Patent ID: 12231001

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In an aspect of the stator disclosed herein, the first slot, the second slot, the third slot, and the fourth slot may be arranged in the inner circumferential surface of the stator core in this order along the circumferential direction of the stator core with intervals.

According to this configuration, a coil having an undulating shape can be configured by the segment conductors.

In an aspect of the stator disclosed herein, the stator may include the following configuration. That is, in the second slot, the tip end of the second linear portion of the first segment conductor may be located closer to the third slot than the tip end of the first linear portion of the second segment conductor is. In the third slot, the tip end of the first linear portion of the third segment conductor may be located closer to the second slot than the tip end of the second linear portion of the second segment conductor is. The first segment conductor may be fixed to the stator core in a suite where the coupling portion of the first segment conductor is elastically deformed in a direction in which a clearance between the first linear portion of the first segment conductor and the second linear portion of the first segment conductor is expanded. The second segment conductor may be fixed to the stator core in a state where the coupling portion of the second segment conductor is elastically deformed in a direction in which a clearance between the first linear portion of the second segment conductor and the second linear portion of the second segment conductor is expanded. The third segment conductor may be fixed to the stator core in a state where the coupling portion of the third segment conductor is elastically deformed in a direction in which a clearance between the first linear portion of the third segment conductor and the second linear portion of the third segment conductor is expanded.

According to this configuration, contact interfaces between the ends of the segment conductors are each pressed by a reaction force due to elastic deformation of the respective segment conductors. As such, the ends of the respective segment conductors can suitably be connected.

In an aspect of the stator disclosed herein, the stator may include: the following, configuration. That is, a side surface of the tip end of the second linear portion of the first segment conductor may comprise a recess, the side surface being a side surface on a first slot side. A side surface of the tip end of the first linear portion of the second segment conductor may comprise a recess, the side surface being a side surface on a third slot side. The recess of the second linear portion of the first segment conductor and the recess of the first linear portion of the second segment conductor may be in contact with each other in the second slot. A side surface of the tip end of the second linear portion of the second segment conductor may comprise a recess, the side surface being a side surface on a second slot side. A side surface of the tip end of the first linear portion of the third segment conductor may comprise a recess, the side surface being a side surface on a fourth slot side. The recess of the second linear portion of the second segment conductor and the recess of the first linear portion of the third segment conductor may be in contact with each other in the third slot.

In an aspect of the stator disclosed herein, the stator mar include the following configuration. That is, in the second slot, the tip end of the second linear portion of the first segment conductor may be located closer to the first slot than the tip end of the first linear portion of the second segment conductor is. In the third slot, the tip end of the first linear portion of the third segment conductor may be located closer to the fourth slot than the tip end of the second linear portion of the second segment conductor is. The first segment conductor may be fixed to the stator cote in a state where the coupling portion of the first segment conductor is elastically deformed in a direction in which a clearance between the first linear portion of the first segment conductor and the second linear portion of the first segment conductor is decreased. The second segment conductor may be fixed to the stator core in a state where the coupling portion of the second segment conductor is elastically deformed in a direction in which a clearance between the first linear portion of the second segment conductor and the second linear portion of the second segment conductor is decreased. The third segment conductor may be fixed to the stator core in a state where the coupling portion of the third segment conductor is elastically deformed in a direction in which a clearance between the first linear portion of the third segment conductor and the second priest portion of the third segment conductor is decreased.

According to this configuration, the contact interfaces between the ends of the respective segment conductors are each pressed by the reaction force due to the elastic deformation of the respective segment conductors. As such, the ends of the respective segment conductors can suitably be connected.

In an aspect of the stator disclosed herein, the stator may include the following configuration. A side surface of the tip end of the second linear portion of the first segment conductor may comprise a recess, the side surface being a side surface on a third slot side. A side surface of the tip end of the first linear portion of the second segment conductor may comprise a recess, the side surface being a side surface on a first slot side. The recess of the second linear portion of the first segment conductor and the recess of the first linear portion of the second segment conductor may be in contact t with each other in the second slot. A side surface of the tip end of the second linear portion of the second segment conductor may comprise a recess, the side surface being a side surface on a fourth slot side. A Side surface of the tip end of the first linear portion of the third segment conductor may comprise a recess, the side surface being a side surface on a second slot side. The recess of the second linear portion of the second segment conductor and the recess of the first linear portion of the third segment conductor may be in contact with each other in the third slot.

In an aspect of the stator disclosed herein, the stator may include the following configuration. That is, in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction, a contact interface between the tip end of the second linear portion of the first segment conductor and the tip end of the first linear portion of the second segment conductor may be inclined with respect to a radial direction of the stator core. A protrusion may be provided on a side surface of the second slot. A plurality, of coil wirings including a coil wiring constituted of the first segment conductor and the second segment conductor may be stacked along the radial direction in the second slot. The plurality of coil wirings may be fixed in a compressed state between the protrusion of the second slot and a bottom surface of the second slot.

According to this configuration, a force compressing the plurality of the wirings in the radial direction is applied to the contact interface between the tip end of the second linear portion of the first segment conductor and the tip end of the first linear portion of the second segment conductor. Due to this, the tip end of the second linear portion of the first segment conductor and the tip end of the first linear portion of the second segment conductor dirt more securely be connected.

In an aspect of the method of manufacturing a stator disclosed herein, the method may include the following configuration. That is, the fixing of the coil to the stator core may be performed such that: the tip end of the second linear portion of the first segment conductor is located in the second slot and is closer to the third slot than the tip end of the first linear portion of the second segment conductor is; and the tip end of the first linear portion of the third segment conductor is located in the third slot and is closer to the second slot than the tip end of the second liner portion of the second segment conductor is. In the attaching of the first segment conductor to the stator core, the first segment conductor may be fixed to the stator core in a state where the coupling portion of the first segment conductor is elastically deformed in a direction in winch a clearance between the first linear portion of the first segment conductor and the second linear portion of the first segment conductor is expanded. In the attaching of the second segment conductor to the stator core, the second segment conductor may be tried to the stator core in a state where the coupling portion of the second segment conductor is elastically deformed in a direction in which a clearance between the first linear portion of the second segment conductor and the second linear portion of the second segment conductor is expanded. In the attaching of the third segment conductor to the stator core, the third segment conductor may be fixed to the stator core in a state where the coupling portion of the third segment conductor is elastically deformed in a direction in which a clearance between the first linear portion of the third segment conductor and the second linear portion of the third segment conductor is expanded.

According to this configuration, the contact interfaces between the ends of the respective segment conductors are each pressed by the reaction force due to the elastic deformation of the respective segment conductors. As such, the ends of the respective segment conductors can suitably be connected.

In an aspect of the method of manufacturing a stator disclosed herein, the first slot, the second slot, the third slot and the fourth slot may be arranged in the inner circumferential surface of the stator core in this order along the circumferential direction of the stator core with intervals.

According to this configuration, a coil having an undulating shape can be configured by the segment conductors.

In an aspect of the method of manufacturing a stator disclosed herein, the method may include the following configuration. That is, an inner side surface of the tip end of the second linear portion of the first segment conductor may comprise a recess. An inner side surface of the tip end of the first linear portion of the second segment conductor may comprise a recess. An inner side surface of the tip end of the second linear portion of the second segment conductor may comprise a recess. An inner side surface of the tip end of the first linear portion of the third segment conductor may comprises a recess. The fixing of the coil to the stator core may be performed such that: the recess of the second linear portion of the first segment conductor and the recess of the first linear portion of the second segment conductor are in contact with each other in the second slot, and the recess of the second linear portion of the second segment conductor and the recess of the first linear portion of the third segment conductor are in contact with each other in the third slot.

In an aspect of the method of manufacturing a stator disclosed herein, the method may include the following configuration. That is, the fixing of the coil to the stator core may be performed such that: the tip end of the second linear portion of the first segment conductor is located in the second slot and is closer to the first slot than the tip end of the first linear portion of the second segment conductor is; and the tip end of the first linear portion of the third segment conductor is locoed in the third slot and is closer to the fourth slot than the tip end of the second linear portion of the second segment conductor is. In the attaching of the first segment conductor to the stator core, the first segment conductor may be fixed to the stator core in a state where the coupling portion of the first segment conductor is elastically deformed in a direction in which a clearance between the first linear portion of the first segment conductor and the second linear portion of the first segment conductor is decreased. In the attaching of the second segment conductor to the stator Core, the second segment conductor may be fixed to the stator core in a state where the coupling portion of the second segment conductor is elastically deformed in a direction in which a clearance between the first linear portion of the second segment conductor and the second linear portion of the second segment conductor is decreased. In the attaching of the third segment conductor to the stator core, the third segment conductor may be fixed to the stator core in a state where the coupling portion of the third segment conductor is elastically deformed in a direction in which a clearance between the first linear portion of the third segment conductor and the second linear portion of the third segment conductor is decreased.

According to this configuration, the contact interfaces between the ends of the respective segment conductors are each pressed by the reaction three due to the elastic deformation of the respective segment conductors. As such, the ends of the respective segment conductors can suitably be connected.

In an aspect of the method of manufacturing a stator disclosed herein, the method may include the following configuration. That is, an outer side surface of the tip end of the second linear portion of the first segment conductor may comprise a recess. An outer side surface of the tip end of the first linear portion of the second segment conductor may comprise a recess. An outer side surface of the tip end of the second linear portion of the second segment conductor may comprise a recess. An outer side surface of the tip end of the first linear portion of the third segment conductor may comprise a recess. The fixing of the coil to the stator core may be performed such that: the recess of the second linear portion of the first segment conductor and the recess of the first linear portion of the second segment conductor are in contact with each other in the second slot, and the recess of the second linear portion of the second segment conductor and the recess of the first linear portion of the third segment conductor are to contact with each other in the third slot.

In art aspect of the method of manufacturing a stator disclosed herein, the method may include the following configuration. That is, in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction in a state where the first segment conductor and the second segment conductor are attached to the stator core, a contact interface between the tip end of the second linear portion of the first segment conductor and the tip end of the first linear portion of the second segment conductor may be inclined with respect to a radial direction of the stator core. A protrusion may be provided on a side surface of the second slot. In the fixing of the coil to the stator core, a plurality of coil wirings, which includes a coil wiring constituted of the first segment conductor and the second segment conductor, may be stacked along the radial direction in the second slot, and the stacked coil wirings may be fixed in a compressed state between the protrusion of the second slot and a bottom surface of the second slot.

According to this configuration, a force compressing the plurality of coil wirings in the radial direction is applied to the contact interface between the tip old of the second linear portion of the first segment conductor and the tip end of the first linear portion of the second segment conductor. Due to this, the tip end of the second linear portion of the first segment conductor and the tip end of the first linear portion of the second segment conductor can more securely be connected.

(First Embodiment) A stator10of a first embodiment shown inFIG.1is used in a motor. The stator10comprises a stator core20and a coil40. The coil40is fixed to the stator core20.

As shown inFIG.2, the stator core20has a cylindrical shape have an axis Z1as its center axis. The stator core20comprises an end surface21and an end surface22on its opposite sides along a direction parallel to the axis Z1(hereinbelow termed axial direction). A plurality of slots30is defined in an inner circumferential surface24of the stator core20. Each of the slots30is a groove defined in the inner circumferential surface24. Each slot30extends from the end surface21to the end surface22along the axial direction. As shown inFIG.3, the slots30extend in a radial direction of the stator core20in a cross section perpendicular to the ads Z1. In the cross section perpendicular to the axis Z1, the slots30each include a bottom surface32and two side surfaces34. A protrusion36is provided on each side surface34at the end of the slot30on the inner circumferential side.

As shown inFIG.1, the coil40is fixed to the stator core20such that it extends through the respective slots30of the stator core20. The coil40is constituted of a plurality of coil wirings42.FIG.4shows one of the coil wirings42. As shown inFIG.4, the coil wirings42each have an undulating shape. More specifically, the coil wirings42each extend in the circumferential al direction with their undulating pattern extending in the axial direction. The coil wirings42are each configured by a plurality of segment conductors50as shown inFIG.5being connected to each other. Each segment conductor50has a U-shape. That is, each segment conductor50includes a linear portion51, a linear portion52, and a coupling portion54. The linear portion51and the linear portion52extend substantially straight. The coupling portion54couples its corresponding linear portions51,52. The linear portion51and the linear portion52each extend such that a clearance between the linear portion51and the linear portion52decreases toward a tip end51aof the linear portion51and a tip end52aof the linear portion52. A recess Sib is defined in the no end Si a of each linear portion51. The recess Sib is defined in an inner side surface of the linear portion51(on the side closer to the linear portion52). A recess52bis defined in the tip end52aof each linear portion52. The recess52bis defined in an inner side surface of the linear portion52(on the side closer to the linear portion51). Although not shown, surfaces of the respective segment conductors50are covered by insulating films except for the recesses51b,52b. As shown by broken lines inFIG.5, the coupling portion54can be elastically deformed by applying an external force to the segment conductor50. By doing so, the coupling portion54can be elastically deformed such that the clearance between the tip end51aand the tip end52ais expanded. The linear portion51and the linear portion52can be made substantially parallel to each other by elastically deforming the coupling portion54as above. As shown inFIG.4, each of the undulating coil wirings42is configured by the plurality of U-shaped segment conductors50being connected to each other.

FIG.6is a plan view of a coil wiring42afixed to the stator core20as viewed from the center of the stator core20. A left-right direction ofFIG.6is the circumferential direction of the stator core20, and an up-down direction ofFIG.6is the axial direction of the stator core20. As shown inFIG.6, the coil wiring42ais inserted into slots30a,30b.30c,30damong the plurality of slots30. The slots30a,30b,30c,30dare arranged along the circumferential direction of the stator eon20in this order with internals between them. A plurality of other slots30exists between the slot30aand the slot30b. A plurality of other slots30exists between the slot30band the slot30c. A plurality of otter slots30exists between the slot30cand the slot30d. As aforementioned, the coil wiring42ais constituted of a plurality of segment conductors50. Within an area shown inFIG.6, the coil wiring42acomprises segment conductors50a,50b,50c. The segment conductor50ais inserted m the slots30a,30bfrom the end surface21. That is, the coupling portion54of the segment conductor50ais located at a position facing the end surface21. The linear portion51of the segment conductor50ais inserted in the slot10afrom the end surface21. The linear portion52of the segment conductor50ais inserted in the slot30bfrom the end surface21. The segment conductor50ais inserted in the slots30a,30bin the state in which the linear portion51and the linear portion52are elastically deformed so as to be substantially parallel to each other (that is, in the state shown h the broken lines inFIG.5). As such, in the segment conductor50ain the state of being, attached to the stator core20, a reaction force Fa generated in the coupling portion54acts in a direction in which the clearance between the linear portion51and the linear portion52is decreased. The segment conductor50bis inserted into the slots30b,30cfrom the end surface22. That is, the coupling portion54of the segment conductor50bis located at a position lacing the end surface22. The linear portion51of the segment conductor50bis inserted in the slot30bfrom the end surface22. The linear portion52of the segment conductor50bis inserted in the dot30cfrom the end surface22. The segment conductor50bis inserted in the slots30b,30cin the state in which the linear portion51and the linear portion52an elastically deformed so as to be substantially parallel to each other (that is, in the state shown by the broken lines inFIG.5). As such, in the segment conductor50bin the state of being attached to the stator core20, a reaction force Fb generated in the coupling portion54acts in a direction in which the clearance between the linear portion51and the linear portion52is decreased. The segment conductor50cis inserted into the slots30c,30dfrom the end surface21. That is, the coupling portion54of the segment conductor50cis located at a position facing the end surface21. The linear portion51of the segment conductor50cis inserted in the slot30cfrom the end surface21. The linear portion52of the segment conductor50cis inserted in the slot30dfrom the end surface21. The segment conductor50cis inserted in the slots30c,30din the state in which the linear portion51and the linear portion52are elastically deformed so as to be substantially parallel to each other (that is, in the state shown by the broken lines inFIG.5). As such, in the segment conductor50cin the state of being attached to the stator core20, a reaction force Fc generated in the coupling portion54acts in a direction in which the clearance between the linear portion51and the linear portion52is is decreased.

In the slot30b, the tip end52aof the linear portion52of the segment conductor50aand the tip end51aof the linear portion51of the segment conductor50boverlap in the circumferential direction of the stator core20. The fir end52aof the segment conductor50ais located closer to the slot30cthan the up end51aof the segment conductor50bis to the slot30c. The recess52bis defined in the side surface of the tip end52aof the segment conductor50a, this side surface being a side surface on the slot30aside. The recess51bis defined in the side surface of the tip end51aof the segment conductor50b, this side surface being a side surface on the slot30cside. As such, the recess52bof the segment conductor or50aand the recess51bof the segment conductor50bare in contact with each other. The reaction force Fa acts on the tip end52aof the segment conductor50atoward the tip end51aof the segment conductor50b, and the reaction force Fb acts on the tip end51aof the segment conductor50btoward the tip end52aof the segment conductor50a. The segment conductor50aand the segment conductor50bare fixed to each other by the reaction forces Fa, Fb being applied to a contact interface58abetween the tip end52aof the segment conductor50aand the tip end51aof the segment conductor50b. Further, the segment conductor50aand the segment conductor50ban electrically connected at the contact interface58adue to pressure application on the contact interface58aby the reaction forces Fa, Fb.

In the slot30c, the tip end52aof the linear portion52of the segment conductor50band the tip end51aof the linear portion51of the segment conductor50coverlap in the circumferential direction of the stator core20. The tip end52aof the segment conductor50bis located closer to the slot30dthan the tip end51aof the segment conductor50cis to the slot30d. The recess52bis defined in the side surface of the tip end52aof the segment conductor50b, this side surface being a side surface on the slot30bside. The recess51bis defined in the side surface of the tip end51aof the segment conductor50c, this side surface being a side surface on the slot30dside. As such, the recess52bof the segment conductor50band the recess51bof the segment conductor50care in contact with each other. The reaction force Fb acts on the tip end52aof the segment conductor50btoward the tip end51aof the segment conductor50c, and the reaction force Fc acts on the tip end51aof the segment conductor50ctoward the tip end52aof the segment conductor50b. The segment conductor50band the segment conductor50care fixed to each other by the reaction forces Fb, Fc being applied to a contact interface58bbetween the tip end52aof the segment conductor50band the tip end51aof the segment conductor50c. Further, the segment conductor50band the segment conductor50care electrically connected at the contact interface58bdue to pressure application on the contact interface58bby the reaction forces Fb, Fc.

The segment conductor50a,50b,50care connected as above by the reaction forces Fa, Fb, Fc. As such, a coupling material is not arranged on the contact interface58abetween the segment conductor50aand the segment conductor50bnor on the contact interface58bbetween the segment conductor50band the segment conductor50c. That is, the contact interfaces58a,58bare physically, and electrically connected without coupling materials. All the segment conductors50constituting the coil wiring42aare connected to each other by the same configurations. Further, the other coil wirings42are configured similar to the coil wiring42a. As shown inFIG.7, a plurality of coil wirings42is inserted in each slot30. In each slot30, the plurality of coil wirings42is stacked in the radial direction of the stator core20.

Next, a manufacturing method of the stator10) will be described. The manufacturing method of the stator10includes fixing the coil40to the stator core20. In this process, the coil wirings42are configured by attaching the segment conductors50to the stator core20in the elastically deformed state. The coil40is configured by completing the plurality of coil wiring42. Hereinbelow, attaching of the segment conductors50will be described in detail.

In attaching the segment conductor50ato the stator core20, as shown inFIG.6, its linear portions51,52are inserted into the slots30a,30bcorn the end surface21. Here, the linear portions51,52are inserted into the slots30a,30bwith the coupling portion54elastically deformed as shown by the broken lines ofFIG.5. In attaching the segment conductor50bto the stator core20, as shown inFIG.6, its linear portions51,52are inserted into the slots30b,30cfrom the end surface22. Here, the linear portions51,52are inserted into the slots30b,30cwith the coupling portion54elastically deformed as shown by the broken lines ofFIG.5. At this occasion within the slot30b, the tip end51aof the segment conductor50bis arranged closer to the slot30athan the up end52aof the segment conductor50ais to the slot30a. In attaching the segment conductor50cto the stator core20, as shown inFIG.6, its linear portions51,32are inserted into the slots30c,30dfrom the end surface21. Here, the linear portions51,52are inserted into the slots30c,30dwith the coupling portion54elastically deformed as shown by the broken lines ofFIG.5. At this occasion within the slot30c, the tip end51aof the segment conductor50cis arranged closer to the slot30bthan the tip end52aof the segment conductor50bis to the slot30b.

The plurality of segment conductors50including the segment conductors50a,50b,50c(that is, the plurality of segment conductors50constituting the coil wiring42a) is inserted into their corresponding slots30in the same way as above. Next, external forces elastically deforming the respective segment conductors50are released. By doing so, the segment conductors50each deform by effectuation of the reaction force, and the contact interfaces between the respective pairs of the segment conductors50are thereby compressed. As a result, the respective pairs of the segment conductors50are electrically and physically connected. For example, the segment conductor50aand the segment conductor50bare physically and electrically connected at the contact interface53aby the contact interface58abeing compressed by the reaction forces Fa, Fb. Further, the segment conductor50band the segment conductor50care physically and electrically connected at the contact interface58bby the contact interface58bbeing compressed by the reaction forces Fb, Fc. By the respective segment conductors50being connected as above, the coil wiring42ais configured and the coil wiring42ais thereby fixed to the stator core20. By fixing the respective coil wirings42to the stator core20in the same way as above, the coil40is configured and the coil40is thereby fixed to the stator core20.

As above, in this manufacturing method, the respective segment conductors50are inserted into their corresponding slots30in the elastically deformed state, and these segment conductors50are connected to each other by thereafter effectuating the reaction forces of the segment conductors50. As such, the segment conductors50can easily be connected, and the coil40can easily be fixed to the stator core20. Further, since the respective segment conductors50do not need to be pressed by a tool in the slots30, such a tool for pressing them is not necessary. Thus, changing the tool for pressing is not necessary even when multiple types of stators with stator cores20having different shapes are manufactured, and the multiple types of stators can efficiently be manufactured. Further, in this manufacturing method, the respective segment conductors50are connected to each other by the reaction forces, the coupling material is not necessary on the contact interfaces between the segment conductors50. Thus, the stator10can more efficiently be manufactured. Further by connecting the respective segment conductors50within the slots30as above, connecting portions of segment conductors does not need to be provided outside the slots30. Due to this, size and weight of the coil40can be reduced, and copper loss in the coil40can be reduced. In another embodiment, the coupling material may be provided on the contact interfaces between the segment conductors.

(Second Embodiment) A stator of a second embodiment has a different shape of the contact interfaces58between the segment conductors50from that of the stator10of the first embodiment. As shown inFIG.8, in the second embodiment, the contact interface58between each pair of the tip ends51a,52ais inclined with respect to the radial direction of the stator core20. Further, in the second embodiment, a plurality, of coil wirings42is fixed between a bottom surface32and the protrusions36of each slot30in a compressed state. That is, when the last segment conductor50is to be inserted into each slot30in the manufacturing process of the stator, this last segment conductor50is press-fitted into the slot30. Due to this, compression force Fr is applied to the respective coil wirings42within the slot30along the radial direction of the stator core20as shown by arrows. Since the respective contact interfaces58are inclined with respect to the radial direction, the compression force Fr applied to the respective coil wirings42is applied to the respective contact interfaces58. As above, in the second embodiment, the segment conductors50can more firmly be fixed and can be electrically connected with low contact resistance due to a higher pressure being applied to the contact interfaces58. As shown inFIG.9, pressure may be applied to the coil wirings42in the radial direction by press-fitting a member60that is not the segment conductors50into the slot30.

(Third Embodiment) In a stator of a third embodiment, a shape of the segment conductors50is different from that of the first embodiment. The other configurations of the stator of the third embodiment are the same as those of the stator10of the first embodiment.

FIG.10shows the segment conductor50of the third embodiment. In the segment conductor50of the third embodiment, each of the linear portion51and the linear portion52extends such that the clearance between the linear portion51and the linear portion52expands toward the tip ends51a,52a. Further, in the segment conductor50of the third embodiment, the recess51bis defined in an outer side surface of the linear portion51(on a aide farther away from the linear portion52). Further, in the segment conductor50of the third embodiment, the recess52bis defined in an outer side surface of the linear portion52(on a sale farther away horn the linear portion51). As shown by broken lines inFIG.10, by applying an external force to the segment conductor50, the coupling portion54can be elastically deformed such that the clearance between the tip end51aand the tip end52ais decreased. The linear portion51and the linear portion52can be made substantially parallel to each other by elastically deforming the coupling portion54as above. The other configurations of the segment conductors511of the third embodiment are the same as those of the segment conductors50of the first embodiment.

FIG.11shows an attachment structure of the segment conductors51) to the stator core20in the stator of the third embodiment. As shown inFIG.11, in the third embodiment as well, as with the first embodiment, the segment conductor50ais inserted in the slots30a,30bfrom the end surface21, the segment conductor50bis inserted in the slots30b,30cfrom the end surface22, and the segment conductor50cis inserted in the slots30c,30dfrom the end surface21. The segment conductor50ais inserted in the slots30a,30bin the state in which the linear portion51and the linear portion52are elastically deformed so as to be substantially parallel to each other (that is, in the stage shown by the broken lines inFIG.10). As such, in the segment conductor50ain the state of being attached to the stator core20, the reaction force Fa generated aerated in the coupling portion54acts in a direction in which the clearance between the linear portion51and the linear portion52is expanded. The segment conductor50bis inserted in the slots30b,30cin the state in which the linear portion51and the linear portion52are elastically deformed so as to be substantially parallel to each other (that is, in the state shown by the broken line inFIG.10). As such, in the segment conductor Sub in the state of being attached to the stator core20, the reaction force Fb generated in the coupling portion54acts in a direction in which the clearance between the linear portion51and the linear portion52is expanded. The segment conductor50cis inserted in the slots30c,30din the state in which the linear portion51and the linear portion52at elastically deformed so an to be substantially parallel to each other (that is, in the state shown by the broken lines inFIG.10). As such, in the segment conductor50cin the state of being attached to the stator core20, the reaction force Fc generated in the coupling portion54acts in a direction in which the clearance between the linear portion51and the linear portion52is expanded.

In the slot30b, the tip end52aof the linear portion52of the segment conductor50aand the tip end51aof the linear portion51of the segment conductor50boverlap in the circumferential direction of the stator core20. The tip end52aof the segment conductor50ain locate closer to the slot30athan the tip end51aof the segment conductor30bis to the slot30a. The recess52bis defined in the side sort ee of the tip end52aof the segment conductor50a, this side surface being a side surface on the slot30cside. The recess51bis defined in the side surface of the tip end51aof the segment conductor50b, this side surface being a side surface on the slot30aside. As such, the recess52bof the segment conductor50aand the recess51bof the segment conductor50bare in contact with each other. The reaction force Fa acts on the tip end52aof the segment conductor50atoward the tip end51aof the segment conductor50b, and the reaction force Fb acts on the tip end51aof the segment conductor50btoward the tip end52aof the segment conductor50a. The segment conductor50aand the segment conductor50bare fixed to each other by the reaction forces Fa, Fb being applied to the contact interface58abetween the tip end52aof the segment conductor50aand the tip end ea of the segment conductor50b. Purifier, the segment conductor50aand the segment conductor50bare electrically connected at the contact interface58adue to the pressure application on the contact interface58aby the reaction forces Fa, Fb.

In the slot30c, the up end52aof the linear portion52of the segment conductor50band the tip end51aof the linear portion51of the segment conductor50coverlap in the circumferential direction of the stator core20. The tip end52aof the segment conductor50bis located closer to the slot30bthan the tip end51aif the segment conductor50cis to the slot30b. The recess52bis defined at the side surface of the tip end52aof the segment conductor50b, this side surface being a side surface on the slot30dside. The recess51bis defined in the side surface of the tip end51aof the segment conductor50c, this side surface being a side surface on the dot30bside. As such, the recess52bof the segment conductor50band the recess51bof the segment conductor50care in contact with each other. The reaction force Fb on the tip end52of the segment conductor50btoward the tip end51aof the segment conductor50c, and the reaction force Fc acts on the tip end51aof the segment conductor50ctoward the tip end52aof the segment conductor50b. The segment conductor50band the segment conductor50care fixed to each other by the reaction forces Fb, Fc being applied to the contact interface58bbetween the tip end52aof the segment conductor50band the up end51aof the segment conductor50c. Further, the segment conductor for50band the segment conductor50care electrically connected at the contact interface58bdue to the pressure application on the contact interact58bby the reaction forces Fb, Fc.

As above, in the third embodiment as well, the Segment conductors50a,50b,50care connected to each other by the reaction forces Fa, Fb, Fc. As such, a coupling material is not arranged on the contact interlace58abetween the segment conductor50aand the segment conductor50bnor on the contact interface58bbetween the segment conductor50band the segment conductor50c. That is, the contact interfaces58a,58bare physically and electrically connected without coupling materials.

The attaching of the segment conductors50of the third embodiment will be described.

In attaching the segment conductor50ato the stator core20, its linear portions51,52are inserted into the slots30a,30bfrom the end surface21with the coupling portion54elastically deformed as shown by the broken lines ofFIG.10. In attaching the segment conductor50bto the stator core20, its linear portions51,52are inserted into the slots30b,30cfrom the end surface22with the coupling portion54elastically deform d as shown by the broken lines ofFIG.10. Here, within the slot30b, the tip end51aof the segment conductor50bis arranged to be closer to the slot30cthan the tip end52aof the segment conductor50ais to the slot30c. In attaching the segment conductor50cto the stator core20, its linear portions51,52art inserted into the slots30c,30dfrom the end surface21with the coupling portion54elastically deformed as shown by the broken lines ofFIG.10. Here, within the slot30c, the tip end51aof the segment conductor50cis arranged closer to the slot30dthan the tip end52aof the segment conductor50bis to the slot30d.

The plurality of segment conductors50including the segment conductors50a,50b,50c(that is, the plurality of segment conductors50constituting the coil wiring42a) is inserted into their corresponding slots30in the same way as above. Next, the external forces elastically deforming the respective segment conductors50are released. By doing so, the segment conductors50each deform by effectuation of the reaction force, and the contact interfaces between the respective pairs of the segment conductors50are thereby compressed. As a result, the respective pairs of the segment conductors50are electrically and physically connected. For example, the segment conductor50aand the serpent conductor50bare physically and electrically connected at the contact interface58aby the contact interface58abeing compressed by the reaction forces Fa, Fb. Further, the segment conductor50band the segment conductor50care physically and electrically connected at the contact interface58bby the contact interface58bbeing compressed the reaction forces Fb, Fc. By the respective segment conductors50being connected as above, the coil wiring42ais configured and the coil wiring42ais thereby fixed to the stator core20. In the same way, the coil40is configured by fixing the respective coil wirings42to the stator20and the cod40is thereby fixed to the stator core20.

As above, in the manufacturing method of the third embodiment as well, the segment conductors50can easily be connected and the coil10can easily be fixed to the stator core20. In another embodiment, the coupling material may be provided on the contact interfaces between the segment conductors.

In the third embodiment as well, the respective contact interfaces58may be inclined with respect to the radial direction of the stator core20as in the second embodiment (that is,FIGS.8and9). In this case, coil wiring(s)42or other member(s)60may be inserted into each slot30so that pressure is applied in the radial direction of the stator core20to the respective coil wirings42in each slot30. By modifying the configuration of the third embodiment, higher pressure is applied to each of the contact interfaces58. Thus, the segment conductors50can more firmly be connected to each other and also be connected with lower resistance.

In the aforementioned first to third embodiments, the contact interlaces58are flat, however, the contact interfaces58rues each have protrusion(s) of recess(s). That is, each contact interface58may be configured by surfaces having such protrusion(s) or recess(es) engaging with each other.

Further, in the aforementioned first to third embodiments, the coil40is inserted into the slots30a,30b,30c,30dlocated with intervals between each other, however, the coil maybe inserted into adjacent slots30.

The end surface21in the first to third embodiments is an example of a first end surface. The end surface22in the first to third embodiments is an example of a second end surface. The slot30ain the first to third embodiments is an example of a first slot. The slot30bin the first to third embodiments is an example of a second slot. The slot30cin the first to third embodiments is an example of a third slot. The slot30din the first to third embodiments is an example of a fourth slot. The segment conductor50ain the first to third embodiments is an example of a first segment conductor. The segment conductor50bin the first to third embodiments is an example of a second segment conductor. The segment conductor50cm the first to third embodiments is an example of a third segment conductor. The linear portions51in the first to third embodiments are examples of a first linear portion. The linear portions52in the first to third embodiments are examples of a second linear portion.

In the aforementioned first to third embodiments, the coil40is an undulating coil. However, the coil40may be of a winding type.FIGS.12and13show a winding coil40b. The coil40bis wound so as to pass through slots30e,30fmultiple times. As shown inFIG.12, in the coil40b, a segment conductor50ainserted from an end surface21is a segment conductor50in which the reaction force acts outward similar toFIG.10, and a segment conductor50binserted from an end surface22is a segment conductor50in which the reaction force acts inward similar toFIG.5. Linear portions51of the segment conductors50a,50bare inserted into the slot30e, and linear portions52of the segment conductors50a,50bare inserted into the slot30f. As shown inFIG.12, the coil40bextending in a spiral shape is configured by opposite ends of the segment conductors50being connected to different segment conductors50. With this configuration as well, the segment conductors50a,50bare connected to each other by the reaction forces of the segment conductors50a,50b. In this configuration, the slot30eis art example of first and third slots. That is, in this configuration, the first and third slots are constituted by a common slot30e. Further, in this configuration, the slot30fis an example of second and fourth slots. That is, in this configuration, the second and fourth slots are constituted by a common slot30f.

While specific examples of the present disclosure base been described above in detail, these examples are merely illustrative and place no limitation on the scope of the patent claims. The technology described in the patent claims also encompasses various changes and modifications to the specific examples described above. The technical elements explained in the present description or drawings provide technical utility either independently or through various combinations. The present disclosure is not limited to the combinations described at the time the claims are filed. Further, the purpose of the examples illustrated fry the present description or drawings is to satisfy multiple objectives simultaneously, and satisfying any one of those objectives gives technical utility to the present disclosure. While specific examples of the present disclosure have been described above in detail, these examples are merely illustrative and place no limitation on the scope of the patent claims. The technology described in the patent claims also encompasses various changes and modifications to the specific examples described above. The technical elements explained in the present description or drawing provide technical utility either independently or through various combinations. The present disclosure is not limited to the combinations described at the time the claims are filed. Further, the purpose of the examples illustrated by the present description or drawings is to satisfy multiple objectives simultaneously, and satisfying any one of those objectives gives technical utility to the present disclosure.