Vehicle control device and vehicle drive device

Abstract

Provided is a vehicle control device in which deformation of a control housing is easily suppressed to a small extent. A vehicle control device (10) is provided with a control module (20), a pair of attachment members (54) connected to a vehicle body (12a) of a vehicle, and a control case (52) that houses the control module (20), the control case (52) being provided with: a pair of attachment fixing parts (52e) to which the pair of attachment members (54) are fixed, respectively; and a heat exchange unit (70) having formed therein a flow path (71) through which a heat medium for heat exchange with the control module (20) flows, the heat exchange unit (70) being disposed at a position sandwiched between the pair of attachment fixing units (52e) and being integrally formed with the pair of attachment fixing units (52e).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle control device and a vehicle drive device having a pair of mounting components. Background Technology

[0002] International Publication No. 2020 / 084989 (Patent Document 1) discloses a vehicle drive unit having a pair of mounting members (8L, 8R). In this vehicle drive unit, the drive unit housing (2) is connected to the vehicle body (6L, 6R) via a pair of mounting members (8L, 8R).

[0003] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2020 / 084989

[0004] However, when connecting the vehicle's drive unit to the vehicle body, for example, it is advisable to connect the control housing, which houses the control module required for controlling the vehicle's power source, to the vehicle body using a pair of mounting members as in Patent Document 1, instead of connecting the drive unit housing, which houses the vehicle's power source, gear mechanism, etc., to the vehicle body. However, it is generally believed that there is a possibility that the control housing may deform during operation due to the load applied to the control housing by the pair of mounting members. Moreover, it is considered that if the deformation of the control housing is large at this time, there is a possibility that the control module inside the control housing may be subjected to a load. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to realize a vehicle control device that can easily suppress deformation of the control housing.

[0006] The vehicle control device disclosed herein includes: a control module comprising at least one of an inverter for driving and controlling a rotary motor, a voltage conversion circuit electrically connected to and converting the voltage of a vehicle battery, a charging circuit for charging the vehicle battery from an external power source, and a power supply circuit for supplying power from the vehicle battery to an external source; a pair of mounting members connected to the vehicle body; and a control housing housing the control module. In the vehicle control device, the control housing includes: a pair of mounting and fixing portions for fixing the pair of mounting members; and a heat exchange portion having a flow path formed internally for a heat medium to flow for heat exchange with the control module. The heat exchange portion is disposed at a position sandwiched between the pair of mounting and fixing portions and is integrally formed with the pair of mounting and fixing portions.

[0007] According to this structure, the heat exchange section, in which a flow path is formed internally, is integrally formed with the pair of mounting and fixing parts at a position sandwiched between them. Therefore, the rigidity of the control housing between the pair of mounting and fixing parts is easily improved. Consequently, deformation of the control housing caused by loads acting on it from the pair of mounting members can be reduced. Therefore, the load acting on the control module 20 housed in the control housing can be reduced. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram representing a vehicle equipped with vehicle control devices.

[0009] Figure 2 It is mounted on Figure 1 The circuit block diagram of the vehicle's control module.

[0010] Figure 3 It is mounted on Figure 1 A top view of the vehicle's control housing.

[0011] Figure 4 It is mounted on Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the vehicle's control housing, and it is shown that... Figure 3 A view of section III-III.

[0012] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0013] 10... Vehicle control device; 11... Vehicle drive unit; 12... Vehicle; 12a... Body; 15... Output component; 20... Control module; 23... On-board charger (charging circuit, power supply circuit); 35... First DC-DC converter (voltage conversion circuit); 36... Second DC-DC converter (voltage conversion circuit); 51... Drive unit housing; 52... Control housing; 52a... Side wall; 52b... Bottom wall; 52e... Mounting and fixing part; 54... Mounting component; 61... Rib; 63... Electronic component; 65... Encapsulating material; 70... Heat exchange part; 71... Flow path; BH... First battery (on-board battery); BL... Second battery (on-board battery); GT... Power transmission mechanism; INV... Inverter; MG... Rotary motor; W... Wheel; Y... Second direction (object direction). Detailed Implementation

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the vehicle control device 10 will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a vehicle 12 equipped with a vehicle control device 10. The vehicle control device 10 is provided in a vehicle drive unit 11.

[0015] The vehicle drive unit 11 includes a rotary motor MG. In this embodiment, the rotary motor MG is the driving force source for the vehicle 12. Examples of the vehicle 12 include battery electric vehicles (BEVs), fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) with an internal combustion engine and a rotary motor, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). The vehicle 12 can be a three-wheeled vehicle or a four-wheeled vehicle. In this embodiment, the vehicle 12 is a four-wheeled vehicle. The vehicle 12 includes a battery (BH, BL). The vehicle 12 has a pair of wheels W.

[0016] A direction orthogonal to the vertical direction Z, i.e., a horizontal direction, is designated as the first direction X. Here, the vertical direction Z refers to the vertical direction when the vehicle drive unit 11 is mounted on the vehicle 12. Furthermore, a direction orthogonal to both the vertical direction Z and the first direction X is designated as the second direction Y. In this embodiment, the second direction Y is parallel to the rotation axis of the wheel W. Alternatively, the second direction Y may also be orthogonal to the rotation axis of the wheel W.

[0017] The rotary motor MG functions as both a motor (electric motor) that receives and generates power from an electrical supply and a generator that receives and generates power from an electrical supply. Specifically, the rotary motor MG is electrically connected to an energy storage device (not shown) such as a battery or capacitor. Furthermore, the rotary motor MG uses the electricity stored in the energy storage device to power its operation and generate driving force. In addition, the rotary motor MG generates electricity using the driving force transmitted from the wheel W side, thereby charging the energy storage device. In this embodiment, the rotary motor MG is an internal rotor type rotary motor. The vehicle drive unit 11 includes a drive unit housing 51 that houses the rotary motor MG.

[0018] The vehicle drive unit 11 includes an output member 15 that is driven and connected to the wheel W. Here, "drive connection" refers to a state in which two rotating members are connected in a manner capable of transmitting driving force, including a state in which the two rotating members are connected in a manner that allows them to rotate as a whole or a state in which the two rotating members are connected in a manner that allows them to transmit driving force via one or more transmission members. Such transmission members include various members that transmit rotation at a constant or variable speed, such as shafts, gear mechanisms, belts, chains, etc. In addition, transmission members may also include engagement devices that selectively transmit rotation and driving force, such as friction engagement devices, meshing engagement devices, etc. However, when "drive connection" is used for rotating members of a planetary gear mechanism, it refers to a state in which the drive connection is not transmitted via rotating members other than the planetary gear mechanism.

[0019] The vehicle drive unit 11 includes a power transmission mechanism GT. The power transmission mechanism GT transmits driving force between the rotary motor MG and the output member 15. In this embodiment, the power transmission is reduced in speed by the reduction device 13 and distributed to a pair of wheels W by the differential gear device 14. The differential gear device 14 is driven to the wheels W via the drive shaft 16.

[0020] In this embodiment, the reduction gear 13 is constructed using a planetary gear mechanism, comprising a sun gear SG, a gear carrier CR, a pinion PG, and a ring gear RG. This reduces the drive rotation generated from the rotary motor MG. Alternatively, the reduction gear 13 may also be a parallel shaft reduction gear using an intermediate gear or the like.

[0021] In this embodiment, the output member 15 is a rotating member constituting the differential gear device 14. However, it is not limited to this, and the output member 15 may also be a rotating member sandwiched between the differential gear device 14 and the drive shaft 16.

[0022] Figure 1 The example shown is a so-called single-axle E-axle in which a plurality of main rotating components constituting a vehicle drive unit 11 are arranged on the same axis within a drive unit housing 51. However, it is not limited thereto, and the vehicle drive unit 11 disclosed herein can also be applied, for example, to a so-called three-axle E-axle in which the main rotating components are distributed on three axes.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a circuit block diagram illustrating an example of control module 20. The vehicle control device 10 includes control module 20. The rotary motor MG is connected to the vehicle batteries (first battery BH, second battery BL) via inverter INV.

[0024] The control module 20 includes an inverter INV for driving and controlling the rotating motor MG, and at least one of a voltage conversion circuit, a charging circuit, and a power supply circuit that are electrically connected to the vehicle battery.

[0025] The control module 20 includes an inverter module 21. The inverter module 21 drives and controls the rotating motor MG. The control module 20 also includes a power supply module 22. The power supply module 22 functions as at least one of a voltage conversion circuit, a charging circuit, and a power supply circuit.

[0026] The "voltage conversion circuit" is a circuit that performs voltage conversion for the vehicle battery. In the illustrated example, the first DC-DC converter 35 and the second DC-DC converter 36 both function as voltage conversion circuits. The "charging circuit" is a circuit used to charge the vehicle battery (BH, BL) from an external power source. The "power supply circuit" is a circuit used to supply power from the vehicle battery to an external source. In this embodiment, the vehicle charger 23 has both charging and power supply circuit functions. Alternatively, the vehicle charger 23 may be configured to have only a charging circuit function. Furthermore, a power supply circuit different from that of the vehicle charger 23 may be provided in the control module 20.

[0027] In this embodiment, the vehicle battery includes a first battery BH, which is a high-voltage battery. The first battery BH is configured to be connected to an external power source via a vehicle charger 23 equipped with a charging circuit. The first battery BH is a DC power source composed of a rechargeable secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery and an energy storage device such as a double-layer capacitor. The rated voltage of the first battery BH is approximately 200 volts to 800 volts.

[0028] The vehicle battery includes a second battery BL with a rated voltage lower than that of the first battery BH. The second battery BL is configured to be charged using power supplied from the first battery BH. The second battery BL is also configured to be charged using power supplied from an external AC power source. The rated power supply voltage of the second battery BL is, for example, approximately 12 volts to 24 volts.

[0029] In this embodiment, the control module 20 includes a first DC-DC converter 35. The first DC-DC converter 35 steps down the DC power supplied from the first battery BH. The DC power stepped down by the first DC-DC converter 35 is supplied to the auxiliary machine rotary motor 38, which serves as the drive power source for the auxiliary machine. Examples of auxiliary machines include air conditioners and electric oil pumps.

[0030] The on-board charger 23 of this embodiment includes a dual active bridge (DAB) circuit with a transformer 25, which converts the AC power (AC IN) supplied from the external AC power source into a first DC power and a second DC power. When viewed from the AC side, the transformer 25 includes a primary winding and two secondary windings.

[0031] In this embodiment, a first circuit 31 is formed by connecting a full-bridge circuit consisting of switching elements to the primary side coil. A second circuit 32 is formed by connecting a full-bridge circuit to the primary side coil. A third circuit 33 is formed by connecting a full-bridge circuit to the secondary side coil.

[0032] The second circuit 32 generates a first DC power for charging the first battery BH. The third circuit 33 generates a second DC power with a lower voltage than the first DC power. In this embodiment, the control module 20 includes a second DC-DC converter 36. The second DC-DC converter 36 reduces the voltage of the second DC power generated by the third circuit 33.

[0033] A first DC support capacitor 41 is provided between the first battery BH and the inverter INV, which functions as a smoothing capacitor to smooth the voltage on the DC side of the inverter INV.

[0034] The first DC-DC converter 35 has a second DC support capacitor 42 on its first battery BH side, which functions as a smoothing capacitor to smooth the DC voltage. The output of the second circuit 32 has a third DC support capacitor 43 to smooth the voltage of the first DC power. The output of the third circuit 33 has a fourth DC support capacitor 44 to smooth the voltage of the second DC power.

[0035] The rotating motor MG is driven and controlled by the rotating motor control unit 45 based on a target torque set according to instructions from a vehicle control device (not shown) which serves as a higher-level control device. The rotating motor control unit 45 controls the switching of the inverter INV, which is composed of multiple switching elements, so that the inverter INV converts power between DC and multiphase (three-phase in this embodiment) AC.

[0036] In this embodiment, the rotary motor control unit 45, together with the charging control unit that controls the on-board charger 23, the first voltage conversion control unit that controls the first DC-DC converter 35, and the second voltage conversion control unit that controls the second DC-DC converter 36, are configured as an ECU.

[0037] Figure 3 This is a top view showing an example of the drive housing 51 and the control housing 52. Figure 4This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the drive housing 51 and the control housing 52.

[0038] like Figure 4 As shown, the vehicle drive unit 11 includes a drive unit housing 51 that houses the rotary motor MG and the power transmission mechanism GT. The vehicle control unit 10 includes a control housing 52 that houses the control module 20. Here, the upper side and lower side in the vertical direction Z are respectively designated as upper side Z1 and lower side Z2. In this embodiment, the control housing 52 is disposed on the upper side Z1 of the drive unit housing 51.

[0039] The control housing 52 is engaged with or integrally formed with the drive housing 51. Examples of engagement include bolt-based fastening, riveting, welding, chiseling, brazing, etc. In this embodiment, the control housing 52 is fastened to the drive housing 51 by bolts.

[0040] Alternatively, the control housing 52 and the drive housing 51 may be integrally formed from the same component. Examples of integral formation from the same component include casting, forging, cutting, grinding, etc.

[0041] The vehicle control device 10 includes a pair of mounting members 54 connected to the body 12a of the vehicle 12. In this embodiment, the pair of mounting members 54 are configured to support the control housing 52 in a suspended manner from the body 12a. In this embodiment, the second direction Y is a direction parallel to the direction from one of the pair of mounting members 54 toward the other.

[0042] The control housing 52 is supported by a pair of mounting members 54 and is suspended from the vehicle body 12a. Examples of the vehicle body 12a include a monocoque body (monocoque) and a frame (monocoque). The mounting members 54 include mounting brackets 54a and mounting bushings 54b. The mounting bushings 54b absorb, for example, vibrations transmitted from the control housing 52 to the passenger compartment and impacts transmitted from the road surface to the control housing 52.

[0043] like Figure 3 As shown, the control housing 52 includes sidewall portions 52a. The sidewall portions 52a are disposed on both sides of the control module 20 in at least the second direction Y. In this embodiment, the sidewall portions 52a are disposed on both sides of the control module 20 in the first direction X and both sides in the second direction Y.

[0044] In this embodiment, the sidewall portion 52a is configured to surround the control module 20 from the outside in the horizontal direction. When viewed in the vertical direction, the sidewall portion 52a is formed in, for example, a polygonal or circular shape. In this embodiment, when viewed in the vertical direction, the sidewall portion 52a is formed in a rectangular shape.

[0045] In this embodiment, the control module 20 is continuously surrounded by the side wall portion 52a. Alternatively, the control module 20 may be intermittently surrounded by the side wall portion 52a.

[0046] like Figure 4 As shown, the control housing 52 includes a bottom wall portion 52b. A first receiving space E1 is disposed on the upper side Z1 of the bottom wall portion 52b. A second receiving space E2 is disposed on the lower side Z2 of the bottom wall portion 52b. In this embodiment, the first receiving space E1 and the second receiving space E2 are spaces continuously enclosed by side wall portions 52a in the horizontal direction.

[0047] At least a portion of the control module 20 is disposed in the first receiving space E1 and the second receiving space E2, respectively. In this embodiment, the inverter module 21 is disposed in the second receiving space E2. In this embodiment, the power supply module 22 is disposed in the first receiving space E1. In this embodiment, the rotary motor control unit 45 is disposed in the first receiving space E1.

[0048] The bottom wall portion 52b covers at least a portion of the control module 20 from the lower side Z2. The bottom wall portion 52b is formed to connect to the side wall portion 52a at least in the second direction Y. In this embodiment, the bottom wall portion 52b is formed to connect to the side wall portion 52a in the first direction X and the second direction Y. The side wall portion 52a and the bottom wall portion 52b are integrally formed from the same component.

[0049] Here, the direction connecting the pair of mounting and fixing parts 52e is defined as the object direction. In this embodiment, the second direction Y is the object direction. In this embodiment, when viewed along the object direction, the bottom wall portion 52b is positioned at a position that overlaps with the pair of mounting and fixing parts 52e.

[0050] Here, regarding the configuration of the two components, "repeated when viewed from a specific direction" means that when an imaginary line parallel to its line of sight moves along directions orthogonal to that imaginary line, there exists a region where the imaginary line intersects with both components.

[0051] The control housing 52 has an upper opening 52c that opens upwards to the upper side Z1. The control housing 52 also has a lower opening 52d that opens downwards to the lower side Z2. The vehicle control device 10 includes a cover member 56 that covers the upper opening 52c of the control housing 52. The cover member 56 is engaged with the control housing 52. In this embodiment, the cover member 56 is fastened to the control housing 52 by bolts.

[0052] The control housing 52 includes a pair of mounting and fixing portions 52e for fixing a pair of mounting members 54 respectively. The pair of mounting and fixing portions 52e and the side wall portion 52a are integrally formed from the same component. Examples of the pair of mounting and fixing portions 52e include bolt fastening portions, riveting holes, welding portions, brazing portions, fitting portions, protrusions, and pedestal portions that can form them. In this embodiment, the mounting and fixing portions 52e are the portions that contact the mounting members 54 of the control housing 52.

[0053] A pair of mounting and fixing parts 52e are disposed on the outer surfaces of the side wall parts 52a facing opposite sides. The bottom wall part 52b is formed to connect the inner surfaces of the side wall parts 52a facing opposite sides in the horizontal direction.

[0054] Ribs 61 are formed in the bottom wall portion 52b, protruding in at least one of the upward and downward directions (Z) and extending in at least one of the horizontal directions. In this embodiment, the ribs 61 protrude toward the first receiving space E1. In this embodiment, the ribs 61 protrude toward the second receiving space E2. In this embodiment, a plurality of ribs 61 are formed in the bottom wall portion 52b.

[0055] like Figure 3 As shown, a pair of ribs 61 are formed on the bottom wall portion 52b, each protruding in at least one of the upward and downward directions (Z) and extending in at least one of the horizontal directions. An electronic component 63 constituting the control module 20 is disposed in the interrib region R1 sandwiched by the pair of ribs 61. In this embodiment, a potting material 65 for fixing the electronic component 63 to the interrib region R1 sandwiched by the pair of ribs 61 is disposed in the interrib region R1.

[0056] In this embodiment, an electronic component 63 and a potting material 65 are disposed in an interrib region R1 continuously surrounded by multiple ribs 61. Examples of electronic components 63 include coils, capacitors, resistors, etc. Alternatively, the electronic component 63 and the potting material 65 may be disposed in an interrib region R1 continuously surrounded by a pair of ribs 61 and a sidewall portion 52a. Furthermore, the electronic component 63 and the potting material 65 may be disposed in an interrib region R1 continuously surrounded by a pair of ribs 61 and a protrusion 67 described later.

[0057] By configuring the ribs 61 and the potting material 65 as described above, no other components are needed to protect the electronic components 63. Furthermore, no other components are needed to block the potting material 65. Therefore, miniaturization of the control housing 52 is easily achieved. Examples of potting materials 65 include polyurethane resin, silicone resin, epoxy resin, etc.

[0058] In this embodiment, the control housing 52 has a rib 61 disposed adjacent to the electronic component 63 constituting the control module 20. Alternatively, in the illustrated example, a rib 61 is also disposed at a location not adjacent to the electronic component 63.

[0059] like Figure 4 As shown, an electronic component 63 and a circuit board 69 on which the electronic component 63 is mounted are disposed in the first receiving space E1. In this embodiment, although not shown, the electronic component 63 and the circuit board 69 on which the electronic component 63 is mounted are disposed in the second receiving space E2. Figure 3 As shown, protrusions 67 protruding in at least one of the upward and downward directions (Z) are formed on the bottom wall portion 52b. A circuit board 69 is secured to the protrusions 67 by screws.

[0060] The control housing 52 includes a heat exchange section 70, which has an internal flow path 71 for the circulation of a heat medium for heat exchange with the control module 20. Examples of heat media include cooling water, cooling oil, refrigerant gases such as difluoromethane, nitrogen, and air.

[0061] The heat exchange section 70 and a pair of mounting and fixing sections 52e are integrally formed. Examples of integral formation include bolt-based fastening, riveting-based joining, welding, brazing, casting, forging, cutting, grinding, etc.

[0062] In this embodiment, the heat exchange section 70 and the pair of mounting and fixing sections 52e are integrally formed from the same component. In this embodiment, the heat exchange section 70 is formed in the control housing 52 by at least one method selected from casting, cutting, and grinding. In this embodiment, a flow path 71 is formed inside the bottom wall section 52b.

[0063] In this embodiment, a flow path 71 is formed inside the rib 61. In this embodiment, a flow path 71 is formed on the rib 61 positioned adjacent to the electronic component 63. In this embodiment, flow paths 71 are formed inside a plurality of ribs 61 positioned continuously or intermittently surrounding the electronic component 63. Furthermore, as... Figure 4 As shown, the control housing 52 also has ribs 61 that do not form flow paths 71.

[0064] The heat exchange section 70 is positioned between a pair of mounting and fixing sections 52e. In this embodiment, when viewed along the object direction (second direction Y), the heat exchange section 70 is positioned at a location that overlaps with the pair of mounting and fixing sections 52e. In this embodiment, when viewed along the object direction (second direction Y), the rib 61 extending along the object direction is positioned at a location that overlaps with the pair of mounting and fixing sections 52e.

[0065] [Other Implementation Methods]

[0066] Next, other embodiments of the vehicle control device 10 and the vehicle drive device 11 will be described.

[0067] (1) In the above embodiment, an example was described with the power transmission mechanism GT having a reduction gear 13 and a differential gear 14, and the control module 20 having an inverter module 21 and a power supply module 22. However, the embodiment of the vehicle control device 10 is not limited to such a structure. For example, the power transmission mechanism GT may not have a reduction gear 13 or a differential gear 14. Furthermore, for example, the control module 20 may not have an inverter module 21 or a power supply module 22.

[0068] (2) In the above embodiment, a structure in which a power module 22 is disposed in the first receiving space E1 and an inverter module 21 is disposed in the second receiving space E2 has been described as an example. However, the embodiment of the vehicle control device 10 is not limited to such a structure. For example, the inverter module 21 may be disposed in the first receiving space E1 and the power module 22 may be disposed in the second receiving space E2. Furthermore, for example, the first receiving space E1 may not exist on the upper Z1 side of the bottom wall portion 52b. Furthermore, for example, the second receiving space E2 may not exist on the lower Z2 side of the bottom wall portion 52b.

[0069] (3) In the above embodiment, the control housing 52 is described as having a sidewall portion 52a arranged to surround the control module 20 from the outside in the horizontal direction, and a pair of mounting and fixing portions 52e are arranged on the outer surfaces of the sidewall portion 52a facing opposite sides. However, the embodiment of the vehicle control device 10 is not limited to such a structure. For example, the pair of mounting and fixing portions 52e may be arranged on the outer surfaces of the sidewall portion 52a facing obliquely downward and not facing opposite sides. Furthermore, for example, the control module 20 may be covered in at least one direction in the horizontal direction by a component different from the control housing 52.

[0070] (4) In the above embodiment, the structure in which the heat exchange unit 70 is arranged in a position that overlaps with the pair of mounting and fixing parts 52e when viewed along the object direction (second direction Y) has been described as an example. However, the embodiment of the vehicle control device 10 is not limited to such a structure. For example, the heat exchange unit 70 may be arranged in a position sandwiched between the pair of mounting and fixing parts 52e, and may be arranged in a position that is offset upward Z1 or downward Z2 relative to the pair of mounting and fixing parts 52e when viewed in the object direction.

[0071] (5) In the above embodiment, the control housing 52 is described as having a bottom wall portion 52b that covers at least a portion of the control module 20 from the lower side Z2 and on which ribs 61 are formed. However, the embodiment of the vehicle control device 10 is not limited to such a structure. For example, it is also possible that ribs 61 are not formed on the bottom wall portion 52b of the control housing 52. Furthermore, for example, the control housing 52 may also have a structure without a bottom wall portion 52b.

[0072] (6) In the above embodiment, an example was described with the electronic component 63 and the potting material 65 disposed in the interrib region R1 sandwiched by a pair of ribs 61. However, the embodiment of the vehicle control device 10 is not limited to such a structure. For example, it is also possible that no potting material 65 is disposed in the interrib region R1. Furthermore, for example, it is also possible that the electronic component 63 is adjacent to only one rib 61 and is not sandwiched by a pair of ribs 61.

[0073] (7) In the above embodiment, the control housing 52 is described as having a rib 61 disposed adjacent to the electronic component 63 constituting the control module 20, and a flow path 71 formed inside the rib 61. However, the embodiment of the vehicle control device 10 is not limited to such a structure. For example, it is also possible that the rib 61 disposed adjacent to the electronic component 63 does not have a flow path 71 formed inside it. Furthermore, for example, it is also possible that the control housing 52 does not have a rib 61 disposed adjacent to the electronic component 63 constituting the control module 20.

[0074] (8) In the above embodiment, the structure in which the control housing 52 is supported by a pair of mounting members 54 and suspended from the vehicle body 12a has been described as an example. However, the embodiment of the vehicle control device 10 is not limited to such a structure. For example, the portion of the mounting member 54 that contacts the mounting fixing part 52e may be located at a lower Z2 position than the control housing 52.

[0075] (9) In the above embodiments, a drive unit 11 for a vehicle has been described as having a drive unit housing 51 that houses the rotary motor MG and the power transmission mechanism GT as an example. However, the embodiments of the drive unit 11 for a vehicle are not limited to this structure. For example, the drive unit housing 51 may not house the rotary motor MG or the power transmission mechanism GT. Furthermore, for example, the drive unit 11 for a vehicle may not have the rotary motor MG, the power transmission mechanism GT, or the drive unit housing 51.

[0076] (10) Furthermore, the structures disclosed in the above embodiments can be combined with structures disclosed in other embodiments as long as they do not create contradictions. Regarding other structures, all aspects of the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely illustrative. Therefore, various changes can be appropriately made without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0077] [Summary of the above implementation methods]

[0078] The following describes the vehicle control device and vehicle drive device involved in this disclosure.

[0079] As one method, the vehicle control device (10) includes: a control module (20) which includes at least one of the following: an inverter (INV) for driving control of a rotary motor (MG), a voltage conversion circuit (first DC-DC converter 35, second DC-DC converter 36) electrically connected to the vehicle battery (first battery BH, second battery BL) and performing voltage conversion on the vehicle battery (first battery BH, second battery BL), a charging circuit (vehicle charger 23) for charging the vehicle battery from an external power source, and a power supply circuit (vehicle charger 23) for supplying power from the vehicle battery to the outside of the vehicle (12); A pair of mounting members (54) are connected to the body (12a) of the vehicle (12); and a control housing (52) housing the control module (20). In the above-mentioned vehicle control device (10), the control housing (52) includes: a pair of mounting fixing parts (52e) for fixing the pair of mounting members (54) respectively; and a heat exchange part (70) having a flow path (71) formed inside for the flow of a heat medium for heat exchange with the control module (20). The heat exchange part (70) is disposed at a position sandwiched between the pair of mounting fixing parts (52e) and is integrally formed with the pair of mounting fixing parts (52e).

[0080] According to this structure, the heat exchange section (70) with an internal flow path (71) is integrally formed with the pair of mounting and fixing parts (52e) at a position sandwiched between them. Therefore, the rigidity of the portion of the control housing (52) between the pair of mounting and fixing parts (52e) can be easily improved. As a result, the deformation of the control housing (52) caused by the loads acting on the control housing (52) from the pair of mounting members (54) can be reduced. Therefore, the load acting on the control module (20) housed in the control housing (52) can be reduced.

[0081] As one approach, the control housing (52) has a side wall portion (52a) configured to surround the control module (20) from the outside in the horizontal direction. A pair of mounting and fixing portions (52e) are arranged on the outer surfaces of the side wall portion (52a) facing opposite sides. The direction connecting the pair of mounting and fixing portions (52e) is taken as the object direction (second direction Y). When viewed along the object direction (second direction Y), the heat exchange portion (70) is arranged at a position that overlaps with the pair of mounting and fixing portions (52e).

[0082] According to this structure, when viewed in the object direction, the heat exchange section (70) is positioned at a location that overlaps with the pair of mounting and fixing parts (52e), thereby reducing the deformation of the side wall section (52a) where the pair of mounting and fixing parts (52e) are located. Therefore, the load acting on the control module (20) located in the position enclosed by the side wall section (52a) can be reduced.

[0083] As one embodiment, the control housing (52) includes: a side wall portion (52a) configured to surround the control module (20) from the outside in the horizontal direction; and a bottom wall portion (52b) covering at least a portion of the control module (20) from the lower side (Z2), a pair of mounting and fixing portions (52e) disposed on the outer surfaces of the side wall portion (52a) facing opposite sides, and a rib (61) formed in the bottom wall portion (52b) protruding in the vertical direction (Z) and extending in the horizontal direction.

[0084] According to this structure, by forming ribs (61) on the bottom wall portion (52b) of the control housing (52), the rigidity of the bottom wall portion (52b) can be improved, and the deformation of the side wall portion (52a) where a pair of mounting and fixing portions (52e) are arranged can be suppressed less. Therefore, the load acting on the control module (20) arranged in the position surrounded by the side wall portion (52a) and the bottom wall portion (52b) can be suppressed less.

[0085] As one approach, the control housing (52) has a bottom wall portion (52b) that covers at least a portion of the control module (20) from the lower side (Z2). A pair of ribs (61) protruding in the vertical direction (Z) and extending in the horizontal direction are formed on the bottom wall portion (52b). An electronic component (63) constituting the control module (20) and a potting material (65) fixing the electronic component (63) to the interrib region (R1) sandwiched by the pair of ribs (61) are disposed in the interrib region (R1).

[0086] According to this structure, the electronic components (63) can be configured in the interrib region (R1) sandwiched by the ribs (61) used to improve the rigidity of the bottom wall (52b). Therefore, it is easy to achieve both the rigidity of the control housing (52) and miniaturization. In addition, the rigidity of the control housing (52) can be improved by using potting material (65), and the electronic components (63) can also be protected.

[0087] As one approach, the control housing (52) includes: a bottom wall portion (52b) that covers at least a portion of the control module (20) from the lower side (Z2); and a rib (61) formed to protrude from the bottom wall portion (52b) in the vertical direction (Z) and extend in the horizontal direction, and is disposed at a position adjacent to the electronic components (63) constituting the control module (20), with a flow path (71) formed inside the rib (61).

[0088] According to this structure, electronic components (63) can be cooled efficiently through heat exchange with the heat medium flowing in the flow path (71) formed inside the rib (61).

[0089] As one method, the control housing (52) is supported by a pair of mounting members (54) and suspended from the vehicle body (12a).

[0090] In the case where the control housing (52) is supported by a pair of mounting members (54) and suspended from the vehicle body (12a), the load acting on the control housing (52) from the pair of mounting members (54) tends to increase. According to this structure, even with the structure described above, the deformation of the control housing (52) can be reduced by increasing the rigidity of the portion of the control housing (52) between the pair of mounting fasteners (52e).

[0091] As one embodiment, the vehicle drive unit (11) includes: the aforementioned vehicle control unit (10); a rotary motor (MG); an output member (15) which is driven to connect with the wheels (W); a power transmission mechanism (GT) which transmits driving force between the rotary motor (MG) and the output member (15); and a drive unit housing (51) which houses the rotary motor (MG) and the power transmission mechanism (GT), wherein the control housing (52) is engaged with the drive unit housing (51) or integrally formed with the drive unit housing (51).

[0092] In the case where the control housing (52) is joined to or integrally formed with the drive housing (51), the loads on both the control housing (52) and the drive housing (51) are supported by a pair of mounting members (54). Therefore, the load acting on the control housing (52) from the pair of mounting members (54) tends to increase. According to this structure, even with the structure described above, the deformation of the control housing (52) can be reduced by increasing the rigidity of the portion between the pair of mounting and fixing parts (52e) of the control housing (52).

[0093] The vehicle control device and vehicle drive device disclosed herein are capable of achieving at least one of the aforementioned effects.

Claims

1. A vehicle control device comprising: a control module having at least one of an inverter for driving and controlling a rotary motor, a voltage conversion circuit electrically connected to a vehicle battery and performing voltage conversion on the vehicle battery, a charging circuit for charging the vehicle battery from an external power source, and a power supply circuit for supplying power from the vehicle battery to an external source; a pair of mounting members connected to the vehicle body; and a control housing housing the control module. The vehicle control device is characterized in that... The control housing includes: a pair of mounting and fixing portions for fixing the pair of mounting members respectively; and a heat exchange portion, which has a flow path inside for the circulation of a heat medium for heat exchange with the control module. The heat exchange unit is positioned between the pair of mounting and fixing parts and is integrally formed with the pair of mounting and fixing parts.

2. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control housing has sidewalls configured to surround the control module from the outside in the horizontal direction. The pair of mounting and fixing parts are arranged on the outer surfaces of the sidewalls facing opposite sides. Taking the direction in which the pair of mounting and fixing parts are connected as the object direction, when viewed along the object direction, the heat exchange part is positioned at a position that overlaps with the pair of mounting and fixing parts.

3. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control housing includes: a side wall portion configured to surround the control module from the outer side in a horizontal direction; and a bottom wall portion covering at least a portion of the control module from the lower side. The pair of mounting and fixing parts are disposed on the outer surfaces of the sidewall portion facing opposite sides. Ribs are formed on the bottom wall that protrude vertically and extend horizontally.

4. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control housing has a bottom wall portion that covers at least a portion of the control module from below. A pair of ribs are formed on the bottom wall portion, protruding vertically and extending horizontally. Electronic components constituting the control module and potting material for fixing the electronic components to the interrib region are disposed in the interrib region sandwiched by the pair of ribs.

5. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control housing includes: a bottom wall portion that covers at least a portion of the control module from below; and ribs that project vertically from the bottom wall portion and extend horizontally, and are disposed adjacent to electronic components constituting the control module. The flow path is formed inside the rib.

6. The vehicle control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The control housing is supported by a pair of mounting members for suspension from the vehicle body.

7. A drive unit for a vehicle, characterized in that, have: Vehicle control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5; The rotary motor; Output component, which is connected to the wheel drive; A power transmission mechanism that transmits driving force between the rotary motor and the output component; as well as A drive unit housing that houses the rotary motor and the power transmission mechanism. The control housing is joined to or integrally formed with the drive housing.

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