Rotary electric machine

Abstract

A rotary electric machine (100) comprises a stator (101), a rotor (102), an enclosure (103) accommodating the above, a single or a plurality of sensor elements (4b) attached to the inner side of the enclosure (103), a plurality of signal lines (4a) having one end connected to the sensor element (4b) and the other end connected to a connector (4c), and a holding part (5) provided on one or both of the stator (101) and the enclosure (103) to hold a portion of the plurality of signal lines (4a) between the sensor element (4b) and the connector (4c), wherein the plurality of signal lines (4a) have a twisted-structure section (4e) in a single or a plurality of locations where the plurality of signal lines (4a) are twisted together, and the twisted-structure section (4e) is provided in one of both of a region including the portion of the plurality of signal lines (4a) that is held by the holding part (5) and a region of the portion between the holding part (5) and the sensor element (4b).

Description

Rotating electric machines

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

[0002] A rotating electric machine includes one or more sensor elements. A signal line is connected to the sensor element attached to the rotating electric machine, and a connector is provided on the end of the signal line opposite the sensor element. The rotating electric machine includes a signal line holding structure. A physical quantity detected by the sensor element is output to the outside of the rotating electric machine via the connector. The sensor element is, for example, a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of a stator coil provided in the rotating electric machine. An assembly structure for a signal line connected to a thermistor, which is a temperature sensor, has been disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In Patent Document 1, a rotating electric machine includes a rotor, a stator provided with multiple coils, a sensor element for detecting the temperature of the coils, a signal line connected to the sensor element, and a guide mechanism for regulating the direction of extension of the signal line. The sensor element is inserted between two adjacent coils of the multiple coils, and one end of the signal line is connected to the sensor element, while the other end of the signal line is drawn out to the outside of the stator. The signal line has multiple bends, and the guide mechanism regulates the direction of extension of the signal line drawn out to the outside of the stator so as to maintain the bent state of the signal line at the bends.

[0004] In this configuration, the sensor element is not fixed, and is therefore prevented to some extent from being pulled out of the stator, thereby improving the workability when attaching the sensor element to the rotating electrical machine.

[0005] International Publication No. 2019 / 097992

[0006] In the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, by providing a guide mechanism, it is possible to prevent the sensor element from being pulled out of the stator to some extent without fixing it. However, since the guide mechanism has an inner diameter larger than the thickness of the signal wire, it can restrict the extension direction of the signal wire but does not have the function of holding the signal wire. The rotating electric machine is provided with a connector connected to the end of the signal wire on the opposite side from the sensor element side. There is a problem that if the connector is pulled too hard when mating with an external mating connector, the sensor element will come out from between the coils. Furthermore, even if the sensor element does not come out from between the coils, there is a problem that the position of the sensor element will be shifted.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a rotating electric machine that suppresses displacement of a sensor element and the sensor element from falling off.

[0008] The rotating electric machine of the present disclosure comprises a stator having a cylindrically formed stator core and a plurality of coils made of windings wound around the stator core, a rotor provided radially inside the stator and arranged opposite the stator, a housing that houses the stator and the rotor, one or more sensor elements attached to the inside of the housing, a plurality of signal lines each having one end connected to the sensor element and the other end connected to a connector, and a holding portion provided on one or both of the stator and the housing that holds portions of the plurality of signal lines between the sensor element and the connector, wherein the plurality of signal lines have one or more twisted structure portions in which each of the plurality of signal lines is twisted relative to one another, and the twisted structure portions are provided in one or both of a region of the plurality of signal lines including the portion held by the holding portion and a region between the holding portion and the sensor element.

[0009] According to the rotating electric machine of the present disclosure, the rotating electric machine comprises one or more sensor elements attached to the inside of a housing, a plurality of signal lines, one end of which is connected to the sensor element and the other end of which is connected to a connector, and a retaining portion provided on one or both of the stator and the housing and which holds portions of the plurality of signal lines between the sensor element and the connector, the plurality of signal lines having one or more twisted structure portions in which each of the plurality of signal lines is twisted relative to each other, and the twisted structure portions are provided in one or both of an area including the portions of the plurality of signal lines held by the retaining portion and an area between the retaining portion and the sensor element, so that the twisted structure portion has peaks protruding in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the plurality of signal lines extend and valleys sandwiched between the peaks, and even if the plurality of signal lines are pulled by pulling the connector, the valleys catch on the connector-side end of the retaining portion, thereby preventing the plurality of signal lines on the sensor element side from moving in the direction in which the plurality of signal lines are pulled and preventing a pulling force from acting on the sensor element. Since the movement of the plurality of signal lines on the side of the sensor element relative to the holding portion is suppressed, it is possible to suppress the positional deviation of the sensor element and the falling off of the sensor element.

[0010] Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view parallel to the axial direction showing an outline of a rotating electric machine according to embodiment 1. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a main part of the rotating electric machine according to embodiment 1. Fig. 3 is a plan view showing an outline of a sensor ASSY of the rotating electric machine according to embodiment 1. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of a holding part of the rotating electric machine according to embodiment 1. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing a main part of the rotating electric machine according to embodiment 1. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of the rotating electric machine according to embodiment 1. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of the rotating electric machine according to embodiment 1. Fig. 8 is a plan view showing an outline of a sensor ASSY of a rotating electric machine according to embodiment 2.

[0011] Hereinafter, a rotating electric machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the same or equivalent members and parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals in the various drawings.

[0012]

[0023] Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view parallel to the axial direction showing an outline of a rotating electric machine 100 according to embodiment 1, Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a main portion of the rotating electric machine 100, showing the other axial side of the stator 101, Fig. 3 is a plan view showing an outline of a sensor ASSY 4 of the rotating electric machine 100, Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of a first holding portion 51, which is a holding portion 5 of the rotating electric machine 100, showing a portion where the first holding portion 51 is provided, as viewed from the radially inner side, Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing an outline of a main portion of the rotating electric machine 100, showing a portion where the holding portion 5 is provided, Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of a main portion of the rotating electric machine 100, showing a configuration in which the flange portion 2a functions as the holding portion 5, and Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of a main portion of the rotating electric machine 100, showing a configuration in which the holding portion 5 is provided on an insulator 7. The rotating electric machine 100 includes a stator 101 and a rotor 102, and functions as a motor or a generator. The rotating electric machine 100 of this embodiment is a permanent magnet type rotating electric machine in which the rotor 102 has a magnet 102c. The rotating electric machine 100 is not limited to the permanent magnet type, and may have a configuration in which a field winding is wound around the rotor core 102b. Hereinafter, the circumferential direction of the stator core 1 will be referred to as the circumferential direction, the axial direction of the stator core 1 will be referred to as the axial direction, and the radial direction of the stator core 1 will be referred to as the radial direction. In the drawings, the radial direction is indicated by arrow X, the inside of the radial direction is indicated by arrow X1, and the outside of the radial direction is indicated by arrow X2. The axial direction is also indicated by arrow Y, with one side of the axial direction indicated by arrow Y1 and the other side of the axial direction indicated by arrow Y2.

[0013] <Rotating Electric Machine 100> As shown in Fig. 1, the rotating electric machine 100 includes a stator 101 having a cylindrical stator core 1 and a plurality of coils 3 formed by windings wound around the stator core 1, a rotor 102 disposed radially inside the stator 101 and facing the stator 101, and a housing 103 that houses the stator 101 and the rotor 102. The rotor 102 includes a rotor core 102b, a shaft 102a inserted through the axial center of the rotor core 102b, and a plurality of magnets 102c that form magnetic poles. The magnets 102c are embedded on the outer peripheral surface of the rotor core 102b and arranged at a predetermined pitch in the circumferential direction. The shaft 102a is rotatably supported by the housing 103 via bearings 104.

[0014] The stator 101 has a plurality of insulators 7 at one and the other axial ends, which hold windings and are fixed to the stator core 1. Figure 2 shows the insulator 7 provided at the other axial end. The insulator 7 is made of, for example, a resin material. The resin material is, for example, PPS. The insulator 7 is fixed to the stator core 1 by, for example, press fitting. The stator core 1 is held by a cylindrical frame 2 provided on the outer periphery. The frame 2 forms part of the housing 103. The frame 2 is omitted in Figure 1. The frame 2 has a flange portion 2a at the other axial end. The flange portion 2a is a portion of the frame 2 that protrudes radially outward.

[0015] <Twisted Structure 4e> A holding structure for multiple signal lines 4a, which is a key feature of the present disclosure, will now be described. The rotating electric machine 100 further includes one or more sensor elements 4b attached to the inside of the housing 103, multiple signal lines 4a connected at one end to the sensor elements 4b and at the other end to the connector 4c, and a holding portion 5 provided on one or both of the stator 101 and the housing 103 and holding portions of the multiple signal lines 4a between the sensor elements 4b and the connector 4c. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 , a single sensor element 4b (shown by the dashed line in the figure) is provided in the rotating electric machine 100. However, this is not limited thereto, and multiple sensor elements 4b may be provided in the rotating electric machine 100. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first holding portion 51 and the second holding portion 52, which are the holding portion 5, are provided in the housing 103. However, this is not limited thereto. The holding portion 5 may be provided, for example, in the insulator 7 of the stator 101. In FIG. 2, the signal lines 4a are covered with a tube 4d.

[0016] The sensor assembly 4 shown in FIG. 3 is formed from multiple signal lines 4a, a sensor element 4b, and a connector 4c. In FIG. 3, the area where the tube 4d is provided is narrowed so that the multiple signal lines 4a are visible. Details of the tube 4d will be described later. The multiple signal lines 4a have a single or multiple twisted structure 4e where each of the multiple signal lines 4a is twisted with respect to each other. In this embodiment, two signal lines, 4a1 and 4a2, are provided as the multiple signal lines 4a, but the number of signal lines is not limited to this. The twisted structure 4e is provided in one or both of the area including the portion of the multiple signal lines 4a held by the holding portion 5 and the area between the holding portion 5 and the sensor element 4b. In FIG. 3, the portions held by the first holding portion 51 and the second holding portion 52, which are the holding portion 5, are indicated by dashed lines. In the present embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the multiple signal lines 4a have a single twist structure portion 4e, and the twist structure portion 4e is provided in both the region including the portion held by the holding portion 5 and the region between the holding portion 5 and the sensor element 4b.

[0017] The provision of the twisted structure 4e forms peaks 4e1 protruding in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the signal lines 4a extend (direction A in FIG. 3 ), and valleys 4e2 sandwiched between the peaks 4e1. Even if the connector 4c is pulled and the signal lines 4a are pulled when mating the connector 4c with an external mating connector, the valleys 4e2 catch on the end of the first holding portion 51 on the connector 4c side, thereby preventing the signal lines 4a on the sensor element 4b side from moving in the direction in which the signal lines 4a are pulled and preventing a pulling force from acting on the sensor element 4b. Because the movement of the signal lines 4a on the sensor element 4b side from the holding portion 51 is prevented, displacement of the sensor element 4b and the sensor element 4b from falling out can be prevented.

[0018] When the connector 4c is pulled, even if the multiple signal lines 4a are pulled out somewhat from the first holding portion 51, the portion of the twist structure 4e provided on the sensor element 4b side of the first holding portion 51 will get caught on the end of the first holding portion 51 on the sensor element 4b side. Also, the force of pulling the multiple signal lines 4a can be prevented from being applied to the sensor element 4b by the portion of the stator 101 where the twist structure 4e abuts between the sensor element 4b and the holding portion 5 getting caught. The twist structure 4e may be configured by twisting the multiple signal lines 4a together to form a knot.

[0019] In this embodiment, the sensor element 4b is a thermistor, which is inserted axially between adjacent coils 3, and the direction in which the multiple signal lines 4a extend in the holding portion 5 is different from the direction in which the multiple signal lines 4a extend from the holding portion 5 toward the connector 4c. The thermistor is an element that detects temperature, and its resistance value changes with temperature. The connector 4c is connected to, for example, a control unit that controls the power supplied to the rotating electric machine 100. The control unit controls the current flowing through the coil 3 based on the temperature detected by the thermistor, thereby preventing damage to the coil 3 or components disposed around the coil 3 due to excessive temperature rise in the coil 3.

[0020] In the configuration of the rotating electric machine 100 shown in FIG. 2 , the direction in which the multiple signal lines 4 a extend from the first holding portion 51 is generally the radial direction, and the direction in which the multiple signal lines 4 a extend from the holding portion 5 toward the connector 4 c is the direction of arrow B. The radial direction and the direction of arrow B are different. The direction in which the multiple signal lines 4 a extend from the holding portion 5 and the direction in which the multiple signal lines 4 a extend from the holding portion 5 toward the connector 4 c are not limited to the directions shown in FIG. 2 , and may be other directions as long as the two directions are different. Note that the smaller the angle formed between the multiple signal lines 4 a at the point where the two directions intersect, the less likely the multiple signal lines 4 a held by the holding portion 5 are to move, even if the multiple signal lines 4 a are pulled when the connector 4 c is pulled.

[0021] With this configuration, even if the connector 4c is accidentally pulled, the valleys 4e2 of the twisted structure 4e are more likely to catch on the end of the holding portion 5 on the sensor element 4b side or the end on the connector 4c side, which further suppresses movement of the multiple signal lines 4a and further suppresses misalignment of the thermistor, which is the sensor element 4b, and the thermistor from falling off. Furthermore, because misalignment of the thermistor is suppressed and the thermistor does not move from its predetermined position, the temperature detection accuracy of the thermistor, which detects the temperature of the coil 3 and protects the coil 3 from excessive temperature rise, can be improved.

[0022] In the present embodiment, an example has been shown in which a single sensor element 4b is provided in the rotating electric machine 100, but a plurality of sensor elements 4b may also be provided. As the plurality of sensor elements 4b, a plurality of thermistors may be provided between different adjacent coils 3. Furthermore, both a rotation sensor (not shown), which is a sensor element 4b different from a thermistor, and a thermistor may also be provided in the rotating electric machine 100. In this case, a twisted structure 4e may be formed by twisting the plurality of signal wires 4a connected to the rotation sensor and the plurality of signal wires 4a connected to the thermistor together, and a holding portion 5 that holds both of the plurality of signal wires 4a together may be disposed on the connector 4c side.

[0023] Twisting the multiple signal wires 4a of both the thermistor and the rotation sensor around each other, or twisting relatively large-diameter signal wires, increases the step between the peaks 4e1 and valleys 4e2 formed on the outer periphery of the twisted structure 4e, further increasing the frictional force of the twisted structure 4e and improving the retention function of the sensor element 4b. Furthermore, the retaining portion 5 also serves as a fixing portion for fixing the multiple signal wires 4a of each sensor element 4b, thereby improving the space efficiency of the fixing portion. Note that the retaining portion 5 is located radially outward of the sensor element 4b. In the case of a signal wire of a sensor element 4b that is axially inserted between adjacent coils 3, such as a thermistor, the frictional force at this point increases when the corner of the insulator 7, which is the bent portion, abuts against the twisted structure 4e, improving the retention function of the sensor element 4b.

[0024] <Tubes 4d> In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3, the rotating electric machine 100 further includes tubes 4d surrounding the multiple signal lines 4a. The tubes 4d are provided on at least a portion of the multiple signal lines 4a, and the portions of the multiple signal lines 4a held by the holding portion 5 are sandwiched and held by the holding portion 5 via the tubes 4d. The tubes 4d protect the multiple signal lines 4a from the outside. In the configuration of the rotating electric machine 100 shown in Fig. 2, the tubes 4d are provided on almost the entire area of ​​the multiple signal lines 4a. The tubes 4d are made of an elastic member, for example, resin or rubber.

[0025] If the signal lines 4a are pulled while in contact with the holding portion 5, the signal lines 4a may rub against the holding portion 5, causing the coating of the signal lines to tear. If the signal lines 4a are sandwiched and held by the holding portion 5 via the tube 4d, the signal lines 4a are protected by the tube 4d, so that the coating of the signal lines 4a can be prevented from tearing even if they are pulled.

[0026] Furthermore, because the tube 4d is elastic, it can be caused to bite into the holding portion 5. Therefore, when the connector 4c is pulled, the tube 4d and the portions of the multiple signal lines 4a held by the holding portion 5 are less likely to move, thereby improving the holding force of the holding portion 5 against the pulling of the connector 4c. Furthermore, if the reaction force against the external pressure on the tube 4d varies depending on the location in correspondence with the peaks and valleys caused by the twisting of the signal lines inside the tube 4d, this contributes to increasing the frictional force at the contact points between the tube 4d and the corners of the holding portion 5 and the stator 101, and similarly improves the prevention effect of the sensor element 4b from coming off.

[0027] <Retaining Portion 5> The configuration of the retaining portion 5 will be described. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 , two retaining portions 5 (a first retaining portion 51 and a second retaining portion 52) are provided in the rotating electric machine 100. A plurality of retaining portions 5 may be provided. In this embodiment, in addition to the first retaining portion 51, a second retaining portion 52 is provided on the sensor element 4b side, and a plurality of signal lines 4a are held by the two retaining portions 5. In a configuration in which a plurality of retaining portions 5 hold a plurality of signal lines 4a, the twist structure portion 4e may be provided in an area overlapping any of the retaining portions 5 or in at least a portion of an area between any of the retaining portions 5 and the sensor element 4b. Providing the twist structure portion 4e in areas overlapping each of the plurality of retaining portions 5 increases the frictional force at these locations, improving the effect of preventing the sensor element 4b from coming off, which is a more desirable configuration.

[0028] First, the first holding portion 51 will be described using FIG. 4 . FIG. 4 shows an example in which a tube 4d is provided to surround the multiple signal lines 4a, but a configuration without the tube 4d is also possible. The dashed lines in FIG. 4 indicate the shape of the tube 4d before the multiple signal lines 4a are clamped from both sides. The first holding portion 51 includes a clamping portion 5a that clamps and holds the multiple signal lines 4a from both sides, two extending portions 5b that bend and extend from each of the two clamping members of the clamping portion 5a, and a fixing portion 5c having a through hole 5d that penetrates the two extending portions 5b. The direction in which the clamping portion 5a clamps the multiple signal lines 4a is different from the direction in which the through hole 5d penetrates, and the first holding portion 51 is fixed to the stator 101 or the housing 103 at the fixing portion 5c by a bolt or rivet that penetrates the through hole 5d.

[0029] 4 , the first holding portion 51 is fixed to a flange portion 2 a provided on a frame 2 that is part of the housing 103 by a bolt 8. The first holding portion 51 may be fixed by a rivet instead of the bolt 8. When a rivet is used, torque control during assembly, which is required with a bolt, is not required, and therefore the productivity of the rotating electric machine 100 can be improved.

[0030] In this way, the direction in which the clamping portion 5a clamps the multiple signal wires 4a (the direction of arrow C) is different from the direction in which the through-hole 5d penetrates (the direction of arrow D), so that the clamping portion 5a is not affected by the axial force applied to the fixing portion 5c when the bolt is fastened, thereby preventing breakage of the multiple signal wires 4a due to an increase in the axial force. Because the clamping portion 5a is not affected by the axial force, the clamping portion 5a can fix the multiple signal wires 4a with a stable clamping force.

[0031] In this embodiment, the extension portion 5b extends from the two clamping members by bending at an angle of 90 degrees. The bending angle is not limited to this. When the bending angle is 90 degrees, the first holding portion 51 can be fixed to the flange portion 2a in a state where the first holding portion 51 is aligned with the plate-shaped flange portion 2a, thereby making it possible to reduce the size of the rotating electric machine 100.

[0032] In this embodiment, the first holding portion 51 is formed from a plate-like iron-based material, and the portion of the sandwiching portion 5a where the multiple signal lines 4a are held is sandwiched from both sides by the bent plate-like iron-based material. The holding portion 5 is required to have enough strength to not deform or break even when the multiple signal lines 4a are pulled. By forming the holding portion 5 from an iron-based material, it is possible to suppress deformation and breakage of the holding portion 5 when the multiple signal lines 4a are pulled.

[0033] In this embodiment, the multiple signal lines 4a and the tube 4d in the clamping portion 5a are pressed by the clamping portion 5a, and the multiple signal lines 4a in the clamping portion 5a are arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the multiple signal lines 4a extend and the pressing direction by the clamping portion 5a. In Fig. 4, the direction in which the multiple signal lines 4a extend is perpendicular to the plane of the paper, and the pressing direction by the clamping portion is the direction of arrow C. The multiple signal lines 4a are arranged side by side in the direction of arrow D. If the gap in which the signal lines 4a1, 4a2, and the tube 4d are sandwiched by the first holding portion 51 is α, and the combined thickness of the signal lines 4a1, 4a2, and the tube 4d before sandwiching is β, then the relationship α<β holds.

[0034] With this configuration, even if the multiple signal lines 4a are pulled by pulling the connector 4c, the signal lines 4a1 and 4a2 can be prevented from slipping through the tube 4d. Furthermore, because the signal lines 4a1 and 4a2 are arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the multiple signal lines 4a extend and the direction in which they are pressed by the clamping portion 5a, it is possible to prevent the coating of the signal lines 4a1 and 4a2 from being torn and causing a short circuit when the signal lines 4a1 and 4a2 are clamped between the two clamping members.

[0035] Specific examples of the dimensions of each part will be described. The gap between the clamping parts 5a that extend from the clamping parts 5a that sandwich the tube 4d and face each other (the gap just before bending) is 0.4 mm or less, the inner diameter of the clamping parts 5a that sandwich the tube 4d is 1.9 to 2.1 mm, the core diameter is 1.1 to 1.5 mm, and the thickness of the tube 4d is 0.1 to 0.4 mm. A single signal line is formed from multiple core wires. This allows the holding part 5 to reliably hold the signal lines 4a1 and 4a2 via the tube 4d.

[0036] Next, the second retaining portion 52 will be described. The second retaining portion 52 is a cable tie made of resin. The second retaining portion 52 holds the plurality of signal wires 4a via a tube 4d. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a case in which a cable tie is provided as a retaining portion at the location where the first retaining portion 51 in FIG. 2 is provided. By using a cable tie as the retaining portion 52, the plurality of signal wires 4a can be held by simply wrapping them with the cable tie, eliminating concerns about loosening and falling off, as occurs with bolts and nuts after assembly to the vehicle.

[0037] In the present embodiment, a configuration has been shown in which the holding portion 5 is provided as a separate member from the stator 101 and the housing 103 that constitute the rotating electric machine 100, but the configuration of the holding portion 5 is not limited to this. A configuration in which a portion of the stator 101 and the housing 103 have the function of the holding portion 5 may also be performed. For example, as shown in FIG. 6 , the holding portion 5 may be formed by bending a portion of the flange portion 2 a. By providing a portion of the housing 103 with the function of the holding portion 5, the work of attaching the holding portion 5 is unnecessary, and the productivity of the rotating electric machine 100 can be improved.

[0038] In this embodiment, the holding portion 5 is provided on the housing 103, but this is not limiting. In the configuration shown in Fig. 7, the holding portion 5 is provided on the insulator 7. By providing the holding portion 5 on the insulator 7, the shapes of the housing 103 and the stator 101 can be simplified, thereby improving the productivity of the rotating electric machine 100.

[0039] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the multiple signal lines 4a between the sensor element 4b and the holder 5 contacts the housing 103. In the configuration shown in FIG. 2 , the multiple signal lines 4a contact the housing 103 via the tube 4d in the area surrounded by the dashed line. With this configuration, even if the multiple signal lines 4a are pulled by pulling the connector 4c, a frictional force is generated between the multiple signal lines 4a and the housing 103 in areas other than the holder 5. This frictional force can further prevent a force in a direction that pulls out the multiple signal lines 4a from acting near the sensor element 4b. Because the force in the direction that pulls out the multiple signal lines 4a is suppressed, displacement of the sensor element 4b due to the pulling of the connector 4c can be further prevented.

[0040] The configuration of the twist structure portion 4e is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 3. The twist structure portion 4e may be a simple two- or three-strand twisted structure, a three-strand braided structure, or a structure in which multiple strands are bundled together to form a knot. A configuration in which the difference in level between the peaks 4e1 and valleys 4e2 formed on the outer periphery of the twist structure portion 4e is large is desirable. If the difference in level between the peaks 4e1 and valleys 4e2 formed on the outer periphery of the twist structure portion 4e is large, the frictional force of the twist structure portion 4e increases, thereby improving the ability to prevent the sensor element 4b from coming off. Furthermore, when the twist structure portion 4e is provided only between the holding portion 5 and the sensor element 4b, a little distance from the holding portion 5, it is desirable to provide the twist structure portion 4e at a position close to the end of the stator core 1 in the range between the end of the sensor element 4b and the end of the stator core 1 (the range where the sensor element 4b is inserted inside the stator) so that the sensor element 4b does not completely come out from between the coils 3. This is because, with such a configuration, frictional force is generated between the corners at the end of the stator core 1 and the twist structure portion 4e.

[0041] As described above, the region where the twist structure 4e is provided is one or both of the region including the portions of the multiple signal lines 4a held by the holding portions 5 and the region between the holding portions 5 and the sensor element 4b. When the twist structure 4e is provided locally on the multiple signal lines 4a, the twist structure 4e may be provided only in the region where each of the multiple holding portions 5 overlaps with the multiple signal lines 4a, as the region including the portions of the multiple signal lines 4a held by the holding portions 5. Furthermore, the twist structure 4e may be locally added to the region between the holding portions 5 and the sensor element 4b, in the region of the multiple signal lines 4a that straddles a corner of the frame 2, which is part of the housing 103, and abuts against the corner. In this way, when the twist structure portion 4e is provided locally in the minimum necessary area that is effective in suppressing the movement of the multiple signal lines 4a, the length of the multiple signal lines 4a that is actually required can be shortened compared to when the twist structure portion 4e is provided in most of the area with respect to the entire length of the multiple signal lines 4a, thereby reducing the cost of components.

[0042] Alternatively, the twisted structure 4e may be provided continuously on the signal lines 4a from the sensor element 4b to the areas overlapping with the respective holding portions 5, and the twisted structure 4e may be omitted in the areas on the connector 4c side of the areas overlapping with the holding portions 5 and the areas abutting the corners of the frame 2. This configuration makes it possible to reduce the cost of components to a certain extent, as described above, and is therefore one of the desirable forms.

[0043] As described above, the twist structure 4e provided locally may be configured such that an intersection due to twisting is provided at at least one location on the signal lines 4a relative to the extension direction of the signal lines 4a. Having at least one intersection contributes to increasing the frictional force between the signal lines 4a at the contact points between the twist structure 4e and the corners of the holding portion 5 and the housing 103, and also contributes to a minimum retention function for the sensor element 4b and to preventing a force in the pull-out direction from acting on the vicinity of the sensor element 4b. A configuration in which the twist structure 4e is formed by providing multiple intersections, or a configuration in which the twist structure 4e is formed by providing intersections continuously within a certain region of the signal lines 4a, is more preferable because it further contributes to increasing the frictional force depending on the length of the twist structure 4e and contributes to a continuous frictional force acting as the signal lines 4a are displaced in the pull-out direction.

[0044] In this embodiment, the housing 103 accommodates the stator 101 and the rotor 102 and includes as a part thereof a cylindrical frame 2 that holds the stator core 1. The configuration of the housing 103 is not limited to this, and the housing 103 may be configured to accommodate the frame 2 in addition to the stator 101 and the rotor 102. Furthermore, the housing 103 may be configured in the form of a housing for a vehicle drive device that accommodates not only the rotating electric machine 100 but also an inverter that drives and controls the rotating electric machine 100. Regardless of the form of the housing 103, if a sensor element 4b is attached inside the housing 103, a holding portion 5 that holds portions of the multiple signal lines 4a is provided on one or both of the stator 101 and the housing 103, the multiple signal lines 4a have a twisted structure portion 4e, and the twisted structure portion 4e is provided in one or both of the area including the portions of the multiple signal lines 4a held by the holding portion 5 and the area between the holding portion 5 and the sensor element 4b, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

[0045] The configuration of the multiple signal lines 4a in this embodiment when the sensor element 4b is a thermistor will be described with reference to FIG. 2 . The rotating electric machine 100 includes a first retaining portion 51 and a second retaining portion 52, which are retaining portions 5. The multiple signal lines 4a connected to the thermistor inserted on one axial side extend from the thermistor to the other axial side, then extend radially outward from the end on the other axial side of the stator 101, extend to one axial side from the radially outer end of the stator 101, be held by the second retaining portion 52, extend to one circumferential side, and then be held by the first retaining portion 51 before extending toward the connector 4c. This configuration allows the multiple signal lines 4a to be held by the two retaining portions 5 and extend along the outer surface of the stator 101, thereby contributing to an increase in friction between the multiple signal lines 4a, preventing the thermistor, which is the sensor element 4b, from coming loose, and effectively preventing a force acting in the pulling direction from reaching the vicinity of the thermistor.

[0046] As described above, the rotating electric machine 100 according to the first embodiment includes one or more sensor elements 4b attached to the inside of the housing 103, a plurality of signal lines 4a each having one end connected to the sensor element 4b and the other end connected to the connector 4c, and a holding portion 5 provided on one or both of the stator 101 and the housing 103 and holding portions of the plurality of signal lines 4a between the sensor element 4b and the connector 4c, the plurality of signal lines 4a having one or more twisted structure portions 4e in which the plurality of signal lines 4a are twisted relative to one another, and the twisted structure portions 4e include portions of the plurality of signal lines 4a held by the holding portion 5. Since the twisted structure portion 4e is provided in one or both of the region between the holding portion 5 and the sensor element 4b and the region between the holding portion 5 and the sensor element 4b, the twisted structure portion 4e has peaks 4e1 protruding in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the plurality of signal lines 4a extend, and valleys 4e2 sandwiched between the peaks 4e1, so that even if the plurality of signal lines 4a are pulled by pulling the connector 4c, the valleys 4e2 catch on the end of the holding portion 5 on the connector 4c side, thereby preventing the plurality of signal lines 4a on the sensor element 4b side from moving in the direction in which the plurality of signal lines 4a are pulled, and preventing a force in the pulling direction from acting on the sensor element 4b. Since the movement of the plurality of signal lines 4a on the sensor element 4b side of the holding portion 5 is prevented, it is possible to prevent the sensor element 4b from shifting in position and the sensor element 4b from falling off.

[0047] If the sensor element 4b is a thermistor inserted axially between adjacent coils 3, and the direction in which the multiple signal lines 4a extend in the holding portion 5 is different from the direction in which the multiple signal lines 4a extend from the holding portion 5 toward the connector 4c, even if the connector 4c is accidentally pulled, the valleys 4e2 of the twisted structure portion 4e are likely to catch on the end of the holding portion 5 on the sensor element 4b side or the end of the connector 4c side, further suppressing movement of the multiple signal lines 4a and further suppressing misalignment of the thermistor, which is the sensor element 4b, and the thermistor from falling off. Furthermore, because misalignment of the thermistor is suppressed and the thermistor does not move from its predetermined position, the accuracy of temperature detection by the thermistor, which detects the temperature of the coil 3 and protects the coil 3 from excessive temperature rise, can be improved.

[0048] When the rotating electric machine 100 further includes a tube 4d surrounding the plurality of signal wires 4a, the tube 4d being provided in at least a portion of the area of ​​the plurality of signal wires 4a, and the portion of the plurality of signal wires 4a held in the holding portion 5 being sandwiched and held by the holding portion 5 via the tube 4d, the plurality of signal wires 4a are protected by the tube 4d even if they are pulled, and therefore the coating of the plurality of signal wires 4a can be prevented from tearing.

[0049] The first holding portion 51, which is the holding portion 5, has a clamping portion 5a that clamps and holds a portion of the plurality of signal lines 4a from both sides, two extending portions 5b that bend and extend from each of the two clamping members in the clamping portion 5a, and a fixing portion 5c that has a through hole 5d that passes through the two extending portions 5b. The direction in which the clamping portion 5a clamps the portion of the plurality of signal lines 4a is different from the direction in which the through hole 5d passes. When the first holding portion 51 is fixed to the stator 101 or the housing 103 at the fixing portion 5c with a bolt or rivet that passes through the through hole 5d, the direction in which the clamping portion 5a clamps the portion of the plurality of signal lines 4a is different from the direction in which the through hole 5d passes. Therefore, the clamping portion 5a is not affected by the axial force applied to the fixing portion 5c when the bolt is tightened, and breakage of the signal lines due to an increase in the axial force can be prevented. Since the clamping portion 5a is not affected by the axial force, the clamping portion 5a can fix the signal line with a stable clamping force.

[0050] When the first holding portion 51, which is the holding portion 5, is formed from a plate-shaped iron-based material, and the portion of the multiple signal lines 4a in the clamping portion 5a is held by being clamped from both sides by the bent plate-shaped iron-based material, deformation and breakage of the holding portion 5 can be suppressed when the multiple signal lines 4a are pulled.

[0051] When the multiple signal lines 4a and the tube 4d in the clamping portion 5a are pressed by the clamping portion 5a and the multiple signal lines 4a in the clamping portion 5a are arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the multiple signal lines 4a extend and the direction of pressing by the clamping portion 5a, even if the multiple signal lines 4a are pulled by pulling the connector 4c, the signal lines 4a1, 4a2 can be prevented from slipping through the tube 4d. Furthermore, because the signal lines 4a1, 4a2 are arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the multiple signal lines 4a extend and the direction of pressing by the clamping portion 5a, when the signal lines 4a1, 4a2 are clamped between the two clamping members, it is possible to prevent the coatings of the signal lines 4a1, 4a2 from being torn and causing a short circuit.

[0052] If the second holding portion 52, which is the holding portion 5, is a cable tie made of resin, the holding of the multiple signal wires 4a can be managed simply by wrapping them with the cable tie, thereby eliminating concerns about loosening and falling off, as with bolts and nuts after assembly to the vehicle.

[0053] When the stator 101 has a plurality of insulators 7 at one and the other axial ends that hold the windings and are fixed to the stator core 1, and the holding portion 5 is provided on the insulators 7, providing the holding portion 5 on the insulators 7 simplifies the shape of the housing 103 and the stator 101, thereby improving the productivity of the rotating electric motor 100.

[0054] When at least a portion of the multiple signal lines 4a between the sensor element 4b and the holder 5 is in contact with the housing 103, even if the multiple signal lines 4a are pulled by pulling the connector 4c, a frictional force is generated between the multiple signal lines 4a and the housing 103 in an area other than the holder 5. This frictional force can further prevent a force in the direction of pulling out the multiple signal lines 4a from acting in the vicinity of the sensor element 4b. Because the force in the direction of pulling out the multiple signal lines 4a is suppressed, it is possible to further prevent the position of the sensor element 4b from shifting due to the pulling of the connector 4c.

[0055] When the rotating electric machine 100 has holding portions 5, that is, a first holding portion 51 and a second holding portion 52, and a plurality of signal lines 4a connected to a thermistor inserted on one axial side extend from the thermistor to the other axial side, then extend radially outward from the end on the other axial side of the stator 101, extend to one axial side from the radially outer end of the stator 101, be held by the second holding portion 52, extend to one circumferential side, and then be held by the first holding portion 51, and then extend toward the connector 4c, the plurality of signal lines 4a are held by the two holding portions 5 and extend along the outer surface of the stator 101, which contributes to increasing the frictional force of the plurality of signal lines 4a and can effectively prevent the thermistor from coming loose and prevent force in the pulling-out direction from acting near the thermistor.

[0056] Embodiment 2 A rotating electric machine 100 according to embodiment 2 will be described. Fig. 8 is a plan view showing an outline of the sensor ASSY 4 of the rotating electric machine 100. The rotating electric machine 100 according to embodiment 2 is configured to include a catch member 6.

[0057] In this embodiment, the rotating electric machine 100 includes a tube 4d. The tube 4d is provided on the sensor element 4b side of the holding portion 5, at least on a portion of the plurality of signal lines 4a adjacent to the holding portion 5 and a portion of the plurality of signal lines 4a held by the holding portion 5. The rotating electric machine 100 further includes a catch member 6, which has an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the holding portion 5 and is integrated with the plurality of signal lines 4a and the tube 4d, on the outer periphery of the tube 4d adjacent to the holding portion 5, on the sensor element 4b side of the holding portion 5.

[0058] The catch member 6 is a structure that prevents the sensor element 4b from coming loose. The catch member 6 is made of a metal material such as iron, copper, or aluminum. The catch member 6 is provided by crimping the outer periphery of the multiple signal lines 4a and the tube 4d. Because the multiple signal lines 4a and the tube 4d are integrated with the catch member 6, when the connector 4c is pulled, the catch member 6 catches on the holding portion 5, and the catch member 6 acts as a resistance to prevent the sensor element 4b from coming loose, thereby improving the tensile strength of the sensor element 4b.

[0059] Furthermore, although various exemplary embodiments and examples are described in this disclosure, the various features, aspects, and functions described in one or more embodiments are not limited to the application of a particular embodiment, but may be applied to the embodiments alone or in various combinations. Therefore, countless modifications not illustrated are contemplated within the scope of the technology disclosed in this specification. For example, this includes cases where at least one component is modified, added, or omitted, or where at least one component is extracted and combined with components of another embodiment.

[0060] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 stator core, 2 frame, 2a flange portion, 3 coil, 4 sensor ASSY, 4a multiple signal lines, 4a1, 4a2 signal line, 4b sensor element, 4c connector, 4d tube, 4e twisted structure portion, 4e1 crest portion, 4e2 valley portion, 5 holding portion, 51 first holding portion, 52 second holding portion, 5a clamping portion, 5b extension portion, 5c fixing portion, 5d through hole, 6 catch member, 7 insulator, 8 bolt, 100 rotating electric machine, 101 stator, 102 rotor, 102a shaft, 102b rotor core, 102c magnet, 103 housing, 104 bearing

Claims

1. A rotating electric machine comprising: a stator having a cylindrical stator core and a plurality of coils each consisting of a winding wound around the stator core; a rotor provided radially inside the stator and positioned opposite the stator; a housing accommodating the stator and the rotor; one or more sensor elements attached to the inside of the housing; a plurality of signal lines each having one end connected to the sensor element and the other end connected to a connector; and a retaining portion provided on one or both of the stator and the housing and holding portions of the plurality of signal lines between the sensor element and the connector, wherein the plurality of signal lines have a twisted structure portion at one or more points where each of the plurality of signal lines is twisted relative to one another, and the twisted structure portion is provided in one or both of a region of the plurality of signal lines including the portion held by the retaining portion and a region between the retaining portion and the sensor element.

2. A rotating electric machine according to claim 1, wherein the sensor element is a thermistor, the thermistor is inserted axially between adjacent coils, and the direction in which the multiple signal lines extend from the holding portion is different from the direction in which the multiple signal lines extend from the holding portion toward the connector.

3. A rotating electric machine according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a tube surrounding the plurality of signal lines, the tube being provided in at least a partial area of the plurality of signal lines, and the portion of the plurality of signal lines held in the holding portion being sandwiched and held by the holding portion via the tube.

4. A rotating electric machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the holding portion has a clamping portion that clamps and holds the plurality of signal lines from both sides, two extending portions that bend and extend from each of the two clamping members of the clamping portion, and a fixing portion with through holes that pass through the two extending portions, wherein the direction in which the clamping portion clamps the plurality of signal lines is different from the direction in which the through holes pass through, and the holding portion is fixed to the stator or the housing at the fixing portion by bolts or rivets that pass through the through holes.

5. A rotating electric machine according to claim 4, wherein the holding portion is formed from a plate-like iron-based material, and the portion of the plurality of signal lines in the clamping portion is held by being clamped on both sides by the bent plate-like iron-based material.

6. A rotating electric machine according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising a tube surrounding the plurality of signal lines, the tube being provided in at least a partial area of the plurality of signal lines, the portions of the plurality of signal lines held by the clamping portion being held in the clamping portion via the tube, the plurality of signal lines and the tube in the clamping portion being pressed by the clamping portion, and the plurality of signal lines in the clamping portion being arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the plurality of signal lines extend and the pressing direction by the clamping portion.

7. A rotating electric machine according to claim 3, wherein the holding portion is a cable tie made of resin.

8. A rotating electric machine as described in claim 3, wherein the tube is provided on the sensor element side of the holding portion and at least on the portion of the plurality of signal lines adjacent to the holding portion and on the portion of the plurality of signal lines held by the holding portion, and further comprises a catch member on the outer periphery of the tube adjacent to the holding portion and on the sensor element side of the holding portion, the catch member having an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the holding portion and being integrated with the plurality of signal lines and the tube.

9. A rotating electric machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the stator has a plurality of insulators fixed to the stator core at one and the other axial ends thereof, which hold the windings, and the holding portions are provided on the insulators.

10. A rotating electric machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of signal lines between the sensor element and the holding portion is in contact with the housing.

11. A rotating electric machine as described in claim 2, comprising a first holding portion and a second holding portion as the holding portions, wherein the plurality of signal lines connected to the thermistor inserted on one axial side extend from the thermistor to the other axial side, then extend radially outward at the end of the stator on the other axial side, extend to one axial side at the radially outer end of the stator, be held by the second holding portion, extend to one circumferential side, and then be held by the first holding portion, and then extend toward the connector.

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