Rotary device

Abstract

A rotary device (1) comprises: a chassis (2) formed by a housing (3) and a cover (4); a motor (5) fixed to the housing (3); an angle sensor (7) fixed to the inner surface of the cover (4); and a member (10) covering the angle sensor (7). In the radial direction, a gap (G) extending in the circumferential direction is formed between a first flange (43) of the cover (4) facing the housing (3) and the angle sensor (7), and a part (107) of the member (10) disposed in the gap (G) surrounds the angle sensor (7) to form a labyrinth (L).

Description

Rotating Equipment

[0001] The present invention relates to rotating equipment.

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a resolver as an angle sensor incorporated in a motor, which can detect the rotation angle of the rotary shaft of the motor.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-094678

[0004] For example, the motor used as the drive source for an electric vehicle is filled with a lubricant, i.e., oil, to lubricate the motor. If foreign matter contained in the oil adheres to the resolver, it can cause a decrease in the performance of the resolver.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a rotating device that can prevent oil from adhering to an angle sensor.

[0006] A rotating device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a housing formed of a housing and a cover, a motor fixed to the housing, an angle sensor fixed to the inner surface of the cover, and a member covering the angle sensor, wherein a gap extending circumferentially is formed between a first flange of the cover facing the housing and the angle sensor in the radial direction, and a portion of the member arranged in the gap surrounds the angle sensor to form a labyrinth.

[0007] 8 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the appearance of a rotating device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a sensor assembly 6 fixed to a cover 4. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating the sensor assembly 6 removed from the cover 4. FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating the structure of a sensor assembly 6 according to a specific example. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 2. FIG. 13 is a perspective cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the structure of an insulator 15 according to a specific example. FIG. 14 is a perspective cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the structure of an insulator 15 according to a specific example. FIG. 15 is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 2. FIG. 16 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the cross section of FIG. 8. FIG. 17 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 8. FIG. 18 is a plan view of a cover 4 according to a specific example. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a cover 4 according to a specific example. FIG. 19 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the cross section of FIG. 8. FIG. 19 is a perspective cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 8 and schematically illustrating the configuration of a sensor assembly 6B according to another specific example.

[0008] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of a rotating device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, the rotating device 1 has a housing 2. The housing 2 is formed of a housing 3 and a cover 4 attached to the housing 3. A motor 5 having a rotating shaft (not shown) that rotates around an axis x is installed in the internal space of the housing 3. The motor 5 is a driving source for, for example, an electric vehicle (EV) or the like. The housing 3 is formed of, for example, a metal material. The cover 4 is formed of, for example, a resin material.

[0009] The motor 5 has a stator fixed to the housing 3 and a rotor that can rotate about the axis x relative to the stator through magnetic interaction (neither is shown). The rotor is fixed to a rotating shaft of the motor 5 that extends along the axis x. In the rotating device 1, a reducer (not shown) is attached to, for example, one end face of the housing 3 that intersects with the axis x. The reducer has a gear or the like that is connected to the output shaft of the rotating shaft of the motor 5. The output of the rotating shaft of the motor 5 is controlled by the action of this gear. The housing 2 and the reducer are filled with a lubricant, i.e., oil.

[0010] The cover 4 is attached to the other end surface of the housing 3 that intersects with the axis x, for example. The cover 4 faces the opposite side of the output shaft of the rotating shaft of the motor 5. The cover 4 closes the other end surface of the housing 3. When attaching the cover 4, one or more fixing members 21, such as bolts, are screwed into the other end surface of the housing 3 through holes in the cover 4. Note that an inverter (not shown) that controls the current supplied from the battery to the motor 5, for example, may also be attached to the casing 2. The unit of the rotating device 1, the reducer, and the inverter constitutes a drive unit for the electric vehicle.

[0011] Fig. 2 is a perspective view that schematically shows the sensor assembly 6 fixed to the cover 4. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view that schematically shows the sensor assembly 6 removed from the cover 4. Referring to Figs. 2 and 3 together, the sensor assembly 6 according to one specific example has an angle sensor 7. The angle sensor 7 has a rotor 8 and a stator 9. The angle sensor 7 is, for example, an inner rotor type resolver and a VR (variable reluctance) resolver. The angle sensor 7 identifies the rotational speed of the motor 5, for example, by detecting the rotation angle of the rotary shaft of the motor 5.

[0012] The angle sensor 7 is accommodated in a housing 41 formed in the cover 4. The rotor 8 is formed in an annular shape around the axis x of the motor 5. In the angle sensor 7, the direction along the axis x is defined as the axial direction, the direction perpendicular to the axis x is defined as the radial direction, and the direction around the axis x is defined as the circumferential direction. In this example, in the axial direction, the side facing the housing 3 is defined as the upper side, and the side opposite the housing 3 is defined as the lower side. Note that this up and down does not have to coincide with the up and down in the direction of gravity. In addition, in the radial direction, the direction away from the axis x is defined as the outer circumferential side, and the direction approaching the axis x is defined as the inner circumferential side.

[0013] The rotor 8 is formed from a laminate of multiple thin plates stacked in the axial direction. The laminate is made of a magnetic material. One or more protrusions 82 protruding outward are formed on the outer circumferential surface 81 of the rotor 8. In this example, four protrusions 82 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. That is, the rotor 8 has a 4X shaft angle multiplier structure. The outline of each protrusion 82 in a plan view of the rotor 8 along the axial direction is defined by a curve that protrudes outward. Note that the structure of the rotor 8 is not limited to a 4X shaft angle multiplier.

[0014] The inner peripheral surface 83 of the rotor 8 is defined by, for example, a cylindrical surface centered on the axis x. The inner peripheral surface 83 is formed with recesses 84 recessed from the inner peripheral surface 83 toward the outer periphery, and protrusions 85 protruding from the inner peripheral surface 83 toward the inner periphery. In this example, three recesses 84 and one protrusion 85 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The recesses 84 engage with the protrusions of the rotating shaft, and the protrusion 85 engages with the recesses of the rotating shaft, thereby fixing the rotor 8 to the outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft so as not to rotate around the axis x relative to the rotating shaft.

[0015] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the structure of a sensor assembly 6 according to one specific example. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 2. Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5 together, the stator 9 is formed in an annular shape around the axis x of the motor 5. The sensor assembly 6 has a first member 10 disposed on the upper side in the axial direction and a second member 11 disposed on the lower side in the axial direction. The first member 10 covers the stator 9 from the upper side in the axial direction. The second member 11 covers the stator 9 from the lower side in the axial direction.

[0016] The stator 9 includes a stator core 13, a plurality of coils 14, and an insulator 15. The stator core 13 is formed from a laminate of a plurality of thin plates stacked in the axial direction. The laminate is made of a magnetic material. The coil 14 has a winding wound around the stator core 13. The winding is, for example, a copper wire. The insulator 15 electrically insulates the stator core 13 from the plurality of coils 14. The insulator 15 is made of an insulating material such as a resin material.

[0017] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the stator core 13 includes an annular portion 131 and a plurality of teeth 132. The annular portion 131 is defined in an annular shape around the axis x. Each tooth 132 protrudes inward from the inner circumferential surface of the annular portion 131. In this example, 14 teeth 132 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The inner circumferential surface of each tooth 132 faces the outer circumferential surface 81 of the rotor 8 with a predetermined magnetic gap between them. This magnetic gap varies depending on the protrusions 82 on the outer circumferential surface 81 of the rotor 8. The insulators 15 covering each tooth 132 are wound with the windings of the coils 14.

[0018] A plurality of recesses 133 recessed inward are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the annular portion 131. In this example, 28 recesses 133 are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Each recess 133 penetrates from the top surface to the bottom surface of the annular portion 131 perpendicular to the axis x. Each recess 133 extends parallel to the axis x. Each recess 133 defines a semi-cylindrical space recessed inward from the outer peripheral surface of the annular portion 131. As will be described later, this recess 133 accommodates, for example, a part of a pin rising from the inner surface of the cover 4 along the axial direction.

[0019] 6 and 7 are perspective cross-sectional views schematically illustrating the structure of an insulator 15 according to one specific example. FIG. 6 illustrates the insulator 15 as viewed from above in the axial direction, and FIG. 7 illustrates the insulator 15 as viewed from below in the axial direction. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the insulator 15 has an annular main body 151 around the axis x and a terminal block 152 protruding outward from the main body 151. The terminal block 152 extends along an imaginary plane perpendicular to the axis x. The terminal block 152 is formed integrally with the main body 151.

[0020] The main body 151 has an annular portion 153 that is annular about the axis x, one or more covering portions 154 that protrude inward from the inner peripheral surface of the annular portion 153, first protrusions 155 that protrude upward in the axial direction from the upper surface of the annular portion 153, and second protrusions 156 that protrude downward in the axial direction from the lower surface of the annular portion 153. The covering portions 154 are provided corresponding to the teeth 132 of the stator core 13. Note that while the coils 14 are illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, the stator core 13 is not illustrated. The covering portions 154 cover the teeth 132 of the stator core 13. The coils 14 are wound around each covering portion 154.

[0021] The covering portion 154 has a first portion 154a that is disposed axially above the teeth 132, and a second portion 154b that is disposed axially below the teeth 132. Meanwhile, in this example, 28 first protrusions 155 are formed in the circumferential direction. The first portion 154a of the covering portion 154 faces some of the first protrusions 155 in the radial direction. In this example, the second protrusions 156 are formed in an annular shape around the axis x. One or more protrusions 156a that protrude inward are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the second protrusion 156. The second portion 154b of the covering portion 154 faces the protrusions 156a in the radial direction.

[0022] In this example, the first portions 154a of the multiple covering portions 154 arranged in the circumferential direction and the multiple first protrusions 155 form a first column 157. On the other hand, the second portions 154b of the covering portions 154 arranged in the circumferential direction and the second protrusions 156 (and the multiple protrusions 156a) form a second column 158. In the axial direction, the heights of the first portions 154a, the second portions 154b, the first protrusions 155, and the second protrusions 156 are each set to be greater than the height of the coil 14. The protrusions 156a of the first protrusions 155 and the second protrusions 156 hold the coil 14 between themselves and the first portions 154a and the second portions 154b of the covering portions 154, respectively.

[0023] 8 is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 2. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 8 together, one or more terminal pins 159 are supported on the terminal block 152 of the insulator 15. A portion of the terminal pin 159 is embedded in the terminal block 152. A winding of the coil 14 is electrically connected to one end of the terminal pin 159 on the side closer to the axis x. Meanwhile, one end of a terminal 160 extending within a connector 42 formed in the cover 4 is electrically connected to the other end of the terminal pin 159 on the side farther from the axis x. The other end of the terminal 160 is exposed within the connector 42 from a mold 161 filled in the cover 4. The mold 161 is formed of, for example, a resin material.

[0024] 9 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the cross section of FIG. 8. Referring to both FIGS. 4 and 9, the first member 10 has a main body 101 that covers the stator 9 of the angle sensor 7 from above in the axial direction, and a cover 102 that covers the terminal block 152 of the stator 9 from above. The main body 101 is formed in an annular shape around the axis x. The cover 102 protrudes outward from the main body 101. The main body 101 has an annular upper stage 103 disposed on the upper side in the axial direction, an annular lower stage 104 disposed on the lower side in the axial direction, and a cylindrical connecting portion 105 that connects the upper stage 103 and the lower stage 104 to each other.

[0025] The upper stage portion 103 covers the coil 14 from above in the axial direction. The first portion 154a and the first protrusion 155 (first pillar 157) extend axially toward the upper stage portion 103 of the first member 10. In this example, the upper ends of the first portion 154a and the first protrusion 155 (first pillar 157) contact the lower surface of the upper stage portion 103. The lower stage portion 104 covers the stator core 13 from above in the axial direction. The inner circumferential surface of the connection portion 105 faces the first protrusion 155 in the radial direction. One or more holes 106 are formed in the lower stage portion 104 in the circumferential direction. The holes 106 penetrate the lower stage portion 104 in the axial direction.

[0026] The second member 11 covers the stator 9 of the angle sensor 7 from below. The second member 11 has a lower stage portion 111 arranged axially below, an upper stage portion 112 arranged axially above, and a cylindrical connecting portion 113 connecting the lower stage portion 111 and the upper stage portion 112 to each other. The lower stage portion 111 covers the coil 14 from below in the axial direction. The upper stage portion 112 covers the stator core 13 from below in the axial direction. The lower ends of the second portion 154b and the second protrusion 156 (second pillar 158) are in contact with the upper surface of the lower stage portion 111.

[0027] The inner peripheral surface of the connecting portion 113 faces the second protrusion 156 from the outer peripheral side. One or more first recesses 114 and one or more second recesses 115 are formed in the upper step portion 112 in the circumferential direction. The first recesses 114 are recessed more inward from the outer peripheral edge of the connecting portion 113 than the second recesses 115. In the axial direction, the positions of the second recesses 115 correspond to the positions of the hole 106 in the lower step portion 104 of the first member 10 and the recess 133 in the outer peripheral surface of the annular portion 131 of the stator core 13, respectively.

[0028] 3 , 8 , and 9 , the cover 4 has a first flange 43 located at the uppermost position in the axial direction, a bottom portion 44 located at the lowermost position in the axial direction, a second flange 45 located on the bottom portion 44 side of the first flange 43, and a third flange 46 located on the bottom portion 44 side of the second flange 45. The first flange 43, the second flange 45, and the third flange 46 are all formed in an annular shape around the axis x. The bottom portion 44 is formed in a disk shape. The connector 42, the bottom portion 44, the first flange 43, the second flange 45, and the third flange 46 are integrally formed from, for example, a resin material.

[0029] The diameter of the second flange 45 is larger than the diameter of the third flange 46 relative to the axis x, and the diameter of the first flange 43 is larger than the diameter of the second flange 45. The inner peripheral surfaces of the first flange 43, the second flange 45, and the third flange 46 are all formed as tapered surfaces that slightly increase in diameter from the bottom to the top in the axial direction. These tapered surfaces are formed by draft tapers (draft angles) for removing the cover 4 from a mold when the cover 4 is integrally formed from a resin material by molding, for example.

[0030] The first flange 43 faces the other end surface of the housing 3 with an upper surface 43a that is annular about the axis x. In this example, the upper surface 43a extends along an imaginary plane perpendicular to the axis x. The upper surface 43a surrounds the accommodating portion 41 of the cover 4 about the axis x. The first flange 43 is formed with one or more holes 43b for passing the fixing member 21 that attaches the cover 4 to the housing 3 of the casing 2. In this example, seven holes 43b are formed about the axis x. In addition, in this example, the upper surface of the bottom portion 44 also extends along an imaginary plane perpendicular to the axis x.

[0031] 9 , the first member 10 covers the angle sensor 7 on the side opposite to the bottom 44. On the other hand, the second member 11 covers the angle sensor 7 on the bottom 44 side. The first pillar 157 extends axially toward the upper step 103 of the first member 10. The second pillar 158 extends axially toward the lower step 111 of the second member 11. In this example, the inner peripheral end portions of the first member 10 and the second member 11 are disposed at approximately the same radial position as the inner peripheral end portion of the covering portion 154 of the insulator 15.

[0032] A recess 43c recessed downward from the upper surface 43a of the first flange 43 is formed in the upper surface 43a. The recess 43c extends continuously around the accommodating portion 41. A seal 47 extending continuously and endlessly is disposed in the recess 43c. The seal 47 is, for example, an O-ring. The cross section of the seal 47 is formed, for example, in an elliptical shape. When the cover 4 is attached to the other end surface of the housing 3, the seal 47 is crushed between the housing 3 and the cover 4. As a result, the seal 47 seals the gap between the housing 3 and the cover 4. The seal 47 is formed from an elastic material such as fluororubber (FKM), ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), or silicone rubber (VMQ).

[0033] 10 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 in FIG. 8. As shown in FIG. 10, the sensor assembly 6 is fixed to the inner surface of the second flange 45 of the cover 4. Specifically, the sensor assembly 6 is supported on the upper surface 45a of the second flange 45 in the areas of the lower step portion 104 of the first member 10, the annular portion 131 of the stator core 13, and the upper step portion 112 of the second member 11. The outer peripheral end of the lower step portion 104 of the first member 10 extends further outward than the outer peripheral end of the upper step portion 112 of the second member 11 and the outer peripheral end of the annular portion 131 of the stator core 13. In addition, a portion of the angle sensor 7 is disposed between the second flange 45 and the third flange 46 in the axial direction.

[0034] FIG. 11 is a plan view of the cover 4 alone according to one specific example. Referring to FIGS. 3, 5, 10, and 11 in combination, the cover 4 has one or more pins 45b protruding axially upward from the second flange 45. In this example, four pins 45b are arranged circumferentially. The pins 45b are integrally formed with the second flange 45. The pins 45b protrude upward through the recess 115 in the upper step portion 112 of the second member 11, the recess 133 in the stator core 13, and the hole 106 in the lower step portion 104 of the first member 10. The upper ends of the pins 45b are thermally caulked to cover the upper surface of the lower step portion 104 of the first member 10 around the hole 106. In this manner, the sensor assembly 6 is fixed to the inner surface of the cover 4. Note that in this example, the first member 10, the second member 11, and the angle sensor 7 are not fixed to each other.

[0035] Before the sensor assembly 6 is attached to the cover 4, the upper end of the pin 45b is formed with a diameter that allows it to pass through the hole 106. When the sensor assembly 6 is attached to the cover 4, the pin 45b passes through the recess 115 in the upper step portion 112 of the second member 11, the recess 133 in the stator core 13, and the hole 106 in the lower step portion 104 of the first member 10, and protrudes upward. Then, the upper end of the pin 45b protruding upward from the hole 106 is melted, for example, by heating. In this way, the upper end of the pin 45b is covered around the hole 106 by thermal crimping. Then, the upper end of the pin 45b hardens. In this way, the sensor assembly 6 is fixed to the inner surface of the cover 4.

[0036] Returning to FIG. 9 , a gap G extending in the circumferential direction is formed between the first flange 43 of the cover 4 and the angle sensor 7 in the radial direction. Specifically, the gap G is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the first flange 43 and the outer peripheral surface of the annular portion 131 of the stator core 13. The gap G is surrounded by the recess 43c of the first flange 43, i.e., the seal 47. Meanwhile, a protrusion 107 extending axially downward is formed at the outer peripheral end of the lower step portion 104 of the first member 10. The protrusion 107 extends in the circumferential direction. The protrusion 107, which is a part of the first member 10, is disposed in the gap G.

[0037] In this example, the outer peripheral surface of the protruding portion 107 is surrounded by the first flange 43 at a predetermined distance in the radial direction. Similarly, the inner peripheral surface of the protruding portion 107 surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the annular portion 131 of the stator core 13 at a predetermined distance in the radial direction. Furthermore, the lower end of the protruding portion 107 faces the upper surface of the second flange 45 at a predetermined distance in the axial direction. In this way, the protruding portion 107 forms a labyrinth L between the first flange 43, the second flange 45, and the annular portion 131. The labyrinth L prevents fluids such as oil from entering between the first member 10 and the first flange 43 and second flange 45.

[0038] 9 and 11 , one or more grooves 48 extending in the axial direction are formed on the inner surface of the cover 4. In this example, as particularly shown in FIG. 11 , seven grooves 48 are formed at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction. In the circumferential direction, the positions of the grooves 48 correspond to the positions of the recesses 114 in the upper step portion 112 of the second member 11. Similarly, in the circumferential direction, the positions of the grooves 48 correspond to the positions of the recesses 133 formed in the outer peripheral surface of the annular portion 131 of the stator core 13. In this example, the grooves 48 are recessed from the inner peripheral surface of the first flange 43 and the upper surface and inner peripheral surface of the second flange 45. The upper ends of the grooves 48 are connected to the gap G.

[0039] 9 and 10 , the lower surface of the second member 11 faces the upper surface of the second flange 45 at a predetermined distance in the axial direction. That is, the lower end of the groove 48 is connected to the space formed between the lower surface of the second member 11 and the upper surface of the third flange 46. This space is continuous with the space above the bottom 44. As a result, the cover 4 is provided with a flow path F that provides fluid communication from the gap G to the bottom 44. The flow path F functions as a passage for fluids such as oil (including foreign matter contained in the oil).

[0040] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a cover 4 according to one specific example. FIG. 12 shows the outer surface of the cover 4. One or more ribs 49 extending in the radial direction are formed on the outer surface of the cover 4. In this example, the multiple ribs 49 extend radially from the axis x. The multiple ribs 49 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction. With the exception of some of the ribs 49, each rib 49 extends from near the center of the bottom portion 44, via the third flange 46 and the second flange 45, to the first flange 43. The shape and number of the ribs 49 may be changed as appropriate.

[0041] The ribs 49 protrude from the outer surface of the cover 4. In this example, the thickness of the cover 4 in the area where the ribs 49 are formed is greater than the thickness of the cover 4 in the area where the ribs 49 are not formed. Forming the ribs 49 in this manner can suppress deformation such as warping of the cover 4, for example, when the cover 4 is molded from a resin material. Furthermore, forming the ribs 49 can improve the strength and rigidity of the molded cover 4, thereby suppressing deformation of the cover 4 when the rotating device 1 is used after being attached to the housing 3.

[0042] The rotating device 1 described above is incorporated into, for example, an electric vehicle. For example, the rotating device 1 is arranged so that the rotational shaft of the motor 5 is oriented horizontally. When the rotating device 1 is in use, as the rotational shaft of the motor 5 rotates around axis x, driving force is transmitted from the output shaft to the wheels via the reducer. The angle sensor 7 determines the rotational speed of the motor 5 by detecting the rotational angle of the rotational shaft, i.e., the rotor 8. Oil, such as a lubricant, filled in the housing 3 and the reducer is used to lubricate the gears and the like, as well as to cool the motor 5. Such oil may splash from the housing 3 into the cover 4.

[0043] 9 , in the rotating device 1, a gap G extending in the circumferential direction is formed between the angle sensor 7 and the first flange 43 of the cover 4 facing the housing 3. A part of the first member 10 disposed in the gap G, i.e., the protruding portion 107, surrounds the angle sensor 7 to form a labyrinth L. With this configuration, even if oil splashes into the gap G, the labyrinth L can prevent the oil from entering the angle sensor 7. Furthermore, the upper side of the angle sensor 7 in the axial direction is covered by the first member 10. As a result, adhesion of oil and foreign matter contained in the oil to the angle sensor 7, for example, to the coil 14, can be prevented.

[0044] Furthermore, in the rotating device 1, a flow path F is formed between the cover 4 and the angle sensor 7, communicating from the bottom 44 of the cover 4 to the gap G. When the rotating device 1 is in use, rotation of the rotating shaft of the motor 5 may cause oil to splash onto the inner surface of the bottom 44. Because the rotating shaft of the motor 5 is oriented horizontally, oil adhering to the inner surface of the bottom 44 flows by gravity through the flow path F and out of the gap G. As a result, accumulation of oil on the bottom 44 can be suppressed. Furthermore, because oil can flow from the gap G toward the housing 3 through the flow path F, adhesion of oil to the angle sensor 7 can be suppressed.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 11 , for example, seven grooves 48 are arranged in the circumferential direction. For example, if the connector 42 of the cover 4 is positioned on the upper side in the direction of gravity, oil scattered on the bottom 44 can flow through a flow path F formed by, for example, three grooves 48 arranged on the opposite side from the connector 42. For example, even if the cover 4 is installed in an electric vehicle in an orientation rotated clockwise around the axis x by a predetermined angle from the position shown in FIG. 11 , the oil can flow in the direction of gravity through any of the grooves 48 arranged in the circumferential direction. Even if the rotating device 1 rotates at various angles around the axis x, the flow path F can allow the oil to flow in the direction of gravity. At this time, foreign matter can also be flushed away by the oil.

[0046] Fig. 13 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view corresponding to the cross-section of Fig. 9. In Fig. 13, a sensor assembly 6A according to a modified example is attached to the cover 4. Specifically, in the sensor assembly 6A, the second member 11 is omitted from the sensor assembly 6. Specifically, the sensor assembly 6A is supported on the upper surface 45a of the second flange 45 of the cover 4 at the lower surface of the annular portion 131 of the stator core 13. Other components similar to those of the sensor assembly 6 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted here.

[0047] FIG. 14 corresponds to FIG. 8 and is a perspective cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the configuration of a sensor assembly 6B according to another modified example. In FIG. 14 , the sensor assembly 6B is attached to the cover 4. In the sensor assembly 6B, a plurality of first wall portions 103a projecting downward in the axial direction are formed at the inner peripheral end of the upper step portion 103 of the first member 10. Meanwhile, a plurality of second wall portions 111a projecting upward in the axial direction are formed at the inner peripheral end of the lower step portion 111 of the second member 11. The first wall portions 103a and the second wall portions 111a are arranged at corresponding positions in the circumferential direction. The lower ends of the first wall portions 103a and the upper ends of the second wall portions 111a are connected to each other. Other components similar to those of the sensor assembly 6 described above are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted here.

[0048] The first wall portion 103a and the second wall portion 111a are shaped to cooperate with each other to close the space around the first portion 154a and the second portion 154b of the insulator 15 between the upper step portion 103 of the first member 10 and the lower step portion 111 of the second member 11. In this example, the first portion 154a, the second portion 154b, the first wall portion 103a, and the second wall portion 111a of the insulator 15 form a cylindrical surface centered on the axis x around the teeth 132 of the stator core 13. With this configuration, when the rotor 8 rotates around the axis x, oil splashed from the axis x toward the outer periphery and foreign matter contained in the oil can be prevented from entering the coil 14 from the space around the first portion 154a and the second portion 154b.

[0049] Although the present invention has been described above through the above embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements can be made to the above embodiments. It is clear from the claims that such modifications and improvements can also be included within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0050] The above-described embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention, and the present invention may include any and all applications. The components of the above-described embodiments, as well as their arrangement, materials, conditions, shape, size, etc., are not limited to those illustrated and may be modified as appropriate. For example, the present invention includes differences that arise during implementation due to manufacturing tolerances, etc. Furthermore, components illustrated in different embodiments may be partially substituted or combined within the scope of technical inconsistency. Furthermore, the various configurations may be selectively combined as appropriate to achieve at least some of the above-described problems and effects.

[0051] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Rotating device, 2 Case, 3 Housing, 4 Cover, 5 Motor, 6, 6A, 6B Sensor assembly, 7 Angle sensor, 8 Rotor, 9 Stator, 10 First member (member), 11 Second member, 13 Stator core, 14 Coil, 15 Insulator, 21 Fixing member, 41 Storage portion, 42 Connector, 43 First flange, 43a Upper surface, 43b Recess, 43b Hole, 43c Recess, 44 Bottom, 45 Second flange, 45a Upper surface, 45b Pin, 46 Third flange, 47 Seal, 48 Groove, 49 Rib, 81 Outer peripheral surface, 82 Convex portion, 83 Inner peripheral surface, 84 Convex portion, 85 Convex portion, 101 Main body portion, 102 Cover portion, 103 Upper portion, 103a First wall portion, 104 Lower portion, 105 Connection portion, 106 hole, 107 protrusion, 111 lower portion, 111a second wall portion, 112 upper portion, 113 connection portion, 114 recess, 115 recess, 131 annular portion, 132 teeth, 133 recess, 151 main body, 152 terminal block, 153 annular portion, 154 covering portion, 154a first portion, 154b second portion, 156a projection, 157 first pillar (pillar), 158 second pillar, 159 terminal pin, 160 terminal, 161 mold, F flow path, G gap, L labyrinth, x axis

Claims

1. A rotating device comprising: an enclosure formed by a housing and a cover; a motor fixed to the housing; an angle sensor fixed to the inner surface of the cover; and a member covering the angle sensor, wherein a gap extending circumferentially is formed between a first flange of the cover facing the housing and the angle sensor in the radial direction, and a part of the member disposed in the gap surrounds the angle sensor to form a labyrinth.

2. The rotating device according to claim 1, wherein the cover comprises a bottom and a second flange located on the bottom side of the first flange, and the member and the angle sensor are fixed to the second flange.

3. A rotating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first flange has a recess surrounding the gap, and a seal is disposed in the recess.

4. The rotating device according to claim 3, wherein the cover comprises a third flange located on the bottom side relative to the second flange, and a portion of the angle sensor is disposed between the second flange and the third flange in the axial direction.

5. A rotating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the angle sensor comprises an insulator and a coil wound around the insulator, and the insulator is provided with a pillar extending axially toward the member.

6. A rotating device according to claim 5, wherein the member is a first member, and a second member is provided on the bottom side to cover the angle sensor, and the pillar is a first pillar, and the insulator is provided with a second pillar extending toward the second member.

7. A rotating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein one or more ribs extending in the radial direction are formed on the outer surface of the cover.

8. A rotating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cover is provided with a flow path through which a fluid can flow from the gap to the bottom.

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