Motor housing

Abstract

The motor housing includes: a water supply path configured to supply a water-based refrigerant; a discharge water path provided at a position different from the supply water path in the circumferential direction with respect to the central axis and configured to discharge the aqueous refrigerant; a first range water passage provided in a first range from the supply water passage toward one side in the circumferential direction to the discharge water passage; a supply oil path configured to supply an oily refrigerant; a first discharge oil passage provided at a position different from that of the supply oil passage in the circumferential direction and configured to discharge the oily refrigerant into an inner space of the motor housing; and a second range oil passage provided in a second range extending from the supply oil passage toward the other side in the circumferential direction to the first discharge oil passage. The position of at least a portion of the first range in the circumferential direction coincides with the position of at least a portion of the second range.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a motor housing. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-187105 discloses a cylindrical motor housing extending along a central axis. The motor housing includes a water supply passage for supplying aqueous refrigerant; a water discharge passage, located at a different position in the circumferential direction relative to the central axis, for discharging the aqueous refrigerant; a water passage located in a first circumferential range; an oil supply passage for supplying oil-based refrigerant; an oil discharge passage located at a different position in the circumferential direction relative to the oil supply passage; and an oil passage located in a second circumferential range.

[0003] In the motor housing disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-187105, the first area containing the water passages and the second area containing the oil passages are located at different positions in the circumferential direction. Therefore, if a temperature difference occurs between the aqueous refrigerant flowing through the water passages and the oil refrigerant flowing through the oil passages, the motor may be unevenly cooled or heated. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This specification provides a technology that can efficiently cool or warm a motor using a combination of a water-based refrigerant and an oil-based refrigerant.

[0005] In a first aspect of the present technology, a cylindrical motor housing extending along a central axis may include: a water supply passage configured to supply aqueous refrigerant; a water discharge passage configured to discharge the aqueous refrigerant, disposed at a position different from the supply water passage in a circumferential direction relative to the central axis; a first range water passage disposed in a first range extending from one side of the supply water passage in the circumferential direction to the discharge water passage; an oil supply passage for supplying oil-based refrigerant; a first oil discharge passage disposed at a position different from the supply oil passage in the circumferential direction to discharge the oil-based refrigerant into the interior space of the motor housing; and a second range oil passage disposed in a second range extending from the other side of the supply oil passage in the circumferential direction to the first oil discharge passage. At least a portion of the first range and at least a portion of the second range coincide in circumferential position.

[0006] According to the above structure, at least a portion of the first range and at least a portion of the second range are aligned in circumferential position. Therefore, heat exchange is performed between the aqueous refrigerant circulating in the water path and the oil-based refrigerant circulating in the oil path. Through this heat exchange, the temperature difference between the aqueous refrigerant and the oil-based refrigerant is mitigated, and uneven cooling or heating of the motor is suppressed. In addition, by supplying the oil-based refrigerant into the internal space of the motor housing, the motor can be directly cooled (or heated) by the oil-based refrigerant. Therefore, the motor can be effectively cooled or heated by the combination of aqueous refrigerant and oil-based refrigerant.

[0007] In a second embodiment, in the first embodiment, the first-range water passage includes a plurality of axial water passages extending in an axial direction parallel to the central axis, and the second-range oil passage includes a plurality of axial oil passages extending in the axial direction. At least a portion of the axial water passages and at least a portion of the axial oil passages are aligned in a radial direction relative to the central axis.

[0008] According to the above structure, the distance between the axial water passage and the axial oil passage can be shortened, thereby enabling efficient heat exchange between the axial water passage and the axial oil passage.

[0009] In a third embodiment, in the first or second embodiment, the first-range water channel includes a plurality of axial water channels extending in an axial direction parallel to the central axis, and the second-range oil channel includes a plurality of axial oil channels extending in the axial direction. In the circumferential direction, the plurality of axial water channels and the plurality of axial oil channels are arranged alternately, at least one at a time.

[0010] According to the above configuration, at least one axial oil passage is disposed adjacent to the plurality of axial water passages, so that heat exchange can be efficiently performed between the axial water passages and the axial oil passages.

[0011] In a fourth embodiment, in any one of the first to third embodiments, the first-range water channel includes a plurality of axial water channels extending in an axial direction parallel to the central axis, and the second-range oil channel includes a plurality of axial oil channels extending in the axial direction. In the radial direction, inner ends of the axial water channels are positioned inward of inner ends of the axial oil channels.

[0012] According to the above configuration, the motor housed in the internal space can be efficiently cooled by the aqueous refrigerant flowing through the axial water channel. This configuration is particularly effective in a structure where the temperature of the aqueous refrigerant is more accurately controlled than the temperature of the oil refrigerant.

[0013] In a fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the first discharge oil passage and the water supply passage may be arranged adjacent to each other.

[0014] Assuming the motor temperature is higher than the water-based refrigerant temperature, the temperature of the water-based refrigerant flowing through the water channel increases as it moves from upstream to downstream. In other words, the water-based refrigerant flowing through the supply water channel has the lowest temperature. With this configuration, the oil-based refrigerant flowing through the first discharge oil channel can be cooled through heat exchange with the water-based refrigerant flowing through the supply water channel.

[0015] In a sixth embodiment, in the fifth embodiment, the first-range water channel includes a plurality of axial water channels extending in an axial direction parallel to the central axis, and the second-range oil channel includes a plurality of axial oil channels extending in the axial direction. The plurality of axial water channels include a first axial water channel connected to the supply water channel, and the plurality of axial oil channels include a first axial oil channel connected to the first discharge oil channel. The first axial oil channel is adjacent to the first axial water channel.

[0016] As described above, when the temperature of the motor is higher than that of the aqueous refrigerant, the aqueous refrigerant flowing through the first axial water passage has the lowest temperature among the aqueous refrigerant flowing through the multiple axial water passages. With this configuration, the oil refrigerant flowing through the first axial oil passage can be cooled by heat exchange with the aqueous refrigerant flowing through the first axial water passage.

[0017] In a seventh aspect, in the sixth aspect, the plurality of axial water passages further include a second axial water passage connected to the discharge water passage, and the first axial oil passage is located in a range from the first axial water passage toward the other side to the second axial water passage in the circumferential direction.

[0018] The above structure allows for flexible design of the first discharge oil passage, which extends from the first axial oil passage into the interior of the motor housing. Specifically, there is no water passage in the circumferential range from the first axial water passage toward the other side, extending to the second axial water passage. Therefore, if the first axial oil passage is located within this range, the first discharge oil passage can be freely designed without interfering with the water passage.

[0019] In an eighth aspect, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the motor housing holds a stator. The inner circumferential surface of the motor housing includes: a contact region that contacts an outer circumferential surface of the stator; and an opposing region located to one side of the contact region in an axial direction parallel to the central axis and opposing the stator with a gap therebetween. The first oil discharge passage includes at least one opening in the opposing region of the inner circumferential surface of the motor housing.

[0020] According to the above configuration, the stator can be directly cooled by the oily refrigerant discharged from at least one opening of the discharge oil passage. Furthermore, the oily refrigerant supplied to the stator can function as a lubricant for the gear unit and bearings.

[0021] In a ninth aspect, in the eighth aspect, the at least one opening of the first discharge oil passage may include an opening located vertically above the central axis.

[0022] According to the above configuration, the oily refrigerant discharged from at least one opening of the first discharge oil passage can reliably come into contact with the stator, thereby enabling the stator to be cooled more efficiently.

[0023] In a tenth aspect, in the eighth or ninth aspect, the at least one opening of the oil discharge passage may include a plurality of openings arranged along the circumferential direction.

[0024] According to the above configuration, the number of locations in the stator that come into contact with the oil-based refrigerant can be increased, thereby enabling the stator to be cooled more efficiently.

[0025] In the eleventh aspect, in any one of the eighth to tenth aspects, the motor housing may further include a guide portion that guides the oily refrigerant discharged from the at least one opening of the first discharge oil passage toward the coil end of the stator.

[0026] The coil ends of the stator are prone to heat. According to the above structure, the oily refrigerant discharged from at least one opening is guided toward the coil ends. Therefore, the coil ends can be directly cooled.

[0027] In a twelfth aspect, in any one of the eighth to eleventh aspects, the motor housing may further include a second discharge oil passage that discharges the oily refrigerant from the second range oil passage into the internal space of the motor housing. The inner circumferential surface of the motor housing may include a second opposing region located on the other side of the contact region in the axial direction and opposed to the stator across a gap. The second discharge oil passage may include at least one second opening in the second opposing region of the inner circumferential surface of the motor housing.

[0028] According to the above configuration, the stator can be directly cooled by the oily refrigerant discharged from the at least one second opening of the discharge oil passage on the other side in the axial direction, thereby enabling the stator to be cooled more efficiently.

[0029] In the thirteenth form, it can also be constructed that in any one of the above-mentioned first to twelfth forms, the above-mentioned motor housing further comprises: a central housing extending in an axial direction parallel to the above-mentioned center axis; a first cover connected to one end portion of the above-mentioned central housing in the above-mentioned axial direction; and a second cover connected to the other end portion of the above-mentioned central housing in the above-mentioned axial direction.

[0030] The above structure makes it possible to easily form the water and oil passages. Specifically, by forming portions of the water and oil passages in each of the center housing, the first cover, and the second cover, and combining the center housing, the first cover, and the second cover, a relatively complex structure of the water and oil passages can be realized.

[0031] Features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the drive device.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the motor housing.

[0034] Figure 3 This is an enlarged view of the central oil discharge passage.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a diagram of the first cover viewed from the other side in the axial direction.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a diagram of the second cover viewed from one side in the axial direction.

[0037] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view of the motor housing and shows the range in which the aqueous refrigerant and the oil-based refrigerant flow.

[0038] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view of a motor case according to the second embodiment.

[0039] Figure 8 This is a diagram of the first cover according to the second embodiment as viewed from the other side in the axial direction.

[0040] Figure 9 This is a diagram of the second cover according to the second embodiment as viewed from one side in the axial direction.

[0041] Figure 10 It is a cross-sectional view of the motor housing according to the second embodiment, and shows the range in which the aqueous refrigerant and the oil-based refrigerant flow. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] (First embodiment)

[0043] Reference Figures 1 to 6 The drive device 2 is described. The drive device 2 is mounted on an electric vehicle or the like. In addition, in this specification, the rotation axis A of the motor 14 is used as a reference, and the rotation axis D1, the radial direction D2 and the circumferential direction D3 (see Figure 2 ) is a cylindrical coordinate system. The axial direction D1 is parallel to the rotation axis A, and its coordinate axis is defined on the rotation axis A. The radial direction D2 is perpendicular to the axial direction D1 and is defined with the coordinate axis having the rotation axis A as the origin. Figure 2The circumferential direction D3 is a direction perpendicular to the axial direction D1 and the radial direction D2, and is defined by coordinate axes surrounding the rotation axis A.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the drive device 2 includes a motor unit 10 and a gear unit (not shown). The gear unit is provided on the side of the axial direction D1 relative to the motor unit 10. The side of the axial direction D1 is Figure 1 The motor unit 10 includes a motor housing 12 and a motor 14 .

[0045] The motor 14 is housed in the motor housing 12. The motor 14 includes a shaft 20, a rotor 22, and a stator 24. The shaft 20 extends along the rotation axis A. The rotation axis A is the center of rotation of the shaft 20. The shaft 20 is rotatably supported by bearings in the motor housing 12. The rotor 22 is fixed to the shaft 20. The stator 24 is fixed to the motor housing 12 by heat mounting or the like. The stator 24 includes a stator core 26 and a coil 28. The stator core 26 has a cylindrical shape. The stator core 26 is composed of a plurality of electromagnetic steel plates stacked in the axial direction D1. The rotor 22 is arranged on the inner side of the stator core 26 in the radial direction D2. The coil 28 is wound around the stator core 26. The stator core 26 has a first surface 26A on one side of the axial direction D1 and a second surface 26B on the other side of the axial direction D1. The other side of the axial direction D1 is Figure 1 The first coil end 28A of the coil 28 protrudes from the first surface 26A to one side in the axial direction D1. The second coil end 28B of the coil 28 protrudes from the second surface 26B to the other side in the axial direction D1.

[0046] The motor housing 12 includes a center housing 40, a first cover 42, and a second cover 44. The center housing 40 has a cylindrical shape and extends along the axial direction D1. Both ends of the center housing 40 in the axial direction D1 are open. The first cover 42 is connected to one end of the center housing 40 in the axial direction D1. The second cover 44 is connected to the other end of the center housing 40 in the axial direction D1.

[0047] The center housing 40 holds the stator 24 from the outside in the radial direction D2. The inner circumferential surface of the center housing 40 includes a contact region 40A that contacts the outer circumferential surface of the stator 24; a first opposing region 40B located on one side of the contact region 40A in the axial direction D1 and facing the stator 24 across a gap; and a second opposing region 40C located on the other side of the contact region 40A in the axial direction D1 and facing the stator 24 across a gap.

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown, a plurality of axial water passages 50 and a plurality of axial oil passages 52 are formed in the central housing 40. Figure 2In the figure, the oil passages are shown in bold for easier understanding. Multiple axial water passages 50 and multiple axial oil passages 52 extend along the axial direction D1. Multiple axial water passages 50 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction D3. Multiple axial oil passages 52 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction D3. In the circumferential direction D3, each of the multiple axial oil passages 52 is arranged between two adjacent axial water passages 50. That is, in the circumferential direction D3, the multiple axial water passages 50 and the multiple axial oil passages 52 are arranged alternately. In the radial direction D2, the inner end, center, and outer end of the axial water passage 50 are respectively positioned inward of the inner end, center, and outer end of the axial oil passage 52. That is, in the radial direction D2, the axial water passage 50 is positioned inward of the axial oil passage 52.

[0049] The central housing 40 further includes an oil discharge passage 54. The oil discharge passage 54 includes a central oil discharge passage 56, a side oil discharge passage 58, and a side oil discharge passage 60. The central oil discharge passage 56, the side oil discharge passage 58, and the side oil discharge passage 60 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction D3. The central oil discharge passage 56 is located vertically above the shaft 20. The side oil discharge passage 58 is located on the side of the central oil discharge passage 56 in the circumferential direction D3. One side in the circumferential direction D3 is Figure 2 The other side of the oil discharge passage 60 is arranged at a position on the other side of the circumferential direction D3 than the central oil discharge passage 56. The other side of the circumferential direction D3 is Figure 2 counterclockwise side of the .

[0050] like Figure 3 As shown, the central oil discharge passage 56 includes a first oil discharge passage 62 and a second oil discharge passage 64. The first oil discharge passage 62 includes a first inner oil passage 62A extending in the axial direction D1; a first radial oil passage 62B extending inward in the radial direction D2 from the first inner oil passage 62A; and a first discharge opening 62C. The first discharge opening 62C is provided in the first opposing region 40B. The second oil discharge passage 64 includes a second inner oil passage 64A extending in the axial direction D1; a second radial oil passage 64B extending inward in the radial direction D2 from the second inner oil passage 64A; and a second discharge opening 64C. The second discharge opening 64C is provided in the second opposing region 40C. The first inner oil passage 62A and the second inner oil passage 64A are in communication.

[0051] Figure 2 The central discharge oil passage 56, one side discharge oil passage 58 and the other side discharge oil passage 60 have the same structure. That is, the one side discharge oil passage 58 and the other side discharge oil passage 60 also have a first discharge oil passage 62 and a second discharge oil passage 64 (see Figure 3 ).

[0052] like Figure 3As shown, the center housing 40 further includes a first guide portion 66 provided in the first opposing region 40B, and a second guide portion 68 provided in the second opposing region 40C. The first guide portion 66 is provided on the other side of the first discharge opening 62C in the axial direction D1. The first guide portion 66 guides the oily refrigerant discharged from the first discharge opening 62C toward the first coil end 28A of the stator 24. The second guide portion 68 is provided on the other side of the second discharge opening 64C in the axial direction D1. The second guide portion 68 guides the oily refrigerant discharged from the second discharge opening 64C toward the second coil end 28B of the stator 24.

[0053] like Figure 4 As shown, the first cover 42 includes a supply water channel 80 for supplying aqueous refrigerant; a supply-side cover water channel 81; a discharge water channel 82 for discharging aqueous refrigerant; a discharge-side cover water channel 83; a plurality of first cover water channels 84A to 84E; a supply oil channel 86 for supplying oil-based refrigerant; a supply-side cover oil channel 88; a discharge-side cover oil channel 90; and a plurality of first cover oil channels 92A to 92E. Hereinafter, the plurality of first cover water channels 84A to 84E and the plurality of first cover oil channels 92A to 92E will sometimes be collectively referred to as "first cover water channels 84" and "first cover oil channels 92," respectively. The supply-side cover water channel 81 is connected to the supply water channel 80. The discharge-side cover water channel 83 is connected to the discharge water channel 82. The discharge water channel 82 is located at a different position from the supply water channel 80 in the circumferential direction D3. The supply-side cover water channel 81, the discharge-side cover water channel 83, and the first cover water channel 84 are arranged along the circumferential direction D3. In the circumferential direction D3, the first cover water channel 84 is arranged between the supply side cover water channel 81 and the discharge side cover water channel 83. The first cover water channels 84 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction D3. The first cover water channel 84 includes: a first circumferential water channel 94 extending along the circumferential direction D3; a first connecting water channel 96A connected to the end of the first circumferential water channel 94 on one side of the circumferential direction D3; and a second connecting water channel 96B connected to the end of the first circumferential water channel 94 on the other side of the circumferential direction D3. The supply side cover water channel 81, the discharge side cover water channel 83, the first connecting water channel 96A and the second connecting water channel 96B are connected to the axial water channel 50 of the central shell 40 (refer to Figure 2 ) That is, the first cover water channel 84 connects two axial water channels 50 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction D3.

[0054] The supply side cover oil passage 88 is connected to the supply oil passage 86. The supply side cover oil passage 88, the discharge side cover oil passage 90 and the first cover oil passage 92 are arranged along the circumferential direction D3. The first cover oil passage 92 is arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction D3. The first cover oil passage 92 comprises: a first circumferential oil passage 98 extending along the circumferential direction D3; a first connecting oil passage 100A connected to an end portion of the first circumferential oil passage 98 on one side of the circumferential direction D3; and a second connecting oil passage 100B connected to an end portion of the first circumferential oil passage 98 on the other side of the circumferential direction D3. The supply side cover oil passage 88, the third connecting oil passage 102 of the discharge side cover oil passage 90, the first connecting oil passage 100A and the second connecting oil passage 100B are connected to the axial oil passage 52 of the central housing 40 (refer to Figure 2 ) connection. Specifically, the first cover oil passage 92 connects two adjacent axial oil passages 52 in the circumferential direction D3. In the circumferential direction D3, the second connecting oil passage 100B is positioned between the adjacent first connecting water passage 96A and second connecting water passage 96B. In the radial direction D2, the first connecting oil passage 100A is positioned outside the first circumferential water passage 94 of the first cover water passage 84.

[0055] The discharge side cover oil passage 90 includes: a third connecting oil passage 102; an inner circumferential oil passage 104; and a third radial oil passage 106, which connects the third connecting oil passage 102 and the inner circumferential oil passage 104. In the circumferential direction D3, the third connecting oil passage 102 is arranged between the supply side cover water passage 81 and the discharge side cover water passage 83. The third connecting oil passage 102 is connected to the axial oil passage 52 of the center housing 40 (see Figure 2 ) is connected. In the radial direction D2, the inner circumferential oil passage 104 is arranged inward of the first connecting water passage 96A and the second connecting water passage 96B. The inner circumferential oil passage 104 is connected to the central discharge oil passage 56, the one side discharge oil passage 58 and the other side discharge oil passage 60 of the central housing 40 (see Figure 2 )connect.

[0056] like Figure 5 As shown, the second cover 44 has a plurality of second cover water passages 110A to 110F and a plurality of second cover oil passages 112A to 112F. Hereinafter, the plurality of second cover water passages 110A to 110F and the plurality of second cover oil passages 112A to 112F are sometimes collectively recorded as "second cover water passage 110" and "second cover oil passage 112", respectively. The second cover water passages 110 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction D3. The second cover water passage 110 comprises: a second circumferential water passage 114 extending along the circumferential direction D3; a third connecting water passage 116A connected to the end of the second circumferential water passage 114 on one side of the circumferential direction D3; and a fourth connecting water passage 116B connected to the end of the second circumferential water passage 114 on the other side of the circumferential direction D3. The third connecting water passage 116A and the fourth connecting water passage 116B are connected to the axial water passage 50 (refer to Figure 2 That is, the second cover water channel 110 connects two axial water channels 50 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction D3.

[0057] The second cover oil passage 112 includes: a second circumferential oil passage 118 extending along the circumferential direction D3; a third connecting oil passage 120A connected to one end portion of the second circumferential oil passage 118 in the circumferential direction D3; and a fourth connecting oil passage 120B connected to the other end portion of the second circumferential oil passage 118 in the circumferential direction D3. The third connecting oil passage 120A and the fourth connecting oil passage 120B are connected to the axial oil passage 52 of the center housing 40 (see FIG. Figure 2 ) connection. That is, the second cover oil passage 112 connects two adjacent axial oil passages 52 in the circumferential direction D3. In the circumferential direction D3, the fourth connecting oil passage 120B of the second cover oil passage 112 is positioned between the adjacent third connecting water passage 116A and fourth connecting water passage 116B. In the radial direction D2, the third connecting oil passage 120A of the second cover oil passage 112 is positioned outside the second circumferential water passage 114 of the second cover water passage 110.

[0058] (Water passage inside motor housing 12)

[0059] The water passage in the motor housing 12 is formed by the axial water passage 50 of the center housing 40, the supply side housing water passage 81 of the first housing 42, the first housing water passage 84, the discharge side housing water passage 83 and the second housing water passage 110 of the second housing 44. Figure 6 As shown, the water channel is provided in a first range R1 extending from the supply water channel 80 in the circumferential direction D3 to the discharge water channel 82 . That is, the aqueous refrigerant flows from the supply water channel 80 in the circumferential direction D3 to the discharge water channel 82 .

[0060] The oil circuit within the motor housing 12 is formed by the axial oil passage 52 of the center housing 40, the supply-side cover oil passage 88 of the first cover 42, the first cover oil passage 92, the discharge-side cover oil passage 90, and the second cover oil passage 112 of the second cover 44. The oil circuit is provided in a second range R2 extending from the supply oil passage 86 toward the other side of the circumferential direction D3 to the discharge oil passage 54. Specifically, the oil-based refrigerant flows from the supply oil passage 86 toward the other side of the circumferential direction D3 to the discharge oil passage 54. Therefore, in the circumferential direction D3, the direction in which the oil-based refrigerant flows is opposite to that of the water-based refrigerant. Furthermore, at least a portion of the first range R1 and at least a portion of the second range R2 coincide with each other in the circumferential direction D3. Specifically, within the range extending from the supply water passage 80 toward one side of the circumferential direction D3 to the supply oil passage 86, the first range R1 and the second range R2 coincide with each other in the circumferential direction D3. That is, the position of the first range R1 in the circumferential direction D3 and the position of the second range R2 in the circumferential direction D3 coincide with each other over almost the entire circumference.

[0061] (Cooling effect)

[0062] The effect when the temperature of the aqueous refrigerant supplied to the motor housing 12 is lower than the temperatures of the oil-based refrigerant supplied to the motor housing 12 and the motor 14 will be described.

[0063] In the above configuration, the aqueous refrigerant that has cooled the inverter (not shown) is supplied to the motor housing 12. The aqueous refrigerant then flows through the water passages in the motor housing 12, cooling the stator 24 in the motor housing 12 from the outside in the radial direction D2.

[0064] In addition, the oily refrigerant is supplied to the motor housing 12 via an oil pump (not shown). Figure 2 As shown, in the central housing 40, the axial water passage 50 and the axial oil passage 52 are opposed to each other. Therefore, heat exchange is performed between the water refrigerant flowing in the axial water passage 50 and the oil refrigerant flowing in the axial oil passage 52. Through this heat exchange, the heat of the oil refrigerant is dissipated, and the oil refrigerant is cooled. Figure 4 As shown, in the first cover 42, a portion of the first cover water passage 84 and a portion of the first cover oil passage 92 are opposed to each other. Therefore, even in the first cover 42, heat exchange is performed between the water-based refrigerant and the oil-based refrigerant. Figure 5 As shown, in the second housing 44, the second housing water passage 110 and the second housing oil passage 112 face each other. Therefore, heat exchange occurs between the aqueous refrigerant and the oil-based refrigerant even within the second housing 44. This cools the oil-based refrigerant as it circulates within the motor housing 12. Furthermore, this structure eliminates the need for an oil cooler for cooling the oil-based refrigerant, reducing the number of components.

[0065] like Figure 2 As shown, the cooled oily refrigerant is supplied to the central discharge oil passage 56, the one side discharge oil passage 58, and the other side discharge oil passage 60 via the discharge side cover oil passage 90. Figure 3 As shown, a portion of the oily refrigerant supplied to the central discharge oil passage 56 is discharged to the internal space of the motor housing 12 via the first discharge oil passage 62. The oily refrigerant is then guided by the first guide portion 66 to the first coil end 28A. This cools the first coil end 28A. In addition, a portion of the oily refrigerant supplied to the central discharge oil passage 56 is discharged to the internal space of the motor housing 12 via the second discharge oil passage 64. The oily refrigerant is then guided by the second guide portion 68 to the second coil end 28B. This cools the second coil end 28B. In this way, the lead side and the opposite side of the lead of the stator 24 are cooled by the oily refrigerant.

[0066] In addition, in this embodiment, Figure 4As shown, the discharge oil passage 54 is adjacent to the supply water passage 80. Therefore, the axial oil passage 52 connected to the discharge oil passage 54 is adjacent to the axial water passage 50 connected to the supply water passage 80. Hereinafter, the axial oil passage 52 connected to the discharge oil passage 54, the axial water passage 50 connected to the supply water passage 80, and the axial water passage 50 connected to the discharge water passage 82 will be respectively described as "the first axial oil passage", "the first axial water passage", and "the second axial water passage". Specifically, the first axial oil passage is arranged between the first axial water passage and the second axial water passage. Among the multiple axial water passages 50, the temperature of the aqueous refrigerant flowing in the first axial water passage is the lowest. Therefore, by performing heat exchange between the oily refrigerant flowing in the first axial oil passage and the aqueous refrigerant flowing in the first axial water passage, the temperature of the oily refrigerant discharged into the internal space of the motor housing 12 can be lowered.

[0067] (Warming effect)

[0068] A case where the temperature of the aqueous refrigerant supplied to the motor housing 12 is higher than the temperature of the oil-based refrigerant supplied to the motor housing 12 will be described.

[0069] When the temperature of the oil refrigerant is relatively low, its viscosity is high. This increases the pressure loss in the oil circuit and the drag loss in the motor 14. According to the above structure, heat exchange occurs between the aqueous refrigerant flowing in the water circuit and the oil refrigerant flowing in the oil circuit within the motor housing 12. This heat exchange warms the oil refrigerant. As a result, the temperature of the oil refrigerant increases and its viscosity decreases. This reduces the pressure loss in the oil circuit and the drag loss in the motor 14.

[0070] (Effects of this embodiment)

[0071] As described above, the cylindrical motor housing 12 extending along the central axis includes: a water supply passage 80 for supplying aqueous refrigerant; a water discharge passage 82, disposed at a different position from the water supply passage 80 in the circumferential direction D3 relative to the central axis, for discharging the aqueous refrigerant; a water passage disposed in a first range R1 extending from one side of the water supply passage 80 in the circumferential direction D3 to the water discharge passage 82; an oil supply passage 86 for supplying oil-based refrigerant; an oil discharge passage 54, disposed at a different position from the oil supply passage 86 in the circumferential direction D3 to discharge the oil-based refrigerant into the interior of the motor housing 12; and an oil passage disposed in a second range R2 extending from the oil supply passage 86 in the circumferential direction D3 to the other side of the oil discharge passage 54. At least a portion of the first range R1 and at least a portion of the second range R2 coincide with each other in the circumferential direction D3.

[0072] According to the above structure, the position of at least a portion of the first range R1 in the circumferential direction D3 is consistent with that of at least a portion of the second range R2. Therefore, heat exchange is performed between the aqueous refrigerant circulating in the water path and the oil-based refrigerant circulating in the oil path. Through this heat exchange, the temperature difference between the aqueous refrigerant and the oil-based refrigerant is alleviated, and uneven cooling or heating of the motor 14 is suppressed. In addition, by supplying the oil-based refrigerant into the internal space of the motor housing 12, the motor 14 can be directly cooled or heated by the oil-based refrigerant. Therefore, the motor 14 can be effectively cooled or heated by the combination of the aqueous refrigerant and the oil-based refrigerant.

[0073] In addition, the water passage includes a plurality of axial water passages 50 extending in the axial direction D1, and the oil passage includes a plurality of axial oil passages 52 extending in the axial direction D1. At least a portion of the axial water passages 50 and at least a portion of the axial oil passages 52 are aligned in position in the radial direction D2 based on the central axis.

[0074] According to the above configuration, the distance between the axial water passage 50 and the axial oil passage 52 can be shortened. Therefore, heat exchange between the axial water passage 50 and the axial oil passage 52 can be performed efficiently.

[0075] Alternatively, the water passage may include a plurality of axial water passages 50 extending in the axial direction D1, and the oil passage may include a plurality of axial oil passages 52 extending in the axial direction D1. In the circumferential direction D3, the plurality of axial water passages 50 and the plurality of axial oil passages 52 are alternately arranged at least one by one.

[0076] According to the above configuration, at least one axial oil passage 52 is disposed adjacent to the plurality of axial water passages 50 , so that heat exchange can be efficiently performed between the axial water passages 50 and the axial oil passages 52 .

[0077] The water passage includes a plurality of axial water passages 50 extending in the axial direction D1, and the oil passage includes a plurality of axial oil passages 52 extending in the axial direction D1. In radial direction D2, the inner ends of the axial water passages 50 are located inward of the inner ends of the axial oil passages 52.

[0078] According to the above configuration, the motor 14 housed in the internal space can be efficiently cooled by the aqueous refrigerant flowing through the axial water passage 50. This configuration is particularly effective in a structure where the temperature of the aqueous refrigerant is more accurately controlled than the temperature of the oil refrigerant.

[0079] Alternatively, the oil discharge passage 54 may be disposed adjacent to the water supply passage 80 .

[0080] Assuming the temperature of the motor 14 is higher than that of the aqueous refrigerant, the temperature of the aqueous refrigerant flowing through the water path increases as it moves from upstream to downstream. That is, the temperature of the aqueous refrigerant flowing through the supply water path 80 is lowest. With the above-described configuration, the oil-based refrigerant flowing through the discharge oil path 54 can be cooled through heat exchange with the aqueous refrigerant flowing through the supply water path 80.

[0081] The water passage includes a plurality of axial water passages 50 extending in the axial direction D1, and the oil passage includes a plurality of axial oil passages 52 extending in the axial direction D1. The plurality of axial water passages 50 include a first axial water passage connected to the supply water passage 80. The plurality of axial oil passages 52 include a first axial oil passage connected to the discharge oil passage 54.

[0082] The first axial oil passage is adjacent to the first axial water passage.

[0083] As described above, when the temperature of the motor 14 is higher than that of the aqueous refrigerant, the aqueous refrigerant flowing through the first axial water passage has the lowest temperature among the aqueous refrigerant flowing through the multiple axial water passages 50. With this configuration, the oil refrigerant flowing through the first axial oil passage can be cooled by heat exchange with the aqueous refrigerant flowing through the first axial water passage.

[0084] In addition, the plurality of axial water passages 50 further include a second axial water passage connected to the discharge water passage 82. The first axial oil passage is located in a range from the first axial water passage toward the other side to the second axial water passage in the circumferential direction D3.

[0085] The above configuration allows for flexible design of the discharge oil passage 54 extending from the first axial oil passage into the interior of the motor housing 12. Specifically, in the circumferential direction D3, there is no water passage within the range extending from the first axial oil passage toward the other side of the second axial oil passage. Therefore, if the first axial oil passage is located within this range, the discharge oil passage 54 can be freely designed without interfering with the water passage.

[0086] The motor housing 12 also holds the stator 24. The inner circumferential surface of the motor housing 12 includes a contact region 40A that contacts the outer circumferential surface of the stator 24, and a first opposing region 40B (an example of an "opposing region") located to one side of the contact region 40A in the axial direction D1 and opposed to the stator 24 with a gap therebetween. The oil discharge passage 54 includes a first discharge opening 62C (an example of "at least one opening") in the first opposing region 40B on the inner circumferential surface of the motor housing 12.

[0087] According to the above configuration, the oily refrigerant discharged from the first discharge opening 62C can directly cool or warm the stator 24. Furthermore, the oily refrigerant supplied to the stator 24 can also function as a lubricant for the gear unit and the bearings.

[0088] Furthermore, at least one opening of the oil discharge passage 54 includes a first discharge opening 62C of the central oil discharge passage 56 located vertically above the central axis.

[0089] According to the above configuration, the oily refrigerant discharged from the first discharge opening 62C can reliably come into contact with the stator 24. Therefore, the stator 24 can be cooled or heated more efficiently.

[0090] The at least one opening of the discharge oil passage 54 includes a plurality of openings arranged along the circumferential direction D3. The central discharge oil passage 56, the one side discharge oil passage 58, and the first discharge opening 62C of the other side discharge oil passage 60 are examples of "plural openings."

[0091] According to the above configuration, the number of portions of the stator 24 that come into contact with the oil-based refrigerant can be increased, thereby enabling the stator 24 to be cooled or heated more efficiently.

[0092] The motor housing 12 further includes a first guide portion 66 (an example of a “guide portion”) that guides the oily refrigerant discharged from the first discharge opening 62C of the discharge oil passage 54 toward the first coil end portion 28A (an example of a “coil end portion”) of the stator 24 .

[0093] First coil end 28A of stator 24 easily generates heat. According to the above configuration, the oily refrigerant discharged from first discharge opening 62C is guided toward first coil end 28A. Therefore, first coil end 28A can be directly cooled or heated.

[0094] The motor housing 12 further includes a second oil discharge passage 64 that discharges oily refrigerant from the oil passage into the interior of the motor housing 12. The inner circumferential surface of the motor housing 12 includes a second opposing region 40C. This second opposing region 40C is located on the other side of the contact region 40A in the axial direction D1 and faces the stator 24 across a gap. The second oil discharge passage 64 includes a second discharge opening 64C (an example of "at least one second opening") in the second opposing region 40C on the inner circumferential surface of the motor housing 12.

[0095] According to the above configuration, the stator 24 can be directly cooled on the other side in the axial direction D1 by the oily refrigerant discharged from the second discharge opening 64C of the discharge oil passage 54. Therefore, the stator 24 can be cooled more efficiently.

[0096] The motor housing 12 further includes a center housing 40 extending in the axial direction D1 , a first cover 42 connected to one end of the center housing 40 in the axial direction D1 , and a second cover 44 connected to the other end of the center housing 40 in the axial direction D1 .

[0097] The above structure makes it possible to easily form the water and oil passages. Specifically, by forming portions of the water and oil passages in each of the center housing 40, the first cover 42, and the second cover 44, and combining the center housing 40, the first cover 42, and the second cover 44, a relatively complex structure of the water and oil passages can be realized.

[0098] (Second embodiment)

[0099] Reference Figures 7 to 10 The drive device 2 of the second embodiment will be described. The motor housing 12 of the drive device 2 of the second embodiment is different from the motor housing 12 of the first embodiment. Components common between the embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0100] like Figure 7 As shown, the center housing 240 of the motor housing 12 of the second embodiment includes a plurality of axial water passages 50 and a plurality of axial oil passages 252. The plurality of axial oil passages 252 extend along the axial direction D1. In the circumferential direction D3, the distance between two adjacent axial oil passages 252 is shorter than the distance between two adjacent axial water passages 50. In the radial direction D2, the inner ends of the axial oil passages 252 are positioned outward of the outer ends of the axial water passages 50. In other words, in the radial direction D2, the entire axial oil passages 252 are positioned outward of the axial water passages 50. Furthermore, the number of the plurality of axial oil passages 252 is less than the number of the plurality of axial water passages 50.

[0101] like Figure 8 As shown, the first cover 242 of the motor housing 12 of the second embodiment includes: a supply oil passage 286 for supplying oily refrigerant; a supply side cover oil passage 288; a discharge side cover oil passage 290; and a plurality of first cover oil passages 292A, 292B. Hereinafter, the plurality of first cover oil passages 292A, 292B are sometimes collectively described as "first cover oil passages 292". In the circumferential direction D3, the supply oil passage 286 is provided at a position substantially the same as the first connecting water passage 96A of the first cover water passage 84B. The first cover oil passage 292 includes: a first circumferential oil passage 298 extending along the circumferential direction D3; a first connecting oil passage 300A connected to one end portion of the first circumferential oil passage 298 in the circumferential direction D3; and a second connecting oil passage 300B connected to the other end portion of the first circumferential oil passage 298 in the circumferential direction D3. The first connecting oil passage 300A and the second connecting oil passage 300B are connected to the axial oil passage 252 (refer to the circumferential direction D3) of the central housing 40. Figure 7 That is, the plurality of first cover oil passages 292A and 292B connect two adjacent axial oil passages 252 in the circumferential direction D3. In the radial direction D2, the first cover oil passage 292 is arranged outside the first cover water passage 84.

[0102] like Figure 9As shown, the second cover 244 of the motor housing 12 of the second embodiment has a plurality of second cover oil passages 312A to 312C. Hereinafter, the plurality of second cover oil passages 312A to 312C are sometimes collectively described as "second cover oil passages 312". The second cover oil passage 312 comprises: a second circumferential oil passage 318 extending along the circumferential direction D3; a third connecting oil passage 320A connected to one end portion of the second circumferential oil passage 318 in the circumferential direction D3; and a fourth connecting oil passage 320B connected to the other end portion of the second circumferential oil passage 318 in the circumferential direction D3. The third connecting oil passage 320A and the fourth connecting oil passage 320B are connected to the axial oil passage 252 of the central housing 40 (refer to Figure 7 ) is connected. That is, the second cover oil passage 312 connects two adjacent axial oil passages 252 in the circumferential direction D3. In the radial direction D2, the second cover oil passage 312 is arranged outside the second cover water passage 110.

[0103] (Water passage inside motor housing 12)

[0104] As in the first embodiment, the water path within the motor housing 12 is formed by the axial water path 50 of the center housing 240, the supply-side housing water path 81 of the first housing 242, the first housing water path 84, the discharge-side housing water path 83, and the second housing water path 110 of the second housing 244. Furthermore, the oil path within the motor housing 12 is formed by the axial oil path 252 of the center housing 240, the supply-side housing oil path 288 of the first housing 242, the discharge-side housing oil path 290, the first housing oil path 292, and the second housing oil path 312 of the second housing 244. Figure 10 As shown, the oil passage is provided in a second range R12 from the supply oil passage 286 toward the other side in the circumferential direction D3 to the discharge oil passage 54. In this embodiment, the directions in which the oil refrigerant flows and the directions in which the water refrigerant flows in the circumferential direction D3 are also opposite.

[0105] Furthermore, at least a portion of the first range R1 and at least a portion of the second range R12 coincide with each other in the circumferential direction D3. Specifically, in the range from the water supply passage 80 toward one side in the circumferential direction D3 to the oil supply passage 286, the first range R1 and the second range R12 coincide with each other in the circumferential direction D3. The second range R12 of this embodiment is larger than the second range R2 of the first embodiment (see FIG. Figure 7) is smaller. Furthermore, in the circumferential direction D3, the overlap between the second range R12 and the first range R1 is also smaller than the overlap between the second range R2 and the first range R1 in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the second range R12 and the first range R1 overlap over approximately one-quarter of the entire circumference. This structure also allows the oil-based refrigerant to be cooled within the motor housing 12. Furthermore, by reducing the overlap between the second range R12 and the first range R1 in the circumferential direction D3, pressure loss in the oil circuit can be reduced. Consequently, the oil pump can be prevented from becoming larger.

[0106] While the specific examples of the technology disclosed in this specification have been described in detail above, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and variations of the specific examples described above.

[0107] (First Modification)

[0108] The configuration may be such that, in the radial direction D2 , the inner end of the axial oil passage of the motor housing is located further inward than the inner end of the axial water passage.

[0109] (Second Modification)

[0110] Alternatively, two or more axial oil passages may be arranged between adjacent axial water passages in the circumferential direction D3. Alternatively, a plurality of axial water passages and a plurality of axial oil passages may be positioned in the same direction in the circumferential direction D3.

[0111] (Third Modification)

[0112] The discharge oil passage 54 may be arranged not adjacent to the water supply passage 80. For example, the discharge oil passage 54 may be arranged at a position away from the water supply passage 80 by 45 degrees or more in the circumferential direction D3.

[0113] (Fourth Modification)

[0114] The discharge oil passage 54 may be configured to have a discharge opening in a region that does not face the stator 24 in the radial direction D2.

[0115] (Fifth Modification)

[0116] The discharge oil passage 54 may be configured not to include the central discharge oil passage 56 .

[0117] (Sixth Modification)

[0118] The discharge oil passage 54 may be configured not to include the one-side discharge oil passage 58 and the other-side discharge oil passage 60 .

[0119] (Seventh Modification)

[0120] The central discharge oil passage 56 may be configured not to include the second discharge oil passage 64 .

[0121] (Eighth Modification)

[0122] The motor housing 12 may be configured not to include at least one of the first guide portion 66 and the second guide portion 68 .

[0123] (Ninth Modification)

[0124] The motor housing 12 may be formed of two parts. That is, the cylindrical motor housing may further include a bottomed cylindrical housing.

[0125] Furthermore, the technical elements described in this specification or drawings may exhibit technical utility individually or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of application. Furthermore, the techniques exemplified in this specification or drawings may simultaneously achieve multiple objectives, and achieving any one of these objectives alone may be technically useful.

Claims

1. A motor housing, in the shape of a cylinder extending along a central axis, characterized in that: have: a water supply channel configured to supply an aqueous refrigerant; a discharge water passage, configured to be provided at a position different from that of the supply water passage in a circumferential direction based on the central axis, for discharging the aqueous refrigerant; A first range water channel is provided in a first range extending from the supply water channel to one side in the circumferential direction and extending to the discharge water channel; an oil supply circuit configured to supply an oily refrigerant; a first discharge oil passage, provided at a position different from the supply oil passage in the circumferential direction, for discharging the oily refrigerant into the interior space of the motor housing; as well as The second range oil passage is provided in a second range from the supply oil passage toward the other side in the circumferential direction to the first discharge oil passage. At least a portion of the first range and at least a portion of the second range are aligned in position in the circumferential direction.

2. The motor housing according to claim 1, wherein: The first range water channel includes a plurality of axial water channels extending in an axial direction parallel to the central axis. The second range oil passage includes a plurality of axial oil passages extending in the axial direction. At least a portion of the axial water passage and at least a portion of the axial oil passage coincide with each other in radial direction relative to the central axis.

3. The motor housing according to claim 1, wherein: The first range water channel includes a plurality of axial water channels extending in an axial direction parallel to the central axis. The second range oil passage includes a plurality of axial oil passages extending in the axial direction. In the circumferential direction, the plurality of axial water passages and the plurality of axial oil passages are arranged alternately at least one by one.

4. The motor housing according to claim 1, wherein: The first range water channel includes a plurality of axial water channels extending in an axial direction parallel to the central axis. The second range oil passage includes a plurality of axial oil passages extending in the axial direction. In the radial direction, the inner end portion of the axial water passage is arranged on the inner side of the inner end portion of the axial oil passage.

5. The motor housing according to claim 1, wherein: The first oil discharge passage is arranged adjacent to the water supply passage.

6. The motor housing according to claim 5, wherein: The first range water channel includes a plurality of axial water channels extending in an axial direction parallel to the central axis. The second range oil passage includes a plurality of axial oil passages extending in the axial direction. The plurality of axial waterways include a first axial waterway connected to the supply waterway, The plurality of axial oil passages include a first axial oil passage connected to the first exhaust oil passage, The first axial oil passage is adjacent to the first axial water passage.

7. The motor housing according to claim 6, wherein: The plurality of axial waterways further includes a second axial waterway connected to the exhaust waterway, The first axial oil passage is located in a range from the first axial water passage toward the other side to the second axial water passage in the circumferential direction.

8. The motor housing according to claim 1, wherein The motor housing holds the stator, The inner circumference of the motor housing has: an abutting region abutting against the outer peripheral surface of the stator; and The facing region is located on one side of the contact region in an axial direction parallel to the central axis and faces the stator with a gap therebetween. The first oil discharge passage has at least one opening in the facing region of the inner peripheral surface of the motor housing.

9. The motor housing according to claim 8, wherein: The at least one opening of the first oil discharge passage includes an opening located vertically above the central axis.

10. The motor housing according to claim 8, wherein The at least one opening of the first oil discharge passage includes a plurality of openings arranged along the circumferential direction.

11. The motor housing according to claim 8, wherein The stator further includes a guide portion configured to guide the oily refrigerant discharged from the at least one opening of the first discharge oil passage toward a coil end portion of the stator.

12. The motor housing according to claim 8, wherein The motor housing further includes a second discharge oil passage configured to discharge the oily refrigerant from the second range oil passage to the internal space of the motor housing. The inner peripheral surface of the motor housing has a second opposing area, which is located on the other side of the abutting area in the axial direction and faces the stator with a gap therebetween. The second oil discharge passage has at least one second opening in the second opposing region of the inner peripheral surface of the motor housing.

13. The motor housing according to claim 1, wherein Further possess: a central housing extending in an axial direction parallel to the central axis; a first cover connected to one end portion of the central housing in the axial direction; and The second cover is connected to the other end portion of the center housing in the axial direction.

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