Cooling structure for rotating electrical machines

Abstract

To provide a cooling structure in a rotary electric machine capable of appropriately securing work efficiency in assembling a flow passage pipe with a container even in such a cooling structure that the flow passage pipe for flowing a cooling fluid is connected with the container.SOLUTION: A cooling structure in a rotary electric machine comprises a coil winding, a container, a tape, a filling layer, and a flow passage pipe. In the rotary electric machine, a rotor rotates by using a rotating magnetic field generated by application of a voltage to the coil winding, or a voltage is induced to the coil winding by a rotating magnetic field generated by rotation of the rotor. In the container, an internal cavity opens toward a side where the coil winding is located. The tape covers an opening of the internal cavity. The filling layer is formed on the tape at an opposite side to a side where the coil winding is located. The flow passage pipe comprises a projection protruded from the coil winding. The projection penetrates through the tape and the filling layer to be inserted into the internal cavity.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a cooling structure for a rotating electric machine. [Background technology]

[0002] In an electric motor, a rotating magnetic field is generated by applying a voltage (AC voltage) to the coil windings of a stator. The generated rotating magnetic field then rotates the rotor, or the rotating magnetic field induces an electromotive force in the rotor, which then rotates the rotor due to the induced electromotive force. In a generator, a voltage (electromotive force) is induced in the coil windings of the stator by the rotating magnetic field generated by the rotation of the rotor. In such rotating electric machines, such as electric motors and generators, the coil windings are cooled to suppress temperature increases and the like in the coil windings. A cooling structure for cooling the coil windings in a rotating electric machine is, for example, a cooling structure in which a flow path pipe is arranged near the coil conductor that forms the coil windings and a cooling fluid flows inside the flow path pipe.

[0003] Furthermore, among the aforementioned cooling structures using flow path pipes, there are those in which multiple flow path pipes are connected to a single container. In such a cooling structure, it is possible to at least one of flowing a cooling fluid from a single container into each of the multiple flow path pipes and discharging the cooling fluid from each of the multiple flow path pipes to the single container. When a cooling structure in which a flow path pipe is connected to a container is used as a cooling structure for cooling a coil winding in a rotating electric machine, it is required to ensure appropriate work efficiency in assembling the flow path pipe and the container. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-288143 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 58-218845 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a cooling structure for a rotating electric machine in which, even in a cooling structure in which a flow path pipe through which a cooling fluid flows is connected to a container, work efficiency is appropriately ensured in assembling the flow path pipe and the container. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to an embodiment, a cooling structure for a rotating electric machine includes a coil winding, a first container, a first tape, a first filling layer, and a flow tube. In the rotating electric machine, a rotor rotates using a rotating magnetic field generated by application of a voltage to the coil winding, or a voltage is induced in the coil winding by the rotating magnetic field generated by the rotation of the rotor. The first container is non-conductive and is disposed away from the coil winding. A first internal cavity is formed in the first container, the first internal cavity opening at a first opening toward the side where the coil winding is located. The first tape is non-conductive and is attached to the first container in a state where it closes the first opening. The first filling layer is non-conductive and is formed on the first tape on the side of the first internal cavity opposite the side where the coil winding is located. The flow tube includes a first protrusion protruding from the coil winding toward the first container, and a cooling fluid flows inside the flow tube. The first protrusion of the flow tube is inserted through the first tape and the first packing layer into the first internal cavity of the first container. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of an electric motor according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view that schematically shows the configuration of the electric motor according to the first embodiment, taken along a cross section parallel or approximately parallel to the axial direction of the motor. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a part of the coil winding and its vicinity in the electric motor according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing one of the coil side portions formed in the coil winding and the configuration of the vicinity thereof in the electric motor according to the first embodiment, and also showing each of the containers in a cross section perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the circumferential direction of the electric motor (the direction around the rotating shaft). [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross section taken along line B1-B1 in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing one of the containers in the electric motor according to the first embodiment, taken along a cross section perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the motor. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing one beam in a cross section perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the extension axis of the beam in the electric motor according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] (First embodiment) First, a first embodiment will be described as an example of an embodiment. In the first embodiment, an electric motor 1 will be described as an example of a rotating electric machine. FIGS. 1 and 2 show the configuration of the electric motor 1 according to the first embodiment. The electric motor 1 is, for example, an induction motor. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the electric motor 1 includes a rotor 2 and a stator 3. The rotor 2 is rotatable relative to the stator 3 around a rotation axis P. In the electric motor 1, the direction along the rotation axis P is defined as the axial direction (the direction indicated by arrows A1 and A2). In addition, in the electric motor 1, the direction around the rotation axis P is defined as the circumferential direction (the direction indicated by arrows C1 and C2). In addition, in the electric motor 1, the direction intersecting (perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to) both the axial direction and the circumferential direction is defined as the radial direction (the arrows R1 and R2). In the electric motor 1, the side approaching the rotation axis P in the radial direction is the inner peripheral side, and the side away from the rotation axis P in the radial direction is the outer peripheral side. 1 shows a perspective view in which a part of the stator 3 is omitted, and FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross section parallel or approximately parallel to the axial direction of the electric motor 1.

[0010] The stator 3 surrounds the rotor 2 from the outer periphery of the electric motor 1 over the entire circumferential direction. The stator 3 includes a frame 5, an iron core 6, and coil windings 7. The frame 5 holds the iron core 6 and the coil windings 7. The rotor 2 is connected to the frame 5 so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis P. The rotor 2 is connected to the frame 5 via a bearing or the like (not shown). In the electric motor 1, the iron core 6 and the coil windings 7 are disposed radially between the rotor 2 and the frame 5. The frame 5 surrounds the iron core 6 and the coil windings 7 from the outer periphery of the electric motor 1 over the entire circumferential direction. In the example electric motor 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the iron core 6 is disposed radially on the outer periphery of the coil windings 7 and is disposed radially between the coil windings 7 and the frame 5. The iron core 6 surrounds the coil winding 7 from the outer periphery of the electric motor 1 over the entire circumferential direction of the electric motor 1.

[0011] The coil windings 7 are formed from conductive coil conductors 10 (see FIG. 3 and other figures), which will be described later, and a voltage can be applied to the coil windings 7. In the electric motor 1, a magnetic field is generated by applying a voltage (AC voltage) to the coil windings 7. The magnetic field generated by the coil windings 7 generates eddy currents in the rotor 2, generating a driving force that rotates the rotor 2. Then, by changing the magnetic field generated by the coil windings 7 over time, for example by applying an AC voltage to the coil windings 7, the eddy currents generated by the rotor 2 change over time, and the rotor 2 rotates around the rotation axis P. In one example, three-phase AC power having different phases relative to each other is supplied to the electric motor 1. In this case, three coil windings 7 having U, V, and W phases are provided, and AC voltages having different phases relative to each other are applied to the three coil windings 7. Therefore, in this embodiment, the rotor 2 rotates due to a rotating magnetic field generated by applying a voltage to the coil conductors 10 of the coil windings 7.

[0012] In one example, a rotating magnetic field is generated by applying a voltage to the coil conductors 10 of the coil windings 7, as described above. The generated rotating magnetic field then induces an electromotive force in the rotor 2, and the induced electromotive force rotates the rotor 2. Therefore, the electric motor 1 may be configured to rotate the rotor 2 by utilizing the rotating magnetic field generated by applying a voltage to the coil conductors 10 of the coil windings 7 of the stator 3.

[0013] The iron core 6 is made of a magnetic material, such as an electromagnetic steel sheet. When a magnetic field is generated by applying a voltage to the coil winding 7, the iron core 6 is magnetized by the magnetic field generated by the coil winding 7. As a result, the magnetic field generated by the magnetized iron core 6 is added to the magnetic field generated by the coil winding 7, and the strength of the magnetic field generated in the electric motor 1 increases.

[0014] FIG. 3 shows a portion of the coil winding 7 and the configuration of its vicinity. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 and other figures, the coil winding 7 is formed by connecting a plurality (a large number) of coil conductors 10. Each of the coil conductors 10 has extended ends E1 and E2. In each of the coil conductors 10, one end is formed by the extended end E1, and the other end opposite the extended end E1 is formed by the extended end E2. Each of the coil conductors 10 has a pair of coil side portions 11 and 12. In each of the coil conductors 10, a folded portion 13 is formed between the coil side portions 11 and 12. In each of the coil conductors 10, the coil side portion 11 extends from the extended end E1 to the folded portion 13, and the coil side portion 12 extends from the folded portion 13 to the extended end E2. In each of the coil conductors 10, the coil side portion 12 is folded back at the folded portion 13 relative to the coil side portion 11. In the coil winding 7, between two adjacent coil conductors 10, the extending end E1 of one coil conductor 10 is connected to the extending end E2 of the other coil conductor 10.

[0015] By forming the coil winding 7 as described above, in the coil winding 7 of this embodiment, each of the coil conductors 10 forms a corresponding one of the loop portions of the coil winding 7. In the coil winding 7, the connecting bodies of the multiple coil conductors 10 extend in a spiral shape centered on the central axis of the coil winding 7. In the electric motor 1 of this embodiment, in each of the coil conductors 10, each of the coil side portions 11, 12 extends along the axial direction (rotation axis P) of the electric motor 1. Therefore, in each of the coil conductors 10, one end in the axial direction of the electric motor 1 is formed by the folded portion 13. In each of the coil conductors 10, the end opposite to the folded portion 13 in the axial direction of the electric motor 1 is formed by one of the extended ends E1, E2. In addition, in the electric motor 1 of this embodiment, the central axis of the coil winding 7 extends along the circumferential direction of the electric motor 1 (the direction around the axis of rotation P), and in the coil winding 7, the connecting bodies of the multiple coil conductors 10 extend in a spiral shape centered on the central axis along the circumferential direction of the electric motor 1.

[0016] In each of the coil conductors 10 forming the coil winding 7, one or more flow path pipes 15 are installed in each of the coil side portions 11, 12. In each of the coil conductors 10, one or more flow path pipes 15 are arranged adjacent to each other. In this embodiment, in each of the coil conductors 10, a plurality of flow path pipes 15 are installed in each of the coil side portions 11, 12. Each of the flow path pipes 15 is a pipe made of a metal such as stainless steel, and a flow path through which a cooling fluid flows is formed inside each of the flow path pipes 15. Examples of the cooling fluid that flows in each of the flow path pipes 15 include cooling oil and cooling water.

[0017] In each of the coil conductors 10, the coil side portions 11, 12 each have an outer surface (outer peripheral surface), and a flow path pipe 15 is disposed on the outer surface (outer peripheral surface) of each of the coil side portions 11, 12. On the outer surface of each of the coil side portions 11, one or more flow path pipes 15 extend along the extension direction of the coil side portion 11 between the extension end E1 and the turn-back portion 13. On the outer surface of each of the coil side portions 12, one or more flow path pipes 15 extend along the extension direction of the coil side portion 11 between the extension end E2 and the turn-back portion 13. Therefore, on the outer surface of each of the coil side portions 11, 12, one or more flow path pipes 15 extend along the axial direction (rotation axis P) of the electric motor 1.

[0018] FIG. 4 shows the configuration of one of the coil side portions 11, 12 formed in the coil winding 7 and its vicinity. In FIG. 4, each of the containers 21A, 21B described below is shown in a cross section perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the circumferential direction of the electric motor 1 (the direction around the rotation axis P). Also, FIG. 5 shows a cross section taken along line B1-B1 in FIG. 4. In FIG. 5, a cross section perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the extension direction of the coil side portion (11 or 12) is shown, and a cross section perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the electric motor 1 is shown. Note that while FIGS. 4 and 5 show the configuration of one of the coil side portions 11, 12 and its vicinity, the other coil side portions 11, 12 and their vicinity have the same configuration as those in FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 5 and other figures, the coil winding 7 includes a plurality of conductive wires 16, and the coil winding 7 forms a wire bundle 17 by bundling the plurality of conductive wires 16. Each of the conductive wires 16 is a metal wire made of a conductive metal such as a copper wire, or an insulating-coated wire in which the outer periphery of a metal wire is covered with an insulating film. In this embodiment, in each of the coil conductors 10 of the coil winding 7, the wire bundle 17 extends from the extension end E1 to the extension end E2, passing through the coil side portion 11, the folded portion 13, and the coil side portion 12 in this order. In the coil winding 7, the wire bundle 17 has an extension axis α and extends along the extension axis α, centered on the extension axis α. The side of the wire bundle 17 closer to the extension axis α is the inner periphery, and the side away from the extension axis α is the outer periphery. The wire bundle 17 has an outer surface (outer periphery) that forms the outermost periphery of the wire bundle 17. In this embodiment, the outer surface (outer peripheral surface) of each of the coil side portions 11, 12 of the coil winding 7 is formed by the outer surface (outer peripheral surface) of the conductor bundle 17. In each of the coil side portions 11, 12, one or more flow path pipes 15 are arranged on the outer surface (outer peripheral surface) of the conductor bundle 17.

[0020] 3 to 5, in this embodiment, in each of the coil side portions 11, 12 of the coil winding 7, a covering member 18 covers the conductor bundle 17 and the duct pipe 15 arranged on the outer surface of the conductor bundle 17 from the outer periphery of the conductor bundle 17. The covering member 18 is non-conductive (electrically insulating), and is, for example, a tube made of non-conductive resin. In each of the coil side portions 11, 12, the covering member 18 covers the conductor bundle 17 and the duct pipe 15 arranged on the outer surface of the conductor bundle 17 over the entire circumference in the direction around the extension axis α (the circumferential direction of the conductor bundle 17).

[0021] The stator 3 of the electric motor 1 is provided with one or more containers (first container) 21A and one or more containers (second container) 21B. In one example, one each of the containers 21A and 21B is provided. In another example, the electric motor 1 is provided with a plurality of containers 21A and a plurality of containers 21B. In this case, the plurality of containers 21A are arranged side by side along at least one of the circumferential direction of the electric motor 1 (the direction around the rotation axis P) and the radial direction of the electric motor 1, and the plurality of containers 21B are arranged side by side along at least one of the circumferential direction of the electric motor 1 and the radial direction of the electric motor 1. In this embodiment, the container (first container) 21A is arranged on one axial side of the electric motor 1, away from the coil windings 7. The container (second container) 21B is arranged on the opposite side of the axial side of the electric motor 1 from the side on which the container 21A is located, away from the coil windings 7. Each of the containers 21A and 21B is electrically non-conductive (electrically insulating). Preferably, the containers 21A and 21B are made of a non-magnetic material. In one example, each of the containers 21A and 21B is made of PPS (polyphenylene sulfide) resin.

[0022] Furthermore, each of the flow path pipes 15 installed on the coil winding 7 as described above includes protrusions 31A, 31B that protrude toward the coil winding 7 and the covering member 18. In each of the flow path pipes 15, the protrusion (first protrusion) 31A protrudes from the coil winding 7 toward the side where the container (first container) 21A is located in the axial direction of the electric motor 1, and the protrusion (second protrusion) 31B protrudes from the coil winding 7 toward the side where the container (second container) 21B is located in the axial direction of the electric motor 1. Therefore, in each of the flow path pipes 15, the protrusions 31A, 31B protrude from the coil winding 7 on opposite sides to each other in the axial direction of the electric motor 1. In each of the flow path pipes 15, the protrusion 31A protrudes from the coil winding 7 toward a corresponding one of the one or more containers 21A and is connected to a corresponding one of the one or more containers 21A. In each of the flow tubes 15, the protrusion 31B protrudes from the coil winding 7 toward a corresponding one of the one or more containers 21B and is connected to the corresponding one of the one or more containers 21B.

[0023] An internal cavity 23 is formed inside each of the containers 21A and 21B. In each of the containers 21A and 21B, the internal cavity 23 opens to the outside at an opening 25. In each of the containers 21A and 21B, the internal cavity 23 opens at the opening 25 toward the side where the coil winding 7 is located in the axial direction of the electric motor 1. Each of the containers 21A and 21B also has a top wall 26 and side walls 27 and 28. In each of the containers 21A and 21B, the top wall 26 covers the internal cavity 23 from the side opposite to the side where the opening 25 is located. In this embodiment, in each of the containers 21A and 21B, the top wall 26 is adjacent to the internal cavity 23 from the side opposite to the side where the coil winding 7 is located in the axial direction of the electric motor 1.

[0024] In each of the containers 21A and 21B, the side walls 27 and 28 extend from the top wall 26 toward the side where the opening 25 is located. In each of the containers 21A and 21B, the side wall 27 faces the side wall 28 with the internal cavity 23 sandwiched therebetween. In this embodiment, in each of the containers 21A and 21B, the side walls 27 and 28 extend along the axial direction of the electric motor 1 from the top wall 26 toward the side where the coil winding 7 is located. In each of the containers 21A and 21B, the side wall 27 is adjacent to the internal cavity 23 from the inner circumferential side of the electric motor 1, and the side wall 28 is adjacent to the internal cavity 23 from the outer circumferential side of the electric motor 1. In the following description, components related to the container 21A will be indicated by reference numerals with an "A" suffix, such as the internal cavity 23A, the opening 25A, the top wall 26A, and the side walls 27A and 28A. Components related to the container 21B will be indicated by reference numerals with an "B" suffix, such as the internal cavity 23B, the opening 25B, the top wall 26B, and the side walls 27B and 28B.

[0025] In each of the flow path pipes 15, the protrusion (first protrusion) 31A is inserted into a corresponding one of the internal cavities (first internal cavities) 23A of one or more of the containers 21A through an opening (first opening) 25A. Also, in each of the flow path pipes 15, the protrusion (second protrusion) 31B is inserted into a corresponding one of the internal cavities (second internal cavities) 23B of one or more of the containers 21B through an opening (second opening) 25B.

[0026] In one example, a cooling fluid is supplied to each internal cavity 23A of one or more containers 21A by a pump (not shown) or the like. Then, in each of the flow path pipes 15, the cooling fluid flows into a flow path from one of the connected internal cavities 23A in one or more containers 21A. Then, in each flow path of the flow path pipes 15, the cooling fluid flows from one of the connected containers 21A to one of the connected containers 21B. Then, in each of the flow path pipes 15, the cooling fluid that has flowed through the flow path is discharged into one of the connected internal cavities 23B in one or more containers 21B. Then, the cooling fluid is discharged from each of the internal cavities 23B in one or more containers 21B and is supplied again to each of the internal cavities 23A in one or more containers 21A by a pump or the like.

[0027] As described above, the coil windings 7 of the electric motor 1 are cooled by flowing the cooling fluid through each flow path of the flow path pipes 15. This appropriately suppresses temperature rise and the like of the coil windings 7. Furthermore, because the cooling fluid flows as described above, the cooling fluid can flow from one container 21A to each flow path of the multiple flow path pipes 15. The cooling fluid can then be discharged from each flow path of the multiple flow path pipes 15 to one container 21B. Note that, in one example, in each of the flow path pipes 15, the cooling fluid flows into the flow path from one internal cavity 23B connected to one or more containers 21B. In this case, in each of the flow path pipes 15, the cooling fluid is discharged from the flow path to one internal cavity 23A connected to one or more containers 21A.

[0028] Tape 32 is attached to each of the containers 21A and 21B. In each of the containers 21A and 21B, the opening 25 of the internal cavity 23 is closed by the attached tape 32. The tape 32 is non-conductive (electrically insulating). The tape 32 is also highly flame-retardant, for example, an insulating tape that has been certified as flame retardant (FR) in the UL510 combustion test. The tape 32 is preferably made of a non-magnetic material. The tape 32 is also highly heat-resistant. In one example, a glass cloth adhesive tape is used as the tape 32.

[0029] Furthermore, a filling layer 33 is formed in each of the internal cavities 23 of the containers 21A and 21B. In each of the internal cavities 23 of the containers 21A and 21B, the filling layer 33 is in close contact with the tape 32 from the side opposite the side where the coil winding 7 is located in the axial direction of the electric motor 1. Therefore, in each of the internal cavities 23 of the containers 21A and 21B, the filling layer 33 is formed on the tape 32 from the side opposite the side where the coil winding 7 is located. In each of the internal cavities 23 of the containers 21A and 21B, the filling layer 33 is formed along the radial direction of the electric motor 1, from the side wall 27 to the side wall 28. Therefore, in each of the containers 21A and 21B, the filling layer 33 is formed from one end of the internal cavity 23 to the other end in the radial direction of the electric motor 1. Furthermore, in each of the containers 21A and 21B, the filling layer 33 is formed from one end of the internal cavity 23 to the other end in the circumferential direction of the electric motor 1. In one example, in each of the containers 21A and 21B, the internal cavity 23 is formed over the entire circumferential circumference of the electric motor 1. In this case, in each of the containers 21A and 21B, a filling layer 33 is formed over the entire circumferential circumference of the electric motor 1.

[0030] Furthermore, in each of the internal cavities 23 of the containers 21A and 21B, the filling layer 33 is formed away from the top wall 26 toward the side where the opening 25 is located. Therefore, in each of the internal cavities 23 of the containers 21A and 21B, a gap 35 is formed between the top wall 26 and the filling layer 33 in the axial direction of the electric motor 1. In each of the containers 21A and 21B, the filling layer 33 is formed between the tape 32 and the gap 35, so that the tape 32 is not exposed to the gap 35. Therefore, in each of the containers 21A and 21B, the filling layer 33 formed in the internal cavities 23 prevents the entire or substantially entire surface of the tape 32 facing the side where the gap 35 is located from being exposed to the gap 35 due to the filling layer 33 formed in the internal cavities 23. The filling layer 33 is non-conductive (electrically insulating). Furthermore, the filling layer 33 is preferably formed from a non-magnetic material that has high heat resistance. In one example, the filling layer 33 is formed from a thermosetting resin such as silicone. Examples of silicone that forms the filling layer 33 include two-component silicone RTV.

[0031] Each protrusion (first protrusion) 31A of the flow path pipe 15 passes through a tape (first tape) 32A and a packing layer (first packing layer) 33A in that order, and is inserted into a corresponding one of the internal cavities 23A of one or more containers 21A. Each protrusion 31A of the flow path pipe 15 extends beyond the packing layer 33A into a gap 35A in a corresponding one of the internal cavities 23A of one or more containers 21A. The protruding end of each protrusion 31A of the flow path pipe 15 is located in a corresponding one of the gaps 35A of one or more containers 21A. Furthermore, each protrusion (second protrusion) 31B of the flow path pipe 15 passes through a tape (second tape) 32B and a packing layer (second packing layer) 33B in that order, and is inserted into a corresponding one of the internal cavities 23B of one or more containers 21B. Each protrusion 31B of the flow path pipe 15 extends beyond the packing layer 33B into a gap 35B in a corresponding one of the internal cavities 23B of one or more containers 21B. The protruding end of each protrusion 31B of the flow path pipe 15 is located in a corresponding one of the gaps 35B of one or more containers 21B.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 4 and other figures, in this embodiment, one or more beams 37 are provided across the internal cavity 23 in each of the containers 21A and 21B. The beams 37 are non-conductive (electrically insulating). Preferably, the beams 37 are made of a non-magnetic material. In one example, the beams 37 are made of the same material as the containers 21A and 21B, such as PPS resin. Each of the containers 21A and 21B may be provided with only one beam 37 or multiple beams 37.

[0033] In this embodiment, in each of the containers 21A and 21B, the beam 37 is bridged between the side walls 27 and 28. Therefore, in each of the containers 21A and 21B, one or more beams 37 extend along the radial direction of the electric motor 1 and extend along a direction intersecting (perpendicular or approximately perpendicular) with the axial direction of the electric motor 1. With this configuration, in each of the one or more containers 21A, one or more beams 37A extend along a direction intersecting (perpendicular or approximately perpendicular) with the protruding direction of the protruding portion 31A of the flow path pipe 15. And, in each of the one or more containers 21B, one or more beams 37B extend along a direction intersecting (perpendicular or approximately perpendicular) with the protruding direction of the protruding portion 31B of the flow path pipe 15.

[0034] Fig. 6 shows a cross section of one of the containers 21A, 21B, perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the motor 1, and passing through the beam 37. Note that Fig. 6 shows the internal configuration of one of the containers 21A, 21B, but the internal configurations of the other containers 21A, 21B are similar to the configuration shown in Fig. 6. As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, in this embodiment, the beam 37 extends into the packed layer 33 in the internal cavity 23 of each of the containers 21A, 21B.

[0035] Furthermore, in each of the containers 21A and 21B, one or more beams 37 are disposed away from any of the duct pipes 15 inserted into the internal cavity 23 in the circumferential direction of the electric motor 1. Therefore, in the internal cavity 23A of the container 21A, each of the duct pipes 15 passes through a position away from the beam 37A in a direction intersecting (perpendicular or approximately perpendicular) both the protruding direction of the protrusion 31A and the extending direction of the beam 37A. In the internal cavity 23B of the container 21B, each of the duct pipes 15 passes through a position away from the beam 37B in a direction intersecting (perpendicular or approximately perpendicular) both the protruding direction of the protrusion 31B and the extending direction of the beam 37B.

[0036] When multiple beams 37 are disposed in the internal cavities 23 of the containers 21A and 21B, the multiple beams 37 are positioned apart from one another in the circumferential direction of the electric motor 1 in the internal cavities 23 of the containers 21A and 21B. Therefore, when multiple beams 37A are formed in the internal cavity 23A of the container 21A, the multiple beams 37A are positioned apart from one another in a direction intersecting (perpendicular or approximately perpendicular) both the protruding direction of the protrusion 31A and the extending direction of the beams 37A. When multiple beams 37B are formed in the internal cavity 23B of the container 21B, the multiple beams 37B are positioned apart from one another in a direction intersecting (perpendicular or approximately perpendicular) both the protruding direction of the protrusion 31B and the extending direction of the beams 37B.

[0037] Each of the beams 37 has an extension axis β. In each of the containers 21A and 21B, one or more beams 37 are centered on the extension axis β and extend along the extension axis β. In the container 21A, the extension axis β of the beam 37A intersects (is perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to) the protruding direction of the protrusion 31A. In the container 21B, the extension axis β of the beam 37B intersects (is perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to) the protruding direction of the protrusion 31B.

[0038] FIG. 7 shows a cross section of one of the beams 37 perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the extension axis β. Although FIG. 7 shows one of the beams 37, in this embodiment, the other beams 37 also have the same configuration as FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 7, in this embodiment, the cross section of each of the beams 37 perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the extension axis β is circular or substantially circular. Therefore, in each of the beams 37, the cross section of each of the beams 37 perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the extension axis β is rotationally symmetric or substantially rotationally symmetric about the extension axis β, and is also point-symmetric or substantially point-symmetric about the extension axis β.

[0039] In this embodiment, in manufacturing the electric motor 1, each of the multiple ducts 15 provided with the coil winding 7 is assembled to the containers 21A and 21B. When assembling the ducts 15 to the container 21A, first, tape 32A is attached to the container 21A while closing the opening 25A of the internal cavity 23A. Then, the protruding portions 31A of the ducts 15 are inserted into the internal cavity 23A through the opening 25A. As a result, each of the protruding portions 31A of the ducts 15 penetrates the tape 32A. Then, adhesive is applied to the surface of the tape 32A facing away from the coil winding 7, for example, to fill a portion of the internal cavity 23A with adhesive. This forms a portion of the filling layer 33A.

[0040] Then, the beams 37A are arranged in the internal cavity 23A so as to intersect (perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to) the protruding direction of the protruding portions 31A. At this time, the beams 37A are arranged at positions away from any of the flow path pipes 15 (protruding portions 31A) in a direction intersecting the protruding direction of the protruding portions 31A. Then, adhesive is filled into a part of the internal cavity 23A until the beams 37A are buried in the filling layer 33A. As a result, the filling layer 33A is formed, and the beams 37A are arranged inside the filling layer 33A. At this time, the filling layer 33A is formed so that each protruding portion 31A of the flow path pipe 15 penetrates the filling layer 33A. The assembly of the flow path pipe 15 to the container 21B is performed in the same manner as the assembly of the flow path pipe 15 to the container 21A.

[0041] As described above, in this embodiment, the opening 25A is formed in the container 21A. Then, the protruding portions 31A of the duct pipes 15 are inserted into the internal cavity 23A by passing the protruding portions 31A of the duct pipes 15 through the tape 32A that closes the opening 25A of the internal cavity 23A. This makes it easier to insert the protruding portions 31A of the duct pipes 15 into the internal cavity 23A of the container 21A than when the openings 25A are not formed in the container 21A. Since the duct pipes 15 can be easily inserted into the internal cavity 23A of the container 21A, it becomes easier to connect the duct pipes 15 to the container 21A, and work efficiency is appropriately ensured when assembling the duct pipes 15 and the container 21A.

[0042] Furthermore, in the internal cavity 23A of the container 21A, a filling layer 33A is formed on the tape 32A on the side opposite to the side where the coil winding 7 is located. The protruding portions 31A of the flow path pipes 15 penetrate the filling layer 33A and are inserted into the internal cavity 23A. Because the filling layer 33A is formed as described above, the flow path pipes 15 are effectively prevented from coming off the container 21A, and each of the flow path pipes 15 is properly assembled to the container 21A.

[0043] As with container 21A, container 21B also facilitates inserting protrusion 31B of duct pipe 15 into internal cavity 23B of container 21B. This facilitates connecting each duct pipe 15 to container 21B, ensuring appropriate work efficiency when assembling duct pipe 15 and container 21B. Furthermore, since container 21B also has packing layer 33B similar to packing layer 33A formed in internal cavity 23B, detachment of duct pipe 15 from container 21B is effectively prevented, and each duct pipe 15 is appropriately assembled to container 21B.

[0044] Since it is easy to connect the flow path pipes 15 to each of the containers 21A and 21B, it becomes possible to set wider dimensional tolerances and positional tolerances for each of the flow path pipes 15. This makes it easier to manage the position and dimensions of each of the flow path pipes 15.

[0045] Furthermore, a beam 37 is installed in each of the internal cavities 23 of the containers 21A and 21B, and the beam 37 extends in a direction intersecting the protruding direction of the corresponding protrusion (31A, 31B). Therefore, the beam 37 improves the rigidity and strength of the containers 21A and 21B. Furthermore, in each of the internal cavities 23 of the containers 21A and 21B, the beam 37 is disposed inside the packed layer 33. This further improves the rigidity and strength of the containers 21A and 21B. Furthermore, by making the cross-sectional shape of the beam 37 orthogonal or approximately orthogonal to the extension axis β circular or approximately circular, internal stress caused by an external force acts uniformly or approximately uniformly over the entire beam 37. This makes the beam 37 less likely to deform due to external forces, etc., and improves the impact resistance of the beam 37.

[0046] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the beam 37A is disposed in the internal cavity 23A with the protrusion 31A penetrating the tape 32A or the like inserted into the internal cavity 23A of the container 21A. This makes it easy to dispose the beam 37A in the internal cavity 23A, and also makes it possible to appropriately dispose the beam 37A at a position away from any of the flow path pipes 15 in a direction intersecting the protrusion direction of the protrusion 31A. As described above, since the beam 37A is easily disposed in the internal cavity 23A, even if the beam 37A is provided, work efficiency is appropriately ensured in assembling the flow path pipe 15 and the container 21A. Similarly, even if the beam 37B is provided, work efficiency is appropriately ensured in assembling the flow path pipe 15 and the container 21B.

[0047] In the present embodiment, a plurality of conductor wires 16 are bundled together to form a conductor wire bundle 17 in the coil winding 7. The duct pipe 15 is disposed on the outer surface (outer peripheral surface) of the conductor wire bundle 17. This makes it easier to install the duct pipe 15 in the coil winding 7 compared to when the duct pipe 15 is disposed inside the conductor wire bundle 17. This ensures appropriate work efficiency when installing the duct pipe 15 in the coil winding 7.

[0048] (Variation) In the above-described embodiment, the central axis of the coil winding 7 is aligned with the circumferential direction of the electric motor 1, but the configuration of the coil winding 7 is not limited to this. The configuration of the coil winding 7 is not particularly limited as long as a rotating magnetic field is generated as described above by applying a voltage (AC voltage) to the coil winding 7, and the rotating magnetic field generated by the coil winding 7 causes the rotor 2 to rotate.

[0049] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments and the like, in each of the flow path pipes 15, the protruding portion 31A protrudes from the coil winding 7 toward one side in the axial direction of the electric motor 1, and the protruding portion 31B protrudes from the coil winding 7 toward the side opposite to the side from which the protruding portion 31A protrudes in the axial direction of the electric motor 1. However, the protruding directions of the protruding portions 31A and 31B are not limited to those of the above-described embodiments and the like. In the electric motor 1, it is sufficient that the container 21A is disposed away from the coil winding 7, and the container 21B is disposed away from the coil winding 7 toward the side opposite to the side on which the container 21A is located. Then, it is sufficient that the protruding portion 31A protruding from the coil winding 7 toward the container 21A is inserted into the internal cavity 23A of the container 21A, and the protruding portion 31B protruding from the coil winding 7 toward the container 21B is inserted into the internal cavity 23B of the container 21B.

[0050] Furthermore, beams 37 do not necessarily need to be disposed in the internal cavities 23 of the containers 21A and 21B. However, even in a configuration in which beams 37 are not provided, tape 32 is attached to each of the containers 21A and 21B in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment, and a filling layer 33 is formed in each of the internal cavities 23 of the containers 21A and 21B in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment. Furthermore, in one modified example, tape (first tape) 32A and filling layer (first filling layer) 33A are provided in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment, but tape (second tape) 32B and filling layer (second filling layer) 33B do not necessarily need to be provided.

[0051] In any of the above-described modified examples, similarly to the first embodiment etc., it is easy to connect each of the flow path pipes 15 to the container 21A, and work efficiency is appropriately ensured in assembling the flow path pipes 15 and the container 21A. Furthermore, in any of the modified examples, similarly to the first embodiment etc., it is effectively prevented that the flow path pipes 15 are detached from the container 21A, and each of the flow path pipes 15 is appropriately assembled to the container 21A.

[0052] Furthermore, the cooling structure for cooling the coil winding 7 in the above-described embodiments can also be applied as a cooling structure for cooling the coil winding in a generator. In a generator, a rotating magnetic field is generated by the rotation of the rotor. The rotating magnetic field generated by the rotation of the rotor induces a voltage (electromotive force) in the coil winding of the stator. In a generator, the coil winding of the stator is cooled by a cooling structure similar to that in the above-described embodiments. Therefore, the cooling structure in the above-described embodiments can be applied to rotating electric machines such as electric motors and generators.

[0053] According to at least one of these embodiments or examples, an internal cavity is formed in the container, the internal cavity being open to a side where the coil winding is located. The tape is attached to the container in a state where it closes the opening of the internal cavity, and the filling layer is formed on the tape on the side opposite to the side where the coil winding is located. The flow path pipe has a protrusion that protrudes from the coil winding toward the container, and the protrusion penetrates the tape and the filling layer and is inserted into the internal cavity of the container. This makes it possible to provide a cooling structure for a rotating electric machine in which, even in a cooling structure in which the flow path pipe through which a cooling fluid flows is connected to the container, work efficiency in assembling the flow path pipe and the container is appropriately ensured.

[0054] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. The following are additional notes. [1] A cooling structure for a rotating electric machine, a coil winding that rotates a rotor by utilizing a rotating magnetic field generated by application of a voltage, or in which a voltage is induced by the rotating magnetic field generated by the rotation of the rotor; a first container having a non-conductive property and positioned away from the coil winding, the first container having a first internal cavity that opens to a side where the coil winding is located through a first opening; a first tape having a non-conductive property and attached to the first container in a state that closes the first opening; a first filling layer that is electrically non-conductive and is formed on the first tape on a side of the first internal cavity opposite the side on which the coil winding is located; a flow path pipe having a first protrusion protruding from the coil winding toward the first container, the flow path pipe having a cooling fluid flowing therethrough, the first protrusion penetrating the first tape and the first filling layer and inserted into the first internal cavity of the first container; A cooling structure comprising: [2] The cooling structure of [1] further comprising a beam that is non-conductive and extends in a direction intersecting the protruding direction of the first protrusion and that spans the first internal cavity of the first container. [3] The cooling structure of [2], wherein the beam extends into the first filling layer in the first internal cavity. [4] The coil winding includes a plurality of conductor wires, and a conductor wire bundle is formed in the coil winding by bundling the plurality of conductor wires; The flow path tube is disposed on an outer surface of the wire bundle. [1] to [3]. [5] a second container that is electrically non-conductive and is positioned away from the coil winding on the side opposite to the side on which the first container is located, the second container having a second internal cavity that opens to the side on which the coil winding is located through a second opening; a second tape that is non-conductive and is attached to the second container in a state that covers the second opening; a second filling layer, which is electrically non-conductive and is formed on the second tape on a side of the second internal cavity opposite the side on which the coil winding is located; Further comprising: the flow tube includes a second protrusion protruding from the coil winding toward the second container; the second protrusion of the flow path pipe penetrates the second tape and the second filling layer and is inserted into the second internal cavity of the second container. A cooling structure according to any one of [1] to [4]. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 1...electric motor, 2...rotor, 3...stator, 7...coil winding, 15...flow tube, 16...conductor, 17...conductor bundle, 21A...container (first container), 21B...container (second container), 23 (23A, 23B)...internal cavity, 25 (25A, 25B)...opening, 31A...protrusion (first protrusion), 31B...protrusion (second protrusion), 32 (32A, 32B)...tape, 33 (33A, 33B)...filling layer, 37 (37A, 37B)...beam.

Claims

1. A cooling structure for a rotating electric machine, a coil winding that rotates a rotor by utilizing a rotating magnetic field generated by application of a voltage, or in which a voltage is induced by the rotating magnetic field generated by the rotation of the rotor; a first container having a non-conductive property and positioned away from the coil winding, the first container having a first internal cavity that opens to a side where the coil winding is located through a first opening; a first tape having a non-conductive property and attached to the first container in a state of closing the first opening; a first filling layer that is electrically non-conductive and is formed on the first tape on a side of the first internal cavity opposite the side on which the coil winding is located; a flow path pipe having a first protrusion protruding from the coil winding toward the first container, the flow path pipe having a cooling fluid flowing therethrough, the first protrusion penetrating the first tape and the first filling layer and inserted into the first internal cavity of the first container; A cooling structure comprising:

2. The cooling structure of claim 1 , further comprising a non-conductive beam extending in a direction intersecting the protruding direction of the first protrusion and spanning the first internal cavity of the first container.

3. The cooling structure of claim 2 , wherein the beams extend into the first filler layer in the first internal cavity.

4. the coil winding includes a plurality of conductor wires, and a conductor wire bundle is formed in the coil winding by bundling the plurality of conductor wires; The flow path tube is disposed on an outer surface of the wire bundle. The cooling structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. a second container that is electrically non-conductive and is positioned away from the coil winding on a side of the flow tube opposite to the side on which the first container is located, the second container having a second internal cavity that opens to the side on which the coil winding is located through a second opening; a second tape that is non-conductive and that is attached to the second container in a state that covers the second opening; a second filling layer, which is electrically non-conductive and is formed on the second tape on a side of the second internal cavity opposite the side on which the coil winding is located; Further comprising: the flow tube includes a second protrusion protruding from the coil winding toward the second container; the second protrusion of the flow path pipe is inserted through the second tape and the second filling layer into the second internal cavity of the second container; The cooling structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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