Motor and motor assembly method

Abstract

Provided is a motor capable both of improving the workability of an assembly task and of allowing for displacement if the relative position of a member constituting the motor has changed due to a temperature change. A motor 10 has, in a housing 12, a refrigerant channel RP1 through which a liquid refrigerant flows. The motor 10 comprises: connection piping 18 that extends in one direction so as to connect the exterior and the interior of the housing 12 and constitutes part of the refrigerant channel RP1; a lid 23 that includes a through-hole 231 having a hole diameter greater than the outer diameter of the connection piping 18 and penetrated by the connection piping 18, and that serves as a first member constituting part of the housing 12; an adapter 16 that supports the connection piping 18 within the through-hole 231 of the lid 23; and an end plate 17 that serves as a second member that supports the connection piping 18 within the housing 12 in the one direction. The connection piping 18 is supported by the adapter 16 so as to be movable in the one direction.

Description

Motor and Method for Assembling the Motor

[0001] The present invention relates to a motor having a refrigerant flow path through which a liquid refrigerant flows in a housing and a method for assembling the motor.

[0002] In a motor for driving an aircraft, an automobile, or the like, it is required to efficiently cool heat-generating components such as a stator core or a coil that constitute the motor. Therefore, a liquid cooling method is known in which a liquid refrigerant such as cooling oil is passed through the inside of the motor to directly cool the stator core and the coil.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a motor cooling device having a motor having a cooling passage for cooling a stator coil and a stator core, and a cooling circuit for supplying and discharging a refrigerant to and from the cooling passage.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-250247

[0005] By the way, a motor is composed of a plurality of members having different required performances or characteristics. The materials constituting these plurality of members may be different from each other. For example, a stator core is composed of an iron-based member such as an electromagnetic steel sheet which is a magnetic material. The housing for housing the stator core and the lid of the housing may be composed of a light metal member such as an aluminum material for weight reduction. Further, a structural member for fixing the stator core in the housing may be a member having a high Young's modulus such as an iron material for miniaturization and high rigidity.

[0006] As described above, a motor is composed of various dissimilar materials. Members of dissimilar materials have different linear expansion coefficients from each other. For example, first, the motor has the stator core made of a magnetic material. Further, since the stator core made of a magnetic material and the lid and the housing made of an aluminum material are different in material, they also have different linear expansion coefficients. In addition, a structural member for fixing the stator core to the housing may be composed of a material different from that of the housing.

[0007] In a motor composed of components made of dissimilar materials with different coefficients of thermal expansion, the relative positions of the components may change when there is a temperature change, due to the difference in their coefficients of thermal expansion. Furthermore, in the aforementioned motor, the difference in the coefficients of thermal expansion between the dissimilar materials becomes larger, which tends to exacerbate the displacement.

[0008] From another perspective, for example, even if the coefficient of thermal expansion of the lid and the coefficient of thermal expansion of the structural member located inside the housing are the same, the relative position of the members may change due to the housing or other structure connecting the lid and the structural member. The factors that cause the relative position to change are explained in more detail below. In the following explanation, we assume that the coefficient of thermal expansion of the lid and the coefficient of thermal expansion of the structural member are equal, and that the coefficient of thermal expansion of the housing is greater than the coefficient of thermal expansion of the structural member. The structural member and the housing are fixed together with bolts or the like. In this case, with temperature changes, the housing will tend to expand or contract more than the structural member. As a result, the structural member expands (contracts) more than the change due to its own coefficient of thermal expansion, and the relative position of the lid and the structural member changes. Moreover, depending on the shape, positional relationship, or fixing relationship with other members of the motor, the direction in which each member is displaced varies, such as in the axial direction of the motor or in the radial direction.

[0009] Furthermore, in motors that are required to be used in a wide range of temperature environments, such as those in aircraft or automobiles, it is desirable to be able to cope with displacements caused by differences in the coefficient of linear expansion, as described above, even when there are temperature changes.

[0010] Furthermore, in a motor having a refrigerant channel through which a liquid refrigerant flows within the casing, for example, piping that constitutes part of the refrigerant channel is arranged. It is desirable to efficiently assemble the components arranged on one side of the piping with the components arranged on the other side.

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide a motor and a motor assembly method that can achieve both improved workability during assembly and tolerance for displacement when the relative positions of the components constituting the motor change due to temperature changes.

[0012] A motor according to one embodiment of the present invention is a motor having a refrigerant flow path through which a refrigerant flows within the housing. The motor includes a connecting pipe extending in one direction and constituting a part of the refrigerant flow path, a first member having a through hole with a hole diameter larger than the outer diameter of the connecting pipe, and the through hole and one end face of the connecting pipe overlap when viewed in the one direction, an adapter supporting the connecting pipe within the through hole of the first member, and a second member supporting the connecting pipe at a position away from the first member in the one direction. At least one of the adapter or the second member supports the connecting pipe so that it can move in a displacement direction in which the relative position between the first member and the second member changes, or at least both ends of the connecting pipe, which is expandable in the one direction, are fixed to the adapter and the second member, respectively, so that the first member and the second member can move in the displacement direction (first configuration).

[0013] In the above configuration, the through-hole of the first member has a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the connecting pipe. During assembly, for example, after attaching the connecting pipe to the second member that supports the connecting pipe within the housing, the connecting pipe is passed through the through-hole of the first member, and then supported within the through-hole of the first member by an adapter. The adapter makes it easy to support the connecting pipe within the through-hole of the first member.

[0014] As described above, the fact that the diameter of the through hole is larger than the outer diameter of the connecting pipe, and that the connecting pipe can be attached to the through hole of the first member by an adapter, improves the workability of the assembly process.

[0015] Furthermore, at least one of the adapter or the second member supports the connecting pipe so that it can move in the displacement direction in which the relative positions of the first member and the second member change, or the adapter and the second member are each fixed to both ends of the connecting pipe, which is expandable and contractible in at least one direction, so that the first member and the second member can move in the displacement direction. As a result, in a motor composed of multiple members with different coefficients of linear expansion, the displacement can be tolerated even if the relative positions of the first member and the second member change due to temperature changes.

[0016] Based on the above, we can provide a motor that achieves both improved workability during assembly and tolerance for displacement when the relative positions of the components constituting the motor change due to temperature changes.

[0017] In the first configuration described above, the adapter is a cylindrical member located within the through-hole of the first member, through which the connecting pipe can pass. The adapter also has a sealing portion located on the outer surface of the cylinder that seals the through-hole of the first member, and a support portion located on the inner surface of the cylinder that supports the connecting pipe so that it can move in one direction while sealed. The support portion is located on the opposite side from the second member, with the sealing portion in between, in that one direction (second configuration).

[0018] Since the adapter is a cylindrical member as described above, it is easy to adapt the adapter to the length of the connecting pipe. As a result, even if the length of the connecting pipe is different, the adapter can support the connecting pipe while allowing for displacement of the connecting pipe, etc. This improves the design flexibility of the length of the connecting pipe. The fact that the sealing part is located on the outer surface of the cylinder of the adapter and the support part is located on the inner surface of the cylinder of the adapter further improves the workability of the assembly process.

[0019] In the first configuration described above, in one direction, one end of the connecting pipe is supported by the adapter so as to be movable in the displacement direction, and the other end of the connecting pipe is fixed to the second member (third configuration).

[0020] In the configuration described above, the adapter allows for displacement of the connecting pipes.

[0021] In the first configuration, one end of the connecting pipe is fixed to the adapter in one direction, and the other end of the connecting pipe is supported by the second member so as to be movable in the displacement direction (fourth configuration).

[0022] In the above configuration, the second member allows for displacement of the connecting pipe.

[0023] A motor assembly method according to one embodiment of the present invention is a motor assembly method having a first member, a connecting pipe that constitutes a part of a refrigerant flow path extending in one direction through the first member, and a second member that supports the connecting pipe. The motor assembly method includes a connecting pipe support step of supporting the connecting pipe by the second member by arranging the second member and the connecting pipe inside the housing, a first member arrangement step of arranging the first member having a through hole with a hole diameter larger than the outer diameter of the connecting pipe at a position away from the second member in one direction, such that the through hole and one end face of the connecting pipe overlap when viewed in one direction, and an adapter arrangement step of arranging an adapter in the through hole of the first member so that the connecting pipe is supported by the adapter within the through hole of the first member. In at least one of the connecting pipe support step or the adapter placement step, the connecting pipe is supported by at least one of the second member or the adapter so as to be movable in a displacement direction in which the relative position changes when the relative position between the first member and the second member changes, or the connecting pipe is expandable and contractible in at least one direction, and the connecting pipe is fixed by the second member and the adapter in the connecting pipe support step and the adapter placement step (fifth configuration).

[0024] In the above configuration, the through-hole of the first member has a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the connecting pipe. During assembly, the first member is positioned at a distance from the second member in that direction, with the through-hole and one end face of the connecting pipe overlapping when viewed in one direction. The adapter is also placed inside the through-hole of the first member.

[0025] When the first member is positioned relative to the second member supporting the connecting pipe, the center of the through-hole in the first member and the center of the hole in the connecting pipe may be misaligned due to mechanical assembly tolerances or low rigidity of the pipe. Furthermore, for example, when the connecting pipe is supported by an adapter having a through-hole, the center position of the adapter's through-hole can be positioned relative to the center position of the hole in the connecting pipe 18 to accommodate such misalignment. Therefore, with an adapter having a through-hole positioned to accommodate such misalignment, it is possible to easily support the connecting pipe within the through-hole of the first member.

[0026] As described above, the diameter of the through-hole in the first member is larger than the outer diameter of the connecting pipe, and the connecting pipe can be attached to the through-hole in the first member by an adapter, thereby improving the workability of the assembly process.

[0027] Furthermore, according to the above configuration, the connecting pipe is supported by at least one of the adapter or the second member so as to be movable in the displacement direction in which the relative positions of the first member and the second member change when the relative positions of the first member and the second member change. Alternatively, the connecting pipe fixed to the second member and the adapter is expandable and contractible in at least one direction. This allows for displacement even when the relative positions of the first member and the second member change due to temperature changes in a motor composed of multiple members with different coefficients of thermal expansion.

[0028] Based on the above, we can provide a motor assembly method that achieves both improved workability during assembly and tolerance for displacement when the relative positions of the motor's constituent components change due to temperature changes.

[0029] A motor according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a connecting pipe extending in one direction and constituting a part of a refrigerant flow path, a first member having a hole diameter larger than the outer diameter of the connecting pipe and through which the connecting pipe passes, an adapter supporting the connecting pipe within the through hole of the first member, and a second member supporting the connecting pipe at a position away from the first member in the one direction. At least one of the adapter or the second member supports the connecting pipe so that the connecting pipe can move in a displacement direction in which the relative position between the first member and the second member changes, or at least both ends of the connecting pipe, which is expandable and contractible in the one direction, are fixed to the adapter and the second member, respectively, so that the first member and the second member can move in the displacement direction.

[0030] In the above configuration, the size of the through-holes and the adapters can improve the workability of the assembly process. Furthermore, in the above configuration, even if displacement occurs due to temperature changes, the connecting pipes can move or expand / contract in the direction of the displacement. Therefore, it is possible to provide a motor that can achieve both improved workability during assembly and tolerance for displacement when the relative positions of the components constituting the motor change due to temperature changes.

[0031] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of a motor according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing one step in the motor assembly method. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the next step in the motor assembly method following the first step. Figure 4 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of a motor according to Modification 1. Figure 5 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of a motor according to Modification 2. Figure 6 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of a motor according to Modification 3. Figure 7 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of a motor according to Modification 4. Figure 8 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of a motor according to Modification 5. Figure 9 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of a motor according to Modification 6.

[0032] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will not be repeated. In the following description, in each drawing, the direction along the rotation axis X1 of the rotor 14 is referred to as the "axial direction," the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis X1 is referred to as the "radial direction," and the direction along the arc centered on the rotation axis X1 is referred to as the "circumferential direction."

[0033] Furthermore, in the following explanation, the expressions "fix," "connect," and "attach" (hereinafter referred to as "fixing, etc.") include not only cases where components are directly fixed to each other, but also cases where they are fixed to each other via other components. In other words, in the following explanation, the expressions "fixing, etc." include both direct and indirect fixing of components to each other.

[0034] (Embodiment) Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of a motor 10 according to an embodiment. The motor 10 having a refrigerant flow path RP1 is used, for example, as an aircraft electric motor or a power source for an automobile. The motor 10 may be used, for example, as a power source for a generator, an actuator such as a robot, a power source for a pump or compressor, a flywheel energy storage device, or for other applications. Referring to Figure 1, the motor 10 specifically includes a housing 12, a stator 13, a rotor 14, a bulkhead 15, an adapter 16, an end plate 17, a connecting pipe 18, and a discharge pipe 19.

[0035] The housing 12 houses the stator 13, rotor 14, partition wall 15, and end plate 17, among other components. The housing 12 is, for example, cylindrical in shape and extends in the axial direction. The housing 12 has a body portion 21 that opens on one side in the axial direction, a side wall 22 located at the other end in the axial direction and forming the bottom of the cylinder, and a lid 23 that seals the opening.

[0036] The body 21, side walls 22, and lid 23 of the housing 12 are each made of, for example, aluminum, aluminum alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, magnesium alloy, metal composite material, carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP), or synthetic resin.

[0037] The cover 23 constitutes the first component. The cover 23 has a hole diameter larger than the outer diameter of the connecting pipe 18, which will be described later, and has a through hole 231 through which the connecting pipe 18 passes. That is, the through hole 231 of the cover 23 is located in a position that coincides with one end face of the connecting pipe 18 when viewed in one direction parallel to the axial direction. The cover 23 is also provided with a discharge pipe 19 for discharging refrigerant from the refrigerant flow path RP1 inside the housing 12 to the outside of the housing 12. Details of the refrigerant flow path RP1 will be described later.

[0038] The stator 13 generates a magnetic force to rotate the rotor 14. The stator 13 has a stator core 31 and a coil 32. The stator core 31 has a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction and constitutes a plurality of magnetic poles. The stator core 31 can be made of, for example, a laminate of electromagnetic steel sheets. Alternatively, the stator core 31 can be made of, for example, silicon steel sheet Permendur (cobalt steel) or Permalloy. The coil 32 is a conductor wound around the stator core 31.

[0039] The rotor 14 is located inside the cylindrical stator 13. The rotor 14 is configured to rotate around the rotation axis X1 relative to the stator 13. Therefore, the motor 10 is an inner rotor type.

[0040] The partition wall 15 separates the space in which the stator 13 is housed from the space in which the rotor 14 is housed within the housing 12. The partition wall 15 is made of, for example, a non-magnetic material such as glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP). The partition wall 15 has a cylindrical shape that extends in the axial direction. The partition wall 15 is located radially inward relative to the stator 13 and radially outward relative to the rotor 14.

[0041] This prevents refrigerant from leaking from the refrigerant flow path RP1, which is formed in the space where the stator 13 is housed, into the space where the rotor 14 is housed.

[0042] The adapter 16 is located within the through-hole 231 of the lid body 23 as the first member. The adapter 16 is a cylindrical member through which the connection pipe 18 can pass. The adapter 16 supports the connection pipe 18 within the through-hole 231 of the lid body 23. The adapter 16 can be made of a metal material, a resin material, or other materials. Specifically, the adapter 16 has a sealing portion 161 and a support portion 162.

[0043] The sealing portion 161 is located on the outer surface side of the cylinder and seals the through-hole 231 of the lid body 23. An O-ring that can be in close contact with the through-hole 231 of the lid body 23 is located on the sealing portion 161.

[0044] The support portion 162 is located on the inner surface side of the cylinder. The support portion 162 is located on one side of the sealing portion 161 in the one direction. The support portion 162 has a through-hole 163 through which the connection pipe 18 can pass in the one direction. An O-ring that can be in close contact with the connection pipe 18 is located on the inner wall constituting the through-hole 163. The support portion 162 supports the connection pipe 18 in a sealed state and movably in the one direction by means of the O-ring.

[0045] The end plate 17 is located inside the housing 12 and fixes the stator 13 to the housing 12. The end plate 17 contacts the radial end portion of the stator 13 at one end of the stator 13 in the one direction. The end plate 17 may be fastened to the housing 12 by fixing means such as bolts.

[0046] The end plate 17 supports the connection pipe 18 inside the housing 12 in the one direction in which the connection pipe 18 extends. The other end portion of the connection pipe 18 is fixedly and immovably positioned with respect to the end plate 17 within the through-hole 171 of the end plate 17 in the one direction. The connection pipe 18 may be fixed to the end plate 17 via fixing means such as a half union joint. When a flange is located at the other end of the connection pipe 18, the flange may be fixed to the end plate 17 by fixing means such as bolts.

[0047] The end plate 17 has a different linear expansion coefficient from the lid body 23 as the first member. The end plate 17 constitutes a second member. The end plate 17 can be made of a material such as an iron material or a steel material, for example.

[0048] The connecting pipe 18 is a straight pipe extending in one direction so as to connect the outside and the inside of the housing 12. As described above, the one direction is a direction parallel to the axial direction. The connecting pipe 18 forms a part of the refrigerant flow path RP1. One end of the connecting pipe 18 is connected to a refrigerant supply pipe of a cooling device (not shown) including a tank which stores refrigerant and a pump which supplies a cooling liquid as the refrigerant. Note that, as the refrigerant, for example, oil, water or other cooling liquids can be used.

[0049] The other end of the connecting pipe 18 is fixed to the end plate 17 as described above. The connecting pipe 18 is supported movably in the displacement direction in which the relative position between the lid body 23 and the end plate 17 changes by the adapter 16 when the relative position changes. The connecting pipe 18 may be a flexible member such as a Teflon tube. (Teflon is a registered trademark.)

[0050] The connecting pipe 18 may be made of a metal material or a non-metal material. Examples of the metal material include carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum or copper. The advantages of adopting the metal material generally include being superior in heat resistance or strength compared with resin materials.

[0051] Further, examples of the non-metal material include resin materials such as fluororesin, nylon resin or silicone resin in addition to the Teflon resin used for the above-described Teflon tube. The advantage of adopting the resin material is that it can be made lighter than in the case of a metal material. Also, by using a resin material having a lower Young's modulus than that of a metal material, the connecting pipe 18 itself is more likely to bend in the radial direction. Therefore, compared with the case of a metal material, the connecting pipe 18 using a resin material can have a larger allowable displacement.

[0052] The discharge pipe 19 penetrates the lid body 23 in the axial direction. It is connected to a refrigerant discharge pipe for returning the refrigerant to the cooling device (not shown).

[0053] (Refrigerant flow path) As shown in Figure 1, the refrigerant flow path RP1 is composed of a connecting pipe 18, an end plate 17, a housing 12, a stator 13, a partition wall 15, and a discharge pipe 19.

[0054] The flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant channel RP1, indicated by the black arrow in Figure 1, is explained in detail as shown in (P1) to (P4) below.

[0055] (P1) First, the refrigerant supplied to the refrigerant flow path RP1 enters the connecting pipe 18 from one end of the connecting pipe 18, which extends linearly in one direction.

[0056] (P2) Next, the refrigerant passes through the end plate 17 in the aforementioned one direction via the connecting pipe 18, and passes from one direction to the other through the space formed by the radially outward surface of the stator 13 and the radially inward surface of the body portion 21 of the housing 12.

[0057] (P3) Next, the refrigerant passes through the guide groove 221 formed in the side wall 22 and reaches the other end of the stator 13.

[0058] (P4) Furthermore, the refrigerant passes through the gap 311 in the stator 13 from the other direction to the other, and is then discharged to the outside of the housing 12 through the discharge pipe 19. The gap 311 is, for example, part of the slots in the stator 13.

[0059] As described above, in the refrigerant flow path RP1, the refrigerant enters the housing 12 via a connecting pipe 18 that extends in one direction, flows from one side of the housing 12 in the aforementioned direction to the other side, and reaches the other end of the stator 13. Compared to a structure in which the refrigerant enters from the radial direction of the housing 12, the flow of the refrigerant does not bend, thus reducing pressure loss. In addition, since the connecting pipe 18 extends in a straight line from the cover 23 to the end plate 17, the housing 12 can be made smaller. Note that the refrigerant may also be flowed through the refrigerant flow path RP1 in the reverse order of (P1) to (P4) described above.

[0060] (Motor Assembly Method) Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing one step in the motor 10 assembly method. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the next step in the motor 10 assembly method.

[0061] Referring to Figure 2, the motor workpiece WK1, which is in the process of being assembled, is in a state where the cover 23 and adapter 16 have not yet been attached to the housing 12.

[0062] First, the end plate 17, which is a second component, and the connecting pipe 18 are placed inside the housing 12, thereby supporting the connecting pipe 18 with the end plate 17 (connecting pipe support step). This yields workpiece WK1. In workpiece WK1, the body portion 21, which is part of the housing 12, has an opening 211 that opens in one of the aforementioned directions, as described above. Also, in workpiece WK1, the connecting pipe 18, which is fixed to the end plate 17, extends in one of the aforementioned directions and protrudes from one end of the body portion 21 in the aforementioned direction. In the connecting pipe support step, the end plate 17 may be attached to the housing 12 and then fixed to the connecting pipe 18, or the connecting pipe 18 may be fixed to the end plate 17 and then both the connecting pipe 18 and the end plate 17 may be attached to the housing 12.

[0063] Next, the cover 23 is attached to the workpiece WK1 (first member placement step). Specifically, the through hole 231 of the cover 23 and the connecting pipe 18 are aligned in the circumferential and radial directions. That is, the cover 23 is positioned so that, when viewed in one direction, the through hole 231 and one end face of the connecting pipe 18 overlap. After such alignment, the cover 23 is moved to the other direction as shown by the white arrow in Figure 2. As described above, the diameter of the through hole 231 of the cover 23 is larger than the outer diameter of the connecting pipe 18. For this reason, alignment is easier than when the diameter of the through hole 231 of the cover 23 is the same as the outer diameter of the connecting pipe 18. For example, even if the connecting pipe 18 is made of a flexible material, it is easy to pass the connecting pipe 18 through the through hole 231.

[0064] Furthermore, with the connecting pipe 18 passing through the through hole 231 of the lid 23, the lid 23 is fixed to the body 21 by fixing means such as bolts. This results in a workpiece WK2 in which the lid 23 is attached to the body 21.

[0065] Next, in workpiece WK2, the adapter 16 having a through hole 163 is placed inside the through hole 231 of the cover 23 (adapter placement step). Specifically, in workpiece WK2, the connecting pipe 18 fixed to the end plate 17 protrudes from the through hole 231 of the cover 23 in one of the aforementioned directions.

[0066] After aligning the through-hole 163 of the adapter 16 with the connecting pipe 18 in the circumferential and radial directions, the adapter 16 is moved to the other direction as shown by the white arrow in Figure 3. This allows the adapter 16 to be installed inside the through-hole 231 of the cover 23.

[0067] The connecting pipe 18, which is fixed to the end plate 17, is passed through the through hole 231 of the cover 23, and the connecting pipe 18 is supported within the through hole 231 of the cover 23 by the adapter 16. When the cover 23, which is the first member, is positioned relative to the end plate 17, which is the second member supporting the connecting pipe 18, the center of the through hole 231 of the cover 23 and the center of the hole in the connecting pipe 18 may be misaligned due to mechanical assembly tolerances or low rigidity of the pipe. Furthermore, if such misalignment is not corrected, it may not be possible to assemble the motor. On the other hand, assembling the motor so that such misalignment does not occur is not always easy.

[0068] In the above configuration, the center position of the through-hole 163 of the adapter 16 can be positioned relative to the center position of the hole in the connecting pipe 18 so as to allow for such misalignment. Therefore, with an adapter 16 having a through-hole 163 in a position that allows for such misalignment, it is possible to easily support the connecting pipe 18 within the through-hole 231 of the cover 23. Furthermore, the adapter 16 allows the connecting pipe 18 to be easily attached to the through-hole 231 of the cover 23.

[0069] As described above, the motor 10 has a refrigerant flow path RP1 through which liquid refrigerant flows inside the housing 12. The motor 10 includes a connecting pipe 18 that extends in one direction to connect the outside and inside of the housing 12 and constitutes a part of the refrigerant flow path RP1, a lid 23 as a first member that constitutes a part of the housing 12 and has a hole diameter larger than the outer diameter of the connecting pipe 18 and a through hole 231 through which the connecting pipe 18 passes, an adapter 16 that supports the connecting pipe 18 within the through hole 231 of the lid 23, and an end plate 17 as a second member that supports the connecting pipe 18 at a position away from the lid 23 in the aforementioned one direction and inside the housing 12, and has a different coefficient of linear expansion than the lid 23. At least one of the adapter 16 or the end plate 17 supports the connecting pipe 18 so that the connecting pipe 18 can move in the displacement direction in which the relative position between the lid 23 and the end plate 17 changes. In detail, the connecting pipe 18 is supported by the adapter 16 so as to be movable in the displacement direction in which the relative position between the cover 23 and the end plate 17 changes. Note that the fact that the cover 23 and the end plate 17 support the connecting pipe 18 so as to be displaceable in the displacement direction in which the relative position changes may include the connecting pipe 18 itself expanding and contracting in the displacement direction, thereby displacing the relative position between the cover 23 and the end plate 17.

[0070] Since the motor 10 can be assembled using the assembly method described above, the work efficiency of the assembly process can be improved.

[0071] Furthermore, the connecting pipe 18 is supported by the adapter 16 so as to be movable in the displacement direction in which the relative position between the cover 23 and the end plate 17 changes when the relative position between the two members changes. This allows for displacement even if the relative position between the first member and the second member changes due to temperature changes in a motor composed of multiple members with different coefficients of thermal expansion. The change in relative position includes, for example, a change in position from a predetermined position. The predetermined position means, for example, the design position or the position at the time of assembly. The change in relative position due to temperature changes includes changes due to thermal expansion and changes due to thermal contraction.

[0072] In the motor 10, the cover 23, which is a first member, and the end plate 17, which is a second member, have different coefficients of linear expansion, and their relative positions change due to temperature changes. The displacement direction may include not only the one direction but also the circumferential and radial directions. Therefore, the motor 10 can tolerate displacement not only in the one direction but also in the circumferential and radial directions or other directions.

[0073] In detail, as shown in Figure 3, due to the difference in the coefficient of linear expansion, the amounts of radial displacement D11 and axial displacement D12 of the lid 23 due to thermal expansion are different from the amounts of radial displacement D21 and axial displacement D22 of the end plate 17 due to thermal expansion. For example, the coefficient of linear expansion is greater for aluminum than for iron. Therefore, for example, if the lid 23 is made of aluminum and the end plate 17 is made of iron, the lid 23 will be displaced more than the end plate 17 due to thermal expansion.

[0074] In the above configuration, even if the amount of displacement due to thermal expansion differs between the lid 23 and the end plate 17 due to the difference in the coefficients of linear expansion between the lid 23 and the end plate 17, the O-ring located at the support portion 162 of the adapter 16 can tolerate the difference in displacement in one direction. Furthermore, the O-ring located at the sealing portion 161 of the adapter 16 can elastically deform, thereby allowing for a difference in displacement in the radial direction. In addition, even if the position of the connecting pipe 18 is displaced due to vibrations of the motor 10 or the like, the above-mentioned difference in displacement can be tolerated. Note that the material constituting the end plate 17 may have a higher coefficient of linear expansion than the material constituting the lid 23.

[0075] Based on the above, it is possible to provide a motor 10 and a method for assembling the motor 10 that can achieve both improved workability during assembly and tolerance for displacement when the relative positions of the components constituting the motor 10 change due to temperature changes.

[0076] Furthermore, in the above configuration, since the adapter 16 is a cylindrical member, it is easy to adapt the adapter 16 to the length of the connecting pipe 18. As a result, even if the length of the connecting pipe 18 is different, the adapter 16 can support the connecting pipe 18 while allowing displacement of the connecting pipe 18. This improves the design flexibility of the length of the connecting pipe 18. The sealing portion 161 is located on the outer surface of the cylinder of the adapter 16, and the support portion 162 is located on the inner surface of the cylinder of the adapter 16, which further improves the workability of the assembly process.

[0077] Furthermore, the support portion 162 of the adapter 16 is located on the opposite side of the sealing portion 161 from the end plate 17, which is the second member, in the aforementioned one direction. Therefore, the adapter 16 can support the connecting pipe 18 more stably.

[0078] Furthermore, in the above configuration, in one direction, one end of the connecting pipe 18 is supported by the adapter 16 so as to be movable in the displacement direction, and the other end of the connecting pipe 18 is fixed to the end plate 17. This allows the adapter 16 to allow displacement of the connecting pipe 18.

[0079] (Modified Versions) The motors relating to each modified version will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 7.

[0080] (Modification 1) Figure 4 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the motor 101 according to Modification 1. The motor 101 according to Modification 1 shown in Figure 4 differs from the motor 10 according to the above embodiment in that an O-ring is arranged on the end plate 17. In the following, components that are the same as in the above embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will be omitted, and only components that differ from the above embodiment will be described.

[0081] An O-ring 172 is positioned in the wall portion that forms the through hole 171 of the end plate 17 of the motor 101. As a result, the connecting pipe 18 is supported by the end plate 17 so that it can move in one direction.

[0082] In the above configuration, the connecting pipe 18 is allowed to be displaced in one direction at two points: the support portion 162 of the adapter 16 attached to the cover 23, and the O-ring 172 of the end plate 17. This allows it to accommodate a larger displacement compared to a structure in which the connecting pipe 18 is supported by either the cover 23 or the end plate 17.

[0083] (Modification 2) Figure 5 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the motor 102 according to Modification 2. The motor 102 according to Modification 2 shown in Figure 5 differs from the motor 101 according to Modification 1 in that the adapter 16 and the end plate 17 each have retaining parts. In the following, components similar to those in Modification 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted, and only components different from Modification 1 will be described.

[0084] The adapter 16 has a retaining portion 164 located at one end of the adapter 16. The retaining portion 164 has an opening dimension smaller than the diameter of the through hole 163. Therefore, the opening dimension of the retaining portion 164 is smaller than the outer diameter of the connecting pipe 18.

[0085] The end plate 17 has a retaining portion 173 located at the other end of the through hole 171. The retaining portion 173 has an opening dimension smaller than the diameter of the through hole 171. Therefore, the opening dimension of the retaining portion 173 is smaller than the outer diameter of the connecting pipe 18.

[0086] In the above configuration, the connecting pipe 18 is supported by the cover 23 and the end plate 17 so that it can move in the aforementioned one direction. Furthermore, the opening dimensions of the retaining portion 164 of the adapter 16 and the retaining portion 173 of the end plate 17 are smaller than the outer diameter of the connecting pipe 18. Therefore, the retaining portion 164 of the adapter 16 and the retaining portion 173 of the end plate 17 can limit the range of displacement of the connecting pipe 18 in the aforementioned one direction.

[0087] (Modification 3) Figure 6 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the motor 103 according to Modification 3. The motor 103 according to Modification 3 shown in Figure 6 differs from the motor 10 according to the above embodiment in that the connecting pipe 18 has a body portion 82. In the following, components similar to those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted, and only components that differ from the above embodiment will be described.

[0088] The connecting pipe 18 has one portion 81, a body portion 82, and another portion 83. One portion 81 is located on one side of the body portion 82 in the aforementioned direction. The other portion 83 is located on the other side of the body portion 82 in the aforementioned direction. The body portion 82 connects one portion 81 and the other portion 83. The outer diameter of one portion 81 is smaller than the outer diameter of the other portion 83. The body portion 82 is located on the other side of the support portion 162 of the adapter 16 in the aforementioned direction.

[0089] The diameter of the through-hole 231 in the cover 23 is larger than the outer diameter of the other portion 83 of the connecting pipe 18.

[0090] The outer diameter of one portion 81 is smaller than the diameter of the through hole 163 in the support portion 162. The one portion 81 is supported by the support portion 162 of the adapter 16 so as to be movable in the aforementioned one direction.

[0091] The other end of the other portion 83 is fixed to the end plate 17 within the through hole 171 of the end plate 17.

[0092] In the above configuration, even if the connecting pipe 18 is displaced in one of the aforementioned directions, the outer diameter of the one portion 81 is smaller than the diameter of the through hole 163 in the support portion 162, so the body portion 82 interferes with the support portion 162 of the adapter 16. This limits the range of displacement of the connecting pipe 18.

[0093] (Modification 4) Figure 7 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the motor 104 according to Modification 4. The motor 104 according to Modification 4 shown in Figure 7 differs from the motor 101 according to Modification 1 in that one end of the connecting pipe 181 is fixed to the adapter 16. The connecting pipe 181 is an expandable pipe having a bellows structure that can expand and contract in at least one direction. The connecting pipe 181 can be made of a metal member, a resin member, or other material. In the following, components similar to those in Modification 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted, and only components different from Modification 1 will be described.

[0094] The connecting pipe 181 has a flange portion 84 located at one end of the connecting pipe 181. The flange portion 84 is fixed to the adapter 16 by fixing means such as screws. The flange portion 84 is sealed to the adapter 16 by a sealing member such as an O-ring.

[0095] In the above configuration, in one direction, one end of the connecting pipe 181 is fixed to the adapter 16, and the other end of the connecting pipe 181 is supported by the end plate 17 so as to be movable in the displacement direction. This allows the end plate 17 to allow displacement of the connecting pipe 181.

[0096] Moreover, in the above configuration, the connecting pipe 181 is fixed to the adapter 16, while the connecting pipe 181, being an expandable pipe, can expand and contract in at least one direction, thus allowing for greater displacement.

[0097] (Modification 5) Figure 8 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the motor 105 according to Modification 5. The motor 105 according to Modification 5 shown in Figure 8 differs from the motor 10 according to the above embodiment in that the support portion 162 of the adapter 160 is located on the other side of the sealing portion 161 in one direction. In the following, components similar to those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted, and only components that differ from the above embodiment will be described.

[0098] Referring to Figure 8, the motor 105 includes a housing 12, a stator 13, a rotor 14, a partition wall 15, an adapter 160, an end plate 17, a connecting pipe 18, and a discharge pipe 19. The adapter 160 has a sealing portion 1601 and a support portion 1602.

[0099] The sealing portion 1601 is located on the outer surface of the cylinder and seals the through hole 231 of the lid 23. An O-ring that can tightly seal into the through hole 231 of the lid 23 is located in the sealing portion 1601.

[0100] The support portion 1602 is located on the other side of the sealing portion 1601 in the aforementioned one direction. That is, the support portion 1602 protrudes from the lid 23 into the housing 12. The support portion 1602 has a through hole 1603 through which the connecting pipe 18 can pass in the aforementioned one direction. An O-ring that can be tightly fitted to the connecting pipe 18 is located on the inner wall constituting the through hole 1603. The support portion 1602 supports the connecting pipe 18 in a sealed state, so as to be movable in the aforementioned one direction, by the O-ring.

[0101] In the above configuration, the connecting pipe 18 does not pass through the through hole 231. Even with this configuration, a motor 105 that can tolerate displacement of the connecting pipe 18 by the adapter 160 can be realized. However, in the above configuration, the connecting pipe 18 may pass through the through hole 231.

[0102] (Modification 6) Figure 9 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the motor 106 according to Modification 6. The motor 106 according to Modification 6 shown in Figure 9 differs from the motor 104 according to Modification 4 in that both ends of the connecting pipe 182 are fixed to the adapter 16 and the end plate 17. In addition, the connecting pipe 182 is an expandable pipe having a bellows structure that can expand and contract in at least one direction.

[0103] The connecting pipe 182 can be made of a metal member, a resin member, or other material. As described above, the connecting pipe 182 is expandable and contractible in at least one direction. Here, "expandable and contractible in at least one direction" means that it is expandable and contractible not only in the one direction, but also in one or both of the radial and circumferential directions. In the following, components similar to those in the modified example 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted, and only components different from the modified example 4 will be described.

[0104] The connecting pipe 182 has a flange portion 84 located at one end of the connecting pipe 182 and a flange portion 85 located at the other end of the connecting pipe 182.

[0105] The flange portion 84 is fixed to the adapter 16 by fastening means such as screws. The flange portion 84 is sealed to the adapter 16 by a sealing member such as an O-ring.

[0106] The flange portion 85 is fixed to the end plate 17 by fastening means such as screws. The flange portion 84 may be sealed to the end plate 17 by a sealing member such as an O-ring, although this is not shown in the figures.

[0107] In the above configuration, both ends of a connecting pipe 182 that is expandable and contractible in at least one direction are fixed to the adapter 16 and the end plate 17, respectively, so that the cover 23 as the first member and the end plate 17 as the second member can move in the displacement direction.

[0108] In the above configuration, in one direction, one end of the connecting pipe 182 is fixed to the adapter 16, and the other end of the connecting pipe 182 is fixed to the end plate 17. Therefore, when the relative position between the cover 23 and the end plate 17 changes, the connecting pipe 182 can be deformed in the direction of displacement due to the expandability of the connecting pipe 182. This allows deformation of the connecting pipe 181 when the relative position between the cover 23 and the end plate 17 changes.

[0109] The assembly method for the above configuration is as follows, for example: First, in the connecting pipe support step, the end plate 17 is attached to the housing 12. Then, the connecting pipe 182, which is expandable and contractible in at least one direction, is fixed to the end plate 17. Alternatively, the connecting pipe 182, which is expandable and contractible in at least one direction, may be fixed to the end plate 17 first, and then both the connecting pipe 182 and the end plate 17 may be attached to the housing 12.

[0110] Next, in the first component placement step, with the connecting pipe 182 passing through the through hole 231 of the lid 23, the lid 23 is fixed to the body 21 by fixing means such as bolts.

[0111] Next, in the adapter placement step, one end of the connecting pipe 182, which is expandable and contractible in at least one direction, is fixed to the adapter 16, and then the adapter 16 is placed inside the through hole 231 of the cover 23. Alternatively, the adapter 16 can be placed inside the through hole 231 of the cover 23 first, and then both the cover 23 and the adapter 16 can be moved relative to the body 21, and then one end of the connecting pipe 182, which is expandable and contractible in at least one direction, is fixed to the adapter 16.

[0112] As a result, the connecting pipe 182, which is expandable and contractible in at least one direction, can be efficiently attached to the motor 106. That is, after fixing the cover 23 and end plate 17 to the body 21, the connecting pipe 182 can be fixed to the cover 23 using the adapter 16. This improves the degree of freedom in assembly.

[0113] (Other Embodiments) Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments described above are merely examples for carrying out the present invention. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and it is possible to carry out the invention by appropriately modifying the embodiments described above without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0114] In the above embodiments and their respective modifications (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments, etc."), motors 10, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, and 106 are of the inner rotor type. However, the motor may also be of the outer rotor type, in which the rotor is located radially outward from the stator.

[0115] In the embodiments described above, the adapter 16 is a cylindrical member. However, the adapter may have a shape other than cylindrical. The adapter may have a shape that can seal the through hole of the cover. For example, the radial dimension may be larger than the axial dimension. Also, the adapter may support the connecting pipe by a notch instead of a through hole.

[0116] In the embodiments described above, motors 10, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, and 106 are rotary motors having a stator 13 and a rotor 14. However, the motors may also be linear motors or other linear motors.

[0117] In the above-described embodiment, the lid 23 constitutes the first member, and the end plate 17 constitutes the second member. Therefore, the connecting pipes 18 and 181 connect the inside and outside of the housing 12. However, the connecting pipes may also be pipes that connect cooling channels extending to the first member and the second member, which are different members from each other.

[0118] In the embodiments described above, a liquid is used as the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant channel RP1. However, the cooling method may also be air cooling.

[0119] In the above embodiments, the discharge pipe 19 is located on the cover 23. However, the discharge pipe may be provided on the housing or side wall, for example. The discharge pipe may extend radially through the housing, for example. Also, the motor does not have to have a discharge pipe.

[0120] In the above embodiments, the coefficient of thermal expansion of the lid 23 as the first member and the coefficient of thermal expansion of the end plate 17 as the second member are different. However, the coefficient of thermal expansion of the first member and the coefficient of thermal expansion of the second member may be the same. For example, even if the lid as the first member has the same coefficient of thermal expansion as the end plate as the second member, if the housing has a different coefficient of thermal expansion than the lid and the end plate, the displacement due to temperature changes described above may occur. According to the above configuration, even if the coefficient of thermal expansion of the structure connecting the first member and the second member is different from the coefficients of thermal expansion of the first member and the second member, the displacement caused by temperature changes can be tolerated. The structure may be composed of a single member or a combination of multiple members. The coefficient of thermal expansion of some of the multiple members may be different from that of the first member and the second member.

[0121] In the above-described embodiments, the discharge pipe 19 is located on the lid 23. However, the discharge pipe may be located in a position other than the lid. For example, the discharge pipe may be located on the body or on the side wall.

[0122] In the embodiments described above, the lid 23 constitutes a first member, and the end plate 17 constitutes a second member. However, the first member may be a member other than the lid. The first member may be, for example, a body or side wall that constitutes a part of the housing.

[0123] In the embodiments described above, the connecting pipes 18, 181, and 182 are fixed to at least one of the adapter 16 or end plate 17 by fastening means such as fittings or screws. However, the fastening means for fixing the connecting pipes to the adapter or end plate may also be bolts, fittings, couplers, liquid gaskets, or welding. The connecting pipes may also have flanges at the other end for fixing to the end plate.

[0124] In the embodiments described above, the connecting pipes 18, 181, and 182 are straight pipes extending in one direction. However, the connecting pipes may be curved pipes having an S-shape, L-shape, or other curved shape. The connecting pipes may also be flexible hoses made of metal.

[0125] In the above embodiment, modification 1, modification 2, and modification 3, the connecting pipe 18 is supported by the adapter 16 so as to be movable in one direction. However, the connecting pipe may be supported by at least one of the adapter or the second member so as to be movable in one direction.

[0126] In the above embodiment, modification 1, modification 2, and modification 3, the connecting pipe 18 is supported so as to be movable in one direction by the cover 23 as the first member. Also, in modification 1, modification 2, and modification 4, the connecting pipe 18 is supported so as to be movable in one direction by the end plate 17 as the second member. However, the connecting pipe may be supported so as to be movable in one direction by at least one of the cover as the first member and the end plate as the second member.

[0127] Furthermore, the first or second member may support the connecting pipe with a liquid gasket. In the above configuration, displacement can be tolerated by the elastic deformation of the liquid gasket. Alternatively, the first or second member may support the connecting pipe with a reciprocating packing.

[0128] In the modified example 2 described above, both the adapter 16 and the end plate 17 each have a retaining portion. However, at least one of the adapter and the end plate may also have a retaining portion.

[0129] In the modified example 3, the outer diameter of one portion 81 of the connecting pipe 18 is smaller than the diameter of the through hole 163 of the support portion 162, and the connecting pipe has a body-attached structure. However, the other end of the connecting pipe may be supported by an end plate so as to be movable in one direction, and the other end may further have a body-attached portion having an outer diameter smaller than the diameter of the through hole of the end plate.

[0130] This invention can be used in motors having a refrigerant channel through which a refrigerant flows within the housing.

[0131] 10, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105: Motor 12: Housing 13: Stator 14: Rotor 15: Partition 16, 160: Adapter 161, 1601: Sealing part 162, 1602: Support part 163, 1603: Through hole 164: Retaining part 17: End plate 171: Through hole 172: O-ring 173: Retaining part 18, 181: Connecting piping 19: Discharge pipe 21: Body part 211: Opening 22: Side wall 221: Guide groove 23: Cover 231: Through hole 31: Stator core 311: Gap 32: Coil 81: One side part 82: Body attachment part 83 : Other part 84: Flange part RP1: Refrigerant flow path

Claims

1. A motor having a refrigerant flow path through which a refrigerant flows within the housing, comprising: a connecting pipe extending in one direction and constituting a part of the refrigerant flow path; a first member having a through hole with a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the connecting pipe, such that the through hole and one end face of the connecting pipe overlap when viewed in the one direction; an adapter supporting the connecting pipe within the through hole of the first member; and a second member supporting the connecting pipe at a position away from the first member in the one direction, wherein at least one of the adapter or the second member supports the connecting pipe so that the connecting pipe can move in a displacement direction in which the relative position of the first member and the second member changes, or at least both ends of the connecting pipe, which is expandable in the one direction, are fixed to the adapter and the second member, respectively, so that the first member and the second member can move in the displacement direction.

2. A motor according to claim 1, wherein the adapter is a cylindrical member located within the through hole of the first member and through which the connecting pipe can pass, and the adapter has a sealing portion located on the outer surface side of the cylinder that seals the through hole of the first member, and a support portion located on the inner surface side of the cylinder that supports the connecting pipe so as to be movable in one direction in a sealed state, and the support portion is located on the opposite side from the second member with respect to the sealing portion in that one direction.

3. A motor according to claim 1, wherein, in one direction, one end of the connecting pipe is supported by the adapter so as to be movable in the displacement direction, and the other end of the connecting pipe is fixed to the second member.

4. A motor according to claim 1, wherein, in one direction, one end of the connecting pipe is fixed to the adapter, and the other end of the connecting pipe is supported by the second member so as to be movable in the displacement direction.

5. A motor assembly method comprising: a first member; a connecting pipe constituting a part of a refrigerant flow path extending in one direction through the first member; and a second member supporting the connecting pipe, the method comprising: a connecting pipe support step in which the second member supports the connecting pipe by arranging the second member and the connecting pipe inside the housing; a first member arrangement step in which the first member having a through hole with a hole diameter larger than the outer diameter of the connecting pipe is positioned at a location away from the second member in one direction, such that the through hole and one end face of the connecting pipe overlap when viewed in one direction; and an adapter arrangement step in which an adapter is placed in the through hole of the first member, and the connecting pipe is supported by the adapter within the through hole of the first member, wherein in at least one of the connecting pipe support step or the adapter arrangement step, the connecting pipe is supported by at least one of the second member or the adapter so as to be movable in the displacement direction in which the relative position changes when the relative position of the first member and the second member changes, or A motor assembly method comprising: the connecting pipe having expandability in at least one direction; and fixing the connecting pipe with the second member and the adapter in the connecting pipe support step and the adapter placement step.

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