Rotor and rotating electric machine

Abstract

According to one embodiment of this rotor, the rotor is for a rotating electric machine rotating around a central axis, and the rotor comprises: a rotor core in which are provided a plurality of slots that are arranged side by side in a circumferential direction and penetrate in an axial direction; a plurality of conductor sections disposed in the slots; a pair of end rings that are located respectively on one axial-direction side and the other axial-direction side of the rotor core and link the plurality of conductor sections; and a pair of plate members that are located between the end rings and an end surface on the one axial-direction side of the rotor core and an end surface on the other axial-direction side of the rotor core, respectively. Either the plate members or the end rings have protruding sections that project in the axial direction. The other of the plate members and the end rings have accommodation sections that accommodate the protruding sections. The protruding sections and the accommodation sections extend in the circumferential direction.

Description

Rotor and rotating electric machine

[0001] The present invention relates to a rotor and a rotating electric machine.

[0002] A rotor for a rotating electric machine used as a drive source for an automobile may be a squirrel-cage rotor having a rotor core, conductor portions arranged in slots of the rotor core, and end rings that short-circuit the conductor portions. In a squirrel-cage rotor, it is necessary to prevent the conductor portions from coming off the slots due to centrifugal force. International Publication No. 2021 / 049002 discloses a structure in which a rotor core is provided with a plurality of circular holes arranged discretely in the circumferential direction, and a portion of the end ring is disposed inside the holes to prevent the end ring from deforming radially outward and prevent the conductor portions connected to the end ring from coming off the slots.

[0003] International Publication No. 2021 / 049002

[0004] In recent years, there has been a trend toward smaller size and higher output for rotating electrical machines used as the drive source for automobiles, which inevitably requires higher speeds. In rotating electrical machines with conventional structures, there is a concern that parts of the end rings inserted into the holes may be deformed or damaged by centrifugal force caused by high-speed rotation.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a rotor and a rotating electric machine that can suppress radially outward deformation of end rings even during high-speed rotation.

[0006] One aspect of the rotor of the present invention is a rotor for a rotating electric machine that rotates about a central axis, and includes a rotor core having a plurality of slots arranged circumferentially and penetrating in the axial direction, a plurality of conductor portions arranged in the slots, a pair of end rings located on one axial side and the other axial side of the rotor core, respectively, connecting the plurality of conductor portions, and a pair of plate members located between the end rings and the end faces on the one axial side and the other axial side of the rotor core, respectively. One of the plate members and the end rings has a protrusion protruding in the axial direction. The other of the plate member and the end ring has a housing portion that houses the protrusion. The protrusion and the housing portion extend circumferentially.

[0007] One aspect of the rotating electric machine of the present invention includes the rotor described above and a stator surrounding the rotor from the outside in the radial direction. The stator has an annular stator core and a coil attached to the stator core.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a rotor and a rotating electric machine that can suppress radially outward deformation of end rings even during high-speed rotation.

[0009] Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along the central axis of a rotating electric machine according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the central axis of a rotor according to an embodiment. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a rotor according to an embodiment. Fig. 4 is a partial plan view of a plate member according to an embodiment. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a rotor according to a first modified example. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a rotor according to a second modified example.

[0010] A rotor 20 according to the present invention and a rotating electric machine 1 having the rotor 20 will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The Z axis is illustrated in each drawing as necessary. The Z axis is a direction parallel to the central axis J of the rotating electric machine 1. In the following description, the direction parallel to the central axis J of the rotating electric machine 1 will be simply referred to as the "axial direction," the radial direction centered on the central axis J will be simply referred to as the "radial direction," and the circumferential direction centered on the central axis J, i.e., around the axis of the central axis J, will be simply referred to as the "circumferential direction."

[0011] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along a central axis J of a rotating electric machine 1 according to this embodiment. The rotating electric machine 1 according to this embodiment is a squirrel-cage three-phase AC motor. The rotating electric machine 1 according to this embodiment is mounted on a vehicle powered by a rotating electric machine, such as a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHV), or an electric vehicle (EV), and is used as the power source thereof. The rotating electric machine 1 has both a function of outputting power as a motor and a function of generating electricity as a generator. The rotating electric machine 1 may also be used as either a motor or a generator. The configuration of the rotating electric machine 1 is not limited to that of this embodiment, and may be, for example, an AC motor with four or more phases.

[0012] The rotating electric machine 1 of this embodiment has a rotor 20 configured as a squirrel-cage rotor, a stator 10 that generates a rotating magnetic flux by an alternating current, and a housing 6 that accommodates the rotor 20 and the stator 10. In the rotating electric machine 1, a rotational force is generated in the rotor 20 by linkage between the rotating magnetic flux generated from the stator 10 and an induced current generated in a conductor portion 40 of the rotor 20 configured as a squirrel-cage rotor.

[0013] The housing 6 has a housing main body 6a, a bearing holder 6b, and a pair of bearings 8a, 8b. The housing main body 6a has a tubular portion 6d and a bottom plate portion 6e. The tubular portion 6d is cylindrical and has a center on the central axis J. The bottom plate portion 6e extends radially inward from the end of the tubular portion 6d on the other axial side (-Z side). The bottom plate portion 6e holds the bearing 8a. The bearing holder 6b covers the opening on one axial side (+Z side) of the housing main body 6a. The bearing holder 6b holds the bearing 8b.

[0014] The stator 10 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 6d. The stator 10 is annular and centered on the central axis J. The stator 10 surrounds the rotor 20 from the radially outer side. The stator 10 includes an annular stator core 11 and coils 12 attached to the stator core 11. The stator core 11 is formed by stacking multiple electromagnetic steel plates in the axial direction. The stator core 11 includes a cylindrical core back portion 11a centered on the central axis J and multiple stator teeth 11b that protrude radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the core back portion 11a and are arranged in the circumferential direction. The coils 12 are attached to the stator teeth 11b. The coils 12 include three-phase coils, namely, U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase, through which AC current flows in different phases.

[0015] The rotor 20 rotates about the central axis J. The rotor 20 is rotatably supported by a pair of bearings 8a, 8b. The rotor 20 has a shaft 29, a rotor core 21, a plurality of conductor portions 40, a pair of end rings 50, and a pair of plate members 60. The shaft 29 is cylindrical and extends axially about the central axis J. The shaft 29 is supported by the pair of bearings 8a, 8b.

[0016] The rotor core 21 extends in the axial direction with, for example, a uniform cross section. The rotor core 21 is substantially circular when viewed in the axial direction. The outer peripheral surface of the rotor core 21 faces the inner peripheral surface of the stator 10 in the radial direction with a gap therebetween. The rotor core 21 is formed by laminating multiple electromagnetic steel plates in the axial direction. The rotor core 21 is fixed to the shaft 29. The rotor core 21 also holds multiple conductor portions 40 and a pair of end rings 50.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the central axis J of the rotor 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the rotor core 21 is provided with a central hole 21h that penetrates in the axial direction and a plurality of slots 30. The central hole 21h is substantially circular and centered on the central axis J. A shaft 29 is inserted into the central hole 21h. A pair of protrusions 21p that protrude radially inward is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the central hole 21h. Meanwhile, a pair of grooves 29g that extend along the axial direction is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 29. The protrusions 21p are inserted into the grooves 29g. As a result, the rotor core 21 is positioned circumferentially with respect to the shaft 29.

[0018] The multiple slots 30 are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. The slots 30 extend in the axial direction with a uniform cross-sectional shape. The slots 30 extend radially and open at their radially outer ends to the outer peripheral surface 21a of the rotor core 21. The rotor core 21 also has teeth 22 provided between circumferentially adjacent slots 30. In other words, the slots 30 are located between circumferentially adjacent tooth portions 22. The multiple teeth 22 are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. The shapes of the slots 30 and the teeth 22 will be described in detail later.

[0019] The conductor portion 40 is a rod-shaped portion that is disposed in the slot 30 and extends along the axial direction. The conductor portion 40 is made of a non-magnetic and conductive material, such as an aluminum alloy. The conductor portion 40 is formed by die-casting into the slot 30. Therefore, the cross-sectional shape of the conductor portion 40 as viewed in the axial direction is substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape of the slot 30.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1 , the conductor portions 40 extend linearly along the axial direction of the rotor core 21. The conductor portions 40 may extend at a slight circumferential incline relative to the axial direction. The length dimension of the conductor portions 40 is approximately equal to the axial dimension of the rotor core 21. One axial end and the other axial end of each of the multiple conductor portions 40 are connected to an end ring 50, respectively. As a result, the multiple conductor portions 40 lined up in the circumferential direction are short-circuited to each other. An induced current flows through the conductor portions 40 due to the rotational magnetic flux generated by the stator 10 when the rotor 20 rotates. The induced current flows axially through the conductor portions 40.

[0021] The end rings 50 are located on one axial side and the other axial side of the rotor core 21. The end rings 50 are annular and centered on the central axis J. The end rings 50 face the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 29 in the radial direction with a gap therebetween. The end rings 50 connect the multiple conductor portions 40 together. Like the conductor portions 40, the end rings 50 are made of a non-magnetic, conductive material such as an aluminum alloy. In this embodiment, the end rings 50 are formed integrally with the conductor portions 40 by die-cast molding.

[0022] The plate members 60 are plate-shaped and extend along a plane perpendicular to the central axis J. The pair of plate members 60 are located between the end faces of the rotor core 21 on one axial side and the other axial side and the end rings 50, respectively.

[0023] The plate members 60 protect the rotor core 21 when the conductor portions 40 and the end rings 50 are molded. As described above, the rotor core 21 is composed of a plurality of electromagnetic steel plates. The conductor portions 40 and the end rings 50 are die-cast to embed a portion of the rotor core 21. If the gaps between the electromagnetic steel plates that make up the rotor core 21 become large, there is a risk that molten metal, which is the material for the conductor portions 40 and the end rings 50, will infiltrate into these gaps. For this reason, the rotor core 21 is placed in a mold that molds the conductor portions 40 and the end rings 50 while being compressed in the axial direction to bring the electromagnetic steel plates into close contact with each other. The plate members 60 protect the axial end faces of the rotor core 21 when the rotor core 21 is compressed, thereby preventing damage to the rotor core 21.

[0024] In order to ensure sufficient strength and rigidity, the plate member 60 is preferably made of a metal material such as steel or an aluminum alloy, etc. The plate member 60 of this embodiment is manufactured by, for example, cutting.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the rotor. As shown in FIG. 3, the plate member 60 is provided with a plate center hole 69 and multiple plate slots 68. The plate center hole 69 is substantially circular and centered on the central axis J when viewed in the axial direction. When viewed in the axial direction, the plate center hole 69 overlaps with the central hole 21h. A protrusion 69p protruding radially inward is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the plate center hole 69. The protrusion 69p of the plate member 60 axially overlaps with the protrusion 21p of the rotor core 21 (see FIG. 2). The shaft 29 (see FIG. 2) is inserted into the plate center hole 69. The protrusion 69p is inserted into a groove 29g (see FIG. 2) provided on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 29. This positions the plate member 60 circumferentially relative to the shaft 29.

[0026] The plate slots 68 overlap the slots 30 of the rotor core 21 when viewed in the axial direction. The plate slots 68 penetrate the plate member 60 in the thickness direction. The plate slots 68 are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. The plate slots 68 extend radially and open radially outward at their radially outer ends. The axial ends of the conductor portions 40 are disposed in the plate slots 68.

[0027] The plate member 60 has a first surface 60a and a second surface 60b that face in opposite axial directions. The first surface 60a faces and contacts the end face of the rotor core 21 in the axial direction. The second surface 60b faces and contacts the end ring 50 in the axial direction. The second surface 60b is embedded by the end ring 50 when the end ring 50 is molded.

[0028] The second surface 60b is provided with a protrusion 61 that protrudes in the axial direction. Meanwhile, the end ring 50 is die-cast to be molded to match the shape of the second surface 60b. As a result, the end ring 50 is provided with an accommodation portion 51 that accommodates the protrusion 61.

[0029] The protrusions 61 protrude in the axial direction away from the rotor core 21. On the other hand, the accommodating portions 51 are recessed in the axial direction away from the rotor core 21. In this embodiment, the protrusions 61 extend in a rib-like manner along the circumferential direction. On the other hand, the accommodating portions 51 extend in a groove-like manner along the circumferential direction.

[0030] The protrusion 61 has a first locking surface 61a facing radially inward. On the other hand, the accommodation portion 51 has a second locking surface 51a facing the first locking surface 61a. The first locking surface 61a and the second locking surface 51a come into contact with each other.

[0031] When the rotor 20 rotates about the central axis J, centrifugal force is applied to the end rings 50 and the conductor portions 40. According to this embodiment, the plate member 60 can receive the centrifugal force applied to the end rings 50 at the first locking surfaces 61a. That is, according to this embodiment, the first locking surfaces 61a of the protrusions 61 are caught on the second locking surfaces 51a of the accommodation portions 51, thereby suppressing radial deformation and movement of the end rings 50 and the conductor portions 40.

[0032] The protrusion 61 and the accommodation portion 51 in this embodiment extend in the circumferential direction about the central axis J. Therefore, the first locking surface 61a and the second locking surface 51a in this embodiment each extend in the circumferential direction about the central axis J. According to this embodiment, the centrifugal force applied to the end ring 50 can be received by the first locking surface 61a extending along the circumferential direction of the protrusion 61. This makes it possible to prevent a large force from being applied locally to the protrusion 61, and to prevent the protrusion 61 from being damaged by the centrifugal force.

[0033] In particular, the protrusion 61 and the accommodation portion 51 in this embodiment extend in an annular shape centered on the central axis J. Therefore, the first locking surface 61 a and the second locking surface 51 a in this embodiment are each cylindrical surfaces centered on the central axis J. According to this embodiment, the protrusion 61 can receive the centrifugal force applied to the end ring 50 in a balanced manner over the entire circumference around the central axis J. This makes it possible to more reliably suppress damage to the protrusion 61 while suppressing radially outward deformation of the end ring 50 and the conductor portion 40.

[0034] In this embodiment, the plate member 60 has the protrusion 61, and the end ring 50 has the recess. However, as will be described in Modification 2 below, the plate member 60 may have the recess, and the end ring 50 may have the protrusion. In other words, the above-described effect can be obtained as long as one of the plate member 60 and the end ring 50 has the protrusion 61 that protrudes in the axial direction, and the other has the accommodation portion 51 that accommodates the protrusion 61.

[0035] In the rotor 20 of this embodiment, when centrifugal force is applied to the end rings 50, stress concentrates at the base of the protrusions 61. Therefore, if excessive centrifugal force is applied to the end rings 50, the protrusions may deform or break from their base. In this embodiment, the end rings 50 are formed by die-casting together with the conductor portions 40. Therefore, the material selection for the end rings 50 is limited, and a non-magnetic, die-castable material (e.g., aluminum alloy) is required. On the other hand, the material selection for the plate members 60 is more flexible than that for the end rings 50. Therefore, the plate members 60 can be made of a highly rigid material such as steel. According to this embodiment, by providing the protrusions 61 on the plate members 60, which can be made of a material with a relatively high rigidity, deformation and damage to the protrusions 61 are more easily suppressed than when the protrusions are provided on the end rings 50.

[0036] Furthermore, as shown in Modification 2 described below, when a recessed accommodating portion is provided in the plate member 60, it becomes necessary to thicken the plate member 60 in order to provide an accommodating portion of sufficient depth, which increases the overall axial size of the rotor 20. According to this embodiment, by providing the protrusions 61 on the plate member 60 and the accommodating portions 51 on the end rings 50, it is possible to reduce the axial size of the rotor 20.

[0037] In this embodiment, the protrusions 61 are located radially inward of the slots 30 as viewed from the axial direction. According to this embodiment, the protrusions 61 are less likely to obstruct the flow of molten metal during die casting than when the protrusions overlap the slots as viewed from the axial direction, and the occurrence of blowholes inside the conductor portions 40 and the end rings 50 can be suppressed. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the protrusions 61 are more likely to be entirely embedded inside the end rings 50 than when the protrusions are located radially outward of the slots as viewed from the axial direction (see Modification 2 shown in FIG. 5 ). This allows the plate member 60 and the end rings 50 to be in close contact over a wide area, suppressing rattles between the plate member 60 and the end rings 50.

[0038] Furthermore, the protrusions 61 are preferably provided along the radially inner ends 30a of the slots 30 as viewed in the axial direction. When the first locking surfaces 61a of the protrusions 61 receive centrifugal force acting on the end ring 50, a reaction force from the first locking surfaces 61a acts on the second locking surfaces 51a of the end ring 50. According to this embodiment, the radial thickness of the end ring 50 located radially inward of the second locking surfaces 51a can be increased, thereby increasing the rigidity and strength of the end ring 50 against the reaction force acting on the second locking surfaces 51a. This prevents deformation and damage to the end ring 50 and prevents radial outward movement of the end ring 50 and the conductor portions 40. By providing the protrusions 61 along the radially inner ends 30a of the slots 30 as viewed in the axial direction, the protrusions 61 are provided along the radially inner ends 30a of the plate slots 68.

[0039] In this embodiment, the protruding height H of the convex portion 61 is preferably smaller than the thickness T of the portion of the end ring 50 where the accommodation portion 51 is provided (H<T). If the protruding height H of the convex portion 61 is made too large, the cross-sectional area of ​​the end ring 50 will be reduced, and the electrical resistance of the end ring 50 will be increased. Furthermore, if the protruding height H of the convex portion 61 is made too large, it will be difficult for molten metal to flow around the base of the convex portion 61 when the end ring 50 is shaped by die casting, making it more likely that blowholes will occur in the end ring 50. That is, according to this embodiment, by making the protruding height of the convex portion 61 smaller than the thickness T of the portion of the end ring 50 where the accommodation portion 51 is provided, the cross-sectional area of ​​the end ring 50 can be ensured and the formability of the end ring 50 can be improved.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a portion of the plate member 60 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4 , the protrusion 61 extends in an annular shape along the circumferential direction radially inside the plate slot 68. Therefore, the protrusion 61 has a portion located radially inside the slot 30 and a portion located radially inside the tooth portion 22 when viewed in the axial direction. Here, a portion of the protrusion 61 located radially inside the slot 30 when viewed in the axial direction is referred to as a support portion 66, and another portion of the protrusion 61 located radially inside the tooth portion 22 when viewed in the axial direction is referred to as a connection portion 67. That is, the protrusion 61 has a plurality of support portions 66 and a plurality of connection portions 67. The support portions 66 and the connection portions 67 are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the connection portions 67 connect adjacent support portions 66 in the circumferential direction. The support portions 66 and the connection portions 67 are each part of a continuous rib extending along the circumferential direction. The support portion 66 and the connection portion 67 in this embodiment are named after the portions that are differently positioned relative to the slot 30, but have the same shape. Note that the support portion 66 and the connection portion 67 may have different shapes.

[0041] On the other hand, the accommodation portion 51 has a plurality of first portions 56 that accommodate the support portions 66 and a plurality of second portions 57 that accommodate the connection portions 67. The first portions 56 and the second portions 57 are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction.

[0042] The centrifugal force applied to the conductor portion 40 arranged in the slot 30 is mainly received by the support portion 66 located radially inside the slot 30. Therefore, when the centrifugal force becomes large, stress is concentrated at the base of the support portion 66, which may cause damage to the support portion. According to this embodiment, a connection portion 67 is provided between circumferentially adjacent support portions 66. This reinforces the support portion 66 by the connection portion 67, and damage to the base portion of the support portion 66 can be suppressed even if a large centrifugal force is applied to the conductor portion 40.

[0043] <Modifications> Modifications of the rotor will be described below. In the following description of each modification, the same components as those in the already described embodiment or modification will be assigned the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted. The rotor of each modification differs from the above-described embodiment in the shape of the plate member and the end rings formed to match the surface of the plate member.

[0044] 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a rotor 120 according to a first modification. As in the above-described embodiment, a plate member 160 is provided with a plate center hole 69 and a plurality of plate slots 168. The plate slots 168 of this modification do not open radially outward. Therefore, the radially outer ends of the plate member 160 of this modification overlap with the openings of the slots 30 when viewed in the axial direction.

[0045] The plate member 160 of this modified example is made of a plate material of approximately uniform thickness. The plate member 160 of this modified example is manufactured by pressing the plate material. The plate member 160 of this modified example has a convex portion 161 formed by bending the outer edge 160c in the axial direction. The convex portion 161 protrudes in the axial direction away from the rotor core 21. The convex portion 161 extends in the circumferential direction with the central axis J as its center. The convex portion 161 of this modified example is annular in shape with the central axis J as its center.

[0046] The end ring 150 is formed by die-casting so as to cover the end plate. The end ring 150 is provided with a receiving portion 151 that receives the protrusion 161. The receiving portion 151 is groove-shaped, recessed radially inward and opening radially outward. The receiving portion 151 extends in the circumferential direction about the central axis J. The receiving portion 151 of this modified example is annular and centered on the central axis J.

[0047] The protrusion 161 has a first locking surface 161a facing radially inward. Meanwhile, the accommodation portion 151 has a second locking surface 151a facing the first locking surface 161a. The first locking surface 161a and the second locking surface 151a contact each other. According to this modification, the first locking surface 161a is caught on the second locking surface 151a, so that the plate member 160 suppresses radial movement of the end ring 150 and the conductor portion 40.

[0048] According to this modified example, as in the above-described embodiment, the convex portion 161 and the accommodating portion 151 extend in the circumferential direction, which prevents large forces from being applied locally to the convex portion 161 and prevents the convex portion 161 from being damaged by centrifugal force.

[0049] The plate member 160 of this modified example is a plate material having a protrusion 161 provided on an outer edge 160c. According to this modified example, the protrusion 161 can be formed by bending, and the plate member 160 can be manufactured inexpensively. This makes it possible to provide the rotating electric machine 1 at low cost.

[0050] 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a rotor 220 according to Modification 2. As in the above-described embodiment, a plate member 260 is provided with a plate central hole 69 and a plurality of plate slots 68.

[0051] The plate member 260 also has a first surface 260a and a second surface 260b that face in opposite axial directions. The first surface 260a faces and contacts the end face of the rotor core 21. The second surface 260b faces and contacts the end ring 250. In this modified example, the second surface 260b is provided with an accommodating portion 262 that protrudes in the axial direction. The accommodating portion 262 extends in a groove-like shape along the circumferential direction. In this modified example, the accommodating portion 262 extends in an annular shape centered on the central axis J.

[0052] The end ring 250 is die-cast to be molded to match the shape of the second surface 260b, thereby providing the end ring 250 with a protrusion 252 that is received in the receiving portion 262.

[0053] The protrusion 252 has a first locking surface 252a facing radially inward. Meanwhile, the accommodation portion 262 has a second locking surface 262a facing the first locking surface 252a. The first locking surface 252a and the second locking surface 262a contact each other. According to this modification, the first locking surface 252a of the protrusion 252 hooks onto the second locking surface 262a of the accommodation portion 262, thereby suppressing radial movement of the end ring 250 and the conductor portion 40.

[0054] According to this modified example, as in the above-described embodiment, the convex portion 252 and the accommodating portion 262 extend circumferentially, thereby preventing large forces from being applied locally to the convex portion 252 and preventing the convex portion 252 from being damaged by centrifugal force.

[0055] According to this modification, the accommodating portion 262 is provided in a plate member 260 that is arranged at an end of the rotor core 21. According to this modification, the accommodating portion 262 is less likely to interfere with the formation of a magnetic path within the rotor core 21 than when the accommodating portion 262 is provided directly on the rotor core 21.

[0056] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the configurations and combinations thereof in the embodiments are merely examples, and additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications of the configurations are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

[0057] For example, the rotor may be manufactured by inserting a preformed rod-shaped conductor into a slot in a rotor core and connecting end rings to both ends of the conductor. Even in this case, the cross-sectional shape of the slot can be configured as described above to prevent the conductor from coming off the slot. Furthermore, the material of the conductor and the end ring is not limited to aluminum alloy, but may also be copper or a copper-based alloy.

[0058] In the above-described embodiments, the protrusion and the housing portion are described as being a continuous ring shape. However, if the protrusion and the housing portion extend in the circumferential direction, localized loads are less likely to be applied, and deformation and damage to the protrusion can be suppressed.

[0059] The present technology can be configured as follows: (1) A rotor for a rotating electric machine that rotates about a central axis, the rotor comprising: a rotor core having a plurality of slots that are arranged circumferentially and penetrate in the axial direction; a plurality of conductor portions arranged in the slots; a pair of end rings located on one axial side and the other axial side of the rotor core, respectively, and connecting the plurality of conductor portions; and a pair of plate members located between end faces on the one axial side and the other axial side of the rotor core and the end rings, respectively, wherein one of the plate members and the end rings has a convex portion protruding in the axial direction, and the other of the plate member and the end ring has a housing portion that houses the convex portion, the convex portion and the housing portion extending along the circumferential direction. (2) The rotor described in (1), wherein the convex portion has a plurality of support portions located radially inward of the slots as viewed from the axial direction, and a connection portion that connects circumferentially adjacent support portions, the housing portion having a first portion that houses the support portions and a second portion that houses the connection portion. (3) The rotor according to (1) or (2), wherein the protrusion and the accommodating portion extend in an annular shape centered on the central axis. (4) The rotor according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the plate member has the protrusion, and the end ring has the accommodating portion. (5) The rotor according to (4), wherein the plate member is a plate material having the protrusion provided on an outer edge. (6) The rotor according to (4) or (5), wherein the protrusion has a protruding height that is smaller than the thickness of the end ring at a portion where the accommodating portion is provided. (7) The rotor according to any one of (4) to (6), wherein the protrusion is located radially inside the slot as viewed from the axial direction. (8) The rotor according to (7), wherein the protrusion is provided along radially inside ends of a plurality of the slots as viewed from the axial direction. (9) The rotor according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the plate member has the accommodation portion and the end ring has the protrusion. (10) A rotating electric machine including the rotor according to any one of (1) to (9), and a stator surrounding the rotor from the outside in the radial direction, the stator including an annular stator core and a coil attached to the stator core.

[0060] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...rotating electric machine, 10...stator, 11...stator core, 12...coil, 20, 120, 220...rotor, 21...rotor core, 30...slot, 30a...end, 40...conductor portion, 50, 150, 250...end ring, 51, 151, 262...accommodation portion, 56...first portion, 57...second portion, 60, 160, 260...plate member, 61, 161, 252...protrusion, 66...support portion, 67...connection portion, 160c...outer edge, H...protrusion height, J...central axis, T...thickness

Claims

1. A rotor for a rotating electric machine that rotates about a central axis, comprising: a rotor core having a plurality of slots that are arranged circumferentially and penetrate in the axial direction; a plurality of conductor portions arranged in the slots; a pair of end rings located on one axial side and the other axial side of the rotor core, respectively, connecting the plurality of conductor portions; and a pair of plate members located between the end rings and the end faces on one axial side and the other axial side of the rotor core, respectively, wherein one of the plate member and the end ring has a convex portion protruding in the axial direction, and the other of the plate member and the end ring has an accommodating portion that accommodates the convex portion, and the convex portion and the accommodating portion extend circumferentially.

2. A rotor as described in claim 1, wherein the protrusion has a plurality of support portions located radially inward of the slot when viewed from the axial direction, and a connection portion connecting adjacent support portions in the circumferential direction, and the accommodating portion has a first portion that accommodates the support portions, and a second portion that accommodates the connection portion.

3. A rotor as set forth in claim 1, wherein said projection and said housing portion extend in an annular shape about a central axis.

4. A rotor according to claim 1, wherein said plate member has said protrusion, and said end ring has said housing portion.

5. A rotor according to claim 4, wherein said plate member is a plate material having said protrusions on an outer edge thereof.

6. A rotor as set forth in claim 4, wherein the protruding height of said convex portion is smaller than the thickness of the portion of said end ring where said receiving portion is provided.

7. A rotor according to claim 4, wherein said protrusion is located radially inward of said slot when viewed from the axial direction.

8. A rotor according to claim 7, wherein said protrusions are provided along radially inner ends of a plurality of said slots when viewed in the axial direction.

9. A rotor according to claim 1, wherein said plate member has said receiving portion, and said end ring has said protruding portion.

10. A rotating electric machine comprising: a rotor according to any one of claims 1 to 9; and a stator surrounding said rotor from the radially outside, said stator having an annular stator core and a coil attached to said stator core.

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