Motor

Abstract

This motor comprises: a metal motor case having an opening; a rotor and a stator; a lid; a circuit board; and a connection terminal. The rotor and the stator are accommodated inside the motor case. The lid has a resin part attached to a peripheral edge part of the opening of the motor case, the lid closing a portion of the opening. The circuit board is attached to the lid. The connection terminal is made of metal and is attached to the resin part. The connection terminal has an embedded part, a circuit-side connection part, and a case-side connection part. The embedded part is formed in an intermediate part of the connection terminal and is embedded in the resin part. The circuit-side connection part is formed on one end side of the embedded part. The case-side connection part is formed on the other end side of the embedded part. Facing surfaces facing each other in the embedded part and the resin part are joined to each other. The circuit-side connection part is electrically connected to a circuit included in the circuit board. The case-side connection part is pressed against the motor case by the elastic force of the connection terminal and is electrically connected to the motor case.

Description

Motor

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a motor.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a motor comprising: a rotor having a shaft extending along a central axis; a stator radially facing the rotor; a circuit board electrically connected to a coil of the stator; and a motor case accommodating the rotor, the stator and the circuit board. The motor case includes a bottomed cylindrical first case portion and a bottomed cylindrical second case portion. The first case portion and the second case portion are fixed by butting their flange portions against each other in the axial direction. The other end of a grounding wire, one end of which is connected to the circuit board, is attached to the flange portion.

[0003] A connection terminal having a screw insertion portion is provided at the other end of the grounding wire. The connection terminal provided at the other end of the grounding wire abuts against a surface of a first wiring flange portion of the first case portion from the axial direction, and is fixed to the first wiring flange portion by a screw member.

[0004] In the motor described in Patent Document 1, when assembling the motor, in addition to the work of attaching the second case portion to the first case portion, a work of fixing the connection terminal of the grounding wire to the first wiring flange portion of the first case portion with a screw member is required. For this reason, the workability of assembling the motor is poor.

[0005] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2019-180139

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a motor with good assembling workability.

[0007] A motor according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a motor case, a rotor and a stator, a cover, a circuit board, and a connection terminal. The motor case is made of metal and has an opening. The rotor and stator are housed inside the motor case. The cover has a resin portion attached to the periphery of the opening of the motor case, and closes a part of the opening. The circuit board is attached to the cover. The connection terminal is made of metal and is attached to the resin portion. The connection terminal has an embedded portion, a circuit-side connection portion, and a case-side connection portion. The embedded portion is formed in the middle of the connection terminal and is embedded in the resin portion. The circuit-side connection portion is formed on one end side of the embedded portion. The case-side connection portion is formed on the other end side of the embedded portion. Opposing surfaces of the embedded portion and the resin portion that face each other are joined together. The circuit-side connection portion is electrically connected to a circuit on the circuit board. The case-side connection portion is pressed against the motor case by the elastic force of the connection terminal and is electrically connected to the motor case.

[0008] The motor described herein offers good workability during assembly.

[0009] Figure 1 is a plan view of a blower according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the same blower. Figure 3 is a side view of the same blower. Figure 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the main part of the same blower. Figure 5 is a plan view of the lid equipped with a circuit board and connection terminals in the same blower. Figure 6 is a side view of the lid equipped with a circuit board and connection terminals in the same blower. Figure 7 is a bottom view of the lid equipped with a circuit board and connection terminals in the same blower. Figure 8 is a bottom view of the lid equipped with connection terminals in the same blower. Figure 9 is a plan view of the metal part of the lid in the same blower. Figure 10 is a side view of the metal part of the lid in the same blower. Figure 11 is a plan view of the resin part (excluding the connection terminals) of the lid in the same blower. Figure 12 is a side view of the resin part (excluding the connection terminals) of the lid in the same blower. Figure 13 is a schematic configuration diagram of a mobile body on which the blower is installed. Figure 14 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the main part of a blower according to the second embodiment. Figure 15 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the main part of a blower according to the third embodiment. Figure 16 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the main part of a blower according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 17 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the main part of another blower according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 18 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of yet another blower according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 19 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the main part of a blower according to the fifth embodiment. Figure 20 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the main part of a blower according to the sixth embodiment. Figure 21 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the main part of a blower according to the seventh embodiment. Figure 22 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the main part of a blower according to the eighth embodiment.

[0010] Hereinafter, a motor according to an embodiment, a blower having this motor, and a vehicle will be described with reference to the drawings. The figures described in the following embodiments are schematic diagrams. The ratios of size and thickness of the components in the figures do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios. The configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples of this disclosure. This disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as the effects of this disclosure can be achieved.

[0011] (1) First Embodiment) (1.1) Basic Configuration and Basic Operation of the Blower The basic configuration and basic operation of the blower 8 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be explained using Figures 1 to 12. Figure 1 is a plan view of the blower 8 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the blower 8. Figure 3 is a side view of the blower 8. Figure 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the main part of the blower 8. Figure 5 is a plan view of the lid 3 of the blower 8 equipped with a circuit board 4 and connection terminals 5. Figure 6 is a side view of the lid 3 of the blower 8 equipped with a circuit board 4 and connection terminals 5. Figure 7 is a bottom view of the lid 3 of the blower 8 equipped with a circuit board 4 and connection terminals 5. Figure 8 is a bottom view of the lid 3 of the blower 8 equipped with connection terminals 5. Figure 9 is a plan view of the metal part 31 of the lid 3 of the blower 8. Figure 10 is a side view of the metal part 31 of the lid 3 of the blower 8. Figure 11 is a plan view of the resin part 30 (excluding the connection terminal 5) of the cover 3 of the blower 8. Figure 12 is a side view of the resin part 30 (excluding the connection terminal 5) of the cover 3 of the blower 8. The blower 8 is, for example, a blower for cooling a battery inside a vehicle. Specifically, the blower 8 is a centrifugal fan blower.

[0012] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the blower 8 mainly consists of a fan case 81, a motor 1, and a centrifugal fan 84. The motor 1 and the centrifugal fan 84 are housed inside the fan case 81. The fan case 81 has an intake port 82 for drawing in outside air, an exhaust port 83 (see Figures 1 and 3) for discharging air towards the outside space, and a flow path 80 connecting the intake port 82 and the exhaust port 83. The intake port 82 is circular in shape. The exhaust port 83 is rectangular in shape. Air is drawn into the fan case 81 from the intake port 82, flows into the flow path 80, and is discharged from the exhaust port 83.

[0013] Motor 1 is, for example, an inner rotor type brushless motor. Note that Motor 1 is not limited to a brushless motor, but may be other types of DC motors or AC motors. In the first embodiment below, as shown in Figure 2, the direction in which the axis X1 of the rotating shaft 85 connected to the rotor 11 of Motor 1 extends is defined as the axial direction A1 (axial direction). The direction perpendicular to the rotating shaft 85 is defined as the radial direction A2. For convenience, the axial direction A1 is considered to be the vertical direction, with the side of the axial direction A1 where the air intake port 82 is provided being considered the upper direction, and the opposite side being considered the lower direction. A plan view is a view from above. A bottom view is a view from below.

[0014] The centrifugal fan 84 is a component in which multiple blade members are connected at predetermined intervals between two opposing annular members. It is connected to the rotating shaft 85 of the motor 1 so as to rotate together with it. The blade members can be made of metal or resin. The centrifugal fan 84 rotates at a predetermined speed in the circumferential direction in response to the rotation of the motor 1, thereby drawing in outside air from the intake port 82 and pumping it under pressure.

[0015] (1.2) Fan case The fan case 81 is a hollow component made by molding resin. The fan case 81 has an air intake port 82 on its upper surface. The fan case 81 is substantially cylindrical in shape and houses the motor 1 and the centrifugal fan 84.

[0016] Specifically, the fan case 81 has an upper wall, side walls, and a lower wall for the flow path 80. The fan case 81 is configured to cover the centrifugal fan 84. With this configuration, the flow path 80 is formed inside the fan case 81 along the outer circumference of the centrifugal fan 84.

[0017] The air intake port 82 is, for example, an intake for air from inside the vehicle. The air intake port 82 is formed on the axial end face (upper end face in the figure) of the substantially cylindrical fan case 81 that faces the vehicle. The air intake port 82 is an opening with an inner diameter that is approximately the same as or slightly smaller than that of the centrifugal fan 84. The air intake port 82 communicates with the vehicle interior via a duct (not shown).

[0018] The exhaust port 83 opens in a direction that is torsion relative to the axial direction. In other words, the air drawn in from the direction along the axis X1 of the centrifugal fan 84 toward the fan case 81 is exhausted in a direction that is torsion relative to the axis X1 (specifically, in a direction that is torsion relative to the axis X1).

[0019] (1.3) Motor As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the motor 1 comprises a motor case 2, a rotor 11 and a stator 12, a cover 3, a circuit board 4, and connection terminals 5.

[0020] (1.3.1) Motor Case As shown in Figure 4, the motor case 2 is made of metal and has an opening 20. The motor case 2 has a bottom wall 21, a side wall 22, and a flange 23. The bottom wall 21 is a circular plate-shaped portion in plan view. The side wall 22 is a cylindrical portion that extends upward from the outer edge of the bottom wall 21. The flange 23 is an annular portion that extends outward (opposite to the axis X1) from the upper end of the side wall 22.

[0021] (1.3.2) Rotor and Stator The rotor 11 and stator 12 are housed inside the motor case 2. The motor 1 is the inner rotor type brushless motor described above. The rotor 11 is connected to the rotating shaft 85 and rotates together with the rotating shaft 85 and the centrifugal fan 84. The stator 12 has a stator core 121, an insulator 122, and a coil 123. The coil 123 is wound around the stator core 121 via the insulator 122.

[0022] (1.3.3) Cover As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the cover 3 is attached to the periphery of the opening 20 of the motor case 2. The cover 3 closes a portion of the opening 20. As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the cover 3 has a resin part 30 and a metal part 31.

[0023] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the resin part 30 is a plate-shaped member with an annular shape in plan view. The resin part 30 is attached to the periphery of the opening 20 of the motor case 2. In the first embodiment, the resin part 30 is attached to the flange 23 of the motor case 2. The attachment of the resin part 30 to the flange 23 is performed by an appropriate method such as fitting, screwing, or adhesive, and is not particularly limited. By attaching the resin part 30 to the periphery of the opening 20 of the motor case 2, the lid 3 is attached to the periphery of the opening 20 of the motor case 2.

[0024] A circular opening 300 is formed in the center of the resin part 30 in a plan view. The metal part 31 is positioned in the opening 300 (see Figure 8). As shown in Figures 5 and 11, a first notch 301 and a second notch 302 are formed in the part of the resin part 30 where the connection terminal 5 is located. The first notch 301 is formed on the inside of the radial direction A2 (the side closer to the axis X1). The second notch 302 is formed on the outside of the radial direction A2 (the side further from the axis X1).

[0025] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the metal part 31 is an annular member in plan view. The metal part 31 is integrally molded with the resin part 30 by insert molding or the like. In the first embodiment, the metal part 31 and the resin part 30 are integrally molded by insert molding. As a result, the opposing surfaces of the metal part 31 and the resin part 30 that face each other are joined together.

[0026] A circular opening 310 is formed in the center of the metal part 31 in a plan view. A rotating shaft 85 passes through the opening 310 (see Figure 2). One or more (four in the first embodiment) holes 311 are formed in the metal part 31. When the metal part 311 is molded integrally with the resin part 30, the resin that makes up the resin part 30 enters the holes 311. This firmly fixes the metal part 31 and the resin part 30 together.

[0027] (1.3.4) Circuit Board As shown in Figure 7, the circuit board 4 is attached to the cover 3. The circuit board 4 controls the supply of current to the coil 123 of the stator 12. The circuit board 4 has a circuit made of metal patterns. Components (electrical components) 41 connected to the circuit are mounted on the circuit board 4.

[0028] (1.3.5) Connection Terminals As shown in Figure 4, the connection terminal 5 is made of metal and attached to the resin part 30. The metal used to make up the connection terminal 5 is preferably, for example, SUS (Steel Special Use Stainless) or copper (copper alloy), but is not particularly limited.

[0029] The connection terminal 5 covered by this disclosure is a connection terminal that constitutes the GND (ground) terminal. The connection terminal 5 is electrically connected to the circuit of the circuit board 4. In the first embodiment, connection terminals 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D other than GND, which are not covered by this disclosure, are also electrically connected to the circuit board 4 (see Figure 5).

[0030] The connector 5 is formed in a U-shape. Specifically, the connector 5 has a base piece 500, a first side piece 501, and a second side piece 502. The connector 5 is formed in a U-shape that is open downwards. Preferably, the first side piece 501 and the second side piece 502 are formed with a thickness of 0.5 mm or more and 1.5 mm or less. However, the thickness of the first side piece 501 and the second side piece 502 is not particularly limited.

[0031] The connection terminal 5 has an embedded portion 51, a circuit-side connection portion 52, and a case-side connection portion 53. The embedded portion 51 is formed in the middle of the connection terminal 5 and embedded in the resin portion 30. Specifically, the embedded portion 51 is formed in a part (central portion) of the base piece 500. The connection terminal 5 (especially the embedded portion 51) is molded integrally with the resin portion 30 by insert molding or the like. In the first embodiment, the embedded portion 51 and the resin portion 30 are molded integrally by insert molding, so that the opposing surfaces of the embedded portion 51 and the resin portion 30 that face each other are joined together.

[0032] In the first embodiment, in the radial direction A2, a first notch 301 and a second notch 302 are formed in the portion adjacent to the portion where the embedded portion 51 of the resin portion 30 is embedded. The embedded portion 51 in the central part of the base piece 500 is embedded in the portion between the first notch 301 and the second notch 302 of the resin portion 30, and both ends of the base piece 500 protrude into the first notch 301 and the second notch 302, respectively. In the radial direction A2, the first side piece 501 is positioned at a location corresponding to the first notch 301. The second side piece 502 is positioned at a location corresponding to the second notch 302.

[0033] The circuit-side connection portion 52 is formed on one end of the buried portion 51. Specifically, the circuit-side connection portion 52 is formed on a part of the first side piece 501. The circuit-side connection portion 52 is electrically connected to the circuit of the circuit board 4.

[0034] The case-side connection portion 53 is formed on the other end side of the embedded portion 51. Specifically, the case-side connection portion 53 is formed on a part of the second side piece 502 (the tip, i.e., the lower end). The case-side connection portion 53 formed on the lower end of the second side piece 502 protrudes slightly toward the side wall 22 of the motor case 2 from the portion of the second side piece 502 above the case-side connection portion 53.

[0035] The case-side connection portion 53 is pressed against the motor case 2 by the elastic force of the connection terminal 5 and is electrically connected to the motor case 2. In the first embodiment, the force with which the case-side connection portion 53 and the motor case 2 press against each other is generated solely by the elastic force of the connection terminal 5. That is, the case-side connection portion 53 and the motor case 2 are not fastened together with screws. The case-side connection portion 53 and the motor case 2 are pressed against the side wall 22 of the motor case 2 solely by the elastic force of the connection terminal 5.

[0036] The case-side connection portion 53 is located inside the motor case 2. The case-side connection portion 53 is pressed against the inner surface of the side wall 22 of the motor case 2.

[0037] (1.4) Effects on the motor case When the cover 3 is attached to the motor case 2, the case-side connection portion 53 of the connection terminal 5 is electrically connected to the motor case 2. Therefore, no additional work such as screwing the connection terminal 5 to the motor case 2 is required. Thus, the workability of assembling the motor case 2 is improved.

[0038] The connection terminals 5 (especially the case-side connection portion 53) are located inside the motor case 2. Therefore, no space is required on the outside of the motor case 2 for the connection terminals 5. In addition, there is no need for holes or other openings to allow the case-side connection portion 53 to protrude from the motor case 2 or lid 3. As a result, the structure and assembly of the motor case 2 are simplified. Furthermore, the airtightness of the motor case 2 is improved.

[0039] The connection terminal 5 is formed in a U-shape, and a part or all of the base piece 500, which forms the bent portion of the U-shape, is embedded in the resin part 30 as an embedded portion 51. This makes it easier to generate a predetermined elastic force in the second side piece 502 extending from one end of the base piece 500, with the embedded portion 51 as a fulcrum. As a result, it becomes easier to press the case-side connection portion 53 formed on the second side piece 502 against the side wall 22 of the motor case 2.

[0040] The embedded portion 51 of the connection terminal 5 is molded integrally with the resin portion 30 and embedded in the resin portion 30. As a result, vibrations transmitted through the connection terminal 5 are attenuated in the portion embedded in the resin portion 30. This makes it less likely for vibrations from the motor case 2 to be transmitted to the circuit board 4.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 7, the component 411 that generates the largest amount of heat among the components 41 mounted on the circuit board 4 is disposed in a portion adjacent to the portion to which the circuit-side connecting portion 52 of the circuit board 4 is connected. The statement that the component 411 that generates the largest amount of heat is disposed in a portion adjacent to the portion to which the circuit-side connecting portion 52 of the circuit board 4 is connected means that no other component 41 is located between the portion to which the circuit-side connecting portion 52 of the circuit board 4 is connected and the component 411 that generates the largest amount of heat, and the distance between the portion to which the circuit-side connecting portion 52 of the circuit board 4 is connected and the component 411 that generates the largest amount of heat is not more than half of the longest dimension of the circuit board 4 in a plan view. Since the metal connection terminal 5 is pressed against the metal motor case 2, heat dissipation performance via heat conduction from the connection terminal 5 to the motor case 2 is improved. At this time, the component 411 that generates the largest amount of heat is disposed in the portion adjacent to the portion to which the circuit-side connecting portion 52 of the circuit board 4 is connected. Thereby, heat dissipation of the component 41 can be efficiently performed.

[0042] A first notch 301 and a second notch 302 (particularly the second notch 302) are formed. Thereby, after assembling the motor case 2, whether the case-side connecting portion 53 is pressed against the side wall 22 of the motor case 2 can be checked (visually confirmed) from the outside of the motor case 2.

[0043] (1.5) Moving body Based on Fig. 13, the moving body 9 to which the blower 8 is attached will be described. Fig. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram of the moving body 9 provided with the blower 8. The moving body 9 includes the blower 8, a battery 91 (object to be cooled), a control device 92, a cable 93, a moving body main body 94 (vehicle body), and a cable 95.

[0044] The moving body 9 is a four-wheel hybrid vehicle in which an engine and a driving battery 91 are mounted on the moving body main body 94. The moving body 9 is not limited to a hybrid vehicle, and may be an electric vehicle. The moving body 9 on which the blower 8 is mounted is not limited to four-wheel vehicles, and may be, for example, a moving body (automobile) such as a two-wheel vehicle or a three-wheel vehicle. Further, the object to be cooled may be a component other than the battery 91.

[0045] The mobile body main body 94 is provided with a blower 8, a battery 91, a control device 92, a cable 93, and a cable 95.

[0046] The battery 91 is composed of, for example, a lithium-ion battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or the like. The battery 91 supplies electric power to a drive motor or the like for causing the mobile body 9 to travel.

[0047] The control device 92 is electrically connected to the blower 8 via the cable 93. Accordingly, the control device 92 controls the blower 8. More specifically, the control device 92 is electrically connected to a motor drive circuit of the blower 8 via the cable 93. The control device 92 controls the battery 91 via the cable 95. More specifically, the control device 92 controls power supply from another battery to the blower 8, the drive motor, and the like.

[0048] The blower 8 used in the mobile body 9 functions as a cooling fan system to suppress temperature rise of the battery 91. When air is blown from the blower 8 toward the battery 91, the air is sent into the battery 91. Accordingly, the battery 91 is air-cooled, and temperature rise of the battery 91 is suppressed.

[0049] (2) Second Embodiment A second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 14. FIG. 14 is a longitudinal sectional view of a main part of the blower 8 according to the second embodiment. The basic configuration of a motor case 2 in the second embodiment is the same as that of the motor case 2 in the first embodiment. Therefore, the following description will mainly focus on different points.

[0050] In the second embodiment, the first notch 301 and the second notch 302 according to the first embodiment are not formed in the resin portion 30.

[0051] Accordingly, in the embedded portion 51 and the resin portion 30, mutually opposing facing surfaces are bonded more firmly to each other.

[0052] (3) The third embodiment will be described using Figure 15. Figure 15 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the main part of the blower 8 according to the third embodiment. The basic configuration of the motor case 2 in the third embodiment is the same as that of the motor case 2 in the first embodiment. Therefore, the explanation will mainly focus on the differences.

[0053] The case-side connection portion 53 has a case-facing projection 54 that protrudes toward the motor case 2 from the portion of the connection terminal 5 adjacent to the case-side connection portion 53. The second side piece 502 has a case-facing projection 54 in the middle portion in the axial direction A1 that protrudes toward the side wall 22 of the motor case 2 from the adjacent portion in the axial direction A1. Of the case-facing projection 54, the portion that contacts the side wall 22 of the motor case 2 becomes the case-side connection portion 53.

[0054] As a result, the tip (lower end) of the second side piece 502 is positioned inside the case-side connection portion 53. Therefore, when attaching the lid 3 to the motor case 2, the second side piece 502 can easily be inserted into the motor case 2 without getting caught on it.

[0055] (4) The fourth embodiment will be described using Figures 16 to 18. Figure 16 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the main part of the blower 8 according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 17 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the main part of another blower 8 according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 18 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of yet another blower 8 according to the fourth embodiment. The basic configuration of the motor case 2 in the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the motor case 2 in the first embodiment. Therefore, the explanation will mainly focus on the differences.

[0056] As shown in Figure 16, the connection terminal 5 has a plurality of case-side connection portions 53. Each case-side connection portion 53 has an anti-case convex portion 55 that protrudes in the direction away from the motor case 2 from the portion of the connection terminal 5 adjacent to the case-side connection portion 53.

[0057] Specifically, the connection terminal 5 has a case-side connection portion 53, which includes a first case-side connection portion 531 formed on the upper side of the middle portion of the second side piece 502, and a second case-side connection portion 532 formed on the middle portion of the second side piece 502 below the first case-side connection portion 531. The portion of the second side piece 502 between the first case-side connection portion 531 and the second case-side connection portion 532 becomes the anti-case convex portion 55.

[0058] Length L1 is defined as the length from the outer surface of the first side piece 501 (the outer surface in the radial direction A2, on the side where the second side piece 502 is located) to the outer surface of the first case-side connection portion 531, and length L2 is defined as the length from the outer surface of the first side piece 501 to the outer surface of the second case-side connection portion 532.

[0059] As shown in Figure 17, length L1 may be longer than length L2. In this case, the first case-side connecting portion 531 contacts and presses against the side wall 22 of the motor case 2 before the second case-side connecting portion 532. At this time, the second case-side connecting portion 532 does not contact the side wall 22 of the motor case 2. Subsequently, when the lengths of length L1 and length L2 become equal due to wear or the like, the first case-side connecting portion 531 and the second case-side connecting portion 532 contact and press against the side wall 22 of the motor case 2.

[0060] When the first case-side connection portion 531 wears down due to prolonged use and becomes less able to contact the side wall 22, the second case-side connection portion 532 will come into contact with the side wall 22. This makes it easier to ensure that the case-side connection portion 53 is pressed more securely against the motor case 2.

[0061] Furthermore, the formation of the anti-case protrusion 55 makes it easier to form multiple case-side connection parts 53 and case-side protrusions 54.

[0062] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 18, length L2 may be longer than length L1. In this case, the second case-side connecting portion 532 contacts and presses against the side wall 22 of the motor case 2 before the first case-side connecting portion 531. At this time, the first case-side connecting portion 531 does not contact the side wall 22 of the motor case 2. Subsequently, when the lengths of length L1 and length L2 become equal due to wear or the like, the first case-side connecting portion 531 and the second case-side connecting portion 532 contact and press against the side wall 22 of the motor case 2.

[0063] Thus, if lengths L1 and L2 are different, even if the connection part that was initially in contact with the side wall 22 of the motor case 2 becomes shorter due to wear or other reasons, the other part can compensate for the difference in holding force and maintain contact with the side wall 22 of the motor case 2. In other words, in this embodiment, the holding force can be maintained for a long period of time.

[0064] When the second case-side connection portion 532 wears down due to prolonged use and becomes less able to contact the side wall 22, the first case-side connection portion 531 will come into contact with the side wall 22. This makes it easier to ensure that the case-side connection portion 53 is pressed more firmly against the motor case 2.

[0065] Furthermore, the formation of the anti-case protrusion 55 makes it easier to form multiple case-side connection parts 53 and case-side protrusions 54.

[0066] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 16, lengths L1 and L2 may be equal. That is, the first case-side connection portion 531 and the second case-side connection portion 532 simultaneously contact and press against the side wall 22 of the motor case 2. In this embodiment, a higher holding force can be obtained than in the above configuration.

[0067] The number of case-side connection points 53 is not limited to two; it may be three or more.

[0068] (5) The fifth embodiment will be described using Figure 19. Figure 19 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the main part of the blower 8 according to the fifth embodiment. The basic configuration of the motor case 2 in the fifth embodiment is the same as that of the motor case 2 in the first embodiment. Therefore, the explanation will mainly focus on the differences.

[0069] The tip (lower end) of the second side piece 502 becomes a folded portion 503 that is folded back toward the side wall 22 of the motor case 2, and the portion of the folded portion 503 that contacts the side wall 22 becomes the case-side connection portion 53. Similar to the first side piece 501 and the second side piece 502 of the first embodiment, it is preferable that the folded portion 503 be formed with a thickness of 0.5 mm or more and 1.5 mm or less. However, the thickness of the folded portion 503 is not particularly limited. The thickness of the folded portion 503 is appropriately selected according to the required product life of the motor 1.

[0070] By making this folded portion 503 the case-side connection portion 53, it becomes easier to increase the force with which the case-side connection portion 53 is pressed against the motor case 2, compared to the case-facing protrusion portion 54 being the case-side connection portion 53.

[0071] (6) The sixth embodiment will be described using Figure 20. Figure 20 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the main part of the blower 8 according to the sixth embodiment. The basic configuration of the motor case 2 in the sixth embodiment is the same as that of the motor case 2 in the first embodiment. Therefore, the explanation will mainly focus on the differences.

[0072] The lower end of the second side piece 502 has a folded portion 504 that is folded back toward the opposite side of the side wall 22 of the motor case 2. The case-side connection portion 53 is formed at the lower end of the second side piece 502, not at the folded portion 504.

[0073] (7) The seventh embodiment will be described using Figure 21. Figure 21 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the main part of the blower 8 according to the seventh embodiment. The basic configuration of the motor case 2 in the seventh embodiment is the same as that of the motor case 2 in the first embodiment. Therefore, the explanation will mainly focus on the differences.

[0074] The case-side connection portion 53 has a curved portion 505 that gently protrudes toward the motor case 2 from the portion of the connection terminal 5 adjacent to the case-side connection portion 53. Of this curved portion 505, the portion that contacts the side wall 22 of the motor case 2 becomes the case-side connection portion 53.

[0075] As a result, when attaching the lid 3 to the motor case 2, the second side piece 502 does not get caught on the motor case 2 and can easily enter the motor case 2. In particular, compared to the case-facing protrusion 54 (see Figure 15) formed on the second side piece 502, the curved portion 505 is less likely to get caught on the peripheral edge of the opening 20 of the motor case 2.

[0076] (8) The eighth embodiment will be described using Figure 22. Figure 22 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the main part of the blower 8 according to the eighth embodiment. The basic configuration of the motor case 2 in the eighth embodiment is the same as that of the motor case 2 in the first embodiment. Therefore, the explanation will mainly focus on the differences.

[0077] The case-side connection portion 53 is located on the outside of the motor case 2. The tip (lower end) of the second side piece 502 becomes a folded portion 506 that is folded back toward the side wall 22 of the motor case 2. As a result, the portion of the folded portion 506 that contacts the side wall 22 becomes the case-side connection portion 53. The second side piece 502 extends to the outside of the motor case 2 through a hole 231 formed in the flange 23 of the motor case 2. As a result, the case-side connection portion 53 does not need to be located in the storage space inside the motor case 2, making it easier to design the inside of the motor case 2 and making it easier to miniaturize the motor case 2.

[0078] (Variation) The shapes of the bottom wall 21, side wall 22, and flange 23 are not limited.

[0079] The shape of the resin part 30 is not limited.

[0080] The shape of the metal part 31 is not limited. The hole 311 does not have to be provided in the metal part 31.

[0081] The force exerted between the case-side connection part 53 and the motor case 2 does not have to be solely due to the elastic force of the connection terminal 5. For example, the case-side connection part 53 and the motor case 2 may be fixed together with screws. The force exerted between the case-side connection part 53 and the motor case 2 may include not only the elastic force of the connection terminal 5 but also the force from the screws. This eliminates the need for a separate component to press the case-side connection part 53 against the motor case 2. As a result, the structure of the motor case 2 is simplified, the motor case 2 is made smaller, and the assembly of the motor case 2 is simplified.

[0082] As an example of a case where the force pressing the case-side connection portion 53 and the motor case 2 against each other is not solely due to the elastic force of the connection terminal 5, the stator core 121 or insulator 122 may also press the case-side connection portion 53 against the motor case 2. In addition to the elastic force of the connection terminal 5, the force pressing the case-side connection portion 53 against the motor case 2 by the stator core 121 or insulator 122 is added. This allows the case-side connection portion 53 to be pressed more strongly against the motor case 2.

[0083] The length L1 from the outer surface of the first side piece 501 to the outer surface of the first case-side connector 531 may be shorter than the length L2 from the outer surface of the first side piece 501 to the outer surface of the second case-side connector 532. The length L1 from the outer surface of the first side piece 501 to the outer surface of the first case-side connector 531 may be the same as the length L2 from the outer surface of the first side piece 501 to the outer surface of the second case-side connector 532.

[0084] (Aspects) The following aspects are disclosed in this specification.

[0085] The motor (1) according to the first embodiment comprises a motor case (2), a rotor (11) and a stator (12), a cover (3), a circuit board (4), and a connection terminal (5). The motor case (2) is made of metal and has an opening. The rotor (11) and stator (12) are housed inside the motor case (2). The cover (3) has a resin part (30) that is attached to the periphery of the opening of the motor case (2) and closes a part of the opening. The circuit board (4) is attached to the cover (3). The connection terminal (5) is made of metal and is attached to the resin part (30). The connection terminal (5) has an embedded part (51), a circuit-side connection part (52), and a case-side connection part (53). The embedded part (51) is formed in the middle of the connection terminal (5) and is embedded in the resin part (30). The circuit-side connection portion (52) is formed on one end of the buried portion (51). The case-side connection portion (53) is formed on the other end of the buried portion (51). Opposing surfaces of the buried portion (51) and the resin portion (30) are joined together. The circuit-side connection portion (52) is electrically connected to the circuit of the circuit board (4). The case-side connection portion (53) is pressed against the motor case (2) by the elastic force of the connection terminal (5) and is electrically connected to the motor case (2).

[0086] In this embodiment, when the lid (3) is attached to the motor case (2), the case-side connection portion (53) of the connection terminal (5) is electrically connected to the motor case (2). Therefore, no additional work such as screwing the connection terminal (5) to the motor case (2) is required. Consequently, the workability of assembling the motor case (2) is improved.

[0087] In the second embodiment, the motor (1) has a case-side connection portion (53) located inside the motor case (2), as in the first embodiment.

[0088] In this embodiment, the connection terminals (5) (especially the case-side connection portion (53)) are not located on the outside of the motor case (2). Therefore, no space is required on the outside of the motor case (2) for the connection terminals (5).

[0089] A third embodiment can be realized by combining it with the first embodiment. In the third embodiment, the case-side connection portion (53) is located on the outside of the motor case (2).

[0090] In this embodiment, the case-side connection part (53) does not need to be located in the storage space inside the motor case (2). Therefore, the design of the inside of the motor case (2) is easier. Also, the motor case (2) can be made smaller.

[0091] The fourth embodiment can be realized by combining it with any of the first to third embodiments. In the fourth embodiment, the case-side connection portion (53) has a case-facing protrusion (54) that protrudes toward the motor case (2) from the portion of the connection terminal (5) adjacent to the case-side connection portion (53).

[0092] In this configuration, when attaching the lid (3) to the motor case (2), the tip of the connecting terminal (5) does not get caught on the motor case (2) and can easily enter the motor case (2).

[0093] The fifth embodiment can be realized by combining it with any of the first to fourth embodiments. In the fifth embodiment, the connection terminal (5) is formed in a U shape.

[0094] In this embodiment, a part or all of the base piece (500) that forms the U-shaped bend is embedded in the resin piece (30) to form an embedded piece (51). This generates a predetermined elastic force in the second side piece (502) extending from one end of the base piece (500), with the embedded piece (51) acting as a fulcrum. Therefore, it becomes easier to press the case-side connection piece (53) formed on the second side piece (502) against the motor case (2).

[0095] The sixth embodiment can be realized by combining it with any of the first to fifth embodiments. In the sixth embodiment, the stator (12) has a stator core (121) and an insulator (122). The stator core (121) or the insulator (122) presses the case-side connection portion (53) against the motor case (2).

[0096] In this embodiment, the force exerted between the case-side connection portion (53) and the motor case (2) is not only the elastic force of the connection terminal (5), but also the force applied by the stator core (121) or insulator (122) that presses the case-side connection portion (53) against the motor case (2). This allows the case-side connection portion (53) to be pressed more firmly against the motor case (2).

[0097] The seventh embodiment can be realized by combining it with any of the first to sixth embodiments. In the seventh embodiment, the component (411) that generates the most heat among the components (41) mounted on the circuit board (4) is located adjacent to the portion of the circuit-side connection portion (52) of the circuit board (4) to which it is connected.

[0098] In this embodiment, heat dissipation from the component (41) can be performed efficiently.

[0099] The eighth embodiment can be realized by combining it with any of the first to seventh embodiments. In the eighth embodiment, the force with which the case-side connection portion (53) and the motor case (2) press against each other is generated solely by the elastic force of the connection terminal (5).

[0100] In this embodiment, a separate member is not required to press the case-side connection portion (53) against the motor case (2). Therefore, the structure of the motor case (2) is simplified, the motor case (2) is made smaller, and the assembly work of the motor case (2) is simplified.

[0101] The ninth embodiment can be realized in combination with any of the first to eighth embodiments. In the ninth embodiment, the connection terminal (5) has a plurality of case-side connection parts (53) (a first case-side connection part (531) and a second case-side connection part (532)).

[0102] In this embodiment, it becomes easier to ensure that the case-side connection portion (53) is pressed against the motor case (2).

[0103] The tenth embodiment can be realized by combining it with the ninth embodiment. In the tenth embodiment, the case-side connection portion (53) has an anti-case projection portion (55) that protrudes from the portion of the connection terminal (5) adjacent to the case-side connection portion (53) toward the opposite side of the motor case (2).

[0104] In this embodiment, it becomes easier to form multiple case-side connection parts (53).

[0105] 1 Motor 11 Rotor 12 Stator 121 Stator core 122 Insulator 123 Coil 2 Motor case 21 Bottom wall 22 Side wall 23 Flange 231 Hole 3 Cover 30 Resin part 31 Metal part 300 Opening 301 First notch 302 Second notch 310 Opening 311 Hole 4 Circuit board 5, 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D Connection terminals 500 Base piece 501 First side piece 502 First side piece 503, 504 Folded part 505 Curved part 506 Folded part 51 Embedded part 52 Circuit side connection part 53 Case side connection part 531 First case side connection part 532 Second case side connection part 54 Case-facing protrusion 55 Anti-case protrusion 8 Blower 81 Fan case 82 Intake port 83 Exhaust port 84 Centrifugal fan 85 Rotating shaft 9 Mobile unit 91 Battery 92 Control unit 93 Cable 94 Mobile unit body 95 Cable

Claims

1. A motor comprising: a metal motor case having an opening; a rotor and stator housed inside the motor case; a lid having a resin part attached to the peripheral edge of the opening of the motor case and closing a part of the opening; a circuit board attached to the lid; and a metal connection terminal attached to the resin part, wherein the connection terminal has: an embedded part formed in the middle of the connection terminal and embedded in the resin part; a circuit-side connection part formed on one end of the embedded part; and a case-side connection part formed on the other end of the embedded part, wherein the opposing surfaces of the embedded part and the resin part are joined together; the circuit-side connection part is electrically connected to a circuit on the circuit board; and the case-side connection part is pressed against the motor case by the elastic force of the connection terminal and electrically connected to the motor case.

2. The motor according to claim 1, wherein the case-side connection portion is located inside the motor case.

3. The motor according to claim 1, wherein the case-side connection portion is located on the outside of the motor case.

4. The motor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the case-side connection portion has a case-facing protrusion that protrudes toward the motor case from the portion of the connection terminal adjacent to the case-side connection portion.

5. The motor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the connection terminal is formed in a U-shape.

6. The motor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the stator has a stator core and an insulator, and the stator core or the insulator presses the case-side connection portion against the motor case.

7. The motor according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the component that generates the most heat among the components mounted on the circuit board is located in a portion adjacent to the portion of the circuit board to which the circuit-side connection portion is connected.

8. The motor according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the force pressing between the case-side connection and the motor case is generated solely by the elastic force of the connection terminal.

9. The motor according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the connection terminal has a plurality of case-side connection portions.

10. The motor according to claim 9, wherein the case-side connection portion has a case-facing convex portion that protrudes in the direction opposite to the motor case from the portion of the connection terminal adjacent to the case-side connection portion.

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