Rotary electrical machine

Abstract

This rotary electrical machine comprises a frame having a plurality of held parts, and a cover having a plurality of holding parts. Each of the plurality of holding parts has a pressing part that presses the frame. The pressing parts are configured so as to press towards each of the plurality of held parts by means of elastic force generated in an elastic part when the plurality of holding parts and the plurality of held parts are in contact with each other.

Description

rotating electrical machines

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

[0002] Conventionally, a rotating electric machine having a motor and a control unit for controlling the motor has been known. The control unit contains components such as a circuit board for driving the motor. In such a control unit, it is necessary to protect the circuit board while taking into consideration the layout of the components. For this reason, as disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, a configuration is generally adopted in which the circuit board is covered with a cover or a frame and a sealant is filled between the cover and the frame.

[0003] Japanese Patent No. 6425085 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-167894

[0004] In the structure disclosed in Patent Document 1, an integrally molded housing (frame) and an integrally molded cover are liquid-tightly joined with a sealing material. This minimizes the number of components whose dimensional accuracy must be improved to ensure sealing. In other words, the housing and cover are not fastened together using screws or the like. This reduces the number of sealing parts and simplifies manufacturing (see, for example, paragraph 0007 of Patent Document 1).

[0005] However, the structure disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires the use of a jig to fix the housing and the cover from the cover positioning process to the sealant curing process, which requires processes such as preparing the jig and removing the jig, resulting in a problem of reduced manufacturing efficiency (see paragraph 0022 of Patent Document 1).

[0006] In the structure disclosed in Patent Document 2, the heat sink, connector, and cover are liquid-tightly joined with a sealant. The housing is provided with a fitting portion and multiple positioning portions. The fitting portion is fitted to the cover and is liquid-tightly joined to the cover with a sealant. The multiple positioning portions determine the position of the cover. The cover can be assembled while being positioned relative to the cover fitting portion of the housing (see, for example, paragraphs 0059 and 0086 of Patent Document 2).

[0007] However, in the structure disclosed in Patent Document 2, if an external force or the like is applied to the cover or housing between the cover positioning step and the joining step (curing step) using the sealant, a relative misalignment may occur at the joint of the sealant (the gap between the cover and the housing), which may result in insufficient filling of the sealant.

[0008] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a rotating electric machine that can hold parts without using jigs from the positioning process of the frame and cover, which are liquid-tightly joined with a sealing material, to the hardening process of the sealing material, while minimizing the number of components required to ensure sealing.

[0009] A rotating electric machine according to the present disclosure includes a substrate, a frame, a cover, and a sealing material. The frame includes an annular frame portion surrounding the substrate. The cover includes a plurality of holding portions for holding the frame and a first annular cover portion having a plurality of seating surfaces arranged to face the annular frame portion. The sealing material is filled between the annular frame portion and the first annular cover portion. Each of the plurality of holding portions includes a pressing portion that presses the frame, a bent portion located at an end of the first annular cover portion, and an elastic portion located between the pressing portion and the bent portion. Each of the plurality of holding portions is disposed outward from the first annular cover portion. Two adjacent holding portions of the plurality of holding portions are disposed opposite each other. The frame includes a plurality of held portions held by the plurality of holding portions and a plurality of seating portions arranged to face the plurality of seating surfaces in a one-to-one relationship. Each of the plurality of held portions includes a guide portion that elastically deforms the elastic portion. The plurality of held portions are disposed outward from the annular frame portion. Two adjacent held portions of the plurality of held portions are arranged to face each other. The first cover annular portion and the frame annular portion have a shape that surrounds the board. When the plurality of holding portions and the plurality of held portions come into contact with each other, an elastic force generated in the elastic portion causes the pressing portion to press against each of the plurality of held portions.

[0010] According to the rotating electric machine of the present disclosure, the number of components required to ensure sealing can be minimized, and parts can be held without using jigs from the positioning process of the frame and cover, which are liquid-tightly joined with sealing material, to the hardening process of the sealing material.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a rotating electric machine according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a cover that constitutes the rotating electric machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a frame that constitutes the rotating electric machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the rotating electric machine according to the first embodiment, illustrating a method of assembling the rotating electric machine. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the rotating electric machine according to the first embodiment, illustrating a method of assembling the rotating electric machine. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the rotating electric machine according to the first embodiment, illustrating a method of assembling the rotating electric machine. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the rotating electric machine according to the first embodiment, illustrating a method of assembling the rotating electric machine. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the rotating electric machine according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the rotating electric machine according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the rotating electric machine according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a cover that constitutes the rotating electric machine according to the ninth embodiment. FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a frame that constitutes the rotating electric machine according to the ninth embodiment.

[0012] In the description of the embodiments, components having the same or similar functions are denoted by the same reference numerals. Duplicate descriptions of those components may be omitted. The drawings are schematic or conceptual, and the relationship between the thickness and width of each part, the size ratio between parts, etc., may not necessarily be the same as the actual ones.

[0013] In the description of the embodiments, ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," and "third" may be used. These ordinal numbers do not indicate the number of components described with the ordinal numbers. Ordinal numbers may be used to indicate that each of a plurality of components is a separate component.

[0014] The term "opposite" indicates the positional relationship between two components. This positional relationship not only means that the two components are facing each other, but also means that another component is interposed between the two components. The same interpretation applies to the terms "provided," "disposed," and "connected."

[0015] In the following description, the terms "axial direction Z," "first orthogonal direction X," and "second orthogonal direction Y" are used as directional terms. The axial direction Z corresponds to the direction in which the central axis O of the rotation shaft extends. In the axial direction Z, the direction from the control unit 1 toward the motor 2 is referred to as the upward direction or up, and the direction from the motor toward the control unit is referred to as the downward direction or down. A view from the axial direction Z is referred to as a plan view. A view from the axial direction Z is referred to as a plan view. Note that the axial direction Z may coincide with the vertical direction. The first orthogonal direction X is a direction orthogonal to the axial direction Z. The second orthogonal direction Y is a direction orthogonal to both the axial direction Z and the first orthogonal direction X. The terms "axial direction Z," "first orthogonal direction X," and "second orthogonal direction Y" are used to describe the relative positions of multiple components constituting a rotating electric machine, the shapes of each of the multiple components, and the structures of each of the multiple components, and do not define the attitude of the rotating electric machine.

[0016] First Embodiment A rotating electric machine 10 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The rotating electric machine 10 shown in FIG. 1 is, for example, an electric motor. In addition to an electric motor, an inner rotor type generator-electric machine, an electric motor, or the like may also be used as the rotating electric machine 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the rotating electric machine 10 includes a motor 2 and a control unit 1. The motor 2 and the control unit 1 are arranged side by side in the axial direction Z.

[0017] <Motor> The motor 2 is a motor having multi-phase windings. For example, the motor 2 is a three-phase AC motor. The motor 2 includes a rotating shaft 21, a rotor 22, a stator 23, a frame 3, etc. A housing 6 is provided between a substrate 4 and the stator 23. The rotating shaft 21 is an example of an output shaft of an electric motor.

[0018] The rotor 22 is fixed to the rotating shaft 21. Plural pairs of permanent magnets (not shown) are arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the rotor 22. The stator 23 is provided so as to surround the outer periphery of the rotor 22. The stator 23 is arranged radially outward of the rotor 22 with a gap therebetween. A plurality of windings 24a are wound around the stator 23. Specifically, bobbins 24b and 24c are fixed to the stator 23. The plurality of windings 24a are wound around the bobbins 24b and 24c. The plurality of windings 24a include windings 24a corresponding to each of the three phases of the motor 2. In the case of a three-phase motor, for example, the plurality of windings 24a may include a winding 24a corresponding to a U-phase, a winding 24a corresponding to a V-phase, and a winding 24a corresponding to a W-phase. A sensor rotor 25 is attached to the upper end of the rotating shaft 21.

[0019] An annular terminal 27 and a plurality of motor terminal portions 28 are provided above the stator 23. The annular terminal 27 is disposed near the winding 24a. The annular terminal 27 is connected to an end of the winding 24a. The plurality of motor terminal portions 28 extend upward (toward the control unit 1) from the annular terminal 27. The plurality of motor terminal portions 28 are electrically connected to the ends of the plurality of windings 24a via the annular terminal 27, respectively.

[0020] The frame 3 has a cylindrical shape with a bottom. The frame 3 houses the rotating shaft 21, the rotor 22, and the stator 23. The frame 3 is made of metal. For example, the frame 3 is made of a die-cast aluminum alloy. The stator 23 is fixed to the inner surface of the frame 3. A through hole 3a is formed in the center of the bottom of the frame 3 in a plan view. The through hole 3a passes through the bottom of the frame 3 in the axial direction Z. The frame 3 is provided with a fixing portion 36 that fixes the housing 6. The detailed structure of the frame 3 will be described later.

[0021] The housing 6 is provided above the stator 23. The housing 6 is fixed to the fixing portion 36 of the frame 3. The housing 6 is a lid that closes the upper opening of the frame 3. The housing 6 is made of metal. For example, the housing 6 is made of a die-cast aluminum alloy. The housing 6 is located at the boundary between the motor 2 and the control unit 1. In other words, the housing 6 is a boundary portion located between the motor 2 and the control unit 1. A shaft through-hole 6a is formed in the center of the housing 6 in a plan view. In a plan view, the shaft through-hole 6a passes through the housing 6 in the axial direction Z. The shaft through-hole 6a has a circular shape centered on the central axis O.

[0022] The upper end of the rotating shaft 21 and the sensor rotor 25 are disposed inside the shaft through-hole 6a. A first bearing 26a is provided in the shaft through-hole 6a. The lower end of the rotating shaft 21 is inserted into the through-hole 3a. A second bearing 26b is provided in the through-hole 3a. The first bearing 26a and the second bearing 26b support the rotating shaft 21 so that it can rotate freely.

[0023] <Control Unit> The control unit 1 controls the motor 2. The control unit 1 includes a circuit board 4, a connector 5, a cover 7, and the like.

[0024] The cover 7 covers the board 4 and the housing 6 from above. The cover 7 is attached to the frame 3. The board 4 is disposed inside the cover 7. The board 4 and the cover 7 are disposed spaced apart from each other. The board 4 is disposed above the housing 6.

[0025] Signals are supplied to the substrate 4 via the connector 5. Here, the signals include, for example, power from an external power source and various signals output from an external control device or the like. The connector 5 has a plurality of power connection terminals 5a and a plurality of signal connection terminals 5b. The plurality of power connection terminals 5a are terminals that supply power from an external power source provided outside the rotating electric machine 10 to the substrate 4. The plurality of signal connection terminals 5b are terminals that supply various signals from a control device or the like provided outside the rotating electric machine 10 to the substrate 4. The connector 5 is arranged in a position that does not contact the motor 2. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the connector 5 is arranged below the substrate 4. The plurality of power connection terminals 5a and the plurality of signal connection terminals 5b are connected to the lower surface of the substrate 4.

[0026] The substrate 4 is formed with a plurality of power connection holes 44a and a plurality of signal connection holes 44b. A plurality of power connection terminals 5a are connected to the plurality of power connection holes 44a in a one-to-one relationship. A plurality of signal connection terminals 5b are connected to the plurality of signal connection holes 44b in a one-to-one relationship. The plurality of power connection holes 44a and the plurality of power connection terminals 5a are arranged in overlapping positions in the axial direction Z so as to correspond one-to-one. The plurality of signal connection holes 44b and the plurality of signal connection terminals 5b are arranged in overlapping positions in the axial direction Z so as to correspond one-to-one. The plurality of power connection holes 44a and the plurality of signal connection holes 44b are arranged at one end of the substrate 4 in the first orthogonal direction X. The power connection terminal 5a is inserted into the power connection hole 44a. The signal connection terminal 5b is inserted into the signal connection hole 44b. The power connection terminal 5a is electrically connected to a conductive layer formed on the inner surface of the power connection hole 44a. The signal connection terminal 5b is electrically connected to a conductive layer formed on the inner surface of the signal connection hole 44b.

[0027] A plurality of motor connection holes 45a are formed in the substrate 4. A plurality of motor terminal portions 28 are connected to the plurality of motor connection holes 45a in a one-to-one relationship. The plurality of motor connection holes 45 are arranged to correspond one-to-one to the positions of the plurality of motor terminal portions 28. For example, the plurality of motor connection holes 45 and the tip ends of the plurality of motor terminal portions 28 are arranged in positions that overlap in the axial direction Z so as to correspond one-to-one. The plurality of motor connection holes 45 are arranged at the other end of the substrate 4 in the first orthogonal direction X. The motor terminal portions 28 are inserted through the motor connection holes 45. The motor terminal portions 28 are electrically connected to a conductive layer formed on the inner surface of the motor connection holes 45.

[0028] The board 4 has a plurality of mounting holes 41. Screws 9 for fixing the board 4 to the housing 6 are inserted into the plurality of mounting holes 41. Components 42 required for controlling and driving the motor 2 are mounted on the board 4.

[0029] <Detailed Structure of Cover, Frame, Sealing Material, and Housing> Next, with reference to Figures 2 to 4, the detailed structures of the cover 7 that constitutes the control unit 1, the frame 3 that constitutes the motor 2, the sealing material 8 arranged between the frame 3 and the cover 7, and the housing 6 arranged between the frame 3 and the cover 7 will be described.

[0030] <Cover> The cover 7 is an outer casing member that protects the components of the rotating electric machine 10, such as the substrate 4. The cover 7 includes a first cover annular portion 71 and a plurality of holding portions 72 that hold the frame 3. The material of the cover 7 is not particularly limited. As long as it has the function of protecting the components of the rotating electric machine 10, the cover 7 may be formed of a resin material or a metal material. The thickness of the cover 7 is not particularly limited. The thickness of the cover 7 may vary depending on the portion or region of the cover 7.

[0031] The first cover annular portion 71 is arranged to surround components of the rotating electric machine 10, such as the substrate 4. In areas of the cover 7 where the holding portion 72 is not provided, the first cover annular portion 71 is arranged at the outermost portion 71X of the cover 7. The first cover annular portion 71 has a plurality of seating surfaces 73. The plurality of seating surfaces 73 are portions that abut against a plurality of seating portions 33 of the frame 3. The seating portions 33 will be described later. The first cover annular portion 71 is a portion where the sealing material 8 is applied. For this reason, the first cover annular portion 71 may also be referred to as an application portion. The holding portion 72 holds the uncured sealing material 8 on the cover 7 until the sealing material 8 hardens. In this respect, the holding portion 72 may also be referred to as a temporary holding portion.

[0032] The multiple holding portions 72 protrude from the outermost portion 71X of the cover 7. That is, each of the multiple holding portions 72 is disposed outside the first cover annular portion 71. In the example shown in FIG. 2 , two holding portions 72 are provided so as to protrude from one end 71A of the first cover annular portion 71 in the second orthogonal direction Y. Similarly, two holding portions 72 are provided so as to protrude from the other end 71B of the first cover annular portion 71 in the second orthogonal direction Y. In other words, the first cover annular portion 71 is disposed between the substrate 4 and the holding portions 72 in a plan view.

[0033] Two adjacent retaining portions 72 among the plurality of retaining portions 72 are arranged to face each other. In the example shown in Fig. 2 , the two retaining portions 72 provided at one end 71A of the first cover annular portion 71 in the second orthogonal direction Y are adjacent to each other in the first orthogonal direction X. Similarly, the two retaining portions 72 provided at the other end 71B of the first cover annular portion 71 in the second orthogonal direction Y are adjacent to each other in the first orthogonal direction X. In the example shown in Fig. 2 , one of the two opposing retaining portions 72 may be slightly misaligned in the second orthogonal direction Y.

[0034] Each of the multiple holding portions 72 has a pressing portion 721, an elastic portion 74, and a bent portion 741. The pressing portion 721 is a portion that presses the frame 3. In other words, it is a portion that presses the guide portion 34 of the frame 3 when the cover 7 is attached to the frame 3. The guide portion 34 will be described later. In this way, the pressing portion 721 holds the frame 3. For this reason, the pressing portion 721 can also be referred to as a holding surface. The bent portion 741 is located at an end of the first cover annular portion 71. In the example shown in FIG. 2 , the bent portion 741 is located at one end 71A and the other end 71B of the first cover annular portion 71 in the second orthogonal direction Y. In other words, the bent portion 741 is provided at each of two positions that are opposite to each other with respect to the first cover annular portion 71.

[0035] The elastic portion 74 is located between the pressing portion 721 and the bent portion 741. The elastic portion 74 is a portion that deforms when the pressing portion 721 contacts the guide portion 34 of the frame 3. When the pressing portion 721 contacts the guide portion 34, the elastic force of the pressing portion 721 gradually increases as the cover 7 approaches the frame 3. The elastic force of the elastic portion 74 may be adjusted, for example, by selecting the material of the cover 7. The elastic force of the elastic portion 74 may be adjusted by making the thickness of the cover 7 at the elastic portion 74 or the bent portion 741 smaller or larger than other portions. Note that the tip of the pressing portion 721 that contacts the guide portion 34 may be formed with a surface that allows smooth contact between the pressing portion 721 and the guide portion 34.

[0036] The elastic portion 74 provided at the end 71A and the elastic portion 74 provided at the end 71B are disposed at positions opposite to each other in the second orthogonal direction Y. Therefore, an elastic force generated in the elastic portion 74 at the end 71A and an elastic force generated in the elastic portion 74 at the end 71B can be generated in the second orthogonal direction Y.

[0037] <Frame> The frame 3 includes a frame annular portion 31, a plurality of held portions 32, and a plurality of seating portions 33. The frame annular portion 31 surrounds the substrate 4. The frame annular portion 31 is arranged to face a plurality of seating surfaces 73. In areas of the frame 3 where no held portions 32 are provided, the frame annular portion 31 is arranged at the outermost portion 31X of the frame 3. The frame annular portion 31 is a portion where the sealant 8 is applied. For this reason, the frame annular portion 31 may also be referred to as an application portion.

[0038] The multiple held portions 32 are portions held by the multiple holding portions 72. Each of the multiple held portions 32 has a guide portion 34 that elastically deforms the elastic portion 74. That is, the held portion 32 is a portion that elastically deforms the elastic portion 74 of the holding portion 72 of the cover 7. The held portion 32 has a shape that abuts against the pressing portion 721 while maintaining the elastically deformed state of the elastic portion 74 of the cover 7. The multiple held portions 32 protrude from the outermost portion 31X of the frame 3. That is, the multiple held portions 32 are disposed outside the frame annular portion 31. In the example shown in FIG. 3 , two held portions 32 are provided to protrude from one end 31A of the frame annular portion 31 in the second orthogonal direction Y. Similarly, two held portions 32 are provided to protrude from the other end 31B of the frame annular portion 31 in the second orthogonal direction Y.

[0039] Two adjacent held portions 32 among the plurality of held portions 32 are arranged to face each other. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the two held portions 32 provided at one end 31A of the frame annular portion 31 in the second orthogonal direction Y are adjacent to each other in the first orthogonal direction X. Similarly, the two held portions 32 provided at the other end 31B of the frame annular portion 31 in the second orthogonal direction Y are adjacent to each other in the first orthogonal direction X. In the example shown in Fig. 3, one of the two opposing held portions 32 may be slightly misaligned in the second orthogonal direction Y.

[0040] The plurality of seating portions 33 are arranged to face the plurality of seating surfaces 73 in a one-to-one correspondence. The plurality of seating portions 33 come into contact with the plurality of seating surfaces 73 in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0041] In the above-described structure of the cover 7 and frame 3, the first cover annular portion 71 and the frame annular portion 31 have a shape that surrounds the substrate 4. When the multiple holding portions 72 and the multiple held portions 32 come into contact with each other, the pressing portion 721 is configured to press against each of the multiple held portions 32 due to an elastic force generated in the elastic portion 74. In other words, the shape of the cover 7 is set so that when the pressing portion 721 holds the held portions 32, the elastic portion 74 applies an elastic force in a direction toward the inside of the frame 3. As a result, the elastic force acting on the elastic portion 74 of the cover 7 becomes a force (holding force) that acts toward the inside of the frame 3, and the elastic force acts on the pressing portion 721, causing the holding portion 72 to hold the held portions 32.

[0042] Here, the "direction toward the inside of the frame 3" refers to the direction from the holding portion 72 toward the held portion 32. Also, in Figures 2 and 3, the "direction toward the inside of the frame 3" refers to the direction toward the board 4 in the second orthogonal direction Y. Note that, as a modified example, a structure can be adopted in which the held portion 32 is provided at the end of the frame 3 in the first orthogonal direction X, and the holding portion 72 is provided at the end of the cover 7 in the first orthogonal direction X. In such a modified example, the "direction toward the inside of the frame 3" refers to the direction toward the board 4 in the first orthogonal direction X.

[0043] 1, the frame 3 has a structure in which a portion where the stator 23 and the like are attached to the frame 3 is integrally formed with a portion having the held portion 32 and the frame annular portion 31. As a modified example, the portion where the stator 23 and the like are attached to the frame 3 may be separated from the portion having the held portion 32 and the frame annular portion 31.

[0044] <Retention Structure> One retention structure 50 is formed by one retention portion 72 among the multiple retention portions 72 and one retained portion 32 that faces the retention portion 72 and is among the multiple retained portions 32. The number of retention structures 50 (number of sets) is two or more. In this embodiment, two retention portions 72 protrude from each of the end portions 71A, 71B, i.e., a total of four retention portions 72 are provided on the cover 7. Similarly, two retained portions 32 protrude from each of the end portions 31A, 31B, i.e., a total of four retained portions 32 are provided on the frame 3. Therefore, the number of retention structures 50 (number of sets) according to this embodiment is four in total. The number of retention structures 50 (number of sets) is not limited as long as it is two or more.

[0045] 2, two retaining structures 50 (retaining portions 72) are arranged at positions opposite to each other with respect to the cover 7. Specifically, two retaining portions 72 are arranged at one end 71A of the first cover annular portion 71 in the second orthogonal direction Y. Two retaining portions 72 are arranged at the other end 71B of the first cover annular portion 71 in the second orthogonal direction Y. Furthermore, at each of the ends 71A, 71B, the two retaining portions 72 face each other in the first orthogonal direction X.

[0046] 3, two holding structures 50 (held portions 32) are arranged at opposite positions relative to the frame 3. Specifically, two held portions 32 are arranged at one end 31A of the frame annular portion 31 in the second orthogonal direction Y. Two held portions 32 are arranged at the other end 31B of the frame annular portion 31 in the second orthogonal direction Y. Furthermore, at each of the ends 31A, 31B, the two held portions 32 face each other in the first orthogonal direction X.

[0047] <Sealing Material> The sealing material 8 is filled between the frame annular portion 31 and the first cover annular portion 71. The sealing material 8 is a member for liquid-tightly joining the cover 7 and the frame 3. As an example, the sealing material 8 is a one-component moisture-curing sealing material. As a variant, the sealing material 8 may be a two-component catalyst-curing sealing material.

[0048] <Housing> The housing 6 has a board fixing portion 61 and a housing through-hole 65a. The board fixing portion 61 is a portion to which the board 4 is fixed. The conductor portion 27a of the motor terminal portion 28 passes through the housing through-hole 65a. As described above, the frame annular portion 31 of the frame 3 has a shape that surrounds the board 4. Therefore, the board 4 may be fixed to either the frame 3 or the housing 6. In the example shown in FIG. 4 , the board 4 is fixed to the housing 6, and the housing 6 is fixed to the frame 3. As a modified example, the board 4 may be fixed directly to the frame 3.

[0049] <Method of Assembling a Rotating Electric Machine> Next, with reference to FIGS. 4 to 8 , a method of assembling the rotating electric machine 10 according to the first embodiment will be described. First, the cover 7 and the frame 3 are prepared. The housing 6 is fixed to the frame 3 in advance. Next, a liquid sealant 8a is applied to the frame annular portion 31 of the frame 3. Here, the liquid sealant 8a refers to a sealant before hardening. In this embodiment, the liquid sealant 8a is applied to the frame annular portion 31, but the liquid sealant 8a may also be applied to the first cover annular portion 71, or the liquid sealant 8a may also be applied to both the first cover annular portion 71 and the frame annular portion 31.

[0050] Next, with the liquid sealant 8a applied to the frame annular portion 31, the first cover annular portion 71 and the frame annular portion 31 are brought into opposition to each other. The cover 7 and the frame 3 are brought relatively close to each other in the axial direction Z. At this time, the cover 7 may be moved toward the frame 3 while the frame 3 is fixed, or the frame 3 may be moved toward the cover 7 while the cover 7 is fixed, or both the cover 7 and the frame 3 may be moved. In this embodiment, the cover 7 is moved toward the frame 3 (see FIG. 4 ). This attaches the cover 7 to the frame 3. The seating surface 73 of the first cover annular portion 71 abuts against the seating portion 33 of the frame 3, and the cover 7 is assembled to the frame 3.

[0051] At this time, the holding portion 72 of the cover 7 and the held portion 32 of the frame 3 exhibit the following effects. (A1) The holding portion 72 of the cover 7 contacts the guide portion 34 of the frame 3 (see FIG. 5). (A2) Thereafter, by moving the cover 7 toward the frame 3, the pressing portion 721 of the holding portion 72 slides on the guide portion 34, elastically deforming the elastic portion 74 (see FIG. 6). At this time, if the tip of the pressing portion 721 is formed with a surface that smoothly contacts the guide portion 34, the pressing portion 721 smoothly contacts the guide portion 34, thereby elastically deforming the elastic portion 74 more smoothly. (A3) At this time, the position of the cover 7 relative to the frame 3 is determined by the elastic force generated in the elastic portion 74. While this positioning is being performed, the seating surface 73 of the cover 7 approaches the seating portion 33 of the frame 3. In other words, the elastic force generated in the elastic portion 74 of the holding portion 72 acts toward the inside of the frame 3, and the elastic forces generated in each of the two elastic portions 74 aligned in the second orthogonal direction Y are balanced, thereby determining the position of the cover 7 relative to the frame 3. (A4) While the elastic force of the elastic portion 74 of the cover 7 is still generated, the seating surface 73 of the cover 7 abuts against the seating portion 33 of the frame 3, and the pressing portion 721 of the cover 7 abuts against the held portion 32 of the frame 3. (A5) While the above steps (A1) to (A4) are being performed, the liquid sealant 8a applied to the frame annular portion 31 is in contact with the first cover annular portion 71 and is filled between the frame annular portion 31 and the first cover annular portion 71 (see FIG. 7 ).

[0052] 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion where the cover 7 does not have a holding portion 72 and the frame 3 does not have a held portion 32. When the cover 7 is assembled to the frame 3, the liquid sealant 8a protrudes outward in the second orthogonal direction Y beyond the outer peripheral surface 31E of the frame annular portion 31 and beyond the outer peripheral surface 71E of the first cover annular portion 71. In other words, a sealant protrusion 81 is formed between the frame annular portion 31 and the first cover annular portion 71.

[0053] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7 , even in the region where the holding portion 72 and the held portion 32 are provided, the liquid sealant 8a located near the holding portion 72 of the cover 7 attempts to protrude outward from the cover 7 in the second orthogonal direction Y. However, because the cover 7 has the bent portion 741, the flow of the liquid sealant 8a outward in the second orthogonal direction Y is blocked by the bent portion 741. Therefore, the liquid sealant 8a does not protrude outward beyond the bent portion 741. Although the flow of the liquid sealant 8a is blocked by the bent portion 741, the liquid sealant 8a that comes into contact with the bent portion 741 is guided by the bent portion 741 and flows in the first orthogonal direction X. In other words, the liquid sealant 8a flows so as to protrude from the bent portion 741 in the first orthogonal direction X. Thereafter, the liquid sealant 8a is cured, thereby filling the gap between the frame annular portion 31 and the first cover annular portion 71 with the sealant 8.

[0054] <Effects of embodiment 1> According to embodiment 1, the holding structure 50 obtained by the holding portion 72 of the cover 7 and the held portion 32 of the frame 3 can hold the cover 7 and the frame 3 without using a jig.

[0055] Even if external forces are applied to the frame 3 and the cover 7 after the cover 7 is assembled to the frame 3, the stable holding force prevents relative displacement of the sealant 8 between the frame 3 and the cover 7. This improves sealing quality. The elastic force of the elastic portion 74 generated between the holding portion 72 of the cover 7 and the held portion 32 of the frame 3 is utilized, allowing the cover 7 to be stably positioned relative to the frame 3. This allows positioning of the cover 7 and the frame 3 during assembly without the use of a jig. Because a positioning jig for determining the position of the cover 7 relative to the frame 3 is not required, the positioning process is unnecessary, reducing jig costs and improving production efficiency. Since there is no need to cure the liquid sealant 8a while the jig is in place, space is saved.

[0056] The retaining portion 72 protrudes outward from the outermost portion 71X of the cover 7. The retained portion 32 protrudes outward from the outermost portion 31X of the frame 3. Therefore, it is easy to confirm whether the retaining portion 72 properly retains the retained portion 32. Such confirmation can be performed visually by an operator, or determination can be made based on an image obtained from an imaging element. The ease of confirming the retaining state of the retaining portion 72 relative to the retained portion 32 contributes to improving sealing quality. In a comparative example, for example, if the retaining portion 72 improperly retains the retained portion 32, there is a risk of insufficient sealing material being filled. Specifically, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 2, if a shape for retaining the cover 7 is added to the positioning portion, the cover 7 can be retained, but the retaining portion 72 of the cover 7 is positioned inside the cover 7. This makes visual confirmation impossible. On the other hand, unlike the comparative example, the present embodiment allows the easy confirmation of the retaining state of the retaining portion 72 relative to the retained portion 32, contributing to improving sealing quality.

[0057] Even if a force acting on the cover 7 in the direction opposite to the direction in which the cover 7 and the frame 3 are fitted together is generated when the adhesive strength of the sealing material 8 is lost, the frame 3 is held in place by the holding force of the holding portion 72 of the cover 7. This provides a backup function due to the holding force of the holding portion 72. This prevents the cover 7 from falling off. When the cover 7 is made of metal, a structure is obtained in which the cover 7 actively holds the frame 3, and a structure in which the cover 7 is electrically connected to the frame 3 is also obtained. The potential of the cover 7 can be set to ground (GND) potential, which improves the shielding performance of the cover 7 in a structure in which the substrate 4 is disposed inside the cover 7.

[0058] The holding portion 72 has the bent portion 741, which can suppress the outflow of the liquid sealant 8a in the second orthogonal direction Y. This prevents deterioration of layout flexibility. The sealant 8 is positioned in a position visible from the outside of the frame annular portion 31 and the first cover annular portion 71. This makes it easy to check whether the sealant 8 is being applied improperly or whether the sealant 8 is being filled improperly. The holding portion 72 has the bent portion 741, which can guide the liquid sealant 8a that contacts the bent portion 741 to flow in the first orthogonal direction X. Therefore, after the liquid sealant 8a hardens, the filling of the sealant 8 can be confirmed by checking the protruding state of the sealant 8 in the first orthogonal direction X. The bent portions 741 are provided at two positions opposite each other with respect to the first cover annular portion 71. This increases the flexibility of the arrangement of the bent portion 741, for example, by changing the position of the bent portion 741 to a position that does not impose layout constraints.

[0059] The sealant 8 is filled only between the frame annular portion 31 and the first cover annular portion 71. This minimizes the number of components while improving the sealing quality when filling the liquid sealant 8a. As a comparative example, for example, if the sealant 8 is filled using a separate member in addition to the frame 3 and the cover 7, the sealant 8 must also be filled into the separate member, which increases the difficulty of filling the sealant 8 and makes it difficult to fill the sealant 8. On the other hand, in this embodiment, unlike the comparative example, the sealant 8 is filled only between the frame annular portion 31 and the first cover annular portion 71, making it easy to fill the sealant 8.

[0060] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8 , in areas where the holding portions 72 and held portions 32 are not provided, the sealant 8 can be visually observed from outside the frame annular portion 31 and the first cover annular portion 71 by checking for the presence or absence of the sealant protrusions 81. The adhesive force of the sealant protrusions 81 improves the holding force between the cover 7 and the frame 3. The flow of the liquid sealant 8a outward in the second orthogonal direction Y is blocked by the bent portions 741. This prevents the sealant 8a from protruding in the second orthogonal direction Y in areas close to the holding portions 72. The holding portions 72 of the cover 7 can be arranged to face each other in the first orthogonal direction X. This allows for a high degree of freedom in the arrangement of the holding portions 72.

[0061] Regarding the arrangement of the retaining structures 50, a total of four retaining structures 50 are used to retain the frame 3 and the cover 7. If the retaining force obtained by each of the multiple retaining structures 50 is the same, the frame 3 and the cover 7 can be retained with a higher retaining force than when there are only two or three retaining structures 50, because there are more retaining structures 50. As a result, even if an external force is applied to the frame 3 or the cover 7 before the sealant 8 hardens, the frame 3 and the cover 7 can be prevented from being affected by the external force and relative misalignment can be suppressed.

[0062] Second Embodiment A rotating electric machine 10 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted or simplified. The basic configuration of the rotating electric machine 10 according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the rotating electric machine 10 according to the first embodiment. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that an opening 77 is provided in the holding portion 72 and a protrusion 37 is provided on the frame 3.

[0063] 9 , the holding portion 72 of the cover 7 has an opening 77 provided between the bent portion 741 and the pressing portion 721. The frame 3 has a convex portion 37 provided between the held portion 32 and the guide portion 34. The opening 77 has a size that does not interfere with the convex portion 37 or the guide portion 34. Here, the size of the opening 77 refers to the opening area of ​​the opening 77 when viewed from the thickness direction of the holding portion 72. Furthermore, "a size that does not interfere with the convex portion 37 or the guide portion 34" means that the holding portion 72 does not interfere with the convex portion 37 or the guide portion 34 when the convex portion 37 or the guide portion 34 is disposed within the opening of the opening 77.

[0064] The protrusion 37 is a portion that protrudes from the held portion 32 in the second orthogonal direction Y. In other words, when the cover 7 moves away from the frame 3 in the axial direction Z, the protrusion 37 interferes with and gets caught on the holding portion 72 inside the opening 77. The protrusion 37 is smoothly connected to the guide portion 34.

[0065] <Method of Assembling Rotating Electric Machine> Next, a method of assembling the rotating electric machine 10 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 9 . In the following description, when actions are similar to the above-described actions (A1) to (A5), they will be described with reference to actions (A1) to (A5). With the liquid sealant 8a applied to the frame annular portion 31, the first cover annular portion 71 and the frame annular portion 31 are brought into opposition. Next, the cover 7 is moved toward the frame 3. This attaches the cover 7 to the frame 3. The seating surface 73 of the first cover annular portion 71 abuts against the seating portion 33 of the frame 3, and the cover 7 is assembled to the frame 3.

[0066] At this time, the actions (A1) to (A3) occur in the holding portion 72 of the cover 7 and the held portion 32 of the frame 3. Thereafter, the following actions occur. (B1) As the cover 7 moves, the pressing portion 721 of the holding portion 72 moves downward in the axial direction Z while contacting the guide portion 34. The pressing portion 721 contacts the protrusion 37. Furthermore, the pressing portion 721 moves downward in the axial direction Z. (B2) When the pressing portion 721 passes through the protrusion 37 of the frame 3, the restoring force of the elastic portion 74 acts to deform the holding portion 72 so that the protrusion 37 of the frame 3 enters the opening 77 of the cover 7. As a result, the protrusion 37 is positioned inside the opening 77. (B3) The seating surface 73 of the cover 7 abuts against the seating portion 33 of the frame 3, and the pressing portion 721 of the cover 7 abuts against the held portion 32 of the frame 3. (B4) While the above steps (A1) to (A3) and (B1) to (B3) are being performed, the liquid sealant 8a applied to the frame annular portion 31 is in contact with the first cover annular portion 71 and fills the gap between the frame annular portion 31 and the first cover annular portion 71 (see FIG. 9). The liquid sealant 8a is then cured, filling the gap between the frame annular portion 31 and the first cover annular portion 71. In this second embodiment, the pressing portion 721 applies a holding force to the held portion 32 with the protrusion 37 of the frame 3 inserted in the opening 77 of the cover 7.

[0067] Effect of Second Embodiment In addition to the effect of the first embodiment, the second embodiment provides the following effect. According to the second embodiment, the frame 3 and the cover 7 are fitted together with the protrusion 37 always inserted into the opening 77 of the holding portion 72 arranged in the outermost portion 71X. Therefore, the fitting state between the frame 3 and the cover 7 can be easily visually confirmed by an operator, or can be easily determined based on an image obtained from an imaging element. This results in improved manufacturing efficiency compared to the first embodiment.

[0068] Even if the adhesive strength of the sealing material 8 is lost and a force greater than the holding force of the holding portion 72 is generated in the direction opposite to the direction in which the cover 7 and the frame 3 are fitted together, the protrusion 37 fits into the opening 77, preventing the cover 7 from falling off. In other words, the opening 77 functions as a stopper. Therefore, the opening 77 and the protrusion 37 provide a backup function. Therefore, the backup effect can be enhanced compared to the first embodiment.

[0069] Third Embodiment A rotating electric machine 10 according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the third embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted or simplified. The basic configuration of the rotating electric machine 10 according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the rotating electric machine 10 according to the first embodiment. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the structures of the first cover annular portion 71 and the frame annular portion 31.

[0070] <Holding Protrusions, Held Recesses> As shown in Fig. 10, the first cover annular portion 71 has holding protrusions 78 instead of holding portions 72. The frame annular portion 31 has held recesses 38 instead of held portions 32. The holding protrusions 78 and the held recesses 38 fit together. In this embodiment, the cover 7 holds the frame 3 by fitting the holding protrusions 78 into the held recesses 38. In this fitting structure, the holding protrusions 78 are press-fitted into the held recesses 38. A guide portion 34 is provided on the outer periphery of the held recess 38. The tip of the holding protrusion 78 may have a surface that smoothly contacts the guide portion 34.

[0071] <Method of Assembling Rotating Electric Machine> Next, a method of assembling the rotating electric machine 10 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 10 . With the liquid sealant 8a applied to the frame annular portion 31, the first cover annular portion 71 and the frame annular portion 31 are brought into opposition. Next, the cover 7 is moved toward the frame 3 (see FIG. 10 ). This attaches the cover 7 to the frame 3. The seating surface 73 of the first cover annular portion 71 abuts against the seating portion 33 of the frame 3, and the cover 7 is assembled to the frame 3.

[0072] At this time, the following actions occur in the holding protrusions 78 of the cover 7 and the held recesses 38 of the frame 3. (C1) The holding protrusions 78 of the cover 7 contact the guide portions 34 of the held recesses 38 of the frame 3. In this state, the seating surfaces 73 of the cover 7 abut against the seating portions 33 of the frame 3. At this time, the holding protrusions 78 of the cover 7 fit into the held recesses 38 of the frame 3. (C2) While (C1) is being performed, the liquid sealant 8a applied to the frame annular portion 31 contacts the first cover annular portion 71, filling the frame annular portion 31 and the first cover annular portion 71 with the sealant 8 (see FIG. 10 ). Thereafter, the liquid sealant 8a hardens, filling the gap between the frame annular portion 31 and the first cover annular portion 71 with the sealant 8. In this embodiment, the holding protrusions 78 fit into the held recesses 38, thereby providing the cover 7 with a holding force to the frame 3.

[0073] Embodiment 4 The basic configuration of the rotating electric machine 10 according to embodiment 4 is the same as that of the rotating electric machine 10 according to embodiment 1. Embodiment 4 differs from embodiment 3 in that the holding convex portions are changed to holding concave portions, and the held concave portions are changed to held convex portions.

[0074] The first cover annular portion 71 has a retaining recess instead of the retaining portion 72. The frame annular portion 31 has a retained convex portion instead of the retained portion 32. The retaining recess and the retained convex portion fit together. In this embodiment, the cover 7 holds the frame 3 by fitting the retaining recess into the retained convex portion. In this fitting structure, the retained convex portion is press-fit into the retaining recess. A guide portion 34 is provided on the outer periphery of the retained convex portion. The retaining recess may be a retaining hole as long as it can fit into the retained convex portion. The method of assembling the rotating electric machine 10 according to the fourth embodiment can be explained by changing the term "retaining convex portion 78" used in the description of the third embodiment to "retaining recess" and by changing the term "retained concave portion 38" used in the description of the third embodiment to "retained convex portion."

[0075] <Effects of Embodiments 3 and 4> In embodiment 3, a fitting structure can be obtained by the holding convex portions 78 and the held concave portions 38. This allows the cover 7 to hold the frame 3. Similarly, in embodiment 4, a fitting structure can be obtained by the holding concave portions and the held convex portions. This allows the cover 7 to hold the frame 3. The configurations of embodiments 3 and 4 do not use the holding portions 72 having the bent portions 741 described in embodiments 1 and 2. Therefore, there is no need to ensure space in the axial direction Z for the cover 7 or the frame 3. Therefore, in terms of layout, it is possible to realize a rotating electric machine that is thinner in the axial direction Z than embodiments 1 and 2.

[0076] Fifth Embodiment A rotating electric machine 10 according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the fifth embodiment, the same members as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted or simplified. The basic configuration of the rotating electric machine 10 according to the fifth embodiment is the same as that of the rotating electric machine 10 according to the first embodiment. The fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the structures of the cover 7 and the frame 3.

[0077] <Frame annular protrusion> As shown in Fig. 11 , the frame 3 has a frame annular protrusion 311 located more inward than the frame annular portion 31. The frame annular protrusion 311 protrudes from the frame annular portion 31 toward the cover 7. In other words, the frame annular protrusion 311 protrudes upward in the axial direction Z. The frame annular portion 31 and the frame annular protrusion 311 are continuously connected. In the example shown in Fig. 11 , the cross-sectional shape of the frame annular protrusion 311 is L-shaped. The angle between the frame annular portion 31 and the frame annular protrusion 311 is not limited to 90°. In the operation of assembling the cover 7 to the frame 3, the cross-sectional shape of the frame annular protrusion 311 is not limited to an L-shape as long as the frame 3 and the cover 7 can approach each other without interfering with each other.

[0078] <Second cover annular portion> The cover 7 has a second cover annular portion 711 located more inward than the first cover annular portion 71. The second cover annular portion 711 extends from the first cover annular portion 71 so as to move away from the frame 3. That is, the second cover annular portion 711 extends upward in the axial direction Z. The first cover annular portion 71 and the second cover annular portion 711 are continuously connected. The second cover annular portion 711 is disposed to face the frame annular protrusion 311. As a result, the second cover annular portion 711 is close to the frame annular protrusion 311. In the example shown in FIG. 11 , the cross-sectional shape of the second cover annular portion 711 is L-shaped. The angle between the first cover annular portion 71 and the second cover annular portion 711 is not limited to 90°.

[0079] <Method of Assembling Rotating Electric Machine> Next, a method of assembling the rotating electric machine 10 according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 11 . In the following description, when actions are the same as those (A1) to (A5) described above, they will be described with reference to actions (A1) to (A5). With the liquid sealant 8a applied to the frame annular portion 31, the first cover annular portion 71 and the frame annular portion 31 are brought into opposition. Next, the cover 7 is moved toward the frame 3. This attaches the cover 7 to the frame 3. The seating surface 73 of the first cover annular portion 71 abuts against the seating portion 33 of the frame 3, and the cover 7 is assembled to the frame 3.

[0080] At this time, the actions (A1) to (A5) occur in the holding portion 72 of the cover 7 and the held portion 32 of the frame 3. Furthermore, the following action occurs: (D1) As the cover 7 moves and approaches the frame 3, the second cover annular portion 711 and the frame annular protrusion 311 come into opposition. This additionally determines the position of the cover 7 relative to the frame 3. In other words, the frame annular protrusion 311 is guided by the second cover annular portion 711. Thereafter, the liquid sealant 8a is hardened, thereby filling the gap between the frame annular portion 31 and the first cover annular portion 71 with the sealant 8.

[0081] <Effects of Embodiment 5> In addition to the effects of Embodiment 1, Embodiment 5 provides the following effect. In addition to positioning the cover 7 relative to the frame 3 using the elastic force generated in the elastic portion 74 of the holding portion 72, positioning can be performed by bringing the second cover annular portion 711 closer to the frame annular protrusion 311. This further improves the positioning accuracy of the cover 7 relative to the frame 3. This therefore improves manufacturing efficiency compared to Embodiment 1.

[0082] Sixth Embodiment A rotating electric machine 10 according to a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the sixth embodiment, the same components as those in the first and fifth embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted or simplified. The basic configuration of the rotating electric machine 10 according to the sixth embodiment is the same as that of the rotating electric machine 10 according to the first and fifth embodiments. The sixth embodiment differs from the fifth embodiment in the shape of the sealing material 8.

[0083] 11 , the sealant 8 is filled between the frame annular portion 31 and the first cover annular portion 71, and between the frame annular protrusion 311 and the second cover annular portion 711. As a result, the sealant 8 liquid-tightly joins the cover 7 and the frame 3. The shape of the sealant 8 is a shape that follows the frame annular portion 31 and the frame annular protrusion 311, and also a shape that follows the first cover annular portion 71 and the second cover annular portion 711. In other words, the shape of the sealant 8 is L-shaped.

[0084] <Method of Assembling Rotating Electric Machine> Next, with reference to FIG. 11 , a method of assembling the rotating electric machine 10 according to the sixth embodiment will be described. After the above-described action (D1) is achieved, the following action further occurs. (D2) A gap is formed between the second cover annular portion 711 and the frame annular protrusion 311. The liquid sealant 8a applied to the frame annular portion 31 not only fills the gap between the frame annular portion 31 and the first cover annular portion 71, but also fills the gap between the second cover annular portion 711 and the frame annular protrusion 311 (see FIG. 11 ). In other words, the liquid sealant 8a is formed so as to extend in the second orthogonal direction Y and the axial direction Z. Thereafter, by hardening the liquid sealant 8a, the sealant 8 fills the gap between the frame annular portion 31 and the first cover annular portion 71. The sealant 8 also continuously fills the gap between the second cover annular portion 711 and the frame annular protrusion 311. Therefore, an L-shaped sealant 8 is formed between the cover 7 and the frame 3.

[0085] Advantages of the Sixth Embodiment In addition to the advantages of the first and fifth embodiments, the sixth embodiment provides the following advantages. The length of the sealant 8 formed between the cover 7 and the frame 3 can be made longer than in the first embodiment. The filling length of the sealant 8 is proportional to the liquid-tight bonding strength between the frame 3 and the cover 7. Therefore, the bonding strength between the frame 3 and the cover 7 can be improved compared to the first and fifth embodiments. Furthermore, the filling length of the sealant 8 is also proportional to the corrosion resistance of the sealant 8. Therefore, the corrosion resistance can be improved compared to the first and fifth embodiments. The second cover annular portion 711 and the frame annular protrusion 311 extend in the axial direction Z but do not extend in the first orthogonal direction X or the second orthogonal direction Y. Therefore, the overall filling length of the sealant 8 can be made longer without affecting the first orthogonal direction X or the second orthogonal direction Y. In other words, the bonding strength and corrosion resistance of the sealant 8 can be improved. Furthermore, layout flexibility can be improved.

[0086] Seventh Embodiment A rotating electric machine 10 according to a seventh embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the seventh embodiment, the same members as those in the first to sixth embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted or simplified. The basic configuration of the rotating electric machine 10 according to the seventh embodiment is the same as that of the rotating electric machine 10 according to the first to sixth embodiments. The seventh embodiment differs from the first to sixth embodiments in terms of the shape of the seating surface 73 or the seating portion 33.

[0087] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 11 , at least one seating surface 73 of the plurality of seating surfaces 73 and at least one seating portion 33 of the plurality of seating portions 33 face each other. The seating portion 33 is a protrusion that maintains a constant distance between the seating surface 73 and the seating portion 33. Here, the protrusion has a convex shape with a constant height relative to the frame annular portion 31. In other words, in the above-described embodiment, the seating portion 33 and the seating surface 73 are each flat. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the seating surface 73 is flat and the seating portion 33 is a protrusion. Note that all of the plurality of seating portions 33 may be protrusions, or only one of the plurality of seating portions 33 may be a protrusion.

[0088] Effect of Embodiment 7 In addition to the effects of Embodiments 1 to 6, Embodiment 7 provides the following effect. The flat seating surface 73 abuts against the protruding seating portion 33, resulting in a state in which the frame annular portion 31 and the first cover annular portion 71 are spaced apart by the height of the protrusion. Therefore, when the sealant 8 is filled between the frame annular portion 31 and the first cover annular portion 71, the thickness of the sealant 8 in the axial direction Z is constant by the height of the protrusion. This makes it possible to maintain a constant thickness of the sealant 8 between the frame annular portion 31 and the first cover annular portion 71. Therefore, the sealing quality can be improved compared to Embodiments 1 to 6.

[0089] <Modifications> In the seventh embodiment, the seating surface 73 is a flat surface, and the seating portion 33 is a protrusion. As a modification, the seating surface 73 may be a protrusion, and the seating portion 33 may be a flat surface. Alternatively, the seating surface 73 may have a protrusion and a flat surface, and the seating portion 33 may also have a protrusion and a flat surface. In this case, the seating surface 73, which is a protrusion, abuts against the seating portion 33, which is a flat surface, and the seating portion 33, which is a protrusion, abuts against the seating surface 73, which is a flat surface. Alternatively, the seating portion 33, which is a protrusion, may abut against the seating surface 73, which is also a protrusion. In each of the seventh embodiment and the modification, the height and arrangement of the protrusions are not particularly limited as long as the shape maintains a constant distance between the first cover annular portion 71 and the frame annular portion 31.

[0090] Eighth Embodiment A rotating electric machine 10 according to an eighth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the eighth embodiment, the same members as those in the first to seventh embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted or simplified. The basic configuration of the rotating electric machine 10 according to the eighth embodiment is the same as that of the rotating electric machine 10 according to the first to seventh embodiments. The eighth embodiment differs from the first to seventh embodiments in the arrangement of the holding structure 50.

[0091] The arrangement of the multiple holding structures 50 is not limited to the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 . For example, four holding structures 50 may be arranged to form a cross pattern. Specifically, in the cross pattern, one holding structure 50 (holding portion 72) is arranged at one end of the cover 7 in the first orthogonal direction X, and one holding structure 50 (holding portion 72) is arranged at the other end. Furthermore, in the second orthogonal direction Y of the cover 7, one holding structure 50 (holding portion 72) is arranged at one end 71A, and one holding structure 50 (holding portion 72) is arranged at the other end 71B. Similarly, in the frame 3, a holding structure 50 (held portion 32) is arranged at each of the two ends in the first orthogonal direction X, and a holding structure 50 (held portion 32) is arranged at each of the two ends in the second orthogonal direction Y.

[0092] Effect of the Eighth Embodiment In addition to the effects of the first to seventh embodiments, the eighth embodiment provides the following effect. A retaining structure 50 is disposed at each of the two ends in the first orthogonal direction X, and a retaining structure 50 is disposed at each of the two ends in the second orthogonal direction Y. Therefore, even if an external force is applied to the frame 3 or the cover 7 before the sealing material 8 hardens, the frame 3 and the cover 7 can be prevented from being affected by the external force and from being misaligned relative to each other. Similarly, even if an external force is applied in a rotational direction around the axial direction Z, the frame 3 and the cover 7 can be prevented from being misaligned relative to each other.

[0093] Ninth Embodiment A rotating electric machine 10 according to a ninth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the ninth embodiment, the same members as those in the first to seventh embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted or simplified. The basic configuration of the rotating electric machine 10 according to the ninth embodiment is the same as that of the rotating electric machine 10 according to the first to seventh embodiments. The ninth embodiment differs from the first to seventh embodiments in the arrangement of the holding structure 50.

[0094] The arrangement of the multiple holding structures 50 is not limited to the example shown in Figures 2 and 3. The number of holding structures 50 may be three. When viewed in the axial direction Z of the rotating electric machine 10, the three holding structures 50 are positioned in one-to-one correspondence with the three vertices of a triangle. This will be described in detail below.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 12 , the cover 7 has one end 7U and the other end 7L in the first orthogonal direction X. The end 7U is a surface parallel to the second orthogonal direction Y. The end 7L has a curved surface, for example, an arc-shaped surface. The arc-shaped end 7L has a right end 7LR located on the right side and a left end 7LL located on the left side. The retaining portions 72 constituting the holding structure 50 are respectively disposed at the end 7U, the right end 7LR, and the left end 7LL. In other words, connecting the three retaining portions 72 with straight lines virtually forms a triangle. In other words, the retaining portions 72 constituting the holding structure 50 are disposed at each of the three vertices of the triangle.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 13 , the frame 3 has one end 3U and the other end 3L in the first orthogonal direction X. The end 3U is a surface parallel to the second orthogonal direction Y. The end 3L has a curved surface, for example, formed in an arc shape. The arc-shaped end 3L has a right end 3LR located on the right side and a left end 3LL located on the left side. The held portions 32 constituting the holding structure 50 are respectively disposed at the end 3U, the right end 3LR, and the left end 3LL. In other words, when the three held portions 32 are connected by straight lines, a virtual triangle is formed. In other words, the held portions 32 constituting the holding structure 50 are disposed at each of the three vertices of the triangle.

[0097] In this manner, in the ninth embodiment, a structure is obtained in which a holding structure 50 is disposed at each of the three vertices of a triangle. When the pressing portion 721 of the cover 7 holds the held portion 32 of the frame 3, the elastic force of the elastic portion 74 acts in a direction toward the inside of the frame 3. In other words, the elastic force acts in a direction toward the substrate 4. At this time, the resultant force of the forces applied by the three holding portions 72 is zero. The resultant force of the forces applied by the three holding portions 72 in the first orthogonal direction X is also zero, and the resultant force of the forces applied by the three holding portions 72 in the second orthogonal direction Y is also zero. The moment in the rotational direction about the axial direction Z is also zero.

[0098] Effect of Embodiment 9 In addition to the effects of Embodiments 1 to 7, the following effect is achieved in Embodiment 9. Because there are three holding structures 50, the number of holding structures 50 can be reduced compared to Embodiments 1 to 7. The elastic forces of the elastic portions 74 in the three holding portions 72 act to cancel each other out. Therefore, even if an external force is applied to the frame 3 or the cover 7 before the sealing material 8 hardens, the frame 3 and the cover 7 can be prevented from being affected by the external force and from being misaligned relative to each other. Furthermore, even if an external force is applied in the rotational direction around the axial direction Z, the frame 3 and the cover 7 can be prevented from being misaligned relative to each other.

[0099] Although various exemplary embodiments and examples have been described in the above description, the various features, aspects, and functions described in one or more embodiments are not limited to the application of a particular embodiment. The above-described multiple embodiments may be applied to the embodiments alone or in various combinations. Therefore, non-exemplified embodiments are also contemplated within the scope of the technology disclosed in the specification. For example, modifications, additions, or omissions of at least one component may be included, and at least one component may be extracted and combined with components of another embodiment.

[0100] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...control unit, 2...motor, 3...frame, 3a...through hole, 3L...end, 3LL...left end, 3LR...right end, 3U...end, 4...board, 5...connector, 5a...power connection terminal, 5b...signal connection terminal, 6...housing, 6a...shaft through hole, 7...cover, 7L...end, 7LL...left end, 7LR...right end, 7U...end, 8...sealing material, 8a...liquid sealing material, 10...rotating electric machine, 21...rotating shaft, 22...rotor, 23...stator, 24a...winding, 24b...bobbin, 24c...bobbin, 25...sensor rotor, 26a...first bearing, 26b...second bearing, 27...annular terminal, 27a...conductor portion, 28...motor terminal portion, 31...frame annular portion, 31A...end portion, 31B...end portion, 31E...outer peripheral surface, 31X...outermost portion, 32...held portion, 33...seating portion, 34...guide portion, 36...fixing portion, 37...protrusion portion, 38...held recess portion, 41...mounting hole, 42...mounted component, 44a...power connection hole, 44b...signal connection hole, 45...motor connection hole, 45a...motor connection hole, 50...holding structure, 61...board fixing portion, 65a...housing through hole, 71...first cover annular portion, 71A...end portion, 71B...end portion, 71E...outer peripheral surface, 71X...outermost portion, 72...holding portion, 73...seating surface, 74...elastic portion, 77...opening, 78...holding protrusion portion, 81...sealing material protrusion, 311...frame annular protrusion portion, 711...second cover annular portion, 721...pressing portion, 741...bent portion

Claims

1. A device comprising: a substrate; a frame having a frame annular portion surrounding the substrate; a cover having a plurality of holding portions for holding the frame and a first cover annular portion having a plurality of seating surfaces arranged to face the frame annular portion; and a sealant filled between the frame annular portion and the first cover annular portion, wherein each of the plurality of holding portions has a pressing portion that presses the frame, a bent portion located at an end of the first cover annular portion, and an elastic portion located between the pressing portion and the bent portion, each of the plurality of holding portions is arranged outside the first cover annular portion, and two adjacent holding portions of the plurality of holding portions are arranged to face each other, the frame has: a plurality of held portions held by the plurality of holding portions and a plurality of seating portions arranged to face the plurality of seating surfaces in a one-to-one relationship, each of the plurality of held portions has a guide portion that elastically deforms the elastic portion, the plurality of held portions are arranged outside the frame annular portion, and two adjacent held portions of the plurality of held portions are arranged to face each other, the first cover annular portion and the frame annular portion have a shape that surrounds the board, and when the plurality of holding portions and the plurality of held portions abut against each other, an elastic force generated in the elastic portion causes the pressing portion to press against each of the plurality of held portions.

2. A rotating electric machine as described in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of holding portions has an opening provided between the bent portion and the pressing portion, the frame has a convex portion provided between each of the plurality of held portions and the guide portion, and the opening has a size that does not interfere with the convex portion or the guide portion.

3. A rotating electric machine according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of holding portions is a holding convex portion, each of the plurality of held portions is a held concave portion, and the holding convex portion and the held concave portion are fitted together.

4. A rotating electric machine according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of holding portions is a holding recess, each of the plurality of held portions is a held protrusion, and the holding recess and the held protrusion are fitted together.

5. A rotating electric machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the frame has a frame annular protrusion located inside the frame annular portion, the frame annular protrusion protruding from the frame annular portion towards the cover, the frame annular portion and the frame annular protrusion being continuously connected, the cover has a second cover annular portion located inside the first cover annular portion, the second cover annular portion extending from the first cover annular portion so as to be away from the frame, the first cover annular portion and the second cover annular portion being continuously connected, and the second cover annular portion is arranged to face the frame annular protrusion.

6. A rotating electric machine according to claim 5, wherein the sealing material is filled between the frame annular portion and the first cover annular portion, and between the frame annular protrusion and the second cover annular portion.

7. A rotating electric machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least one of the plurality of seating surfaces and at least one of the plurality of seating portions face each other, and at least one of the seating surface and the seating portion is a protrusion that maintains a constant distance between the seating surface and the seating portion.

8. A rotating electric machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a set of holding structures is formed by one of the plurality of holding parts and one of the plurality of held parts that faces the holding part, and the number of holding structures is two or more.

9. A rotating electric machine according to claim 8, wherein the number of the holding structures is three, and when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating electric machine, the three holding structures are located in one-to-one correspondence with the three vertices of a triangle.

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