JP2019129570A - Electric motor assembly and control unit - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an electric motor assembly achieving a reduction in load that is applied to a motor and efficient cooling.SOLUTION: An electric motor assembly 1 includes: a motor 3; a motor casing 4; a strip-shaped thermoelectric conversion element 5 affixed to the inner surface of the motor casing 4; a cooling fan 8; a power supply 21 for supplying power to the thermoelectric conversion element 5; and a control unit 20 controlling such that the power supply 21 operates to supply power to the thermoelectric conversion element 5. The thermoelectric conversion element 5 has a structure where a first spin conversion to convert a spin flow generated by a temperature difference between both surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion element 5 into electromotive force and rotate the cooling fan 8, and a second spin conversion to convert a spin flow generated by power supplied from the power supply 21 into a heat flow and dissipate heat of the motor 3 to the outside of the motor casing 4 are performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a motor assembly and a control device.

  In recent years, miniaturization of electric motors (hereinafter referred to as motors) has progressed. However, even as the miniaturization of the motor progresses, the motor efficiency is required to be equal to or higher than that of the previous motor, so the electrical loss of the miniaturized motor is It is not different from the motor's electrical loss. Therefore, in a miniaturized motor, the temperature rise of the motor is increased by reducing the surface area and / or volume of the casing that houses the motor. Under such circumstances, the problem of efficient cooling of the motor stands out.

JP 2007-336670 A JP, 2016-9838, A JP, 2016-63680, A

  As a method of cooling a motor, there is a method of fixing a cooling fan to a drive shaft and generating a flow of air for cooling the motor as the drive shaft rotates. However, the motor has a problem that a load due to the driving and a load due to the rotation of the cooling fan are applied.

  There is known a water-cooled rotary electric machine in which a thermoelectric element and a cooling water channel are provided inside a casing (see, for example, Patent Document 1). However, the structure of such a rotary electric machine is complicated, and there is a problem that cooling water is required.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a motor assembly that achieves reduction in load applied to the motor and efficient cooling. An object of the present invention is to provide a control device which realizes reduction of load applied to a motor and efficient cooling.

  In one aspect, a motor for rotating a drive shaft, a motor casing for housing the motor, a strip-shaped thermoelectric conversion element attached to the inner surface of the motor casing, and the drive shaft are disposed independently, A cooling fan disposed adjacent to a motor casing and electrically connectable to the thermoelectric conversion element; and a power supply device electrically connectable to the thermoelectric conversion element and supplying power to the thermoelectric conversion element A control device that operates the power supply device to supply power to the thermoelectric conversion element, and the thermoelectric conversion element converts a spin current generated by a temperature difference between both surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion element into an electromotive force. Then, the first spin conversion for rotating the cooling fan and the spin current generated by the electric power supplied from the power supply device are converted into a heat current to convert the motor heat into the motor casing. It is an electric motor assembly according to claim in which the second spin conversion and to release to the outside of the ring has a structure made.

In a preferred aspect, the control device continuously monitors the temperature difference when the first spin conversion is performed by the thermoelectric conversion element, and the temperature difference becomes larger than a predetermined threshold value. In this case, the power supply device is operated to supply power from the power supply device to the thermoelectric conversion element.
In a preferred aspect, the control device intermittently monitors the temperature difference when the second spin conversion is performed by the thermoelectric conversion element, and the temperature difference becomes smaller than the threshold value. And operating the power supply device to stop the supply of power from the power supply device to the thermoelectric conversion element.
In a preferred aspect, the threshold includes a first threshold and a second threshold larger than the first threshold, and the control device is further configured to: When it becomes larger than the second threshold value, power is supplied from the power supply device to the thermoelectric conversion element, and power is supplied from the power supply device to the cooling fan.

In a preferred aspect, the control device is disposed adjacent to the motor casing, and the control device is configured to operate at a temperature around the control device when the first spin conversion is performed by the thermoelectric conversion element. When the temperature becomes higher than a predetermined allowable value, the power supply device is operated to supply power to the thermoelectric conversion element.
In a preferred aspect, the control device monitors the temperature when the second spin conversion is performed by the thermoelectric conversion element, and operates the power supply device when the temperature becomes lower than the allowable value. Thus, supply of electric power from the power supply device to the thermoelectric conversion element is stopped.
In a preferred aspect, the tolerance value includes a first tolerance value and a second tolerance value that is larger than the first tolerance value, and the control device is configured such that the temperature is the second tolerance value. If it becomes larger than that, power is supplied from the power supply device to the thermoelectric conversion element, and power is supplied from the power supply device to the cooling fan.

In a preferred aspect, the electric motor assembly further includes an inverter device arranged independently of the motor, and the inverter device includes the control device and the power supply device. To do.
In a preferred aspect, the motor casing includes: a motor frame surrounding the motor; a first end cover formed with a through hole through which one open end of the motor frame is closed and the drive shaft penetrates; And a second end cover disposed on the opposite side of the first end cover.
In a preferred aspect, the first end cover has a first motor adjacent surface adjacent to the motor, and the second end cover has a second motor adjacent surface adjacent to the motor, The thermoelectric conversion element includes a first end cover side element affixed to the first motor adjacent surface and a second end cover side element affixed to the second motor adjacent surface. And

In a preferred embodiment, the first end cover side element is affixed to a first inner element affixed to an inner peripheral side portion of the first motor adjacent surface and an outer peripheral side portion of the first motor adjacent surface. A first outer element, and the second end cover side element includes a second inner element attached to an inner peripheral side portion of the second motor adjacent surface and an outer peripheral side of the second motor adjacent surface. And a second outside element attached to the portion.
In a preferred aspect, the thermoelectric conversion element includes a motor frame side element attached to an inner surface of the motor frame.
In a preferred aspect, the motor frame side element includes a plurality of frame elements extending in the longitudinal direction of the motor frame and adjacent to each other, and the plurality of frame elements extend along a circumferential direction of the motor frame. It is characterized by being arranged.

  In another aspect, a belt-like structure having a structure in which a first spin conversion that converts a spin current generated by a temperature difference into an electromotive force and a second spin conversion that converts a spin current generated by supplying power into a heat flow is performed. A control device electrically connected to a thermoelectric conversion element, wherein the control device is disposed between both surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion element via the thermoelectric conversion element attached to an inner surface of a motor casing accommodating a motor. A temperature difference is monitored, and when the first spin conversion is performed by the thermoelectric conversion element, the temperature difference is compared with a predetermined threshold value to determine whether the temperature difference is larger than the threshold value. If the temperature difference is larger than the threshold value, power is supplied to the thermoelectric conversion element from a power supply device electrically connected to the thermoelectric conversion element, and the heat of the motor is The above The second spin converted to discharge to the outside of the casing, characterized in that to perform the thermoelectric conversion element.

In a preferred aspect, the control device compares the temperature difference with the threshold value when the second spin conversion is performed by the thermoelectric conversion element, and the temperature difference is less than the threshold value. It is determined whether or not the temperature difference is larger, and when the temperature difference becomes smaller than the threshold value, the power supply device is operated to stop supplying power from the power supply device to the thermoelectric conversion element. And
In a preferred aspect, the threshold includes a first threshold and a second threshold larger than the first threshold, and the control device is further configured to: When the second threshold value is exceeded, power is supplied from the power supply device to the thermoelectric conversion element, and power is supplied from the power supply device to a cooling fan disposed adjacent to the motor casing. It is characterized by making it.
In a preferred aspect, the control device is disposed adjacent to the motor casing, and the control device is configured to measure a temperature around the control device when the first spin conversion is performed by the thermoelectric conversion element. When the temperature becomes higher than a predetermined allowable value, the power supply device is operated to supply power to the thermoelectric conversion element.

In a preferred aspect, the control device monitors the temperature when the second spin conversion is performed by the thermoelectric conversion element, and operates the power supply device when the temperature becomes lower than the allowable value. Thus, supply of electric power from the power supply device to the thermoelectric conversion element is stopped.
In a preferred aspect, the tolerance value includes a first tolerance value and a second tolerance value that is larger than the first tolerance value, and the control device is configured such that the temperature is the second tolerance value. When it becomes larger, the power supply device supplies power to the thermoelectric conversion element, and the power supply device supplies power to a cooling fan disposed adjacent to the motor casing. .

  The motor assembly can use the exhaust heat of the motor to rotate a cooling fan connected to the thermoelectric conversion element. The electric motor assembly can actively release the heat of the motor by supplying electric power to the thermoelectric conversion element. As a result, the motor assembly can achieve efficient cooling. Furthermore, since the cooling fan is rotated by the first spin conversion of the thermoelectric conversion element using the exhaust heat of the motor, it is not necessary to connect the cooling fan to the drive shaft, and the electric motor assembly can reduce the load on the motor. Can.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a motor assembly. It is the sectional view on the AA line of FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a part of a motor assembly cooling system. FIG. 2 shows a cooling system of a motor assembly. FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a control system that includes a controller. It is a figure which shows the processing flow of a control apparatus. FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of a control system including a controller. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the switch by a control apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the switch by a control apparatus. It is a figure which shows the temperature monitor of a control apparatus. It is a figure which shows the 1st end cover side element stuck on the 1st motor adjacent surface of a 1st end cover, and the 2nd end cover side element stuck on the 2nd motor adjacent surface of a 2nd end cover. It is a front view of the 1st end cover side element stuck on the 1st motor adjoining surface of the 1st end cover. It is a front view of the 2nd end cover side element stuck on the 2nd motor adjoining surface of the 2nd end cover. FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of a control system including a controller. FIG. 7 illustrates yet another embodiment of a control system that includes a controller. FIG. 16 (a) is a view showing the inner peripheral side portion and the outer peripheral side portion of the first motor adjacent surface, and FIG. 16 (b) is a view showing the first inner element and the outer peripheral side portion attached It is a figure which shows the 1st outside element stuck. FIG. 17A is a view showing the inner peripheral portion and the outer peripheral portion of the second motor adjacent surface, and FIG. 17B shows the second inner element and the outer peripheral portion attached to the inner peripheral portion. It is a figure which shows the 2nd outer side element stuck. It is a figure which shows one Embodiment of a motor frame side element. It is the BB sectional drawing of FIG. It is a figure which shows other embodiment of the motor frame side element. It is a figure which shows other embodiment of the motor frame side element. It is the CC sectional view taken on the line of FIG. FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing another embodiment of a motor assembly. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the comparative example with respect to the electric motor assembly which concerns on this embodiment. FIG. 7 shows yet another embodiment of a motor assembly. It is the DD sectional view taken on the line of FIG. FIG. 27A is a diagram showing an inner peripheral portion and an outer peripheral portion of the motor adjacent surface, and FIG. 27B is an inner element attached to the inner peripheral portion and an outer peripheral portion. It is a figure which shows an outer side element. It is a figure which shows the motor frame side element stuck on the whole inner surface of the motor frame of a motor casing, and the inverter cover side element stuck on the whole inner surface of the inverter cover of an inverter case. It is a figure which shows the cover plate side element affixed on the cover plate side inverter adjacent surface of a cover plate.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals and redundant description will be omitted. The configuration of one embodiment which is not particularly described is the same as that of the other embodiments, and thus the description thereof will not be repeated.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an embodiment of an electric motor assembly 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the motor assembly 1 is attached to the drive shaft 2, a motor (motor) 3 for rotating the drive shaft 2, a motor casing 4 for housing the motor 3, and the inner surface of the motor casing 4. The belt-shaped (tape-shaped) thermoelectric conversion element 5 and the drive shaft 2 are arranged independently of each other, are arranged adjacent to the motor casing 4, and can be electrically connected to the thermoelectric conversion element 5. The power supply device 21 is electrically connectable to the thermoelectric conversion element 5 and supplies power to the thermoelectric conversion element 5. The power supply device 21 is electrically connected to the thermoelectric conversion element 5 and the power supply device 21. And a control device 20 that supplies electric power to the thermoelectric conversion element 5. The controller 20 is electrically connected to the power supply 21.

  The motor 3 and the motor casing 4 constitute a motor unit. The motor casing 4 is disposed concentrically with the drive shaft 2. The motor casing 4 includes a motor frame 4a surrounding the motor 3, a first end cover 4b having a through hole 10 formed therein for closing one open end of the motor frame 4a and through which the drive shaft 2 passes, and the motor frame 4a. The other open end is closed, and a second end cover 4c disposed on the opposite side of the first end cover 4b is provided. The drive shaft 2 extends through the through hole 10 and is supported by the first bearing 17 supported by the bearing support portion 40 of the first end cover 4b and the bearing support portion 41 of the second end cover 4c. It is rotatably supported by two bearings 18.

  The first end cover 4 b has a first motor adjacent surface 11 adjacent to the motor 3, and the second end cover 4 c has a second motor adjacent surface 12 adjacent to the motor 3. The motor adjacent surface 11 is the inner surface of the first end cover 4b, and the surface opposite to the inner surface is the outer surface of the first end cover 4b. Similarly, the motor adjacent surface 12 is the inner surface of the second end cover 4c, and the surface opposite to the inner surface is the outer surface of the second end cover 4c.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the motor 3 is arranged inside the motor frame 4a. A motor 3 as a rotating element is surrounded by a rotor 15 fixed to the drive shaft 2 and the rotor 15, and receives electric power from the outside (not shown) from the winding (coil) 16b, and a rotating magnetic field And a stator (stator) 16 that forms The rotor 15 and the stator 16 constitute a rotating element. The stator 16 includes a stator core 16a and a plurality of windings 16b wound around the stator core 16a. The stator 16 is fixed to the motor frame 4 a via the thermoelectric conversion element 5. The rotor 15 is rotated by a rotating magnetic field formed between the rotor 15 and the stator 16, and the drive shaft 2 to which the rotor 15 is fixed rotates together with the rotor 15.

  In FIG. 1, the motor 3 is schematically depicted. The motor 3 is, for example, a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PM motor) using a permanent magnet as a rotor. However, the motor 3 is not limited to a permanent magnet type synchronous motor, and may be various types of motors such as an induction motor and a DC motor.

  FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. In FIG. 2, illustration of elements other than the motor frame side element 5A and the motor casing 4 is omitted. As shown in FIG. 2, the thermoelectric conversion element 5 includes a motor frame side element 5A. The motor frame side element 5A is a single sheet-like element and is attached to the inner surface of the motor frame 4a. In FIG. 1, the motor frame side element 5A is partially depicted.

  In one embodiment, the motor frame element 5A may be attached to the entire inner surface of the motor frame 4a. In another embodiment, the motor frame side element 5A may be attached to a part of the inner surface of the motor frame 4a. In the case of other embodiments, the stator 16 includes a plurality of windings 16b that occupy most of the heat generation, so that the motor frame side element 5A is connected to the stator 16 (more specifically, the stator core 16a). It is preferable to be stuck on the inner surface of the motor frame 4a at the contact position.

  The thermoelectric conversion element 5 is a spin current generated by the temperature difference between the inside of the motor casing 4 and the outside of the motor casing 4, more specifically, the temperature difference (temperature gradient) between both surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion element 5. And convert the spin current generated by the power supplied from the power supply 21 into a heat flow and release the heat of the motor 3 to the outside of the motor casing 4 The second spin conversion is performed. The two surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion element 5 are the surface of the thermoelectric conversion element 5 adjacent to the motor 3 and the surface of the thermoelectric conversion element 5 adjacent to the inner surface of the motor casing 4.

  The thermoelectric conversion element 5 is an element using a spin conversion technique and has a thermoelectric conversion structure similar to the tape-shaped thermoelectric conversion element having a thin film shape described in Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-9838). doing.

  Spin conversion is a generic term for mutual conversion of physical quantities (eg, heat, electricity, etc.) based on the law of conservation of angular momentum. Spin current is the flow of spin angular momentum of electrons. There is an interaction between current, spin current and heat flow. Therefore, when electric power is supplied to the thermoelectric conversion element 5, that is, when a current flows, a spin current is generated in the thermoelectric conversion element 5. Such a phenomenon is called a spin Hall effect. When a spin current flows through the thermoelectric conversion element 5, a heat flow is generated in the thermoelectric conversion element 5. Such a phenomenon is called a spin Peltier effect.

  Contrary to the spin Peltier effect, when a heat flow flows through the thermoelectric conversion element 5, a spin flow is generated in the thermoelectric conversion element 5. Such a phenomenon is called a spin Seebeck effect. Contrary to the spin Hall effect, when a spin current flows in the thermoelectric conversion element 5, an electromotive force is generated in the thermoelectric conversion element 5. Such a phenomenon is called an inverse spin Hall effect. The thermoelectric conversion element 5 in the present embodiment can convert a heat current into an electromotive force (that is, first spin conversion) via spins by using the spin Seebeck effect and the reverse spin Hall effect. The thermoelectric conversion element 5 can convert power into heat flow (that is, second spin conversion) via spins by utilizing the spin Hall effect and the spin Peltier effect.

  In a general thermoelectric conversion element (so-called Seebeck element), heat flow and current flow in parallel and in the same part. Therefore, the heat receiving side and the heat releasing side are the same side as the power receiving side and the power generating side. As a result, the structure which provides a power terminal in a thermoelectric conversion element is complicated. On the other hand, since the above-mentioned thermoelectric conversion element 5, so-called spin Seebeck element, uses spins, the heat flow and the current are orthogonal and flow in different parts. Therefore, since the surface that receives heat and the surface that emits heat are different from the surface that generates power upon receiving power, the structure in which the thermoelectric conversion element 5 is provided with power terminals is simple. As a result, the power terminals can be easily provided, and the wiring is very easy.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a part of the cooling system of the motor assembly 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the thermoelectric conversion element 5 (in the present embodiment, the motor frame side element 5A) is connected to a cooling fan (DC fan) 8 via a DC-DC converter 25. Hereinafter, the DC-DC converter 25 may be simply referred to as the converter 25. The motor 3 as a heating element generates heat when driven, and a temperature difference occurs between the inside of the motor casing 4, that is, between the space where the motor 3 is disposed and the outside of the motor casing 4.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the motor frame side element 5 </ b> A is attached to the inner surface of the motor casing 4 so as to surround the motor 3, and is disposed between the motor 3 and the motor casing 4. Therefore, a flow (heat flow) due to the heat of the motor 3 is generated in the motor frame side element 5A, and an electromotive force is generated in the motor frame side element 5A. The voltage of the electromotive force generated in the motor frame side element 5A is raised by the converter 25, and the cooling fan 8 is rotated by electric power using the electromotive force of the motor frame side element 5A as a power source. The cooling fan 8 sends ambient air to the motor casing 4 to form an air flow on the surface of the motor casing 4. As a result, the motor casing 4 is cooled and the motor 3 is cooled via the motor casing 4.

  According to the present embodiment, the cooling fan 8 can be rotated by electric power using the electromotive force generated by the first spin conversion of the motor frame side element 5A as a power source, and therefore the cooling fan 8 is fixed to the drive shaft 2. do not have to. With such a configuration, no load is applied to the motor 3 due to the rotation of the cooling fan 8, so the load on the motor 3 can be reduced.

  FIG. 4 is a view showing a cooling system of the motor assembly 1. The control device 20 and the power supply device 21 are connected to the thermoelectric conversion element 5 (in the present embodiment, the motor frame side element 5A). Therefore, when the control device 20 operates the power supply device 21 to supply power from the power supply device 21 to the thermoelectric conversion element 5, a flow (current) of electricity is generated in the thermoelectric conversion element 5 and a heat flow in the thermoelectric conversion element 5 Occurs. Therefore, the heat generated from the motor 3 is transferred from the motor 3 to the motor casing 4 by the heat flow generated by the second spin conversion of the thermoelectric conversion element 5 and released to the outside of the motor casing 4. As a result, the motor 3 is cooled.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when a temperature difference occurs between the inside of the motor casing 4 and the outside of the motor casing 4, an electromotive force is generated in the thermoelectric conversion element 5. The control device 20 is connected to the converter 25 and performs output voltage control of the converter 25. When the electromotive force by the thermoelectric conversion element 5 for rotating the cooling fan 8 is insufficient, power may be supplied from the power supply device 21 to the thermoelectric conversion element 5 via the control device 20.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a control system including the control device 20. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the control device 20 includes the inside of the motor casing 4 and the motor casing 4 via the thermoelectric conversion element 5 (in the present embodiment, the motor frame side element 5A) attached to the inner surface of the motor casing 4. Is provided with a monitoring unit 30 that monitors a temperature difference from the outside (more specifically, a temperature difference between both surfaces of the motor frame side element 5A). Both surfaces of the motor frame side element 5A are a surface of the motor frame side element 5A adjacent to the motor 3 and a surface of the motor frame side element 5A adjacent to the inner surface of the motor frame 4a.

  The control device 20 includes a determination unit 31 that compares a temperature difference between the inside and the outside of the motor casing 4 with a predetermined threshold value and determines whether the temperature difference is larger than the threshold value. ing. When the temperature difference becomes larger than the threshold value, the control device 20 operates the power supply device 21 electrically connected to the thermoelectric conversion element 5 to supply power from the power supply device 21 to the thermoelectric conversion element 5. The operation control unit 32 is provided. The operation control unit 32 causes the thermoelectric conversion element 5 to perform second spin conversion that causes the heat of the motor 3 to be released to the outside of the motor casing 4 by supplying power from the power supply device 21 to the thermoelectric conversion element 5.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the monitoring unit 30 is connected to the determination unit 31, and the determination unit 31 is connected to the operation control unit 32. A plurality of (in this embodiment, two) electric wires 36 are connected to the thermoelectric conversion element 5, and two switches 35 are connected to the electric wires 36. The switch 35 constitutes a switch unit 34.

  The monitoring unit 30 is connected to the number of electric wires 37 corresponding to the electric wires 36 (two in this embodiment), and the electric wires 36 and 37 can be connected by two switches 35. A plurality of (two in the present embodiment) electric wires 39 are connected to the converter 25, and each of the electric wires 39 is connected to the electric wire 37.

  A plurality of (in this embodiment, two) electric wires 38 are connected to the power supply device 21, and the electric wires 36 and 38 can be connected by switching the switch 35. Therefore, the thermoelectric conversion element 5 can be electrically connected to the monitoring unit 30 or the power supply device 21 of the control device 20 by switching the switch 35.

  The control device 20 includes a switch switching unit 33 that is electrically connected to the switch unit 34 and switches the switch 35 of the switch unit 34, and the switch switching unit 33 is connected to the operation control unit 32. When the operation control unit 32 operates the switch switching unit 33, the thermoelectric conversion element 5 and the monitoring unit 30 are connected via the switch 35. When the operation control unit 32 operates the switch switching unit 33, the connection between the thermoelectric conversion element 5 and the monitoring unit 30 is cut off, and the thermoelectric conversion element 5 and the power supply device 21 are connected via the switch 35.

  The control device 20 operates according to a program electrically stored in a storage unit (not shown). FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a process flow of the control device 20. As shown in FIG. 6, when the first spin conversion is performed by the thermoelectric conversion element 5, the monitoring unit 30 of the control device 20 more specifically includes a cooling fan by the first spin conversion of the thermoelectric conversion element 5. When 8 is rotating, the temperature difference between the inside of the motor casing 4 and the outside of the motor casing 4 (more specifically, the temperature difference between both sides of the thermoelectric conversion element 5) is continuously monitored. (Refer step S101 of FIG. 6).

  The determination unit 31 of the control device 20 compares this temperature difference with the threshold value stored in the storage unit of the control device 20 (see step S102 in FIG. 6), and the temperature difference becomes larger than the threshold value. In the case (see “YES” in step S102 of FIG. 6), a signal indicating the result is sent to the operation control unit 32. If the temperature difference is smaller than the threshold, the monitoring unit 30 continues monitoring the temperature difference (see “NO” in step S102 of FIG. 6).

  When receiving the signal from the determination unit 31, the operation control unit 32 operates the switch switching unit 33 to connect the thermoelectric conversion element 5 and the power supply device 21. The operation control unit 32 operates the power supply device 21 to cause the power supply device 21 to supply power to the thermoelectric conversion element 5. The second spin conversion of the thermoelectric conversion element 5 is performed by the supply of power from the power supply device 21, and more specifically, heat flow is generated in the thermoelectric conversion element 5, and the heat of the motor 3 is transmitted through the motor casing 4. It is discharged to the outside of the motor assembly 1.

  Thereafter, when the second spin conversion is performed by the thermoelectric conversion element 5, the monitoring unit 30 intermittently detects a temperature difference between the inside of the motor casing 4 and the outside of the motor casing 4 (more specifically, The temperature difference between both surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion element 5 is monitored (see step S103 in FIG. 6). More specifically, the operation control unit 32 operates the switch switching unit 33 so that the switch 35 and the monitoring unit 30 are connected at regular time intervals. The monitoring unit 30 monitors the temperature difference between the inside of the motor casing 4 and the outside of the motor casing 4 via the thermoelectric conversion element 5 when the switch 35 and the monitoring unit 30 are connected.

  In one embodiment, motor assembly 1 has a configuration for attaching a temperature sensor (not shown) to each of both sides of thermoelectric conversion element 5 as a configuration for specifying a temperature difference between both sides of thermoelectric conversion element 5. It is also good. In this case, temperature sensors attached to both surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion element 5 are connected to the monitoring unit 30. The monitoring unit 30 may acquire the temperatures detected by the temperature sensors on both surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion element 5 and calculate the difference between the acquired temperatures as the temperature difference between both surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion element 5. Thus, the monitoring unit 30 can identify the temperature difference between both sides of the thermoelectric conversion element 5. According to this embodiment, since the switch switching unit 33 does not need to intermittently connect the monitoring unit 30 and the thermoelectric conversion element 5 according to the operation thereof, the control device 20 intermittently performs the monitoring unit 30 and the thermoelectric conversion The operation of the switch 35 connecting the element 5 can be omitted. As the temperature sensor, a detector to which an existing technology such as a temperature measuring resistor, a thermocouple, or a temperature measuring resistor element is applied may be adopted.

  When the temperature difference becomes smaller than the threshold value, that is, when the motor 3 is cooled to the allowable temperature by the second spin conversion of the thermoelectric conversion element 5, the determination unit 31 performs operation control of a signal indicating the result. Send to section 32. When receiving the signal from the determination unit 31, the operation control unit 32 operates the switch switching unit 33 to connect the thermoelectric conversion element 5 and the monitoring unit 30. The operation control unit 32 operates the power supply device 21 to stop the supply of power from the power supply device 21 to the thermoelectric conversion element 5.

  As described above, when the temperature difference between the outside of motor casing 4 and the inside of motor casing 4 is smaller than a predetermined threshold value, control device 20 performs cooling fan 8 by the first spin conversion of thermoelectric conversion element 5. To cool the motor 3. When this temperature difference is larger than a predetermined threshold value, the control device 20 switches from driving the cooling fan 8 to heat radiation of the motor 3 by the second spin conversion of the thermoelectric conversion element 5.

  According to the present embodiment, since the thermoelectric conversion element 5 is attached to the inner surface of the motor casing 4, the motor assembly 1 is a cooling fan connected to the thermoelectric conversion element 5 using the exhaust heat of the motor 3. 8 can be rotated, and by supplying power to the thermoelectric conversion element 5, the motor 3 can be actively dissipated heat. As a result, the electric motor assembly 1 can achieve efficient cooling. Furthermore, since the cooling fan 8 is rotated by the first spin conversion of the thermoelectric conversion element 5 utilizing the exhaust heat of the motor 3, it is not necessary to connect the cooling fan 8 to the drive shaft 2, and the load on the motor 3 is reduced. can do.

  In this embodiment, the electric motor assembly 1 includes a single cooling fan 8, but the number of cooling fans 8 is not limited to this embodiment. The motor assembly 1 may include a plurality of cooling fans 8. As described above, since it is not necessary to connect the cooling fan 8 to the drive shaft 2, the arrangement of the cooling fan 8 is not particularly limited. Thus, in one embodiment, the plurality of cooling fans 8 can be respectively adjacent to the motor casing 4 such that the particularly desired parts of the motor 3 to be cooled (e.g. the plurality of windings 16b of the stator 16) are cooled. Therefore, the cooling effect of the motor 3 can be further enhanced.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another embodiment of a control system including the control device 20. As shown in FIG. 8 and 9 are diagrams for explaining the operation of the switches 35 and 49 by the control device 20. In the embodiment described above, each of the electric wires 39 to which the converter 25 is connected is connected to each of the electric wires 37 to which the monitoring unit 30 is connected. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9, the electric wire 39 is connected to two switches 49. In the present embodiment, the switch unit 34 includes the switch 35 and the switch 49. The wires 37 and 39 can be connected by two switches 49, and the wires 38 and 39 can be connected by two switches 49. Therefore, the cooling fan 8 (more specifically, the converter 25) can be electrically connected to the monitoring unit 30 or the power supply device 21 of the control device 20 by switching the switch 49.

  The switch switching unit 33 can switch the switch 35 and the switch 49, respectively. As shown in FIG. 7, when the operation control unit 32 operates the switch switching unit 33, the converter 25 and the monitoring unit 30 are connected via a switch 49, and the thermoelectric conversion element 5 and the monitoring unit 30 switch the switch 35. Connected through. In this case, the cooling fan 8 is operated by the first spin conversion of the thermoelectric conversion element 5, and the monitoring unit 30 continuously monitors the temperature difference between the inside of the motor casing 4 and the outside of the motor casing 4.

  As shown in FIG. 8, when the operation control unit 32 operates the switch switching unit 33, the connection between the converter 25 and the monitoring unit 30 is cut off, and the thermoelectric conversion element 5 and the power supply device 21 are connected via the switch 35. Be done. In this case, the converter 25 is not electrically connected to both the monitoring unit 30 and the power supply 21, and as a result, the cooling fan 8 does not operate. When power is supplied from the power supply device 21, the motor 3 is dissipated by the second spin conversion of the thermoelectric conversion element 5. When the second spin conversion is performed by the thermoelectric conversion element 5, the monitoring unit 30 intermittently monitors the temperature difference between the inside of the motor casing 4 and the outside of the motor casing 4 (see the dotted line in FIG. 8). ).

  As shown in FIG. 9, when the operation control unit 32 operates the switch switching unit 33, the converter 25 and the power supply device 21 are connected via the switch 49, and the thermoelectric conversion element 5 and the power supply device 21 switch 35. Connected through. In this case, when power is supplied from the power supply device 21, the motor 3 is dissipated by the second spin conversion of the thermoelectric conversion element 5, and at the same time, the cooling fan 8 rotates. The monitoring unit 30 intermittently monitors the temperature difference between the inside of the motor casing 4 and the outside of the motor casing 4 when the cooling fan 8 is rotated by the power supply 21 (see the dotted line in FIG. 9).

  The control device 20 operates to rotate the cooling fan 8 by the first spin conversion of the thermoelectric conversion element 5 (first cooling operation), and to dissipate the motor 3 by the second spin conversion of the thermoelectric conversion element 5 (second cooling). An operation (third cooling operation) of radiating heat of the motor 3 by the second spin conversion of the thermoelectric conversion element 5 can be performed while the cooling fan 8 is rotated by the power supplied from the power supply device 21 and the power supply device 21. The control device 20 can selectively execute the first cooling operation, the second cooling operation, and the third cooling operation by operating the switch switching unit 33.

  In one embodiment, the threshold value may comprise a first threshold value and a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value. These first threshold value and second threshold value are stored in the storage unit of the control device 20. When the temperature difference between both sides of the thermoelectric conversion element 5 becomes larger than the second threshold, the determination unit 31 sends a signal indicating the result to the operation control unit 32. When the operation control unit 32 receives a signal from the determination unit 31, the operation control unit 32 operates the switch switching unit 33 to connect the thermoelectric conversion element 5 and the power supply device 21 via the switch 35, and the cooling fan 8 and the power supply device. 21 are connected via the switch 49 (see FIG. 9). When the operation control unit 32 operates the power supply device 21, the second spin conversion of the thermoelectric conversion element 5 is performed by the supply of electric power from the power supply device 21, and the heat of the motor 3 is transmitted through the motor casing 4 to the motor assembly. It is released to the outside of 1. At the same time, the cooling fan 8 is rotated by the supply of power from the power supply device 21.

  As described above, when the temperature difference becomes larger than the second threshold, that is, when the motor 3 needs to be cooled urgently, the control device 20 performs the second spin conversion on the motor 3. Since the cooling fan 8 can be rotated while radiating heat, the motor 3 can be cooled more effectively. For example, the second threshold value is determined to be a value for urgently cooling the motor 3.

  In the embodiment described above, the determination unit 31 compares the temperature difference between the inside of the motor casing 4 and the outside of the motor casing 4 with a predetermined threshold value, and determines whether the temperature difference is larger than the threshold value. Although it is configured to determine whether or not, the configuration of the determination unit 31 is not limited to the above-described embodiment. FIG. 10 is a view showing a temperature monitor 60 of the control device 20. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, the controller 20 may include a temperature monitor 60 that monitors the temperature around it. The temperature monitor 60 is built in the control device 20 and includes the same function as the temperature sensor.

  The control device 20 can be disposed in the vicinity of the motor 3 as a heating element, more specifically, adjacent to the motor casing 4. Therefore, when the control device 20 is disposed adjacent to the motor casing 4, the temperature monitored by the temperature monitor 60 increases as the temperature of the motor 3 increases. The temperature monitor 60 monitors the temperature around the control device 20 when the first spin conversion is performed by the thermoelectric conversion element 5. The determination unit 31 compares the temperature monitored by the temperature monitor 60 with a predetermined allowable value stored in the storage unit (not shown), and when the temperature becomes larger than the allowable value, the operation control unit 32 Power may be supplied to the motor frame element 5A through the power supply device 21. With such a configuration, the monitoring unit 30 does not need to monitor the temperature difference between both surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion element 5, so that the control by the control device 20 becomes easy.

  Further, the temperature monitor 60 monitors the ambient temperature of the control device 20 depending on the temperature of the motor 3 when the second spin conversion is performed by the thermoelectric conversion element 5 (motor frame side element 5A). The determination unit 31 compares the temperature with an allowable value, and when the temperature becomes lower than the allowable value, the operation control unit 32 stops the supply of electric power from the power supply device 21 to the motor frame side element 5A. . The temperature monitoring is performed by a temperature sensor incorporated in a control IC (integrated circuit) included in the control device 20 in place of elements such as the temperature monitor 60, the resistance temperature detector, the thermocouple, or the resistance temperature detector element. It may be

  The allowable value to be compared with the temperature monitored by the temperature monitor 60 is a threshold value to be compared with the temperature difference between both sides of the thermoelectric conversion element 5 (in the present embodiment, the motor frame element 5A). It is different from Therefore, the storage unit of the control device 20 stores (stores) an allowable value that is a comparison target with the temperature and a threshold that is a comparison target with the temperature difference.

  In one embodiment, when the Seebeck characteristic of the thermoelectric conversion element 5 is specified, the storage unit of the control device 20 may store the reference junction compensation value. The reference junction compensation value is a value necessary for the reference junction compensation determined by a combination of different metals constituting the thermoelectric conversion element 5. The control device 20 can measure the temperature of the portion where the thermoelectric conversion element 5 is attached based on the electromotive force of the thermoelectric conversion element 5 and the reference junction compensation value monitored by the monitoring unit 30. The determination unit 31 compares the measured temperature with the allowable value of the portion where the thermoelectric conversion element 5 is attached. The operation control unit 32 can execute the above-described operation of the power supply device 21 based on the comparison result compared by the determination unit 31. In this embodiment, even when the control device 20 is disposed apart from the motor casing 4, the control device 20 can measure the temperature of the portion to which the thermoelectric conversion element 5 is attached.

  When the control system including the control device 20 has the configuration illustrated in FIG. 7, the tolerance value may include a first tolerance value and a second tolerance value that is larger than the first tolerance value. These first tolerance value and second tolerance value are stored in the storage unit of the control device 20. When the temperature around the control device 20 becomes higher than the second allowable value, the determination unit 31 sends a signal indicating the result to the operation control unit 32. When the operation control unit 32 receives a signal from the determination unit 31, the operation control unit 32 operates the switch switching unit 33 to connect the thermoelectric conversion element 5 and the power supply device 21 via the switch 35, and the cooling fan 8 and the power supply device. 21 are connected via the switch 49 (see FIG. 9).

  As described above, when the temperature becomes higher than the second allowable value, that is, when it is necessary to cool the motor 3 urgently, the controller 20 dissipates heat from the motor 3 by the second spin conversion. However, since the cooling fan 8 can be rotated, the motor 3 can be cooled more effectively. Therefore, the second allowable value is determined to be, for example, a value at which the motor 3 is to be urgently cooled.

  The control device 20 performs a cooling operation (first cooling operation, second cooling) of the motor 3 based on the first threshold value and the second threshold value, and the first allowable value and the second allowable value. The operation and the third cooling operation may be performed. For example, when the control device 20 performs the third cooling operation, the monitoring unit 30 monitors the temperature difference between both sides of the thermoelectric conversion element 5 while the motor 3 is in operation, and the temperature monitor 60 detects the temperature of the motor 3 Monitor The determination unit 31 compares the temperature difference monitored by the monitoring unit 30 with the first threshold and the second threshold stored in the storage unit. At the same time, the determination unit 31 compares the temperature monitored by the temperature monitor 60 with the first allowable value and the second allowable value stored in the storage unit. Operation control unit 32 determines that the temperature difference between both sides of thermoelectric conversion element 5 becomes larger than the second threshold, and / or the temperature around control device 20 is larger than the second allowable value. In this case, power is supplied to the thermoelectric conversion element 5 and the cooling fan 8 through the power supply device 21.

  As described above, since the thermoelectric conversion element 5 in the present embodiment has a tape shape, it is not necessary to change the shape of the winding 16 b of the stator 16 and / or the position of the rotor 15. Therefore, the configuration of the present embodiment can be applied not only to the PM motor but also to all motors other than the PM motor. Furthermore, since the motor assembly 1 in the present embodiment has a simple structure in which the thermoelectric conversion element 5 is attached to the existing motor casing 4, there is no need to change the structure of the motor casing 4.

  The location where the thermoelectric conversion element 5 is attached to the inner surface of the motor casing 4 is not particularly limited. Depending on the arrangement of the thermoelectric conversion element 5, more efficient use of the exhaust heat of the motor 3 and / or higher cooling effect of the motor 3 is achieved. Can be realized. Therefore, in the embodiment described below, the arrangement of the thermoelectric conversion elements 5 will be described with reference to the drawings.

  In the present embodiment, the same or corresponding members as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. FIG. 11 shows the first end cover side element 5B attached to the first motor adjacent surface 11 of the first end cover 4b and the second end cover side attached to the second motor adjacent surface 12 of the second end cover 4c. It is a figure showing element 5C. In FIG. 11, illustration of elements other than the drive shaft 2, the motor 3, the motor casing 4, and the end cover side elements 5B and 5C is omitted. FIG. 12 is a front view of the first end cover-side element 5B attached to the first motor adjacent surface 11 of the first end cover 4b. FIG. 13 is a front view of the second end cover side element 5C attached to the second motor adjacent surface 12 of the second end cover 4b.

  In the present embodiment, the thermoelectric conversion element 5 includes a first end cover side element 5B and a second end cover side element 5C. The first end cover side element 5B has an annular shape, and the second end cover side element 5C has a circular shape. As shown in FIG. 1, when the first end cover 4 b has the bearing support 40, the first end cover side element 5 B is disposed so as to avoid the drive shaft 2 and the bearing support 40. When the second end cover 4c has the bearing support portion 41, the second end cover side element 5C has an annular shape and is arranged so as to avoid the bearing support portion 41. In another embodiment, each of the bearings 17 and 18 may be supported by an independent bearing support portion that is spaced apart from each of the first end cover 4b and the second end cover 4c. In this case, the shape of the first end cover side element 5B may be the shape shown in FIG. 12, and the shape of the second end cover side element 5C may be the shape shown in FIG.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing still another embodiment of the control system including the control device 20. As shown in FIG. 14, the control system of the present embodiment has a configuration in which the end cover side elements 5B and 5C are connected in parallel to the cooling fan 8, the control device 20, and the power supply device 21. Two electric wires 36A are connected to the first end cover side element 5B, and two electric wires 36B are connected to the second end cover side element 5C. Two switches 35A are connected to the electric wire 36A, and two switches 35B are connected to the electric wire 36B. The switches 35A and 35B constitute a switch unit 34. The monitoring unit 30 is connected with the number of electric wires 37 (four in this embodiment) corresponding to the electric wires 36A and 36B. Four wires 39 are connected to the converter 25, and each of the wires 39 is connected to the wire 37.

  Four electric wires 38 are connected to the power supply device 21, and the electric wires 36A and 36B and the electric wires 38 can be connected by switching the switches 35A and 35B. The switch switching unit 33 can independently control the switches 35A and 35B according to a command from the operation control unit 32. Therefore, the first end cover element 5B can be electrically connected to the monitoring unit 30 or the power supply 21 by switching the switch 35A, and the second end cover element 5C can be connected to the monitoring unit 30 or the switch 30B by switching the switch 35B. It can be electrically connected to the power supply 21.

  According to this embodiment, since each of the end cover side elements 5B and 5C is an independent element, the control device 20 rotates the cooling fan 8 and the motor 3 corresponding to each of the end cover side elements 5B and 5C. The heat dissipation of can be controlled independently. For example, the temperature difference between the inside of the first end cover 4b to which the first end cover side element 5B is attached and the outside of the first end cover 4b (more specifically, of the first end cover side element 5B When the temperature difference between the two surfaces is smaller than a predetermined threshold value, the operation control unit 32 electrically connects the cooling fan 8 and the first end cover side element 5B via the switch 35A by the operation of the switch switching unit 33. And the cooling fan 8 can be rotated. Both surfaces of the first end cover side element 5B are the surfaces of the first end cover side element 5B adjacent to the motor 3 and the surfaces of the first end cover side element 5B adjacent to the motor adjacent surface 11 of the first end cover 4b. is there.

  The temperature difference between the inside of the second end cover 4c to which the second end cover side element 5C is attached and the outside of the second end cover 4c (more specifically, the both sides of the second end cover side element 5C If the temperature difference between the two) is larger than the predetermined threshold value, the operation control unit 32 electrically operates the second end cover element 5C and the power supply device 21 through the switch 35B by the operation of the switch switching unit 33. It is possible to connect and dissipate the motor 3. In this manner, the control device 20 can simultaneously perform cooling of the motor 3 by driving the cooling fan 8 and cooling of the motor 3 by radiating heat from the motor 3. Both surfaces of the second end cover side element 5C are a surface of the second end cover side element 5C adjacent to the motor 3 and a surface of the second end cover side element 5C adjacent to the motor adjacent surface 12 of the second end cover 4c. is there.

  In one embodiment, the motor assembly 1 includes a plurality of cooling fans 8, and each of the plurality of cooling fans 8 may be electrically connected to each of the end cover side elements 5B and 5C.

  The configuration of the control system shown in FIG. 14 may be combined with the configuration of the control system shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing still another embodiment of the control system including the control device 20. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, each of the four electric wires 39 is connected to each of the four switches 49, and the four switches 49, the two switches 35 </ b> A, and the two switches 35 </ b> B are connected to the switch unit 34. Configured. Also in the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the control device 20 can selectively execute the first cooling operation, the second cooling operation, and the third cooling operation.

  FIG. 16 (a) is a view showing an inner peripheral side (inner side) 11a and an outer peripheral side (outer side) 11b of the first motor adjacent surface 11, and FIG. 16 (b) is attached to the inner peripheral side 11a. It is a figure which shows the 1st outer side element 5B-2 affixed on the attached 1st inner side element 5B-1 and the outer peripheral side site | part 11b. As shown to Fig.16 (a), the 1st motor adjacent surface 11 of the 1st end cover 4b is the outer peripheral side part 11b connected to the inner peripheral side part 11a adjacent to the drive shaft 2, and the inner peripheral side part 11a. And have. In the present embodiment, the first end cover side element 5B includes an annular first inner element 5B-1 affixed to the inner peripheral part 11a and an annular first outer element affixed to the outer peripheral part 11b. And 5B-2.

  FIG. 17 (a) is a view showing an inner peripheral side (inner side) 12a and an outer peripheral side (outer side) 12b of the second motor adjacent surface 12, and FIG. 17 (b) is attached to the inner peripheral side 12a. It is a figure which shows the 2nd outer side element 5C-2 affixed on the attached 2nd inner side element 5C-1 and the outer peripheral side site | part 12b. As shown in FIG. 17A, the second motor adjacent surface 12 of the second end cover 4c has an inner peripheral portion 12a located at the central portion thereof and an outer peripheral portion 12b connected to the inner peripheral portion 12a. And have. In the present embodiment, the second end cover side element 5C includes a circular second inner element 5C-1 attached to the inner peripheral side part 12a and an annular second outer side attached to the outer peripheral side part 12b. And an element 5C-2.

  As shown in FIGS. 16 (b) and 17 (b), the thermoelectric conversion element 5 includes four elements (ie, the inner elements 5B-1 and 5C-1 and the outer elements 5B-2 and 5C-2). ing. Each of the elements 5B-1 to 5C-2 can be electrically connected to the control device 20 and the power supply device 21 through the switches 35 connected to the elements 5B-1 to 5C-2, respectively. 20 can independently control the rotation of the cooling fan 8 and the heat radiation of the motor 3 corresponding to each of the inner elements 5B-1, 5B-2 and the inner elements 5C-1, 5C-2. The control system of this embodiment has a configuration in which the elements 5B-1 to 5C-2 are connected in parallel to the cooling fan 8, the control device 20, and the power supply device 21. Also in the following embodiments, the connection configuration of the thermoelectric conversion element 5 is the same, so the detailed description thereof will be omitted. With such a configuration, the control device 20 can cool the motor 3 more effectively. In one embodiment, the electric motor assembly 1 may include a number (four in this embodiment) of cooling fans 8 corresponding to the elements 5B-1 to 5C-2.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the motor frame side element 5A. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. In FIG. 18 and FIG. 19, illustration of elements other than motor frame side element 5A and motor casing 4 is omitted.

  As described above, the thermoelectric conversion element 5 includes the motor frame side element 5A attached to the inner surface of the motor frame 4a. The motor frame side element 5A includes frame elements 5A-1 to 5A-8 which extend in the longitudinal direction of the motor frame 4a, that is, in the direction of the axis line CL of the drive shaft 2 and are adjacent to each other. These frame elements 5A-1 to 5A-8 are arranged in this order along the circumferential direction of the motor frame 4a. The motor frame elements 5A-1 to 5A-8 are attached to the entire inner surface of the motor frame 4a.

  More specifically, the frame element 5A-1 is disposed between the frame element 5A-8 and the frame element 5A-2. The frame element 5A-3 is disposed between the frame element 5A-2 and the frame element 5A-4. The frame element 5A-5 is disposed between the frame element 5A-4 and the frame element 5A-6. The frame element 5A-7 is disposed between the frame element 5A-6 and the frame element 5A-8.

  In FIG. 18 and FIG. 19, eight frame elements 5A-1 to 5A-8 are provided, but the number of frame elements 5A-1 to 5A-8 is not limited to this embodiment. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, both ends of the frame elements 5 </ b> A- 1 to 5 </ b> A- 8 extend to the motor adjacent surfaces 11 and 12. Also in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the control system has a configuration in which frame elements 5A-1 to 5A-8 are connected in parallel to cooling fan 8, control device 20, and power supply device 21. (See FIGS. 14 and 15).

  FIG. 20 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the motor frame side element 5A. In FIG. 20, the motor frame side element 5A includes six frame elements, that is, frame elements 5A-1 to 5A-6. For example, in the motor frame 4a, there is a locally high temperature portion such as the vicinity of the winding 16b of the stator 16. As shown in FIG. 20, the motor frame side element 5A includes a frame element 5A-1, a frame element 5A-3 and a frame element 5A-5 disposed adjacent to the winding 16b, and a frame element 5A-1. Frame element 5A-2 disposed between frame element 5A-3, frame element 5A-4 disposed between frame element 5A-3 and frame element 5A-5, and frame element 5A-5 and frame And a frame element 5A-6 disposed between the element 5A-1.

  These frame elements 5A-1 to 5A-6 are arranged in this order along the circumferential direction of the motor frame 4a. The length of the frame elements 5A-1, 5A-3, 5A-5 in the circumferential direction of the motor frame 4a is greater than the length of the frame elements 5A-2, 5A-4, 5A-6 in the circumferential direction of the motor frame 4a. Too long. Each of the frame elements 5A-1, 5A-3, 5A-5 is arranged adjacent to each of the plurality of (three in FIG. 20) windings 16b, and the frame elements 5A-2, 5A-4 , 5A-6 are spaced apart from each of the plurality of windings 16b.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 20, the frame elements 5A-1, 5A-3, 5A-5 are disposed in the portion of the motor frame 4a where the temperature is locally high, and the frame elements 5A-2, 5A-4, 5A-6 are arrange | positioned at the other part of the motor frame 4a. Therefore, the control device 20 can execute the second spin conversion on each of the frame elements 5A-1, 5A-3, 5A-5. Furthermore, the control device 20 can cause the frame elements 5A-2, 5A-4, and 5A-6 to execute the first spin conversion. According to the configuration shown in FIG. 20, the motor 3 can be cooled more effectively.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the motor frame side element 5A. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C-C of FIG. In FIG. 21, illustration of elements other than the motor frame side element 5A and the motor casing 4 is omitted. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the frame element 5A-9 has a shape bent so as to surround most of the frame elements 5A-10 to 5A-14. Each of the bent portions of the motor frame 5A-9 is close to one of the motor contact surfaces 11 and 12.

  The lengths of the frame elements 5A-10 to 5A-14 adjacent to each other via the frame element 5A-9 are shorter than the distance from the first motor adjacent surface 11 to the second motor adjacent surface 12. For example, in FIG. 21, one end of the upper frame element 5 </ b> A- 10 of the motor frame 4 a extends to the second motor adjacent surface 12, and the other end is separated from the first motor adjacent surface 11. One end of the lower frame element 5A-11 of the motor frame 4a extends to the first motor adjacent surface 11, and the other end is separated from the second motor adjacent surface 12. Thus, each of frame elements 5A-10 to 5A-14 is alternately arranged along the circumferential direction of motor frame 4a so as to approach either of motor adjacent surfaces 11 and 12, and motor frame They are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction 4a. 21 and 22 also, the control system has a configuration in which the frame elements 5A-9 to 5A-14 are connected in parallel to the cooling fan 8, the control device 20, and the power supply device 21. (See FIGS. 14 and 15).

  In one embodiment, the thermoelectric conversion element 5 may include an inner element 5B-1, 5C-1 and an outer element 5B-2, 5C-2 in addition to the frame elements 5A-9 to 5A-14 (FIG. 16). (B) and FIG. 17 (b)).

  Since the thermoelectric conversion element 5 has a tape shape, the location where the thermoelectric conversion element 5 is attached to the inner surface of the motor casing 4 is not particularly limited. Therefore, the embodiments shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 11, FIG. 16, FIG. 17, FIG. 18, and FIG. In other words, the thermoelectric conversion element 5 is attached to the entire inner surface of the motor casing 4 (the inner surface of the motor frame 4a, the motor contact surface 11 of the first end cover 4b, and the motor contact surface 12 of the second end cover 4c) May be In one embodiment, the thermoelectric conversion element 5 may be attached to the outer surface of the motor casing 4.

  FIG. 23 is a schematic view showing another embodiment of the motor assembly 1. The configuration of the present embodiment, which is not particularly described, is the same as that of the above-described embodiment, and thus the description thereof will not be repeated. In FIG. 23, the motor frame side element 5A of the thermoelectric conversion element 5 is partially depicted. The electric motor assembly 1 may further include an inverter device 50 that is arranged independently of the motor 3 and controls the rotational speed of the motor 3. The inverter device 50 includes a control device 20, a power supply device 21, a converter 25, and a switch unit 34.

  As shown in FIG. 23, when the first spin conversion of the thermoelectric conversion element 5 is performed due to the temperature difference between the inside of the motor casing 4 and the outside of the motor casing 4, an electromotive force is generated in the thermoelectric conversion element 5 Then, electric power using the electromotive force as an electric power source is supplied to the cooling fan 8 via the inverter device 50 (see the arrow represented by the dotted line in FIG. 23). When the second spin conversion of the thermoelectric conversion element 5 resulting from the supply of power from the inverter device 50 is performed (see the arrow represented by the solid line in FIG. 23), the heat of the motor 3 is released to the outside of the motor casing 4 Ru.

  In the following embodiment, the configuration of a motor assembly 1 having an inverter integrated structure in which the motor 3 and the inverter device 50 are arranged in series will be described. FIG. 24 is a schematic view for explaining a comparative example of the motor assembly 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 24, an inverter unit is disposed adjacent to the motor unit, and the drive shaft extends through the motor unit and the inverter unit. A cooling fan is fixed to the drive shaft, and the cooling fan sends air to the inverter unit and the motor unit by its rotation.

  However, since both the motor unit and the inverter unit are heating elements, not only the cooling of the motor unit but also the cooling of the inverter device is present as a problem. Thus, since it is necessary to cool each of the motor unit and the inverter unit, it is required to propose a more efficient cooling method for both the motor unit and the inverter unit.

  However, since the temperature difference between the motor unit and the inverter unit is high, in the method in which the cooling fan is rotated along with the rotation of the drive shaft, the air sent by the cooling fan is heated by the inverter unit. Since this warmed air is sent to the motor unit, the motor unit cannot be cooled sufficiently. In addition, there is a problem that a load due to rotation of a cooling fan fixed to the drive shaft is applied to the motor unit.

  Therefore, in the following embodiment, a configuration of the electric motor assembly 1 that can realize reduction of the load applied to the motor 3 and efficient cooling will be described. FIG. 25 is a view showing still another embodiment of the electric motor assembly 1. In the present embodiment, the same or corresponding members as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated. The configuration of the present embodiment, which is not particularly described, is the same as that of the above-described embodiment, and thus the description thereof will not be repeated. The motor 3 of the motor assembly 1 according to the present embodiment is, for example, a permanent magnet synchronous motor (i.e., a PM motor) as a small-sized motor. Although the bearing 18 for supporting the drive shaft 2 is not illustrated in FIG. 25, the bracket 52 may have a bearing support 61 for supporting the bearing 18 (see FIG. 28 described later). In one embodiment, the bearing 18 may be supported by an independent bearing support spaced apart from the bracket 52.

  The inverter device 50 is disposed adjacent to the motor 3 and is accommodated in an inverter case 51 connected in series to the motor casing 4 along the axis CL direction of the drive shaft 2. The inverter device 50 and the inverter case 51 constitute an inverter unit. The inverter case 51 includes an inverter cover 51a disposed concentrically with the motor frame 4a of the motor casing 4, and a cover plate 51b disposed on the opposite side of the bracket 52 and closing the open end of the inverter cover 51a. The inverter cover 51 a extends in the direction of the axis CL of the drive shaft 2. The cover plate 51 b includes a cover plate side inverter adjacent surface 56 adjacent to the inverter device 50. The cover plate side inverter adjacent surface 56 is the inner surface of the cover plate 51b, and the surface opposite to the inner surface is the outer surface of the cover plate 51b.

  The inverter device 50 is mounted on the cover plate side inverter adjacent surface 56 of the cover plate 51 b. In the present embodiment, the inverter cover 51a and the cover plate 51b are separate members, but the inverter cover 51a and the cover plate 51b may be integrally formed members.

  The inverter case 51 is connected in series to the motor casing 4 via a bracket 52 disposed between the inverter cover 51a and the motor frame 4a. The bracket 52 is disposed between the motor casing 4 and the inverter case 51. The motor casing 4, the inverter case 51, and the bracket 52 constitute an assembly casing 55. In the present embodiment, the thermoelectric conversion element 5 is attached to the assembly casing 55.

  The drive shaft 2 does not penetrate the bracket 52 and the end of the drive shaft 2 is located in the motor casing 4. Thus, since the drive shaft 2 does not penetrate the inverter device 50, it is not necessary to provide a through hole in the substrate on which the inverter element of the inverter device 50 is mounted, and the layout of the inverter element can be optimized. .

  A closed space is formed by the inverter case 51 and the bracket 52, and the inverter device 50 is disposed in this closed space. The cooling fan 8 is disposed independently of the drive shaft 2 and is disposed adjacent to the assembly casing 55, in the present embodiment, the inverter case 51, and electrically connected to the thermoelectric conversion element 5 through the inverter device 50. It is connected to the.

  In the present embodiment, the motor 3, the inverter device 50, and the cooling fan 8 are arranged in this order. The cooling fan 8 rotates to form an air flow on the surface of the inverter case 51 and the surface of the motor casing 4, and cools the inverter case 51 and the motor casing 4. The inverter device 50 is cooled via the inverter case 51, and the motor 3 is cooled via the motor casing 4.

  The bracket 52 includes a motor adjacent surface 53 adjacent to the motor 3 and a bracket-side inverter adjacent surface 54 adjacent to the inverter device 50. In the present embodiment, the thermoelectric conversion element 5 includes a bracket side element 5 </ b> D attached to the entire motor adjacent surface 53 of the bracket 52. The bracket 52 is formed with a passage hole 52a through which an electric wire (not shown) connecting the inverter device 50 and the bracket side element 5D passes. Although not shown, the inverter case 51 is also formed with a passage hole through which an electric wire connecting the inverter device 50 and the cooling fan 8 passes. In one embodiment, the bracket side element 5D may be attached to the bracket side inverter adjacent surface 54 of the bracket 52. In this case, the passage hole 52a may not be provided.

  26 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line D-D of FIG. In FIG. 26, illustration of the motor frame 4a is omitted. As shown in FIG. 26, the bracket-side element 5D is a single sheet-like element, and is attached to the motor adjacent surface 53 so as to avoid the passage hole 52a. In one embodiment, the bracket-side element 5 </ b> D may be attached to the bracket-side inverter adjacent surface 54 of the bracket 52.

  In one embodiment, when the bracket 52 has the bearing support portion 61, the bracket side element 5 </ b> D is arranged so as to avoid the bearing support portion 61. In this case, the bracket side element 5D has an annular shape. In another embodiment, when the bearing 18 is supported by an independent bearing support disposed apart from the bracket 52, the shape of the bracket-side element 5D may be the shape shown in FIG.

  The thermoelectric conversion element 5 according to this embodiment has the same structure as the thermoelectric conversion element 5 according to the above-described embodiment. That is, the thermoelectric conversion element 5 includes a first spin conversion that converts the spin current generated by the temperature difference between both surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion element 5 into electric power and rotates the cooling fan 8, and a power source provided in the inverter device 50. The spin current generated by the power supplied from the device 21 is converted into a heat flow, and a second spin conversion is performed to release the heat of the motor 3.

  In the present embodiment, the thermoelectric conversion element 5 includes the bracket side element 5D. Therefore, when a temperature difference occurs between the internal space of the motor casing 4 and the internal space of the inverter case 51, an electromotive force is generated in the bracket side element 5D. Since the heat generation amount of the motor 3 and the heat generation amount of the inverter device 50 are different, when a temperature difference occurs between the motor 3 and the inverter device 50, the cooling fan 8 uses the electromotive force generated in the bracket side element 5D as a power source. It is rotated by the electric power.

  The inverter device 50 has the same structure as that of the above-described embodiment. That is, the inverter device 50 includes the control device 20, the power supply device 21, the converter 25, and the switch unit 34 (see FIG. 5, FIG. 7, FIG. 14, and FIG. 15). Therefore, detailed description of the inverter device 50 is omitted.

  Also in the present embodiment, the control device 20 can execute the steps shown in FIG. That is, when the cooling fan 8 is rotating by the first spin conversion of the thermoelectric conversion element 5 (in this embodiment, the bracket side element 5D), the monitoring unit 30 calculates the temperature difference between both surfaces of the bracket side element 5D. The step of continuously monitoring (see step S101 in FIG. 6) is performed. Both surfaces of the bracket-side element 5D are the surface of the bracket-side element 5D adjacent to the motor 3 and the surface of the bracket-side element 5D adjacent to the motor adjacent surface 53 of the bracket 52. The determination unit 31 compares the temperature difference with the threshold value stored in the storage unit of the control device 20, and when the temperature difference becomes larger than the threshold value, the operation control unit 32 displays a signal indicating the result. (See step S102 in FIG. 6). The operation control unit 32 operates the switch switching unit 33 and the power supply device 21 based on the signal from the determination unit 31. When electric power is supplied from the power supply device 21 to the bracket side element 5D, the second spin conversion of the bracket side element 5D is performed. Thereafter, when the second spin conversion is performed by the bracket side element 5D, the monitoring unit 30 intermittently monitors the temperature difference between both surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion element 5 (see step S103 in FIG. 6). Run.

  Also in the present embodiment, the threshold may include a first threshold and a second threshold larger than the first threshold, as in the above-described embodiment. Therefore, when the temperature difference between both surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion element 5 (in this embodiment, the bracket side element 5D) becomes larger than the second threshold value, the control device 20 The power supply device 21 may be connected via the switch 35, and the cooling fan 8 and the power supply device 21 may be connected via the switch 49. In other words, the controller 20 may perform the third cooling operation.

  When the temperature difference between both surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion element 5 (in this embodiment, the bracket side element 5D) is larger than a predetermined threshold value, the control device 20 determines the bracket side element 5D from the rotation of the cooling fan 8. Is switched to heat dissipation of the motor 3 by the second spin conversion. When a heat flow is generated in the bracket side element 5D, the heat of the motor 3 moves to the inverter device 50 side, or the heat of the inverter device 50 moves to the motor 3 side, and as a result, the motor 3 and the inverter device which are heating elements. Of 50, the temperature of the high-temperature heating element can be lowered.

  In the present embodiment, since the control device 20 is provided in the inverter device 50, the temperature of the control device 20 also rises depending on the heat generation of the inverter element of the inverter device 50. Accordingly, the controller 20 may include a temperature monitor 60 that monitors the temperature around it (see FIG. 10). The temperature monitored by the temperature monitor 60 rises with the temperature rise of the inverter element of the inverter device 50. The temperature monitoring is performed by a temperature sensor incorporated in a control IC (integrated circuit) included in the control device 20 in place of elements such as the temperature monitor 60, the resistance temperature detector, the thermocouple, or the resistance temperature detector element. It may be

  When the first spin conversion is performed by the thermoelectric conversion element 5 (the bracket side element 5D), the temperature monitor 60 is the temperature around the control device 20 (more specifically, the temperature of the inverter element of the inverter device 50). To monitor. The determination unit 31 compares the temperature monitored by the temperature monitor 60 with a predetermined allowable value stored in a storage unit (not shown), and when the temperature becomes higher than the allowable value, the operation control unit 32 Power may be supplied to the bracket-side element 5D through the power supply device 21.

  Furthermore, the temperature monitor 60 monitors the temperature around the control device 20 when the second spin conversion is performed by the thermoelectric conversion element 5 (bracket side element 5D). The determination unit 31 compares this temperature with an allowable value, and when the temperature becomes lower than the allowable value, the operation control unit 32 stops the supply of electric power from the power supply device 21 to the bracket side element 5D.

  The allowable value that is a comparison target with the temperature monitored by the temperature monitor 60 is a threshold value that is a comparison target with the temperature difference between both surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion element 5 (the bracket side element 5D in this embodiment). Is different. Therefore, the storage unit of the control device 20 stores (stores) an allowable value that is a comparison target with the temperature and a threshold that is a comparison target with the temperature difference.

  In one embodiment, when the Seebeck characteristic of the thermoelectric conversion element 5 is specified, the storage unit of the control device 20 may store the reference junction compensation value. The reference junction compensation value is a value necessary for the reference junction compensation determined by a combination of different metals constituting the thermoelectric conversion element 5. The control device 20 can measure the temperature of the portion where the thermoelectric conversion element 5 is attached based on the electromotive force of the thermoelectric conversion element 5 and the reference junction compensation value monitored by the monitoring unit 30. The determination unit 31 compares the measured temperature with the allowable value of the portion where the thermoelectric conversion element 5 is attached. The operation control unit 32 can execute the above-described operation of the power supply device 21 based on the comparison result compared by the determination unit 31.

  Also in the present embodiment, the tolerance value may include a first tolerance value and a second tolerance value, as in the above-described embodiment. In this case, when the temperature of the inverter element of inverter device 50 becomes higher than the second allowable value, control device 20 connects bracket-side device 5D and power supply device 21 through switch 35, and The cooling fan 8 and the power supply device 21 may be connected via the switch 49.

  FIG. 27A is a view showing an inner peripheral portion (inner portion) 53a and an outer peripheral portion (outer portion) 53b of the motor adjacent surface 53, and FIG. 27B is attached to the inner peripheral portion 53a. It is a figure which shows outer side element 5D-2 affixed on inner side element 5D-1 and outer peripheral side site | part 53b. As shown in FIG. 27 (a), the motor adjacent surface 53 of the bracket 52 includes an inner peripheral side portion 53a located in the central portion thereof, and an outer peripheral side portion 53b connected to the inner peripheral side portion 53a. . In the present embodiment, the bracket side element 5D includes an inner element 5D-1 attached to the inner peripheral part 53a and an annular outer element 5D-2 attached to the outer peripheral part 53b.

  Each of these elements 5D-1 and 5D-2 is connected via a switch 35 connected to each of the elements 5D-1 and 5D-2, as in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 16 (b) and 17 (b). It can be electrically connected to the control device 20 and the power supply device 21. Therefore, control device 20 can independently control the rotation of cooling fan 8 and the heat radiation of motor 3 or inverter device 50 corresponding to each of elements 5D-1 and 5D-2.

  According to the present embodiment, by radiating the motor 3 or the inverter device 50, the motor 3 and the inverter device 50 are cooled by the rotation of the cooling fan 8 while bringing the temperature of the motor 3 and the temperature of the inverter device 50 close to each other. It can be carried out.

  FIG. 28 shows a motor frame element 5A attached to the entire inner surface of the motor frame 4a of the motor casing 4 and an inverter cover element 5E attached to the entire inner surface of the inverter cover 51a of the inverter case 51. FIG. In FIG. 28, the motor frame side element 5A and the inverter cover side element 5E are partially illustrated.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 28, the thermoelectric conversion element 5 includes a motor frame side element 5A and an inverter cover side element 5E. Each of the elements 5A and 5E is attached to the inner surface of the motor frame 4a and the inner surface of the inverter cover 51a, as in the configuration shown in FIG. Therefore, an electromotive force is generated in the motor frame side element 5A due to a temperature difference between the inside and outside of the motor frame 4a (more specifically, a temperature difference between both surfaces of the motor frame side element 5A). The cooling fan 8 is rotated by power using this electromotive force as a power source. When the control device 20 supplies power to the motor frame side element 5A through the power supply device 21, a heat flow is generated in the motor frame side element 5A, and the motor 3 dissipates heat.

  In the inverter cover side element 5E, an electromotive force is generated due to a temperature difference between the inside and the outside of the inverter cover 51a (more specifically, a temperature difference between both surfaces of the inverter cover side element 5E). The cooling fan 8 is rotated by power using the power as a power source. The two sides of the inverter cover side element 5E are the side of the inverter cover side element 5E adjacent to the inverter device 50 and the side of the inverter cover side element 5E adjacent to the inner surface of the inverter cover 51a. When the control device 20 supplies power to the inverter cover side element 5E through the power supply device 21, a heat flow is generated in the inverter cover side element 5E, and the inverter device 50 dissipates heat. Since a part of the thermal energy of the inverter device 50 is converted into electromotive force by the first spin conversion, the amount of heat released from the inverter device 50 decreases. Therefore, the temperature rise of the air in contact with the surface of inverter case 51 is reduced. As a result, the air sent to the motor casing 4 can be sent to the motor casing 4 without sufficiently warming it by the inverter case 51, and the motor casing 4 can be sufficiently cooled. Thus, the cooling fan 8 can cool the assembled casing 55 more effectively by its rotation.

  Also in the embodiment shown in FIG. 28, since the configuration of the control system is the same as the configuration shown in FIG. 14 or 15, the cooling fan 8 is rotated by the exhaust heat of the inverter device 50 or the exhaust heat of the motor 3. Can do. Further, the temperature difference between the inside and the outside of inverter case 51 (more specifically, inverter cover 51a) is smaller than a predetermined threshold value, and motor casing 4 (more specifically, motor frame 4a). In the case where the temperature difference between the inside and outside of) is smaller than a predetermined threshold value, either voltage or current is selected by selecting parallel connection or series connection as a connection method of elements 5A, 5E. The option to raise is possible.

  Also in the present embodiment, the motor frame side element 5A may include a plurality of frame elements (see FIGS. 18 and 21) that extend in the longitudinal direction of the motor frame 4a and are adjacent to each other. The element 5E may include a plurality of cover elements (not shown) extending in the longitudinal direction of the inverter cover 51a, that is, in the axial direction of the drive shaft 2 and adjacent to each other. The plurality of cover elements may also be arranged along the circumferential direction of the inverter cover 51a, similarly to the configurations shown in FIGS.

  In one embodiment, the ends of the plurality of cover elements extend to the bracket side inverter adjacent surface 54 and the cover plate side inverter adjacent surface 56 of the bracket 52, respectively, as in the configuration shown in FIG. In another embodiment, among the plurality of cover elements, one cover element has a shape bent so as to surround most of the other cover elements, similarly to the configuration shown in FIG. Each of the bent portions of the long cover element is close to either the bracket-side inverter adjacent surface 54 or the cover plate-side inverter adjacent surface 56. The other cover elements adjacent to each other are alternately arranged along the circumferential direction of the inverter cover 51 a so as to be close to either the bracket-side inverter adjacent surface 54 or the cover plate-side inverter adjacent surface 56. The configurations shown in FIGS. 18 and 21 can also be applied to the bracket side element 5D shown in FIG.

  In still another embodiment, the motor frame side element 5A includes an upper frame element attached to the upper half of the inner surface of the motor frame 4a and a lower frame element attached to the lower half of the motor frame 4a. May be. Similarly, the inverter cover side element 5E may include an upper cover element attached to the upper half of the inverter cover 51a and a lower cover element attached to the lower half of the inverter cover 51a.

  The motor frame side element 5A may be attached to the entire inner surface of the motor frame 4a, or may be attached to a part of the inner surface of the motor frame 4a. Similarly, the inverter cover side element 5E may be attached to the entire inner surface of the inverter cover 51a, or may be attached to a part of the inner surface of the inverter cover 51a.

  In the present embodiment, for example, when the temperature difference between the lower inside and the outside of the assembly casing 55 becomes larger than a predetermined threshold value, the second spin conversion is performed by the lower frame element and the lower cover element. As a result, the lower side of the motor 3 and the inverter device 50 actively dissipates heat. When the temperature difference between the inside and the outside on the upper side of the assembly casing 55 is smaller than a predetermined threshold value, the first spin conversion is performed by the upper frame element and the upper cover element and sent from the cooling fan 8. The assembly casing 55 is cooled by the air.

  FIG. 29 is a diagram showing the cover plate side element 5F attached to the cover plate side inverter adjacent surface 56 of the cover plate 51b. In one embodiment, the thermoelectric conversion element 5 may include the cover plate side element 5F attached to the cover plate side inverter adjacent surface 56 of the cover plate 51b. Also in the present embodiment, the cover plate side element 5F includes the first spin conversion that converts the spin current generated by the temperature difference between both surfaces of the cover plate side element 5F into electromotive force, and the power supplied from the power supply device 21. Has a structure in which a second spin conversion is performed to convert the spin flow generated thereby into a heat flow. Both surfaces of the cover plate side element 5F are a surface of the cover plate side element 5F adjacent to the inverter device 50 and a surface of the cover plate side element 5F adjacent to the cover plate side inverter adjacent surface 56 of the cover plate 51b.

  The embodiments described above (including the embodiments shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 11, FIG. 16 to FIG. 18, FIG. 20, FIG. 21, and FIG. 25 to FIG. 29) may be combined respectively. For example, the thermoelectric conversion element 5 is attached to the entire inner surface of the inverter case 51 (the inner surface of the inverter cover 51a, the cover plate-side inverter adjacent surface 56 of the cover plate 51b, and the bracket-side inverter adjacent surface 54 of the bracket 52). Also good. In one embodiment, the thermoelectric conversion element 5 may be attached to the outer surface of the inverter case 51.

  Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described so far, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it is needless to say that the present invention may be implemented in various different forms within the scope of the technical idea.

Reference Signs List 1 motor assembly 2 drive shaft 3 motor 4 motor casing 4a motor frame 4b first end cover 4c second end cover 5 thermoelectric conversion element 5A motor frame side element 5A-1 to 5A-14 frame element 5B first end cover side element 5B-1 1st inside element 5B-2 1st outside element 5C 2nd end cover side element 5C-1 2nd inside element 5C-2 2nd outside element 5D bracket side element 5D-1 inside element 5D-2 outside element 5E Inverter cover side element 5F Cover plate side element 8 Cooling fan 10 Through hole 11 First motor adjacent surface 11a Inner peripheral side region 11b Outer peripheral side region 12 Second motor adjacent surface 12a Inner peripheral side region 12b Outer peripheral side region 15 Rotor 16 Fixed Child 16a Stator core 16b Winding 17 Bearing 18 Bearing 20 Control device 21 Power supply 25 DC-DC Converter 30 Monitoring unit 31 Determination unit 32 Operation control unit 33 Switch switching unit 34 Switch unit 35, 35A, 35B Switch 36, 36A, 36B, 37, 38, 39 Wire 40 Bearing support unit 41 Bearing support unit 49 Switch 50 Inverter device 51 Inverter case 51a Inverter cover 51b Cover plate 52 Bracket 52a Passage hole 53 Motor adjacent surface 53a Inner peripheral side portion 53b Outer peripheral side portion 54 Bracket side inverter adjacent surface 55 Assembly casing 56 Cover plate side inverter adjacent surface 60 Temperature monitor 61 Bearing support portion

Claims (19)

A motor that rotates the drive shaft;
A motor casing that houses the motor;
A strip-shaped thermoelectric conversion element attached to the inner surface of the motor casing;
A cooling fan disposed independently of the drive shaft, disposed adjacent to the motor casing, and electrically connectable to the thermoelectric conversion element;
A power supply device which can be electrically connected to the thermoelectric conversion element and supplies power to the thermoelectric conversion element;
A controller for operating the power supply device to supply power to the thermoelectric conversion element;
The thermoelectric conversion element converts a spin current generated due to a temperature difference between both surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion element into an electromotive force to rotate the cooling fan, and power supplied from the power supply device. A motor assembly characterized in that a second spin conversion is performed to convert generated spin flow into heat flow and release the heat of the motor to the outside of the motor casing. The controller is
When the first spin conversion is performed by the thermoelectric conversion element, the temperature difference is continuously monitored,
2. The electric motor set according to claim 1, wherein when the temperature difference becomes larger than a predetermined threshold value, the power supply device is operated to supply electric power from the power supply device to the thermoelectric conversion element. Solid. The controller is
When the second spin conversion is performed by the thermoelectric conversion element, the temperature difference is intermittently monitored,
The power supply device is operated when the temperature difference becomes smaller than the threshold value, and supply of electric power from the power supply device to the thermoelectric conversion element is stopped. Electric motor assembly. The threshold includes a first threshold and a second threshold greater than the first threshold;
When the temperature difference is greater than the second threshold, the control device causes the power supply device to supply power to the thermoelectric conversion element, and the power supply device supplies power to the cooling fan. The motor assembly according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the motor assembly is supplied. The control device is disposed adjacent to the motor casing,
The control device monitors the ambient temperature of the control device when the first spin conversion is performed by the thermoelectric conversion element, and when the temperature becomes higher than a predetermined allowable value, the power supply device The electric motor assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the electric power is supplied to the thermoelectric conversion element.   The control device monitors the temperature when the second spin conversion is performed by the thermoelectric conversion element, and when the temperature becomes lower than the allowable value, operates the power supply device, and The electric motor assembly according to claim 5, wherein supply of electric power from a power supply device to the thermoelectric conversion element is stopped. The tolerance includes a first tolerance and a second tolerance that is greater than the first tolerance;
The control device causes the power supply device to supply power to the thermoelectric conversion element and causes the power supply device to supply power to the cooling fan when the temperature becomes higher than the second allowable value. The motor assembly according to claim 5 or 6, wherein The electric motor assembly further includes an inverter device arranged independently of the motor,
The said inverter apparatus is provided with the said control apparatus and the said power supply device, The motor assembly as described in any one of the Claims 1 thru | or 7 characterized by the above-mentioned. The motor casing is
A motor frame surrounding the motor;
A first end cover that closes one open end of the motor frame and is formed with a through-hole through which the drive shaft passes;
9. The motor frame according to claim 1, further comprising: a second end cover disposed on an opposite side of the first end cover by closing the other opening end of the motor frame. Electric motor assembly. The first end cover has a first motor contact surface adjacent to the motor,
The second end cover has a second motor adjacent surface adjacent to the motor,
The thermoelectric conversion element is
A first end cover side element attached to the first motor adjacent surface;
The electric motor assembly according to claim 9, further comprising a second end cover side element attached to the second motor adjacent surface. The first end cover side element is:
A first inner element attached to an inner circumferential side portion of the first motor adjacent surface;
And a first outer element attached to an outer peripheral side portion of the first motor adjacent surface,
The second end cover side element is:
A second inner element attached to an inner circumferential side portion of the second motor adjacent surface;
The motor assembly according to claim 10, further comprising: a second outer element attached to an outer peripheral side portion of the second motor adjacent surface.   The motor assembly according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the thermoelectric conversion element comprises a motor frame side element attached to an inner surface of the motor frame. The motor frame side element includes a plurality of frame elements extending in the longitudinal direction of the motor frame and adjacent to each other;
The motor assembly according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of frame elements are disposed along a circumferential direction of the motor frame. A strip-shaped thermoelectric conversion element having a structure in which a first spin conversion for converting a spin current generated due to a temperature difference into an electromotive force and a second spin conversion for converting a spin current generated by power supply to a heat flow is performed. Connected control units,
The controller is
Monitoring a temperature difference between both sides of the thermoelectric conversion element via the thermoelectric conversion element attached to an inner surface of a motor casing accommodating the motor;
When the first spin conversion is performed by the thermoelectric conversion element, the temperature difference is compared with a predetermined threshold value to determine whether the temperature difference is larger than the threshold value;
When the temperature difference is larger than the threshold value, power is supplied to the thermoelectric conversion element from a power supply device electrically connected to the thermoelectric conversion element, and the heat of the motor is external to the motor casing. A controller for causing the thermoelectric conversion element to perform the second spin conversion to be emitted to the The controller is
When the second spin conversion is performed by the thermoelectric conversion element, the temperature difference is compared with the threshold value to determine whether the temperature difference is larger than the threshold value,
The power supply device is operated to stop the supply of power from the power supply device to the thermoelectric conversion element when the temperature difference becomes smaller than the threshold value. Control device. The threshold comprises a first threshold and a second threshold greater than the first threshold,
When the temperature difference is greater than the second threshold value, the control device causes the power supply device to supply power to the thermoelectric conversion element, and the power supply device is adjacent to the motor casing. The control device according to claim 14, wherein electric power is supplied to a cooling fan arranged in a row. The controller is disposed adjacent to the motor casing,
The control device monitors the ambient temperature of the control device when the first spin conversion is performed by the thermoelectric conversion element, and when the temperature becomes higher than a predetermined allowable value, the power supply device The control device according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the thermoelectric conversion element is supplied with electric power by operating   The control device monitors the temperature when the second spin conversion is performed by the thermoelectric conversion element, and when the temperature becomes lower than the allowable value, operates the power supply device, and The control device according to claim 17, wherein the supply of power from the power supply device to the thermoelectric conversion element is stopped. The tolerance includes a first tolerance and a second tolerance that is greater than the first tolerance;
The control device is arranged to supply electric power from the power supply device to the thermoelectric conversion element when the temperature becomes higher than the second allowable value, and from the power supply device to be adjacent to the motor casing. The control device according to claim 17 or 18, wherein power is supplied to the cooling fan.

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