the terminal-side lead wires 51a to 53c are positioned on the coils U1 to W3, between the outer peripheral wall portion 42a and the inner peripheral wall portion 42c (see Figure 7(a)).

[0040] Terminal-side lead wires 51a are drawn from coil U1, terminal-side lead wires 51b from coil U2, and terminal-side lead wires 51c from coil U3. These terminal-side lead wires 51a to 51c extend from coils U1 to U3 in the second direction D2, and gradually merge in the order of terminal-side lead wires 51a, 51b, and 51c. The merged terminal-side lead wires 51a to 51c are inserted together into a tubular covering material made of an insulating elastic material near coil W1 (above coil W1), and the conductors exposed from the individual covering materials 54 are electrically connected inside the covering material. The portion where these three are electrically connected is called the terminal-side lead wire 51.

[0041] Terminal-side lead wires 52a are drawn from coil V1, terminal-side lead wires 52b from coil V2, and terminal-side lead wires 52c from coil V3. These terminal-side lead wires 52a to 52c extend from coils V1 to V3 in the second direction D2, and gradually merge in the order of terminal-side lead wires 52a, 52b, and 52c. The merged terminal-side lead wires 52a to 52c are inserted together into a cylindrical covering material made of insulating elastic material near coil W1, and the conductors exposed from the individual covering materials 54 are electrically connected inside the covering material. The portion where these three are electrically connected is called the terminal-side lead wire 52.

[0042] Terminal-side lead wires 53a are drawn from coil W1, terminal-side lead wires 53b from coil W2, and terminal-side lead wires 53c from coil W3. These terminal-side lead wires 53a to 53c extend from coils W1 to W3 in the second direction D2, and gradually merge in the order of terminal-side lead wires 53a, 53b, and 53c. The merged terminal-side lead wires 53a to 53c are inserted together into a cylindrical covering material made of an insulating elastic material near coil W1, and the conductors exposed from the individual covering materials 54 are electrically connected inside the covering material. The portion where these three are electrically connected is called the terminal-side lead wire 53.

[0043] As shown in Figure 2, the ends of the terminal-side lead wires 51 to 53 (the ends away from the coils U1 to W3) extend into the interior of the cluster block 70, which is an insulating box. Inside the cluster block 70 are the U-phase connection terminal 61 to which the terminal-side lead wire 51 is electrically connected, the V-phase connection terminal 62 to which the terminal-side lead wire 52 is electrically connected, and the W-phase connection terminal 63 to which the terminal-side lead wire 53 is electrically connected.

[0044] These three-phase connection terminals 61, 62, and 63 are arranged in that order within the cluster block 70, from the radial outside to the inside. Similarly, the terminal-side lead wires 51, 52, and 53 that extend from the cluster block 70 to the first direction D1 are also arranged in that order, from the radial outside to the inside.

[0045] The top plate forming the upper surface of the cluster block 70 has through-holes 71 formed at positions that cover the upper sides of the connection terminals 61 to 63. The mating terminals 56a, 56b, and 56c (see Figure 1), which are cylindrical metal terminals, are inserted into these insertion holes 71. As a result, the mating terminal 56a of the U phase is electrically connected to the connection terminal 61, the mating terminal 56b of the V phase is electrically connected to the connection terminal 62, and the mating terminal 56c of the W phase is electrically connected to the connection terminal 63.

[0046] The control circuit 56 (see Figure 1) is an inverter that controls the current flowing through coils U1 to W3 via mating terminals 56a to 56c, connecting terminals 61 to 63, and terminal-side lead wires 51 to 53 and 51a to 53c. The control circuit 56 uses this current to generate a magnetic field for rotating the rotor 31 and drives the electric motor 30.

[0047] Figure 4 is a schematic top view of the stator unit 18 showing the neutral point lead wires X1 to Z3. The cluster block 70 is not shown in Figure 4. The neutral point lead wires X1 to Z3 are wires drawn out from each of the coils U1 to W3, continuously from the other end of the conductor forming the coils U1 to W3 (the end opposite to the terminal side lead wires 51a to 53c). Each of the neutral point lead wires X1 to Z3 is basically formed by covering the conductor with a covering material 58a (see Figure 5(b)) made of an insulating elastic material. The neutral point lead wires X1 to Z3 are located above the coils U1 to W3, between the outer peripheral wall portion 42a and the inner peripheral wall portion 42c.

[0048] A neutral point lead wire X1 is drawn from coil U2, a neutral point lead wire X2 is drawn from coil U3, and a neutral point lead wire X3 is drawn from coil U1. A neutral point lead wire Y1 is drawn from coil V2, a neutral point lead wire Y2 is drawn from coil V3, and a neutral point lead wire Y3 is drawn from coil V1. A neutral point lead wire Z1 is drawn from coil W2, a neutral point lead wire Z2 is drawn from coil W3, and a neutral point lead wire Z3 is drawn from coil W1.

[0049] These neutral point lead wires X1 to Z3 extend from coils U1 to W3 in the second direction D2, and gradually merge in the order of neutral point lead wires Z1, X1, Y1, Z2, X2, Y2, Z3, X3, Y3. The merged neutral point lead wires X1 to Z3 are inserted together into a cylindrical tube 59 made of an insulating elastic material on top of coil V1. This tube 59 is located on top of coils V1 and W2, between the outer circumferential wall portion 42a and the inner circumferential wall portion 42c.

[0050] Figure 5(a) is a cross-sectional view of tube 59 and neutral point leader lines X1 to Z3 along the Va-Va line in Figure 4. Figure 5(b) is a side view of tube 59 and neutral point leader lines X1 to Z3 as seen from the direction of arrow Vb in Figure 5(a). Note that in Figure 5(b), some of the neutral point leader lines X1 to Z3 that overlap in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper are omitted from the illustration.

[0051] Each of the neutral point lead wires X1 to Z3 has its conductor exposed from the covering material 58a before being inserted into the tube 59. By electrically connecting these exposed conductors and connecting the neutral point lead wires X1 to Z3 to each other, the neutral point 58 is formed. In this way, the three-phase coils U1 to W3 are connected to each other in a Y configuration.

[0052] The tube 59 covers the neutral point 58 and insulates it from coils U1 to W3, etc. The tube 59 is formed in a cylindrical bag shape with the tip 59a closed by rolling up multiple layers of insulating film, and then heat-sealing a portion of the tip 59a side to form a crimped portion 59b.

[0053] Figures 6(a) and 6(b) schematically show threads 60a to 60e for fixing multiple terminal-side lead wires 51 to 53, 51a to 53c, multiple neutral-side lead wires X1 to Z3, and tube 59 (hereinafter referred to as "tube 59, etc.") to the bobbin 42. Figure 6(a) is a top view of the stator unit 18. Figure 6(b) is a cross-sectional view of the stator unit 18 along the VIb-VIb line in Figure 6(a). Note that in Figures 6(a) and 6(b), some of the terminal-side lead wires 51a to 53c and neutral-side lead wires X1 to Z3 that overlap in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper are omitted from the illustration.

[0054] The outer peripheral wall portion 42a of the bobbin 42 has recesses 42g formed between each of the nine coils U1 to W3, which are recessed downward from the axial end face 42d. Furthermore, below the nine recesses 42g, a through hole 42h is formed between each of the nine coils U1 to W3, which penetrates the outer peripheral wall portion 42a in the radial direction.

[0055] The tube 59 and the like are fixed to the outer circumferential wall 42a by threads 60a to 60e that are wrapped around the outer circumferential wall 42a so as to pass through the recess 42g and the through hole 42h. The thread 60a connects the recess 42g and the through hole 42h vertically, pressing the tube 59 and the like against the inner circumferential surface of the outer circumferential wall 42a.

[0056] The threads 60b to 60e intertwine with thread 60a on the outer surface side of the outer wall portion 42a and emerge from the recess 42g or through hole 42h on the inner surface side of the outer wall portion 42a. On the inner surface side of the outer wall portion 42a, thread 60b extends from the recess 42g in the first direction D1 and downwards, and thread 60c extends from the recess 42g in the second direction D2 and downwards. Similarly, thread 60d extends from the through hole 42h in the first direction D1 and upwards, and thread 60e extends from the through hole 42h in the second direction D2 and upwards. These threads 60b to 60e intertwine with each other at the center of the circumferential direction above each coil U1 to W3. As a result, even at the center of the circumferential direction of each coil U1 to W3, the tube 59 etc. is pressed against the inner surface of the outer wall portion 42a by the threads 60b to 60e.

[0057] These threads 60a to 60e secure the tube 59 and the like so that they are pressed against the outer wall portion 42a all around. The terminal-side lead wires 51 to 53, however, become detached from the outer wall portion 42a by the threads 60a to 60e above the coil U1 and proceed towards the cluster block 70.

[0058] Next, with reference to Figures 2, 7(a), and 7(b), the structure for assembling the cluster block 70 onto the bobbin 42 will be described. Figure 7(a) is a cross-sectional view of the stator unit 18 along line VIIa-VIIa in Figure 2. Figure 7(b) is a cross-sectional view of the stator unit 18 along line VIIb-VIIb in Figure 2. In Figures 7(a) and 7(b), threads 60a to 60e are schematically shown as thread 60.

[0059] In the following description of the cluster block 70, unless otherwise specified, the radially inward side of axis C (right side of Figure 2) is considered the right side of the cluster block 70, and the radially outward side of axis C (left side of Figure 2) is considered the left side of the cluster block 70. Furthermore, the direction in which the end of the cluster block 70 on the second direction D2 side points is considered the front, and the opposite side is considered the rear. The directions of arrows U, D, F, B, L, and R in each drawing correspond to the top, bottom, front, rear, left, and right sides of the cluster block 70, respectively.

[0060] The cluster block 70 is a box-shaped body divided into upper and lower sections, with connection terminals 61-63 housed between the two upper and lower sections. The cluster block 70 is not limited to being composed of two upper and lower sections; it may also be composed of one section or three or more sections.

[0061] The cluster block 70 is mainly positioned on top of coils W2 and U2, with its rear end extending over coil V1. In other words, the cluster block 70 is positioned to span between coils W2 and U2, and between coils V1 and W2.

[0062] The cluster block 70 includes a bottom plate 91 that forms the bottom surface (lower surface) of the cluster block 70. Between the bottom surface of the bottom plate 91 and the coils W2 and U2, the terminal-side lead wires 51a, 52a, 53a, and 53b, the neutral point-side lead wires Y1 and Z1, and a tube 59 including the neutral point 58 are arranged.

[0063] Furthermore, the bottom surface of the bottom plate 91 contacts the axial end faces 42d and 42e of the bobbin 42. The axial end face 42e is located lower than the axial end face 42d, and the bottom surface of the bottom plate 91 is configured to absorb the difference in their heights. Specifically, the bottom surface of the bottom plate 91 is provided with adjustment protrusions 91b and 91c that project downward at positions corresponding to the axial end face 42e, and the lower ends of these adjustment protrusions 91b and 91c contact the axial end face 42e.

[0064] As shown in Figures 2 and 7(a), a first through-hole 91a is formed in the portion of the bottom plate 91 that protrudes forward from the front wall of the cluster block 70, penetrating the bottom plate 91 vertically. A projection 45 protrudes from the axial end face 42d of the bobbin 42, which is inserted into this first through-hole 91a. This essentially restricts the movement of the cluster block 70 relative to the bobbin 42 in any direction other than upward.

[0065] Furthermore, the tip of the protruding portion 45 inserted into the first through-hole 91a is located above the base plate 91, and an overhang portion 46 extends outward from that tip in the radial direction of the axis C. As a result, a part of the base plate 91 and the overhang portion 46 face each other in the vertical direction around the first through-hole 91a. Consequently, when moving the cluster block 70 upward relative to the bobbin 42, the base plate 91 catches on the overhang portion 46, thus restricting its upward movement.

[0066] From the bottom surface of the base plate 91, a wall portion 91d rises downward, having a regulating surface 91e facing the direction in which the protrusion 45 extends, on the side of the first through hole 91a. In this embodiment, the first through hole 91a is offset circumferentially to the rear side from the front position of the regulating surface 91e when viewed in the vertical direction. The wall portion 91d is connected to the adjustment projection 91c such that the regulating surface 91e rises from the adjustment projection 91c. With the protrusion 45 inserted into the first through hole 91a, and with a part of the base plate 91 around the first through hole 91a and the protrusion 46 facing each other vertically, the regulating surface 91e comes into contact with the contact surface 42f, which is the inner circumferential wall surface of the inner circumferential wall portion 42c.

[0067] As a result, even if one attempts to move the bottom plate 91 in the direction that the protruding portion 46 extends, in order to release the opposition between the bottom plate 91 and the protruding portion 46, the contact between the restricting surface 91e and the contact surface 42f restricts the relative movement, thereby suppressing the release of the opposition. As a result, the cluster block 70 is less likely to come off the bobbin 42.

[0068] On the other hand, when assembling the cluster block 70 to the bobbin 42, first, the bottom plate 91 is tilted so that the wall portion 91d of the bottom plate 91 is away from the inner circumferential wall portion 42c of the bobbin 42, and the protruding portion 46 and the projection portion 45 are inserted into the first through hole 91a. Note that the length of the first through hole 91a in the direction in which the protruding portion 46 protrudes is greater than the sum of the amount of protrusion L1 of the protruding portion 46 from the projection portion 45 to the tip of the protruding portion 46 and the thickness L2 of the projection portion 45 in the direction in which the protruding portion 46 protrudes. This makes it easier to insert the projection portion 45 and the protruding portion 46 into the first through hole 91a.

[0069] After insertion into the first through-hole 91a, the wall portion 91d side of the bottom plate 91 is tilted using the first through-hole 91a as a pivot point, bringing the bottom plate 91 into contact with the axial end faces 42d and 42e of the bobbin 42, while the restricting surface 91e faces the contact surface 42f. In this way, the cluster block 70 can be easily assembled onto the bobbin 42. As a result, both ease of assembly of the cluster block 70 onto the bobbin 42 and resistance to detachment after assembly can be achieved.

[0070] The amount of protrusion L1 of the protruding portion 46 is more than half the thickness L2 of the projection 45 inside the first through hole 91a. Since a certain amount of protrusion L1 is secured in this way, deformation of the projection 45 and the protruding portion 46 can prevent the protruding portion 46 from coming out of the first through hole 91a and releasing the opposition between the bottom plate 91 and the protruding portion 46. Therefore, the cluster block 70 can be made less likely to come off the bobbin 42.

[0071] The bottom plate 91 is continuous around the entire circumference of the first through hole 91a, and the first through hole 91a is not open all the way around. Therefore, it is difficult to deform the bottom plate 91 around the first through hole 91a, and it is possible to prevent the protruding portion 46 from coming out of the first through hole 91a due to deformation, and the opposition between the bottom plate 91 and the protruding portion 46 from being released. Thus, it is possible to make it more difficult for the cluster block 70 to come off the bobbin 42.

[0072] Since the terminal-side lead wires 51-53 extending from the cluster block 70 are curved along the circumferential direction around axis C, a force is applied radially outward to the cluster block 70 relative to the bobbin 42 of the electric motor 30 due to the elastic reaction force of the terminal-side lead wires 51-53. The contact surface 42f is the inner circumferential wall surface of the bobbin 42 facing radially inward, so this elastic reaction force presses the regulating surface 91e of the cluster block 70 against the contact surface 42f. In this way, the elastic reaction force of the terminal-side lead wires 51-53 makes it easier to maintain contact between the contact surface 42f and the regulating surface 91e, improving the radial positioning accuracy of the cluster block 70 relative to the bobbin 42.

[0073] As shown in Figures 2 and 7(b), a second through-hole 91f is formed in the portion of the base plate 91 that protrudes to the left from the left wall of the cluster block 70, penetrating the base plate 91 vertically. The second through-hole 91f is located away from the first through-hole 91a in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the protruding portion 46 protrudes (in the front-to-back direction of the cluster block 70).

[0074] An insertion portion 47 protrudes from the axial end face 42d of the bobbin 42, and is insertable into the second through hole 91f. The insertion portion 47 is a pin with its entire outer circumference exposed, and does not have a radially protruding portion like the protruding portion 46. The dimensions of the insertion portion 47 are set so that it fits into the second through hole 91f with a small gap in between.

[0075] After the cluster block 70 is assembled to the bobbin 42 by inserting the insertion part 47 into the second through hole 91f, even if one attempts to tilt the cluster block 70 only in the direction in which the protruding part 46 protrudes, using the first through hole 91a as a pivot point, the bottom plate 91 and the insertion part 47 around the second through hole 91f interfere with each other, making tilting difficult. On the other hand, by tilting the cluster block 70 so as to lift the straight section connecting the wall part 91d and the second through hole 91f, using the first through hole 91a as a pivot point, the bottom plate 91 and the insertion part 47, and the contact surface 42f and the restricting surface 91e, are less likely to interfere with each other, making tilting easier. This tilting allows the cluster block 70 to be easily removed from the bobbin 42 and easily assembled. Therefore, if the worker understands how to assemble the cluster block 70, a decrease in ease of assembly can be suppressed, and the method of removing the cluster block 70 can be limited, preventing it from coming off unintentionally.

[0076] According to the stator unit 18 described above, the bottom surface of the cluster block 70 is in contact with the axial end faces 42d and 42e of the bobbin 42, and in a view in the direction of axis C, the cluster block 70 covers the refrigerant passages between coils W2 and U2 and between coils V1 and W2. As a result, the refrigerant passages between coils V1, W2, and U2 are blocked by the cluster block 70.

[0077] However, since a portion of the tube 59 covering the neutral point 58 is positioned between the bottom surface of the cluster block 70 and the coils V1 and W2, it is possible to prevent the refrigerant passages between each coil U1 to W3 from being further blocked by the tube 59. As a result, it is possible to easily pass the cooling medium through many refrigerant passages, thereby ensuring the cooling efficiency of the coils U1 to W3.

[0078] Three thicker terminal-side lead wires 51-53, formed by a total of nine thinner terminal-side lead wires 51a-53c, extend from the cluster block 70 in the first direction D1. Below these three terminal-side lead wires 51-53, two thinner terminal-side lead wires 51a and 53a are positioned on the coil U1. As a result, the refrigerant passage in the vicinity of the cluster block 70 on the first direction D1 side (between coils U1 and V1) is narrowed by the terminal-side lead wires 51-53, 51a, and 53a.

[0079] On the other hand, in the vicinity of the cluster block 70 on the second direction D2 side (between coils U2 and V2), there are five thin terminal-side lead wires 51a, 52a, 53a, 51b, and 53b, but no thick terminal-side lead wires 51 to 53. Thus, in the vicinity of the cluster block 70 on the second direction D2 side, the terminal-side lead wires 51 to 53 and 51a to 53c are not as densely packed as in the vicinity of the first direction D1 side, allowing for a wider refrigerant passage.

[0080] The tip 59a of the closed tube 59 faces this second direction D2 and is located on the first direction D1 side of the end of the cluster block 70 in the second direction D2. In other words, the tube 59 does not protrude into the vicinity of the cluster block 70 on the second direction D2 side. As a result, the refrigerant passage, which is widened by the lack of congestion of terminal-side lead wires 51-53, 51a-53c, can be prevented from being blocked by the tube 59, thereby further improving the cooling efficiency of coils U1-W3.

[0081] The terminal-side lead wires 51-53, 51a-53c, the neutral point-side lead wires X1-Z3, and the tube 59 are fixed to the outer wall portion 42a by winding threads 60a-60e (thread 60) around it. Therefore, on the inner circumferential wall portion 42c side, which is radially opposite to the side where the tube 59 etc. is fixed, the refrigerant passage is less likely to be blocked by the tube 59 etc. In other words, the refrigerant passage can be widened on the inner circumferential wall portion 42c side, and the cooling efficiency of coils U1-W3 can be improved.

[0082] In particular, thread 60a presses the tubes 59, etc., against the outer wall portion 42a between each coil U1 to W3 (refrigerant passage). This makes the refrigerant passage on the inner circumferential wall portion 42c side wider, further improving the cooling efficiency of coils U1 to W3. Furthermore, threads 60b to 60e press the tubes 59, etc., against the outer wall portion 42a at the circumferential center of each coil U1 to W3, thus suppressing the tubes 59, etc., from bulging radially inward near thread 60a. As a result, the refrigerant passage on the inner circumferential wall portion 42c side can be made even wider, further improving the cooling efficiency of coils U1 to W3.

[0083] The tube 59 is made by rolling up a film and has a predetermined degree of flexibility. Therefore, the threads 60a to 60e can be used to deform the tube 59 so that it is crushed towards the outer peripheral wall portion 42a. As a result, the refrigerant passage on the inner peripheral wall portion 42c side can be further widened, and the cooling efficiency of the coils U1 to W3 can be further improved.

[0084] In a view along axis C, the tip 59a (crimped portion 59b) of the tube 59 and the cluster block 70 overlap with coil W2 where only one neutral point lead wire Z1 overlaps, while the tip 59a does not overlap with coils U2, etc., where two or more neutral point lead wires X1 and Z1 overlap. In these areas where only one wire overlaps, the space between the bottom surface of the cluster block 70 and the coil W2 can be made wider than in other areas for arranging wires other than the neutral point lead wire Z1. As a result, the enlargement of the space required to arrange the tube 59 in that space can be minimized, and the stator unit 18 (electric motor 30) can be made smaller.

[0085] Here, the terminal-side lead wires 51a, 52a, 53a, 53b, the neutral-side lead wires X1, Z1, and the tube 59 may be sandwiched between the cluster block 70 and the coils V1, W2, U2 wound on the bobbin 42 in the axial direction C. In this case, the elastic reaction force of the terminal-side lead wires 51a, 52a, 53a, 53b, the neutral-side lead wires X1, Z1, and the tube 59 may cause the cluster block 70 to lift away from the axial end faces 42d, 42e.

[0086] However, as described above, the cluster block 70 is made difficult to detach from the bobbin 42 by the opposition between the bottom plate 91 and the protruding portion 46, and by the contact between the regulating surface 91e and the contact surface 42f. In other words, the cluster block 70 is less likely to lift from the state in which it is in contact with the axial end faces 42d and 42e of the bobbin 42. This suppresses the cluster block 70 from lifting from the bobbin 42 due to the elastic reaction force of the tube 59, and suppresses the increase in the axial C dimension of the stator unit 18 that would occur as a result of such lifting.

[0087] The tube 59 is closed at its tip 59a by a flattened crimped section 59b formed by heat-pressing a rolled film to the top and bottom, so the entire tube, except for the tip 59a, becomes thinner vertically. The tube 59 is fixed to the coils V1 and W2 with threads 60a to 60e, with its top and bottom aligned in the direction of axis C. This makes it difficult for the tube 59 to protrude upward from the axial end faces 42d and 42e of the bobbin 42, and makes it difficult for the tube 59 to come into contact with the bottom surface of the cluster block 70. As a result, the elastic reaction force of the tube 59 can further suppress the cluster block 70 from floating away from the bobbin 42, and the increase in the axial dimension of the stator unit 18 in the direction of axis C that would result from this floating can be further suppressed.

[0088] Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8(a) and 8(b). In the first embodiment, the case in which the first through-hole 91a is not open around its entire circumference was described. In contrast, the second embodiment will describe the case in which the first through-hole 102 is partially open. Note that parts identical to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted below. Figure 8(a) is a top view of a stator unit having a cluster block 100 in the second embodiment. Figure 8(b) is a perspective view of the cluster block 100.

[0089] In the bottom plate 91 of the cluster block 100, a first through hole 102 is formed in place of the first through hole 91a in the first embodiment. Except for this first through hole 102 and its surrounding area, the cluster block 100 and the cluster block 70 of the first embodiment are constructed identically.

[0090] A portion of the rear side of the radially outer side of the first through-hole 102 opens to the radially outer edge of the bottom plate 91. As a result, the front side of the bottom plate 91 surrounding the first through-hole 102 is formed by a hook portion 103, the tip of which is bent backward in a claw shape at the end of the radially outward-extending portion.

[0091] When assembling the cluster block 100 onto the bobbin 42, first, the insertion part 47 is inserted into the second through hole 91f so that the hook part 103 is positioned radially inward from the protruding part 45, and the lower surface of the bottom plate 91 is brought into contact with the axial end faces 42d and 42e of the bobbin 42. Then, the hook part 103 is rotated around the insertion part 47, and while pressing the hook part 103 against the protruding part 45, it is elastically deformed, and the hook part 103 is hooked onto the protruding part 45 below the overhanging part 46. This allows the cluster block 100 to be easily assembled onto the bobbin 42.

[0092] Furthermore, the direction in which the hook portion 103 is pressed against the protruding portion 45 during assembly is the same as the direction of the force applied to the cluster block 70 against the bobbin 42 due to the elastic reaction force of the terminal-side lead wires 51-53. Therefore, by utilizing this elastic reaction force, the hook portion 103 can be pressed against the protruding portion 45 and elastically deformed, making it easier to hook the hook portion 103 onto the protruding portion 45.

[0093] In the second embodiment, in which the first through-hole 102 is opened by the hook portion 103, the cluster block 100 may be assembled to the bobbin 42 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Specifically, after inserting the protruding portion 45 and the overhanging portion 46 into the first through-hole 102, the wall portion 91d side of the bottom plate 91 may be tilted with the first through-hole 102 as a pivot point, so that the bottom plate 91 comes into contact with the axial end face 42e.

[0094] In the second embodiment, a pair of mounting portions 104 protrude from the contact surface 42f of the bobbin 42, which can be hooked onto the wall portion 91d. Except for the presence of these mounting portions 104, the bobbin 42 in the first embodiment and the second embodiment are configured identically.

[0095] The pair of mounting portions 104 are formed along both sides in the circumferential direction of the wall portion 91d, where the regulating surface 91e abuts the contact surface 42f, projecting radially inward from the contact surface 42f, and their tips are bent toward each other in a claw shape. The tips of the mounting portions 104 contact the radial inner surface of the wall portion 91d. This pair of mounting portions 104 makes it easier to maintain contact between the contact surface 42f and the regulating surface 91e, thereby improving the radial positioning accuracy of the cluster block 100 relative to the bobbin 42.

[0096] When hooking the pair of mounting parts 104 onto the wall part 91d, the wall part 91d is pressed against the pair of mounting parts 104, causing the pair of mounting parts 104 to elastically deform in a direction away from each other. Alternatively, as in the first embodiment, after inserting the protrusion 45 into the first through hole 102, the mounting parts 104 may be hooked onto the wall part 91d when tilting the wall part 91d side of the bottom plate 91 with the first through hole 102 as a pivot point, and bringing the bottom plate 91 into contact with the axial end face 42e. In this case, the number of steps required to press the wall part 91d against the pair of mounting parts 104 increases slightly.

[0097] However, in this embodiment, as described above, after bringing the bottom plate 91 into contact with the axial end faces 42d and 42e, the hook portion 103 can be rotated around the insertion portion 47 to hook the hook portion 103 onto the protruding portion 45. Therefore, since the mounting portion 104 can be hooked onto the wall portion 91d at the same time as this rotation, the cluster block 100 can be easily assembled onto the bobbin 42 with almost no increase in man-hours, even when the mounting portion 104 is provided.

[0098] Although the present invention has been described above based on embodiments, it can be easily inferred that the present invention is not limited in any way to the above embodiments, and that various improvements and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the shape and dimensional relationships of each part such as the cluster blocks 70, 100, rotor 31, and stator 40 may be changed as appropriate. The coils U1 to W3 are not limited to the case where the U phase, V phase, and W phase are arranged in order in the second direction D2, but the U phase, V phase, and W phase may also be arranged in order in the first direction D1.

[0099] In the above embodiment, the case in which an electric compressor 11 (electric motor 30) equipped with cluster blocks 70, 100 is mounted on a vehicle 1 has been described, but it is not limited to this. As shown in Figure 9(a), an electric compressor 11 equipped with cluster blocks 70, 100 may also be mounted on an air conditioning system 130 for supplying cool air to the interior of a building. This air conditioning system 130 generates cool air using an electric compressor 11 mainly equipped with an electric motor 30 and an accumulator 12, similar to the air conditioning system 10 described in the above embodiment.

[0100] As shown in Figure 9(b), an electric compressor 11 (electric motor 30) equipped with cluster blocks 70, 100 may be mounted on the refrigerator 140. The refrigerator 140 generates cold air using an electric compressor 11 mainly equipped with an electric motor 30 and an accumulator 12, similar to the air conditioning unit 10 described in the above embodiment, and cools the inside of the refrigerator with that cold air.

[0101] In the above embodiment, the case in which terminal-side lead wires 51a to 53c extend from each coil U1 to W3 in the second direction D2 was described, but it is not necessarily limited to this. The terminal-side lead wires 51a to 53c may also extend from each coil U1 to W3 in the first direction D1. Also, the neutral point-side lead wires X1 to Z3 may extend from each coil U1 to W3 in the first direction D1. The direction in which the terminal-side lead wires 51a to 53c extend and the direction in which the neutral point-side lead wires X1 to Z3 extend may be different.

[0102] In the above embodiment, a case was described in which a part of the tube 59 is placed between the bottom surface of the cluster blocks 70, 100 and the coils V1, W2, but it is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the entire tube 59 may be placed between the bottom surface of the cluster blocks 70, 100 and the coils V1, W2. Alternatively, at least a part of the tube 59 may be placed between the bottom surface of the cluster blocks 70, 100 and the coils W2, U2. The cluster blocks 70, 100 may be stretched over two or more of the coils U1, W1, V2, U3, V3, W3, and at least a part of the tube 59 may be placed between them.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the case where the tip 59a of the tube 59 is located on the first direction D1 side of the end of the cluster block 70,100 in the second direction D2 has been described, but it is not necessarily limited to this. The tip 59a of the tube 59 may protrude on the second direction D2 side of the end of the cluster block 70,100 in the second direction D2. Even in this case, it is preferable that the tube 59 does not protrude above the space between the coils U2 and V2 in the vicinity of the cluster block 70,100 on the second direction D2 side. This prevents the refrigerant passage between the coils U2 and V2 from being blocked by the tube 59. However, since the refrigerant passage is less likely to be blocked if at least a part of the tube 59 is located below the cluster block 70,100 compared to when the tube 59 is not located below the cluster block 70,100 at all, the tube 59 may protrude above the space between the coils U2 and V2.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the terminal-side lead wires 51-53, 51a-53c, the neutral point-side lead wires X1-Z3, and the tube 59 are described as being fixed to the outer peripheral wall portion 42a by winding threads 60a-60e around them, but this is not necessarily the only case. These tubes 59, etc., may also be fixed to the inner peripheral wall portion 42c by winding threads around it. In this case as well, the refrigerant passage on the outer peripheral wall portion 42a side is less likely to be blocked by the tubes 59, etc., so the cooling efficiency of the coils U1-W3 can be improved. Note that the method of winding the threads 60a-60e is not limited to the method described in the above embodiment and may be changed as appropriate.

[0105] In the above embodiment, the case in which the first through-hole 91a is offset to the rear in the circumferential direction from the front position of the regulating surface 91e has been described, but it is not limited to this. For example, the first through-hole 91a may be offset to the front in the circumferential direction from the front position of the regulating surface 91e. Alternatively, the configuration may be such that the first through-hole 91a is located on the front of the regulating surface 91e. In both cases, the regulating surface 91e is assumed to be facing the side of the first through-hole 91a, whether the first through-hole 91a is offset from its front position.

[0106] In the above embodiment, the case described is one in which the regulating surface 91e of the wall portion 91d faces radially outward and the overhang portion 46 extends radially outward from the projection portion 45, but it is not necessarily limited to this. In a vertical view, as long as the direction in which the regulating surface 91e faces and the direction in which the overhang portion 46 extends from the projection portion 45 are the same, these directions may be radially inward or circumferential. Furthermore, in a vertical view, it is not limited to the case where a straight line substantially perpendicular to the regulating surface 91e and a straight line passing through the center of the width direction (circumferential direction) of the overhang portion 46 are parallel, but even if they are slightly (for example, 10 degrees) deviated from being parallel, it is assumed that the direction in which the regulating surface 91e faces and the direction in which the overhang portion 46 extends from the projection portion 45 are the same.

[0107] Furthermore, the positions of the wall portion 91d, the first through holes 91a, 102, the second through hole 91f, etc., may be changed as appropriate, and the positions of the contact surface 42f, the protruding portion 45, and the insertion portion 47 may be changed accordingly. For example, the contact surface 42f is not limited to the inner circumferential wall surface of the inner circumferential wall portion 42c, but may also be the inner circumferential wall surface or the outer circumferential wall surface of the outer circumferential wall portion 42a. When the outer circumferential wall surface of the outer circumferential wall portion 42a is used as the contact surface 42f, the radially inner surface of the wall portion 91d becomes the regulating surface 91e.

[0108] In the above embodiment, the case was described in which the amount of protrusion L1 of the protruding portion 46 is more than half of the thickness L2 of the protruding portion 45 in the first through hole 91a, and the sum of the amount of protrusion L1 and the thickness L2 is greater than the length of the first through hole 91a in the direction in which the protruding portion 46 protrudes. However, these dimensional relationships may be changed as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 10 Air conditioning system (vehicle equipment) 18 Stator Unit 30 Electric motors 40 Stator 41 Stator Core 41a Axial end face (of the stator core) 42b York section 41c Teeth section 42 bobbins 42a Outer wall 42c Inner peripheral wall 42d, 42e (Axial end faces of the bobbin) 42f Contact surface 43, U1~U3, V1~V3, W1~W3 coils 45 Protrusion 46 Overhang 51~53, 51a~51c, 52a~52c, 53a~53c Terminal side leader wire 58 Neutral point 59 Tubes 59a (Tip of the tube) 60, 60a~60e thread 61, 62, 63 Connection terminals 70,100 cluster blocks 91 Bottom plate 91a,102 1st through hole 91d Wall section 91e Regulatory aspects 130 Air conditioning equipment 140 Refrigerator D1 1st direction D2 2nd direction X1~X3,Y1~Y3,Z1~Z3 Neutral point side leader line

Claims

1. A stator unit comprising a cylindrical stator provided on an electric motor, and an insulating cluster block in contact with the axial end face of the stator, The aforementioned stator is A stator core with multiple teeth protruding radially inward from the yoke, An insulating bobbin is positioned at the axial end face of the stator core, Each of the aforementioned teeth and the conductor wound in a concentrated winding manner around the bobbin are formed, and a plurality of three-phase coils are arranged in the circumferential direction of the stator, A plurality of refrigerant passages are formed between the coils in the circumferential direction and communicate with both sides of the stator in the axial direction, A plurality of terminal-side lead wires are drawn out from each of the coils, continuously connected to one end of the conductor forming the coil, Multiple neutral point lead wires are drawn from each of the coils, continuously connected to the other end of the conductor forming the coil, and are connected to each other to form a neutral point. The system comprises a cylindrical, closed-end insulating tube that covers the neutral point, The cluster block is an insulating box that houses three-phase connection terminals provided at the ends of a plurality of terminal-side lead wires, and the bottom surface of the cluster block contacts the axial end face of the bobbin opposite to the stator core so as to cover at least one of the refrigerant passages in the axial view, A stator unit characterized in that at least a portion of the tube is arranged to overlap in the axial view between the bottom surface of the cluster block and the coil.

2. Of the aforementioned circumferential directions, the direction in which the terminal-side lead wires exit from the cluster block is designated as the first direction, and the direction opposite to the first direction is designated as the second direction. The stator unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the closed tip of the tube faces the second direction and is located on the first direction side of the end of the cluster block in the second direction.

3. The bobbin mentioned above is An outer peripheral wall portion is provided along the radially outer side of the coil and protrudes from the coil toward the side opposite to the stator core, The coil comprises an inner circumferential wall portion provided along the radially inner side of the coil and projecting toward the side opposite to the stator core relative to the coil, The stator unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the plurality of terminal-side lead wires, the plurality of neutral-side lead wires, and the tube are fixed to either the outer peripheral wall portion or the inner peripheral wall portion by winding a thread around them.

4. Of the aforementioned circumferential directions, the direction in which the tip of the tube points is defined as the second direction. Multiple neutral point-side lead wires extend from each of the coils in a second direction and gradually merge. The stator unit according to claim 3, characterized in that, in the axial view, the tip side of the tube and the cluster block overlap with the coil over which only one of the neutral point side lead wires overlaps.

5. The aforementioned cluster block is A bottom plate having the aforementioned bottom surface, The bottom plate has a first through hole that penetrates it in the axial direction, It comprises a wall portion having a restricting surface facing the first through-hole side and extending from the bottom surface toward the stator core side, The bobbin has a protruding portion that extends from the axial end face of the bobbin and is inserted into the first through hole, An overhang extending from the tip of the aforementioned protrusion in the same direction as the direction toward the regulating surface, It comprises a contact surface that contacts the aforementioned restricting surface, The stator unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, with the contact surface in contact with the regulating surface, a part of the bottom plate around the first through hole and the protruding portion face each other in the axial direction.

6. An electric motor comprising a stator unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. An air conditioning system equipped with the electric motor described in claim 6.

8. A refrigerator equipped with the electric motor described in claim 6.

9. An in-vehicle device equipped with the electric motor described in claim 6.

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