Connection module in rotary electric machine

Abstract

The objective of the present invention is to make a configuration for pulling out a coil wire in a rotary electric machine to another location more compact. A connection module in the rotary electric machine according to the present invention comprises an armature and a case housing the armature and also comprises: a conductive component that includes a first end section, a second end section, and a middle section positioned between the first end section and second end section and passing through a through-hole in the case; and a housing covering the conductive component. A fastening hole is open in an end face, of the first end section, on the other side of the middle section, and the housing covers the conductive component in a state in which at least the end face of the first end section and at least a portion of the second end section are exposed.

Description

Connection module for rotating electrical machines

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connection module in a rotating electric machine.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a terminal block including a metal plate and a plurality of terminal units held by the plate.

[0003] The terminal unit includes a resin housing and terminal fittings that are held by the housing and pass through openings in a plate. The terminal fittings are plate-shaped and have bolt insertion holes formed at both ends that pass through the plate in the thickness direction.

[0004] The terminal units are spaced apart from one another and are integrated together via a plate, and the terminal block is fixed to the case by the plate.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-157923

[0006] There is a demand for a more compact configuration for extracting the coil wires from within a rotating electric machine to a different location.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to make the configuration for extracting the coil wires in a rotating electric machine to another location more compact.

[0008] The connection module in a rotating electric machine of the present disclosure is a connection module in a rotating electric machine that includes an armature and a case that houses the armature, and includes a conductive part that includes a first end, a second end, and an intermediate part that is located between the first end and the second end and passes through a through hole in the case, and a housing that covers the conductive part, wherein a fastening hole is opened in the end face of the first end opposite the intermediate part, and the housing covers the conductive part while exposing at least the end face of the first end and at least a portion of the second end.

[0009] In addition, the connection module in a rotating electric machine of the present disclosure is a connection module in a rotating electric machine that includes an armature and a case that houses the armature, and includes a conductive part that includes a first end, a second end, and an intermediate part that is located between the first end and the second end and passes through a through hole in the case, and a housing that covers the conductive part, wherein the housing covers the conductive part while exposing at least a portion of the first end and at least a portion of the second end, and the housing is the part that passes through and is held in the through hole.

[0010] According to the present disclosure, the configuration for extracting the coil wires in the rotating electric machine to another location can be made more compact.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an electromechanical integrated unit according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view showing the electromechanical integrated unit. FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a connection module. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a connection module. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a connection module according to a first modified example. FIG. 7 is a side view showing a connection module according to a second modified example. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a connection module according to a third modified example. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a connection module according to a fourth modified example. FIG. 10 is a side view showing a connection module according to the fourth modified example.

[0012] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0013] The connection module in the rotating electric machine of the present disclosure is as follows.

[0014] (1) A connection module in a rotating electric machine having an armature and a case that houses the armature, the connection module comprising: a conductive part including a first end, a second end, and an intermediate part located between the first end and the second end and passing through a through hole in the case; and a housing that covers the conductive part, wherein a fastening hole is opened in the end face of the first end opposite the intermediate part, and the housing covers the conductive part while exposing at least the end face of the first end and at least a portion of the second end.

[0015] With this connection module, the component to be connected can be connected to the connection module by contacting the component to an end face of the first end and passing a fastener through the component to be connected and fastening it to the fastening hole. This allows for a compact connection structure between the component to be connected and the first end, and also makes it possible to further compact the configuration for extracting the coil wire from the rotating electric machine to another location.

[0016] (2) In the connection module for the rotating electric machine of (1), the housing may be a portion that is passed through and held by the through hole.

[0017] As a result, the housing is passed through and held in the through hole of the case, making it possible to reduce the size of the connection module in the rotating electrical machine.

[0018] (3) In the connection module for the rotating electric machine of (2), the housing may have a positioning protrusion that contacts the case so as to be positioned in the direction of the through hole.

[0019] This allows the connection module to be positioned relative to the through-hole by the structure of the housing itself, making it possible to make the configuration compact.

[0020] (4) A connection module in any one of the rotating electric machines (1) to (3), wherein the housing includes a peripheral wall portion surrounding the end face of the first end portion with the end face exposed, and the peripheral wall portion may have a recess that is partially recessed in the circumferential direction.

[0021] This allows the component to be pulled out of the first end portion through the recess while in contact with the end face, and stabilizes the direction in which the component extends relative to the first end portion when fastening the component to the end face of the first end portion.

[0022] (5) A connection module in any one of the rotating electric machines (1) to (4), wherein an opposite-side fastening hole is opened in the opposite end face of the second end opposite to the intermediate portion, and the housing may cover the conductive part while exposing at least the opposite end face of the second end.

[0023] This allows the other component to be connected to the connection module by contacting the other component with the opposite end face of the second end and passing a fastener through the other component and fastening it to the opposite fastening hole, thereby making the connection structure between the other component and the second end more compact and further compacting the configuration for drawing out the coil wire to another location within the rotating electric machine.

[0024] (6) A connection module in any one of the rotating electric machines (1) to (5), wherein a fastening plane is formed on a portion of the periphery of the second end, an opposite fastening hole is opened in the fastening plane, and the housing may cover the conductive part while exposing at least the fastening plane of the second end.

[0025] The second end of the connecting module is connected to the second end of the connecting module by fastening the second end of the connecting module to the first end of the connecting module.

[0026] (7) In the connection module for the rotating electric machine of (6), the housing may include a receiving portion that covers a periphery of the second end portion and a portion opposite to the fastening plane.

[0027] As a result, even if a foreign object is generated when the fastener is fastened into the opposite-side fastening hole, the foreign object is received by the receiving portion.

[0028] (8) A connection module in any one of the rotating electric machines of (1) to (7), wherein the first end is located within a space in the case that accommodates the armature, and further comprises an armature-side connection target component fastened and fixed to the first end in a state in contact with an end face of the first end, the armature-side connection target component being a component extending from the first end located on the outer periphery of the armature toward the inside of the armature, and the conductive component may pass through the case along the direction of the rotational axis of the rotating electric machine.

[0029] As a result, the conductive part penetrates the case along the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating electric machine, and the space around the armature can be partitioned in the direction of the rotation axis for effective use. In this case, it is easy to connect the armature-side connection target component to the first end of the conductive part located inside the case in a compact configuration.

[0030] The connecting modules in the rotating electric machine of the present disclosure are as follows.

[0031] (9) A connection module in a rotating electric machine having an armature and a case that houses the armature, the connection module comprising: a conductive part including a first end, a second end, and an intermediate part located between the first end and the second end and passing through a through hole in the case; and a housing that covers the conductive part, wherein the housing covers the conductive part while exposing at least a portion of the first end and at least a portion of the second end, and the housing is the part that passes through and is held in the through hole.

[0032] This allows the coil wire in the rotating electrical machine to be drawn to another location by utilizing the portions of the first end and the second end that are exposed from the housing. Because the housing is held in place through the through-hole of the case, the connecting module in the rotating electrical machine can be made smaller.

[0033] (10) In the connection module for the rotating electric machine of (9), the housing may have a positioning protrusion that contacts the case so as to be positioned in the direction of the through hole.

[0034] In this case, the connection module can be positioned relative to the through-hole by the structure of the housing itself, making it possible to make the configuration compact.

[0035] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure] Specific examples of connection modules in rotating electric machines according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0036] [Embodiment] Hereinafter, a connection module in a rotating electrical machine according to an embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, an example in which the connection module is incorporated into an electromechanical integrated unit will be described.

[0037] <Overall Configuration> For convenience of explanation, the overall configuration of the electromechanical integrated unit will be described. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the electromechanical integrated unit 20. Fig. 2 is a partial perspective view showing the electromechanical integrated unit 20. Fig. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Fig. 2.

[0038] The rotating electric machine 40 includes a case 30, an armature 42, and a field magnet 48. The rotating electric machine 40 may be an electric motor or a generator.

[0039] The case 30 includes a cylindrical case main body 32 with a bottom and a lid 36. An armature 42 serving as a stator is housed within the cylindrical case main body 32. A field magnet 48 is disposed within the armature 42 as a rotor. The field magnet 48 rotates due to a magnetic field generated by the armature 42, or the armature 42 generates an electromotive force due to the rotation of the field magnet 48. A rotating shaft 49 is connected to the field magnet 48, and the rotational driving force of the rotating electric machine 40 is output via the rotating shaft 49, and external rotational motion is input via the rotating shaft 49. The central axes of the field magnet 48 and the rotating shaft 49 are the rotation axis X.

[0040] The cylindrical case main body 32 has a partial partition 33 located partially around the outer periphery of the armature 42. The partial partition 33 is located deeper than the opening 32h in the cylindrical case main body 32 and is perpendicular to the rotation axis X. A partition side wall 34 extends from the periphery of the partial partition 33 toward the rear of the cylindrical case main body 32. As a result, the space in the cylindrical case main body 32 that houses the armature 42 and field magnet 48 is separated from the space deeper than the partial partition 33 in the cylindrical case main body 32 by the partial partition 33 and the partition side wall 34. The opening 32h is closed by the lid 31.

[0041] An expansion space forming portion 35 is formed on a part of the outer periphery of the cylindrical case main body 32. The expansion space forming portion 35 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped case surrounded by four side walls. An opening of the expansion space forming portion 35 on the opposite side from the cylindrical case main body 32 is closed by a lid portion 36.

[0042] The space within the expansion space forming portion 35 is continuous with the space surrounded by the partial partition 33 and the partition side wall 34. Therefore, the space within the expansion space forming portion 35 and the space 33S surrounded by the partial partition 33 and the partition side wall 34 can be used as a single continuous space for accommodating components. For example, the space within the expansion space forming portion 35 and the space 33S surrounded by the partial partition 33 and the partition side wall 34 can be used as a space for accommodating the control board 26 including an inverter control circuit on which a circuit for driving and controlling the rotating electric machine 40 is formed (see FIG. 3 ).

[0043] The armature 42 housed in the case 30 includes a coil wire 46a. The coil wire 46a is a linear conductive member made of copper wire or the like. The coil wire 46a may be wound around an armature core. A relay connection member 47 is connected to the coil wire 46a. The relay connection member 47 is a wiring for leading the coil wire 46a out of the armature 42. The relay connection member 47 may be a bus bar made of copper or the like, an electric wire in which a core wire including one or more strands is covered with insulating resin, or a braided wire made of braided metal wires. In the present embodiment, an example is described in which the relay connection member 47 is a bus bar made of copper or the like.

[0044] More specifically, the relay connection member 47 is an elongated metal plate member. One end of the relay connection member 47 is connected to the end of the coil wire 46a by welding, crimping, or the like. The relay connection member 47 is drawn out from the end of the coil wire 46a radially outward of the armature 42 in a direction intersecting (e.g., perpendicular to) the rotation axis X. A screw insertion hole 47h is formed in the other end of the relay connection member 47. For example, the other end of the relay connection member 47 has a shape including a disk-shaped portion 47a having the screw insertion hole 47h and an extension portion 47b extending from a circumferential portion of the disk-shaped portion 47a toward the coil wire 46a.

[0045] In this embodiment, relay connection members 47 corresponding to three phases, namely, U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase, extend outward from the armature 42. The relay connection members 47 extend in the cylindrical case main body 32 toward the adjacent portion of the partial partition 33 in the direction of the rotation axis X.

[0046] External bus bar terminals 27 extend as external wiring from the control board 26 accommodated in the space 33S. The external bus bar terminals 27 are bus bars formed from a metal plate such as copper. Screw insertion holes are formed in the external bus bar terminals 27. Three external bus bar terminals 27 may be provided corresponding to the three phases. The external bus bar terminals 27 extend in the space 33S toward the adjacent partial partition 33 in the direction of the rotation axis X.

[0047] That is, in the present embodiment, the partial partition 33 is disposed between the relay connection member 47 and the external bus bar terminal 27. The relay connection member 47 intersects (here, orthogonal to) the rotation axis X, and the external bus bar terminal 27 is parallel to the rotation axis X and intersects (here, orthogonal to) the relay connection member 47.

[0048] The connection module 50 is a connection module 50 in a rotating electric machine 40 that includes an armature 42 and a component 30 that houses the armature 42. In this embodiment, the components to be connected are the relay connection member 47 and the external bus bar terminal 27. In particular, the relay connection member 47 is an example of an armature-side component to be connected.

[0049] A through-hole 33h is formed in the partial partition 33 of the case 30, penetrating through the thickness direction thereof. The through-hole 33h may have a shape that maintains the same diameter continuously in the penetrating direction, or may have a shape in which the diameter changes in a tapered or stepped manner. By being passed through and held in the through-hole 33h, the connection module can be exposed to both the space 32S that houses the armature 42 of the case 30 and the space 33S that houses the control board 26, and the relay connection member 47 can be electrically connected to the external bus bar terminals 27.

[0050] <Connection Module> The connection module 50 will be described below. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the connection module 50, and Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the connection module 50.

[0051] The connection module 50 includes a conductive part 52 and a housing 60 .

[0052] The conductive component 52 includes a first end 54, a second end 56, and an intermediate portion 58 located between the first end 54 and the second end 56. The intermediate portion 58 passes through the through-hole 33h, thereby exposing at least a portion of the first end 54 to the space 32S and at least a portion of the second end 56 to the space 33S. The conductive component 52 may be formed, for example, by cutting, machining, or pressing a metal round bar-shaped base material. The conductive component 52 is formed, for example, from copper or aluminum.

[0053] The first end 54 is a portion that is connected to the intermediate connecting member 47, which is a component to be connected. In the present embodiment, a fastening hole 54h is opened in an end face 54f of the first end 54 opposite the intermediate portion 58. The fastening hole 54h is a hole into which a fastener is fastened. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the fastener is a screw S, and the fastening hole 54h is a threaded hole with a thread groove formed on the inner circumferential surface. The fastening hole 54h is a bottomed screw hole that extends from the end face 54f of the first end 54 toward the intermediate portion 58. The fastening hole 54h may also penetrate to the second end 56 side.

[0054] In this embodiment, the first end 54 and the intermediate portion 58 are formed in a cylindrical shape. The central axis of the first end 54 may coincide with the central axis of the fastening hole 54h. The first end 54 may be understood to be the portion of the conductive part 52 in the extension direction of the first end 54 where the fastening hole 54h is formed.

[0055] A fastening plane 56fa is formed on a portion of the periphery of the second end 56. In the present embodiment, the fastening plane 56fa is perpendicular to an opposite end face 56fb of the second end 56 opposite the intermediate portion 58 and parallel to the central axis of the conductive part 52. The fastening plane 56fa may be formed, for example, by cutting or pressing. The fastening plane may be oblique to the end face of the second end 56 opposite the intermediate portion 58 and may be non-parallel to the central axis of the conductive part 52. The first end and the intermediate portion may be formed in a rectangular bar shape.

[0056] An opposite-side fastening hole 56h opens in the fastening plane 56fa. The opposite-side fastening hole 56h faces from the fastening plane 56fa toward the side of the second end 56 opposite the fastening plane 56fa. The opposite-side fastening hole 56h may be a hole extending in a direction intersecting (e.g., perpendicular to) the fastening hole 54h. The opposite-side fastening hole 56h may be a blind hole or may be a hole penetrating the second end 56. A thread groove is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the opposite-side fastening hole 56h. In this embodiment, the opposite-side fastening hole 56h will be described assuming that it is a hole penetrating the second end 56.

[0057] The portion of the conductive part 52 where the fastening plane 56fa is formed in the extension direction of the second end 56 may be understood to be the second end.

[0058] The housing 60 is an insulating part that covers the conductive part 52. The housing 60 is, for example, a resin part. The housing 60 may be a part that is molded with the conductive part 52 as an insert part. The housing 60 may be a resin part that is molded separately from the conductive part 52, and the conductive part 52 may be inserted into the resin part and incorporated therein. The conductive part 52 may be a single part or may be an assembled part made up of multiple parts. The housing 60 insulates the case 30 from the conductive part 52. An adhesive for waterproofing may be interposed at the boundary between the conductive part 52 and the housing 60.

[0059] The housing 60 covers the conductive component 52 while leaving at least the end surface 54f of the first end 54 and at least a portion of the second end 56 exposed. The housing 60 may cover the entire intermediate portion 58 or may cover a portion of the intermediate portion 58. In this embodiment, the portion of the housing 60 that covers the intermediate portion 58 is formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0060] At least a portion of the housing 60 is a portion that is passed through and held in the through-hole 33 h. For example, the outer diameter of the portion of the housing 60 that covers the intermediate portion 58 is set to be the same as the inner diameter of the through-hole 33 h, so that the portion fits into the through-hole 33 h without any rattle.

[0061] The housing 60 has a positioning protrusion 61 that contacts the case 30 to position the housing 60 in the penetration direction of the through-hole 33h. Positioning here only needs to be performed in at least one direction in the penetration direction of the through-hole 33h. In this embodiment, the positioning protrusion 61 has an annular convex shape that is formed on the outer periphery of the housing 60 near the first end 54. When the housing 60 is inserted into the through-hole 33h from the space 32S side on the armature 42 side, the positioning protrusion 61 contacts the opening edge of the through-hole 33h on the space 32S side. This positions the housing 60 on one side in the penetration direction of the through-hole 33h.

[0062] The positioning protrusion may have a partial convex shape in the circumferential direction of the housing 60. The positioning protrusion of the housing may be positioned in the penetration direction of the through hole 33h by coming into contact with a step formed midway in the penetration direction of the through hole 33h.

[0063] The housing 60 may have a protrusion that contacts the edge of the opening on the side of the space 33S on the control board 26 side in the penetration direction of the through-hole 33h. In this case, the portion of the housing where the protrusion is formed may be configured to be press-fitted into the through-hole 33h.

[0064] A circumferential groove 60g is formed in a portion of the housing 60 that is disposed within the through-hole 33h. An annular elastic ring 68 is fitted onto the circumferential groove 60g. The annular elastic ring 68 is, for example, an O-ring made of rubber or the like. With the housing 60 inserted into the through-hole 33h, the annular elastic ring 68 is interposed in a compressed state between the housing 60 and the inner circumferential surface of the through-hole 33h. This prevents the intrusion or leakage of liquid or fluid that has traveled between the housing 60 and the inner circumferential surface of the through-hole 33h.

[0065] The housing 60 covers the entire intermediate portion 58 to the outer peripheral surface of the first end portion 54, and an end face 54f of the first end portion 54 is exposed at one end of the housing 60. Note that the entire end face 54f does not need to be exposed; for example, the outer peripheral edge of the end face 54f may be covered by a peripheral wall portion 62, which will be described later. The relay connection member 47 can come into surface contact with the end face 54f.

[0066] The housing 60 includes a peripheral wall 62 that surrounds the end face 54f of the first end 54, with the end face 54f exposed. The peripheral wall 62 is an annular portion that protrudes beyond the end face 54f. The disk-shaped portion 47a of the end of the relay connection member 47 can be disposed within the peripheral wall 62.

[0067] A recess 62g is formed in the peripheral wall 62, recessed partially in the circumferential direction. The bottom of the recess 62g is recessed deeper than the end face 54f. In other words, in the extension direction of the first end 54, the bottom of the recess 62g is located closer to the intermediate portion 58 than the end face 54f. Therefore, with the disk-shaped portion 47a in surface contact with the end face 54f, the extension portion 47b extending from the disk-shaped portion 47a can be pulled out to the outside of the peripheral wall 62 via the recess 62g. The width of the recess 62g may be the same as the width of the extension portion 47b, to the extent that the extension portion 47b can be accommodated without rattle.

[0068] The peripheral wall 62 may be formed in a shape that prevents rotation of the end portion of the relay connection member, depending on the shape of the end portion. For example, if the end portion of the relay connection member is square, the peripheral wall may be surrounded by straight walls on three sides so that the square portion can be accommodated in a non-rotating state.

[0069] The housing 60 covers the conductive component 52 while leaving at least a portion of the second end 56 exposed. In this embodiment, the housing 60 includes a receiving portion 64 that covers the periphery of the second end 56 on the side opposite the fastening plane 56fa. Thus, the housing 60 covers the conductive component 52 while leaving the fastening plane 56fa of the second end 56 exposed.

[0070] The receiving portion 64 is, for example, a semi-cylindrical portion. The receiving portion 64 can close the rear opening of the opposite-side fastening hole 56h on the opposite side from the fastening flat surface 56fa. This makes it difficult for foreign matter generated in the opposite-side fastening hole 56h to fall out of the rear opening of the opposite-side fastening hole 56h.

[0071] In the present embodiment, an opposite end surface 56fb of the second end 56 is exposed from the housing 60. The housing may cover the opposite end surface 56fb.

[0072] The receiving portion 64 may be omitted.

[0073] <Regarding the connection structure using the connection module> As described above, the connection module 50 is passed through and held in the through-hole 33h of the partial partition 33. Because the through-hole 33h is aligned along the direction of the rotation axis X, the conductive part 52 passes through the partial partition 33 of the case 30 along the direction of the rotation axis X.

[0074] In this state, the first end 54 is located within the space 32S that houses the armature 42. The second end 56 is located within the space 33S that houses the control board 26.

[0075] The disc-shaped portion 47a at the end of the relay connecting member 47, which is the armature-side connection target component, contacts the end surface 54f of the second end 56 at a position surrounded by the peripheral wall 62. Furthermore, the extension portion 47b extending from the disc-shaped portion 47a passes through the recess 62g of the peripheral wall 62 and is pulled outward from the peripheral wall 62. In this state, the screw S is inserted into the screw insertion hole 47h of the disc-shaped portion 47a and fastened to the fastening hole 54h. When the screw S is rotated for fastening, a co-rotating force acts on the disc-shaped portion 47a. However, because the extension portion 47b is positioned within the recess 62g, rotation of the disc-shaped portion 47a is suppressed. This restricts the extension direction of the relay connecting member 47 relative to the first end 54 to a fixed direction.

[0076] The relay connection member 47 is connected to the coil wire 46 a from a first end 54 located on the outer periphery of the armature 42 toward the inside of the armature 42 .

[0077] Furthermore, a control board 26 is housed within the space 33S, and external bus bar terminals 27 extend from the control board 26. With the external bus bar terminals 27 arranged so as to be in surface contact with the fastening plane 56fa, screws S are inserted into screw insertion holes formed in the external bus bar terminals 27 and fastened to the opposite-side fastening holes 56h.

[0078] As a result, the coil wire 46 a is electrically connected to the control board 26 via the relay connection member 47 and the connection module 50 .

[0079] <Effects, etc.> With the connection module 50 configured as described above, the opposite-side fastening hole 56h opens in the end face 54f of the first end 54 opposite the intermediate portion 58, and the housing 60 covers the conductive component 52 while exposing at least the end face 54f of the first end 54 and at least a portion of the second end 56. Therefore, the relay connection member 47 can be connected to the connection module 50 by contacting the relay connection member 47 with the end face 54f of the first end 54 and passing a screw S as a fastener through the screw insertion hole 47h of the relay connection member 47 and fastening it to the opposite-side fastening hole 56h. This allows for a compact connection structure between the relay connection member 47 and the first end 54, and further compactness of the configuration for extracting the coil wire 46a from the rotating electric machine 40 to another location.

[0080] Consider a case in which the conductive components of the connection module are formed by processing a plate material. In this case, to connect the conductive components to the relay connection member 47 extending perpendicular to the conductive components, it is conceivable to bend the conductive components into an L-shape and fasten a fastening nut to the end of the bent portion. In this case, the L-shaped bent end widens in a direction perpendicular to the middle of the conductive components, which may result in an increased size of the connection structure with the conductive components. Furthermore, since it is sufficient to form a thread on the inner circumferential surface of the fastening hole 54h, there is no need to add a nut, which reduces the number of parts. As a result, costs can also be reduced.

[0081] In this embodiment, the first end 54 for fastening can be disposed on an extension of the intermediate portion 58, so the first end 54 is unlikely to extend far beyond the extension of the intermediate portion 58. Also, there is no need to attach a separate fastening nut. This allows for a more compact connection structure between the relay connection member 47 and the connection module 50.

[0082] Furthermore, because the housing 60 is the portion that is passed through and held within the through-hole 33h, the connection module 50 can be fixed to the case 30 in a compact configuration. For example, a separate bracket for screw fixing can be omitted to fix the housing 60 to the case 30. Therefore, the fixing structure of the connection module 50 can be made smaller by the amount that the fixing bracket can be omitted.

[0083] Furthermore, since the housing 60 has a positioning protrusion 61, the structure of the housing 60 itself can position the connection module 50 relative to the through hole 33h, making it possible to compact the configuration for fixing the connection module 50 to the case 30.

[0084] The connection module 50 may be supported so as to be held in a fixed position by fixing the first end 54 or the second end 56 to a component to be connected that is placed in a fixed position.

[0085] The housing 60 also has a peripheral wall 62 that surrounds the end face 54f, and a recess 62g is formed in the peripheral wall 62. Therefore, with the disk-shaped portion 47a of the relay connecting member 47 in contact with the end face 54f within the peripheral wall 62, the extending portion 47b can be pulled out to the outside of the peripheral wall 62 via the recess 62g. Because the extending portion 47b is located within the recess 62g, the relay connecting member 47 is less likely to rotate around the first end 54 during, for example, the fastening operation of the screw S. This stabilizes the extending direction of the relay connecting member 47 relative to the first end 54 when fastening the relay connecting member 47 to the end face of the first end 54.

[0086] A fastening plane 56fa is formed on a portion of the periphery of the second end 56, and an opposite-side fastening hole 56h opens in the fastening plane 56fa. The housing 60 covers the conductive component 52 while leaving the fastening plane 56fa of the second end 56 exposed. Therefore, the external bus bar terminal 27, which is another component to be connected, can be connected to the connection module 50 by contacting the fastening plane 56fa of the second end 56 and passing a screw S through the external bus bar terminal 27 and fastening it into the opposite-side fastening hole 56h. This allows the relay connection member 47 and the external bus bar terminal 27 to be connected via the conductive component 52, with the fastening directions of the relay connection member 47 and the external bus bar terminal 27 being different.

[0087] The housing 60 also includes a receiving portion 64 that covers the periphery of the second end 56 on the side opposite the fastening flat surface 56fa. Therefore, even if a foreign object is generated when the screw S is fastened into the opposite-side fastening hole 56h, the foreign object is received by the receiving portion 64.

[0088] Furthermore, the conductive component 52 penetrates the partial partition 33 of the case 30 along the direction of the rotation axis X. This facilitates effective utilization of the space around the armature 42 by dividing it with the partial partition 33 in the direction of the rotation axis X. For example, the space on one main surface of the partial partition 33 can be utilized as a space for extending the relay connection member 47 outside the armature 42 and connecting it to the connection module 50, and the space on the other main surface of the partial partition 33 can be utilized as a space for accommodating the control board 26. This effectively utilizes space that would otherwise become dead space, facilitating the overall miniaturization of the electromechanical integrated unit 20. In this case, the relay connection member 47 can be easily connected in a compact configuration to the first end 54 located within the space 32S accommodating the armature 42.

[0089] Furthermore, with this connection module 50, because the housing 60 is the portion that is passed through and held in the through-hole 33h, it is possible to realize a configuration in which the coil wire 46a of the rotating electric machine 40 can be drawn to another location by utilizing the portions of the first end 54 and the second end 56 that are exposed from the housing. Because the housing 60 is passed through and held in the through-hole 33h of the case 30, it is possible to reduce the size of the connection module 50 in the rotating electric machine 40. This effect can be obtained even if the end face 54f does not have the fastening hole 54h formed therein.

[0090] In this case, since the housing 60 has the positioning protrusions 61, the structure of the housing 60 itself can position the connection module 50 with respect to the through-hole 33h, making it possible to further compact the configuration.

[0091] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the end surface 54 f and the fastening holes 54 h are located within the space 32S that houses the armature 42. However, the configuration in which the fastening holes are formed on the end surface may be located on the side of the space 32S that houses the control board 26.

[0092] In addition, in the embodiment, the second end 56 does not have to be located within the space 33S that houses the control board 26, and may be exposed to the outside of the case, for example.

[0093] Various modifications based on the above embodiment will be described.

[0094] In a connection module 150 according to a first modified example shown in FIG. 6 , a conductive part 152 corresponding to the conductive part 52 includes a first end 54, a second end 156, and an intermediate portion 58. Unlike the first end 56, the second end 156 includes a plate-like portion, more specifically, a portion formed in a disk-shaped portion 156a. The disk-shaped portion 156a may be formed, for example, by pressing one end of a round bar-shaped base material. A screw insertion hole is formed in the disk-shaped portion 156a, and a nut 156b having a threaded groove is fixed thereto. The nut 156b is fixed to the disk-shaped portion 156a by, for example, caulking or welding. With a component to be connected placed on the disk-shaped portion 156a, a screw is threaded through the screw insertion hole of the component to be connected and the screw insertion hole of the disk-shaped portion 156a and threadedly fastened to the nut 156b, thereby fixing the component to the second end 156.

[0095] The housing 160 corresponding to the housing 60 exposes the end surface 54f and outer periphery of the first end 54, and covers the intermediate portion 58 while exposing the second end 156. In other words, the housing 160 does not include the peripheral wall portion 62 and the receiving portion 64. However, the housing 160 has the positioning protrusion 61 described in the embodiment.

[0096] In this modified example, since the connection module 150 has the first end 54, the effects of the first end 54 are the same as those of the above embodiment.

[0097] Furthermore, since the housing 160 of the connection module 150 is configured to be passed through and held in the through-hole 33h, the effects of this passing through and holding are the same as those of the above embodiment.

[0098] 7 , a connecting module 250 according to a second modification includes a conductive part 252 corresponding to the conductive part 52, and includes a first end 54, a second end 256, and an intermediate portion 58. The second end 256 differs from the second end 56 in that an opposite-side fastening hole 256h opens in an opposite end surface 256f opposite the intermediate portion 58. In other words, the second end 256 has the same configuration as the first end 54, except that the second end 256 faces the opposite side from the first end 54.

[0099] The housing 260 corresponding to the housing 60 covers the conductive component 252 while exposing at least the opposite end surface 256f of the second end 256. Therefore, when the external bus bar terminal 227 corresponding to the external bus bar terminal 27 extends parallel to the opposite end surface 256f of the second end 256, the external bus bar terminal 227 can be fastened to the second end 256 with the screw S while the external bus bar terminal 227 is in contact with the opposite end surface 256f. The housing 260 has the positioning protrusion 61 described in the embodiment.

[0100] In this modified example, since the connection module 250 has the first end 54, the effects of the first end 54 are the same as those of the above embodiment.

[0101] Furthermore, in this modification, fastening holes 54h, 256h are formed on both end faces 54f, 256f, respectively, which allows for a compact connection configuration with the components to be connected at both ends of the connection module 250. This configuration is also effective when the components to be connected at both ends are parallel to each other and have opposing fastening directions.

[0102] Furthermore, since the housing 260 of the connection module 250 is configured to be passed through and held in the through-hole 33h, the effects of this passing through and holding are the same as those of the above embodiment.

[0103] In a connection module 350 according to a third modification shown in FIG. 8 , a conductive part 352 corresponding to the conductive part 52 includes a first end 354, a second end 356, and an intermediate part 58. Unlike the first end 54, the first end 354 includes a plate-like portion, more specifically, a rectangular plate-like portion 354a. A relay connection member 347 corresponding to the relay connection member 47 is joined to the rectangular plate-like portion 354a. The joining may be by ultrasonic welding, laser welding, resistance welding, or soldering.

[0104] The relay connection member 347 may be an electric wire or a braided wire. In this embodiment, the relay connection member 347 includes a plurality of electric wires 347a arranged in parallel. The other end of the relay connection member 347 is joined to a coil wire or a bus bar connected to the coil wire. Such a relay connection member 347 can bend more flexibly than a bus bar formed of a metal plate. The second end 356 has a configuration similar to that of the second end 256 according to the second modified example.

[0105] The housing 360 corresponding to the housing 60 covers the intermediate portion 58 while exposing the end face and outer periphery of the second end portion 356 and the first end portion 354. The housing 360 has the positioning protrusion 61 described in the embodiment.

[0106] In this modified example, the connection module 350 has the second end 356, and therefore the effects of the second end 356 are the same as those of the first end 54 in the above embodiment.

[0107] Furthermore, since the housing 360 of the connection module 350 is configured to be passed through and held in the through-hole 33h, the effects of this passing through and holding are the same as those of the above embodiment.

[0108] In a connection module 450 according to a fourth modification shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a conductive part 452 corresponding to the conductive part 52 includes a first end 454, a second end 456, and an intermediate part 458.

[0109] The second end 456, like the second end 156 described in the first modified example, has a configuration in which a nut 456b is fixed to a disk-shaped portion 456a having a screw insertion hole.

[0110] The intermediate portion 458 is formed in a strip shape.

[0111] The first end 454, like the second end 456, has a configuration in which a nut 454b is fixed to a disk-shaped portion 454a having a screw insertion hole. Unlike the second end 456, the first end 454 is bent with respect to the intermediate portion 458. The first end may also extend straight with respect to the intermediate portion.

[0112] The housing 460 corresponding to the housing 60 covers the middle portion 458 while exposing the first end portion 454 and the second end portion 456. The housing 460 can be inserted into and held in the through-hole 33h, and has the positioning protrusion 61 described in the embodiment.

[0113] In this modified example, the housing 460 of the connection module 450 is configured to be penetrated and held in the through-hole 33h, and therefore the effect of the penetration and holding is the same as in the above embodiment. In addition, it is easy to fasten the target connection components 470, 472, which extend in different directions, for example, in directions perpendicular to each other, with the screws S.

[0114] The configurations described in the above embodiment and modifications can be combined as appropriate as long as they are not mutually inconsistent.

[0115] 20 Mechanically and electrically integrated unit 26 Control board 27, 227 External bus bar terminal 30 Case 31, 36 Lid portion 32 Cylindrical case main body 32S Space 32h Opening 33 Partial partition 33S Space 33h Through hole 34 Partition side wall 35 Expansion space forming portion 40 Rotating electric machine 42 Armature 46a Coil wire 47, 347 Relay connection member 47a Disk-shaped portion 47b Extension portion 47h Screw insertion hole 48 Field magnet 49 Rotating shaft 50, 150, 250, 350, 450 Connection module 52, 152, 252, 352, 452 Conductive part 54, 354, 454 First end portion 54f End face 54h Fastening hole 56, 156, 256, 356, 456 Second end 56fa Fastening plane 56fb, 256f Opposite end face 56h, 256h Opposite fastening hole 58, 458 Intermediate portion 60, 160, 260, 360, 464 Housing 60g Circumferential groove 61 Positioning protrusion 62 Peripheral wall portion 62g Recess 64 Receiving portion 68 Annular elastic ring 156a, 454a, 456a Disk-shaped portion 156b, 454b, 456b Nut 347a Electric wire 354a Rectangular plate-shaped portion 470, 472 Target connecting part S Screw X Rotation axis

Claims

1. A connection module in a rotating electric machine having an armature and a case that houses the armature, comprising: a conductive part including a first end, a second end, and an intermediate part located between the first end and the second end and passing through a through hole of the case; and a housing that covers the conductive part, wherein a fastening hole is opened in the end face of the first end opposite the intermediate part, and the housing covers the conductive part while leaving at least the end face of the first end and at least a portion of the second end exposed.

2. A connection module for a rotating electric machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing is a part that is passed through and held in the through hole.

3. A connection module for a rotating electric machine as claimed in claim 2, wherein the housing has a positioning protrusion that contacts the case so as to be positioned in the direction in which the through hole penetrates.

4. A connection module in a rotating electric machine as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the housing includes a peripheral wall portion surrounding the end face of the first end portion with the end face exposed, and a recess that is partially recessed in the circumferential direction is formed in the peripheral wall portion.

5. A connection module in a rotating electric machine as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an opposite side fastening hole is opened in an opposite side end face of the second end opposite to the intermediate portion, and the housing covers the conductive part while leaving at least the opposite side end face of the second end exposed.

6. A connection module for a rotating electric machine as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a fastening plane is formed on a part of the periphery of the second end, an opposite side fastening hole is opened in the fastening plane, and the housing covers the conductive part while exposing at least the fastening plane of the second end.

7. A connection module for a rotating electric machine as claimed in claim 6, wherein the housing includes a receiving portion covering a periphery of the second end portion on the opposite side to the fastening plane.

8. A connection module in a rotating electric machine as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first end is located within the space of the case that accommodates the armature, and the connection module further comprises an armature-side connection target component fastened to the first end in a state of contact with an end face of the first end, the armature-side connection target component being a component extending from the first end, located on the outer periphery of the armature, toward the inside of the armature, and the conductive component penetrating the case along the direction of the rotational axis of the rotating electric machine.

9. A connection module in a rotating electric machine having an armature and a case that houses the armature, comprising: a conductive part including a first end, a second end, and an intermediate part located between the first end and the second end and passing through a through hole of the case; and a housing that covers the conductive part, wherein the housing covers the conductive part while leaving at least a portion of the first end and at least a portion of the second end exposed, and the housing is a part that is passed through and held in the through hole.

10. A connection module for a rotating electric machine according to claim 9, wherein the housing has a positioning protrusion that contacts the case so as to position the housing in the direction in which the through hole penetrates.

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