Motor casing terminal connection structure and rotating machinery

Abstract

This terminal connection structure of a motor casing in which a multi-phase AC motor is housed comprises: a plurality of terminal bases provided on the motor casing; a plurality of terminal portions that electrically conductively connect to the respective phases of the AC motor and pass through the respective terminal bases; and a plurality of terminal surfaces which are the outer end surfaces of the respective plurality of terminal bases and in which the terminal portions are exposed. The plurality of terminal surfaces are provided side by side along a direction intersecting with the rotating axis line of the AC motor, and a step is provided in the radial direction of the motor casing at least between one of the terminal surfaces and another terminal surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a terminal connection structure of a motor casing and a rotating machine.

Background Art

[0002] For example, terminal portions are respectively connected to each phase of a three-phase AC motor, and cables are connected to each terminal portion. Alternating current with a 120° phase shift is supplied to each phase of the three-phase AC motor. The AC motor is housed in a motor casing, and a terminal connection structure is provided in the motor casing (see Patent Documents 1 to 5). The terminal connection structure is provided with a terminal block for holding the terminal portions.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Patent Document 5

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Multiple terminal sections are connected to different cables, and the AC current supplied from each cable must be properly supplied to each phase of the AC motor. Multiple terminal blocks provided on the motor casing are associated with each phase of the AC motor. Therefore, multiple terminal sections must be installed on the appropriate terminal block. However, in conventional terminal connection structures, it is difficult to distinguish between multiple terminal blocks, and furthermore, in structures where the arrangement of multiple terminal blocks changes in the direction of the rotation axis of the AC motor, it leads to an increase in dimensions in the direction of the rotation axis, making it difficult to achieve compactness.

[0005] This disclosure describes a terminal connection structure and a rotating machine that make multiple terminal blocks easily distinguishable while suppressing the dimensional increase of the motor casing in the direction of rotation axis. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is a terminal connection structure for a motor casing housing a multi-phase AC motor. This terminal connection structure comprises a plurality of terminal blocks provided on the motor casing, a plurality of terminal portions connected to each phase of the AC motor so as to be energizable and passing through each of the terminal blocks, and a plurality of terminal surfaces which are the outer end faces of each of the plurality of terminal blocks and on which the terminal portions are exposed. The plurality of terminal surfaces are arranged in a direction intersecting the rotation axis of the AC motor, and a step is provided in the radial direction of the motor casing between at least one terminal surface and the other terminal surfaces. The direction intersecting the rotation axis is, for example, a perpendicular direction.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure is a rotating machine comprising a multi-phase AC motor for rotating a rotating shaft, and a motor casing for housing the AC motor. The AC motor comprises a rotor fixed to the rotating shaft and a stator surrounding the rotor. The motor casing comprises a plurality of terminal blocks, a plurality of terminal portions connected to each phase of the AC motor so as to be energizable and passing through each of the terminal blocks, and a plurality of terminal surfaces which are the outer end faces of each of the plurality of terminal blocks and on which the terminal portions are exposed. The plurality of terminal surfaces are arranged in a direction intersecting the rotation axis of the AC motor, and a step is provided in the radial direction of the motor casing between at least one terminal surface and another terminal surface. The direction intersecting the rotation axis is, for example, a perpendicular direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to some aspects of this disclosure, multiple terminal blocks become easier to distinguish while suppressing the dimensional increase of the motor casing in the direction of the rotation axis. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a front view showing a rotating machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the terminal connection structure according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a plan view of the terminal connection structure. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along the line IV-IV in Figure 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] First, examples of the present disclosure will be described. The first example of the present disclosure is a terminal connection structure for a motor casing that houses a multi-phase AC motor. The terminal connection structure comprises a plurality of terminal blocks provided on the motor casing, a plurality of terminal portions that are connected to each phase of the AC motor so as to be energizable and that penetrate each of the terminal blocks, and a plurality of terminal surfaces that are the outer end faces of each of the plurality of terminal blocks, on which the terminal portions are exposed. The plurality of terminal surfaces are arranged in a direction intersecting the rotation axis of the AC motor, and a step is provided in the radial direction of the motor casing between at least one terminal surface and the other terminal surfaces. The direction intersecting the rotation axis is, for example, a perpendicular direction.

[0011] The terminal blocks in the first example of the terminal connection structure each have a terminal surface with an exposed terminal. The multiple terminal surfaces are arranged in a direction intersecting the rotation axis of the AC motor. Therefore, the dimensional increase caused by the arrangement of multiple terminal blocks in the direction of the rotation axis can be suppressed. Furthermore, a step is provided in the radial direction of the motor casing between one terminal surface and another terminal surface. This step makes it easier to visually distinguish between the multiple terminal blocks.

[0012] The second example is a terminal connection structure for a motor casing according to the first example, wherein the AC motor is a three-phase AC motor, and the plurality of terminal surfaces include a first terminal surface, a second terminal surface, and a third terminal surface. The second terminal surface is positioned between the first terminal surface and the third terminal surface, and each of the plurality of terminal sections is provided with a plug that extends through the terminal block. The plurality of plugs extend in the same direction. The reference plane includes the axis of rotation and is perpendicular to the direction of extension of the plugs. The heights from the reference plane to the first terminal surface and the third terminal surface are the same, and the height from the reference plane to the second terminal surface is higher than that of the first terminal surface and the third terminal surface. In the second example, by providing a step so that the central second terminal surface is higher relative to the first terminal surface and the third terminal surface, all terminal blocks become easier to distinguish.

[0013] The third example is a terminal connection structure for a motor casing according to the first or second example, comprising a plurality of busbars connected to each phase of an AC motor and arranged along the outer circumference of the stator of the AC motor. Each of the plurality of terminals is provided with a plug that extends through a terminal block. Each of the plurality of busbars is provided with a terminal connection portion connected to the plug. The plurality of terminal connections portions are arranged at different positions in the circumferential direction of the stator. The reference plane includes the axis of rotation and is perpendicular to the direction in which the plug extends. The difference in height from the reference plane to the plurality of terminal connections portions is absorbed by the step, and the lengths of the plurality of plugs are the same. The plurality of busbars are arranged at different positions in the circumferential direction of the stator. In the third example, even if there is a difference in height between the plurality of terminal connections portions relative to the reference plane, this difference is absorbed by the step of the terminal block. Therefore, it is not necessary to prepare plugs of different lengths to correspond to each of the plurality of terminal blocks, and plugs of the same length can be used, making plug commonality possible. As a result, incorrect installation of plugs to the terminal block can be prevented.

[0014] The fourth example is a terminal connection structure for a motor casing according to any one of the first to third examples, wherein the terminal portion comprises a plug extending through a terminal block and a resin plug mounting portion attached to the outer circumference of the plug to seal the gap between the plug and the terminal block. In the fourth example, by sealing the gap between the plug and the terminal block with the plug mounting portion, it is possible to prevent liquids or the like from entering the motor casing from the outside through the gap in the terminal block.

[0015] The fifth example is a terminal connection structure for a motor casing according to the fourth example, wherein the terminal portion includes a cap portion that surrounds the connection portion between the cable and the plug. The cap portion extends in a direction bending from the extending direction of the plug and includes a cable mounting portion that is externally mounted on the cable. In the fifth example, the connection portion between the cable and the plug can be protected by surrounding it with the cap portion.

[0016] Example 6 is a terminal connection structure of the motor casing according to Example 5, which includes a plurality of cables and a plurality of cable mounting parts each of which is externally mounted on each of the plurality of cables. The plurality of cable mounting parts extend in a direction that bends from the extending direction of the plug and in a direction in which the plurality of cables converge. In Example 6, since each of the cable mounting parts extends in the direction in which the cables converge, it is easier to bundle the plurality of cables.

[0017] Example 7 is a terminal connection structure of a motor casing that houses a multi-phase AC motor, which includes a plurality of terminal blocks provided on the motor casing, and a plurality of terminal parts that are energizably connected to each phase of the AC motor and penetrate each of the terminal blocks. Among the plurality of adjacent terminal blocks, at least one terminal block is provided protruding with respect to another adjacent terminal block. In Example 7, the configuration according to any one of the above Examples 2 to 6 may be applied.

[0018] Example 8 is a terminal connection structure of the motor casing according to Example 7. The terminal block that protrudes with respect to another terminal block forms a step with respect to the other terminal block and has a side surface that avoids the terminal part provided on the other terminal block.

[0019] Example 9 is a rotating machine having a terminal connection structure of the motor casing according to any one of Examples 1 to 8. For example, the rotating machine according to Example 9 includes a multi-phase AC motor that rotates a rotating shaft, and a motor casing that houses the AC motor. The AC motor includes a rotor fixed to the rotating shaft and a stator that surrounds the rotor. The motor casing includes a plurality of terminal blocks, a plurality of terminal parts that are energizably connected to each phase of the AC motor and penetrate each of the terminal blocks, and a plurality of terminal surfaces that are the outer end surfaces of each of the plurality of terminal blocks and where the terminal parts are exposed. The plurality of terminal surfaces are arranged side by side along a direction intersecting the rotation axis of the AC motor, and a step is provided in the radial direction of the motor casing between at least one terminal surface and another terminal surface. The direction intersecting the rotation axis is, for example, a perpendicular direction.

[0020] In the motor casing of the rotating machine according to the ninth example, a plurality of terminal blocks are provided. The plurality of terminal blocks each have a terminal surface where the terminal portions are exposed, and the plurality of terminal surfaces are arranged side by side along a direction intersecting the rotation axis of the AC motor. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the dimensional increase caused by the arrangement of the plurality of terminal blocks in the rotation axis direction. Further, a step is provided in the radial direction of the motor casing between one terminal surface and another terminal surface. This step makes it easier to visually distinguish the plurality of terminal blocks. The direction intersecting the rotation axis is, for example, the orthogonal direction.

[0021] Next, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same elements, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0022] FIG. 1 shows an example of a rotating machine 1 according to an embodiment, for example, an electric supercharger. The rotating machine 1 includes a multi-phase AC motor 3, a rotating shaft 2 that rotates by driving the AC motor 3, and an inverter that controls the driving of the AC motor 3. In the embodiment, a three-phase AC motor is exemplified as the AC motor 3, but a two-phase or four-phase or more AC motor may also be used.

[0023] The AC motor 3 includes a rotor 31 fixed to the rotating shaft 2 and a stator 32 arranged so as to surround the rotor 31. The stator 32 includes three-phase coils 33 wound around teeth. The three-phase coils 33 are connected to the terminal portion 5 via a conductive plate-shaped bus bar 4. Hereinafter, based on the rotation axis L of the AC motor 3, the direction closer to the terminal portion 5 than the rotation axis L will be described as upward or above, and the portion arranged further above will be described as the upper portion. Also, the direction opposite to the upward direction with respect to the rotation axis L will be described as downward or below, and the portion arranged further below will be described as the lower portion.

[0024] The AC motor 3 is housed in a motor casing 6. The motor casing 6 is a metal housing surrounding the stator 32, and is a substantially cylindrical body in which the length in the direction along the rotation axis L (hereinafter referred to as the rotation axis direction Da) is shorter than the width in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis L. The motor casing 6 comprises a lower wall portion 61, an upper wall portion 62, and a pair of side wall portions 63. When the motor casing 6 is viewed from the rotation axis direction Da (see Figure 1), that is, in a front view, the lower wall portion 61 is a wall portion with a circular arc cross-section that is positioned along the lower part of the stator 32. The upper wall portion 62 is positioned on the opposite side from the lower wall portion 61 and is a wall portion with a circular arc cross-section that is positioned along the upper part of the stator 32. The length of the arc of the upper wall portion 62 is longer than the length of the arc of the lower wall portion 61. The side wall portions 63 are flat wall portions that are erected from the lower wall portion 61 toward the upper wall portion 62. The pair of side wall sections 63 are inclined such that the distance between them gradually increases from the lower end connected to the lower wall section 61 to the upper end connected to the upper wall section 62.

[0025] A terminal connection structure 7 is provided on the upper wall portion 62. The terminal connection structure 7 includes a plurality of terminal blocks 8 that hold the terminal portion 5. The terminal blocks 8 are provided in a number corresponding to each phase of the multi-phase AC motor 3. In this embodiment, they are provided in three locations corresponding to the three-phase AC motor 3. The terminal blocks 8 have mounting holes 81 that penetrate through to connect the inside and outside of the motor casing 6. The terminal portion 5 is mounted on the terminal block 8 by being fitted into the mounting holes 81. When mounted in the mounting holes 81, the terminal portion 5 has a plug 10 (see Figure 4) that extends through the terminal block 8. The plurality of plugs 10 of the plurality of terminal portions 5 are installed so that their longitudinal directions are the same, that is, their extending direction Db (see Figure 2) through the terminal block 8 is the same.

[0026] The terminal block 8 is provided so as to protrude from the outer surface of the upper wall portion 62, which is curved in a convex shape. The tip (outer end surface) of the terminal block 8 is the terminal surface 9, which has an opening that is the upper end of the assembly hole 81. The terminal surface 9 is substantially flat, and a portion of the terminal portion 5 is exposed from the terminal surface 9. When the terminal connection structure 7 is viewed from above (see Figure 3), that is, in a plan view, the multiple terminal surfaces 9 are arranged along a direction Dc that intersects the rotation axis L. The direction Dc that intersects the rotation axis L is, for example, a perpendicular direction. In addition, a step Ld is formed between adjacent terminal surfaces 9 (see Figures 1 and 2). The step Ld means that there is a difference in the radial distance Dd with respect to the rotation axis L. It also means that there is a difference in distance (height) from the reference surface S, assuming a reference surface S that includes the rotation axis L and is perpendicular to the extending direction Db of the plug 10. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the multiple terminal portions 5 protrude in the same direction (hereinafter referred to as the protrusion direction Df), and a plane perpendicular to the protrusion direction Df and containing the rotation axis L can also be considered as the reference plane S.

[0027] In a front view (see Figures 1 and 2), the terminal blocks 8 are, from left to right, the first terminal block 8A, the second terminal block 8B, and the third terminal block 8C. In other words, the second terminal block 8B is positioned between the first terminal block 8A and the third terminal block 8C. The distance (height Ha) from the reference plane S to the terminal surface 9 of the first terminal block 8A (first terminal surface 9A) is the same as the distance (height Ha) from the reference plane S to the terminal surface 9 of the third terminal block 8C (third terminal surface 9C). On the other hand, the central second terminal block 8B protrudes further than the first terminal block 8A and the third terminal block 8C, and the distance (height Hb) from the reference plane S to the terminal surface 9 of the second terminal block 8B (second terminal surface 9B) is higher than the height Ha of the first terminal surface 9A and the third terminal surface 9C.

[0028] In other words, the second terminal block 8B is designed to be distinguishable from the first terminal block 8A and the third terminal block 8C. Although the heights Ha of the first terminal block 8A and the third terminal block 8C are the same, by placing the second terminal surface 9B between the first terminal block 8A and the third terminal block 8C, it becomes possible to distinguish between the first terminal block 8A and the third terminal block 8C. The projection direction Df of the second terminal block 8B in this embodiment coincides with the radial direction Dd connecting the rotation axis L and the second terminal block 8B. The first terminal block 8A and the third terminal block 8C also project in the same direction as the second terminal block 8B, so the radial direction Dd and the projection direction Df are substantially the same. If multiple terminal blocks 8 project in different directions, the radial direction Dd can be described as the radial or centrifugal direction from the rotation axis L toward each terminal block 8.

[0029] As shown in Figure 4, the terminal section 5 comprises a metal plug 10 that is axial (rod-shaped) and capable of conducting electricity, a resin plug mounting section 11 (which has electrical insulating properties) attached to the outer circumference of the plug 10, and a resin cap section 12 attached to the plug mounting section 11. In this embodiment, multiple terminal sections 5 have the same structure and dimensions and are standardized. The following will describe one terminal section 5 in detail as a representative example.

[0030] The plug 10 comprises a lower contact portion 10a connected to the busbar 4, an upper contact portion 10b connected to the cable terminal 20a, and a body portion 10c provided between the lower contact portion 10a and the upper contact portion 10b. For example, a screw hole 10d is formed in the lower contact portion 10a. The plug 10 is fixed to the terminal connection portion 41 of the busbar 4 by a bolt 10e (fastening member) that is screwed into the screw hole 10d.

[0031] The upper contact portion 10b comprises a shaft portion 10g into which a nut 10f (fastening portion) is screwed to fasten the cable terminal 20a, and a flange portion 10h that protrudes from the shaft portion 10g and abuts against the cable terminal 20a. The cable terminal 20a is, for example, a round terminal and comprises a crimped portion 20b that is crimped to the end of the cable 20, and an annular portion 20c that is electrically conductively attached to the upper contact portion 10b. The annular portion 20c passes through the shaft portion 10g and abuts against the flange portion 10h, and is fixed to the flange portion 10h by fastening the nut 10f.

[0032] The body portion 10c is surrounded by the plug mounting portion 11. The body portion 10c comprises an upper body portion 10j closer to the upper contact portion 10b and a lower body portion 10k closer to the lower contact portion 10a. A collar portion 10m that engages with the plug mounting portion 11 is provided on the outer circumference of the upper body portion 10j. The collar portion 10m interferes with the plug mounting portion 11 and prevents the plug mounting portion 11 from shifting in the longitudinal direction of the body portion 10c. The inner diameter of the lower body portion 10k is larger than the inner diameter of the upper body portion 10j.

[0033] The plug mounting portion 11 is mounted so as to surround the outer circumference of the body portion 10c. The plug mounting portion 11 comprises a cylindrical main body portion 11a that encloses the body portion 10c, a plate-shaped locking portion 11b that protrudes from the outer circumference of the main body portion 11a, and a sealing member 11c that is mounted on the main body portion 11a. The inner circumference of the main body portion 11a is provided with a groove for housing the collar portion 10m and an enlarged diameter region whose inner diameter widens in accordance with the lower body portion 10k.

[0034] The lower part of the main body 11a is the portion that is inserted into the assembly hole 81 of the terminal block 8. There is a small gap between the main body 11a and the terminal block 8, specifically between the outer circumferential surface of the main body 11a and the inner circumferential surface of the assembly hole 81. An annular sealing member 11c, such as an O-ring, is installed to seal this gap. A retaining groove 11j is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the main body 11a to hold the sealing member 11c in place.

[0035] The upper part of the main body 11a and the locking portion 11b are parts that are exposed to the outside from the terminal surface 9. For example, a loose fitting hole 11k is formed in the locking portion 11b. A fastening member 11m, such as a bolt, passed through the loose fitting hole 11k is screwed into the screw hole 11n of the terminal block 8. As a result, the locking portion 11b is fastened by the fastening member 11m and fixed in a predetermined position on the terminal surface 9. A locking groove 11p is formed on the outer circumference of the upper part of the main body 11a, into which the locking piece 13a of the cap portion 12 fits.

[0036] The cap portion 12 is attached to the plug mounting portion 11 and surrounds the connection portion between the cable 20 and the plug 10. The cap portion 12 has an annular neck portion 13 that is attached to the outer circumference of the upper part of the plug mounting portion 11. The inner circumference of the neck portion 13 is provided with a locking piece 13a that fits into the locking groove 11p of the plug mounting portion 11 and becomes integrated with it. The cap portion 12 has a cylindrical cable mounting portion 14 that bends and extends from the neck portion 13 and is covered by the cable 20. The cable terminal 20a, which is fixed to the end of the cable 20, is housed inside the cable mounting portion 14. The cable terminal 20a is electrically connected to the upper contact portion 10b of the plug 10 within the cap portion 12. The cable 20 is connected to an inverter that controls the drive of the AC motor 3.

[0037] The cable attachment portion 14 extends in a direction bending from the extending direction Db of the plug 10. Each of the multiple cap portions 12 is equipped with a cable attachment portion 14, and a different cable 20 is attached to each cable attachment portion 14. The multiple cable attachment portions 14 extend in the direction in which the multiple cables 20 converge. A detailed explanation follows with reference to Figure 3.

[0038] For example, in a plan view of the terminal connection structure 7 from above, assume that the multiple cable mounting parts 14 are arranged on the same plane. Here, the first cable mounting part 14A is attached to the first cable 20A. The first cable 20A is connected to the first terminal part 5A, which is held by the first terminal block 8A. The second cable mounting part 14B is attached to the second cable 20B. The second cable 20B is connected to the second terminal part 5B, which is held by the second terminal block 8B. The third cable mounting part 14C is attached to the third cable 20C. The third cable 20C is connected to the third terminal part 5C, which is held by the third terminal block 8C.

[0039] First, considering the central second cable 20B as the reference point, the first cable 20A is inclined so that it approaches the second cable 20B as it moves away from the first terminal portion 5A. In other words, the first cable mounting portion 14A and the second cable mounting portion 14B extend in the direction in which the first cable 20A and the second cable 20B intersect and converge. Also, the third cable 20C is inclined so that it approaches the second cable 20B as it moves away from the third terminal portion 5C. In other words, the third cable mounting portion 14C and the second cable mounting portion 14B extend in the direction in which the third cable 20C and the second cable mounting portion 14B intersect and converge.

[0040] In this embodiment, the second cable 20B is considered as the reference point, but for example, the second cable 20B and the third cable 20C may be arranged to converge with respect to the first cable 20A. Also, there may be two or four or more cables 20 as multiple cables 20. Furthermore, there may be configurations in which all cables 20 converge at one location, configurations in which some cables 20 converge at one location, or configurations in which multiple groups of cables 20 are formed, with each group converging at a different location.

[0041] Furthermore, the terminal block 8 has been designed to accommodate the configuration in which multiple cables 20 extend in a direction converging. Specifically, the central second terminal block 8B protrudes from the adjacent first terminal block 8A and third terminal block 8C. The second terminal block 8B has a first side surface 82 adjacent to the first terminal block 8A and a second side surface 83 adjacent to the third terminal block 8C. The first side surface 82 is not parallel to the longitudinal direction in which the second cable mounting portion 14B extends, but is inclined to follow the longitudinal direction of the first cable mounting portion 14A, thereby avoiding interference with the first cable mounting portion 14A. Similarly, the second side surface 83 is not parallel to the longitudinal direction of the second cable mounting portion 14B, but is inclined to follow the longitudinal direction of the third cable mounting portion 14C, thereby avoiding interference with the third cable mounting portion 14C. In other words, the first side surface 82 is formed to avoid the first terminal portion 5A, and the first side surface 82 is formed to avoid the second terminal portion 5B.

[0042] Next, the connection between the multiple terminal sections 5 and the stator 32 will be described. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the AC motor 3 is equipped with three (or more) busbars 4 arranged along the outer circumference of the stator 32. Each of the multiple busbars 4 is connected to the coils 33 that form each phase of the AC motor 3. Each busbar 4 is equipped with an annular terminal connection section 41. The terminal connection section 41 is provided projecting radially from a position along the outer circumference of the stator 32 (centrifugally around the rotation axis L) and is connected to the plug 10 of the terminal section 5 (see Figure 4).

[0043] As shown in Figure 1, the terminal connector 41 of each busbar 4 is connected to a different terminal 5. For example, the terminal connector 41 of the first busbar 4A is connected to the first terminal 5A, the terminal connector 41 of the second busbar 4B is connected to the second terminal 5B, and the terminal connector 41 of the third busbar 4C is connected to the third terminal 5C.

[0044] Multiple terminal connection points 41 are positioned at different locations in the circumferential direction of the stator 32, resulting in differences in their heights from the reference plane S. Specifically, with respect to the reference plane S, which passes through the rotation axis L and is perpendicular to the extending direction Db of the plug 10, the height Hc from the reference plane S to the terminal connection point 41 of the first bus bar 4A and the height Hc to the terminal connection point 41 of the third bus bar 4C are aligned. On the other hand, the height Hd from the reference plane S to the terminal connection point 41 of the second bus bar 4B is higher than the height Hc. In other words, in this embodiment, there are differences in the heights of the multiple terminal connection points 41 with respect to the reference plane S. Note that, since the terminal connection point 41 in this embodiment is annular, the center of the terminal connection point 41 was used as the position for comparison and verification, but it is also possible to compare and verify the lower end or upper end of the terminal connection point 41 as the position of the terminal connection point 41.

[0045] As described above, the second terminal portion 5B is connected to the terminal connection portion 41 of the second bus bar 4B, and the second terminal portion 5B is held by the second terminal block 8B. The second terminal block 8B protrudes radially Dd further than the first terminal block 8A and the third terminal block 8C, and a step Ld is formed between the second terminal block 8B and the first terminal block 8A. This step Ld absorbs the difference between the height Hd of the terminal connection portion 41 of the second bus bar 4B and the height Hc of the terminal connection portion 41 of the first bus bar 4A. Furthermore, this step Ld absorbs the difference between the height Hd of the terminal connection portion 41 of the second bus bar 4B and the height Hc of the terminal connection portion 41 of the third bus bar 4C. By absorbing the height difference of the multiple terminal connection portions 41 with the step Ld, the dimensional difference in the area where the terminal portion 5 is held by the terminal block 8 can be eliminated. As a result, multiple terminal sections 5 can use plugs 10 with the same structure and dimensions (length), enabling the standardization of the plugs 10.

[0046] In this embodiment, the distance from the rotation axis L to the terminal connection portion 41 of the first bus bar 4A and the distance from the rotation axis L to the terminal connection portion 41 of the third bus bar 4C are the same. On the other hand, the distance from the rotation axis L to the terminal connection portion 41 of the second bus bar 4B is longer than the above distance.

[0047] Next, the operation and effects of the terminal connection structure 7 according to the embodiment will be described. The multiple terminal surfaces 9 of the terminal connection structure 7, for example, the first terminal surface 9A, the second terminal surface 9B, and the third terminal surface 9C, are arranged in a direction Dc that intersects the rotation axis L of the AC motor 3. The direction Dc that intersects the rotation axis L is, for example, a perpendicular direction. Therefore, compared to the case where multiple terminal blocks 8 are arranged in the rotation axis direction Da, the dimensional increase caused by the arrangement of multiple terminal blocks 8 can be suppressed. In addition, a step Ld is provided in the radial direction Dd of the motor casing 6 between the second terminal surface 9B (one terminal surface 9) and the first terminal surface 9A and the third terminal surface 9C (the other terminal surfaces 9). This step Ld makes it easier to visually distinguish between the multiple terminal blocks 8. As a result, the multiple terminal blocks 8 can be easily distinguished while suppressing the dimensional increase of the motor casing 6 in the rotation axis direction Da.

[0048] Furthermore, each of the multiple terminal sections 5 is connected to each phase of the AC motor 3, and each phase requires the supply of AC current with a different phase. Therefore, each of the multiple terminal blocks 8 needs to be equipped with the appropriate terminal section 5 corresponding to each phase. In other words, by making it easy to identify the multiple terminal blocks 8, the appropriate terminal section 5 can be installed for each terminal block 8, and electrical connection errors when connecting the cable 20 via the terminal section 5 can be prevented.

[0049] Furthermore, the heights Ha from the reference plane S to the first terminal surface 9A and the third terminal surface 9C are the same, while the height Hb from the reference plane S to the second terminal surface 9B is higher than that of the first terminal surface 9A and the third terminal surface 9C. In other words, a step Ld is provided so that the central second terminal surface 9B is relatively higher than the first terminal surface 9A and the third terminal surface 9C, making the central second terminal block 8B stand out. As a result, the first terminal block 8A becomes easier to distinguish compared to the second terminal block 8B, and the third terminal block 8C becomes easier to distinguish compared to the second terminal block 8B. Therefore, all terminal blocks 8 become easier to distinguish.

[0050] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the terminal connection portions 41 of the multiple busbars 4 are arranged at different positions in the circumferential direction of the stator 32. The multiple terminal connection portions 41 have different heights from the reference plane S, and this difference is absorbed by the step Ld, so that the length of the plugs 10 of the multiple terminal portions 5 is the same. Therefore, it is not necessary to prepare plugs of different lengths for each of the multiple terminal blocks 8, and the plugs 10 can be standardized. For example, if plugs of different lengths are installed for each of the multiple terminal blocks, it is necessary to select the appropriate plug with the correct dimensions at the time of installation, and care must be taken to prevent incorrect plug installation. By standardizing the plugs 10, structural installation errors of the plugs 10 can be essentially eliminated.

[0051] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a resin plug mounting portion 11 is provided to seal the gap between the plug 10 and the terminal block 8, thereby preventing liquids or other substances from entering the motor casing 6 from the outside through the gap in the terminal block 8.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the cap portion 12 is provided, the connection portion between the cable 20 and the plug 10 can be protected from external factors. In addition, each of the multiple cap portions 12 is equipped with a cable attachment portion 14, and each of the cable attachment portions 14 extends in the direction in which the multiple cables 20 converge. As a result, it becomes easier to bundle the multiple cables 20 together.

[0053] Furthermore, with the rotating machine 1 equipped with the above-described terminal connection structure 7, the multiple terminal blocks 8 become easier to distinguish while suppressing the dimensional expansion of the motor casing 6 in the rotation axis direction Da. In other words, by making it easier to identify the multiple terminal blocks 8, the appropriate terminal section 5 can be installed on the terminal block 8, and electrical connection errors when connecting the cable 20 via the terminal section 5 can be prevented.

[0054] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, although an electric supercharger was described as an example of a rotating machine in the embodiments described above, it can be broadly applied to rotating machines that rotate by the drive of an AC motor, and may be an electric assist type supercharger, for example. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0055] 1. Rotating Machine 2 rotation axes 3 AC motor 4 bus bars 5 Terminal section 6. Motor casing 7 Terminal connection structure 8 Terminal block 9 Terminal surface 9A First terminal side 9B Second terminal side 9C Third terminal side 10 plugs 11 Plug mounting section 12 Cap section 14 Cable mounting section 20 Cables 31 Rotors 32 stata 41 Terminal connection section Da rotation axis direction Direction of extension of Db plug Direction intersecting the rotation axis Dc Dd Radial direction L Rotation axis Ld step S reference plane

Claims

1. A terminal connection structure for a motor casing that houses a multi-phase AC motor, Multiple terminal blocks provided on the motor casing, Multiple terminals are connected to each phase of the AC motor so as to be energized, and each of the terminal blocks has multiple terminals that pass through it, Each of the aforementioned plurality of terminal blocks has an outer end surface, and comprises a plurality of terminal surfaces on which the terminal portion is exposed, The multiple terminal surfaces are arranged in a direction intersecting the rotation axis of the AC motor, A terminal connection structure for a motor casing, wherein a step is provided in the radial direction of the motor casing between at least one of the plurality of terminal surfaces and the other terminal surfaces, such that there is a difference between the distance from the rotation axis to the first terminal surface in the radial direction toward the first terminal surface and the distance from the rotation axis to the other terminal surface in the radial direction toward the other terminal surface.

2. The aforementioned AC motor is a three-phase AC motor. The plurality of terminal surfaces include a first terminal surface, a second terminal surface, and a third terminal surface. The second terminal surface is positioned between the first terminal surface and the third terminal surface. Each of the aforementioned plurality of terminal sections is provided with a plug that extends through the terminal block, Multiple plugs extend in the same direction, The heights from the reference plane, which includes the rotation axis and is perpendicular to the extending direction of the plug, to the first terminal surface and the third terminal surface are the same. The terminal connection structure for a motor casing according to claim 1, wherein the height from the reference surface to the second terminal surface is higher than the first terminal surface and the third terminal surface.

3. The AC motor is further provided with a plurality of busbars connected to each phase and arranged along the outer circumference of the stator of the AC motor, Each of the aforementioned plurality of terminal sections is provided with a plug that extends through the terminal block, Each of the aforementioned busbars is provided with a terminal connection portion connected to the plug, Multiple terminal connection points are arranged at different positions in the circumferential direction of the stator. The difference in height from the reference plane, which includes the rotation axis and is perpendicular to the extending direction of the plug, to the plurality of terminal connection portions is absorbed by the step. The terminal connection structure for a motor casing according to claim 1, wherein the lengths of the multiple plugs are the same.

4. The terminal portion comprises a plug extending through the terminal block and a resin plug mounting portion attached to the outer circumference of the plug to seal the gap between the plug and the terminal block, as described in claim 1.

5. The terminal portion includes a cap portion that surrounds the connection portion between the cable and the plug. The terminal connection structure for a motor casing according to claim 4, wherein the cap portion extends in a direction bending from the extending direction of the plug and includes a cable mounting portion that is covered by the cable.

6. Equipped with multiple of the aforementioned cables, Each of the aforementioned multiple cables is provided with a plurality of cable mounting portions that are enclosed on each of the aforementioned multiple cables, The terminal connection structure for a motor casing according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of cable mounting portions are in a direction that bends from the extending direction of the plug and extends in the direction in which the plurality of cables converge.

7. A multi-phase AC motor that rotates the rotating shaft, The motor casing houses the aforementioned AC motor, The AC motor comprises a rotor fixed to the rotating shaft and a stator surrounding the rotor. The motor casing is, Multiple terminal blocks, Multiple terminals are connected to each phase of the AC motor so as to be energized, and each of the terminal blocks has multiple terminals that pass through it, Each of the aforementioned plurality of terminal blocks has an outer end surface, and comprises a plurality of terminal surfaces on which the terminal portion is exposed, The multiple terminal surfaces are arranged in a direction intersecting the rotation axis of the AC motor, A rotating machine, wherein a step is provided in the radial direction of the motor casing between at least one of the plurality of terminal surfaces and the other terminal surfaces, such that there is a difference between the distance from the rotation axis to the first terminal surface in the radial direction toward the first terminal surface from the rotation axis and the distance from the rotation axis to the other terminal surface in the radial direction toward the other terminal surface from the rotation axis.

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