Rotating body device

Abstract

A rotating body device (100) includes a second gear portion (20); a motor unit (30) that rotates together with the second gear unit and has a larger size in the diameter direction than the second gear unit; and a drive circuit having a power module unit (40) as a circuit for driving and rotating the motor unit (30). At least a portion of the power module portion is disposed between an imaginary plane (T2) passing through the apex of the second gear portion and an imaginary plane (T1) passing through the apex of the motor portion and parallel to the imaginary plane (T2).

Description

Citation of Related Applications

[0001] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-190588 filed on November 29, 2021, and the entire contents of the base application are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a rotating body device. Background Art

[0003] As an example of a rotating body device, there is a motor unit disclosed in Patent Document 1. The motor unit has a motor and an inverter unit provided on the upper surface of the motor. The inverter unit includes a control substrate, a power module having an inverter circuit, and drive circuits such as capacitors. Prior Art Documents Patent Documents

[0004] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2020 / 40278 Summary of the Invention

[0005] In addition, although not prior art, it is conceivable that a rotating body device includes not only drive circuits and a motor but also a structure including a plurality of rotating bodies. In such a rotating body device, depending on the configuration of the power module, there is a possibility of increased height. From the above viewpoints or other viewpoints not mentioned, further improvement of the rotating body device is required.

[0006] One object of the disclosure is to provide a rotating body device with reduced height.

[0007] The rotating body device disclosed herein includes: a rotating body portion; a large rotating body portion that rotates together with the rotating body portion and has a larger physical size in the diameter direction than the rotating body portion; and a drive circuit that rotates at least one of the rotating body portion and the large rotating body portion and has a power module, at least a part of the power module is disposed between a first imaginary plane passing through the apex of the rotating body portion and a second imaginary plane passing through the apex of the large rotating body portion and parallel to the first imaginary plane.

[0008] Thus, in the rotating body device, a capacitor is disposed adjacent to the second rotating body portion and the third rotating body portion. Therefore, the rotating body device can effectively utilize the dead space adjacent to the second rotating body portion and the third rotating body portion. Therefore, the rotating body device can miniaturize its physical size.

[0009] In the multiple aspects disclosed in this specification, different technical means are adopted to achieve various purposes. The claims and the symbols in parentheses recorded in the claims exemplarily indicate the correspondence with parts of the following embodiments, and are not intended to limit the technical scope. Referring to the subsequent detailed description and the drawings, the purposes, features, and effects disclosed in this specification can be made more clear. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a top view showing a schematic structure of a rotating body device. Figure 2 is from Figure 1 side view observed in the direction of arrow II. Figure 3 is a top view showing a schematic structure of the rotating body device with the upper cover removed. Figure 4 is along Figure 3 cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV. Figure 5 is showing from Figure 1 schematic structure inside the housing when observed in the direction of arrow II. Figure 6 is along Figure 3 cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic structure of the rotating body device of Modification 1. Figure 8 is a top view showing a schematic structure of the rotating body device of Modification 2 with the upper cover removed. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic structure of the rotating body device of Modification 3. Figure 10 is a view showing a schematic structure inside the housing of the rotating body device of Modification 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, referring to the drawings, multiple embodiments for implementing the present disclosure will be described. In each aspect, sometimes the same reference numerals are assigned to parts corresponding to those described in the previous embodiments, and repeated descriptions are omitted. When only a part of the structure is described in each embodiment, for the other parts of the structure, reference is made to other previously described embodiments for application. Hereinafter, the Z direction will also be referred to as the height direction.

[0012] In addition, hereinafter, three mutually orthogonal directions are represented as the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction. Further, the plane defined by the X direction and the Y direction is represented as the XY plane, the plane defined by the X direction and the Z direction is represented as the XZ plane, and the plane defined by the Y direction and the Z direction is represented as the YZ plane.

[0013] As Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and the like show, the rotating body device 100 includes a circuit board 1, a first gear portion 10, a second gear portion 20, a motor portion 30, a drive circuit (power module portion 40, capacitor portion 50), a housing 60, and the like. The rotating body device 100 is configured to be installable in a vehicle. The rotating body device 100 is a drive source of the vehicle. The rotating body device 100 drives and controls the motor portion 30 to rotate the wheels via a drive shaft 70.

[0014] The rotating body device 100 is installed, for example, under the footrest floor of the front seat of the vehicle or under the trunk of the vehicle. In addition, the rotating body device 100 may also be installed under the braking mechanism of the vehicle. As will be described later, the rotating body device 100 can achieve a low-profile design. Therefore, the rotating body device 100 is also easily installed in vehicle models where miniaturization is a technical problem.

[0015] <Rotating Mechanism> As the rotating mechanism, the rotating body device 100 has a first gear portion 10, a second gear portion 20, and a motor portion 30. The first gear portion 10 and the second gear portion 20 rotate as the motor portion 30 rotates. In addition, the first gear portion 10, the second gear portion 20, and the motor portion 30 are collectively referred to as the rotating mechanisms 10 to 30.

[0016] The motor portion 30 has a rotor or a stator (winding), etc. The rotor is fixed to the motor shaft 31. The motor shaft 31 is the rotation shaft of the motor portion 30. The stator is electrically connected to the power module portion 40, etc. via a bus bar or the like. The motor portion 30 is rotationally driven by the power module portion 40. The motor portion 30 is a heat-generating component that generates heat due to the rotational drive of the motor portion 30. In addition, the rotation of the motor portion 30 refers to the rotation of the rotor and the motor shaft 31. It can be said that the motor portion 30 includes the rotor and the motor shaft 31 as the motor mechanism as a rotating part. The motor shaft 31 is a straight line along the X direction.

[0017] As Figure 3 , Figure 5 and the like show, the motor portion 30 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The motor portion 30 is arranged and configured in the rotational axis direction of the first gear portion 10. In other words, the first gear portion 10 is arranged along the axial direction of the motor shaft 31. Figure 3The symbol CL1 is the center line passing through the center of the motor unit 30. The center line CL1 coincides with the motor shaft 31. In addition, the center line CL1 also passes through the center of the first gear unit 10. In addition, the motor unit 30 can adopt a brushless three-phase motor or the like, for example. The motor unit 30 corresponds to a large rotating body unit.

[0018] The first gear unit 10 includes a spur gear or a planetary gear or the like. The first gear unit 10 is connected to the motor shaft 31. Therefore, it can be said that the first gear unit 10 rotates together with the motor unit 30. In addition, the rotational axis direction of the first gear unit 10 coincides with the axial direction of the motor shaft 31. The first gear unit 10 is a heat-generating component that generates heat through rotational drive. In addition, as Figure 3 , Figure 5 and so on show, the first gear unit 10 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The rotation of the first gear unit 10 refers to the rotation of a spur gear or a planetary gear. It can also be said that the first gear unit 10 includes a spur gear as a rotating part connected to the rotating shaft of the motor unit 30. The spur gear of the first gear unit 10 corresponds to the first gear. The first gear unit 10 corresponds to a connecting rotating body unit.

[0019] The second gear unit 20 includes a spur gear or a differential gear or the like. In addition, the second gear unit 20 is fixed to the drive shaft 70. Therefore, the drive shaft 70 rotates together with the second gear unit 20. Therefore, the drive shaft 70 coincides with the rotational axis of the second gear unit 20. The second gear unit 20 is a heat-generating component that generates heat through rotational drive.

[0020] In addition, Figure 3 the symbol CL2 is the center line passing through the center of the second gear unit 20. The center line CL2 coincides with the drive shaft 70. In addition, it can also be said that the second gear unit 20 has a lubricating oil 71 and a drive shaft 70 disposed in the shaft hole 65 of the housing 60. The lubricating oil 71 is provided to prevent wear of the drive shaft 70 and the base 61.

[0021] The rotational axis of the second gear unit 20 is a straight line along the X direction. Therefore, the center line CL1 and the center line CL2 satisfy a parallel positional relationship. That is, it can be said that the rotational axis of the second gear unit 20 and the rotational axis of the motor unit 30 are arranged in parallel. However, the positions of the center line CL1 and the center line CL2 in the Z direction can also be offset. In this way, the rotating body device 100 has a structure with a biaxial rotational axis.

[0022] As Figure 3 , Figure 5As shown in the figure, the second gear portion 20 is arranged and disposed in an arrangement direction different from the rotation axis direction of the first gear portion 10. In the present embodiment, an example in which the first gear portion 10 and the second gear portion 20 are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis direction of the first gear portion 10 is adopted. The first gear portion 10 and the second gear portion 20 are arranged and disposed along the Y direction. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In addition, the direction in which the first gear portion 10 and the second gear portion 20 are arranged is also simply referred to as the arrangement direction.

[0023] In addition, the second gear portion 20 is arranged so as to mesh with the first gear portion 10. That is, the mountain teeth of the second gear portion 20 and the first gear portion 10 mesh with each other. Therefore, the second gear portion 20 rotates together with the first gear portion 10. In addition, the second gear portion 20 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The rotation of the second gear portion 20 refers to the rotation of the mountain teeth gear, the differential gear, or the drive shaft 70. The second gear portion 20 includes a mountain teeth gear as a rotating portion that is disposed adjacent to and meshes with the mountain teeth gear of the first gear portion 10, and the arrow teeth gear of the second gear portion 20 corresponds to the second gear. The second gear portion 20 corresponds to the rotating body portion.

[0024] As Figure 3 shown in the figure, the lengths of the first gear portion 10 and the second gear portion 20 in the X direction are substantially the same. In addition, the first gear portion 10 and the second gear portion 20 are arranged and disposed along the Y direction. Therefore, the area adjacent to the second gear portion 20 and the motor portion 30 becomes a dead space. For example, Figure 5 the area such as DS1 shown in the figure becomes a part of the dead space. In addition, the area adjacent to the second gear portion 20 and the motor portion 30 is an area adjacent in the X direction of the second gear portion 20 and is an area adjacent in the arrangement direction of the motor portion 30. The second gear portion 20 here is a portion including a mountain teeth gear or a differential gear other than the drive shaft 70.

[0025] As Figure 3 , Figure 5 shown in the figure, the diameters of the respective rotating mechanisms 10 to 30 are different. The relationship between the diameter D1 of the first gear portion 10, the diameter D2 of the second gear portion 20, and the diameter D3 of the motor portion 30 is D1 < D2 < D3. That is, it can be said that the physical size of the motor portion 30 in the diameter direction is larger than that of the first gear portion 10 and the second gear portion 20. In addition, D1 is the diameter of the portion that becomes the maximum diameter of the first gear portion 10. D2 is the diameter of the portion that becomes the maximum diameter of the second gear portion 20. D3 is the diameter of the portion that becomes the maximum diameter of the motor portion 30. The diameters of the respective rotating mechanisms 10 to 30 can also be regarded as the diameters of the portions in the housing 60 that house the respective rotating mechanisms 10 to 30.

[0026] As Figure 5As shown, the positions of the vertices in the height direction of the second gear portion 20 and the motor portion 30 are different. Therefore, the imaginary plane T2 passing through the vertex of the second gear portion 20 and the imaginary plane T1 passing through the vertex of the motor portion 30 are different in position in the height direction. The imaginary plane T1 and the imaginary plane T2 are planes along the XY plane. It can also be said that the imaginary plane T1 is an imaginary plane parallel to the imaginary plane T2. The space between the imaginary plane T1 and the imaginary plane T2 becomes the dead zone space DS2 in the height direction. In addition, the imaginary plane T1 corresponds to the second imaginary plane. The imaginary plane T2 corresponds to the first imaginary plane.

[0027] <Drive Circuit> The drive circuit is a circuit that rotationally drives the motor portion 30 which is one of the rotating mechanisms. The drive circuit has a power module portion 40 and a capacitor portion 50. Hereinafter, the power module portion 40 and the capacitor portion 50 are collectively referred to as the drive circuits 40 - 50. The drive circuit may also include a circuit board 1.

[0028] The power module portion 40 includes a semiconductor device 41 having a plurality of semiconductor switching elements. The semiconductor device 41 constitutes a three - phase inverter having a plurality of semiconductor switching elements. The semiconductor switching element can be a MOSFET, an IGBT, etc. As Figure 4 shown, the semiconductor device 41 is electrically connected to the circuit board 1 via a terminal 44. The semiconductor device 41 controls the on - off of the semiconductor switching elements through a control signal from the circuit board 1. The power module portion 40 is a heat - generating component that generates heat during rotational drive. In other words, since the semiconductor switching elements of the semiconductor device 41 are turned on and off during rotational drive, the semiconductor device 41 generates heat. The power module portion 40 is mounted on a heat sink 42 provided with heat - dissipating fins 43 in order to cool the semiconductor device 41. The power module portion 40 corresponds to the power module.

[0029] As Figure 3 shown, at least a part of the power module portion 40 is disposed opposite to the second gear portion 20 in the Z direction. In addition, as Figure 5 shown, the power module portion 40 is disposed between the imaginary plane T1 and the imaginary plane T2.

[0030] The capacitor portion 50 is a smoothing capacitor connected to the input side of the three - phase inverter. As Figure 4As shown, the capacitor unit 50 includes a capacitor element 51, a capacitor housing 52, a fixing member 53, etc. The positive terminal of the capacitor element 51 is connected to the P bus bar 81a, and the negative terminal is connected to the N bus bar 81b. The capacitor element 51 is housed in the capacitor housing 52. The capacitor housing 52 can adopt, for example, a structure in which the capacitor element 51 is resin-sealed in a state where a part of the P bus bar 81a and the N bus bar 81b is exposed. The capacitor housing 52 is fixed to the frame 60 by the fixing member 53. The capacitor unit 50 corresponds to a capacitor.

[0031] As Figures 3 to 5 shown, at least a part of the capacitor unit 50 is disposed opposite to the drive shaft 70 in the Z direction. In addition, at least a part of the capacitor unit 50 is disposed opposite to the motor unit 30 along the Y direction and opposite to the second gear unit 20 in the X direction. That is, the capacitor unit 50 is disposed adjacent to the second gear unit 20 and the motor unit 30. It can be said that at least a part of the capacitor unit 50 is disposed within the relative area of the motor unit 30 and within the relative area of the second gear unit 20. In addition, preferably, the capacitor unit 50 is disposed within the relative area of the second gear unit 20 in the X direction, within the diameter range along the Y direction, and within the diameter range along the Z direction of the second gear unit 20.

[0032] <Frame> As Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 etc. shown, the frame 60 includes a base 61, an upper cover 62, a cross cover 63, etc. The frame 60 houses the rotating mechanisms 10 to 30 and the drive circuits 40 to 50. The base 61 is made mainly of a metal such as aluminum. The base 61 is provided with a housing space for housing the rotating mechanisms 10 to 30 and the drive circuits 40 to 50. In addition, the base 61 is provided with a housing space that is open in both the X direction and the Z direction. The upper cover 62 is a member that closes one opening by being mounted on the base 61. The cross cover 63 is a member that closes the other opening by being mounted on the base 61. The frame 60 corresponds to a housing.

[0033] In addition, in the present embodiment, as an example, a frame 60 having a base 61, an upper cover 62, and a cross cover 63 is adopted. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The frame 60 can also adopt, for example, a frame composed of two constituent elements such as the base 61 and the upper cover 62.

[0034] As Figure 4As shown, the base 61 is provided with a mounting portion 64 for mounting the power module unit 40. The power module unit 40 is mounted on the mounting portion 64 via a heat sink 42. The mounting portion 64 is provided with a module cooling path 92b which is part of the refrigerant flow path. The module cooling path 92b is a recessed portion compared to the surroundings. The power module unit 40 is mounted on the mounting portion 64 with the fins 43 of the heat sink 42 disposed in the module cooling path 92b. In addition, the refrigerant flow path will be described in detail later.

[0035] As Figure 4 shown, the base 61 is provided with a shaft hole 65 for arranging the drive shaft 70. In addition, lubricating oil 71 is arranged between the shaft hole 65 and the drive shaft 70. The lubricating oil 71 is provided to reduce the frictional force and frictional heat generated when the drive shaft 70 rotates with respect to the base 61. In addition, the lubricating oil 71 is provided to prevent wear of the drive shaft 70 and the base 61. The shaft hole 65 corresponds to the shaft hole.

[0036] As Figure 6 shown, the base 61 is provided with a rotating body housing portion 66 for housing the rotating mechanisms 10 - 30. The rotating body housing portion 66 is a hole having a curved surface shape along the outer shape of each of the rotating mechanisms 10 - 30. Lubricating oil may also be arranged in the area of the rotating body housing portion 66 that houses the first gear portion 10 and the second gear portion 20.

[0037] As Figure 3 、 Figure 4 shown, the base 61 (the housing 60) is provided with a refrigerant flow path for the flow of a refrigerant such as cooling water. The refrigerant flow path is provided to cool the motor unit 30, the power module unit 40, the capacitor unit 50, etc. In addition, the base 61 is provided with two refrigerant ports 91 for the inflow and outflow of the refrigerant with respect to the refrigerant flow path. The refrigerant is supplied from one refrigerant port 91 and discharged from the other refrigerant port 91 after passing through the refrigerant flow path. In addition, in the present embodiment, only one refrigerant port 91 is illustrated. The refrigerant port 91 can be regarded as part of the refrigerant flow path.

[0038] The refrigerant flow path includes an inflow port 92a, a module cooling path 92b, an outflow port 92c, a recess 92d, a connection path 93, an opposing cooling path 94, a motor cooling path 95, etc. The inflow port 92a, the module cooling path 92b, the outflow port 92c, the recess 92d, the connection path 93, the opposing cooling path 94, and the motor cooling path 95 are communicated in such a manner that the refrigerant flows continuously.

[0039] The module cooling passage 92b is provided in a relative area of the power module unit 40. The module cooling passage 92b is provided for cooling the power module unit 40. The module cooling passage 92b is a space wider than the connection path 93 and the like, which will be described later, for cooling the entire area of the power module unit 40. Therefore, the module cooling passage 92b can also be referred to as a cooling chamber for the refrigerant to flow through.

[0040] The module cooling passage 92b is provided with an inlet 92a and an outlet 92c. The inlet 92a is the inlet of the refrigerant into the module cooling passage 92b. The outlet 92c is the outlet of the refrigerant from the module cooling passage 92b. The outlet 92c opens in the direction of the rotation axis and communicates with the connection path 93. Thereby, the rotating body device 100 can miniaturize the size in the Y direction. However, the direction of the outlet 92c is not limited thereto. The inlet 92a and the outlet 92c correspond to water inlets and outlets. In addition, the outlet 92c corresponds to one of the water inlets and outlets.

[0041] The inlet 92a opens in a direction different from that of the second gear portion 20 and is provided between the imaginary plane T1 and the second gear portion 20. That is, it can be said that the inlet 92a is overlapped and arranged in the height direction with respect to the second gear portion 20 within a range not exceeding the imaginary plane T1. Thereby, the rotating body device 100 can miniaturize the size in the height direction. In addition, it can also be said that the rotating body device 100 can achieve a low-profile design. In addition, as Figure 3 shown, the refrigerant flow path has a bent shape in the XY plane within the range from the inlet 92a to the connection path 93. The refrigerant flow path can also have an L-shaped in the XY plane within the range from the inlet 92a to the connection path 93. The inlet 92a corresponds to the other water inlet and outlet.

[0042] However, the inlet 92a and the outlet 92c are not limited thereto. The inlet 92a and the outlet 92c can also open in the direction of the rotation axis. That is, the inlet 92a can also open in the same direction as the outlet 92c. In this case, the refrigerant flow path communicating with the inlet 92a can be arranged parallel to the refrigerant flow path communicating with the outlet 92c.

[0043] Thus, compared with a structure in which the inlet 92a and the outlet 92c are opened in different directions, the rotating body device 100 can miniaturize the body in the Y direction. In addition, the rotating body device 100 can utilize the dead space formed on the base 61 for the refrigerant flow path by providing a cylindrical rotating body housing portion 66 for housing the rotating mechanisms 10 to 30. In addition, the dead space here is a part of the base 61. In addition, the dead space is an area where the housing portion of the first gear unit 10 or the motor unit 30 is opposite to the housing portion of the second gear unit 20. Therefore, it can also be said that the rotating body device 100 can miniaturize the body in the Y direction while maintaining the dimensions other than the refrigerant flow path. In addition, the dead space here can also be called the dead space between rotating bodies. The housing portion of the first gear unit 10 and the motor unit 30 refers to a part of the rotating body housing portion 66. Similarly, the housing portion of the second gear unit 20 refers to a part of the rotating body housing portion 66.

[0044] In addition, the positional relationship between the inlet 92a and the outlet 92c may be reversed. That is, the refrigerant may flow into the module cooling path 92b from the outlet 92c and flow out from the inlet 92a.

[0045] like Figure 6 As shown, the module cooling path 92b is arranged between the second gear part 20 and the power module part 40. The module cooling path 92b is provided with a recess 92d that is recessed than the surrounding area. The recess 92d is arranged at a position closer to the inlet 92a side than the outlet 92c. The recess 92d is provided to temporarily block the refrigerant flowing into the module cooling path 92b. As a result, the refrigerant is easy to flow evenly in the module cooling path 92b. That is, the refrigerant does not flow in from the inlet 92a and flow straightly to the outlet 92c side, but it is easy to flow to the outlet 92c side while flowing into the recess 92d and expanding in the X direction. Therefore, it is possible to cool the entire area of ​​the opposite surface of the power module part 40 relative to the module cooling path 92b.

[0046] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the outlet 92c is connected to the connection path 93. The connection path 93 is a portion that connects the module cooling path 92b and the relative cooling path 94. The connection path 93 is provided in a portion of the base 61 that is disposed between the module cooling path 92b and the capacitor unit 50. The outlet 92c and the relative cooling path 94 are provided so that the positions in the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction are offset. Therefore, the connection path 93 is provided obliquely with respect to the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction.

[0047] like Figure 3 , Figure 6As shown, at least a part of the connecting path 93 is disposed in the region surrounded by the imaginary plane T2, the second gear portion 20, and the motor portion 30. That is, it can be said that a part of the connecting path 93 is provided in Figure 5 the triangular cross-sectional region surrounded by the second gear portion 20, the motor portion 30, and the imaginary plane T2 in Figure 5 . That is, a part of the connecting path 93 is provided in the dead space between the rotating bodies. Therefore, the rotating body device 100 can effectively utilize the dead space. In addition, the rotating body device 100 has a cooling capacity realized by the connecting path 93 and can achieve a low profile.

[0048] In addition, the rotating body device 100 can easily ensure the cross-sectional area of the connecting path 93 (the area of the space for the refrigerant to flow). Therefore, the rotating body device 100 can reduce the pressure loss in the connecting path 93. Consequently, the rotating body device 100 can suppress the decrease in the flow rate and flow velocity of the refrigerant between the outlet 92c and the opposing cooling path 94. However, the connecting path 93 is not limited to the above structure.

[0049] When the refrigerant flows through the module cooling path 92b and flows out from the outlet 92c, the refrigerant passes through the connecting path 93 and flows toward the opposing cooling path 94. The opposing cooling path 94 is mainly provided for cooling the capacitor portion 50. The opposing cooling path 94 is disposed opposite to the capacitor portion 50 in the Z direction. The opposing cooling path 94 is disposed opposite to the capacitor portion 50 with a part of the base 61 interposed therebetween. The opposing cooling path 94 only needs to be disposed opposite to at least a part of the capacitor portion 50. That is, the opposing cooling path 94 may also be disposed opposite to the entire region of the bottom surface of the capacitor portion 50 along the XY plane.

[0050] In addition, the capacitor portion 50 is disposed opposite to the drive shaft 70 in a state where the opposing cooling path 94 is disposed therebetween. That is, the opposing cooling path 94 is disposed between the capacitor portion 50 and the drive shaft 70. Lubricating oil 71 is provided between the drive shaft 70 and the shaft hole 65. The lubricating oil 71 generates heat due to the rotation of the drive shaft 70. Therefore, the lubricating oil 71 can be regarded as a heat-generating component. However, since the rotating body device 100 is provided with the opposing cooling path 94, heat transfer from the lubricating oil 71 to the capacitor portion 50 can be suppressed.

[0051] The refrigerant flows from the opposing cooling path 94 to the motor cooling path 95. The motor cooling path 95 is provided in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis of the motor portion 30. The motor cooling path 95 is disposed opposite to substantially the entire circumference of the motor portion 30 with a part of the base 61 interposed therebetween.

[0052] In addition, the capacitor unit 50 is mainly cooled by the refrigerant flowing in the opposing cooling path 94. However, the capacitor unit 50 is also disposed opposite to the module cooling path 92b, the connecting path 93, and the motor cooling path 95. Therefore, in addition to being cooled by the refrigerant flowing in the opposing cooling path 94, the capacitor unit 50 is also cooled by the refrigerant flowing in the module cooling path 92b, the connecting path 93, and the motor cooling path 95. Therefore, it can be said that the capacitor unit 50 has three cooling surfaces. In addition, the present disclosure may also adopt a capacitor unit 50 having two cooling surfaces. Of course, compared with the structure having two cooling surfaces, the structure of the capacitor unit 50 having three cooling surfaces can improve the cooling efficiency.

[0053] The three cooling surfaces are the wall surface of the capacitor unit 50 along the YZ plane, the wall surface along the ZY plane, and the wall surface along the XZ plane. In addition, the wall surface along the XY plane is the opposing surface opposite to the opposing cooling path 94. The wall surface along the YZ plane is the opposing surface opposite to the module cooling path 92b and the connecting path 93. The XZ plane is the opposing surface opposite to the motor cooling path 95.

[0054] In addition, as a heat shielding layer, the rotating body device 100 is provided with the module cooling path 92b, the connecting path 93, the opposing cooling path 94, and the motor cooling path 95 in the opposing area between the capacitor unit 50 and the heat generating component. In addition, in the present embodiment, as described above, it can be said that a heat shielding layer is disposed opposite on two or more opposing surfaces of the capacitor unit 50 that oppose the heat generating component.

[0055] The heat shielding layer is a part for suppressing heat transfer from the heat generating component to the capacitor unit 50. In the present embodiment, as an example of the heat shielding layer, a refrigerant flow path is adopted. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The heat shielding layer may also adopt rubber (polymer member) or a plate material having a low thermal conductivity.

[0056] In addition, the capacitor unit 50 may be mounted on the base 61 with rubber as the heat shielding layer interposed therebetween. In this case, the capacitor unit 50 is supported by the heat shielding layer. The capacitor unit 50 can obtain the buffering effect of the heat shielding layer. Therefore, compared with the structure without the heat shielding layer, the rotating body device 100 can improve the shock resistance of the capacitor unit 50. The module cooling path 92b, the connecting path 93, the opposing cooling path 94, and the motor cooling path 95 can cool the surrounding space due to the flow of the refrigerant. That is, the rotating body device 100 forms a cooling space around the module cooling path 92b, the connecting path 93, the opposing cooling path 94, and the motor cooling path 95. The capacitor unit 50 is disposed in this cooling space. Therefore, the rotating body device 100 can effectively cool the capacitor unit 50.

[0057] As Figure 1 , Figure 2As shown, the rotating body device 100 includes a PN connector 81 and a communication connector 82. The PN connector 81 and the communication connector 82 are provided in the housing 60. The PN connector 81 is a part at the front end where a P bus bar 81a and an N bus bar 81b are arranged. A power source such as a battery is connected to the PN connector 81. The PN connector 81 connects the P bus bar 81a and the N bus bar 81b to the power source by connecting the power source.

[0058] The PN connector 81 is provided at a position in the housing 60 different from the refrigerant flow path. Specifically, the PN connector 81 is provided at a position in the housing 60 different from the refrigerant port 91. In addition, the front ends of the P bus bar 81a and the N bus bar 81b are arranged in the PN connector 81 in the direction of the surface among the six surfaces of the capacitor section 50 where the refrigerant water path is not relatively arranged. Thereby, even when refrigerant leaks from the refrigerant flow path such as the refrigerant port 91, the rotating body device 100 can suppress electric leakage. The PN connector 81 corresponds to an external connection terminal of the drive circuit.

[0059] The communication connector 82 is a communication interface between the circuit board 1 and an electronic control device or the like provided outside the rotating body device 100. However, the rotating body device 100 may not be provided with the communication connector 82. In addition, both the rotating body section and the large rotating body section may be motors. In this case, the drive circuit may also rotationally drive the two motors. Furthermore, both the rotating body section and the large rotating body section may be gears. In this case, the drive circuit may also indirectly rotationally drive at least one of the rotating body section and the large rotating body section via a motor. Even in this case, it is the drive circuit that rotationally drives the rotating body section and the large rotating body section.

[0060] <Effect> As described above, the capacitor section 50 is the capacitor section 50 arranged adjacent to the second gear section 20 and the motor section 30. Therefore, the rotating body device 100 can effectively utilize the dead space DS1 in the Y direction. Therefore, the rotating body device 100 can miniaturize its size.

[0061] The rotating body device 100 is expected to be miniaturized in size. Therefore, the rotating body device 100 needs to reduce the distances between the rotating mechanisms 10 - 30 and the drive circuits 40 - 50 respectively. In this case, the distance between the capacitor section 50 of the rotating body device 100 and the heat generating component also becomes closer. Therefore, the capacitor section 50 is liable to receive heat transfer from the heat generating component. In other words, the capacitor section 50 is liable to be thermally damaged. The output of the capacitor section 50 is restricted due to thermal damage. However, by providing a refrigerant flow path in the dead space or the like of the base 61, the rotating body device 100 can suppress the increase in size and suppress the thermal damage of the capacitor section 50 at the same time.

[0062] In addition, the rotating body device 100 is provided with a power module unit 40 in the dead zone space DS2 between the imaginary plane T1 and the imaginary plane T2. Thus, the rotating body device 100 can effectively utilize the dead zone space DS2. Therefore, the rotating body device 100 can miniaturize the physical size in the height direction. It can also be said that the rotating body device 100 can achieve a low-profile design.

[0063] The rotating body device 100 is provided with a module cooling path 92b between the second gear unit 20 and the power module unit 40. Therefore, the rotating body device 100 can suppress heat transfer between the second gear unit 20 and the power module unit 40.

[0064] The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above. However, the present disclosure is not limited by any of the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, as other embodiments of the present disclosure, modification examples 1 to 14 will be described. The above-described embodiments and modification examples 1 to 4 can be implemented separately, but can also be implemented in appropriate combinations. The present invention is not limited to the combinations shown in the embodiments, and can be achieved by various combinations.

[0065] (Modification Example 1) As Figure 7 shown, the rotating body device 100 is provided with a heat dissipation member 96 between the capacitor unit 50 and the opposing cooling path 94. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 4 . The heat dissipation member 96 can be in the shape of a sheet or a gel. The heat dissipation member 96 is provided in at least a part of the opposing area between the capacitor unit 50 and the opposing cooling path 94. In addition, in the present embodiment, as an example, an example in which the heat dissipation member 96 is disposed in the recess of the base 61 is adopted. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The heat dissipation member 96 can also be provided on the flat surface of the base 61 without a depression.

[0066] By providing the heat dissipation member 96, the rotating body device 100 can reduce the thermal resistance between the capacitor unit 50 and the opposing cooling path 94. Therefore, the rotating body device 100 can improve the cooling effect compared with the structure without the heat dissipation member 96. The structure of modification example 1 can be implemented in combination with the above-described embodiment.

[0067] (Modification Example 2) As Figure 8 shown, the size relationship between the first gear unit 10 and the second gear unit 20 of the rotating body device 100 can also be reversed. That is, the relationship between the diameter D1 of the first gear unit 10, the diameter D2 of the second gear unit 20, and the diameter D3 of the motor unit 30 can also be D2 < D1 < D3. Figure 8 is a top view corresponding to Figure 3 .

[0068] (Modified Example 3) As shown in Figure 9 FIG. 5, the outlet 92c of the rotating body device 100 is not connected to the connecting path 93, but is connected to an extension path 97 extending in the Y direction. At least a part of the extension path 97 is provided in the dead space between the rotating bodies. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 6 FIG. 6.

[0069] (Modified Example 4) As shown in Figure 10 FIG. 7, the diameter of the second gear portion 20 of the rotating body device 100 may also be gradually reduced. In this modified example 4, the second gear portion 20 having different diameters in three stages is adopted. In addition, the second gear portion 20 may also adopt a structure having different diameters in two stages or four stages.

[0070] The imaginary plane T2 is an imaginary plane passing through the vertex of the portion having the largest diameter of the second gear portion 20. The symbol T21 represents the vertex of the portion having the second largest diameter. The symbol T22 represents the vertex of the portion having the smallest diameter. In the second gear portion 20, for example, the portion having the largest diameter is a spur gear, and at least one of the portion having the second largest diameter and the portion having the largest diameter is a differential gear.

[0071] The diameter D2 of the second gear portion 20 is the diameter of the portion having the largest diameter of the second gear portion 20. In the structure of this modified example, the relationship D1 > D2 is also satisfied. However, in the second gear portion 20, the diameters of the portion as the vertex T21 and the portion as the vertex T22 are smaller than the diameter D1 of the first gear portion 10.

[0072] The power module portion 40 is installed between the portion as the vertex T21 of the second gear portion 20 and the imaginary plane T1. Therefore, in this modified example, the imaginary plane passing through the vertex T21 and along the XY plane can be regarded as the imaginary plane T2. In addition, the power module portion 40 may also be installed between the portion as the vertex T22 of the second gear portion 20 and the imaginary plane T1. In this case, the imaginary plane passing through the vertex T22 and along the XY plane can be regarded as the imaginary plane T2.

[0073] Modified Example 4 can be combined with and implemented in combination with the above-described embodiment or Modified Examples 1 to 3. Modified Example 4 can achieve the same effects as the above-described embodiment. In addition, in Figure 10 FIG. 7, in order to simplify the drawings, the heat sink 42, the heat radiating fins 43, the mounting portion 64, etc. are omitted. However, the rotating body device 100 of Modified Example 4, like the above-described embodiment, has a heat sink 42, heat radiating fins 43, a mounting portion 64, etc.

[0074] Although the present disclosure has been described based on the embodiments, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and structures. The present disclosure also includes various modifications and modifications within the equivalent scope. In addition, although various combinations and modes are shown in the present disclosure, further combinations and modes including only a single element, more than or less than thereof also fall within the scope and thinking scope of the present disclosure.

[0075] (Disclosure of Technical Ideas) This specification discloses multiple technical ideas described in the following listed items. Some items are sometimes described in a multiple-dependent form that selectively references multiple previous items in subsequent items. In addition, some items are sometimes described in a multiple-dependent form that references another multiple-dependent form item. These items described in the multiple-dependent form define multiple technical ideas.

[0076] (Technical Idea 1) A rotating body device, comprising: A rotating body part (20); A large rotating body part (30), the large rotating body part rotates together with the rotating body part, and the physical size in the diameter direction is larger than that of the rotating body part; and Drive circuits (40, 50), the drive circuits are circuits that rotationally drive one of the rotating body part and the large rotating body part, and have power modules, At least a part of the power module is disposed between a first imaginary plane passing through the vertex of the rotating body part and a second imaginary plane passing through the vertex of the large rotating body part and parallel to the first imaginary plane.

[0077] (Technical Idea 2) The rotating body device according to Technical Idea 1, wherein the rotating body device includes: A cooling chamber (92b), the cooling chamber allows a refrigerant to flow at a position opposite to the power module; and A connecting path (93), the connecting path communicates with the cooling chamber, and at least a part of the connecting path is disposed in a region surrounded by the first imaginary plane, the rotating body part, and the large rotating body part.

[0078] (Technical Idea 3) The rotating body device according to Technical Idea 2, wherein, The rotation axis of the above-mentioned rotating body part is arranged parallel to the rotation axis of the above-mentioned large rotating body part. Two water inlets and outlets (92c, 92a) for the above-mentioned refrigerant are provided in the above-mentioned cooling chamber. One of the above-mentioned water inlets and outlets opens in the direction of the above-mentioned rotation axis and communicates with the above-mentioned connecting path.

[0079] (Technical idea 4) The rotating body device as described in Technical idea 3, wherein The other of the above-mentioned water inlets and outlets opens in a direction different from the direction of the above-mentioned rotation axis and is provided between the above-mentioned second imaginary plane and the above-mentioned rotating body part.

[0080] (Technical idea 5) The rotating body device as described in any one of Technical ideas 2 to 4, wherein It includes a housing that houses the above-mentioned rotating body part, the above-mentioned large rotating body part, and the above-mentioned drive circuit. The above-mentioned connecting path is provided in the above-mentioned housing.

[0081] (Technical idea 6) The rotating body device as described in any one of Technical ideas 1 to 5, wherein It includes a connecting rotating body part that rotates together with the above-mentioned large rotating body part. The above-mentioned large rotating body part includes a motor mechanism as a rotating part. The above-mentioned connecting rotating body part includes a first gear as a rotating part connected to the rotation axis of the above-mentioned motor. The above-mentioned rotating body part includes a second gear as a rotating part that is arranged adjacent to and meshes with the above-mentioned first gear.

[0082] (Technical idea 7) The rotating body device as described in any one of Technical ideas 1 to 6, wherein The above-mentioned rotating body device is installed under the footrest floor of the front seat of the vehicle or under the trunk of the vehicle.

Claims

1. A rotating body device, comprising: A rotating body part (20); A large rotating body part (30) that rotates together with the rotating body part and has a larger physical size in the diameter direction than the rotating body part; and Drive circuits (40, 50) that are circuits for rotationally driving at least one of the rotating body part and the large rotating body part and have power modules, At least a part of the power module is disposed between a first imaginary plane passing through the vertex of the rotating body part and a second imaginary plane passing through the vertex of the large rotating body part and parallel to the first imaginary plane.

2. The rotating body device according to claim 1, wherein The rotating body device includes: A cooling chamber (92b) where a refrigerant flows at a position opposite to the power module; and A connecting path (93) that communicates with the cooling chamber and has at least a part disposed in a region surrounded by the first imaginary plane, the rotating body part, and the large rotating body part.

3. The rotating body device according to claim 2, wherein: The rotation axis of the rotating body part is disposed parallel to the rotation axis of the large rotating body part, Two water inlets / outlets (92c, 92a) for the refrigerant are provided in the cooling chamber, One of the water inlets / outlets opens in the rotation axis direction and communicates with the connecting path.

4. The rotating body device according to claim 3, wherein: The other water inlet / outlet opens in a direction different from the rotation axis direction and is provided between the second imaginary plane and the rotating body part.

5. The rotating body device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein: It includes a housing that houses the rotating body part, the large rotating body part, and the drive circuit, The connecting path is provided in the housing.

6. The rotating body device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: It includes a connecting rotating body part that rotates together with the large rotating body part, The large rotating body part includes a motor mechanism as a rotating part, The connecting rotating body part includes a first gear as a rotating part connected to the rotation axis of the motor mechanism, The rotating body part includes a second gear as a rotating part that is disposed adjacent to and meshes with the first gear.

7. The rotating body device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The rotating body device is installed under the footrest floor of the front seat of a vehicle or under the trunk of the vehicle.

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