Electrical Equipment

Abstract

To provide an electric apparatus in which a distribution passage can be secured even if a center piece is rotationally moved.SOLUTION: An electric apparatus comprises: a rotary electric machine; a holder having a housing part 18 in which the rotary electric machine is stored and which includes an opening at one side in an axial direction and an air intake port 21 through which air can be taken from the outside into the housing part; a center piece 20 having a base part 25 provided in the opening and a flange part 29 extending toward a motor part in the axial direction along side faces 25A, 25B, 25C and 25D of the base part. The flange part comprises a low height portion 29A for which a distance to the motor part is long. The low height portion is provided respectively along an adjacent surface, which is adjacent with the air intake port on a side face, and a non-adjacent surface which is non-adjacent with the air intake port. A distribution passage 60, in which air flows, is partially formed between a tip end of the low height portion, which is provided along the adjacent surface, and the motor part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The disclosure herein relates to electrical devices. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a fan motor that includes a rotor, a stator, a motor holder, a center piece, and a guide portion. The rotor has a rotor housing. The stator is housed inside the rotor housing. The motor holder is provided around the rotor housing and has an air intake port that takes in air. The center piece faces the opening of the rotor housing. The guide portion forms an air guide passage that guides the air taken in through the air intake port from the radial outside of the motor portion toward the center. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-187140 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In Patent Document 1, the motor shaft is press-fitted into the center of the rotor housing and passes through the center piece. A guide part is provided at the end of the center piece on the air intake side. Therefore, if the center piece is rotated around the motor shaft as a rotation axis, an air guide flow path cannot be secured.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an electrical device that can ensure a circulation path even when the center piece is rotated. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An electrical device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a rotating electric machine (2) including a shaft (3) extending in an axial direction and a motor section (7) provided around the shaft; a holder (16) including a housing portion (18) that houses a rotating electric machine and has an opening (18B) on one side in the axial direction, and an air intake port (21) that is provided apart from the housing portion in a radial direction perpendicular to the axial direction and that can take air into the housing portion from the outside; a center piece (20) having a base (25) provided in the opening and a flange portion (29) extending axially toward the motor portion along side surfaces (25A, 25B, 25C, 25D) of the base; the flange portion includes a high-back portion (29B) that is long in the axial direction and has a short distance from the motor portion, and a low-back portion (29A) that is short in the axial direction and has a longer distance from the motor portion than the high-back portion; The low back portion is provided along an adjacent surface adjacent to the air intake port and a non-adjacent surface not adjacent to the air intake port on the side surface, A part of a circulation path (60) through which air flows is formed between the motor section and the tip of the low back section provided along the adjacent surface.

[0007] This makes it possible to ensure a circulation path (60) even when the center piece (20) is rotated around the shaft (3) as the rotation axis so that the non-adjacent surface is adjacent to the air intake (21).

[0008] The reference numbers in parentheses above merely indicate the corresponding relationship with the configurations described in the embodiments below, and do not in any way limit the technical scope. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the electrical device taken along line II-II. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the electrical device taken along line III-III. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of components included in an electrical device. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams illustrating the structure and effects. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an electrical device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an electrical device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a plan view of components included in an electrical device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of components included in an electrical device according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a plan view of components included in an electrical device according to a sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, several embodiments for carrying out the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, parts corresponding to matters described in the preceding embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations may be omitted. In each embodiment, when only a part of the configuration is described, the other previously described embodiments may be applied to the other parts of the configuration.

[0011] Furthermore, it is not only possible to combine parts that are explicitly stated as being possible in each embodiment, but it is also possible to partially combine embodiments even if not explicitly stated, provided that there are no particular problems with the combination.

[0012] (First embodiment) As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the electrical device 1 includes a rotating electrical machine 2, a housing 9, a substrate 10, a centerpiece 20, a heat dissipation member 40, and a connector 50. The rotating electrical machine 2 includes a shaft 3 and a motor section 7. The motor section 7 includes a stator 4 and a rotor 5. The substrate 10 includes circuit elements that control the supply of current to the stator 4 or the rotor 5. The housing 9 accommodates the rotating electrical machine 2, the substrate 10, the centerpiece 20, and the heat dissipation member 40.

[0013] The housing 9 includes a machine chamber 6 that mainly houses the rotating electric machine 2, and a circuit chamber 8 that mainly houses a circuit board 10. The machine chamber 6 and the circuit chamber 8 are separated by the housing 9. The housing 9 is fixed. The shaft 3 extends across the machine chamber 6 and the circuit chamber 8. A center piece 20 is provided to surround the shaft 3. The shaft 3 passes through the center piece 20. A heat dissipation member 40 is provided in the center piece 20. The center piece 20 also includes a bearing 11 that supports the shaft 3 rotatably around the axial direction.

[0014] In the following description of the mechanical configuration of the electrical device 1, the axial direction in which the shaft 3 extends may be referred to as the TD direction. The direction perpendicular to the TD direction may be referred to as the radial direction. The TD direction corresponds to the thickness direction of the substrate 10. The radial direction corresponds to the planar direction in which the substrate 10 extends.

[0015] The electric device 1 is called an electromechanical integrated device that includes a rotating electric machine 2 and a substrate 10. The electric device 1 provides a variety of devices, such as a ventilation fan, a vacuum cleaner, a water pump, and an electric bicycle. An example of the electric device 1 is a device for a vehicle. The electric device 1 provides, for example, a wiper motor, an electric blower, an electric compressor, and a rotating electric motor for driving. The electric device 1 is suitable for use in devices in which a shaft 3 rotates continuously.

[0016] In this embodiment, the electrical device 1 provides a blower. The blower blows conditioned air in an air conditioner. The air conditioner supplies temperature-controlled air to a target space. The air conditioner includes, for example, air conditioners for buildings such as homes and offices that have rooms where people stay. The air conditioner also includes air conditioners for vehicles that have passenger compartments where people get in. Vehicles include cars, ships, aircraft, amusement equipment, simulation equipment, etc. The air conditioner includes a heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the air flow generated by the blower. The air conditioner adjusts the temperature of the air by cooling and / or heating the air using the heat exchanger.

[0017] The rotating electric machine 2 can function as at least an electric motor. Alternatively, the rotating electric machine 2 may function as a generator. Furthermore, alternatively, the rotating electric machine 2 may function as a motor-generator. The rotating electric machine 2 can be provided by a commutator-type rotating electric machine having a commutator such as a brush, or a brushless rotating electric machine. In this embodiment, the rotating electric machine 2 is provided by a brushless motor.

[0018] The stator 4 includes a stator core 12 fixed to the housing 9. The stator 4 includes a stator coil 13 attached to the stator core 12. The stator core 12 and the stator coil 13 provide a plurality of stator poles. The stator core 12 is provided around the shaft 3. The stator core 12 has an annular shape that annularly surrounds the shaft 3. In this embodiment, the stator core 12 forms a plurality of stator poles on its outer circumferential surface.

[0019] The rotor 5 includes a cup-shaped rotor yoke 14 connected to the shaft 3. The rotor 5 further includes magnets 15 fixed to the rotor yoke 14. The magnets 15 are supported on the inner wall surface of the rotor yoke 14. The rotor yoke 14 and the magnets 15 together form a plurality of rotor poles on the inner wall surface. The magnets 15 are provided on the rotor yoke 14 so that the stator poles and rotor poles face each other. The magnets 15 and the stator 4 are aligned in the radial direction with a gap between them to allow air to pass through.

[0020] The housing 9 includes an inner housing 16 and an outer housing 17. The inner housing 16 is also called a motor holder. The inner housing 16 is provided along the outer periphery of the rotor yoke 14. The inner housing 16 has a housing portion 18 that surrounds the rotor yoke 14, an air intake 21 that is provided at a position radially outwardly spaced from the housing portion 18, and a relay portion 19 that connects the housing portion 18 and the air intake 21 and has a space inside.

[0021] In the TD direction, the housing 18 has a bottom 18A on one side and an opening 18B on the other side. The housing 18 has a cup-like shape. A portion of the shaft 3 is exposed from the bottom 18A of the housing 18. A fan (not shown) is provided on the shaft 3 exposed from the bottom 18A. This fan provides airflow to the target space.

[0022] The relay part 19 extends in one direction radially outward so as to move away from the housing part 18. A wall part 19A extending in the TD direction is provided on the periphery of the relay part 19. An air intake 21 that opens in the TD direction and allows external air to flow into the inside of the housing 9 is provided at the tip of the relay part 19. The wind provided by the fan is supplied to the target space described above and is also taken into the inside of the housing 9 from the air intake 21.

[0023] The outer housing 17 is also called a circuit cover. The outer housing 17 is arranged to define the circuit chamber 8 together with the inner housing 16. The outer housing 17 is connected to the inner housing 16 in a manner that closes the opening of the inner housing 16. The outer housing 17 is connected to the inner housing 16 in a manner that closes the opening 18B of the casing portion 18 and the opening 19B of the wall portion 19A.

[0024] As a result, in the TD direction, the internal space of the inner housing 16 communicates with the internal space of the outer housing 17. In the radial direction, the internal space between the casing portion 18 and the outer housing 17, the internal space between the relay portion 19 and the outer housing 17, and the air intake 21 communicate with each other.

[0025] An electric unit 70, which combines the rotating electric machine 2, the circuit board 10, the center piece 20, and the heat dissipation member 40, is housed in a storage space that combines the internal space of the casing 18 and the internal space of the outer housing 17. Air that flows in from the air intake 21 passes through the internal space between the relay part 19 and the outer housing 17 and flows toward the electric unit 70 housed in the internal space between the casing 18 and the outer housing 17.

[0026] The substrate 10 is provided in the circuit chamber 8. The substrate 10 is provided farther from the motor unit 7 in the TD direction than the center piece 20. The substrate 10 and the center piece 20 overlap in the TD direction. The shaft 3 passes through the substrate 10. The substrate 10 is arranged so as to be perpendicular to the shaft 3.

[0027] The substrate 10 includes a plurality of circuit elements. The circuit elements are also called circuit components. The substrate 10 is provided by a printed wiring board, a flexible substrate, or the like that is thin in the TD direction. The plurality of circuit elements includes a heat generating element such as a MOSFET. The substrate 10 has a first surface 10A and a second surface 10B on the back side thereof, which are separated in the TD direction. The thickness direction of the substrate 10 corresponds to the TD direction.

[0028] The first surface 10A faces the center piece 20 in the TD direction. The second surface 10B faces the top wall of the outer housing 17 in the thickness direction. A shaft 3 passes through the substrate 10. A heating element is mounted on the first surface 10A. Other circuit elements are provided on the second surface 10B. The heating element may also be provided on the second surface 10B. Hereinafter, the width direction of the substrate 10 may be referred to as the WD direction. The depth direction of the substrate 10 may be referred to as the TD direction.

[0029] The center piece 20 is made of resin, for example. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the center piece 20 includes a facing portion 23 that is provided in the opening 18B of the housing 18 and faces the motor unit 7, and a cylindrical support portion 24 that protrudes from the center of the facing portion 23 toward the motor unit 7. A bearing is provided in the gap of the support portion 24. The shaft 3 passes through the inside of the bearing. The facing portion 23 includes a plate-like base portion 25 that is thin in the TD direction, an upright portion 26 that stands in the TD direction from the base portion 25 toward the motor unit 7, and a flange portion 29 that stands in the TD direction along the side of the base portion 25 toward the motor unit 7.

[0030] The base 25 has a first side surface 25A and a third side surface 25C aligned in the WD direction, and a second side surface 25B and a fourth side surface 25D aligned in the DP direction. The first side surface 25A, the second side surface 25B, the third side surface 25C, and the fourth side surface 25D are continuously connected in order. A through-hole 28 penetrating the base 25 in the TD direction is provided in a portion of the base 25 closer to the first side surface 25A than the support portion 24. A standing portion 26 is provided in a portion of the base 25 closer to the third side surface 25C than the through-hole 28. The standing portion 26 is also called a reinforcing rib for increasing the strength of the base 25. The standing portion 26 is provided in a lattice pattern on the base 25. The standing portion 26 also serves to support the motor unit 7.

[0031] In addition, an annular flange portion 29 is formed on the base portion 25, extending along the first side surface 25A to the fourth side surface 25D. The flange portion 29 is provided slightly closer to the center than the side surfaces of the base portion 25. The flange portion 29 extends in the TD direction toward the motor unit 7. The flange portion 29 includes a low-back portion 29A and a high-back portion 29B that are different in height in the TD direction.

[0032] In the TD direction, the length of the low-back portion 29A is shorter than the length of the high-back portion 29B. In the TD direction, the length of the high-back portion 29B is longer than the length of the low-back portion 29A. The distance between the low-back portion 29A and the motor unit 7 is longer than the distance between the high-back portion 29B and the motor unit 7. The distance between the high-back portion 29B and the motor unit 7 is shorter than the distance between the low-back portion 29A and the motor unit 7. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the gap between the low-back portion 29A and the motor unit 7 is wider than the width of the gap between the high-back portion 29B and the motor unit 7. The width of the gap between the high-back portion 29B and the motor unit 7 is narrower than the width of the gap between the low-back portion 29A and the motor unit 7.

[0033] 4, the low-back portion 29A is provided on the base 25 so as to extend along the first side surface 25A, a portion of the second side surface 25B on the first side surface 25A side, and a portion of the fourth side surface 25D on the first side surface 25A side. The low-back portion 29A provided along the first side surface 25A, the low-back portion 29A provided along the portion of the second side surface 25B, and the low-back portion 29A provided along the portion of the fourth side surface 25D are continuous by the same member in the circumferential direction around the TD direction. The low-back portion 29A provided along the portion of the second side surface 25B on the first side surface 25A side and the low-back portion 29A provided along the portion of the fourth side surface 25D on the first side surface 25A side overlap in the DP direction.

[0034] The low-back portion 29A provided along the first side surface 25A overlaps with the through-hole 28 in the WD direction. The low-back portion 29A provided along a part of the second side surface 25B overlaps with the through-hole 28 in the DP direction. The low-back portion 29A provided along a part of the fourth side surface 25D overlaps with the through-hole 28 in the DP direction.

[0035] The high-back portion 29B is provided on the base 25 so as to follow the remainder of the second side surface 25B, the third side surface 25C, and the remainder of the fourth side surface 25D. The high-back portion 29B provided so as to follow the remainder of the second side surface 25B, the high-back portion 29B provided so as to follow the third side surface 25C, and the high-back portion 29B provided so as to follow the remainder of the fourth side surface 25D are continuous in the circumferential direction by the same member. The high-back portion 29B provided so as to follow the remainder of the second side surface 25B and the high-back portion 29B provided so as to follow the remainder of the fourth side surface 25D overlap in the DP direction.

[0036] Further, the high-back portion 29B provided along the remainder of the second side surface 25B overlaps with the standing portion 26 in the DP direction. The high-back portion 29B provided along the third side surface 25C overlaps with the standing portion 26 in the WD direction. The high-back portion 29B provided along the remainder of the fourth side surface 25D overlaps with the standing portion 26 in the DP direction.

[0037] The height of the standing portion 26 is almost equal to the height of the high-back portion 29B. The standing portion 26 is provided only in the portion of the base 25 that overlaps with the high-back portion 29B. The high-back portion 29B is provided around the standing portion 26. The high-back portion 29B supports and protects the standing portion 26. The end of the standing portion 26, which is provided in a lattice shape, extends continuously from the boundary between the low-back portion 29A and the high-back portion 29B on the second side surface 25B side toward the boundary between the low-back portion 29A and the high-back portion 29B on the fourth side surface 25D side. A portion of the circulation path 60 through which air can circulate is defined on the second side surface 25B side of the end of the standing portion 26. The presence of the high-back portion 29B and the standing portion 26 makes it difficult for air to circulate on the fourth side surface 25D side of the end of the standing portion 26.

[0038] The tip of the support part 24 is press-fitted into the inside of the annular stator core 12. The shaft 3 passes through the inside of a bearing provided in the hollow of the support part 24. The shaft 3 is supported by the support part 24 via the bearing. The rotor 5 is rotatable in the circumferential direction relative to the center piece 20 and the stator 4 with the shaft 3 as the rotation axis.

[0039] The heat dissipation member 40 is made of a metal with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum. The heat dissipation member 40 includes a main portion 41 that is flat in the TD direction and multiple protrusions 42 that protrude from the main portion 41. The protrusions 42 are cylindrical and extend in the TD direction. The multiple protrusions 42 are spaced apart in the radial direction to an extent that allows air to flow through them.

[0040] The heat dissipation member 40 is attached to the base 25 so that a portion of it is exposed from the through-hole 28. An end of the main portion 41 is connected to the surface of the base 25 facing the substrate 10. A portion of the main portion 41 and the multiple protrusions 42 are exposed from the through-hole 28. The multiple protrusions 42 extend in the TD direction toward the motor unit 7. The tips of the multiple protrusions 42 are located closer to the motor unit 7 than the tip of the low-back portion 29A. Note that the tips of the multiple protrusions 42 and the tip of the low-back portion 29A may be at the same position in the TD direction.

[0041] Furthermore, the substrate 10 is disposed farther away from the heat dissipation member 40 in the TD direction than the motor section 7. The substrate 10 and the heat dissipation member 40 overlap in the TD direction. At least one heat generating element is provided in a portion of the first surface 10A that overlaps with the heat dissipation member 40 in the TD direction.

[0042] The connector 50 is provided on the second surface 10B of the substrate 10. The connector 50 serves to electrically connect the circuit elements provided on the substrate 10 to external devices. In this embodiment, the connector 50 is provided on the opposite side of the heat dissipation member 40 in the WD direction. The connector 50 is provided on the third side surface 25C of the substrate 10.

[0043] <Electric unit and distribution channel> As described above, the facing portion 23 is provided in the storage space so as to face the motor portion 7. The motor portion 7 is included within the projection area of the facing portion 23 in the TD direction. A gap having a width sufficient to allow air to pass through is provided between the facing portion 23 and the motor portion 7 in the TD direction. A gap having a width sufficient to allow air to pass through is provided between the low-back portion 29A and the motor portion 7 in the TD direction.

[0044] Furthermore, magnets 15 are provided in the storage space radially outward of stator 4. Magnets 15 and stator 4 are aligned radially with a gap therebetween that allows air to pass through. First air passage holes 14A that penetrate in the TD direction and allow air to pass through are provided in the bottom of rotor yoke 14. A plurality of first air passage holes 14A are provided consecutively in the circumferential direction around the TD direction. Furthermore, second air passage holes 18C that penetrate in the TD direction and allow air to pass through are provided in bottom 18A of housing 18 at a location facing the bottom of rotor yoke 14.

[0045] According to this, air taken in through air intake 21 and flowing toward electric unit 70 passes through the gap between low-back portion 29A and motor section 7 and enters rotor yoke 14. The air that enters rotor yoke 14 then flows through the gap between magnet 15 and stator 4. After passing through the gap between magnet 15 and stator 4, the air passes through first air passage hole 14A and then second air passage hole 18C before being discharged to the outside of the storage space. The path along which air enters air intake 21 and exits second air passage hole 18C is sometimes referred to as air flow path 60. The air passing through air flow path 60 actively cools heat dissipation member 40 and motor section 7.

[0046] <Low profile and heat dissipation material> 5, the electric unit 70 is stored in the storage space so that the second side surface 25B corresponds to the air intake 21. In other words, the electric unit 70 is provided in the storage space so that the second side surface 25B is located closer to the air intake 21 than the fourth side surface 25D in the DP direction. A portion of the low back portion 29A that is provided along the second side surface 25B is stored in the storage space so as to be adjacent to the air intake 21. The second side surface 25B that is adjacent to the air intake 21 on the side surface corresponds to the adjacent surface.

[0047] A portion of low back portion 29A provided along first side surface 25A is stored in the storage space in a manner not adjacent to air intake 21 in the DP direction. A portion of low back portion 29A provided along fourth side surface 25D is stored in the storage space in a manner not adjacent to air intake 21. Note that first side surface 25A and fourth side surface 25D, which are not adjacent to air intake 21 on the side surface, correspond to non-adjacent surfaces. The portion of low back portion 29A provided along first side surface 25A, the portion of low back portion 29A on the second side surface 25B side, and the portion of low back portion 29A provided along fourth side surface 25D are continuous in the circumferential direction.

[0048] A through-hole 28 penetrating in the TD direction is formed in a portion of the base 25 where the low-back portion 29A is provided. A heat dissipation member 40 is provided in the through-hole 28. The heat dissipation member 40 is provided in the through-hole 28 so that its longitudinal direction corresponds to the DP direction. The heat dissipation member 40 is provided in the through-hole 28 so that its short direction corresponds to the WD direction. The width of the gap between the low-back portion 29A and the motor unit 7 is wider than the width of the gap between the high-back portion 29B and the motor unit 7. The wide gap between the low-back portion 29A and the motor unit 7 is formed continuously in the circumferential direction along the second side surface 25B, the first side surface 25A, and the fourth side surface 25D.

[0049] This allows air that flows into the storage space from air intake 21 to pass through the space in relay section 19 and then actively pass through the gap between low-back section 29A and motor section 7. As described above, through-hole 28 is formed in the base section 25 at the location where low-back section 29A is provided. Heat dissipation member 40 is provided in through-hole 28. As shown in FIG. 6 , air that has passed through the gap between low-back section 29A and motor section 7 flows along main section 41 of heat dissipation member 40. This actively cools heat dissipation member 40.

[0050] <Action and effect> As described above, the portion of the low-back portion 29A along the second side surface 25B is stored in the storage space so as to be adjacent to the air intake 21 in the DP direction. The portion of the low-back portion 29A along the first side surface 25A is stored in the storage space so as to be non-adjacent to the air intake 21 in the DP direction. The portion of the low-back portion 29A along the fourth side surface 25D is stored in the storage space so as to be non-adjacent to the air intake 21. The width of the gap between the low-back portion 29A and the motor unit 7 is wider than the width of the gap between the high-back portion 29B and the motor unit 7. Therefore, the air flowing from the air intake 21 toward the electric unit 70 can actively pass through the gap between the low-back portion 29A and the motor unit 7.

[0051] 6, even when the center piece 20 is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise around the shaft 3 as the rotation axis, the low-back portion 29A provided along the first side surface 25A is positioned adjacent to the air intake 21 in the DP direction. For example, when the center piece 20 is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise around the shaft 3 as the rotation axis, the low-back portion 29A provided along the first side surface 25A is positioned adjacent to the air intake 21 in the DP direction. When the center piece 20 is rotated 180 degrees around the shaft 3 as the rotation axis, the low-back portion 29A provided along the fourth side surface 25D is positioned adjacent to the air intake 21 in the DP direction.

[0052] This makes it easy to ensure a wide flow path between the low-back portion 29A and the motor unit 7, even when the center piece 20 is rotated around the shaft 3 as the rotation axis. Even when the center piece 20 is rotated, the motor unit 7 and the circuit board 10 can be sufficiently cooled by the air flowing in from the air intake 21. The center piece 20 can be arranged in a rotated state even for electrical equipment 1 with different specifications. The center piece 20 can be shared for electrical equipment 1 with different specifications.

[0053] As explained above, the electric unit 70 is stored in the storage space. The board 10 overlaps with the base 25 in the TD direction. The heat dissipation member 40 is provided closer to the motor unit 7 than the board 10. The heat dissipation member 40 is provided at a position on the base 25 where it overlaps with the low-back portion 29A in the radial direction. This allows the low-back portion 29A to be positioned adjacent to the air intake 21 in the DP direction, even when the electric unit 70 is rotated around the shaft 3 as the rotation axis.

[0054] Furthermore, since the heat dissipation member 40 is provided at a position on the base 25 that overlaps with the low back portion 29A in the radial direction, the air that has passed through the gap between the low back portion 29A and the motor unit 7 flows along the heat dissipation member 40. As a result, the heat dissipation member 40 actively dissipates heat. As a result, the board 10 is actively cooled.

[0055] As described above, the through-hole 28 penetrating in the TD direction is provided in the base 25 at a position overlapping the low-back portion 29A in the radial direction. A portion of the heat dissipation member 40 passes through the through-hole 28. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in the size in the TD direction compared to a case where the through-hole 28 is not formed in the base 25 and the heat dissipation member 40 overlaps with the base 25 in the TD direction.

[0056] As explained above, the connector 50 is provided on the substrate 10 at a location opposite the heat dissipation member 40. This allows the electric unit 70 to be shared within the electric device 1 within the specification range in which the position of the connector 50 is between 90 degrees and 270 degrees relative to the air intake 21, as shown in FIG. 6. This eliminates the need to prepare electric units 70 corresponding to each specification. This leads to reductions in design costs and manufacturing costs. Note that FIG. 6 shows an example of a distribution route 60 for each specification with arrows.

[0057] As described above, the heat dissipation member 40 includes a main portion 41 having a flat shape in the TD direction, and a plurality of protrusions 42 protruding from the main portion 41. An end of the main portion 41 is connected to the surface of the base portion 25 facing the substrate 10. The main portion 41 and the plurality of protrusions 42 are exposed from the through-holes 28. The plurality of protrusions 42 extend toward the motor portion 7. The tips of the plurality of protrusions 42 are located closer to the motor portion 7 than the tip of the low-back portion 29A. This makes it easier for air to come into contact with the protrusions 42. Heat exchange between the air and the protrusions 42 is facilitated.

[0058] As described above, the protrusions 42 individually protrude in a cylindrical shape from the main portion 41. The multiple protrusions 42 are provided on the main portion 41 at intervals that allow air to circulate. This makes it easier for air to come into contact with the protrusions 42. This makes it easier for air to exchange heat with the protrusions 42.

[0059] As explained above, the center piece 20 is made of resin. The heat dissipation member 40 is made of metal. This allows the board 10 to be cooled efficiently while reducing the weight of the electric unit 70. In contrast, if the center piece 20 and the heat dissipation member 40 are made of the same resin, the weight can be reduced but the cooling efficiency decreases. If the center piece 20 and the heat dissipation member 40 are made of the same metal, the cooling efficiency can be improved but the weight cannot be reduced.

[0060] (Second embodiment) In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 7 , the same electric unit 70 as in the first embodiment is disposed in the housing 9 in an arrangement rotated 180 degrees from the arrangement in the first embodiment, with the shaft 3 as the rotation axis. A portion of the low-back portion 29A on the fourth side surface 25D side is accommodated in the storage space so as to be adjacent to the air intake 21 in the DP direction. A portion of the low-back portion 29A on the first side surface 25A side is accommodated in the storage space so as not to be adjacent to the air intake 21 in the DP direction. A portion of the low-back portion 29A on the second side surface 25B side is accommodated in the storage space so as not to be adjacent to the air intake 21. Air flowing from the air intake 21 toward the electric unit 70 actively passes through the gap between the low-back portion 29A adjacent to the air intake 21 and the motor unit 7. This air actively cools the heat dissipation member 40 and the motor unit 7. In the second embodiment, the fourth side surface 25D corresponds to the adjacent surface. The first side surface 25A and the second side surface 25B correspond to non-adjacent surfaces.

[0061] (Third embodiment) In the third embodiment shown in FIG. 8 , the same electric unit 70 as in the first embodiment is disposed in the housing 9, rotated 90 degrees from the arrangement in the first embodiment, with the shaft 3 as the rotation axis. A portion of the low-back portion 29A on the first side surface 25A side is accommodated in the storage space so as to be adjacent to the air intake 21 in the DP direction. A portion of the low-back portion 29A on the second side surface 25B side is accommodated in the storage space so as not to be adjacent to the air intake 21 in the DP direction. A portion of the low-back portion 29A on the fourth side surface 25D side is accommodated in the storage space so as not to be adjacent to the air intake 21. Even in this configuration, air flowing from the air intake 21 toward the electric unit 70 can actively pass through the gap between the low-back portion 29A adjacent to the air intake 21 and the motor unit 7. Note that in the third embodiment, the first side surface 25A corresponds to an adjacent surface. The second side surface 25B and the fourth side surface 25D correspond to non-adjacent surfaces.

[0062] (Fourth embodiment) In the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 9 , the arrangement of the low-back portion 29A is the same as in the first embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, the end of the standing portion 26 extends from the boundary between the low-back portion 29A and the high-back portion 29B on the second side surface 25B, which is the adjacent surface adjacent to the air intake 21, toward the heat dissipation member 40. The end of the standing portion 26 also extends from the boundary between the low-back portion 29A and the high-back portion 29B on the fourth side surface 25D, which is the surface opposite the adjacent surface, toward the heat dissipation member 40. The end of the standing portion 26 overlaps with the low-back portion 29A on the second side surface 25B and the fourth side surface 25D in the DP direction. This locally narrows the passage of air flowing along the heat dissipation member 40 at the inlet side. This increases the flow velocity of air flowing along the heat dissipation member 40. This allows for efficient cooling of the heat dissipation member 40. Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, the shape of the centerpiece 20 is symmetrical with respect to the DP direction. Therefore, the same effect can be achieved even if the electric unit 70 is rotated 180 degrees around the shaft 3 as an axis.

[0063] (Fifth embodiment) In the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the arrangement of the low-back portion 29A is the same as in the first embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, the second side surface 25B corresponds to the adjacent surface. The fourth side surface 25D corresponds to the opposite surface. In the fifth embodiment, the facing portion 23 further includes a tunnel wall 22 that covers the heat dissipation member 40 in a tunnel shape. The tunnel wall 22 extends from the second side surface 25B toward the fourth side surface 25D. The inlet and outlet of the tunnel wall 22 face the low-back portion 29A in the DP direction. In addition, the tunnel wall 22 is provided with circulation holes that allow air to circulate. Therefore, the heat dissipation member 40 and the motor section 7 can be efficiently cooled in the fifth embodiment as well.

[0064] (Sixth embodiment) In the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. 11 , the outer housing 17 is provided with a guide portion 80 that guides the air flowing in from the air intake 21 to the heat dissipation member 40. The guide portion 80 extends obliquely from the air intake 21 toward the low-back portion 29A. This allows the air flowing in from the air intake 21 to be efficiently guided to the low-back portion 29A. The air flowing in from the air intake 21 can be efficiently guided to the heat dissipation member 40 provided at the back of the low-back portion 29A. The guide portion 80 does not have to be provided on the outer housing 17. The guide portion 80 may be provided on the inner housing 16. In the sixth embodiment, the second side surface 25B corresponds to the adjacent surface. The fourth side surface 25D corresponds to the opposite surface. In the fourth to sixth embodiments, the adjacent surface and the opposite surface may be reversed.

[0065] (Other embodiments) In the embodiments described so far, the substrate 10 and the centerpiece 20 are rectangular, but the shapes of the substrate 10 and the centerpiece 20 are not limited to rectangular shapes. The shapes of the substrate 10 and the centerpiece 20 may also be circular.

[0066] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to embodiments, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to those embodiments or configurations. In addition, while various combinations and configurations are shown in the present disclosure, other combinations and configurations, including only one element, more, or less, are also within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 10 substrate, 16 holder, 17 cover, 18 housing portion, 18B opening, 2 rotating electric machine, 20 center piece, 21 air intake, 22 tunnel wall, 25 base portion, 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D side surface, 26 erected portion, 28 through hole, 29 flange portion, 29A low back portion, 29B high back portion, 3 shaft, 40 heat dissipation member, 41 main portion, 42 protrusion portion, 50 connector, 60 distribution path, 7 motor portion, 80 guide portion

Claims

1. a rotating electric machine (2) including a shaft (3) extending in an axial direction and a motor section (7) provided around the shaft; a holder (16) including a housing portion (18) that houses the rotating electric machine and has an opening (18B) on one side in the axial direction, and an air intake port (21) that is provided away from the housing portion in a radial direction perpendicular to the axial direction and that can take air into the housing portion from the outside; a center piece (20) having a base (25) provided in the opening and a flange (29) extending in the axial direction toward the motor section along side surfaces (25A, 25B, 25C, 25D) of the base; The flange portion includes a high-back portion (29B) that is long in the axial direction and has a short distance from the motor portion, and a low-back portion (29A) that is short in the axial direction and has a longer distance from the motor portion than the high-back portion, the low back portion is provided along an adjacent surface adjacent to the air intake port and a non-adjacent surface not adjacent to the air intake port on the side surface, The electrical equipment has a portion of a circulation path (60) through which the air flows formed between the motor section and the tip of the low-back section provided along the adjacent surface.

2. a part of the low back portion and a part of the high back portion are provided along the adjacent surface, a remainder of the low back portion and a remainder of the high back portion are provided along an opposite surface of the side surface opposite to the adjacent surface in the radial direction, The electrical device according to claim 1 , wherein the low-profile portions and the high-profile portions overlap with each other in the radial direction.

3. a substrate (10) overlapping the base in the axial direction; a heat dissipation member (40) overlapping the substrate in the axial direction, The electrical device according to claim 2 , wherein the heat dissipation member is provided at a portion of the base that overlaps with the low-profile portion in the radial direction.

4. A through hole (28) penetrating in the axial direction is provided in a portion of the base portion overlapping with the low back portion in the radial direction, The electrical device according to claim 3 , wherein the heat dissipation member is inserted through the through hole.

5. Further provided with a connector (50) for connection to an external device; 5. The electrical device according to claim 3, wherein the connector is provided on the substrate at a location opposite to a location overlapping with the heat dissipation member in the radial direction.

6. The heat dissipation member includes a main portion (41) and a plurality of protrusions (42) protruding from the main portion toward the motor portion, The electrical device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the tip of the protrusion is located closer to the motor unit than the tip of the low-profile portion, or the tip of the protrusion and the tip of the low-profile portion are positioned at the same position in the axial direction.

7. The center piece is made of resin, 5. The electrical device according to claim 3, wherein the heat dissipation member is made of metal.

8. The center piece further includes an upstanding portion (26) that stands from the base portion toward the motor portion, 5. The electrical device of claim 3, wherein a portion of the upright portion extends from the boundary between the low-back portion and the high-back portion on the adjacent surface side and the opposite surface side toward the boundary between the low-back portion and the high-back portion on the opposite surface side and the adjacent surface side, and toward the heat dissipation member so as to overlap with the low-back portion in the radial direction.

9. The electrical device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the center piece further comprises a tunnel wall (22) extending from the adjacent surface toward the opposite surface and covering the heat dissipation member in a tunnel shape.

10. A cover (17) for covering the opening is further provided.

5. The electrical device according to claim 3, wherein the cover or the holder is provided with a guide portion (80) for guiding the air toward the heat dissipation member.

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