Drive device

Abstract

To efficiently dispose a power supply device and a non-contact sensor.SOLUTION: A drive device comprises a stator, a wound field rotor around which a coil wire is wound, a non-contact power supply device which is electrically connected between a power source and the wound field rotor and supplies power to the wound field rotor in a non-contact manner, and a non-contact sensor which generates sensor information relating to the wound field rotor. The non-contact power supply device and the non-contact sensor include coils which are wound around a common core member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a drive device. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a technique in which a contact-type power supply device that energizes a wound field rotor and a non-contact-type rotation angle sensor that acquires rotation angle information of the wound field rotor are arranged in different axial ranges along the axial direction of the wound field rotor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-236714 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the above-described conventional technology, the power supply device and the non-contact sensor are arranged separately, which poses a problem in that the axial size tends to increase accordingly.

[0005] Therefore, in one aspect, an object of the present disclosure is to efficiently arrange a power supply device and a non-contact sensor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one aspect, a rotor includes a stator; a wound field rotor on which a coil wire is wound; a non-contact power supply device electrically connected between a power source and the wound field rotor, for supplying power to the wound field rotor in a non-contact manner; a non-contact sensor that generates sensor information regarding the wound field rotor; A driving device is provided in which the non-contact type power supply device and the non-contact type sensor each have a coil wound around a common core member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect, the present disclosure enables efficient placement of a power supply device and a non-contact sensor. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram showing a vehicle drive system including a drive device for a rotating electric machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of a cross section of a rotating electric machine; [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a configuration around a rotating electric machine in a vehicle drive device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the integrated unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view (part 1) showing a partial cross section taken along a cutting plane passing through the central axis. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view (part 2) showing a partial cross section taken along a cutting plane passing through the central axis. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along a cut surface perpendicular to the axial direction and passing through the teeth portion. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the integrated unit taken along a plane passing through the central axis, in which the power supply magnetic flux is schematically indicated by arrows. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a graph related to the power supply magnetic flux. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the integrated unit taken along a plane passing through the central axis I, in which arrows schematically indicate magnetic flux caused by energization of the sensor. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a graph related to magnetic flux due to energization of a sensor. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a time series waveform during the operation of a transformer. [Figure 13] 4A and 4B are explanatory diagrams of time-series waveforms during operation of the rotation angle sensor; [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an arrangement according to a modified example. [Figure 15]FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an arrangement according to another modified example. [Figure 16] 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the periphery of a rotating electric machine in a vehicle drive device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an integrated unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is a perspective view (part 1) showing a partial cross section taken along a cutting plane passing through the central axis. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a perspective view (part 2) showing a partial cross section taken along a cutting plane passing through the central axis. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along a cut surface perpendicular to the axial direction and passing through the teeth portion. [Figure 21] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams of a configuration for reducing or preventing interactions that may occur due to a power supply magnetic flux. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a constructive effect during current detection. [Figure 23] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the integrated unit taken along a plane passing through the central axis, in which the sensor magnetic flux is schematically indicated by arrows. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an arrangement according to a modified example. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an arrangement according to another modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Each embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the dimensional ratios in the drawings are merely examples and are not limiting. Furthermore, shapes and the like in the drawings may be partially exaggerated for the sake of explanation. Furthermore, in the drawings, for ease of viewing, reference symbols may be assigned only to some of the parts that exist with the same attribute.

[0010] Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a vehicle drive system 1 including a drive device 5 for a rotating electric machine according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of a cross section of a rotating electric machine 3.

[0011] The vehicle drive system 1 has a dual power supply configuration including a low-voltage battery 2A and a high-voltage battery 2B, and includes a vehicle drive device 1 A. The vehicle drive device 1 A includes a rotating electric machine 3 and a drive device 5.

[0012] The low-voltage battery 2A is, for example, a lead battery, and has a rated voltage of, for example, 12V.

[0013] The high-voltage battery 2B is, for example, a lithium-ion battery, and has a rated voltage significantly higher than that of the low-voltage battery 2A, for example, a rated voltage of 40 V or more. In this embodiment, as an example, the rated voltage of the high-voltage battery 2B is 300 V or more. The high-voltage battery 2B may also be in the form of a fuel cell or the like.

[0014] The rotating electric machine 3 is a wound field type, and the rotor 310 includes a rotor core 312 and a rotor coil 316. The rotor coil 316 is formed by winding a coil wire for the field coil around the rotor core 312. As shown in FIG. 2, the rotor core 312 has teeth 3122 that protrude radially outward, and the coil wire for the field coil that forms the rotor coil 316 is wound around the teeth 3122. A stator 320 is provided radially outward of the rotor 310. The coil wire that forms the stator coil 322 is wound around the teeth 3210 of the stator core 321, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0015] The driving device 5 includes a microcomputer 50 (hereinafter referred to as “micon 50”) and an electric circuit section 60.

[0016] The microcomputer 50 may be realized as, for example, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit). The microcomputer 50 is connected to various electronic components (other ECUs and sensors) in the vehicle via a network 6 such as a CAN (Controller Area Network).

[0017] The microcomputer 50 receives various commands, such as control commands, from a higher-level ECU (not shown) via the network 6. Based on the control commands, the microcomputer 50 controls the rotating electric machine 3 via the electric circuit unit 60. The microcomputer 50 operates based on power from the low-voltage battery 2A.

[0018] The electric circuit section 60 includes a smoothing capacitor 62, a power conversion circuit section 63, a power supply circuit section 64, and a power receiving circuit section 65. The power supply circuit section 64 and the power receiving circuit section 65, together with the transformer Tr, form a power supply device 90 that supplies power to the rotor coil 316 in a non-contact manner. This prevents wear and improves reliability (durability, etc.), unlike a configuration that supplies power in a contact manner. The transformer Tr has a primary coil 741 and a secondary coil 742.

[0019] The smoothing capacitor 62 is provided between the high potential side line 20 and the low potential side line 22 of the high voltage battery 2B. A resistor R0 for passive discharge may be connected across the smoothing capacitor 62.

[0020] The power conversion circuit unit 63 is in the form of an inverter and forms, for example, a three-phase bridge circuit. The power conversion circuit unit 63 supplies three-phase AC power to the stator 320 of the rotating electric machine 3 under the control of a microcomputer 50, which will be described later. The power conversion circuit unit 63 is connected between the high-potential side line 20 and the low-potential side line 22 in a manner that the power conversion circuit unit 63 is in parallel with the smoothing capacitor 62. The power conversion circuit unit 63 includes switching elements SW3 of a high-potential side arm and switching elements SW4 of a low-potential side arm.

[0021] The power supply circuit section 64 includes a bridge circuit section 641 and a drive circuit section 642 .

[0022] The bridge circuit unit 641 is connected in parallel with the smoothing capacitor 62 and the passive discharge resistor R0 between the high potential side line 20 and the low potential side line 22. The bridge circuit unit 641 is in the form of a full bridge circuit and includes switching elements SW1-1 and SW1-2 and switching elements SW2-1 and SW2-2.

[0023] The switching elements SW1-1 and SW1-2 are connected in series between the high potential side line 20 and the low potential side line 22. One end of the rotor coil 316 is connected between the switching elements SW1-1 and SW1-2. The switching elements SW2-1 and SW2-2 are connected in series between the high potential side line 20 and the low potential side line 22 in a manner that they are in parallel with the switching elements SW1-1 and SW1-2. The other end of the rotor coil 316 is connected between the switching elements SW2-1 and SW2-2. Hereinafter, for the sake of distinction, the configuration related to the switching elements SW1-1 and SW2-1 of the switching elements SW1-1, SW1-2, SW2-1, and SW2-2 may be referred to as the "high potential side," and the configuration related to the switching elements SW1-2 and SW2-2 may be referred to as the "low potential side."

[0024] The on / off states of the switching elements SW1-1, SW1-2, SW2-1, and SW2-2 are switched via the drive circuit unit 642. The switching elements SW1-1, SW1-2, SW2-1, and SW2-2 change the state of current flow to the rotor coil 316 under the control of the drive circuit unit 642. The switching elements SW1-1, SW1-2, SW2-1, and SW2-2 are, for example, IGBTs (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors), but may be of other types such as MOSFETs (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors).

[0025] The drive circuit unit 642 supplies power to the rotor coil 316 via the power receiving circuit unit 65 by driving the gates of the switching elements SW1-1, SW1-2, SW2-1, and SW2-2 based on a control signal from the microcomputer 50.

[0026] The power receiving circuit section 65 includes a rectifier circuit 652 .

[0027] The rectifier circuit 652 is electrically connected between the transformer Tr and the rotor coil 316. The rectifier circuit 652 rectifies the current (drive current) on the secondary side of the transformer Tr and supplies the rectified current to the rotor coil 316. The rectifier circuit 652 may be a diode bridge circuit as shown in FIG. 1.

[0028] Next, the configuration of the rotation angle sensor 110 together with the power supply device 90 of the vehicle drive device 1A of this embodiment will be described with reference mainly to FIG. 3 and subsequent figures.

[0029] In the following description, the axial direction refers to the direction in which the central axis I of the rotor 310 (see FIG. 3, etc.) extends, and the radial direction refers to the radial direction centered on the central axis I. Therefore, the radially outer side refers to the side away from the central axis I from that position, and the radially inner side refers to the side toward the central axis I from that position. Furthermore, the axially outer side refers to the side away from the axial center of the rotor 310 from that position, and the axially inner side refers to the side closer to the axial center of the rotor 310 from that position. Furthermore, the circumferential direction corresponds to the direction of rotation around the central axis I.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the rotary electric machine 3 and its surroundings in the vehicle drive device 1A of this embodiment.

[0031] In this embodiment, the integrated unit 7 is provided on the rotor shaft 314 of the rotating electrical machine 3. The rotor shaft 314 is joined to the radially inner side of the rotor core 312 to form a central axis I. The rotor shaft 314 may be solid, or may be hollow and have a refrigerant flow path therein.

[0032] 4 to 7 are diagrams showing an example of the integrated unit 7, and Fig. 4 is a perspective view. Figs. 5 and 6 are perspective views showing a partial cross section taken along a cutting plane passing through the central axis I, and Fig. 7 is a cross section taken along a cutting plane perpendicular to the axial direction and passing through a teeth portion 716, which will be described later. In Fig. 7, part of the flow of magnetic flux related to the rotation angle sensor 110 is schematically indicated by arrow R7.

[0033] The integrated unit 7 includes a transformer Tr and a rotation angle sensor 110 as part of the power supply device 90. In this embodiment, the rotation angle sensor 110 is in the form of a resolver, for example, but may be another non-contact type rotation angle sensor. The resolver is a VR (Variable Reluctance) type, but may be in another form.

[0034] In this embodiment, the power supply device 90 and the rotation angle sensor 110 each have a coil wound around a common core member. Specifically, the primary coil 741 of the transformer Tr is wound around the non-rotating annular member 71, and the secondary coil 742 is wound around the rotating annular member 72. The coil 112 of the rotation angle sensor 110 is wound around the non-rotating annular member 71. The coil 112 includes an excitation coil and an output coil.

[0035] The non-rotating side annular member 71 and the rotating side annular member 72 function as iron cores. The non-rotating side annular member 71 has an annular shape centered on the central axis I and is symmetrical with respect to the center of the axial direction when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The non-rotating side annular member 71 has teeth 716 on both axial sides at a constant pitch along the circumferential direction. The teeth 716 are in the form of protrusions that protrude radially inward, and the radially inner end may have a larger diameter in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 4 and 7, ten teeth 716 are provided, but the number may be changed as appropriate.

[0036] The rotating-side annular member 72 extends in the same axial range as the non-rotating-side annular member 71. The rotating-side annular member 72 has an annular shape centered on the central axis I and is symmetrical with respect to the axial center when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The rotating-side annular member 72 has sensor rotor portions 724 of the rotation angle sensor 110 on both axial sides. The sensor rotor portions 724 are radially opposed to the teeth portions 716. The outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the sensor rotor portion 724 changes periodically. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 7 , the outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the sensor rotor portion 724 changes periodically only four times, but the number of times the outer diameter changes periodically per 360 degrees may be changed as appropriate.

[0037] In this embodiment, the primary coil 741 is wound around the axial center of the non-rotating annular member 71. In this case, the primary coil 741 may be wound around a recess 712 formed on the radially inner side of the non-rotating annular member 71. The recess 712 is recessed radially outward and is formed by teeth 716 on both axial sides, which will be described later. Therefore, the recess 712 is formed only in the circumferential range where the teeth 716 are formed.

[0038] In this embodiment, the secondary coil 742 is wound around the axial center of the rotating-side annular member 72. In this case, the secondary coil 742 may be wound around a recess 722 on the radially outer side of the rotating-side annular member 72. The recess 722 is recessed radially inward and is formed by sensor rotor portions 724 on both axial sides, which will be described later. Therefore, the recess 722 may be formed around the entire circumference in a manner in which the radial dimension (depth) changes periodically.

[0039] The operating principle (non-contact power supply principle) of the transformer Tr formed by such an integrated unit 7 is the same as that of a general transformer that uses electromagnetic induction, and the power supply principle itself will not be described in further detail.

[0040] The coil 112 of the rotation angle sensor 110 is wound around each of the teeth 716 as shown in FIGS.

[0041] In this embodiment, the coils 112 of the rotation angle sensor 110 are provided in two pairs. That is, two sets of the rotation angle sensor 110 itself are essentially provided. In the example shown in FIG. 3, two sets of the coils 112 of the rotation angle sensor 110 are provided at positions spaced apart in the axial direction (on both sides of the annular member 71). Hereinafter, when it is particularly necessary to distinguish between the two sets, one of the coils 112 will be referred to as coil 112-1, and the other set will be referred to as coil 112-2.

[0042] 7 shows a cross section passing through coil 112-1, but the cross section passing through coil 112-2 is similar. In this embodiment, there are two rotation angle sensors 110 separated in the axial direction, but the detection principle of each is the same as the angle detection principle of a VR resolver. Therefore, the angle detection principle itself will not be described in further detail.

[0043] Thus, according to this embodiment, both the rotation angle sensor 110 and the transformer Tr of the power supply device 90 are realized by a single integrated unit 7. In this case, the rotation angle sensor 110 and the transformer Tr are formed using common members (the non-rotation-side annular member 71 and the rotation-side annular member 72). Therefore, according to this embodiment, the transformer Tr of the power supply device 90 and the rotation angle sensor 110, which is a non-contact sensor, can be efficiently arranged using the non-rotation-side annular member 71 and the rotation-side annular member 72. As a result, according to this embodiment, the number of core member parts and the axial size can be reduced compared to when the transformer of the power supply device and the rotation angle sensor, which is a non-contact sensor, are configured using separate core members spaced apart in the axial direction.

[0044] In this embodiment, the non-rotating annular member 71 functions as a common core member around which the primary coil 741 and the coil 112 are wound. The non-rotating annular member 71 is preferably a one-piece member. In this case, the core member around which the primary coil 741 and the coil 112 are wound can be efficiently formed. However, in a modified example, the non-rotating annular member 71 may be formed from a multi-piece member that is integrated with one another.

[0045] Incidentally, when the rotation angle sensor 110 and the transformer Tr share a common core member, as in this embodiment, the number of components of the core member and the size can be reduced as described above, but the operation of one component can affect the operation of the other component. For example, the magnetic flux generated by the transformer can affect the current flowing through the coil of the rotation angle sensor. Furthermore, the magnetic flux generated by the operation of the rotation angle sensor can affect the magnitude of the current flowing through the transformer (and therefore the magnitude of the current flowing through the rotor coil). Hereinafter, such a disadvantage is also referred to as a "disadvantage due to interaction."

[0046] In this regard, the present embodiment has a configuration for reducing or preventing the inconvenience caused by the interaction, and this configuration will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS.

[0047] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the integrated unit 7 taken along a plane passing through the central axis I, in which arrows schematically indicate the magnetic flux (hereinafter also referred to as "power supply magnetic flux") generated by the transformer Tr during contactless power supply. Note that FIG. 8 illustrates only one side of the cross-section of the integrated unit 7, which is symmetrical with respect to the central axis I. In FIG. 8, symbols attached to the cross sections of the coils 112-1 and 112-2, the primary coil 741, and the secondary coil 742 indicate the direction of current flow. Note that, for the sake of explanation, the direction of the current flowing through the coils 112-1 and 112-2 indicates the direction before cancellation, as described below, when the rotation angle sensor 110 is not performing detection (a state in which current is not passed through the coils 112-1 and 112-2 for the detection operation of the rotation angle sensor 110).

[0048] Fig. 9 shows graphs related to the power supply magnetic flux. In Fig. 9, the upper part shows a time-series waveform (theoretical waveform) of the back electromotive force generated in secondary coil 742 by the power supply magnetic flux, and the lower part shows a time-series waveform (theoretical waveform) of the back electromotive force generated in each of coils 112-1 and 112-2 by the power supply magnetic flux.

[0049] During contactless power supply, a current flows through the primary coil 741 of the transformer Tr. At this time, a power supply magnetic flux is generated as shown in Fig. 8. Due to this power supply magnetic flux, a back electromotive force (induced electromotive force) is generated in the secondary coil 742 as shown in the upper part of Fig. 9, thereby realizing contactless power supply.

[0050] Incidentally, such a power supply magnetic flux is generated in a manner that penetrates the coils 112-1 and 112-2 as well, as shown schematically in Fig. 8. In this case, a current tends to flow through the coils 112-1 and 112-2 due to electromagnetic induction.

[0051] In this regard, in this embodiment, the coils 112-1 and 112-2 are electrically connected to each other so that the currents due to such electromagnetic induction cancel each other out. As a result, as shown in the lower part of Fig. 9, the back electromotive force generated in the coil 112-1 and the back electromotive force generated in the coil 112-2 cancel each other out of phase. Therefore, when the coils 112-1 and 112-2 are energized for the detection operation of the rotation angle sensor 110, substantially no current components flowing through the coils 112-1 and 112-2 due to the power supply magnetic flux are generated.

[0052] In this way, according to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce or prevent problems caused by interactions that may occur due to the power supply magnetic flux.

[0053] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the integrated unit 7 taken along a plane passing through the central axis I, in which arrows schematically indicate magnetic flux resulting from energization of the coils 112-1 and 112-2 (hereinafter also referred to as "magnetic flux resulting from energization of the sensors"). Note that FIG. 10 illustrates only one side of the cross section of the integrated unit 7, which is symmetrical with respect to the central axis I. In FIG. 10, symbols attached to the cross sections of the coils 112-1 and 112-2 indicate the direction of current flow. Note that, for the sake of explanation, the direction of current flowing through the primary coil 741 and the secondary coil 742 indicates the direction before cancellation, as described below, when no current flows through the rotor coil 316 (when no power is supplied).

[0054] Fig. 11 shows graphs related to magnetic flux due to sensor energization. In Fig. 11, the upper part shows a time series waveform (theoretical waveform) of the back electromotive force generated in secondary coil 742 by magnetic flux due to sensor energization, and the lower part shows a time series waveform (theoretical waveform) of the back electromotive force generated in each of coils 112-1 and 112-2 by magnetic flux due to sensor energization.

[0055] When current is passed through each of the coils 112-1 and 112-2 for the detection operation of the rotation angle sensor 110, magnetic flux is generated in a magnetic path related to sensor operation (an example of a second magnetic path), as partially indicated by arrow R7 in FIG. 7. In the present embodiment, however, the annular members 71 and 72 are shared. Therefore, when current is passed through each of the coils 112-1 and 112-2 for the detection operation of the rotation angle sensor 110, magnetic flux due to sensor current is also generated in a magnetic path related to the power supply magnetic flux (an example of a first magnetic path), as shown in FIG. 10. In FIG. 10, arrow R11 represents magnetic flux due to sensor current passing through the coil 112-1, and arrow R12 represents magnetic flux due to sensor current passing through the coil 112-2. Note that in the graph at the bottom of FIG. 11, the time-series waveforms of the back electromotive force generated in each of the coils 112-1 and 112-2 due to the magnetic flux caused by sensor current passing through the coils 112-1 and 112-2 are the same waveform, and are therefore shown as a single waveform.

[0056] Such magnetic flux caused by energization of the sensor, which is also generated in the magnetic path related to the power supply magnetic flux, can affect the power supply magnetic flux (power supply operation by the power supply device 90).

[0057] In this regard, in this embodiment, the magnetic flux caused by the sensor current flowing through coil 112-1 and the magnetic flux caused by the sensor current flowing through coil 112-2 cancel each other out. In other words, in this embodiment, coils 112-1 and 112-2 are wound around tooth portion 716 so that the magnetic fluxes caused by the sensor current flowing through coil 112-1 and 112-2 cancel each other out. As a result, the magnetic flux caused by the sensor current flowing through coil 112-1 and 112-2 is not substantially generated in the magnetic path related to the power supply magnetic flux. As a result, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 11, a back electromotive force due to the magnetic flux caused by the sensor current flowing through transformer Tr is not substantially generated.

[0058] In this way, according to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce or prevent problems caused by interactions that may occur due to magnetic flux caused by energization of the sensor.

[0059] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a time series waveform during the operation of the transformer Tr.

[0060] In this embodiment, as described above, the transformer Tr is substantially free from the influence of the magnetic flux due to the passage of current through the sensor (the waveform in the middle of FIG. 12). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12, the time-series waveform of the back electromotive force (left side of FIG. 12) is the same as that in the case where the rotation angle sensor 110 is not integrated, and becomes the time-series waveform of the back electromotive force of the secondary coil 742 (right side of FIG. 12).

[0061] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a time series waveform during operation of the rotation angle sensor 110.

[0062] In this embodiment, as described above, the rotation angle sensor 110 is substantially free from the influence of the power supply magnetic flux (waveform on the left side of FIG. 13). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13, the time series waveform of the back electromotive force (center of FIG. 13), which is the same as that when the transformer Tr is not integrated, becomes the time series waveform of the back electromotive force (right side of FIG. 13). In particular, in this embodiment, since two rotation angle sensors 110 are formed as described above, the time series waveforms of the back electromotive force of each sensor overlap, increasing the amplitude. This improves the accuracy (reliability) of the sensor information. Furthermore, even if one sensor is abnormal, the information of the other sensor can be used, ensuring redundancy.

[0063] 3 to 13, the transformer Tr has a primary coil 741 and a secondary coil 742 that face each other in the radial direction, and the rotation angle sensor 110 has a coil 112 and a sensor rotor portion 724 that face each other in the radial direction. However, other configurations are also possible.

[0064] For example, as shown in Fig. 14, coil 112-1 may be radially opposed to sensor rotor portion 724A-1, and coil 112-2 may be axially opposed to sensor rotor portion 724A-2. In this case, the axial distance between sensor rotor portion 724A-2 and coil 112-2 may vary periodically along the circumferential direction. In the example shown in Fig. 14, non-rotating annular member 71A is disposed radially inside rotating annular member 72A.

[0065] 15, for example, coil 112-1 may be opposed to sensor rotor portion 724B-1 in the axial direction, and coil 112-2 may be opposed to sensor rotor portion 724B-2 in the axial direction. Furthermore, primary coil 741 and secondary coil 742 of transformer Tr may also be opposed to each other in the axial direction. In the example shown in FIG. 15, non-rotating annular member 71B is disposed so as to be opposed to rotating annular member 72B in the axial direction.

[0066] Next, an integrated unit 7C according to another embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 16 onwards. In the following, in order to distinguish it from the embodiment described with reference to Figures 3 to 13, the embodiment described with reference to Figures 3 to 13 will also be referred to as "Embodiment 1", and the embodiment described below with reference to Figures 16 onwards will also be referred to as "Embodiment 2".

[0067] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the integrated unit 7 is replaced with an integrated unit 7C.

[0068] The integrated unit 7C according to the second embodiment differs from the integrated unit 7 according to the first embodiment in that a current sensor 120 is provided instead of the rotation angle sensor 110. That is, the integrated unit 7C according to the second embodiment integrally includes a transformer Tr and the current sensor 120.

[0069] FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the rotary electric machine 3 and its surroundings in a vehicle drive device 1A according to a second embodiment.

[0070] In this embodiment, the rotor shaft 314 of the rotary electric machine 3 is provided with an integrated unit 7C.

[0071] 17 to 20 are diagrams showing an example of an integrated unit 7C, with Fig. 17 being a perspective view, Figs. 18 and 19 are perspective views showing a partial cross section taken along a cutting plane passing through the central axis I, and Fig. 20 is a cross section taken along a cutting plane perpendicular to the axial direction and passing through a tooth portion 716C described later.

[0072] The integrated unit 7C includes a transformer Tr as part of the power supply device 90 and a current sensor 120. In this embodiment, the current sensor 120 has, as an example, two coils (coil 122 described below) arranged opposite to each other, but may also be another non-contact rotation angle sensor.

[0073] In this embodiment, the power supply device 90 and the current sensor 120 each have a coil wound around a common core member.

[0074] Specifically, primary coil 741 of transformer Tr is wound around non-rotating annular member 71C, and secondary coil 742 is wound around rotating annular member 72C. Coil 122 of current sensor 120 includes coil 122-1 wound around non-rotating annular member 71C and coil 122-2 wound around rotating annular member 72C.

[0075] The non-rotating side annular member 71C and the rotating side annular member 72C function as iron cores. The non-rotating side annular member 71C has an annular shape centered on a central axis I and is symmetrical about the axial center when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The non-rotating side annular member 71C has teeth 716C on both axial sides at a constant pitch along the circumferential direction. The teeth 716C are in the form of protrusions that protrude radially inward, and the radially inner end may have a larger diameter in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 20, ten teeth 716C are provided, but the number may be changed as appropriate.

[0076] The rotating-side annular member 72C extends in the same axial range as the non-rotating-side annular member 71C. The rotating-side annular member 72C has an annular shape centered on the central axis I and is symmetrical about the axial center when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The rotating-side annular member 72C has teeth 726C on both axial sides at a constant pitch along the circumferential direction. The teeth 726C are in the form of protrusions that protrude radially outward, and the radially outer ends may have a larger diameter in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 17 and 20, four teeth 726C are provided, but the number may be changed as appropriate.

[0077] In this embodiment, the primary coil 741 is wound around the axial center of the non-rotating annular member 71C. In this case, the primary coil 741 may be wound around a recess 712C formed on the radially inner side of the non-rotating annular member 71C. The recess 712C is recessed radially outward and is formed by the teeth 716C on both axial sides. Therefore, the recess 712C is formed only in the circumferential range where the teeth 716C are formed. However, the recess 712C may also be formed around the entire circumference.

[0078] In this embodiment, the secondary coil 742 is wound around the axial center of the rotating-side annular member 72C. In this case, the secondary coil 742 may be wound around the recessed portion 722C on the radially outer side of the rotating-side annular member 72C. The recessed portion 722C is recessed radially inward and is formed by the teeth portions 726C on both axial sides. Therefore, the recessed portion 722C is formed only in the circumferential range where the teeth portions 726C are formed. However, the recessed portion 722C may be formed around the entire circumference.

[0079] The operating principle (non-contact power supply principle) of the transformer Tr formed by such an integrated unit 7C is the same as that of a general transformer that uses electromagnetic induction, and the power supply principle itself will not be described in further detail.

[0080] Of the coil 122 of the current sensor 120, a non-rotating element (hereinafter also referred to as "coil 122(S)") is wound around the teeth 716C of the non-rotating annular member 71C. Also, a rotating element (hereinafter also referred to as "coil 122(R)") of the coil 122 is wound around the teeth 726C of the rotating annular member 72C. When the teeth 726C are radially opposed to the teeth 716C, the coil 122(S) of the teeth 716C and the coil 122(R) of the teeth 726C are radially opposed to each other. When a current flows through the coil 122(R) of the tooth portion 726C, a current corresponding to the magnitude of the current flows through the coil 122(S) of the tooth portion 716C due to electromagnetic induction (see arrow R20 in FIG. 20), and an electric signal corresponding to the current flowing through the coil 122(R) can be generated in the coil 122(S). During detection operation by the current sensor 120, a magnetic path (an example of a second magnetic path) is formed in the non-rotating side annular member 71C and the rotating side annular member 72C within a plane as shown in FIG.

[0081] Although the connection manner is not shown, the coil 122(R) is electrically connected to the rotor coil 316. The electrical connection between the coil 122(R) and the rotor coil 316 may be a direct connection. The coil 122(S) is electrically connected to a device that uses the sensor information (for example, the microcomputer 50 in FIG. 1). The output signal from the coil 122(S) may be converted into sensor information via an A / D converter.

[0082] In this embodiment, the coils 122 of the current sensor 120 are provided in two pairs. That is, two current sensors 120 themselves are essentially provided. In the example shown in FIG. 16, two pairs of coils 122 of the current sensor 120 are provided at positions spaced apart in the axial direction (on both sides of the annular member 71C). Hereinafter, when particularly distinguishing between the two pairs, one pair of coils 122 will be referred to as coil 122-1 (or 122-1(S), 122-1(R)), and the other pair of coils will be referred to as coil 122-2 (or 122-2(S), 122-2(R)).

[0083] Although FIG. 20 shows a cross section passing through coil 122-1 (or 122-1(S), 122-1(R)), the cross section passing through coil 122-2 (or 122-2(S), 122-2(R)) is similar. In this embodiment, although there are two current sensors 120 separated in the axial direction, the detection principles of each are the same.

[0084] Thus, according to this embodiment, both the current sensor 120 and the transformer Tr of the power supply device 90 are realized by a single integrated unit 7C. In this case, the current sensor 120 and the transformer Tr are formed using common members (the non-rotating-side annular member 71C and the rotating-side annular member 72C). Therefore, according to this embodiment, the transformer Tr of the power supply device 90 and the current sensor 120, which is a non-contact sensor, can be efficiently arranged using the non-rotating-side annular member 71C and the rotating-side annular member 72C. As a result, according to this embodiment, the number of core member parts and the axial size can be reduced compared to when the transformer of the power supply device and the rotation angle sensor, which is a non-contact sensor, are configured using separate core members spaced apart in the axial direction.

[0085] In this embodiment, as described above, the non-rotating annular member 71C and the rotating annular member 72C function as a common core member around which the primary coil 741 and the coil 122 are wound. The non-rotating annular member 71C is preferably a one-piece member. In this case, the core member around which the primary coil 741 and the coil 122(S) are wound can be efficiently formed. However, in a modified example, the non-rotating annular member 71C may be formed from a multi-piece member integrated with each other. Furthermore, the rotating annular member 72C is preferably a one-piece member. In this case, the core member around which the secondary coil 742 and the coil 122(R) are wound can be efficiently formed. However, in a modified example, the non-rotating annular member 71C may be formed from a multi-piece member integrated with each other.

[0086] Incidentally, when the current sensor 120 and the transformer Tr share a common core member, as in the present embodiment, the number of components of the core member and the size can be reduced as described above, but the operation of one component can affect the operation of the other component. For example, the magnetic flux generated by the transformer can affect the current flowing through the coil of the rotation angle sensor. Furthermore, the magnetic flux generated by the operation of the rotation angle sensor can affect the magnitude of the current flowing through the transformer (and therefore the magnitude of the current flowing through the rotor coil). Hereinafter, such a disadvantage will be referred to as a "disadvantage due to interaction," as in the first embodiment.

[0087] In this regard, the present embodiment has a configuration for reducing or preventing the inconvenience caused by the interaction, and this configuration will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS.

[0088] FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration for reducing or preventing interactions that may occur due to the power supply magnetic flux.

[0089] During contactless power supply, a current flows through the primary coil 741 of the transformer Tr. At this time, a power supply magnetic flux is generated as shown by the arrows in Fig. 21. This power supply magnetic flux generates a back electromotive force (induced electromotive force) in the secondary coil 742, thereby achieving contactless power supply.

[0090] Incidentally, such a power supply magnetic flux is generated in a manner that penetrates through coils 122-1 and 122-2 as well (similar to the principle described above with reference to FIG. 8), as schematically shown by arrows in FIG. 21. In this case, a current tries to flow through coils 122-1 and 122-2 due to electromagnetic induction.

[0091] In this embodiment, the coils 122-1 and 122-2 are electrically connected to each other so that the currents due to such electromagnetic induction cancel each other out, and the back electromotive voltages generated in the coils 122-1 and 122-2 cancel each other out in opposite phase.

[0092] In this way, according to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce or prevent problems caused by interactions that may occur due to the power supply magnetic flux.

[0093] In this embodiment, when the rotor coil 316 is energized, the coils 122-1 and 122-2 generate constructive currents due to electromagnetic induction, as shown schematically in FIG. 22. That is, the back electromotive force generated in each of the coils 122-1 and 122-2 is in phase and constructive. This increases the accuracy (reliability) of the sensor information. Furthermore, even if one sensor is abnormal, the other sensor information can be used, ensuring redundancy.

[0094] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the integrated unit 7C taken along a plane passing through the central axis I. The cross-sectional view shows, with arrows, a magnetic flux (hereinafter also referred to as "sensor magnetic flux") resulting from energization of the coil 122-1 in conjunction with energization of the rotor coil 316. Arrow R231 represents the sensor magnetic flux associated with the coil 122-1, and arrow R232 represents the sensor magnetic flux associated with the coil 122-2. Note that FIG. 23 illustrates only one side of the cross-section of the integrated unit 7C, which is symmetrical with respect to the central axis I. In FIG. 23, symbols attached to the cross sections of the coils 122-1 and 122-2 indicate the direction of current flow. Note that, for the sake of explanation, the direction of current flowing through the primary coil 741 and the secondary coil 742 is shown as the direction before cancellation, as described below, when no current flows through the rotor coil 316.

[0095] When the rotor coil 316 is energized, a current flows through the coils 122-1 and 122-2, generating a magnetic flux that passes through each of the coils 122-1 and 122-2.

[0096] Incidentally, such a sensor magnetic flux is also generated in the magnetic path related to the power supply magnetic flux, as shown schematically in FIG.

[0097] In this regard, in this embodiment, the sensor magnetic flux associated with coil 122-1 and the sensor magnetic flux associated with coil 122-2 cancel each other out. In other words, in this embodiment, coils 122-1 and 122-2 are arranged so that the sensor magnetic fluxes cancel each other out. As a result, the sensor magnetic flux is not substantially generated in the magnetic path associated with the power supply magnetic flux. As a result, a back electromotive force due to the sensor magnetic flux is not substantially generated in the transformer Tr.

[0098] In this way, according to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce or prevent problems caused by interactions due to the sensor magnetic flux that may occur in the magnetic path related to the power supply magnetic flux.

[0099] 16 to 23, the primary coil 741 and the secondary coil 742 of the transformer Tr are radially opposed to each other, and the coils 122 of the current sensor 120 are radially opposed to each other. However, other configurations are also possible.

[0100] For example, as shown in Fig. 24, coils 122D-1(S) and 122D-1(R) may face each other in the radial direction, and coils 122D-2(S) and 122D-2(R) may face each other in the axial direction. In the example shown in Fig. 24, the non-rotating annular member 71D is disposed radially inside the rotating annular member 72D.

[0101] 25, for example, coils 122E-1(S) and 122E-1(R) may be opposed to each other in the axial direction, and coils 122E-2(S) and 122E-2(R) may be opposed to each other in the axial direction. Furthermore, primary coil 741 and secondary coil 742 of transformer Tr may also be opposed to each other in the axial direction. In the example shown in FIG. 25, non-rotating annular member 71E is disposed so as to be opposed to rotating annular member 72E in the axial direction.

[0102] Although each embodiment has been described in detail above, it is not limited to the specific embodiment, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the claims. It is also possible to combine all or a plurality of components of the above-described embodiments.

[0103] For example, although a current sensor is not described in the first embodiment, the current sensor may be provided in any manner. For example, in the first embodiment, the current sensor may be provided adjacent to the integrated unit 7 on the same side of the rotating electric machine 3 in the axial direction as the integrated unit 7, or may be provided on the opposite side of the rotating electric machine 3 in the axial direction from the integrated unit 7.

[0104] Although the rotation angle sensor is not described in the second embodiment, the rotation angle sensor may be provided in any manner. For example, in the second embodiment, the rotation angle sensor may be provided adjacent to the integrated unit 7C on the same side of the rotating electric machine 3 as the integrated unit 7C in the axial direction, or may be provided on the opposite side of the rotating electric machine 3 from the integrated unit 7C in the axial direction. Furthermore, although the above-described first embodiment (and the second embodiment) relates to the vehicle drive device 1A, the application is not limited to vehicles. That is, the above-described first embodiment can be applied to any mechanical product, such as a construction machine, a work machine, a train, an aircraft, or a household product. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 1A... Vehicle drive device, 3... Rotating electric machine, 320... Stator, 310... Rotor (wound field rotor), 316... Rotor coil (coil wire), 2B... High-voltage battery (power source), 71, 71A to 71E... Non-rotating side annular member (primary side core member), 72, 72A to 72E... Rotating side annular member (secondary side core member), 90... Power supply device, 110... Rotation angle sensor (non-contact sensor), 112... Coil (sensor coil), 120... current sensor (non-contact sensor), 122(S), 122D(S), 122E(S)... coil (sensor coil, first coil), 122(R), 122D(R), 122E(R)... coil (sensor coil, second coil), Tr... transformer, 741... primary side coil (power supply coil), 742... secondary side coil (power supply coil), 716, 716C, 726C... teeth part (convex part)

Claims

1. a stator; a wound field rotor on which a coil wire is wound; a non-contact power supply device electrically connected between a power source and the wound field rotor, for supplying power to the wound field rotor in a non-contact manner; a non-contact sensor that generates sensor information regarding the wound field rotor; a power supply coil of the non-contact type power supply device and a sensor coil of the non-contact type sensor are wound around a common core member;

2. the non-contact power supply device has a transformer, the common core member forms a first magnetic path when the transformer is in operation and a second magnetic path when the non-contact sensor is in operation; the power supply coil includes a primary coil and a secondary coil of the transformer, the non-contact sensor includes two sets of sensor coils; The two sets are arranged so that magnetic flux generated by one set and magnetic flux generated by the other set cancel each other out in the first magnetic path when the non-contact sensor is in operation, and The drive device according to claim 1 , wherein the two pairs are electrically connected so that currents induced in the first magnetic path by magnetic fluxes generated by the non-contact power feeding device cancel each other out.

3. the non-contact sensor includes a resolver that generates the sensor information related to a rotation angle of the wound field rotor; the sensor coil is wound around a protruding portion of the core member on the primary side around which the primary coil is wound, The drive device according to claim 2 , wherein the shape of the portion of the secondary core member around which the secondary coil is wound, facing the protrusion, changes periodically along the circumferential direction.

4. the non-contact sensor includes a current sensor that generates the sensor information related to the magnitude of a current flowing through the coil wire of the wound field rotor; 3. The drive device of claim 2, wherein the sensor coil includes a first coil wound around the primary core member around which the primary coil is wound, and a second coil wound around the secondary core member around which the secondary coil is wound.

Images