Drive device

Abstract

A drive device according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided with: a motor having a rotor capable of rotating about a first axis; a transmission mechanism positioned on one side in the axial direction of the motor and transmitting rotation of the rotor; a first control unit located on the other side of the motor in the axial direction; a second control unit positioned on the outside in the radial direction of the motor; a bus bar that connects the first control unit and the second control unit; and a connection flow path part. The first control unit has: a plurality of electronic components that constitute an inverter; a first housing that accommodates the plurality of electronic components; and a first flow path part provided in the first housing. The second control unit has: a power conversion unit; a current distribution unit; a second housing that houses the power conversion unit and the current distribution unit; and a second flow path part provided in the second housing. The connection flow path portion connects the first flow path portion and the second flow path portion. At least one of the bus bar and the connection flow path portion extends in the radial direction from a radially inward surface of the second housing toward the first housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a drive device.

[0002] This application claims priority based on No. 63 / 435,393 filed in the United States on December 27, 2022, the contents of which are cited here. Background Art

[0003] In the past, as a drive device mounted on an electric vehicle, etc., a mechatronic drive device has been developed, which has a motor and a control device for controlling the motor. In addition, in recent years, it has been required to add various functions to the control device. Patent document 1 discloses a drive device in which an inverter and a high-voltage module are arranged on the radial outer side of the motor.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-240477 Summary of the invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] When various functions are added to a control device, there is a possibility that the control device itself becomes larger and the drive device as a whole becomes larger in one direction. Therefore, in the drive device, it is considered to separate the control device and configure it in multiple locations to suppress the drive device from becoming larger in one direction. In this case, the control devices separated and configured in multiple locations are connected to each other by connecting components, but depending on the structure of the connecting portion, there is a possibility that the connecting component protrudes from the outer shape of the drive device, etc., causing the drive device to become larger.

[0009] In view of the above circumstances, one object of the present invention is to provide a driving device that can be reduced in size.

[0010] Means for solving problems

[0011] A driving device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a motor having a rotor rotatable about a first axis; a transmission mechanism located on one side of the motor in the axial direction and transmitting the rotation of the rotor; a first control unit located on the other side of the motor in the axial direction; a second control unit located radially outside the motor; a bus bar connecting the first control unit and the second control unit; and a connecting flow path unit. The first control unit comprises: a plurality of electronic components constituting an inverter; a first housing accommodating the plurality of electronic components; and a first flow path unit provided in the first housing. The second control unit comprises: a power conversion unit; a current distribution unit; a second housing accommodating the power conversion unit and the current distribution unit; and a second flow path unit provided in the second housing. The connecting flow path unit connects the first flow path unit and the second flow path unit. At least one of the bus bar and the connecting flow path unit extends radially from a surface of the second housing facing radially inward toward the first housing.

[0012] Effects of the Invention

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a driving device that can be reduced in size. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram of a driving device according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 It is a perspective view of a driving device according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 It is an exploded perspective view of a driving device according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram showing a water channel structure according to one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram showing the sealing structure of the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 Schematic diagram showing a sealing structure according to Modification 1.

[0020] Figure 7 It is a top view of the driving device of Modification Example 2.

[0021] Figure 8 It is a top view of the driving device of Modification 3.

[0022] Fig. 9 It is a schematic diagram showing the water channel structure of Modification Example 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Hereinafter, the drive device of the embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the gravity direction is defined and described based on the positional relationship when the drive device is mounted on a vehicle located on a horizontal road surface. In addition, in each figure, XYZ coordinates are appropriately shown. The Z axis is the vertical direction, the +Z side is the upper side, and the -Z side is the lower side. The Y axis is the left-right direction of the vehicle equipped with the drive device. The X axis is the front-back direction of the vehicle equipped with the drive device.

[0024] In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the direction parallel to the first axis J1 of the motor 2 (Y-axis direction) is referred to as the "axial direction Y". The radial direction centered on the first axis J1 is referred to as the "radial direction". The circumferential direction centered on the first axis J1, that is, the direction around the first axis J1, is referred to as the "circumferential direction". In addition, the front-to-back direction of the vehicle (that is, the direction parallel to the X-axis) is referred to as the first direction X. The up-down direction Z is referred to as the second direction. The first direction X is a direction at least perpendicular to the axial direction Y. In addition, the second direction is a direction perpendicular to both the axial direction Y and the first direction X.

[0025] In the following description, one side of the axial direction refers to the direction (+Y) to which the arrow of the Y axis in the figure points, and the other side of the axial direction refers to the direction opposite to the direction to which the arrow of the Y axis in the figure points (-Y). One side of the first direction refers to the direction (+X) to which the arrow of the X axis in the figure points, and the other side of the first direction refers to the direction opposite to the direction to which the arrow in the figure points (-X). One side of the second direction refers to the direction (+Z) to which the arrow of the Z axis in the figure points, and the other side of the second direction refers to the direction opposite to the direction to which the arrow in the figure points (-Z).

[0026] In the present specification, “extending along a predetermined direction or plane” means not only extending strictly along a predetermined direction but also extending in a direction inclined within a range of less than 45 degrees with respect to the strict direction.

[0027] <Drive device>

[0028] Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram of the driving device 1 according to the present embodiment. Figure 2 It is a perspective view of the driving device 1 according to the present embodiment. Figure 3 It is an exploded perspective view of the driving device 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0029] The drive device 1 of the present embodiment is mounted on a vehicle using a motor as a power source, such as a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHV), or an electric vehicle (EV), and is used as the power source thereof.

[0030] like Figure 1As shown, the drive device 1 includes a motor 2, a transmission mechanism 4, a first control unit 80, a second control unit 70, a first bus bar 51, and a connecting flow path portion 99. In the present embodiment, the motor 2, the transmission mechanism 4, and the first control unit 80 are arranged on the first axis J1. On the other hand, the second control unit 70 is located radially outside the motor 2, the transmission mechanism 4, and the first control unit 80. The first bus bar 51 and the connecting flow path portion 99 connect the first control unit 80 and the second control unit 70.

[0031] In the present embodiment, the first control unit 80 and the second control unit 70 are respectively arranged on the other axial side (-Y) of the motor 2 and the radial outside of the motor 2. According to the present embodiment, compared with the case where the first control unit and the second control unit are arranged only on the other axial side (-Y) of the motor 2 or only on the radial outside of the motor 2, the drive device 1 can be miniaturized in the axial and radial directions.

[0032] <Motor>

[0033] The motor 2 of this embodiment is an inner rotor type three-phase AC motor. The motor 2 has both the function of an electric motor and the function of a generator. In addition, the structure of the motor 2 is not limited to this embodiment, and for example, it can also be an AC motor with four or more phases.

[0034] The motor 2 includes a rotor 20, a stator 30, a bearing holder 64b, and a water jacket 64. The motor 2 of the present embodiment is an inner rotor type motor in which the rotor 20 is arranged inside the stator 30.

[0035] The rotor 20 is rotatable about a first axis J1 extending in the horizontal direction. The rotor 20 includes: a shaft 21; a rotor core 24 fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 21; and a rotor magnet (not shown) fixed to the rotor core. The torque of the rotor 20 is transmitted to the transmission mechanism 4. The shaft 21 extends along the first axis J1. The shaft 21 is rotatably supported by a pair of bearings 5A and 5B.

[0036] The stator 30 is held in the water jacket 64. The stator 30 is located radially outside the rotor 20 and surrounds the rotor 20 from the radial outside. The stator 30 includes a stator core 32 in an annular shape centered on the first axis J1, a coil 31 mounted on the stator core 32 via an insulator (not shown), and a lead wire 31a extending from the coil 31.

[0037] The lead wire 31a extends from the coil 31 to the other side (-Y) in the axial direction. The stator 30 of the present embodiment has three lead wires 31a corresponding to the U phase, the V phase, and the W phase. The lead wire 31a has a twisted conductor, a crimping terminal crimped to the front end of the conductor, and an insulating tube (not shown) covering the outer periphery of the coil wire. The crimping terminal of the lead wire 31a is connected to the connecting portion 89a of the first control unit 80.

[0038] The coil 31 may be a segment coil made of a highly rigid flat wire. In this case, the lead wire 31a extending from the coil 31 may be a single flat wire. The lead wire 31a may be a bus bar connected to the conductor wire of the coil and extending from the coil 31.

[0039] The water jacket 64 is cylindrical with the first axis J1 as the center. The water jacket 64 surrounds the stator 30 from the radially outer side. The inner peripheral surface of the water jacket 64 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the stator core 32. The bearing holder 64b is fixed to the end surface of the water jacket 64 on the other axial side (-Y). The bearing holder 64b holds the bearing 5A.

[0040] <First control unit>

[0041] The first control unit 80 of the present embodiment is disposed on the other axial side (-Y) of the motor 2. Therefore, the first control unit 80 is disposed on the first axis J1.

[0042] The first control unit 80 is connected to the motor 2 and the second control unit 70. The first control unit 80 converts the direct current supplied from the second control unit 70 into an alternating current and supplies the alternating current to the motor 2. That is, the first control unit 80 functions as an inverter.

[0043] The first control unit 80 includes a plurality of electronic components 82 and 83 constituting an inverter, a second bus bar 81, a third bus bar 89, a relay terminal 88, and a first housing 6. The plurality of electronic components include a capacitor 82 and a power module 83. The plurality of electronic components 82 and 83 are accommodated in the first housing 6. The structure of the first housing 6 will be described separately later.

[0044] The power module 83 includes, for example, a switching element and a circuit board on which the switching element is mounted. The switching element is, for example, an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT). In addition, the switching element may be a field effect transistor such as a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET), or a switching element using SiC (silicon carbide).

[0045] The capacitor 82 is, for example, a film capacitor. The capacitor 82 is connected to a current path between a battery (not shown) and the power module 83. The capacitor 82 is provided, for example, to smooth a direct current supplied to the power module 83.

[0046] The second bus bar 81 and the third bus bar 89 are plate-shaped components made of a metal material with low resistance. In the present embodiment, the second bus bar 81 and the third bus bar 89 are made of copper. The first control unit 80 of the present embodiment has two second bus bars 81 corresponding to the positive pole and the negative pole and three third bus bars 89 corresponding to the U phase, the V phase and the W phase. The second bus bar 81 has a connecting portion 81a connected to the first bus bar 51. The second bus bar 81 extends downward from the connecting portion 81a and is connected to the capacitor 82. The third bus bar 89 extends upward from the power module 83 and bends to one axial side (+Y) at the upper end. A connecting portion 89a is provided at the end of the third bus bar 89 on one axial side (+Y). The lead wire 31a of the motor 2 is connected to the connecting portion 89a.

[0047] The relay terminal 88 has a portion extending along the axial direction Y. The relay terminal 88 connects the capacitor 82 and the power module 83. The relay terminal 88 may be a bus bar.

[0048] <Second control unit>

[0049] The second control unit 70 of the present embodiment is located on the upper side of the first control unit 80, the motor 2 and the transmission mechanism 4. Therefore, the second control unit 70 is located radially outside the first control unit 80, the motor 2 and the transmission mechanism 4. In addition, the second control unit 70 does not have to overlap with the transmission mechanism 4 in the radial direction. That is, the second control unit 70 can be located at a position closer to the other side (-Y) of the axial direction than the transmission mechanism 4. The second control unit 70 of the present embodiment is connected to a battery (not shown) mounted on the vehicle, a vehicle integrated control system of the vehicle, etc.

[0050] The second control unit 70 of the present embodiment includes a power conversion unit 72, a current distribution unit 73, a heating device 74, and a second housing 71. The structure of the second housing 71 will be described separately later.

[0051] The power conversion unit 72 has a voltage adjustment function. The power conversion unit 72 of the present embodiment has, for example, an on-board charger (OBC: On Board Charger) 72a and a DC / DC converter 72b. The on-board charger 72a is a system for converting an AC voltage provided via a plug into a DC voltage and charging a battery. The DC / DC converter 72b is a part that converts the voltage provided from the battery and charges other batteries with a low voltage. In addition, the power conversion unit 72 may not have at least one of the DC / DC converter 72b and the on-board charger 72a. In addition, the DC / DC converter 72b can boost the voltage provided from the battery and provide it to other electronic components, etc.

[0052] The current distribution unit 73 is a power distribution unit (PDU) having a current distribution function and is a part that distributes the current supplied from the battery to various electrical components in the vehicle including the power module 83 .

[0053] The heating device 74 is provided for heating an external device. A circulation path (not shown) for circulating a fluid such as water, refrigerant or air is connected to the heating device 74. An external device that is a heating object of the heating device 74 is connected to the circulation path. An example of an external device that is a heating object of the heating device 74 is a battery. The heating device 74 heats the fluid in the circulation path, and heats the battery via the fluid. The heating device 74 is connected to a temperature sensor (not shown) for measuring the temperature of the battery. The heating device 74 heats the fluid in the circulation path according to the temperature of the battery detected by the temperature sensor. In addition, the heating device 74 can also be used as a heater in a heating device of a vehicle equipped with the drive device 1.

[0054] like Figure 2 As shown, the power conversion unit 72 and the current distribution unit 73 of the present embodiment are arranged in the axial direction Y inside the second housing 71. In addition, in the present embodiment, the power conversion unit 72 is arranged on one axial side (+Y) of the current distribution unit 73. However, the power conversion unit 72 may be arranged on the other axial side (-Y) of the current distribution unit 73. Furthermore, the power conversion unit 72 and the current distribution unit 73 may be arranged in the first direction X. In this case, the power conversion unit 72 may be arranged on one side (+X) of the first direction relative to the current distribution unit 73, or may be arranged on the other side (-X) of the first direction.

[0055] In this embodiment, the case where the heating device 74 is arranged inside the second housing 71 is described. However, the heating device 74 may be arranged outside the second housing 71. In this case, the heating device 74 is fixed to the outer side surface of the first housing 6 or the second housing 71.

[0056] <Transmission mechanism>

[0057] like Figure 1 As shown, the transmission mechanism 4 is located on one axial side (+Y) of the motor 2. The transmission mechanism 4 is connected to the rotor 20, transmits the rotation of the rotor 20 and outputs it from the output shaft 47. The transmission mechanism 4 has a first shaft 44, a second shaft 45, a first gear 41, a second gear 42, a third gear 43 and a differential device 4b. The differential device 4b has a ring gear 46g and a pair of output shafts 47. That is, the transmission mechanism 4 has an output shaft 47. Wheels (not shown) are respectively provided on the pair of output shafts 47.

[0058] The first shaft 44 extends along the axial direction Y with the first axis J1 as the center. The first shaft 44 is connected to the end of the one axial side (+Y) of the shaft 21 at the end of the other axial side (-Y). As a result, the first shaft 44 is connected to the rotor 20 of the motor 2 and rotates together with the rotor 20. The first gear 41 is arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the first shaft 44. The first gear 41 rotates around the first axis J1. The second shaft 45 can rotate around the intermediate axis J3 parallel to the first axis J1. The second gear 42 and the third gear 43 are arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the second shaft 45. The second gear 42 and the third gear 43 rotate around the intermediate axis J3. The second gear 42 meshes with the first gear 41. The third gear 43 meshes with the ring gear 46g of the differential device 4b. The differential device 4b can rotate around the second axis J2 parallel to the first axis J1. When the vehicle turns, the differential device 4b absorbs the speed difference between the left and right wheels while transmitting the torque transmitted from the third gear 43 to the output shaft 47. The torque output from the motor 2 is transmitted to the ring gear 46g of the differential device 4b via the first shaft 44, the first gear 41, the second gear 42, the second shaft 45 and the third gear 43, and is output to the pair of output shafts 47 via the differential mechanism of the differential device 4b. The pair of output shafts 47 can rotate around the second axis J2.

[0059] The lower end portion of the ring gear 46g is immersed in the oil O stored in the first housing 6. The ring gear 46g stirs up the oil O when rotating, thereby supplying the oil O to the tooth surfaces of other gears, thereby lubricating the meshing gears. In addition, the gear that stirs up the oil O may be a gear other than the ring gear 46g.

[0060] like Figure 2As shown, the first axis J1 and the second axis J2 are arranged along the first direction X. The first axis J1 is located on one side (+X) of the first direction X relative to the second axis J2. That is, in this specification, the first direction X refers to the direction in which the first axis J1 and the second axis J2 are arranged. In addition, in this specification, the first direction one side refers to the side on which the first axis J1 is arranged relative to the second axis J2 in the first direction X, and the first direction other side refers to the side on which the second axis J2 is arranged relative to the first axis J1 in the first direction X.

[0061] <First Shell>

[0062] like Figure 1 As shown, the first housing 6 includes a first component 61, a second component 62, a third component 63, and a first cover component 69. The first component 61, the second component 62, the third component 63, and the first cover component 69 are different components. The second component 62, the first component 61, the third component 63, and the first cover component 69 are arranged in sequence from one axial side to the other side. The second component 62 is arranged on one axial side (+Y) of the first component 61 and fixed to the first component 61. The third component 63 is arranged on the other axial side (-Y) of the first component 61 and fixed to the first component 61. The first cover component 69 is arranged on the other axial side (-Y) of the third component 63 and fixed to the third component 63.

[0063] The first component 61 includes: a cylindrical portion 61a, which is cylindrical with the first axis J1 as the center; a first partition wall portion 61c, which is arranged on one axial side (+Y) of the cylindrical portion 61a and covers the opening on the other axial side of the cylindrical portion 61a; and a concave portion 61b, which is connected to the first partition wall portion 61c and opens on one axial side (+Y).

[0064] The first partition wall portion 61c is provided with a shaft insertion hole 65h. The shaft insertion hole 65h is a through hole that penetrates the first partition wall portion 61c in the axial direction. Two bearings 5B and 5C are arranged in the shaft insertion hole 65h. In the present embodiment, the bearings 5B and 5C are ball bearings. The bearing 5B on one side supports the shaft 21, and the bearing 5C on the other side supports the first shaft 44. The shaft 21 of the motor 2 and the first shaft 44 of the transmission mechanism 4 are preferably connected to each other inside the shaft insertion hole 65h. In addition, the shaft 21 and the first shaft 44 can also be a component. In addition, the number of bearings is not limited to the present embodiment. In addition to ball bearings, the bearings 5B and 5C can also be other types of bearings such as rolling bearings. In addition, the shaft 21 and the first shaft 44 can also be connected outside the insertion hole 65h. A sealing component such as an oil seal can be arranged inside the insertion hole 65h.

[0065] The cylindrical portion 61a includes a motor surrounding portion 61e surrounding the motor 2 from the radial outside and an electronic component surrounding portion 61f surrounding the power module 83 and the third bus bar 89 from the radial outside. The electronic component surrounding portion 61f is located on the other axial side (-Y) of the motor surrounding portion 61e.

[0066] The water jacket 64 is fixed to the motor surrounding portion 61e. That is, the motor 2 is fixed to the motor surrounding portion 61e. A gap is provided between the outer peripheral surface of the water jacket 64 and the inner peripheral surface of the motor surrounding portion 61e. The gap functions as a third flow path portion 93 through which a fluid flows.

[0067] A third member 63 is fixed to the end portion of the electronic component surrounding portion 61f on the other axial side (-Y). The electronic component surrounding portion 61f is provided with an opening window portion 61h that opens radially outward. Figure 3 As shown, when viewed from the front in the direction of the opening, the opening window portion 61h of the present embodiment is roughly rectangular with the axial direction Y as the width direction. The opening window portion 61h of the present embodiment is located on the upper side of the first axis J1. As described above, the second control unit 70 is arranged on the upper side of the first shell 6. The second control unit 70 of the present embodiment covers the opening window portion 61h. Thus, the second control unit 70 can suppress dust, moisture, etc. from invading the interior of the first shell 6 through the opening window portion 61h. In addition, the opening window portion 61h can also be a shape other than a rectangle, such as a circle, an ellipse, a polygon, etc.

[0068] like Figure 1 As shown, the cylindrical portion 61a is provided with a fourth flow path portion 94 extending along the axial direction Y. The fourth flow path portion 94 is, for example, a hole portion formed in the cylindrical portion 61a by machining. The fourth flow path portion 94 is connected to the third flow path portion 93 at the end on one axial side (+Y).

[0069] The second member 62 is fixed to the concave portion 61b of the first member 61. The second member 62 faces the concave portion 61b and the first partition wall portion 61c in the axial direction Y. The second member 62 covers the transmission mechanism 4 from one axial side (+Y).

[0070] The third member 63 supports the capacitor 82, the power module 83, the second bus bar 81, the third bus bar 89, and the relay terminal 88. The third member 63 is fixed to the end of the other axial side (-Y) of the cylindrical portion 61a, and covers the opening of the other axial side (-Y) of the cylindrical portion 61a.

[0071] The third member 63 includes a second partition wall portion 63a and a first side wall portion 63b. The second partition wall portion 63a is in a plate shape extending along a plane perpendicular to the axial direction Y. The second partition wall portion 63a and the first partition wall portion 61c are opposed to each other in the axial direction Y.

[0072] In the present embodiment, a capacitor 82, a power module 83, a second bus bar 81, a third bus bar 89, and a relay terminal 88 are fixed to the second partition wall portion 63a. The capacitor 82 and the second bus bar 81 are fixed to the surface of the second partition wall portion 63a facing the other axial side (-Y). The power module 83 and the third bus bar 89 are fixed to the surface of the second partition wall portion 63a facing the one axial side (+Y). The relay terminal 88 penetrates the second partition wall portion 63a along the axial direction Y.

[0073] The second partition wall portion 63a is provided with a first flow path portion 91 extending along a plane perpendicular to the axial direction Y. The first flow path portion 91 is, for example, a hole portion formed in the second partition wall portion 63a by machining. The lower end portion of the first flow path portion 91 is connected to the fourth flow path portion 94. The upper end portion of the first flow path portion 91 opens on the upper side in the first opening portion 67a described later.

[0074] The first side wall portion 63b protrudes from the outer edge of the second partition wall portion 63a to the other axial side (-Y). The first side wall portion 63b has a plurality of plate-like parts arranged in the circumferential direction. In the present embodiment, the first side wall portion 63b has four plate-like parts arranged in a frame shape. The first side wall portion 63b surrounds the first axis J1 from the radially outer side. The space 80A surrounded by the first side wall portion 63b is open on the other axial side (-Y). In addition, the first side wall portion 63b may also be an annular part.

[0075] like Figure 3 As shown, the first side wall portion 63b has a plate-like upper wall portion 67 extending along a plane (XY plane) perpendicular to the up-down direction Z. The upper wall portion 67 is one of the four plate-like parts of the first side wall portion 63b. The upper wall portion 67 covers the space 80A inside the electronic component storage portion 6C from the upper side. In this embodiment, when viewed from the upper side, the upper wall portion 67 is rectangular with the axial direction Y as the width direction. The first opening portion 67a and the second opening portion 67b are provided on the upper wall portion 67. In addition, when viewed from the upper side, the upper wall portion 67 may also be a shape other than a rectangular shape.

[0076] The first opening 67a and the second opening 67b penetrate the upper wall 67 in the thickness direction. The first opening 67a and the second opening 67b are arranged in a row along the first direction X. When viewed from the up-down direction Z, the first opening 67a of the present embodiment is circular. When viewed from the up-down direction Z, the second opening 67b of the present embodiment is rectangular with the axial direction Y as the width direction. In addition, the first opening 67a may also be a shape other than a circle. Similarly, the second opening 67b may also be a shape other than a rectangle.

[0077] like Figure 1As shown in FIG. 1 , the connection flow path portion 99 is disposed in the first opening portion 67a. The first opening portion 67a is communicated with the first flow path portion 91. Therefore, the connection flow path portion 99 is connected to the first flow path portion 91 by being inserted into the first opening portion 67a.

[0078] The first bus bar 51 is inserted into the second opening 67b. The second opening 67b connects the external space and the space 80A inside the electronic component storage section 6C. By inserting the first bus bar 51 into the second opening 67b, the lower end 51c of the first bus bar 51 is arranged in the space 80A inside the electronic component storage section 6C.

[0079] The first cover member 69 is in the shape of a plate extending along a plane perpendicular to the axial direction Y. The first cover member 69 is fixed to the end of the first side wall portion 63b on the other axial side (-Y). The first cover member 69 covers the space 80A surrounded by the first side wall portion 63b from the other axial side (-Y). In addition, the first cover member 69 covers the second bus bar 81 and the capacitor 82 arranged in the space 80A from the other axial side (-Y). That is, the second bus bar 81 and the capacitor 82 are exposed to the outside of the space 80A on the other axial side (-Y) by removing the first cover member 69. The installation of the second bus bar 81 and the capacitor 82 to the third component 63 and the connection of the first bus bar 51 and the second bus bar 81 are performed in a state where the first cover member 69 is removed.

[0080] The first housing 6 has a motor housing portion 6A, a transmission mechanism housing portion 6B, and an electronic component housing portion 6C. The motor housing portion 6A, the transmission mechanism housing portion 6B, and the electronic component housing portion 6C are composed of each part of a first component 61, a second component 62, and a third component 63. The transmission mechanism housing portion 6B is arranged on one axial side (+Y) of the motor housing portion 6A. The electronic component housing portion 6C is arranged on the other axial side (-Y) of the motor housing portion 6A.

[0081] The motor housing portion 6A houses the motor 2. The motor housing portion 6A has a motor surrounding portion 61e. The motor housing portion 6A is provided with a third flow path portion 93.

[0082] The transmission mechanism storage section 6B stores the transmission mechanism 4. The transmission mechanism storage section 6B includes a concave portion 61b of the first member 61 and a second member 62 covering the opening of the concave portion 61b. Oil O is stored inside the transmission mechanism storage section 6B. The oil O lubricates the transmission mechanism 4 in the transmission mechanism storage section 6B.

[0083] The electronic component storage section 6C stores a plurality of electronic components 82 and 83 and bus bars 81 and 89 of the first control section 80. The electronic component storage section 6C includes an electronic component surrounding portion 61f of the first member 61 and a third member 63.

[0084] The internal space of the electronic component storage section 6C has a first space 80A and a second space 80B that are divided from each other. A second partition wall portion 63a is provided between the first space 80A and the second space 80B. That is, the first space 80A and the second space 80B are divided by the second partition wall portion 63a. The first space 80A and the second space 80B are arranged in the axial direction Y.

[0085] A portion of the first bus bar 51, the second bus bar 81, and the capacitor 82 are stored in the first space 80A. The capacitor 82 is located at a lower position than the first bus bar 51 and the second bus bar 81. It is arranged at a position biased to the lower side in the first space 80A. A power module 83 and a third bus bar 89 are stored in the second space 80B. The power module 83 is located at a lower position than the third bus bar 89. The second space 80B is connected to the internal space of the motor storage section 6A. As described above, the third bus bar 89 has a connection portion 89a connected to the lead wire 31a extending from the motor 2. Therefore, the connection portion 89a between the motor 2 and the first control section 80 is stored in the second space 80B. The opening window portion 61h is connected to the second space 80B. In the electronic component storage section 6C, the opening window portion 61h is open on the upper side.

[0086] In the present embodiment, the opening window portion 61h is located radially outside the connecting portion 89a. According to the first shell 6 of the present embodiment, the connecting portion 89a can be exposed radially outward from the opening window portion 61h to the external space. An operator, a device, etc. (hereinafter referred to as an operator, etc.) can insert a tool, etc. from the opening window portion 61h to connect the lead wire 31a to the connecting portion 89a. According to the present embodiment, an assembly method can be adopted in which the motor 2 is connected to the first control unit 80 after the motor 2 and the first control unit 80 are accommodated inside the first shell 6. By adopting such an assembly process, the process of assembling the motor 2 to the first component 61 and the process of assembling the first control unit 80 to the third component 63 can be performed simultaneously and in parallel, so that the assembly process can be made efficient.

[0087] In addition, in the present embodiment, the opening window portion 61h is provided in the electronic component surrounding portion 61f of the first housing 6. However, when the connection portion 89a between the motor 2 and the first control unit 80 is arranged radially inward of the motor surrounding portion 61e, the opening window portion 61h may be provided in the motor housing portion 6A. That is, the opening window portion 61h only needs to be provided in the electronic component housing portion 6C or the motor housing portion 6A.

[0088] In the present embodiment, the opening window portion 61h and the second shell 71 are located on one side (+Z) of the up-down direction Z relative to the motor 2. As described above, the second axis J2 is arranged on the other side of the first direction X perpendicular to the up-down direction Z relative to the first axis J1. In addition, the output shaft 47 extends along the second axis J2. According to the present embodiment, the output shaft 47 is arranged at a position of the opening window portion 61h that is different from the opening direction. Therefore, when the operator or the like enters the interior of the first shell 6 from the opening window portion 61h, the operation is not easily hindered by the output shaft 47. In addition, in the present embodiment, the opening window portion 61h and the second shell 71 are located on the upper side relative to the motor 2, but they may also be located on the lower side relative to the motor 2.

[0089] Next, according to Figure 1 The configuration of the interior of the first housing 6 is described. As described above, the opening window portion 61h is located on the upper side relative to the motor 2. The connection portion 89a is exposed to the outside through the opening window portion 61h. Therefore, it is preferred that the connection portion 89a is arranged on the upper side of the first axis J1 inside the first housing 6. In addition, as described above, the second housing 71 is located on one side (+Z) in the up-down direction Z relative to the motor 2. Therefore, it is preferred that the first bus bar 51 extending from the second housing 71 is connected to the first control unit 80 at a position above the first axis J1 inside the first housing 6. That is, it is preferred that the connection portion 89a between the first control unit 80 and the motor 2 and the connection portion 81a between the first control unit 80 and the second control unit 70 are both located at a position above the first axis J1. In addition, a plurality of electronic components 82 and 83 that connect the connection portions 89a and 81a to each other are arranged in the internal space of the first control unit 80. According to the present embodiment, the internal space of the electronic component storage section 6C is divided into a first space 80A and a second space 80B arranged along the axial direction Y. A connection portion 81a connected to the second control section 70 and a capacitor 82 are stored in the first space 80A. A connection portion 89a connected to the motor 2 and a power module 83 are stored in the second space 80B. In addition, an opening window portion 61h is opened in the second space 80B. According to the present embodiment, a connection portion 81a between the first control section 80 and the second control section 70 is arranged in the first space 80A, and a connection portion 89a between the first control section 80 and the motor 2 is arranged in the second space 80B. That is, by arranging the components of the first control section 80 separately in two spaces, the internal space of the electronic component storage section 6C can be effectively used.

[0090] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the electronic component (power module 83) arranged in the first space 80A and the electronic component (capacitor 82) arranged in the second space 80B are connected through the relay terminal 88 located at the lower side of the first axis J1. The relay terminal 88 is located at a position lower than the capacitor 82 and the power module 83. According to the present embodiment, the connection path of each component can be formed from the upper side to the lower side in the second space 80B, and the connection path of each component can be formed from the lower side to the upper side in the first space 80A. That is, the current flowing from the second control unit 70 flows from the upper side to the lower side in the first space 80A, flows from the lower side to the upper side in the second space 80B, and flows to the motor 2 via the connection portion 89a located at the upper end of the second space 80B. According to the present embodiment, it is easy to effectively arrange each component in the first space 80A and the second space 80B, and the miniaturization of the electronic component storage section 6C can be achieved. In addition, according to the present embodiment, the connection path of each component can be simplified.

[0091] In the present embodiment, the electronic component storage section 6C has a second partition wall section 63a that divides the first space 80A and the second space 80B. In addition, the first flow path section 91 is provided in the second partition wall section 63a. According to the present embodiment, the second partition wall section 63a is cooled by the first flow path section 91, and a plurality of electronic components 82 and 83 arranged in the first space 80A and the second space 80B can be cooled simultaneously. In particular, according to the present embodiment, a plurality of electronic components 82 and 83 are fixed to the surface of the first partition wall section 61c facing one side in the axial direction and the surface facing the other side in the axial direction. Therefore, the first flow path section 91 can effectively cool a plurality of electronic components 82 and 83.

[0092] like Figure 3 As shown, a plurality of first fixing portions 66 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the first housing 6. A threaded hole 66f opened on the upper side is provided in each of the plurality of first fixing portions 66. A fixing screw 7 is screwed into the threaded hole 66f. Seven first fixing portions 66 are provided in the first housing 6 of the present embodiment. Three of the seven first fixing portions 66 are provided in the transmission mechanism storage portion 6B, and four are provided in the electronic component storage portion 6C. The second control portion 70 is fixed to the plurality of first fixing portions 66. In addition, the number and arrangement of the first fixing portions 66 are not limited to the present embodiment.

[0093] <Second housing>

[0094] like Figure 1 As shown, the second case 71 houses a part of the first bus bar 51 , the power conversion unit 72 , the current distribution unit 73 , and the heating device 74 . That is, the second case 71 houses the plurality of electronic components 72 , 73 of the second control unit 70 .

[0095] like Figure 3As shown in FIG. 1 , the second housing 71 includes a box-shaped member 75 and a second cover member 71s. The box-shaped member 75 is in a box shape with an opening at the top. The box-shaped member 75 includes a bottom wall portion 75a, a second side wall portion 75b, and a plurality of second fixing portions 75c.

[0096] The bottom wall 75a is in a plate shape extending along a plane (XY plane) perpendicular to the vertical direction Z. The bottom wall 75a extends along a plane perpendicular to the radial direction. When viewed from above, the bottom wall 75a is in a rectangular shape with the axial direction Y as the longitudinal direction.

[0097] like Figure 1 As shown, the bottom wall portion 75a is provided with an upper surface 75e, a lower surface 75f, a through hole 75d, a second flow path portion 92, and a connection hole 92a. The power conversion portion 72, the current distribution portion 73, and the heating device 74 are fixed to the upper surface 75e of the bottom wall portion 75a. The through hole 75d penetrates the bottom wall portion 75a in the up-down direction Z. The first bus bar 51 is arranged in the through hole 75d. In addition, at least one of the power conversion portion 72, the current distribution portion 73, and the heating device 74 may be fixed to the second cover member 71s.

[0098] The second flow path portion 92 extends along a plane (XY plane) perpendicular to the up-down direction Z. The second flow path portion 92 is, for example, a hole formed in the bottom wall portion 75a by machining. One end of the second flow path portion 92 is connected to the connection hole 92a.

[0099] The connection hole 92a extends downward from the second flow path portion 92 and opens to the lower surface 75f. In the present embodiment, a tubular connection flow path portion 99 is connected and fixed to the connection hole 92a.

[0100] The lower surface 75f of the bottom wall portion 75a is a surface facing radially inward. The lower surface 75f is opposed to the opening window portion 61h of the first housing 6 in the up-down direction Z. The lower surface 75f covers the opening window portion 61h when the second housing 71 is fixed to the first housing 6. In addition, the first bus bar 51 and the connecting flow path portion 99 protrude downward from the lower surface 75f.

[0101] According to the present embodiment, the opening window portion 61h of the first housing 6 is covered by the second housing 71. According to the present embodiment, it is not necessary to cover the opening window portion 61h with a cover prepared separately, and the number of components of the drive device 1 can be reduced. In addition, the opening window portion 61h can also be covered with a cover prepared separately. In this case, by further covering the opening window portion 61h with the second housing 71, the cover can be protected by the second housing 71 and the cover can be prevented from being separated from the opening window portion 61h.

[0102] The second side wall portion 75b protrudes upward from the outer edge of the bottom wall portion 75a. The second side wall portion 75b surrounds the internal space of the second housing 71 in the horizontal direction.

[0103] A plurality of second fixing portions 75c are provided on the outer side surface of the second side wall portion 75b. A plurality of second fixing portions 75c protrude outward from the outer side surface of the second side wall portion 75b. A fixing hole 75h is provided in the second fixing portion 75c. The fixing hole 75h penetrates the second fixing portion 75c in the up-down direction Z. A fixing screw 7 is inserted into the fixing hole 75h.

[0104] In the second shell 71 of the present embodiment, seven second fixing portions 75c are provided. Three second fixing portions 75c are provided on the outer side surface of the second side wall portion 75b facing one axial side (+Y). Two second fixing portions 75c are provided on the outer side surface of the second side wall portion 75b facing the other axial side (-Y). One second fixing portion 75c is provided on the outer side surface of the second side wall portion 75b facing one side (+X) in the first direction. The remaining one second fixing portion 75c is provided on the outer side surface of the second side wall portion 75b facing the other side (-X) in the first direction. In addition, the number and arrangement of the second fixing portions 75 are not limited to the present embodiment.

[0105] According to the present embodiment, the second housing 71 is fixed to the first housing 6 by screwing the plurality of second fixing portions 75c to the first fixing portion 66 using the fixing screws 7. That is, the second control unit 70 of the present embodiment is fixed to the first control unit 80 from the upper side. In addition, the second housing 71 and the first housing 6 may also be fixed by other fixing methods such as adhesives.

[0106] In this embodiment, the second housing 71 is fastened to the first housing 6 by fixing screws 7 extending in the vertical direction Z. Therefore, the fastening direction of the second housing 71 to the first housing 6 is the vertical direction Z. The direction in which the connecting member 8 of this embodiment extends is the vertical direction Z.

[0107] The second cover member 71s has a plate shape extending along a plane (XY plane) perpendicular to the up-down direction Z. The second cover member 71s is fixed to the upper end of the second side wall portion 75b of the box-shaped member 75. The second cover member 71s covers the space surrounded by the second side wall portion 75b from above.

[0108] The second cover member 71s can suppress the intrusion of dust and moisture into the interior of the second housing 71. Thus, the electronic components 72 and 73 arranged inside the second housing 8 can be protected.

[0109] In the present embodiment, a sealing material (not shown) is arranged between the second cover member 71s and the opening of the box-shaped member 75. More specifically, a sealing material is arranged between the lower surface of the second cover member 71s and the upper end of the second side wall portion 75b. The sealing material seals between the second cover member 71s and the box-shaped member 75 to prevent moisture from entering the second housing 71. As the sealing material, for example, an O-ring, an adhesive, etc. are used.

[0110] <Bus bar No. 1>

[0111] The first bus bar 51 connects the first control unit 80 and the second control unit 70. The first bus bar 51 is held by a bus bar holder 51g. The drive device 1 of this embodiment is provided with two first bus bars 51 corresponding to the positive electrode and the negative electrode. However, the number of first bus bars is not limited to this embodiment.

[0112] The first bus bar 51 includes a first extending portion 51a extending in the vertical direction Z and a second extending portion 51b extending in the axial direction Y. The shape of the first bus bar 51 in this embodiment is an example, and the shape of the first bus bar 51 is not limited to this embodiment.

[0113] like Figure 1 As shown, the first extension portion 51a passes through the through hole 75d of the second case 71 and the second opening 67b of the first case 6 and extends in the up-down direction Z. In addition, the first extension portion 51a extends in the radial direction of the first axis J1.

[0114] The lower end portion 51c of the first extension portion 51a is connected to the connection portion 81a of the second bus bar 81 in the first space 80A of the electronic component storage portion 6C. Thus, the first bus bar 51 is connected to the first control unit 80.

[0115] The second extension portion 51b extends from the upper end of the first extension portion 51a to one axial side (+Y). The second extension portion 51b is located inside the second housing 71. The second extension portion 51b is connected to the power conversion portion 72 of the second control portion 70 at the end on one axial side (+Y). Thus, the first bus bar 51 is connected to the second control portion 70.

[0116] The bus bar holder 51g extends along the vertical direction Z together with the first extension portion 51a. The bus bar holder 51g is preferably a rectangular prism-shaped or cylindrical resin member extending in the axial direction Y. The lower end portion 51c of the first extension portion 51a protrudes downward from the lower end surface of the bus bar holder 51g.

[0117] The first extension portion 51a and the bus bar holder 51g are inserted into the through hole 75d of the second case 71. The bus bar holder 51g is fixed to the bottom wall portion 75a. The bus bar holder 51g and the inner peripheral surface constituting the through hole 75d are sealed by a sealing material.

[0118] The first extension portion 51a and the bus bar holder 51g protrude downward from the lower surface 75f of the second case 71. That is, the first bus bar 51 extends radially from the lower surface 75f toward the first case 6 together with the bus bar holder 51g.

[0119] The first extension portion 51a and the bus bar holder 51g are inserted into the second opening 67b provided in the first case 6. The bus bar holder 51g and the inner peripheral surface constituting the second opening 67b are sealed by, for example, a sealing material.

[0120] The bus bar holder 51g of the present embodiment is formed by insert molding in which a part of the plurality of first bus bars 51 is embedded. However, the bus bar holder 51g may not be a component formed by insert molding as long as it can hold the first bus bar 51. In addition, the material constituting the bus bar holder 51g is not limited to a resin component as long as it can insulate the first bus bar 51 from the second housing 71 and the first housing 6. In addition, the first bus bar 51 may not be held by the bus bar holder 51g but may directly protrude from the lower surface 75f of the second housing 71.

[0121] <Flow path>

[0122] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram showing the water channel structure of the driving device 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0123] like Figure 4 As shown, a flow path 90 for fluid flow is provided in the drive device 1. The fluid is, for example, water or antifreeze. The flow path 90 has a second flow path portion 92, a connecting flow path portion 99, a first flow path portion 91, a fourth flow path portion 94, and a third flow path portion 93. In the present embodiment, the fluid flows in the flow path 90 in the order of the second flow path portion 92, the connecting flow path portion 99, the first flow path portion 91, the fourth flow path portion 94, and the third flow path portion 93.

[0124] A pipe 90a is connected to the flow path 90. The pipe 90a connects the upstream end of the second flow path portion 92 and the downstream end of the third flow path portion 93. A radiator 90R for cooling the fluid and a pump 90P for pressurizing the fluid are arranged in the path of the pipe 90a.

[0125] like Figure 1As shown, the second flow path portion 92 is provided in the second housing 71 of the second control unit 70. That is, the second control unit 70 includes the second flow path portion 92. The second flow path portion 92 cools the bottom wall portion 75a. Thus, the second flow path portion 92 cools the power conversion portion 72 and the current distribution portion 73 fixed to the upper surface 75e of the bottom wall portion 75a. The downstream end of the second flow path portion 92 is connected to the connecting flow path portion 99.

[0126] The connecting flow path portion 99 connects the first flow path portion 91 and the second flow path portion 92. The connecting flow path portion 99 of the present embodiment is a tubular member, and is a member different from the first housing 6 and the second housing 71. In addition, the connecting flow path portion 99 may also be a part of a member constituting the first housing 6. In addition, the connecting flow path portion 99 may also be a part of a member constituting the second housing 71.

[0127] As described above, the upper end of the connecting flow path portion 99 is inserted into the connecting hole 92a of the second housing 71 and fixed to the second housing 71. Thus, the connecting flow path portion 99 protrudes downward from the lower surface 75f of the second housing 71. That is, the connecting flow path portion 99 extends radially from the lower surface 75f toward the first housing 6.

[0128] The connecting flow path 99 is inserted into the first opening 67a provided in the first housing 6. The connecting flow path 99 and the inner peripheral surface constituting the first opening 67a are sealed by a sealing material. The lower end of the connecting flow path 99 is connected to the first flow path 91 inside the first opening 67a.

[0129] The first flow path portion 91 is provided in the electronic component storage portion 6C. The first flow path portion 91 cools the second partition wall portion 63a. Thus, the first flow path portion 91 cools the capacitor 82 and the power module 83 fixed to the second partition wall portion 63a. The downstream end of the first flow path portion 91 is connected to the fourth flow path portion 94. The fourth flow path portion 94 extends along the axial direction Y and connects the first flow path portion 91 and the third flow path portion 93.

[0130] The third flow path portion 93 is provided in the motor housing portion 6A. The third flow path portion 93 is arranged between the cylindrical portion 61a and the water jacket 64. A spiral protrusion portion 64a is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the water jacket 64. The protrusion portion 64a protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the water jacket 64. The protrusion portion 64a divides the gap between the cylindrical portion 61a and the water jacket 64 in a spiral shape. Thus, the third flow path portion 93 extends in a spiral shape along the circumferential direction. The fluid flowing in the third flow path portion 93 cools the stator 30 via the water jacket 64. In addition, in the present embodiment, the case where the third flow path portion 93 extends in a spiral shape is described. However, the third flow path portion 93 only needs to surround the stator 30 and is not limited to the present embodiment. For example, the third flow path portion 93 may also be a flow path that meanders along the axial direction Y or the circumferential direction.

[0131] like Figure 4 As shown, in the present embodiment, the second flow path portion 92 is provided in the second housing 71, the first flow path portion 91 is provided in the electronic component storage portion 6C, and the third flow path portion 93 is provided in the motor storage portion 6A. The third flow path portion 93 is connected to the first flow path portion 91. Furthermore, the first flow path portion 91 and the second flow path portion 92 are connected to each other via a connecting flow path portion 99. According to the present embodiment, the third flow path portion 93, the first flow path portion 91, and the second flow path portion 92 for cooling the motor 2, the electronic components 82, 83 of the first control portion 80, and the electronic components 72, 73 of the second control portion 70, respectively, can be constituted by a circulation path for the same fluid to flow. Thus, the flow path 90 of the drive device 1 can be simplified.

[0132] In the flow path 90 of the present embodiment, the first flow path portion 91 and the second flow path portion 92 are connected by the connecting flow path portion 99, and the third flow path portion 93 for cooling the motor 2 is not interposed between the two flow paths. Therefore, the first flow path portion 91 and the second flow path portion 92 can cool the electronic components 72, 73, 82, 83 using the fluid with a relatively low temperature before cooling the motor 2. Therefore, the electronic components 72, 73, 82, 83 with a relatively large heat generation can be cooled using the low-temperature fluid, and the temperature rise of the electronic components 72, 73, 82, 83 can be easily suppressed.

[0133] In the present embodiment, the fourth flow path portion 94 is provided in the first housing 6. The fourth flow path portion 94 is connected from the first flow path portion 91 to the motor housing portion 6A. The fourth flow path portion 94 connects the first flow path portion 91 and the third flow path portion 93. According to the present embodiment, the fourth flow path portion 94 can connect the flow paths to each other inside the first housing 6. Thus, the first housing 6 can be prevented from being enlarged. In addition, the fourth flow path portion can also be formed by a hose or the like provided outside the first housing 6.

[0134] <Connecting member (first bus bar and connecting flow path portion)>

[0135] like Figure 3 As shown in the figure, the first bus bar 51 and the connecting flow path portion 99 are the connecting member 8 that connects the first control unit 80 and the second control unit 70. That is, the drive device 1 of the present embodiment has a plurality of connecting members 8. In addition, the first housing 6 of the present embodiment is provided with a first opening 67a and a second opening 67b, each of which is inserted with the connecting member 8. In the following description, the first opening 67a and the second opening 67b are sometimes collectively referred to as the connecting opening 68.

[0136] According to the present embodiment, the first control unit 80 is located on the other axial side (-Y) of the motor 2, and the second control unit 70 is located on the radially outer side of the motor 2. Furthermore, the connecting member 8 extends radially from the radially inner surface (lower surface 75f) of the second housing 71 of the second control unit 70 toward the first housing 6 of the first control unit 80. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the connecting member 8 from protruding from the outer shape of the drive device 1 when viewed from the top and bottom directions, and it is possible to achieve miniaturization of the drive device 1. In addition, according to the present embodiment, the connecting member 8 can be shortened.

[0137] In the present embodiment, the case where the connecting member 8 (the first bus bar 51 or the connecting flow path portion 99) extends linearly from the lower surface 75f in the radial direction is described. However, as long as the connecting member 8 extends radially from the lower surface 75f toward the first housing 6, it may have a portion bent in the middle. As an example, the connecting member 8 may extend linearly from the lower surface 75f toward the lower side, bend at the lower end portion and connect to the horizontal surface of the first housing 6. Even in this case, it is possible to suppress the protrusion of the connecting member 8 from the outer shape of the drive device 1 when viewed from the up-down direction Z.

[0138] In addition, in the present embodiment, the plurality of connection members 8 (the first bus bar 51 and the connection flow path portion 99) all have the above-mentioned structure. That is, according to the present embodiment, both the first bus bar 51 and the connection flow path portion 99 extend radially from the radially inner surface (lower surface 75f) of the second housing toward the first housing 6. Therefore, it is possible to suppress both the first bus bar 51 and the connection flow path portion 99 from protruding from the outer shape of the drive device 1, and to achieve miniaturization of the drive device 1.

[0139] In addition, as long as at least one of the plurality of connecting members 8 has such a structure, the connecting member 8 can be prevented from protruding from the outer shape of the drive device 1, and the drive device 1 can be miniaturized. That is, as long as at least one of the first bus bar 51 and the connecting flow path portion 99 extends radially from the radially inner surface (lower surface 75f) of the second housing 71 toward the first housing 6, it is possible to prevent the connecting member 8 from protruding from the outer shape of the drive device 1, and the drive device 1 can be miniaturized.

[0140] The first housing 6 of this embodiment is provided with a connection opening 68 that opens radially outward. Therefore, by bringing the second housing 71 radially closer to the first housing 6, the connection member 8 can be easily inserted into the connection opening 68. According to this embodiment, the assembly process of the drive device 1 can be simplified.

[0141] In particular, in the present embodiment, a plurality of connection components 8 (the first bus bar 51 and the connection flow path portion 99) and a plurality of connection opening portions 68 extend parallel to each other. More specifically, the first bus bar 51 and the connection flow path portion 99 both extend parallel to the up-down direction Z. In addition, the first opening portion 67a and the second opening portion 67b extend parallel to the up-down direction Z. According to the present embodiment, by moving the second housing 71 downward relative to the first housing 6, a plurality of connection components 8 can be simultaneously inserted into different connection opening portions 68. Therefore, the assembly process of the drive device 1 can be further simplified.

[0142] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the fastening direction of the second housing 71 relative to the first housing 6 is the same as the direction in which the connecting member 8 extends. According to the present embodiment, when the second housing 71 is brought close to and fastened to the first housing 6 in the up-down direction Z, the connecting member 8 can be simultaneously inserted into the connecting opening 68. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the assembly process of the drive device 1 can be further simplified.

[0143] In the present embodiment, a plurality of connection members 8 (the first bus bar 51 and the connection flow path portion 99) are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the first axis J1 (the first direction X in the present embodiment). According to the present embodiment, compared with a case where a plurality of connection members 8 are arranged in the axial direction Y, the electronic component storage portion 6C can be miniaturized in the axial direction Y. That is, according to the present embodiment, the drive device 1 can be prevented from being enlarged in the axial direction Y.

[0144] In the present embodiment, the connecting flow path portion 99 is located on one side (+X) of the first direction relative to the first bus bar 51. In the present embodiment, the differential device 4b of the transmission mechanism 4 is located on the other side (-X) of the first direction relative to the first axis J1. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the connecting flow path portion 99 can be arranged at a position farther away from the differential device 4b than the first bus bar 51. The differential device 4b transmits the largest torque in the transmission mechanism 4. Therefore, the differential device 4b may generate greater vibration than other parts of the transmission mechanism 4. According to the present embodiment, by arranging the connecting flow path portion 99 at a position away from the differential device 4b, it is possible to prevent vibration from being transmitted to the connecting flow path portion 99 and the sealing structure of the connecting flow path portion 99.

[0145] In the present embodiment, the connection flow path portion 99 is described as being located on one side (+X) in the first direction relative to the first bus bar 51 . However, the connection flow path portion 99 may be located on the other side (−X) in the first direction relative to the first bus bar 51 .

[0146] <Sealing structure>

[0147] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram showing the sealing structure of the connection member 8 according to the present embodiment. Figure 5 The connecting member 8 shown is either or both of the first bus bar 51 and the connecting flow path portion 99. That is, Figure 5 The sealing structure shown can be adopted as a sealing structure for either or both of the first bus bar 51 and the connecting flow path portion 99 .

[0148] like Figure 5 As shown, a boss portion 75k protruding downward (-Z) is provided on the lower surface 75f of the second housing 71. When viewed from the top and bottom directions, the boss portion 75k is substantially circular. In addition, the connecting member 8 protrudes downward from the lower surface of the boss portion 75k. A groove 75g extending along the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface of the boss portion 75k is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the boss portion 75k. An O-ring (sealing member) 75m is arranged in the groove 75g.

[0149] The connection opening 68 provided in the first housing 6 is open at the upper side. When viewed from the up-down direction Z, the connection opening 68 of the present embodiment is substantially circular. The diameter of the connection opening 68 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the boss 75k. The boss 75k is inserted into the connection opening 68. The O-ring 75m is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the connection opening 68. The O-ring 75m is compressed between the inner peripheral surface of the connection opening 68 and the bottom surface of the groove 75g. Thus, the O-ring 75m seals the connection opening 68 relative to the outside.

[0150] In the present embodiment, the case where the connection opening 68 provided with the O-ring 75m is provided in the first housing 6 is described. However, the same connection opening 68 may also be provided in the second housing 71. That is, in the present embodiment, it is sufficient that the connection opening 68 (the first opening 67a or the second opening 67b) into which the connection member 8 (the first bus bar 51 or the connection flow path 99) is inserted is provided in at least one of the first housing 6 and the second housing 71, and the O-ring 75m as a sealing member is provided inside the connection opening 68.

[0151] In addition, in the present embodiment, the case where the sealing member provided inside the connection opening 68 is an O-ring 75m is described. However, the sealing member may be other types of sealing members such as a liquid gasket. In addition, in the present embodiment, the case where the O-ring 75m as the sealing member is arranged in the groove 75g of the boss portion 75k that holds the connection member 8 is described. However, the O-ring 75m may also be arranged in the groove 75g provided on the outer peripheral surface of the connection member 8.

[0152] <Variation 1>

[0153] Figure 6Schematic diagram showing a sealing structure of a modification example 1 that can be adopted in the connecting member 8 of the present embodiment. The sealing structure of the present modification example can be adopted as a sealing structure of either or both of the first bus bar 51 and the connecting flow path portion 99. In addition, for the same configuration as the above-mentioned embodiment, the same reference numerals are given and the description thereof is omitted.

[0154] like Figure 6 As shown, the connection opening 168 provided in the first housing 6 opens upward on the upper surface 6f of the first housing 6. In addition, a groove 106g surrounding the connection opening 168 is provided on the upper surface 6f. An O-ring (sealing member) 106m is arranged in the groove 106g.

[0155] The connecting member 8 is inserted into the connecting opening 168. In addition, the upper surface 6f of the first housing 6 and the lower surface 75f of the second housing 71 are in contact with each other. The lower surface 75f of the second housing 71 covers the opening of the groove 106g from the upper side and contacts the O-ring 106m. The O-ring 106m is compressed between the lower surface 75f of the second housing 71 and the bottom surface of the groove 106g. That is, the O-ring 75m is arranged between the opposing surfaces of the first housing 6 and the second housing 71 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction Y, and surrounds the connecting opening 168. Thus, the O-ring 106m seals the connecting opening 168 relative to the outside. In addition, as in the above-mentioned embodiment, other sealing members can be used instead of the O-ring 106m.

[0156] In this modification, the case where the groove 106g for housing the O-ring 106m as a sealing member is provided on the upper surface 6f of the first housing 6 is described. However, the groove 106g may be provided on the lower surface 75f of the second housing 71.

[0157] In this modification, the case where the connection opening 168 is provided in the first housing 6 is described. However, the same connection opening 168 may also be provided in the second housing 71. That is, in this modification, it is sufficient that the connection opening 168 (the first opening 67a or the second opening 67b) into which the connection member 8 (the first bus bar 51 or the connection flow path 99) is inserted is provided in at least one of the first housing 6 and the second housing 71. Furthermore, the sealing member (O-ring 106m) surrounding the connection opening 168 is only required to be sandwiched between the first housing 6 and the second housing 71.

[0158] <Variation 2>

[0159] Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a top view of the drive device 101 of Modification 2. Figure 7, the second housing 71 is indicated by a two-dot chain line. The drive device 101 of this modification is different from the above-described embodiment in that the first housing 106 includes a shaft bracket 163a that supports the output shaft 47.

[0160] The first housing 106 has electronic components 82 and 83 for the first control unit 80 (see Figure 1 ) is supported by the third component 163. In this modification, a shaft bracket 163a is provided on the outer side surface of the third component 163.

[0161] The shaft bracket 163a protrudes from the outer surface of the third component 163 toward the other side (-X) in the first direction. The shaft bracket 163a is in the shape of a plate extending along a plane perpendicular to the axial direction Y. A retaining hole 163h penetrating along the axial direction Y is provided in the shaft bracket 163a. ​​When viewed from the axial direction Y, the retaining hole 163h is roughly circular with the second axis J2 as the center. A bearing 105 is arranged in the retaining hole 163h. The outer ring of the bearing 105 is embedded in the retaining hole 163h. In addition, the output shaft 47 is inserted into the inner ring of the bearing 105. The shaft bracket 163a supports the output shaft 47 rotatably via the bearing 105.

[0162] <Variation 3>

[0163] Figure 8 2 is a top view of a drive device 201 of Modification 3. The drive device 201 of this modification is different from the above embodiment in that the second housing 271 has a shaft bracket 275a supporting the output shaft 47. In addition, the same reference numerals are used for the same configuration as the above embodiment and the description thereof is omitted.

[0164] Similar to the above-described embodiment, the second housing 271 includes electronic components 72 and 73 for supporting the second control unit 70 (see Figure 1 ) of the box-shaped member 275. In this variation, an axis bracket 275a is provided on the outer side surface of the box-shaped member 275.

[0165] The shaft bracket 275a protrudes from the outer surface of the box-shaped member 275 toward the other side (-X) and the lower side (-Z) in the first direction. As in Modification 2, the shaft bracket 275a is in the shape of a plate extending along a plane perpendicular to the axial direction Y. The shaft bracket 275a is provided with a retaining hole 275h penetrating along the axial direction Y. The retaining hole 275h is provided with a bearing 205. The shaft bracket 275a supports the output shaft 47 rotatably via the bearing 205.

[0166] As shown in Modifications 2 and 3, the first housing 6 or the second housing 71 may include shaft brackets 163a and 275a that hold the output shaft 47. According to these modifications, the deflection of the output shaft 47 can be suppressed, and the rotation of the output shaft 47 around the second axis J2 can be stabilized.

[0167] <Variation 4>

[0168] Fig. 9 1 is a schematic diagram showing a water channel structure of a modified example that can be adopted in the drive device 1 of the present embodiment. Compared with the above-mentioned embodiment, the flow channel 190 of the present modified example is mainly different in that it has a plurality of (two) connecting flow channel portions 99, 199. In addition, for the same configuration as the above-mentioned embodiment, the same reference numerals are given and the description thereof is omitted.

[0169] In this modification, one of the two connecting flow path portions 99 and 199 is referred to as the first connecting flow path portion 99, and the other connecting flow path portion is referred to as the second connecting flow path portion 199. The first connecting flow path portion 99 has the same structure as the connecting flow path portion 99 of the above-mentioned embodiment. In addition to the first flow path portion 91, the second flow path portion 92, the third flow path portion 93, the fourth flow path portion 94, and the first connecting flow path portion 99, which are the same as those of the above-mentioned embodiment, the flow path 190 of this modification further has the second connecting flow path portion 199.

[0170] The second connecting flow path portion 199 of this modification extends radially from the lower surface of the second housing 71 toward the first housing 6 together with the first connecting flow path portion 99. The second connecting flow path portion 199 is connected to the motor housing portion 6A of the first housing 6. The second connecting flow path portion 199 connects the second flow path portion 92 provided in the second housing 71 and the third flow path portion 93 provided in the first housing 6.

[0171] In the flow path 190 of this modification, the flow direction of the fluid in each flow path portion is different from that in the above embodiment. In this modification, the fluid flows in the flow path 190 in the order of the first flow path portion 91, the first connecting flow path portion 99, the second flow path portion 92, the second connecting flow path portion 199, the third flow path portion 93, and the fourth flow path portion 94. In addition, a pipe 90a is connected to the flow path 190. The pipe 90a connects one end of the first flow path portion 91 and one end of the fourth flow path portion 94.

[0172] In this modification, a radiator 90R for cooling the fluid and a pump 90P for pressurizing the fluid are arranged on the path of the piping 90a. In this modification, the fluid cooled by the radiator 90R first flows into the interior of the first flow path portion 91 provided in the electronic component storage portion 6C. The electronic component storage portion 6C is provided with a first control portion 80 (a plurality of electronic components 82, 83) which is more likely to generate heat than the second control portion 70, so the first control portion 80 (a plurality of electronic components 82, 83) can be cooled more effectively by the first flow path portion 91. In particular, the first control portion of this embodiment has a power module 83 which generates the most heat in the drive device 1. According to this modification, the power module 83 can be cooled by the fluid having the lowest temperature after being cooled by the radiator 90R, so that the temperature of the power module 83 can be reliably suppressed from becoming too high.

[0173] According to this modification, the first flow path portion 91 is provided in the electronic component storage portion 6C. In addition, the third flow path portion 93 connected to the second flow path portion 92 is provided in the motor storage portion 6A. According to this modification, the fluid flowing in the second flow path portion 92 can be supplied to the third flow path portion 93 to cool the motor 2. In addition, in this modification, the drive device 1 is provided with a second connecting flow path portion 199 connected from the second flow path portion 92 to the motor storage portion 6A. The second connecting flow path portion 199 relays the second flow path portion 92 and the third flow path portion 93. The second connecting flow path portion 199 of this modification extends radially from the lower surface of the second housing 71 toward the first housing 6. Therefore, when viewed from the top and bottom direction, the second connecting flow path portion 199 does not protrude from the outer shape of the drive device 1, and the enlargement of the drive device 1 can be suppressed.

[0174] The various embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described above, but the various structures and their combinations in the various embodiments and modifications are examples, and addition, omission, substitution and other changes of the structures can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention. In addition, the present invention is not limited by the embodiments.

[0175] In addition, the present technology can adopt the following structures.

[0176] (1) A drive device, comprising: a motor having a rotor rotatable about a first axis; a transmission mechanism located on one side of the motor in the axial direction and transmitting the rotation of the rotor; a first control unit located on the other side of the motor in the axial direction; a second control unit located radially outside the motor; a bus bar connecting the first control unit and the second control unit; and a connecting flow path unit, wherein the first control unit has: a plurality of electronic components constituting an inverter; a first housing that accommodates the plurality of electronic components; and a first flow path unit disposed in the first housing, wherein the second control unit has: a power conversion unit; a current distribution unit; a second housing that accommodates the power conversion unit and the current distribution unit; and a second flow path unit disposed in the second housing, wherein the connecting flow path unit connects the first flow path unit and the second flow path unit, and at least one of the bus bar and the connecting flow path unit extends radially from a radially inner surface of the second housing toward the first housing.

[0177] (2) The drive device according to (1), wherein both the bus bar and the connecting flow path portion extend in the radial direction from a surface of the second case facing the radial inner side toward the first case.

[0178] (3) The driving device according to (2), wherein the bus bar and the connecting flow path portion are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the first axis.

[0179] (4) A drive device according to (2) or (3), wherein the transmission mechanism has a differential device capable of rotating around a second axis parallel to the first axis, a side on which the first axis is arranged relative to the second axis is set as a side in a first direction, and the connecting flow path portion is located on one side in the first direction relative to the bus bar.

[0180] (5) A drive device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein a connection opening portion for inserting the bus bar or the connection flow path portion is provided in at least one of the first shell and the second shell, and a sealing component is provided inside the connection opening portion.

[0181] (6) A drive device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein a connecting opening portion for inserting the bus bar or the connecting flow path portion is provided in at least one of the first shell and the second shell, and a sealing component surrounding the connecting opening portion is provided between the opposing surfaces of the first shell and the second shell in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0182] (7) A drive device according to (1), wherein the first shell has: an electronic component storage portion that stores the plurality of electronic components; a motor storage portion that stores the motor; and an opening window portion that is provided in the electronic component storage portion or the motor storage portion, and the opening window portion is covered by the second shell.

[0183] (8) A drive device according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the transmission mechanism has a differential device that can rotate around a second axis parallel to the first axis, the direction in which the first axis and the second axis are arranged is set as a first direction, and the direction perpendicular to both the axial direction and the first direction is set as a second direction, and the first shell has an opening window portion provided in the electronic component storage portion or the motor storage portion, and the opening window portion and the second shell are located on one side of the second direction relative to the motor.

[0184] (9) A drive device according to (8), wherein the plurality of electronic components include a capacitor and a power module, and the internal space of the electronic component storage portion includes a first space and a second space which are divided from each other and arranged in the axial direction, wherein a portion of the bus bar and the capacitor are stored in the first space, and the power module and a connection portion between the motor and the first control portion are stored in the second space, and the opening window portion is connected to the second space so that the connection portion is exposed to the outside.

[0185] (10) The driving device according to (9), wherein the electronic component storage section has a partition wall section that partitions the first space and the second space, and the first flow path section is provided in the partition wall section.

[0186] (11) A driving device according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the first shell has: an electronic component storage portion that stores the plurality of electronic components; and a motor storage portion that stores the motor, the first flow path portion being provided in the electronic component storage portion, and the third flow path portion connected to the second flow path portion being provided in the motor storage portion.

[0187] (12) The driving device according to (11), wherein the first housing is provided with a fourth flow path portion connected from the first flow path portion to the motor housing portion.

[0188] (13) A drive device according to any one of (1) to (12), wherein the transmission mechanism has an output shaft that can rotate around a second axis parallel to the first axis, and the first housing or the second housing has a shaft bracket that holds the output shaft.

[0189] Description of symbols

[0190] 1, 101, 201: drive device; 2: motor; 4: transmission mechanism; 4b: differential device; 6, 106: first housing; 75m, 106m: O-ring (sealing component); 6A: motor storage portion; 6C: electronic component storage portion; 8: connecting component; 20: rotor; 21: shaft; 47: output shaft; 51: first bus bar (bus bar); 61h: opening window portion; 67a: first opening portion (connecting opening portion); 67b: second opening portion (connecting opening portion); 68, 168: connecting opening portion; 70: second control portion; 71, 271: second housing; 72: power conversion portion (electric sub-component); 73: current distribution unit (electronic component); 80: first control unit; 80A: first space; 80B: second space; 81a, 89a: connection part; 82: capacitor (electronic component); 83: power module (electronic component); 90, 190: flow path; 91: first flow path part; 92: second flow path part; 93: third flow path part; 94: fourth flow path part; 99: connection flow path part (first connection flow path part); 199: connection flow path part (second connection flow path part); 163a, 275a: shaft bracket; J1: first axis line; J2: second axis line; X: first direction; Y: axial direction.

Claims

1. A driving device, comprising: A motor having a rotor rotatable about a first axis; A transmission mechanism, located on one side of the axial direction of the motor, transmitting the rotation of the rotor; a first control unit located on the other side of the axial direction of the motor; a second control unit located radially outside the motor; a bus bar connecting the first control unit and the second control unit; and Connect the flow path, The first control unit includes: A plurality of electronic components, the plurality of electronic components forming an inverter; a first housing that accommodates the plurality of electronic components; and a first flow path portion, which is provided in the first housing, The second control unit includes: Power Conversion Division; Current distribution unit; a second housing that accommodates the power conversion unit and the current distribution unit; as well as a second flow path portion, which is provided in the second housing, The connecting flow path portion connects the first flow path portion and the second flow path portion, At least one of the bus bar and the connecting flow path portion extends in the radial direction from a surface of the second case facing the radial inner side toward the first case.

2. The driving device according to claim 1, wherein: Both the bus bar and the connecting flow path portion extend in the radial direction from a surface of the second case that faces the radial inner side toward the first case.

3. The driving device according to claim 2, wherein: The bus bar and the connecting flow path portion are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the first axis.

4. The driving device according to claim 2, wherein: The transmission mechanism includes a differential device rotatable around a second axis parallel to the first axis. The side where the first axis is arranged relative to the second axis is defined as one side in the first direction. The connecting flow path portion is located on one side in the first direction with respect to the bus bar.

5. The driving device according to claim 1, wherein: A connection opening portion into which the bus bar or the connection flow path portion is inserted is provided in at least one of the first housing and the second housing. A sealing member is provided inside the connection opening.

6. The driving device according to claim 1, wherein: A connection opening portion into which the bus bar or the connection flow path portion is inserted is provided in at least one of the first housing and the second housing. A sealing member surrounding the connection opening is provided between opposing surfaces of the first housing and the second housing in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

7. The driving device according to claim 1, wherein: The first housing has: an electronic component storage portion for storing the plurality of electronic components; a motor storage portion for storing the motor; as well as an opening window portion, which is provided in the electronic component storage portion or the motor storage portion, The opening window is covered by the second housing.

8. The driving device according to claim 1, wherein: The transmission mechanism includes a differential device rotatable around a second axis parallel to the first axis. The first housing has: an electronic component storage portion for storing the plurality of electronic components; a motor storage portion for storing the motor; as well as an opening window portion, which is provided in the electronic component storage portion or the motor storage portion, The direction in which the first axis and the second axis are arranged is set as a first direction, A direction perpendicular to both the axial direction and the first direction is defined as a second direction, The opening window and the second housing are located on one side in the second direction with respect to the motor.

9. The driving device according to claim 8, wherein: The plurality of electronic components include capacitors and power modules, The internal space of the electronic component storage portion includes a first space and a second space which are divided from each other and arranged in the axial direction. A portion of the bus bar and the capacitor are accommodated in the first space. The power module and a connection portion between the motor and the first control portion are accommodated in the second space. The opening window communicates with the second space so that the connection portion is exposed to the outside.

10. The driving device according to claim 9, wherein: The electronic component storage section includes a partition wall section that divides the first space and the second space. The first flow path portion is provided in the partition wall portion.

11. The driving device according to claim 1, wherein: The first housing has: an electronic component storage section that stores the plurality of electronic components; and a motor storage portion for storing the motor, The electronic component storage portion is provided with the first flow path portion, The motor housing portion is provided with a third flow path portion connected to the second flow path portion.

12. The driving device according to claim 11, wherein: The first housing is provided with a fourth flow path portion connected from the first flow path portion to the motor housing portion.

13. The driving device according to claim 1, wherein: The transmission mechanism has an output shaft rotatable about a second axis parallel to the first axis. The first housing or the second housing has a shaft bracket that holds the output shaft.

Images