motor

Abstract

To suppress imbalance of a flow rate of a coolant in a plurality of individual flow paths.SOLUTION: A motor includes: a stator disposed such that a central axis intersects a vertical direction; an annular coolant flow path provided along an end surface of the stator and having a ring shape extending around the central axis; and a plurality of individual flow paths each of which is connected to the annular coolant flow path and through which a coolant supplied from the annular coolant flow path flows. The annular coolant flow path has a partition structure that partitions the annular coolant flow path into an upper flow path and a lower flow path located below the upper flow path. The plurality of individual flow paths include a plurality of upper individual flow paths connected to the upper flaw path and a plurality of lower individual flow paths connected to the lower flow path.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a motor.

[0002] The motor disclosed in Patent Document 1 has an annular coolant flow path provided along the end face of the stator. The annular coolant flow path has a ring shape extending around the central axis of the stator. Further, this motor has a plurality of coolant flow paths within the stator provided inside the stator. Each coolant flow path within the stator is connected to the annular coolant flow path. Coolant flows from the annular coolant flow path into each coolant flow path within the stator. The motor is cooled by the coolant.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In Patent Document 1, a coolant flow path within the stator is connected to the annular coolant flow path. Also, in other motors, another flow path (for example, a flow path that discharges coolant toward the coil end of the stator) may be connected to the annular coolant flow path. Hereinafter, a plurality of flow paths branching from the annular coolant flow path are referred to as individual flow paths.

[0005] When a motor is positioned such that its central axis intersects the vertical (for example, when the motor's central axis is horizontal), a difference in elevation occurs within the annular coolant flow path. In this case, the pressure is higher in the lower part of the annular coolant flow path than in the upper part. As a result, more coolant flows through the individual flow paths connected to the lower part of the annular coolant flow path than through the individual flow paths connected to the upper part of the annular coolant flow path. When the coolant flow rate is unbalanced among multiple individual flow paths in this way, the motor cannot be cooled efficiently. This specification proposes a technique to suppress the imbalance in coolant flow rate among multiple individual flow paths. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The motor of configuration 1 disclosed herein includes a stator whose central axis is arranged to intersect the vertical direction, an annular coolant flow path provided along the end face of the stator and having a ring shape extending around the central axis, and a plurality of individual flow paths, each connected to the annular coolant flow path and through which coolant supplied from the annular coolant flow path flows. The annular coolant flow path has a partition structure that divides the annular coolant flow path into an upper flow path and a lower flow path located below the upper flow path. The plurality of individual flow paths include a plurality of upper individual flow paths connected to the upper flow path and a plurality of lower individual flow paths connected to the lower flow path.

[0007] Furthermore, the entire lower channel may be located below the lower end of the upper channel, or a portion of the lower channel may be located below the lower end of the upper channel.

[0008] Furthermore, the compartmentalization structure is a structure that partitions the upper and lower flow paths in order to suppress pressure interaction between them. The compartmentalization structure may completely separate the upper and lower flow paths, or the upper and lower flow paths may be partially connected within the compartmentalization structure.

[0009] In this motor, the annular coolant flow path is divided into an upper flow path and a lower flow path by a partition structure. Therefore, it is difficult for pressure to be applied from the upper flow path to the lower flow path, and the pressure in the lower flow path does not easily become high. Consequently, the coolant flows more evenly in the individual flow paths connected to the upper flow path and the individual flow paths connected to the lower flow path. In this way, this motor can suppress imbalances in the flow rate of the coolant between multiple individual flow paths. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Exploded perspective view of the motor in Example 1. [Figure 2] Cross-sectional view of the motor in Example 1 (viewed by cutting along the axial direction). [Figure 3] Perspective view of the stator core of Example 1. [Figure 4] A plan view of the stator of Example 1, viewed along the axial direction. [Figure 5] A diagram showing the internal structure of the guide ring in Example 1 (viewed along the axial direction). [Figure 6] A diagram showing the internal structure of the guide ring in modified example 1. [Figure 7] A diagram showing the internal structure of the guide ring in Example 2. [Figure 8] A diagram showing the internal structure of the guide ring in Example 3. [Figure 9] Cross-sectional view of the motor in Example 4. [Figure 10] A diagram showing the internal structure of the guide ring in Example 4. [Figure 11] A diagram showing the internal structure of the guide ring in modified example 2. [Figure 12] A diagram showing the internal structure of the guide ring in Example 5. [Figure 13] A diagram showing the internal structure of the guide ring in Example 6. [Figure 14] A diagram showing the internal structure of the guide ring in Example 7. [Figure 15] A diagram showing the internal structure of the guide ring in Example 8. [Figure 16] Cross-sectional view of the motor in modified example 3. [Figure 17] Cross-sectional view of the motor of Modification 4.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Following the above Configuration 1, additional configurations of the vehicle disclosed in this specification will be described below.

[0012] (Configuration 2) The partition structure is a partition wall that separates the upper flow path from the lower flow path, and further has an upper coolant supply flow path for supplying coolant to the upper flow path and a lower coolant supply flow path for supplying coolant to the lower flow path. The motor according to Configuration 1. (Configuration 3) The partition structure is a partial partition wall that reduces the cross-section of the annular coolant flow path, and further has a coolant supply flow path for supplying coolant to the upper flow path. The motor according to Configuration 1. (Configuration 4) The partition structure is a check valve that allows the flow of coolant from the upper flow path to the lower flow path and prevention prevents the flow of coolant from the lower flow path to the upper flow path, and further has a coolant supply flow path for supplying coolant to the upper flow path. The motor according to Configuration 1. (Configuration 5) It further has a coil wound around the stator and having a coil end disposed on the inner peripheral portion of the annular coolant flow path, and a plurality of the individual flow paths have a plurality of coolant discharge flow paths that discharge coolant toward the coil end. The motor according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4. (Configuration 6) A plurality of the individual flow paths have a plurality of coolant flow paths inside the stator provided inside the stator. The motor according to any one of Configurations 1 to 5. (Configuration 7) A motor, A stator whose central axis is positioned to intersect with the vertical direction, An annular coolant flow channel having a ring shape extending around the central axis is provided along the end face of the stator, A coil wound around the stator and having coil ends positioned on the inner circumference of the annular coolant flow path, Each of the following coolant discharge channels is connected to the annular coolant flow channel and discharges the coolant supplied from the annular coolant flow channel toward the coil end. It has, The sum of the cross-sectional areas of the coolant discharge channels connected to the annular coolant channel above the central position in the vertical direction of the annular coolant channel is greater than the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the coolant discharge channels connected to the annular coolant channel below the central position. Motor. (Composition 8) It further comprises a plurality of stator internal coolant passages, each provided inside the stator and each connected to the annular coolant passage, through which coolant supplied from the annular coolant passage flows, The sum of the cross-sectional areas of the stator coolant flow channels connected to the annular coolant flow channel above the aforementioned center position is greater than the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the stator coolant flow channels connected to the annular coolant flow channel below the aforementioned center position. The motor described in Configuration 7.

[0013] In the motor of configuration 8, the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the coolant discharge channels connected to the annular coolant flow channel at the top is greater than the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the coolant discharge channels connected to the annular coolant flow channel below the center position. Therefore, even if the pressure in the annular coolant flow channel becomes higher below than above, the coolant is more likely to flow evenly through each coolant discharge channel.

[0014] In the motor of configuration 9, the total cross-sectional area of ​​the stator coolant passages connected to the annular coolant passage at the top is greater than the total cross-sectional area of ​​the stator coolant passages connected to the annular coolant passage below the center position. Therefore, even if the pressure in the annular coolant passage is higher below than above, the coolant can flow more evenly through each stator coolant passage.

[0015] In configurations 7 and 8, "cross-sectional area" refers to the cross-sectional area at the narrowest point of each flow path. For example, if the cross-sectional area of ​​a particular flow path changes depending on the flow direction, the minimum value of the cross-sectional area of ​​that flow path corresponds to the "cross-sectional area" in configurations 7 and 8. [Examples]

[0016] The motor 10 of Embodiment 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 has a rotor 20, a stator 30, and a case 50. The rotor 20 has a shaft 24. The stator 30 has a cylindrical shape. The rotor 20 is positioned within the central hole of the stator 30 such that the central axis AX of the stator 30 coincides with the central axis of the shaft 24. The rotor 20 and stator 30 are housed in the case 50. The stator 30 is fastened to the case 50 by bolts 49. Hereinafter, the direction parallel to the central axis AX is referred to as the axial direction, the direction along the radius of the circle centered on the central axis AX is referred to as the radial direction, and the direction along the circumference of the circle centered on the central axis AX is referred to as the circumferential direction. Also, the arrow UP in Figure 2 indicates the vertically upward direction. The motor 10 is positioned so that the central axis AX intersects with the upward direction UP. Note that in Figure 2, the central axis AX is perpendicular to the upward direction UP. In other words, in Figure 2, the central axis AX is positioned horizontally. In other examples, the central axis AX may be inclined with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0017] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the case 50 has a so-called bottomed cylindrical shape and has an outer circumferential wall 52 and a side wall 54. The outer circumferential wall 52 is cylindrical in shape. The side wall 54 is provided at one end of the outer circumferential wall 52 in the axial direction. A through hole 54a is provided at the center of the side wall 54.

[0018] The stator 30 has a stator core 32 and a coil 40. In Figure 2, the coil 40 is shown in a simplified form. The stator core 32 has a cylindrical shape. As shown in Figure 3, the stator core 32 is composed of multiple electromagnetic steel sheets 36 stacked in the axial direction. The stator core 32 has a back yoke 33 and multiple teeth 34. The back yoke 33 has a cylindrical shape. Each tooth 34 protrudes from the inner circumferential surface of the back yoke 33. That is, each tooth 34 protrudes radially inward from the back yoke 33. Each tooth 34 extends along the axial direction. The multiple teeth 34 are spaced apart in the circumferential direction. The coil 40 is wound around each tooth 34. The stator core 32 has an end face 32a and an end face 32b. End face 32a is one end face of the stator core 32 in the axial direction, and end face 32b is the end face opposite to end face 32a. As shown in Figure 2, a coil end 42a is provided on end face 32a. A coil end 42b is provided on end face 32b. The coil ends 42a and 42b are the bent portions of the coil 40 wound around the stator core 32. The coil end 42a protrudes from end face 32a, and the coil end 42b protrudes from end face 32b. As shown in Figure 4, the coil ends 42a are distributed in an annular shape on end face 32a. Similarly, the coil ends 42b are distributed in an annular shape on end face 32b.

[0019] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the side wall 54 of the case 50 faces the end face 32a of the stator core 32. A gap is provided between the side wall 54 and the end face 32a of the stator core 32, and the coil end 42a is positioned within this gap.

[0020] The rotor 20 is positioned concentrically with the stator core 32 and within the central hole of the stator core 32. The shaft 24 of the rotor 20 is inserted through the through hole 54a of the case 50. The rotor 20 is rotatably supported within the case 50 by bearings or the like.

[0021] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the motor 10 has a guide ring 60. The guide ring 60 has a ring shape. The guide ring 60 is housed in a case 50. The guide ring 60 is positioned to extend in an annular shape around the central axis AX of the stator 30. The guide ring 60 is concentric with the stator core 32 and is positioned between the end face 32a of the stator core 32 and the side wall 54 of the case 50. The guide ring 60 is fixed to the end face 32a. An annular coolant flow path 62 is provided within the guide ring 60. The annular coolant flow path 62 extends along the end face 32a of the stator core 32. As shown in Figure 4, the annular coolant flow path 62 has a ring shape that extends around the central axis AX of the stator. The coil end 42a is positioned radially inward of the guide ring 60 (i.e., the annular coolant flow path 62).

[0022] When the motor 10 is operating, coolant flows through the coolant passage, which includes the annular coolant passage 62, and the motor 10 is cooled. In this embodiment, the coolant is cooling oil. The cooling oil functions as a coolant to cool the motor 10 and also as a lubricant to lubricate the rotor 20.

[0023] As shown in Figures 2 and 5, in Embodiment 1, the guide ring 60 is provided with a plurality of coolant discharge channels 68. Each coolant discharge channel 68 is provided on the wall that constitutes the inner circumferential surface of the guide ring 60. That is, each coolant discharge channel 68 extends from the annular coolant channel 62 to the inner circumferential surface of the guide ring 60. The plurality of coolant discharge channels 68 are provided at approximately equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction. As indicated by the arrows in Figure 5, each coolant discharge channel 68 discharges the coolant in the annular coolant channel 62 toward the inside of the guide ring 60. As described above, the coil end 42a is located on the inside of the guide ring 60. Therefore, each coolant discharge channel 68 discharges coolant toward the coil end 42a.

[0024] As shown in Figure 5, partition walls 64a and 64b are provided inside the annular coolant flow path 62. The partition walls 64a and 64b divide the annular coolant flow path 62 into an upper flow path 62a and a lower flow path 62b. Multiple coolant discharge flow paths 68 are connected to each of the upper flow path 62a and the lower flow path 62b.

[0025] As shown in Figures 2 and 5, the guide ring 60 is connected to an upper coolant supply passage 66a and a lower coolant supply passage 66b. The upper coolant supply passage 66a connects the outside of the case 50 to the upper passage 62a. The lower coolant supply passage 66b connects the outside of the case 50 to the lower passage 62b. As shown in Figure 2, a coolant discharge passage 53b is provided at the bottom of the case 50. The coolant discharge passage 53b connects the inside and outside of the case 50.

[0026] When the motor 10 is operating, coolant is supplied to the upper coolant supply passage 66a and the lower coolant supply passage 66b by a pump (not shown). Coolant flows from the upper coolant supply passage 66a to the upper passage 62a, and coolant flows from the lower coolant supply passage 66b to the lower passage 62b. The coolant in the upper passage 62a is discharged towards the coil end 42a via the coolant discharge passage 68, and the coolant in the lower passage 62b is discharged towards the coil end 42a via the coolant discharge passage 68. The coolant discharged towards the coil end 42a flows down inside the case 50 and is discharged to the outside of the case 50 through the coolant discharge passage 53b. The coolant discharged from the coolant discharge passage 53b is supplied again to the upper coolant supply passage 66a and the lower coolant supply passage 66b by the pump. The motor 10 is cooled by this circulation of coolant.

[0027] In Example 1, the lower flow path 62b is separated from the upper flow path 62a by partition walls 64a and 64b, so the pressure in the upper flow path 62a and the pressure in the lower flow path 62b are independent. Therefore, it is prevented that the pressure in the lower flow path 62b becomes extremely high compared to the pressure in the upper flow path 62a. Consequently, the imbalance between the flow rate of coolant flowing through the coolant discharge flow path 68 provided in the upper flow path 62a and the flow rate of coolant flowing through the coolant discharge flow path 68 provided in the lower flow path 62b is suppressed. Therefore, according to Example 1, the coil end 42a can be cooled uniformly.

[0028] In Example 1, partition walls 64a and 64b were positioned at the same height, but as illustrated in Figure 6, partition walls 64a and 64b may be positioned at different heights. [Examples]

[0029] In Example 2, the partition structure separating the upper flow path 62a and the lower flow path 62b, and the coolant supply flow path are different from those in Example 1. The other configurations of Example 2 are the same as those of Example 1.

[0030] As shown in Figure 7, in Embodiment 2, the upper flow path 62a and the lower flow path 62b are separated by partial partitions 64c and 64d. Partial partition 64c partially blocks the annular coolant flow path 62, and a microflow channel 64e is provided next to partial partition 64c. The microflow channel 64e connects the upper flow path 62a and the lower flow path 62b. The cross-sectional area of ​​the microflow channel 64e is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the upper flow path 62a and the cross-sectional area of ​​the lower flow path 62b. In other words, partial partition 64c reduces the cross-section of the annular coolant flow path 62. Partial partition 64c may also be a throttling mechanism such as an orifice. Similar to partial partition 64c, partial partition 64d also partially blocks the annular coolant flow path 62, and a microflow channel 64f is located next to partial partition 64d. The microflow channel 64f connects the upper flow path 62a and the lower flow path 62b. The cross-sectional area of ​​the microchannel 64f is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the upper channel 62a and the cross-sectional area of ​​the lower channel 62b.

[0031] In Example 2, similar to Example 1, an upper coolant supply passage 66a connected to the upper passage 62a is provided. On the other hand, in Example 2, a lower coolant supply passage 66b connected to the lower passage 62b is not provided.

[0032] When the motor of Embodiment 2 is operating, coolant is supplied to the upper passage 62a via the upper coolant supply passage 66a by a pump (not shown). Since micro-channels 64e and 64f are provided next to the partial partitions 64c and 64d, coolant flows from the upper passage 62a to the lower passage 62b via the micro-channels 64e and 64f. The coolant in the upper passage 62a is discharged toward the coil end 42a via the coolant discharge passage 68, and the coolant in the lower passage 62b is discharged toward the coil end 42a via the coolant discharge passage 68. Since the upper passage 62a and the lower passage 62b are separated by the partial partitions 64c and 64d, the pressure applied from the upper passage 62a to the lower passage 62b is reduced. This prevents the pressure in the lower passage 62b from becoming extremely high compared to the pressure in the upper passage 62a. Therefore, the imbalance between the flow rate of the coolant flowing through the coolant discharge channel 68 provided in the upper channel 62a and the flow rate of the coolant flowing through the coolant discharge channel 68 provided in the lower channel 62b is suppressed. As a result, according to Embodiment 2, the coil end 42a can be cooled uniformly. [Examples]

[0033] In Example 3, the partition structure separating the upper flow path 62a and the lower flow path 62b, and the coolant supply flow path, differ from those in Example 1. The other configurations of Example 3 are the same as those of Example 1.

[0034] As shown in Figure 8, in Embodiment 3, the upper flow path 62a and the lower flow path 62b are separated by check valves 64g and 64h. Each of the check valves 64g and 64h allows the flow of coolant from the upper flow path 62a to the lower flow path 62b, while blocking the flow of coolant from the lower flow path 62b to the upper flow path 62a.

[0035] In Example 3, similar to Example 2, an upper coolant supply passage 66a connected to the upper passage 62a is provided, while a lower coolant supply passage 66b connected to the lower passage 62b is not provided.

[0036] When the motor of Embodiment 3 is operating, coolant is supplied to the upper passage 62a via the upper coolant supply passage 66a by a pump (not shown). Coolant flows from the upper passage 62a to the lower passage 62b via check valves 64g and 64h. The coolant in the upper passage 62a is discharged toward the coil end 42a via the coolant discharge passage 68, and the coolant in the lower passage 62b is discharged toward the coil end 42a via the coolant discharge passage 68. Since the upper passage 62a and the lower passage 62b are separated by check valves 64g and 64h, the pressure applied from the upper passage 62a to the lower passage 62b is reduced. This prevents the pressure in the lower passage 62b from becoming extremely high compared to the pressure in the upper passage 62a. Therefore, the imbalance between the flow rate of the coolant flowing through the coolant discharge channel 68 provided in the upper channel 62a and the flow rate of the coolant flowing through the coolant discharge channel 68 provided in the lower channel 62b is suppressed. As a result, according to Example 3, the coil end 42a can be cooled uniformly.

[0037] In Examples 1 to 3, the coolant discharge channel 68 is an example of an individual channel. More specifically, the coolant discharge channel 68 connected to the upper channel 62a is an example of an upper individual channel, and the coolant discharge channel 68 connected to the lower channel 62b is an example of a lower individual channel. [Examples]

[0038] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, in Embodiment 4, the motor does not have a coolant discharge passage 68, but instead has multiple stator coolant passages 70. The other configurations of Embodiment 4 are the same as those of Embodiment 1. Each stator coolant passage 70 is located inside the stator core 32. As shown in Figure 9, each stator coolant passage 70 extends axially from one end face 32a to the other end face 32b of the stator core 32. The upstream end of each stator coolant passage 70 is connected to an annular coolant passage 62. The downstream end of each stator coolant passage 70 opens to the end face 32b. As shown in Figure 10, the upstream ends of each stator coolant passage 70 are located at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction. Multiple stator coolant passages 70 are connected to the upper passage 62a, and multiple stator coolant passages 70 are connected to the lower passage 62b.

[0039] When the motor of Embodiment 4 is in operation, coolant is supplied to the upper coolant supply passage 66a and the lower coolant supply passage 66b by a pump (not shown). Coolant flows from the upper coolant supply passage 66a to the upper passage 62a, and coolant flows from the lower coolant supply passage 66b to the lower passage 62b. The coolant in the upper passage 62a flows through the stator internal coolant passage 70 and is discharged from its downstream end (i.e., end face 32b). The coolant in the lower passage 62b flows through the stator internal coolant passage 70 and is discharged from its downstream end (i.e., end face 32b). The stator core 32 is cooled from the inside by the coolant flowing through each stator internal coolant passage 70. The coolant discharged from the downstream end of each stator internal coolant passage 70 flows down inside the case 50 and is discharged to the outside of the case 50 from the coolant discharge passage 53b. The coolant discharged from the coolant discharge passage 53b is then supplied again by the pump to the upper coolant supply passage 66a and the lower coolant supply passage 66b. The motor 10 is cooled by this circulation of coolant.

[0040] In Example 4, the lower flow path 62b is separated from the upper flow path 62a by partition walls 64a and 64b, so the pressure in the upper flow path 62a and the pressure in the lower flow path 62b are independent. Therefore, it is prevented that the pressure in the lower flow path 62b becomes extremely high compared to the pressure in the upper flow path 62a. Consequently, the imbalance between the flow rate of coolant in the stator coolant flow path 70 connected to the upper flow path 62a and the flow rate of coolant in the stator coolant flow path 70 connected to the lower flow path 62b is suppressed. Therefore, according to Example 4, the stator core 32 can be cooled uniformly.

[0041] In Example 4, the stator coolant flow path 70 is an example of an individual flow path. More specifically, the stator coolant flow path 70 connected to the upper flow path 62a is an example of an upper individual flow path, and the stator coolant flow path 70 connected to the lower flow path 62b is an example of a lower individual flow path.

[0042] In Example 4 (i.e., Figure 10), the upper flow path 62a and the lower flow path 62b were separated by partition walls 64a and 64b. However, the partition structure of Example 2 shown in Figure 7 (i.e., partial partition wall) or the partition structure of Example 3 shown in Figure 8 (i.e., check valve) may also be applied to Example 4.

[0043] Furthermore, the motor in Example 4 had a coolant flow path 70 within the stator but did not have a coolant discharge flow path 68. However, as shown in Figure 11, the motor may have both a coolant discharge flow path 68 and a coolant flow path 70 within the stator. Even in this case, by adopting a partition structure similar to that of Examples 1 to 4, it is possible to suppress flow rate imbalances between each coolant discharge flow path 68 and between each coolant flow path 70 within the stator. [Examples]

[0044] In Example 5, the structure of the guide ring 60 differs from that of Example 1. Aside from the guide ring 60, Example 5 is identical to Example 1.

[0045] As shown in Figure 12, in Embodiment 5, there is no partition structure in the annular coolant flow path 62 inside the guide ring 60. That is, the annular coolant flow path 62 is connected in an annular shape and has a constant flow path cross-sectional area around its entire circumference. A coolant supply flow path 66 is connected to the guide ring 60. Multiple coolant discharge flow paths 68 are provided in the guide ring 60. Similar to Embodiment 1, each coolant discharge flow path 68 discharges coolant toward the coil end 42a. Unlike Embodiment 1, in Embodiment 5, there is no coolant discharge flow path 68 at the bottom of the annular coolant flow path 62. Except for the bottom, the coolant discharge flow paths 68 are provided at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction of the guide ring 60. Therefore, the number of coolant discharge flow paths 68 connected to the annular coolant flow path 62 above the center position CH in the vertical direction of the annular coolant flow path 62 (i.e., the horizontal line passing through the center of the circle of the annular coolant flow path 62) is greater than the number of coolant discharge flow paths 68 connected to the annular coolant flow path 62 below the center position CH. Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of ​​each coolant discharge channel 68 is equal. Therefore, the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the coolant discharge channels 68 connected to the annular coolant channel 62 above the center position CH is greater than the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the coolant discharge channels 68 connected to the annular coolant channel 62 below the center position CH. Note that if there is a coolant discharge channel 68c located at the center position CH as shown in Figure 12, its cross-sectional area is distributed between the upper and lower sides of the center position CH according to the ratio, and the above sum is calculated.

[0046] When the motor of Example 5 is operating, coolant is supplied to the annular coolant flow path 62 via the coolant supply flow path 66 by a pump (not shown). The coolant in the annular coolant flow path 62 is discharged from each coolant discharge flow path 68 toward the coil end 42a. In Example 5, since there is no partition structure in the annular coolant flow path 62, the pressure in the annular coolant flow path 62 is higher below the center position CH than above the center position CH due to the effect of gravity. On the other hand, as described above, the total cross-sectional area of ​​the coolant discharge flow paths 68 above the center position CH is greater than the total cross-sectional area of ​​the coolant discharge flow paths 68 below the center position CH. That is, the overall flow resistance of the coolant discharge flow paths 68 above the center position CH is smaller than the overall flow resistance of the coolant discharge flow paths 68 below the center position CH. Therefore, even if there is a pressure difference between the area above the center position CH and the area below the center position CH, it is unlikely that a difference will occur between the flow rate of the coolant discharged to the coil end 42a above the center position CH and the flow rate of the coolant discharged to the coil end 42a below the center position CH. For this reason, according to Example 5, the coil end 42a can be cooled uniformly. [Examples]

[0047] As shown in Figure 13, in Embodiment 6, the motor has a stator coolant passage 70 in addition to the coolant discharge passage 68. The rest of the configuration of Embodiment 6 is the same as that of Embodiment 5. Each stator coolant passage 70 penetrates the stator core 32 axially, as in Embodiment 4 (i.e., Figure 9). As shown in Figure 13, the upstream end of each stator coolant passage 70 is connected to the annular coolant passage 62.

[0048] In Example 6, the stator internal coolant flow path 70 is not provided at the bottom of the annular coolant flow path 62. Except for the bottom, the stator internal coolant flow paths 70 are provided at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction of the guide ring 60. Therefore, the number of stator internal coolant flow paths 70 connected to the annular coolant flow path 62 above the center position CH is greater than the number of stator internal coolant flow paths 70 connected to the annular coolant flow path 62 below the center position CH. Also, the cross-sectional area of ​​each stator internal coolant flow path 70 is equal. Therefore, the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the stator internal coolant flow paths 70 connected to the annular coolant flow path 62 above the center position CH is greater than the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the stator internal coolant flow paths 70 connected to the annular coolant flow path 62 below the center position CH. Note that if there is a stator internal coolant flow path 70c provided at the center position CH as shown in Figure 13, its cross-sectional area is distributed between the upper and lower sides of the center position CH according to the ratio, and the above sum is calculated.

[0049] In the operation of the motor in Example 6, coolant flows not only through the coolant discharge channel 68 but also through the coolant channel 70 inside the stator. In Example 6, due to the effect of gravity, the pressure in the annular coolant channel 62 is higher below the center position CH than above the center position CH. Similar to Example 5, the imbalance of coolant flowing through the coolant discharge channel 68 between the upper and lower sides of the center position CH is suppressed, and the coil end 42a is cooled uniformly. Furthermore, in Example 6, the total cross-sectional area of ​​the coolant channel 70 inside the stator above the center position CH is greater than the total cross-sectional area of ​​the coolant channel 70 inside the stator below the center position CH. That is, the overall flow resistance of the coolant channel 70 inside the stator above the center position CH is smaller than the overall flow resistance of the coolant channel 70 inside the stator below the center position CH. Therefore, even if there is a pressure difference between the area above the center position CH and the area below the center position CH, it is unlikely that a difference will occur between the flow rate of the coolant flowing through the stator coolant flow path 70 above the center position CH and the flow rate of the coolant flowing through the stator coolant flow path 70 below the center position CH. For this reason, according to Example 6, the stator core 32 can be cooled uniformly. [Examples]

[0050] In Example 7, the arrangement and cross-sectional area of ​​the coolant discharge channel 68 differ from those in Example 5. The other configurations of Example 7 are the same as those of Example 5.

[0051] As shown in Figure 14, in Embodiment 7, the coolant discharge channels 68 are provided at equal angular intervals along the entire circumferential direction of the annular coolant channel 62. Therefore, the number of coolant discharge channels 68 connected to the annular coolant channel 62 above the center position CH is equal to the number of coolant discharge channels 68 connected to the annular coolant channel 62 below the center position CH. In Embodiment 7, the cross-sectional area of ​​each coolant discharge channel 68a located above the center position CH is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​each coolant discharge channel 68b located below the center position CH. Therefore, the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the coolant discharge channels 68 connected to the annular coolant channel 62 above the center position CH is greater than the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the coolant discharge channels 68 connected to the annular coolant channel 62 below the center position CH. The flow resistance of each coolant discharge channel 68a is smaller than the flow resistance of each coolant discharge channel 68b.

[0052] When the motor of Example 7 is in operation, the coolant in the annular coolant flow path 62 is discharged from each coolant discharge flow path 68 toward the coil end 42a. In Example 7, since there is no partition structure in the annular coolant flow path 62, the pressure in the annular coolant flow path 62 is higher below the center position CH than above the center position CH due to the effect of gravity. However, since the flow resistance of the coolant discharge flow path 68a located above the center position CH is smaller than the flow resistance of the coolant discharge flow path 68b located below the center position CH, even if there is a pressure difference between above and below the center position CH, it is unlikely that there will be a difference between the flow rate of the coolant discharged to the coil end 42a above the center position CH and the flow rate of the coolant discharged to the coil end 42a below the center position CH. For this reason, according to Example 7, the coil end 42a can be cooled uniformly. [Examples]

[0053] As shown in Figure 15, in Embodiment 8, the motor has a stator coolant passage 70 in addition to the coolant discharge passage 68. The rest of the configuration of Embodiment 8 is the same as that of Embodiment 7. Each stator coolant passage 70 penetrates the stator core 32 axially, as in Embodiment 4 (i.e., Figure 9). As shown in Figure 15, the upstream end of each stator coolant passage 70 is connected to the annular coolant passage 62.

[0054] In Example 8, the stator coolant flow paths 70 are provided at equal angular intervals along the entire circumferential direction of the annular coolant flow path 62. Therefore, the number of stator coolant flow paths 70 connected to the annular coolant flow path 62 above the center position CH is equal to the number of stator coolant flow paths 70 connected to the annular coolant flow path 62 below the center position CH. Also, in Example 8, the cross-sectional area of ​​each stator coolant flow path 70a located above the center position CH is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​each stator coolant flow path 70b located below the center position CH. Therefore, the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the stator coolant flow paths 70 connected to the annular coolant flow path 62 above the center position CH is greater than the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the stator coolant flow paths 70 connected to the annular coolant flow path 62 below the center position CH. The flow resistance of each stator coolant flow path 70a is smaller than the flow resistance of each stator coolant flow path 70b.

[0055] In the motor of Example 8, when the motor is operating, coolant flows not only through the coolant discharge channel 68 but also through the stator internal coolant channel 70. In Example 8, due to the effect of gravity, the pressure in the annular coolant channel 62 is higher below the center position CH than above the center position CH. Similar to Example 7, the imbalance of coolant flowing through the coolant discharge channel 68 between the upper and lower sides of the center position CH is suppressed, and the coil end 42a is cooled uniformly. Furthermore, in Example 8, the flow resistance of the stator internal coolant channel 70a located above the center position CH is smaller than the flow resistance of the stator internal coolant channel 70b located below the center position CH. Therefore, even if there is a pressure difference between the upper and lower sides of the center position CH, it is difficult for a difference to occur between the flow rate of coolant flowing through the stator internal coolant channel 70 located above the center position CH and the flow rate of coolant flowing through the stator internal coolant channel 70 located below the center position CH. For this reason, according to Example 8, the stator core 32 can be cooled uniformly.

[0056] In Example 8, a difference in cross-sectional area was provided throughout the flow direction of the stator coolant flow path 70. However, the flow resistance of the stator coolant flow path 70 may be adjusted by providing a throttling section in a part of the stator coolant flow path 70. For example, as shown in Figure 16, by providing a throttling section 70x with a smaller cross-sectional area at the downstream end of the stator coolant flow path 70b below the center position, the flow resistance of the lower stator coolant flow path 70b may be made greater than the flow resistance of the upper stator coolant flow path 70a.

[0057] In the embodiments described above, an annular coolant flow path 62 was provided inside the guide ring 60. However, as shown in Figure 17, the guide ring 60 may not have a flow path inside, and the annular coolant flow path 62 may be formed by the outer circumferential surface of the guide ring 60, the inner surface of the case 50, and the end face 32a of the stator core 32.

[0058] Although embodiments have been described in detail above, these are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technologies described in the claims include various modifications and changes to the specific examples illustrated above. The technical elements described in this specification or drawings exhibit technical usefulness individually or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Furthermore, the technologies illustrated in this specification or drawings achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving even one of these objectives constitutes technical usefulness. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 10: Motor 32: Stator Core 42a: Coil end 60: Guide ring 62: Annular coolant flow path 62a: Upper channel 62b: Lower flow path 64a, 64b: Partition wall 66: Coolant supply channel 68: Coolant discharge channel

Claims

[Claim 1] It is a motor, A stator whose central axis is positioned to intersect with respect to the vertical direction, An annular coolant flow channel having a ring shape extending around the central axis is provided along the end face of the stator, Each is connected to the annular coolant flow path, and there are multiple individual flow paths through which the coolant supplied from the annular coolant flow path flows. It has, The annular coolant flow path has a partition structure that divides the annular coolant flow path into an upper flow path and a lower flow path located below the upper flow path. The plurality of individual channels have a plurality of upper individual channels connected to the upper channel and a plurality of lower individual channels connected to the lower channel. The compartment structure is a check valve that allows the flow of coolant from the upper passage to the lower passage and prevents the flow of coolant from the lower passage to the upper passage. The system further includes a coolant supply channel that supplies coolant to the upper channel, Motor.

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