JP7555497B2 - Thermistor stay and stator structure - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a metal fitting (thermistor stay) for mounting a thermistor to a motor stator, and a stator structure including the thermistor stay.

JP 2013-51806 A describes a rotating electric machine having a mechanism for holding a thermistor. This mechanism includes a bracket. The bracket is fixed to the stator via a casing.

There is a split type stator. This stator has multiple split cores. The multiple split cores are arranged in a ring shape to form the stator. The multiple split cores are bolted to the motor casing via a ring-shaped retaining member (stator ring).

When attaching a thermistor to a split-type stator, the stator ring and the thermistor holding mechanism are installed separately. Therefore, there is a problem that a motor equipped with a split-type stator requires a large number of parts.

The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems.

A first aspect of the present invention is a thermistor stay for mounting a thermistor on an annular stator that can be divided into a plurality of split cores, comprising a core holding portion that extends across two or more of the split cores and holds the two or more split cores, and a thermistor holding portion that extends from the core holding portion along the circumferential direction of the stator, has a tip that holds the thermistor, and biases the held thermistor radially inwardly of the stator.

A second aspect of the present invention is a stator structure comprising a thermistor stay of the first aspect and an annular stator that can be divided into a plurality of split cores.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the thermistor stay holds not only the thermistor but also the multiple split cores of the stator, thereby reducing the number of parts in the motor.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a stator structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an axial plan view of the stator structure of FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the thermistor stay of FIG. FIG. 4 is an axial plan view of a stator structure according to the second modification.

[Embodiment]
Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a stator structure 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is an axial plan view of the stator structure 10 of Fig. 1.

The stator structure 10 comprises a stator 14, a thermistor 16, a thermistor stay 18, and an auxiliary stay 19.

The stator 14 is an annular member that surrounds the motor shaft 12. The stator 14 has a plurality of split cores 20, a plurality of coils 22, and a plurality of wall portions 24.

The multiple split cores 20 are arranged in an annular shape. This forms an annular shape for the entire stator 14. In this case, in the completed motor, the multiple split cores 20 surround the shaft 12. The number of split cores 20 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 is 12. However, the number of split cores 20 is not limited to 12.

Each of the multiple split cores 20 has a split end surface (split end) 201 in the axial direction AD of the shaft 12. The multiple split end portions 201 form the end of the entire stator 14 in the axial direction AD of the shaft 12 by arranging the multiple split cores 20 in an annular shape.

With respect to the multiple coils 22, at least one coil 22 is formed in one split core 20. Each of the multiple coils 22 has a coil end 221. The coil end 221 protrudes from the split end 201 of the coil 22 in the axial direction AD of the shaft 12.

The multiple wall portions 24 are insulating members that protrude from the multiple split cores 20 along the axial direction AD of the shaft 12. Each of the multiple wall portions 24 is, for example, a part of an insulator that holds the coils 22 in the split core 20. The wall portions 24 are positioned outward of the multiple coil ends 221 in the radial direction RD of the stator 14.

The multiple wall portions 24 are arranged in a ring shape by arranging the multiple split cores 20 in a ring shape. Therefore, the multiple wall portions 24 surround the multiple coil ends 221 in the circumferential direction CD of the stator 14. In this way, the wall portions 24 protect the multiple coil ends 221.

In addition, an insulating inner wall portion 26 may be provided inside the coil end 221 in the radial direction RD of the stator 14 (see Figure 1).

Each of the multiple wall portions 24 has a gap 28 and a thick portion 30. In one wall portion 24, the gap 28 and the thick portion 30 are aligned along the circumferential direction CD of the stator 14.

The gap 28 is a cutout that connects the outside of the stator 14 relative to the wall portion 24 with the inside of the stator 14 relative to the wall portion 24 in the radial direction RD of the stator 14. The advantages of providing the gap 28 in the wall portion 24 will be described later.

The thick portion 30 is a portion of the wall portion 24 that is thicker in the radial direction RD of the stator 14 than other portions of the wall portion 24. This improves the rigidity of the wall portion 24. In this embodiment, the thick portion 30 is provided in a pair with a gap 28 therebetween in the circumferential direction CD of the stator 14.

The thermistor 16 includes a detection unit 32, a cable 34, and a connector 36. The detection unit 32 is a contact sensor that outputs a detection signal corresponding to the temperature of the coil 22 with which it comes into contact. The cable 34 transmits the detection signal output by the detection unit 32 to the connector 36. The connector 36 connects the detection unit 32 to an external device. This allows the detection signal to be input to the external device. The external device is not shown in the figure.

Figure 3 is an oblique view showing the thermistor stay 18 of Figure 1.

The thermistor stay 18 comprises a core holding portion 38, a thermistor holding portion 40, and a clip portion 42.

The core holding portion 38 is a member that is installed across two or more successive divided end portions 201 along the circumferential direction CD of the stator 14. For illustrative purposes, the core holding portion 38 is installed across five divided end portions 201 (see FIG. 1).

The core holding portion 38 has a generally arcuate shape that follows the annular shape of the stator 14. The core holding portion 38 is disposed outside the wall portion 24 in the radial direction RD of the stator 14.

The core holding portion 38 has a first end 381 and a second end 382 with respect to the radial direction RD of the stator 14. The first end 381 is the outer end of the core holding portion 38 with respect to the radial direction RD of the stator 14. The second end 382 is the inner end of the core holding portion 38 with respect to the radial direction RD of the stator 14.

The core holding portion 38 has a plurality of connecting portions 44. Each of the plurality of connecting portions 44 has a bolt hole 441. In order to form the bolt hole 441, the connecting portion 44 may be made wider than other portions of the core holding portion 38 in the radial direction RD of the stator 14.

A bolt 45 that connects the core holding portion 38 and the split core 20 is inserted into the bolt hole 441. In this regard, the multiple split cores 20 appropriately have multiple bolt holes that communicate with the bolt holes 441 of the multiple connecting portions 44.

The core holding portion 38 holds the multiple split cores 20 via the bolts 45. The core holding portion 38 is also interposed between the seat portion 451 of the bolts 45 and the stator 14. This prevents the seat portion 451 of the bolts 45 from applying local pressure to the stator 14.

The bolt 45 may connect the motor casing to the multiple split cores 20. In this case, for example, the bolt 45 is inserted through the casing, the connecting portion 44, and the split cores 20 in this order. Since the motor casing is a known component, it will not be described again in this embodiment.

The thermistor holding portion 40 is a leaf spring-like elastic member extending from the core holding portion 38 along the circumferential direction CD of the stator 14. The detection portion 32 is attached to the tip of the thermistor holding portion 40 (see FIG. 1). The thermistor holding portion 40 biases the held detection portion 32 inward in the radial direction RD of the stator 14.

Here, a wall portion 24 is interposed between the coil end 221 and the core holding portion 38 along the circumferential direction CD of the stator 14. However, the wall portion 24 has the above-mentioned gap 28. This allows the thermistor holding portion 40 to bring the detection portion 32 into contact with the coil end 221 through the gap 28. In other words, there is no need for the thermistor holding portion 40 to detour around the wall portion 24 in the axial direction AD of the shaft 12. Therefore, a simple shape can be adopted for the thermistor holding portion 40.

It is preferable that the thermistor holding portion 40 extends from the first end 381 of the first end 381 and the second end 382 (see FIG. 3). This makes the extension length of the thermistor holding portion (leaf spring) 40 longer than when it extends from the second end 382. As a result, it is possible to suppress the variation in the load that presses the detection portion 32 against the coil end 221.

It is also preferable that the thermistor holding portion 40 extends from the core holding portion 38, particularly from the connecting portion 44 (see FIG. 2). The reason for this is as follows. The elastic force of the thermistor holding portion 40 reacts to the core holding portion 38. As a result, the core holding portion 38 may be deformed. Here, the connecting portion 44 is firmly fixed by the bolt 45. Therefore, by having the thermistor holding portion 40 extend from the connecting portion 44, the influence of the above-mentioned reaction can be suppressed.

The clip portion 42 is a fastener that holds the cable 34. The number of clip portions 42 is not particularly limited. For example, the thermistor stay 18 of this embodiment has multiple clip portions 42. The multiple clip portions 42 are arranged along the circumferential direction CD of the stator 14.

The clip portion 42 holds the cable 34, preventing the cable 34 from scattering around the stator 14.

The thermistor stay 18 not only holds the thermistor 16, but also holds a plurality of split cores 20. Therefore, there is no need to attach a stator ring to the stator 14. As a result, the number of parts in a motor equipped with the stator 14 is reduced. In addition, the stator structure 10 is simplified. Note that the shape of the thermistor holding portion 40 is not limited to a leaf spring shape, as long as it is possible to bias the held detection portion 32 toward the inside (coil end 221) of the stator 14 in the radial direction RD.

The auxiliary stay 19 has a generally arcuate shape that follows the annular shape of the stator 14 (see FIG. 2). The auxiliary stay 19 is installed at the end of the stator 14 with respect to the axial direction AD of the shaft 12. However, the auxiliary stay 19 is installed on two or more of the multiple split cores 20 (split end portions 201) on which the thermistor stay 18 is not installed.

A plurality of bolt holes 191 are formed in the auxiliary stay 19. Therefore, the auxiliary stay 19 can be connected to a plurality of split cores 20 via bolts 45. This allows the auxiliary stay 19 to hold the plurality of split cores 20 connected to it. As a result, the rigidity of the entire stator 14 is improved. Note that the number of bolt holes 191 in the auxiliary stay 19 and the number of bolt holes 441 in the thermistor stay 18 may be different. Also, the auxiliary stay 19 may be omitted as necessary.

In addition, the auxiliary stay 19 may be provided with one or more clip portions (42) capable of holding the cable 34, similar to the thermistor stay 18.

The above-mentioned auxiliary stay 19 has a shape equivalent to that of the thermistor stay 18, in which at least the thermistor holding portion 40 is omitted, for example, among the thermistor holding portion 40 and the clip portion 42. In this case, for example, the equipment for manufacturing the core holding portion 38 can be diverted to manufacture the auxiliary stay 19. However, the number of split cores 20 held by the auxiliary stay 19 and the number of split cores 20 held by the thermistor stay 18 may be different. The material of the thermistor stay 18 and the material of the auxiliary stay 19 may be different from each other. For example, the auxiliary stay 19 may include a material that is cheaper than the thermistor stay 18. This makes it possible to keep the manufacturing cost of the auxiliary stay 19 lower than the manufacturing cost of the thermistor stay 18. The auxiliary stay 19 may also include a material that has lower spring characteristics than the thermistor stay 18. For example, the auxiliary stay 19 may include a material that is more rigid than the thermistor stay 18.

[Modification]
Modifications of the above embodiment are described below. However, descriptions that overlap with the above embodiment are omitted as much as possible in the following description. Unless otherwise specified, components that have already been described in the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals as in the above embodiment.

(Variation 1)
The shape of the core holding portion 38 is not limited to an arc shape. For example, the core holding portion 38 may have an annular shape that is concentric with the stator 14. In this case, the auxiliary stay 19 is not necessary.

(Variation 2)
FIG. 4 is an axial plan view of the stator structure 10 according to the second modification.

The stator structure 10 may include multiple thermistor stays 18 as desired.

For example, if the motor is a polyphase motor, the multiple coils 22 include at least a first coil 46 and a second coil 48 whose voltage phases are different from each other. In this case, multiple arc-shaped thermistor stays 18 may be installed according to at least the first coil 46 and the second coil 48. This makes it possible to attach separate thermistors 16 to the first coil 46 and the second coil 48.

It is preferable that the shapes of the multiple thermistor stays 18 are uniform. For example, it is preferable that the shape of the thermistor stay 18 corresponding to the first coil 46 and the shape of the thermistor stay 18 corresponding to the second coil 48 are the same.

This allows multiple thermistor stays 18 to be produced on the same production line, simplifying the production equipment for thermistor stays 18.

(Variation 3)
The method of connecting the thermistor stay 18 and the stator 14 is not limited to bolting. For example, each of the multiple connecting parts 44 may be crimped to the stator 14 via a crimping member. Also, each of the multiple connecting parts 44 may be bonded to the stator 14 via an adhesive. Here, the shape of each of the multiple connecting parts 44 may be changed as necessary, for example, to achieve the above-mentioned crimping or bonding. The method of connecting the auxiliary stay 19 and the stator 14, like the method of connecting the thermistor stay 18 and the stator 14, is not limited to bolting.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and may take various forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[Invention Obtained from the Embodiments]
The invention that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and modifications will be described below.

<First Invention>
The thermistor stay (18) is for attaching a thermistor (16) to an annular stator (14) that can be divided into a plurality of split cores (20), and includes a core holding portion (38) that extends across two or more of the split cores (20) and holds the two or more split cores (20), and a thermistor holding portion (40) that extends from the core holding portion (38) along a circumferential direction (CD) of the stator (14), has a tip portion that holds the thermistor (16), and biases the held thermistor (16) inward in a radial direction (RD) of the stator (14).

This means that the thermistor stay holds not only the thermistor but also the multiple split cores of the stator, reducing the number of parts in the motor.

The core holding portion (38) may have a connecting portion (44) that is connected to the stator (14), and the thermistor holding portion (40) may extend from the connecting portion (44) along the circumferential direction (CD) of the stator (14). This reduces the risk of the core holding portion deforming in response to the biasing force of the thermistor holding portion.

The thermistor holding portion (40) may have a leaf spring shape and extend from the outer end (381) of the core holding portion (38) in the radial direction (RD) of the stator (14). This makes it possible to suppress the variation in the load pressing the thermistor against the coil end.

The thermistor stay (18) may further include a clip portion (42) capable of holding the cable (34). This prevents the cable from scattering.

<Second Invention>
The stator structure (10) includes the thermistor stay (18) and an annular stator (14) that can be divided into a plurality of split cores (20).

This allows the number of parts in a motor with a split-type stator to be reduced. It also simplifies the structure of a motor with a split-type stator.

Each of the multiple split cores (20) has a coil end (221) extending in a direction (AD) perpendicular to the circumferential direction (CD) and radial direction (RD) of the stator (14), and the core holding portion (38) may be installed outside the coil end (221) in the radial direction (RD) of the stator (14). This allows the extension length of the thermistor holding portion along the circumferential direction of the stator to be longer than when it is located inside the stator. As a result, it is possible to suppress the variation in the load pressing the thermistor against the coil end.

Each of the multiple split cores (20) has an insulating wall portion (24) interposed between the coil end (221) and the core holding portion (38) along the circumferential direction (CD) of the stator (14), and the wall portion (24) may have a gap (28) that allows the thermistor (16) to contact the coil end (221) along the radial direction (RD) of the stator (14). This eliminates the need for the thermistor holding portion to detour around the wall portion in the axial direction of the shaft.

A plurality of thermistor stays (18) may be provided along the circumferential direction (CD) of the stator (14), allowing separate thermistors to be attached to a plurality of coils.

The shapes of the multiple thermistor stays (18) may be identical to each other. This simplifies the production equipment for thermistor stays.

The stator structure (10) may further include an auxiliary stay (19) that extends across two or more of the split cores (20) that are not held by the thermistor stay (18) and holds the two or more split cores (20). This makes it possible to improve the rigidity of the entire stator as necessary.

10... Stator structure 12... Shaft 14... Stator 16... Thermistor 18... Thermistor stay 19... Auxiliary stay 20... Split core 24... Wall portion 28... Gap 34... Cable 38... Core holding portion 40... Thermistor holding portion 42... Clip portion 44... Connection portion 45... Bolt 221... Coil end 381... First end portion (outer end portion)
441...Bolt hole

Claims (10)

A thermistor stay (18) for mounting a thermistor (16) on an annular stator (14) that can be divided into a plurality of divided cores (20),
a core holding portion (38) extending across two or more of the split cores (20) and holding the two or more split cores (20);
a thermistor holding portion (40) extending from the core holding portion (38) along a circumferential direction (CD) of the stator (14), having a tip portion for holding the thermistor (16), and biasing the held thermistor (16) inward in a radial direction (RD) of the stator (14);
The thermistor stay (18). 2. The thermistor stay (18) according to claim 1,
The core holding portion (38) has a connecting portion (44) that is connected to the stator (14),
The thermistor holding portion (40) extends from the connecting portion (44) along the circumferential direction (CD) of the stator (14). A thermistor stay (18) according to claim 1 or 2,
The thermistor holding portion (40) has a leaf spring shape and extends from an outer end (381) of the core holding portion (38) in the radial direction (RD) of the stator (14). A thermistor stay (18) according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The thermistor stay (18) further comprises a clip portion (42) capable of holding the cable (34). A thermistor stay (18) according to any one of claims 1 to 4;
An annular stator (14) that can be divided into a plurality of divided cores (20);
A stator structure (10). A stator structure (10) according to claim 5,
Each of the multiple split cores (20) has a coil end (221) extending in a direction (AD) perpendicular to a circumferential direction (CD) and a radial direction (RD) of the stator (14),
A stator structure (10), wherein the core holding portion (38) is disposed outside the coil ends (221) in a radial direction (RD) of the stator (14). A stator structure (10) according to claim 6,
Each of the multiple split cores (20) includes an insulating wall portion (24) interposed between the coil end (221) and the core holding portion (38) along a circumferential direction (CD) of the stator (14),
A stator structure (10), wherein the wall portion (24) has a gap (28) that allows the thermistor (16) to contact the coil end (221) along a radial direction (RD) of the stator (14). A stator structure (10) according to any one of claims 5 to 7,
A stator structure (10) in which a plurality of the thermistor stays (18) are disposed along a circumferential direction (CD) of a stator (14). A stator structure (10) according to claim 8,
The stator structure (10), wherein the shapes of the multiple thermistor stays (18) are identical to each other. A stator structure (10) according to any one of claims 5 to 9,
The stator structure (10) further includes an auxiliary stay (19) that extends across two or more of the split cores (20) that are not held by the thermistor stay (18) and holds the two or more split cores (20).

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