Control device and drive device

Abstract

The invention provides a control device and a drive device. A drive device according to one embodiment is a control device that controls a motor. The drive device includes: a power module; a first electronic component having any function of voltage regulation, current distribution, or capacitor; and a housing that houses the power module and the first electronic component. The housing is provided with a flow path. The flow path has an intervening flow path portion located between the power module and the first electronic component in the first direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device and a drive device. Background Art

[0002] In a control device for controlling a motor, a plurality of electronic components are provided as heat generating elements. A flow path for cooling the electronic components is provided in the control device (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013-031330

[0004] The heat generation amounts of the plurality of electronic components are different from each other. Therefore, in the control device, if the electronic components are simply arranged along the flow path, not only does the control device become large-sized, but also the cooling efficiency for each electronic component cannot be sufficiently improved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, one object of the present invention is to provide a control device and a drive device that can suppress the increase in size while efficiently cooling electronic components.

[0006] A drive device according to one aspect of the present invention is a control device for controlling a motor. The drive device includes: a power module; a first electronic component having any one of functions of voltage adjustment, current distribution, or capacitance; and a housing that houses the power module and the first electronic component. A flow path is provided on the housing. The flow path has an intervening flow path portion located between the power module and the first electronic component in a first direction.

[0007] A drive device according to one aspect of the present invention includes: the above-described control device; the motor; and a motor housing that houses the motor. The housing and the motor housing are interconnected.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, one object is to provide a control device and a drive device that can suppress the increase in size while efficiently cooling electronic components. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the drive device according to the embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the drive device according to the embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the drive device according to Modification 1.

[0012] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the drive device according to Modification 2.

[0013] Figure 5It is a cross-sectional schematic view of the drive device of Modification 3.

[0014] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional schematic view of the drive device of Modification 4.

[0015] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional schematic view of the drive device of Modification 5.

[0016] Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional schematic view of the drive device of Modification 6.

[0017] Reference Numeral Explanation

[0018] 1, 101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601: Drive device; 2: Motor; 6A: Motor housing; 6C: Electronic component housing (housing); 7, 107, 207, 307, 407, 507, 607: Control device; 11: Power module; 12: Power integration system (first electronic component); 13: Current distribution section (second electronic component); 14: Capacitor (second electronic component); 15, 115: Heating device; 15a, 115a: Heater section; 15b, 115b: Heater control section (control section); 61h: First opening; 61A: First storage section; 64, 464, 664: Second storage section; 64h, 664h: Second opening; 65: Third cover member (cover section); 90, 190, 290, 390, 690: Flow path; 90A, 190A, 390A, 690A: Intervening flow path section; 91, 191, 391: First flow path section; 92, 192, 392: Second flow path section; 94: Fourth flow path section; 293: Third flow path section; 669: Flow path component (wall section); D1: First direction; D2: Second direction. Detailed Embodiment

[0019] Hereinafter, the drive device of the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the direction of gravity is defined based on the positional relationship when the drive device is mounted on a vehicle located on a horizontal road surface. In addition, the XYZ coordinate system is appropriately shown in each figure. 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 on which the drive device is mounted. The X-axis is the front-rear direction of the vehicle on which the drive device is mounted.

[0020] In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the direction parallel to the first axis J1 of the motor 2 (Y-axis direction) is simply referred to as "axial direction Y", the radial direction centered on the first axis J1 is simply referred to as "radial direction", and the circumferential direction centered on the first axis J1, that is, the direction around the first axis J1 is simply referred to as "circumferential direction".

[0021] In addition, in the following description, the respective parts of the control device 7 and the drive device 1 are described using a first direction D1 and a second direction D2 that are perpendicular to each other. In this specification, the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are directions perpendicular to the axial direction Y. In addition, in this specification, the first direction D1 is a direction parallel to the up-down direction (i.e., the Z-axis), and the second direction D2 is a direction parallel to the front-rear direction of the vehicle (i.e., the X-axis). The second direction D2 only needs to be a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1. When the first direction D1 is a direction parallel to the up-down direction Z, the first direction D1 may also be parallel to the axial direction Y.

[0022] In the following description, one side of the first direction D1 refers to the direction (+D1) toward which the arrow of the first direction D1 in the figure points, and the other side of the first direction D1 refers to the direction opposite to the direction toward which the arrow of the first direction D1 in the figure points (-D1). Similarly, one side of the second direction D2 refers to the direction (+D2) toward which the arrow of the second direction D2 in the figure points, and the other side of the second direction D2 refers to the direction opposite to the direction toward which the arrow of the second direction D2 in the figure points (-D2).

[0023] <Drive Device>

[0024] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the drive device 1 of the present embodiment. The drive device 1 of the present embodiment is mounted on a vehicle using a motor 2 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 their power source.

[0025] The drive device 1 includes a motor 2, a transmission mechanism 3, and a control device 7. In addition, as described later, the motor 2 has a motor housing 6A, the transmission mechanism 3 has a gear housing 6B, and the control device 7 has an electronic component housing (housing) 6C. The motor housing 6A, the gear housing 6B, and the electronic component housing 6C are connected to each other to form a housing connection body 6. That is, the housing connection body 6 houses the motor 2, the transmission mechanism 3, and the control device 7.

[0026] The housing connection body 6 is formed by combining a plurality of components. The housing connection body 6 includes a housing main body 61, a first cover member 63, a second cover member 62, a second storage portion 64, and a third cover member (cover portion) 65. A part of the housing main body 61 and the first cover member 63 form the motor housing 6A. A part of the housing main body 61 and the second cover member 62 form the gear housing 6B. A part of the housing main body 61, the third cover member 65, and the second storage portion 64 form the electronic component housing 6C.

[0027] <Motor>

[0028] Figure 2It is a cross-sectional schematic view of the drive device 1 of the present embodiment.

[0029] The motor 2 of the present embodiment is, for example, an inner rotor type three-phase AC motor. The motor 2 has both the function of outputting power as a motor and the function of generating electricity as a generator. The motor 2 can also be used as either an engine or a generator. In addition, the structure of the motor 2 is not limited to the present embodiment, and for example, it can also be an AC motor with four or more phases.

[0030] The motor 2 has a rotor 20, a stator 25, and a motor housing 6A. The rotor 20 can rotate about a first axis J1. The rotor 20 is rotatably supported by the motor housing 6A via a bearing (not shown). The stator 25 is located radially outside the rotor 20 and surrounds the rotor 20 from the radial outside. The stator 25 is fixed to the inner side surface of the motor housing 6A.

[0031] The motor housing 6A houses the rotor 20 and the stator 25. The motor housing 6A has: a cylindrical portion 6d that is cylindrical with the first axis J1 as the center; and a first cover member 63 that covers the opening on the other side (-Y) in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 6d. The cylindrical portion 6d surrounds the stator 25 from the radial outside. The cylindrical portion 6d is a part of the housing main body 61. The first cover member 63 is fastened to the cylindrical portion 6d.

[0032] <Transmission mechanism>

[0033] As Figure 1 shown, the transmission mechanism 3 is located on one side (+Y) in the axial direction of the motor 2. The transmission mechanism 3 is connected to the rotor 20. The transmission mechanism 3 has a plurality of gears (not shown) that transmit the power of the rotor 20, a plurality of shafts, a differential device, a gear housing 6B that houses them, and an output shaft 55 that outputs the power of the rotor 20. The differential device transmits the same torque to a pair of output shafts 55 while absorbing the speed difference between the left and right wheels when the vehicle turns. The output shaft 55 can rotate about a second axis J3 parallel to the first axis J1. Wheels (not shown) are respectively provided on the pair of output shafts 55. In the present embodiment, the output shaft 55 is located on the other side (-D2) in the second direction with respect to the first axis J1.

[0034] <Control device>

[0035] The control device 7 controls the motor 2. The control device 7 has at least the function of an inverter. That is, the control device 7 is connected to the battery and converts the DC current supplied from the battery into an AC current. In addition, the control device 7 is connected to the stator 25 and supplies an AC current to the stator 25. The control device 7 is located above the motor 2 and at a position on the other side (-Y) in the axial direction with respect to the transmission mechanism 3.

[0036] As Figure 2As shown, the control device 7 of the present embodiment includes a power module 11, a power integration system (first electronic component) 12, a current distribution unit (second electronic component) 13, a capacitor (second electronic component) 14, a heating device 15, and an electronic component housing 6C. In addition, the electronic components provided in the control device 7 are not limited to the above. In addition, the control device 7 may also include electronic components other than the above-mentioned electronic components.

[0037] The power module 11 includes, for example, a switching element, a circuit board on which the switching element is mounted, and a heat sink in contact with the switching element. The switching element is constituted by, for example, an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT: Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor). In addition, the switching element may be a field effect transistor such as a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET; Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor).

[0038] The power integration system 12 has a function of voltage regulation. The power integration system 12 of the present embodiment includes, for example, an on-board charger (OBC; On Board Charger) 12a and a DC / DC converter 12b. The on-board charger 12a is a system for converting an AC voltage supplied via a plug into a DC voltage and charging a battery. The DC / DC converter 12b is a part for converting the voltage supplied from the battery and charging other batteries at a low voltage. In addition, the power integration system 12 only needs to include at least one of the DC / DC converter 12b or the on-board charger 12a. In addition, the DC / DC converter 12b may also boost the voltage supplied from the battery and supply it to other electronic components, etc.

[0039] The current distribution unit 13 is a power distribution unit (PDU: Power Distribution Unit) having a function of current distribution. The current distribution unit 13 is a part for distributing the current supplied from the battery to various electrical installations in the vehicle including the power module 11.

[0040] The capacitor 14 is, for example, a thin film capacitor. The capacitor 14 is connected between a battery (not shown) and the power module 11. The capacitor 14 is provided to smooth the DC current supplied to the power module 11.

[0041] The heating device 15 has a heater section 15a and a heater control section (control section) 15b. A pipeline P is connected to the heater section 15a. The pipeline P is a circulation path for a fluid such as water supply, refrigerant, or air to circulate. An external device that is the heating object of the heater section 15a is connected in the path of the pipeline P. An external device that is the heating object of the heating device 15 is, for example, a battery. The heating device 15 heats the fluid in the pipeline P in the heater section 15a and heats the battery via this fluid. The heater control section 15b is connected to a temperature sensor (not shown) that measures the temperature of the battery. The heater control section 15b controls the heater section 15a based on the temperature of the battery detected by the temperature sensor. In addition, the heating device 15 can also be used as a heater in a heating equipment.

[0042] The electronic component housing 6C houses the power module 11, the power integration system 12, the current distribution section 13, the capacitor 14, and the heater control section 15b. The electronic component housing 6C has a first housing section 61A, a second housing section 64, and a third cover member 65.

[0043] In the present embodiment, the first housing section 61A is a part of the housing main body 61. Therefore, the first housing section 61A and the cylindrical section 6d are parts of one component. In addition, the first housing section 61A is located above the cylindrical section 6d and is connected to the cylindrical section 6d. That is, the first housing section 61A is connected to the motor housing 6A. The first housing section 61A has a first opening 61h that opens on one side (+D1) in the first direction.

[0044] The first housing section 61A has a first bottom wall section 61b, a first side wall section 61c, and a first flange section 61f. The first bottom wall section 61b extends along a plane perpendicular to the first direction D1. The first bottom wall section 61b is integrally connected to the cylindrical section 6d. That is, a part of the first bottom wall section 61b also functions as a part of the cylindrical section 6d. The first bottom wall section 61b has an outer side surface 61g facing the other side (-D1) in the first direction and a first inner side surface 61k facing the one side (+D1) in the first direction. The first side wall section 61c extends from the outer edge of the first bottom wall section 61b to the one side (+D1) in the first direction D1.

[0045] The first flange section 61f is provided at the upper end of the first side wall section 61c. The first flange section 61f protrudes in a direction away from the first opening 61h along a plane perpendicular to the first direction D1. The second housing section 64 is fastened to the first flange section 61f.

[0046] The second housing section 64 is located above the first housing section 61A. The second housing section 64 is connected to the one side (+D1) in the first direction of the first housing section 61A. The second housing section 64 has a second opening 64h that opens on the one side (+D1) in the first direction.

[0047] The second storage portion 64 has a second bottom wall portion (bottom wall portion, wall portion) 64b, a second side wall portion 64c, a second flange portion 64d, and a third flange portion 64f. The second bottom wall portion 64b extends along a plane perpendicular to the first direction D1. The second bottom wall portion 64b covers the first opening 61h of the first storage portion 61A. The second bottom wall portion 64b divides the internal space of the first storage portion 61A and the internal space of the second storage portion 64. The second bottom wall portion 64b has a second inner side surface 64k facing the other side (-D1) of the first direction and a third inner side surface 64s facing one side (+D1) of the first direction. The second side wall portion 64c extends from the outer edge of the second bottom wall portion 64b toward one side (+D1) of the first direction D1.

[0048] The second flange portion 64d is disposed in the same plane as the second bottom wall portion 64b. The second flange portion 64d is provided at the lower end portion of the second side wall portion 64c. The second flange portion 64d extends from the outer edge of the second bottom wall portion 64b in a direction away from the outside of the second bottom wall portion 64b. When viewed from the first direction D1, the second flange portion 64d is located outside the region surrounded by the second side wall portion 64c. The second flange portion 64d is opposed to the first flange portion 61f in the first direction. The second flange portion 64d is fastened to the first flange portion 61f. A sealing member may be interposed between the first flange portion 61f and the second flange portion 64d.

[0049] The third flange portion 64f is provided at the upper end portion of the second side wall portion 64c. The third flange portion 64f projects in a direction away from the second opening 64h along a plane perpendicular to the first direction D1. A third cover member 65 is fastened to the third flange portion 64f.

[0050] The third cover member 65 is in the shape of a plate extending along a plane perpendicular to the first direction D1. The third cover member 65 has a fourth inner side surface 65s facing the other side (-D1) of the first direction. The third cover member 65 is connected to the second storage portion 64. The third cover member 65 is fastened to the third flange portion 64f using a fastening tool such as a screw. Thereby, the third cover member 65 covers the second opening 64h. A sealing member may be interposed between the third flange portion 64f and the third cover member 65.

[0051] The first storage portion 61A stores the power module 11, the capacitor 14, and the heater control portion 15b. The internal space of the first storage portion 61A is surrounded by the first bottom wall portion 61b, the second bottom wall portion 64b, and the first side wall portion 61c. The first inner side surface 61k of the first bottom wall portion 61b and the second inner side surface 64k of the second bottom wall portion 64b face each other in the first direction D1. In the present embodiment, the power module 11, the capacitor 14, and the heater control portion 15b are fixed to the second inner side surface 64k. In addition, the heater portion 15a is fixed to the outer side surface 61g of the first storage portion 61A.

[0052] The second storage portion 64 stores the power integration system 12 and the current distribution portion 13. The internal space of the second storage portion 64 is surrounded by the second bottom wall portion 64b and the second side wall portion 64c. The third inner side surface 64s of the second bottom wall portion 64b and the fourth inner side surface 65s of the third lid member 65 face each other in the first direction D1. In the present embodiment, the power integration system 12 and the current distribution portion 13 are fixed to the third inner side surface 64s.

[0053] A flow path 90 is provided in the housing connector 6. The flow path 90 is a path through which a fluid flows. A part of the flow path 90 is constituted by a hole portion provided in the housing connector 6. In addition, another part of the flow path 90 is constituted by the inner side surface of a recess provided in the housing connector 6 and a member covering the recess. In the present specification, the flow path 90 does not necessarily represent a single circulation path and may include a plurality of circulation paths. When the flow path 90 has a plurality of circulation paths, the fluids flowing in the respective circulation paths may be the same type of fluid or different types of fluid. The fluid flowing in the flow path 90 is, for example, water, oil, or an ethylene glycol aqueous solution.

[0054] The flow path 90 of the present embodiment has an intervening flow path portion 90A, a connecting flow path portion 95, and a fourth flow path portion 94. In addition, the intervening flow path portion 90A has a first flow path portion 91 and a second flow path portion 92. That is, the flow path 90 has the first flow path portion 91, the second flow path portion 92, the connecting flow path portion 95, and the fourth flow path portion 94. The first flow path portion 91, the second flow path portion 92, and the connecting flow path portion 95 are provided in the electronic component housing 6C. The fourth flow path portion 94 is provided in the motor housing 6A.

[0055] The intervening flow path portion 90A is a region in the flow path 90 that is disposed between the power module 11 and the power integration system 12. That is, in the present embodiment, the first flow path portion 91 and the second flow path portion 92 are disposed between the power module 11 and the power integration system 12.

[0056] According to the present embodiment, the flow path 90 has an intervening flow path portion 90A that is located between the power module 11 and the power integration system 12 in the first direction D1. Therefore, the power module 11 and the power integration system 12 can be cooled simultaneously in the intervening flow path portion 90A. In particular, the intervening flow path portion 90A of the present embodiment is provided on the second bottom wall portion 64b to which the power module 11 and the power integration system 12 are fixed. In addition, other electronic components (current distribution portion 13, capacitor 14, and heater control portion 15b) are fixed to the second bottom wall portion 64b. The fluid flowing in the intervening flow path portion 90A cools the second bottom wall portion 64b, thereby indirectly cooling other electronic components (current distribution portion 13, capacitor 14, and heater control portion 15b).

[0057] In the present embodiment, the electronic component housing 6C has a second bottom wall portion 64b that is located between the power module 11 and the power integration system 12 in the first direction D1. In addition, the intervening flow path portion 90A is provided on the second bottom wall portion 64b. According to the present embodiment, the electronic component housing 6C has the second bottom wall portion 64b provided with the intervening flow path portion 90A. Thus, compared with the case where other components provided with the intervening flow path are arranged inside the electronic component housing 6C, miniaturization of the electronic component housing 6C can be achieved.

[0058] In the present embodiment, the first flow path portion 91, the second flow path portion 92, the connecting flow path portion 95, and the fourth flow path portion 94 form a circulation path. Therefore, the same fluid flows in the first flow path portion 91, the second flow path portion 92, the connecting flow path portion 95, and the fourth flow path portion 94 of the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the fluid flows through each portion of the flow path 90 in the order of the second flow path portion 92, the first flow path portion 91, the connecting flow path portion 95, and the fourth flow path portion 94. In addition, the downstream end of the fourth flow path portion 94 and the upstream end of the second flow path portion 92 are connected to each other via a flow path portion (not shown). A pump for pumping the fluid, a radiator for cooling the fluid, etc. may be provided in this flow path portion.

[0059] The first flow path portion 91 and the second flow path portion 92 are provided on the second bottom wall portion 64b. That is, the first flow path portion 91 and the second flow path portion 92 are provided in the second storage portion 64. The first flow path portion 91 and the second flow path portion 92 of the present embodiment extend along the axial direction Y. However, the first flow path portion 91 and the second flow path portion 92 only need to extend along a plane perpendicular to the first direction D1, and can extend in any direction.

[0060] The first flow path portion 91 and the second flow path portion 92 of the present embodiment are arranged and disposed in the first direction D1. In addition, the first flow path portion 91 is located on the other side (-D1) in the first direction with respect to the second flow path portion 92. In the present embodiment, the first flow path portion 91 and the second flow path portion 92 extend along the axial direction Y and are connected to each other at the ends in the axial direction Y. In addition, the first flow path portion 91 and the second flow path portion 92 may extend along the second direction D2, and in this case, the first flow path portion 91 and the second flow path portion 92 may also be connected to each other at the ends in the second direction D2. In addition, when the first flow path portion 91 and the second flow path portion 92 are parts of independent circulation flow paths, different fluids may flow in the first flow path portion 91 and the second flow path portion 92, respectively.

[0061] The first flow path portion 91 has an opening portion 91a that opens to the second inner side surface 64k of the second bottom wall portion 64b. The opening portion 91a opens on the other side (-D1) in the first direction. The power module 11 has a radiator that covers the opening portion 91a. The radiator is in contact with the fluid flowing in the first flow path portion 91. The radiator preferably has a plurality of fins or pins disposed inside the first flow path portion 91. The fluid flowing in the first flow path portion 91 is cooled from the power module 11 by contacting the radiator. That is, the first flow path portion 91 cools the power module 11. In addition, the structure for cooling the power module 11 using the fluid flowing in the first flow path portion 91 is not limited to the present embodiment.

[0062] As described above, the end of the first flow path portion 91 on the side opposite to the end connected to the second flow path portion 92 opens to the surface of the second flange portion 64d facing the other side (-D1) in the first direction. The first flow path portion 91 is connected to the connecting flow path portion 95 at the end that opens in the second flange portion 64d.

[0063] The second flow path portion 92 has an opening portion 92a that opens to the third inner side surface 64s of the second bottom wall portion 64b. The opening portion 92a opens on one side (+D1) in the first direction. The opening portion 92a is covered by the power integration system 12. The fluid flowing in the second flow path portion 92 contacts the power integration system 12 and cools the power integration system 12. That is, the second flow path portion 92 cools the power integration system 12. In addition, in the present embodiment, the power integration system 12 has a heating element and a housing portion that houses the heating element. The fluid flowing in the second flow path portion 92 contacts the housing portion of the power integration system 12 and cools the element via the housing portion.

[0064] In the control device 7 of the present embodiment, the power module 11 generates more heat than other electronic components. The second flow path portion 92 is disposed on the upstream side of the first flow path portion 91. According to the present embodiment, the fluid cooled by a radiator (not shown) cools the power integration system 12 with a relatively small heat generation amount in the second flow path portion 92 and then cools the power module 11 with a relatively large heat generation amount in the first flow path portion 91. According to the present embodiment, in the first flow path portion 91 and the second flow path portion 92, a fluid at an appropriate temperature can flow according to the heat generation amounts of the power integration system 12 and the power module 11 to be cooled, so that each electronic component can be effectively cooled as a whole in the flow path 90. In addition, the fluid cooled by a radiator (not shown) may cool the power module 11 with a relatively large heat generation amount in the first flow path portion 91 and then cool the power integration system 12 with a relatively small heat generation amount in the second flow path portion 92. Thereby, the power module 11 with a large heat generation amount can be cooled more effectively.

[0065] In the present embodiment, the intervening flow path portion 90A has a first flow path portion 91 and a second flow path portion 92. In the present embodiment, the fluid flowing in the first flow path portion 91 cools the power module 11 and cools the second bottom wall portion 64b, thereby cooling the power integration system 12 fixed to the second bottom wall portion 64b. Similarly, in the present embodiment, the fluid flowing in the second flow path portion 92 cools the power integration system 12 and cools the second bottom wall portion 64b, thereby cooling the power module 11 fixed to the second bottom wall portion 64b. That is, according to the flow path 90 of the present embodiment, the power module 11 and the power integration system 12 can be effectively cooled by the first flow path portion 91 and the second flow path portion 92.

[0066] In the present embodiment, the power module 11, the first flow path portion 91, the second flow path portion 92, and the power integration system 12 are arranged so as to overlap when viewed from the first direction D1. Therefore, the control device 7 can be prevented from being enlarged in the direction perpendicular to the first direction D1. In addition, according to the present embodiment, the first flow path portion 91 is disposed between the second flow path portion 92 that mainly cools the power integration system 12 and the power module 11. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the fluid flowing in the second flow path portion 92 from excessively absorbing heat from the power module 11 and causing insufficient cooling of the power integration system 12. Similarly, according to the present embodiment, the second flow path portion 92 is disposed between the first flow path portion 91 that mainly cools the power module 11 and the power integration system 12. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the fluid flowing in the first flow path portion 91 from excessively absorbing heat from the power integration system 12 and causing insufficient cooling of the power module 11.

[0067] The connection flow path portion 95 is provided in the first side wall portion 61c. That is, the connection flow path portion 95 is provided in the first storage portion 61A. The connection flow path portion 95 is constituted by a hole portion provided in the wall inside of the first side wall portion 61c. The connection flow path portion 95 extends along the first direction D1. One end portion of the connection flow path portion 95 on the +D1 side in the first direction opens on the surface of the first flange portion 61f on the +D1 side in the first direction. By fastening the first flange portion 61f and the second flange portion 64d, the connection flow path portion 95 is connected to the first flow path portion 91. That is, one end portion of the connection flow path portion 95 is connected to the first flow path portion 91. In addition, the other end portion of the connection flow path portion 95 on the -D1 side in the first direction extends to the cylindrical portion 6d and is connected to the fourth flow path portion 94.

[0068] The fourth flow path portion 94 is provided in the cylindrical portion 6d. That is, the fourth flow path portion 94 is provided in the motor housing 6A. The fourth flow path portion 94 of the present embodiment extends in a spiral shape along the axial direction Y with the first axis J1 as the center. The fluid flowing in the fourth flow path portion 94 cools the motor 2. That is, the fourth flow path portion 94 cools the motor 2.

[0069] As described above, a part of the cylindrical portion 6d also functions as the first bottom wall portion 61b of the first storage portion 61A. Therefore, a part of the fourth flow path portion 94 is also provided in the first bottom wall portion 61b. Thereby, the fourth flow path portion 94 cools the internal space of the first storage portion 61A.

[0070] The fourth flow path portion 94 only needs to cool the motor 2 and is not limited to the present embodiment. The motor 2 may also extend in a meandering manner along the axial direction or the circumferential direction inside the wall of the cylindrical portion 6d. In addition, the fourth flow path portion 94 may also cool the motor 2 by directly applying fluid to the motor 2. In this case, the fourth flow path portion 94 may also be a structure in which ejection holes for ejecting fluid toward the motor 2 are provided on the inner wall of the motor housing 6A, a pipe or groove-shaped member disposed in the internal space of the motor housing 6A and having ejection holes for ejecting fluid toward the motor 2, etc.

[0071] In the present embodiment, the fourth flow path portion 94 is connected to the first flow path portion 91 via the connection flow path portion 95. Therefore, the fourth flow path portion 94 of the present embodiment constitutes the same circulation path as the first flow path portion 91. According to the present embodiment, compared with the case where the fourth flow path portion 94 constitutes a circulation path different from the first flow path portion 91 and the second flow path portion 92, the flow path 90 can be simplified and the entire driving device 1 can be miniaturized. In addition, the fourth flow path portion 94 may also be connected to the second flow path portion 92. That is, as long as at least one of the first flow path portion 91 and the second flow path portion 92 is connected to the fourth flow path portion 94.

[0072] In the present embodiment, the power module 11 and the power integration system 12 are located on one side (+D1) in the first direction with respect to the motor 2. Further, the power module 11 is located on the other side (-D1) in the first direction with respect to the power integration system 12. The power module 11 is connected to the motor 2 and supplies power to the motor 2. Therefore, when the distance between the power module 11 and the motor 2 increases, the resistance of the connection path (e.g., bus bar) connecting the power module 11 and the motor 2 becomes larger, and the loss during the driving of the drive device 1 becomes larger. According to the present embodiment, the power module 11 can be arranged closer to the motor 2 than the power integration system 12, and thus the resistance of the connection path between the power module 11 and the motor 2 can be reduced, and the loss generated in the drive device 1 can be decreased.

[0073] The power module 11 of the present embodiment is located between the intervening flow path portion 90A and the fourth flow path portion 94 in the first direction D1. According to the present embodiment, not only can the power module 11 be cooled by the intervening flow path portion 90A, but also the power module 11 can be cooled by the fourth flow path portion 94, so that the power module 11 can be effectively cooled. In the present embodiment, a gap is provided between the power module 11 and the cylindrical portion 6d provided with the fourth flow path portion 94. However, a heat sink or the like having a high thermal conductivity may be sandwiched between the power module 11 and the cylindrical portion 6d to promote the transfer of heat from the power module 11 to the fourth flow path portion 94.

[0074] According to the present embodiment, the electronic component housing 6C has two storage portions (the first storage portion 61A and the second storage portion 64), one of which stores the power module 11 and the other stores the power integration system 12. According to the present embodiment, the electronic component housing 6C can arrange the power module 11 and the power integration system 12 in different storage spaces. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the influence of the heat of any one of the power module 11 and the power integration system 12 on the operation of the other. Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the power module 11 is stored in the first storage portion 61A and the power integration system 12 is stored in the second storage portion 64 has been described. However, even if the power integration system 12 is stored in the first storage portion 61A and the power module 11 is stored in the second storage portion 64, the above-described effects can be obtained. That is, the electronic component housing 6C of the present embodiment only needs to have the first storage portion 61A that stores one of the power module 11 or the power integration system 12 and the second storage portion 64 that stores the other of the power module 11 or the power integration system 12.

[0075] In addition, according to the present embodiment, the second storage portion 64 covers the first opening portion 61h of the first storage portion 61A, and the third lid member 65 covers the second opening portion 64h of the second storage portion 64. According to the present embodiment, by connecting the first storage portion 61A, the second storage portion 64, and the third lid member 65 along the first direction D1, an electronic component housing 6C having two storage spaces can be easily formed. Further, according to the present embodiment, the intervention flow path portion 90A is provided in the second bottom wall portion 64b that covers the first opening portion 61h of the first storage portion 61A. Therefore, the intervention flow path portion 90A can be disposed between the internal space of the first storage portion 61A and the internal space of the second storage portion 64 without increasing the number of components, and the power module 11 and the power integration system 12 disposed in each internal space can be cooled.

[0076] According to the present embodiment, the heater control portion 15b, which is a part of the heating device 15, is disposed inside the electronic component housing 6C. Thereby, the heater control portion 15b can be protected by the electronic component housing 6C. Further, by disposing the heater control portion 15b inside the electronic component housing 6C, the heater control portion 15b can be cooled by the flow path 90, and the reliability of the heating device 15 can be improved. In addition, in the present embodiment, the case where only the heater control portion 15b is housed in the electronic component housing 6C has been described. However, the same effect can be obtained even if both the heater portion 15a and the heater control portion 15b are disposed in the electronic component housing 6C.

[0077] In the present embodiment, the heater portion 15a of the heating device 15 is fixed to the outer side surface of the electronic component housing 6C and is not disposed inside the electronic component housing 6C. According to the present embodiment, the heat of the heater portion 15a can be prevented from affecting the electronic components disposed inside the electronic component housing 6C. Further, the heater portion 15a of the heating device 15 may be provided not only on the outer side surface of the electronic component housing 6C but also on the outer side surface of the motor housing 6A or the gear housing 6B.

[0078] In the present embodiment, the case of the cooling power module 11 for the intervention flow path portion 90A and the power integration system 12 having a function of voltage adjustment has been described. However, the intervention flow path portion 90A may cool other electronic components instead of the power integration system 12. Here, the electronic components other than the power module 11 cooled by the intervention flow path portion 90A are referred to as the first electronic components 12. The first electronic components 12 in the present embodiment are the power integration system 12, but may also be the current distribution portion 13 or the capacitor 14. That is, the first electronic components 12 only need to have any one of the functions of voltage adjustment, current distribution, or capacitor. In addition, the intervention flow path portion 90A only needs to be a part of the flow path 90 located between any one of the power integration system 12, the current distribution portion 13, and the capacitor 14 and the power module 11 in the first direction D1.

[0079] In the present embodiment, the capacitor 14 overlaps with the power module 11 in the second direction D2. In addition, the current distribution portion 13 overlaps with the first electronic component 12 in the second direction D2. Here, the electronic components other than the power module 11 and the first electronic component 12 having any one of the functions of voltage adjustment, current distribution, or capacitor are referred to as the second electronic components 13, 14. The second electronic components 13, 14 only need to have any one of the functions of voltage adjustment, current distribution, or capacitor. That is, the second electronic components 13, 14 may be any one of the power integration system 12, the current distribution portion 13, and the capacitor 14. According to the present embodiment, the second electronic components 13, 14 overlap with at least one of the power module 11 and the first electronic component 12 in the second direction D2. According to the present embodiment, the second electronic components 13, 14 are arranged and disposed along the second direction D2 with the power module 11 or the first electronic component 12, thereby being able to suppress the enlargement of the control device 7 in the first direction D1.

[0080] In the present embodiment, the control device 7 has a plurality of second electronic components 13, 14. The plurality of second electronic components 13, 14 overlap with each other in the first direction D1. According to the present embodiment, the plurality of second electronic components 13, 14 are arranged and disposed in the first direction D1 with each other, thereby being able to suppress the enlargement of the control device 7 in the second direction D2.

[0081] In the present embodiment, the power module 11 and the power integration system 12 are preferably arranged in such a manner that the first direction D1 is the thickness direction and they extend along a plane perpendicular to the first direction D1. Additionally, the intervening flow path portion 90A preferably extends along a plane perpendicular to the first direction D1. According to the present embodiment, the power module 11 and the power integration system 12 can be overlapped and arranged within a relatively wide range in the first direction D1 with respect to the intervening flow path portion 90A, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the power module 11 and the power integration system 12. Additionally, for the same reason, regarding the current distribution portion 13 and the capacitor 14, they are also preferably arranged in such a manner that the first direction D1 is the thickness direction and they extend along a plane perpendicular to the first direction D1.

[0082] <Modification Example>

[0083] Hereinafter, modification examples of the drive device will be described. In the description of each modification example described below, for the constituent elements that are the same as those of the already described embodiment or modification example, the same reference numerals are given and their description is omitted.

[0084] In addition, in the following modification examples, as in the above-described embodiment, the case where the power integration system 12 is the first electronic component 12, and the current distribution portion 13 and the capacitor 14 are the second electronic components 13, 14 will be described. However, the first electronic component only needs to have any one of the functions of voltage adjustment, current distribution, or capacitor, and can be any one of the power integration system 12, the current distribution portion 13, or the capacitor 14. Similarly, the second electronic component only needs to be a component having any one of the functions of voltage adjustment, current distribution, or capacitor among the electronic components other than the first electronic component, and can be any one of the power integration system 12, the current distribution portion 13, or the capacitor 14.

[0085] (Modification Example 1)

[0086] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the drive device 101 of Modification Example 1. Similar to the above-described embodiment, the drive device 101 of Modification Example 1 includes a motor 2, a transmission mechanism 3 (omitted in Figure 3 ), and a control device 107. Additionally, the drive device 101 includes a housing connection body 106. The housing connection body 106 includes a motor housing 6A, a gear housing 6B (omitted in Figure 3 ), and an electronic component housing 6C. A flow path 190 is provided in the housing connection body 106. The flow path 190 includes an intervening flow path portion 190A provided in the electronic component housing 6C, a connecting flow path portion 95, and a fourth flow path portion 94 provided in the motor housing 6A.

[0087] The intervening flow path portion 190A is located between the power module 11 and the power integration system 12. The intervening flow path portion 190A has a first flow path portion 191 for cooling the power module 11 and a second flow path portion 192 for cooling the power integration system 12. The first flow path portion 191 and the second flow path portion 192 are provided on the second bottom wall portion 64b. In this modification, the first flow path portion 191 and the second flow path portion 192 are arranged and configured in the second direction D2. According to this modification, compared with the case where the first flow path portion 191 and the second flow path portion 192 are overlapped and configured in the first direction D1, the second bottom wall portion 64b can be made thinner, so that the control device 107 can be miniaturized in the first direction D1.

[0088] In this modification, the heater portion 115a and the heater control portion 115b of the heating device 115 are housed in the first housing portion 61A of the electronic component housing 6C. That is, according to this modification, the entire heating device 115 is arranged in the internal space of the electronic component housing 6C. If a part of the heating device 115 is fixed to the outer side surface of the housing connection body 106, it will protrude from the outer shape of the driving device, and the driving device may be enlarged. According to this modification, by arranging the heating device 115 inside the electronic component housing 6C, miniaturization of the driving device 101 can be achieved.

[0089] (Modification 2)

[0090] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the driving device 201 of Modification 2. Similar to the above-described embodiment, the driving device 201 of Modification 2 has a motor 2, a transmission mechanism 3 (omitted in Figure 4 ), and a control device 207. In addition, the driving device 201 has a housing connection body 206. The housing connection body 206 has a motor housing 6A, a gear housing 6B (omitted in Figure 4 ), and an electronic component housing 206C.

[0091] The electronic component housing 206C of this modification, in addition to having the same first housing portion 61A, second housing portion 64, and third cover member 65 as in the above-described embodiment, further has a flow path member 266. The flow path member 266 is arranged inside the first housing portion 61A. The flow path member 266 is in a plate shape extending along a plane perpendicular to the first direction D1. The flow path member 266 is a so-called water jacket. The surface of the power module 11 facing the other side (-D1) in the first direction is in contact with the flow path member 266. In addition, the surface of the power module 11 facing the first side (+D1) in the first direction is in contact with the second bottom wall portion 64b. Therefore, the power module 11 is sandwiched between the second bottom wall portion 64b and the flow path member 266 in the first direction D1.

[0092] The flow path 290 is provided in the housing connection body 206. In addition to the intervention flow path portion 90A, the connection flow path portion 95, and the fourth flow path portion 94 that are the same as those in the above-described embodiment, the flow path 290 of this modification also has a third flow path portion 293. The intervention flow path portion 90A has a first flow path portion 91 for cooling the power module 11 and a second flow path portion 92 for cooling the power integration system 12. The third flow path portion 293 is provided in the flow path component 266. That is, the third flow path portion 293 is provided in the electronic component housing 206C.

[0093] The third flow path portion 293 extends meanderingly inside the flow path component 266. The fluid cooled by a radiator (not shown) flows in the third flow path portion 293. Thereby, the third flow path portion 293 cools the power module 11. The third flow path portion 293 can be a part of the circulation path formed by other flow path portions (the first flow path portion 91, the second flow path portion 92, the connection flow path portion 95, and the fourth flow path portion 94), or can be a part of an independent other circulation path.

[0094] According to this modification, the power module 11 is located between the intervention flow path portion 90A and the third flow path portion 293 in the first direction D1. That is, the power module 11 is located between the first flow path portion 91 and the third flow path portion 293. Also, the power module 11 is located between the second flow path portion 92 and the third flow path portion 293. According to this modification, the power module 11, which generates the largest amount of heat among the electronic components of the control device 207, can be cooled from both sides in the first direction D1 by the intervention flow path portion 90A and the third flow path portion 293. Thereby, the cooling efficiency of the power module 11 can be improved.

[0095] In this modification, the power module 11 and the power integration system 12 are located on one side (+D1) in the first direction with respect to the motor 2. In addition, the power module 11 is located on the other side (-D1) in the first direction with respect to the power integration system 12. The third flow path portion 293 is located between the power module 11 and the fourth flow path portion 94 in the first direction D1. According to this modification, by blocking the heat of the motor 2 with the fourth flow path portion 94 and the third flow path portion 293, the heat is less likely to be transferred to the power module 11. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the temperature of the power module 11 from becoming too high. In addition, according to this modification, by blocking the heat of the power module 11 with the fourth flow path portion 94 and the third flow path portion 293, the heat is less likely to be transferred to the motor 2. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the temperature of the motor 2 from becoming too high.

[0096] (Modification 3)

[0097] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the drive device 301 of Modification 3. Similar to the above-described embodiment, the drive device 301 of Modification 3 has a motor 2 and a transmission mechanism 3 (in Figure 5(omitted in the text) and the control device 307. In addition, the drive device 301 has a housing connector 306. The housing connector 306 has a motor housing 6A, a gear housing 6B (omitted in the Figure 5 text) and an electronic component housing 6C. The electronic component housing 6C has a first storage portion 61A, a second storage portion 64, and a third cover member 65.

[0098] In this modification, the power integration system 12, the capacitor 14, and the heating device 115 are stored in the first storage portion 61A. On the other hand, the power module 11 and the current distribution portion 13 are stored in the second storage portion 64.

[0099] Similar to the above-described embodiment, a flow path 390 is provided in the housing connector 306. The flow path 390 has an intervening flow path portion 390A provided in the electronic component housing 6C, a connecting flow path portion 95, and a fourth flow path portion 94 provided in the motor housing 6A.

[0100] The intervening flow path portion 390A is provided in the second bottom wall portion 64b. The intervening flow path portion 390A has a first flow path portion 391 and a second flow path portion 392. The first flow path portion 391 and the second flow path portion 392 are arranged and disposed in the first direction D1. In this modification, the first flow path portion 391 is located on one side (+D1) in the first direction with respect to the second flow path portion 392.

[0101] The first flow path portion 391 has an opening portion 391a that opens in the third inner side surface 64s of the second bottom wall portion 64b. The opening portion 391a is covered by the power module 11. The first flow path portion 391 cools the power module 11.

[0102] The second flow path portion 392 has an opening portion 392a that opens in the second inner side surface 64k of the second bottom wall portion 64b. The opening portion 392a is covered by the power integration system 12. The second flow path portion 392 cools the power integration system 12.

[0103] In this modification, the power module 11 and the power integration system 12 are located on one side (+D1) in the first direction with respect to the motor 2. In addition, the power integration system 12 is located on the other side (-D1) in the first direction with respect to the power module 11. According to this modification, the power module 11 can be arranged at a position farther from the motor 2 than the power integration system 12, so that the operation of the power module 11 can be prevented from being affected by the heat of the motor 2. In addition, the operation of the motor 2 can also be prevented from being affected by the heat of the power module 11.

[0104] (Modification 4)

[0105] Figure 6It is a cross-sectional schematic view of the drive device 401 of Modification 4. Similar to the above-described embodiment, the drive device 401 of Modification 4 has a motor 2, a transmission mechanism 3 (omitted in Figure 6 ), and a control device 407. In addition, the drive device 401 has a housing connector 406. The housing connector 406 has a motor housing 6A, a gear housing 6B (omitted in Figure 6 ), and an electronic component housing 406C. A flow path 90 is provided in the housing connector 406. The flow path 90 has an intervening flow path portion 90A.

[0106] The electronic component housing 406C has a first storage portion 61A, a second storage portion 464, and a third cover member 65. A power module 11 and a capacitor 14 are stored in the first storage portion 61A. On the other hand, a power integration system 12, a current distribution portion 13, and a heating device 115 are stored in the second storage portion 464.

[0107] The second storage portion 464 has a second bottom wall portion 464b that covers the first opening portion 61h of the first storage portion 61A. The second bottom wall portion 464b of this modification has a first bottom plate portion 464g, a second bottom plate portion 464h, a third bottom plate portion 464i, a first step portion 464m, and a second step portion 464n.

[0108] The first bottom plate portion 464g, the second bottom plate portion 464h, and the third bottom plate portion 464i are plate-shaped and extend along a plane perpendicular to the first direction D1. The intervening flow path portion 90A is provided in the first bottom plate portion 464g. The second bottom plate portion 464h is on the other side (-D1) of the first direction and the other side (-D2) of the second direction with respect to the first bottom plate portion 464g. The third bottom plate portion 464i is on the one side (+D1) of the first direction and the other side (-D2) of the second direction with respect to the first bottom plate portion 464g and the second bottom plate portion 464h. The first step portion 464m connects the first bottom plate portion 464g and the second bottom plate portion 464h. The second step portion 464n connects the second bottom plate portion 464h and the third bottom plate portion 464i.

[0109] In this modification, the power module 11 is fixed to the surface of the first bottom plate portion 464g facing the other side (-D1) of the first direction. The power integration system 12 is fixed to the surface of the first bottom plate portion 464g facing the one side (+D1) of the first direction. The current distribution portion 13 is fixed to the surface of the second bottom plate portion 464h facing the one side (+D1) of the first direction. The capacitor 14 is fixed to the surface of the third bottom plate portion 464i facing the other side (-D1) of the first direction.

[0110] In this modification example, the second electronic components 13 and 14 (the current distribution unit 13 and the capacitor 14) overlap with the intervening flow path unit 90A in the second direction D2. According to this modification example, the second electronic components 13 and 14 can be fixed to the component provided with the intervening flow path unit 90A and approach the intervening flow path unit 90A in the second direction D2. Thereby, the second electronic components 13 and 14 can be easily cooled by the intervening flow path unit 90A.

[0111] In this modification example, the current distribution unit 13 overlaps with the power module 11 and the power integration system 12 in the second direction D2. In addition, the capacitor 14 overlaps with the power module 11 and the power integration system 12 in the second direction D2. That is, the second electronic components 13 and 14 overlap with at least one of the power module 11 or the first electronic component 12 in the second direction D2. According to this modification example, the second electronic components 13 and 14 are arranged and disposed along the second direction D2 with the power module 11 or the first electronic component 12, thereby suppressing the enlargement of the control device 407 in the first direction D1.

[0112] In this modification example, the control device 407 includes a plurality of second electronic components 13 and 14, and the plurality of second electronic components 13 and 14 overlap with each other in the second direction D2. According to this modification example, the plurality of second electronic components 13 and 14 are arranged and disposed along the second direction D2, thereby suppressing the enlargement of the control device 407 in the first direction D1.

[0113] (Modification Example 5)

[0114] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the drive device 501 of Modification Example 5. Similar to the above-described embodiment, the drive device 501 of Modification Example 5 includes a motor 2, a transmission mechanism 3 (omitted in Figure 7 ), and a control device 507. In addition, the drive device 501 includes a housing connecting body 506. The housing connecting body 506 includes a motor housing 6A, a gear housing 6B (omitted in Figure 7 ), and an electronic component housing 506C. A flow path 90 is provided in the housing connecting body 506. The flow path 90 includes an intervening flow path unit 90A.

[0115] The electronic component housing 506C has a first storage portion 61A, a second storage portion 64, and a third lid member 65 in the same manner as the above-described embodiment. The second storage portion 64 is located on one side (+D1) in the first direction of the first storage portion 61A and covers the first opening 61h of the first storage portion 61A. The third lid member 65 is located on one side (+D1) in the first direction of the second storage portion 64 and covers the second opening 64h of the second storage portion 64. The power module 11 and the capacitor 14 are stored in the first storage portion 61A. On the other hand, the power integration system 12 and the current distribution portion 13 are stored in the second storage portion 64.

[0116] In this modification, the power module 11 is fixed to the second inner side surface 64k of the second bottom plate portion 64b. The power integration system 12 is fixed to the third inner side surface 64s of the second bottom plate portion 64b. The current distribution portion 13 is fixed to the fourth inner side surface 65s of the third lid member 65. The capacitor 14 is fixed to the first inner side surface 61k of the first bottom wall portion 61b.

[0117] In this modification, the second electronic components 13, 14 (current distribution portion 13 and capacitor 14) overlap with the intervening flow path portion 90A in the first direction D1. According to this modification, the second electronic components 13, 14 and the intervening flow path portion 90A can be arranged in the first direction D1, and the drive device 501 can be miniaturized in the second direction D2.

[0118] In this modification, the current distribution portion 13 overlaps with the power module 11 and the power integration system 12 in the first direction D1. In addition, the capacitor 14 overlaps with the power module 11 and the power integration system 12 in the first direction D1. That is, the second electronic components 13, 14 overlap with at least one of the power module 11 or the first electronic component 12 in the first direction D1. According to this modification, the second electronic components 13, 14 and the power module 11 or the first electronic component 12 are arranged along the first direction D1, thereby suppressing the enlargement of the control device 507 in the second direction D2.

[0119] In this modification, the control device 507 has a plurality of second electronic components 13, 14, and the plurality of second electronic components 13, 14 overlap with each other in the first direction D1. According to this modification, the plurality of second electronic components 13, 14 are arranged in the first direction D1, thereby suppressing the enlargement of the control device 507 in the second direction D2.

[0120] (Modification 6)

[0121] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the drive device 601 of Modification 6. Similar to the above-described embodiment, the drive device 601 of Modification 6 has a motor 2 and a transmission mechanism 3 (in Figure 8(omitted in the text) and a control device 607. In addition, the drive device 601 has a housing connector 606. The housing connector 606 has a motor housing 6A, a gear housing 6B (omitted in Figure 8 the text) and an electronic component housing 606C.

[0122] The electronic component housing 606C has a first storage portion 61A, a second storage portion 664, and a flow path component (wall portion) 669. The second storage portion 664 has a second opening 664h that opens on the other side (-D1) in the first direction. The second storage portion 664 has a second bottom wall portion 664b, second side wall portions 664c, and a second flange portion 664d. The second bottom wall portion 664b extends along a plane perpendicular to the first direction D1. The second side wall portions 664c extend from the outer edge of the second bottom wall portion 664b to the other side (-D1) in the first direction. The second flange portion 664d is provided at the lower end portion of the second side wall portions 664c. The second flange portion 664d projects in a direction away from the second opening 664h along a plane perpendicular to the first direction D1.

[0123] The flow path component 669 is in the shape of a plate that extends along a plane perpendicular to the first direction D1. The flow path component 669 is a so-called water jacket. The flow path component 669 is located between the first storage portion 61A and the second storage portion 664 in the first direction D1. The flow path component 669 covers the first opening 61h and the second opening 664h. The flow path component 669 is fastened to the first flange portion 61f and the second flange portion 664d. A sealing member may be interposed between the flow path component 669 and the first flange portion 61f and between the flow path component 669 and the second flange portion 664d. The flow path component 669 divides the internal space of the electronic component housing 606C in the first direction D1.

[0124] The power module 11 and the capacitor 14 are stored in the first storage portion 61A. The power integration system 12, the current distribution portion 13, and the heating device 115 are stored in the second storage portion 664. The power module 11 and the capacitor 14 are fixed to the flow path component 669. On the other hand, the power integration system 12, the current distribution portion 13, and the heating device 115 are fixed to the second bottom wall portion 664b. In addition, the power integration system 12 is in contact with the flow path component 669. In addition, the flow path component 669 is located between the power module 11 and the power integration system 12 in the first direction D1.

[0125] A flow path 690 is provided in the housing connector 606. The flow path 690 of this modification has an intervening flow path portion 690A and a fourth flow path portion 94. The intervening flow path portion 690A is provided in the flow path component 669. That is, the intervening flow path portion 690A is provided in the electronic component housing 606C. The fourth flow path portion 94 is provided in the motor housing 6A. The intervening flow path portion 690A and the fourth flow path portion 94 may be parts of a continuous circulation path or parts of mutually independent circulation paths.

[0126] The intervening flow path portion 690A extends meanderingly inside the flow path component 669. The fluid cooled by a radiator (not shown) flows in the intervening flow path portion 690A. The power module 11 is in contact with the surface on the other side (-D1) in the first direction of the flow path component 669, and the power integration system 12 is in contact with the surface on one side (+D1) in the first direction of the flow path component 669. The intervening flow path portion 690A cools the power module 11 and the power integration system 12. According to this modification, the power module 11 and the power integration system 12 can be effectively cooled using the plate-shaped flow path component 669.

[0127] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described, but each structure in the embodiments and their combinations, etc. are examples, and additions, omissions, replacements, and other changes to the structure can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. In addition, the present invention is not limited by the embodiments.

[0128] In particular, the structure of the control device shown in the above-described embodiments and their modifications is merely an example. The control device only needs to be a device having at least a power module, and may have any other electronic components.

[0129] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the drive device has a transmission mechanism has been described. However, the drive device may only have a motor and a control device and not have a transmission mechanism.

[0130] In addition, the present technology can adopt the following structure.

[0131] (1) A control device that controls a motor, the control device including: a power module; a first electronic component having any one of functions of voltage adjustment, current distribution, or a capacitor; and a housing that houses the power module and the first electronic component, and a flow path is provided on the housing, and the flow path has an intervening flow path portion located between the power module and the first electronic component in a first direction.

[0132] (2) The control device according to (1), wherein the intervening flow path portion includes: a first flow path portion that cools the power module; and a second flow path portion that cools the first electronic component.

[0133] (3) The control device according to (2), wherein the first flow path portion and the second flow path portion are arranged in the first direction.

[0134] (4) The control device according to (2), wherein a direction perpendicular to the first direction is defined as the second direction, and the first flow path portion and the second flow path portion are arranged in the second direction.

[0135] (5) The control device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the flow path further includes a third flow path portion, and in the first direction, the power module is located between the intervening flow path portion and the third flow path portion.

[0136] (6) The control device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the control device has a second electronic component housed in the housing, the second electronic component has any one of the functions of voltage regulation, current distribution, or capacitor, a direction perpendicular to the first direction is defined as the second direction, and the second electronic component overlaps with the intervening flow path portion in the first direction or the second direction.

[0137] (7) The control device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the control device has a second electronic component housed in the housing, the second electronic component has any one of the functions of voltage regulation, current distribution, or capacitor, a direction perpendicular to the first direction is defined as the second direction, and the second electronic component overlaps with at least one of the power module or the first electronic component in the first direction or the second direction.

[0138] (8) The control device according to (6) or (7), wherein the control device has a plurality of the second electronic components.

[0139] (9) The control device according to (8), wherein the plurality of second electronic components overlap each other in the first direction or the second direction.

[0140] (10) The control device according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the housing has a wall portion located between the power module and the first electronic component in the first direction, and the intervening flow path portion is provided on the wall portion.

[0141] (11) The control device according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the control device has a heating device, the heating device has a heater portion and a control portion for controlling the heater portion, and the control portion is housed in the housing.

[0142] (12) A driving device, comprising: the control device according to any one of (1) to (11); the motor; and a motor housing that houses the motor, and the housing is interconnected with the motor housing.

[0143] (13) The driving device according to (12), wherein the power module and the first electronic component are located on one side of the motor in the first direction, and the power module is located on the other side of the first electronic component in the first direction.

[0144] (14) The driving device according to (12), wherein the power module and the first electronic component are located on one side of the motor in the first direction, and the first electronic component is located on the other side of the power module in the first direction.

[0145] (15) The driving device according to any one of (12) to (14), wherein the flow path includes: a first flow path portion that cools the power module; a second flow path portion that cools the first electronic component; and a fourth flow path portion that is provided in the motor housing and cools the motor. The intervening flow path portion has the first flow path portion and the second flow path portion, and in the first direction, the power module is located between the intervening flow path portion and the fourth flow path portion.

[0146] (16) The driving device according to (15), wherein at least one of the first flow path portion and the second flow path portion is connected to the fourth flow path portion.

[0147] (17) The driving device according to (15) or (16), wherein the power module and the first electronic component are located on one side of the motor in the first direction, the power module is located on the other side of the first electronic component in the first direction, and the flow path has a third flow path portion that is located between the power module and the fourth flow path portion in the first direction.

[0148] (18) The driving device according to any one of (12) to (17), the housing has: a first receiving portion that is connected to the motor housing and houses one of the power module or the first electronic component; a second receiving portion that is connected to one side of the first receiving portion in the first direction and houses the other of the power module or the first electronic component; and a cover portion that is connected to the second receiving portion. The first receiving portion has a first opening that opens on one side in the first direction. The second receiving portion has: a bottom wall portion that covers the first opening; and a second opening that opens on one side in the first direction. The cover portion covers the second opening, and the intervening flow path portion is provided in the bottom wall portion.

Claims

1. A control device for controlling a motor, wherein: The control device has: Power module; A first electronic component having any function among voltage regulation, current distribution or capacitor; and a housing that accommodates the power module and the first electronic component, A flow path is provided on the housing. The flow path has an intervening flow path portion located between the power module and the first electronic component in a first direction.

2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein: The intervening flow path portion comprises: a first flow path portion that cools the power module; and The second flow path portion cools the first electronic component.

3. The control device according to claim 2, wherein: The first flow path portion and the second flow path portion are arranged side by side in the first direction.

4. The control device according to claim 2, wherein: A direction perpendicular to the first direction is set as a second direction, The first flow path portion and the second flow path portion are arranged side by side in the second direction.

5. The control device according to claim 1, wherein: The flow path further comprises a third flow path portion, In the first direction, the power module is located between the intervening flow path portion and the third flow path portion.

6. The control device according to claim 1, wherein: The control device has a second electronic component housed in the housing. The second electronic component has any function of voltage regulation, current distribution or capacitor, A direction perpendicular to the first direction is set as a second direction, The second electronic component overlaps the intervening flow path portion in the first direction or the second direction.

7. The control device according to claim 1, wherein: The control device has a second electronic component housed in the housing. The second electronic component has any function of voltage regulation, current distribution or capacitor, A direction perpendicular to the first direction is set as a second direction, The second electronic component overlaps at least one of the power module or the first electronic component in the first direction or the second direction.

8. The control device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: The control device has a plurality of the second electronic components.

9. The control device according to claim 8, wherein: The plurality of second electronic components overlap with each other in the first direction or the second direction.

10. The control device according to claim 1, wherein: The housing has a wall portion located between the power module and the first electronic component in the first direction, The intervening flow path portion is provided on the wall portion.

11. The control device according to claim 1, wherein: The control device includes a heating device including a heater portion and a control portion that controls the heater portion. The control unit is accommodated in the housing.

12. A driving device, comprising: The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 11; the motor; and a motor housing that accommodates the motor, The housing and the motor housing are connected to each other.

13. The driving device according to claim 12, wherein: The power module and the first electronic component are located on one side of the motor in the first direction, The power module is located on the other side of the first direction relative to the first electronic component.

14. The driving device according to claim 12, wherein: The power module and the first electronic component are located on one side of the motor in the first direction, The first electronic component is located on the other side of the first direction relative to the power module.

15. The driving device according to claim 12, wherein: The flow path comprises: a first flow path portion for cooling the power module; a second flow path portion that cools the first electronic component; and a fourth flow path portion, which is provided in the motor housing and cools the motor; The intervening flow path portion includes the first flow path portion and the second flow path portion, In the first direction, the power module is located between the intervening flow path portion and the fourth flow path portion.

16. The driving device according to claim 15, wherein: At least one of the first flow path portion and the second flow path portion and the fourth flow path portion are connected to each other.

17. The driving device according to claim 15, wherein: The power module and the first electronic component are located on one side of the motor in the first direction, The power module is located on the other side of the first direction relative to the first electronic component, The flow path has a third flow path portion located between the power module and the fourth flow path portion in the first direction.

18. The driving device according to claim 12, wherein: The housing has: a first housing portion connected to the motor housing and housing one of the power module and the first electronic component; a second storage portion connected to one side of the first storage portion in the first direction and storing the other of the power module or the first electronic component; as well as a cover portion connected to the second receiving portion, The first storage portion has a first opening portion opened on one side of the first direction, The second storage portion has: a bottom wall portion covering the first opening portion; as well as a second opening portion, which opens on one side of the first direction, The cover covers the second opening. The intervention flow path portion is provided on the bottom wall portion.

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